Timeless Basics for Every Wardrobe: Meet the Maker

Meet the Maker blog series: Jenny Gordy of Wiksten creates simple, elegant, easy to follow garment patterns. Follow this blog series to learn about more pattern writers and artists in the sewing industry.

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!

Meet the Maker blog series: Jenny Gordy of Wiksten creates simple, elegant, easy to follow garment patterns. Follow this blog series to learn about more pattern writers and artists in the sewing industry. | Suzy Quilts

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.

Meet the Maker blog series: Jenny Gordy of Wiksten creates simple, elegant, easy to follow garment patterns. Follow this blog series to learn about more pattern writers and artists in the sewing industry.

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.

Meet the Maker blog series: Jenny Gordy of Wiksten creates simple, elegant, easy to follow garment patterns. Follow this blog series to learn about more pattern writers and artists in the sewing industry.

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. 

Trending patterns!

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.

Meet the Maker blog series: Jenny Gordy of Wiksten creates simple, elegant, easy to follow garment patterns. Follow this blog series to learn about more pattern writers and artists in the sewing industry.

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!

Meet the Maker blog series: Jenny Gordy of Wiksten creates simple, elegant, easy to follow garment patterns. Follow this blog series to learn about more pattern writers and artists in the sewing industry.

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!)

Meet the Maker blog series: Jenny Gordy of Wiksten creates simple, elegant, easy to follow garment patterns. Follow this blog series to learn about more pattern writers and artists in the sewing industry.

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. 

Meet the Maker blog series: Jenny Gordy of Wiksten creates simple, elegant, easy to follow garment patterns. Follow this blog series to learn about more pattern writers and artists in the sewing industry.

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!)

Meet the Maker blog series: Jenny Gordy of Wiksten creates simple, elegant, easy to follow garment patterns. Follow this blog series to learn about more pattern writers and artists in the sewing industry.

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: [email protected] | Instagram: @shopwiksten | Website: shopwiksten.com

12 thoughts on “Timeless Basics for Every Wardrobe: Meet the Maker

  1. Laura Knapp says:

    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.

  2. Lynda says:

    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.

  3. Casey says:

    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!

  4. Naomi says:

    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!

  5. Michelle Stiles says:

    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!

  6. Jules says:

    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! 😁

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *