Timeless Basics for Every Wardrobe: Meet the Maker
Fellow sewists, we have gathered here today because of our mutual love for sewing quilts. But believe it or not quilting (though it’s definitely my personal fav) is just the tip of the iceberg in the beautiful world of sewing. Our next blog series, Meet the Maker, is going to feature other creatives in the sewing space, showcasing all of the incredible things that needle and thread can do!
For example… have you ever considered dabbling in the garment-sewing world? A simple, elegant pattern is the perfect place to start. Introducing Wiksten, your new go-to shop for easy-to-follow sewing and knitting patterns!
The Wiksten Aesthetic
Jenny Gordy is the founder and designer behind Wiksten, a Portland Oregon based company. The simplicity of her designs brings a certain level of accessibility and mass appeal to garment sewing. But beyond being easy to follow, Jenny’s designs are timeless and upscale, while still maintaining a practical, everyday vibe.
Wiksten’s signature style is represented by the Haori pattern, a kimono-like jacket that you can wear with basically anything. So: confession time. I love dressing in layers because for some reason there's only one exact temperature when I'm comfortable – a degree colder and I'm freezing. Two degrees hotter and I'm sweating. I have a cardigan in every room for this very reason! Jenny's Haori jacket looks like the exact thing I need multiples of scattered about my house.
With its loose fit, you can slip it on over a sweater or T-shirt. And pockets! Did I mention those fabulously enormous pockets?? I could probably put Scrappy in one and Desi in the other.
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The Haori pattern is true to Wiksten’s commitment to utilitarian practicality, but is also versatile enough for a dressed-up night on the town, or, like I said, carrying your adorable baby and dog around the house.
My Pattern Picks
In her shop, you can find linen fabric, sewing (and knitting!) patterns for women and children, as well as the occasional hand-made clothing item by Jenny herself. Though she doesn’t have any free patterns available, her sewing and knitting patterns are beautiful and reasonably priced.
The Wiksten Journal has lots of helpful posts on pattern adjustments, fabric suggestions, yardage charts and tons of photographs showing off different variations of the patterns available. Here are a few of my favs:
For Baby: Toddler Harem Pants
Every toddler needs a pair of harem pants! This pattern is cut slightly long so they can be cuffed or uncuffed while the child grows. The simple construction of these pants makes them a breeze to sew!
For Kids: Smock Top
With a simple design and huge pockets for all your little one’s treasures, this smock pattern can be made into a top or dress, with long sleeves or no sleeves at all! (Again with the pockets! I’m in love!)
For Really Big Kids (aka Adults): Tank Top
This pattern is great for beginner sewists, so maybe there's hope for this quilter after all! You can use this simple pattern again and again because of its versatility.
Knitting: Toddler Pullover
Um.... does this come in adult sizes? I love the color blocks and the triangle eyelets in this baby sweater pattern. Each piece is knit flat from bottom up (and if you don’t speak “knitting language,” that basically means you can handle this pattern even if you don’t speak knitting language!)
Connect with Wiksten
Are you a fan yet? Reach out to Jenny and let her know! Comment below or connect with her in any of the following ways:
Email: info@shopwiksten.com | Instagram: @shopwiksten | Website: shopwiksten.com
love this! Thanks for expanding beyond quilts!
I’m so happy to hear that!
I love the jacket and I really want to sew it. But I don’t find the pattern. Is WIKSTEN offline? The style ist awesome ❤️
I just checked and it seems like they are. I’ll try to update this post if I find out how to contact them. Thanks for letting me know!
So happy to hear you are promoting Wiksten I am a big fan! The Haori is one of my “Me made May” patterns it has so many possibilities. BTW I love your Instagram posts especially with Dez and Scrappy.
Yay! Thanks for the sweet comment. I’ll let Scrap and Dez know they have a new IG friend 😉
Love this! Looks like I need to go see what I can find to make myself! I’ve been wanting to get back to sewing clothing. Suzy, with all of your talent, I can’t wait to see what you do with one of these patterns in the future. Thank you for sharing. I love everything sewing. I only wish I had the ability to knit.
Suzy does it again! I love this new series idea. And I’ve been eyeing that Wiksten smock top pattern for my pocket-obsessed toddler, but now I have to buy it. Being featured on my favorite quilting blog is kismet!
Haha! Yes, I 100% agree – the smock must be made!
Thank you for introducing me to this designer! I may finally have the gumption to break out of just quilting and try and make an item of clothing for myself. So cool of you. Thanks!
I made two Haori jackets this winter. They were my first clothing pieces I made and I love them. The patterns are super easy to follow and the finished product is superb. The pride that I feel when wearing clothes that I have made is untouchable. I’m hooked! I just received the Switch pattern and cant wait to make it!
I started as a garment maker and even took Tailoring in college! I’m glad these basic patterns are available. They seem timeless and versatile.
When my kids were little, they were skinny and didn’t hold up pants!! At all!! So I made pants and shorts all the time!! Yes, just keep making them longer for Dezi! I’m sure my son was still wearing a size 2 when he was 5 y/o– just longer legs! He was near the end of college and finally had jeans that I hadn’t special ordered and put tucks in the back!!! 🤦 At 26 y/o, still sportin’ a 27″ waist!! LOL! Love every but of him! 😁