Magic Patterns: Tops and Skirts
New sewing ideas are coming your way—ideas that originated over 90 years ago! During the next two Sewing With Nancy programs, my guest Amy Barickman and I will be showing Magic Patterns. The concept was originally published by Mary Brooks Picken, founder of the Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences, back in the ‘20s. The designs of Amy Barickman and her staff are an ode to Mary’s original concept, which is to take what’s given and add your own spark!
The Magic Tank Top Pattern
From retro to modern, the first Magic Pattern, a tank top, can be easily changed by adding gathers, ruffles, or using vintage fabric. The sewing is designed to take just the minimum of time with a maximum of style. Watch online as Amy and I show you a few of the variations of this pattern.
Avery–a touch of gathering at the neckline and bias trim is what sets this pattern version apart from the rest.
Adelaide—add flounces, it is easier than you think!
Alice–upcycle using vintage fabric. The featured fabric is bark cloth, once used for home décor, now repurposed for this modern tank top.
The Magic Skirt Pattern
The Magic Skirt PatternOnward to skirts—learn how to stretch your creativity and make the magic swirl skirt. We start with the basics. Learn how to sew a waistband, add a pleat, and repurpose menswear for another charmed style.
Billie—This is the basic skirt pattern. If it has been awhile since you’ve sewn a skirt, give this a try!
Blythe—with a little pattern magic, learn how easy it is to add a pleat to the center front.
Bridget—Repurposed menswear is the fabric of choice for this skirt. I think you’ll enjoy seeing how the pattern pieces are placed on the “fabric.” Clever.
Watch Magic Patterns (Part One and Part Two on Sewing With Nancy online.
The Magic Pattern Book
This book features 6 magic patterns that can be transformed into 36 different styles, with 216 different looks. Complete with beautiful full-color photos, step-by-step instructions, and a CD of printable patterns, this easy-to-follow book shows how 6 patterns x 6 looks x 6 fabric suggestions (for each look) results in a complete wardrobe. Amy and Nancy guide you on how to tile the patterns, which are featured on the CD in the book.
Bye for now,
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Marsha Alford
I would love to see this CD. Winning would mean I would have a chance to watch. The patterns look great.
Anne O'Connors
Love the idea and the cool style
Kelly Berry
I would spark the cardigan/jacket with some vintage lace! Perhaps even sparking more lace peeking booing in the other magic pieces.
Lynda Adair
These patterns have class and classic looks. I really like the feminine look and style. I have been wanting patterns that don’t look like sacs or what I call the “sloppy” look. Thanks for bringing back great looking tops and skirts!
J K
I would add a modest slit to the skirt and a contrasting bias trim to the skirt and simple jacket
Ernie Acuna
I would find some fun flirty fabrics to make some skirts for my nieces.
Pam Mullins
I have a fascination with lace…I would add it in all the places I could!
Denise Z. G.
I can see some of my vintage fabrics sewing up nicely with these patterns!
Kandy
Interesting concept. Can’t wait to see the way it’s done and the show. I love watching all the new ideas.
Margaret Graczyk
I have so many trims and laces and I would LOVE to create a unique top with some eyelet lace I have. I like it because it isn’t a baby type eyelet but is a taupe and brown that could easily fit in with Fall and Winter creations.
Mary Anne Chambers
This is a fantastic idea, and a perfect platform to showcase my embroidery….I can imagine it peeking out from a pleat in a skirt, tank or jacket!….or combining leftover fabrics and perhaps picking a colour from one and embroidering with it on another to tie the fabrics together.
Debra Johnson
I couldn’t believe the creativity that went into this book. What a fabulous way to use ones creative ideas. I now have a fabulous sewing room with some of my beautiful fabrics (that I forgot about) out where I can see them. I have been shocking like crazy for my granddaughters. This book, full of happy, inspires me to sew for myself.
Debra Johnson
I couldn’t believe the creativity that went into this book. What a fabulous way to use ones ideas. I now have a lovely sewing room with some of my beautiful fabrics (that I forgot about) out where I can see them. I have been smocking like crazy for my granddaughters. This book, full of happy, inspires me to sew for myself.
Karon Gregory
These are some great patterns. I have many trims and such to add to any of those patterns. Embroidery designs could be added to any one of them. I would love to win these patterns. Great to make some as gifts.
janis
I like the idea of tunics to wear with leggings.
Joyce Hardiman
This looks amazing. I would add some embroidery or some great trims ( I am learning how to make some awesome ones on my serger as well as my embroidery machine) I could see using the trims for a couching design and then adding embroidered flowers. My mind is off and running.
Ruth B
Love the fresh, modern ideas. Would love to learn about this idea.
Jamie Soule
I love how many different ways to transform a tank top to really make it look classy. I think some of the beautiful embroidery designs so many of our sewing machines make now would be pretty on one. If you don’t have a machine that does embroidery there are so many pretty lace or embroidery embellishments you can purchase at fabric store to sew on.
Cynthia T.
What great idea to use old drapery fabrics. I would like to try out my new embroidery machine to add some spark.
Meredith
I think this is the garment pattern for me. Back in the day, I used to sew most of my clothes, but fit is my issue now. I would love to find basics that are easy to sew and will fit properly.
Robyn
Love that tunic with the leggings!! Cute and modern!!
Jane
I’m a “senior seamstress” in years, not always ability (big grin) and I believe I remember this idea from when I used to make most of my clothes. Thanks, Nancy, for bringing it back!
Elizabeth Paris
You and Amy have done it again. I am supposed to be sewing for Christmas, but here I am getting ready to make myself some new and classy clothes.
Vicki Seals
I would make something out of my favorite print and do some embroidery. Thanks for the chance to win! vickise at gmail dot com
Christina Gonzalez
A needle felted flower to the cardigan and some cascading ruffles on one of the pencil skirt patterns.
Lori Felber
This looks like a great way to get back into sewing clothes.
Beverly Collins
I love the idea of one pattern book with patterns done many different ways. I spent most of this morning looking for “something to wear” since we are having an early season change and found nothing. This sparked my imagination to go through the fabric stash and get the machine out to sew for a Fall wardrobe.
Barbara Emodi
This is a great concept and something I can certainly use for the beginner and beyond students in my sewing classes. Excited to see where folks take this idea!
CarolKE
I am thinking of color blocking with embroidery. Applique details would be fun too.
Karen F Byrd
This idea with the DVD is such an advance stage for furthering our sewing education for the young folks as well as my age group “62” to design their own style. I really wish I had this kind of opportunity back in the 60’s and 70’s when I first started sewing. It’s been years since starting back to sew and this is huge to continue self design at home. Thank you Nancy so much for this style of DVD for simple sewing to be able to advance at home. I would love to win this DVD to see how far I can go in my design style here at home. The patterns are huge in everyone designs. Karen F. Byrd
Ellie Guhl
I would make the cartigan out of quilted fabric for a fall jacket.
Eileen Zachary
It’s been years, but I finally got a new sewing machine and lost A LOT of weight, and look forward to sewing my own clothes to fit this new body. The CD would help me reconnect with my fabric creative impulses and I would love to win it. Thanks for the opportunity!
Ann-Margaret
I would add a mixture of beads, laces and stones to ad my own flair to these patterns.
Zanny
I love being able to alter things just a bit to fit my specific non-standard size. It makes moving around so much easier and being comfortable is so important. I also love putting those special touches. One idea I’d like to try is adding ‘windows’ of vintage fabrics eg hankies in various places. Would that not make a cute touch in place of a little pocket? Or to highlight a hem all the way around? 🙂
Ann-Margaret
I would add a mixture of beads, laces and stones to add my own flair to these patterns.
Katie
I have been wanting to get back to sewing clothes for a long time. What fun it would be with all the fabrics we have now. This would be perfect. Love the idea. Thanks for giving us a chance to win this. Katie
Joan Runke
Great ideas and great patterns. I love the tunic and the drapery fabric! This made my mind spin thinking of lots of creative ideas to use drapery fabrics.
Jane H
Relearning to sew after years of inactivity. Loved taking patterns and altering with parts from other patterns. This looks like it would fit my personality with the ability to change around. Love the concept.
Linda Taylor
Would love to win the Magic Pattern DVD and love watching your show. Thank you
Sarah
I would make the skirt out of one of my vintage printed tablecloths from the 50’s – fussy cutting the design so that it really shows its beauty.
Louise
I love the idea of creating something new out of a pre-existing pattern, I’d like to embellish with some pretty embroidery threads, and would love to win this wonderful instructional book. thanks for the opportunity!
Kim H.
I would like to add some embroidery to both the tank top (at the neckline or perhaps down center front) and a nice swirl or other large design on the skirt.
Judy Hodges
I love the tunic idea, maybe in some super cool fabric.
Ann Gold
I love the tunic and longer jacket idea. For larger women, so many of the patterns in ready-made clothes, are so short waisted. I am taller and think that this would go nicely with my floor length skirt! I am really intrigued how you make adjustments to patterns so easily and would hope that I could achieve some better tailoring than what I find in the stores.
AS
Have to see what I’d come up with after watching.
Tina
I really like the tunic. Finding a great vintage fabric would be my spark.
Ruth Lutz
Hi Nancy,
I love your show! I’ve come back to seeing after a long stretch of illness and have really improved my techniques from watching you on television. These patterns look perfect for me – great results without being too difficult. I love the simplicity and wouldn’t add too much – maybe a small belt detail on the back of the tank or dress, or a sheer layer at the neckline to add a bit of interest. Thanks again for inspiring me to become a better sewist!
Warm regards,
Ruth L
Beverley
THE MAGIC PATTERN BOOK & DVD sound very good. I’ll have to look at ordering ‘the set’. Thanks for offering this Nancy. Would be nice to ‘win’ a copy of the DVD but having the book would be a bonus!
Monica
I am a newbie to sewing. And I just love this these patterns and look easy enough for someone like me who has just begun sewing! I need to add this to my arsenal of sewing books and instructional videos that I recently purchased.
Anne Brown
I love Sewing With Nancy. Would love to see a pattern that would accommodate a lady with heavy upper arms, but normal everywhere else. I love long and 3/4 sleeves. Do you have something for this body type? Keep bringing us your wonderful programs and guests. We all love you!
Ann S
I missed the first episode so will have to catch up online. I am looking forward to learning and the possibility of winning the DVD package. Thanks!
Kalynn
Love this idea, create a uniquely you outfit.
Laura Phipps
Now that fall is approaching, I am really liking the idea of making the coats in this pattern. They will be perfect for Phoenix in the fall, winter and spring!
Ruth Sweet
I am locking for my ways to alter my clothes so that I can carry an insulin pump and my Dexcom (a blood glucose monitor) AND my phone while not causing unshapely lumps or weighting down my clothing.
Sandra
I would love to add spark with vintage lace and ruffles to the tank top. Thank you for the contest! Love your show on PBS.
Pam P
I would love to watch these videos but (unless I’m missing something) there are no captions available. As a hearing-impaired seamstress I feel left out.
Nancy Zieman
Pam, on PBS Sewing With Nancy has the closed captioning option. Unfortunately, the online presentation doesn’t have that feature as of yet. I will pass you comment on to PBS in hopes of expediting the upgrade. Thank you for your patience.
Nancy Zieman
Great news! Captioning exists now for our online shows. Below the video in cove, you should see a small button – I think it says “cc”. If you click that while watching a video, you will turn the captions on. Thanks for asking the question, I didn’t know that this option was now available!
Kristine Jensen
Would love to learn the magic of transforming something so simple into something one of a kind. Love the classic pattern; true classic vintage never goes out of style it’s just updated with current fabric trends and embellishments.
Samina
Very neat concept! I’d like to try color-blocking with one of those patterns.
Joanie
Hi Nancy
I love the ideas and potential of these patterns. Embroidery would be the first thing on the list, but with all the different styles the embellishment opportunities are endless. I would love the have a copy of these patterns and I know the creativity would just flow. Thank you.
June Magnusson
What wonderful ideas! I have been watching your sewing programs for years and am grateful to you! You helped me learn to sew. I would love to have this dvd. It would be most helpful to learn some new things and techniques.
Carol Whitson
What a great idea to have all of these patterns together. I am very interested in checking this series.
Pat
What a wonderful idea. I’ve always wanted to do variations to an existing pattern but have been afraid to try. Great to have a guide to the process!
Starla
Such cute patterns, and so neat they allow for individualization.
Peggy H
Oh my goodness, do you realize how much room this would alleviate in my pattern cabinet? I would have so much more room for fabric!
Arlene Aughey
I would love to keep the pieces simple, and then add touches of my own embroidery to them!
Cassy L.
I would enjoy mixing up various quilting cottons into one or more garments. I love throwing in surprise contrasting trims and details!
Jeanice
I’d add some piping at the base of the waistband and at the hem.
Barbara R.
I would love to get back into clothing construction after years of sewing other things, mostly for other people!
beth daniels
I would love to make the clothes from these patterns. They do not look difficult at all. Hopefully, I will win the CD.
Jo D
OK — this is definitely dejavu. I can see it now — rummaging through second chance stores to find just the right fabric. Or, better yet, using the few pieces that remain in my fabric closet from a bygone era. Bringing it all into the now generation look.
RonnieSewLoca
I love the simple structure of these garments, very flattering and forgiving, I’m thinking the flounced top can hide a not so small waist and it looks so feminine too ! I have some wide lace scraps that could be used for this.
I love border prints, I would probably add appliqués or a border of pretty fabric above the skirt hem or maybe a pretty pocket using the seasons color trend. Good luck everyone!!
Christine Gibbons
I really need this book. I will be looking for it. Love to make one of the skirts for my daughter. Would love to do something with the cardigan pattern.
Joanne P.
The pattern I have been looking for…I like the fit and variety of styles. Would use some prints I have in my stash of quilting fabrics, and make a top using patchwork piecing too. Winning would be great!
Denise Johnson Emery
Hi, Nancy! I love your show on PBS! Unfortunately it looks like I won’t be able to get the app as my only access to internet is an android phone. Bummer. I think I would try some rag reverse applique on one of the skirts or tops, I think that would be a really fun “spark”, maybe a flower or a butterfly!
Nancy Zieman
Hi Denise, To watch Sewing With Nancy, go to http://www.nancyzieman.com
Karena
When I looked at the tank top that Alice is wearing, I envisioned it in a sheer, printed fabric with a camisole or tank underneath, and some silky pants. Sort of a retro 70’s look.
Rhonda
I have always made a pattern exactly how it is pictured not knowing how to make design changes. This might be the perfect opportunity to learn the skills needed to make a wardrobe the way I want it. I’ve just gotten back to sewing after a long hiatus and found your website. Great tutorials, thanks!
Janet H
I’m returning to garment sewing after many years and would love to see how menswear fabric can be repurposed in the skirt. (maybe incorporating some of the great pockets found in menswear?)
Janet H
I’m returning to garment sewing after many years, and would love to see how to repurpose menswear with the skirt pattern–hoping it incorporates some of the great pockets found in menswear!
Marsha
It has been awhile since I’ve sewn clothing. It would be nice to get back to my first love.
Rebecca Eveland
At 67, I’m looking to lengthen skirt lengths, especially as the weather is now turning cooler. I was especially taken by the brown tunic length, open front garment, as I happened upon a large houndstooth yesterday at my local fabric story. Would love to lenthen this to knee length and add some black frogs. Throw in a black turtleneck and black pants, snappy jewelry and I’m going to be happy!
LindaC in AZ
Perhaps some color-blocking since that is such a trend right not. Or maybe add a flounce to the skirt.
Mona
I think maybe adding a touch of lace on the hemline of the skirt would be nice.
Kathy VanEykeren
These look great. I have sewn my own clothes for over 50 years. However, after having a double mastectomy, I find it difficult to make tops that compliment and yet cover the tummy bulge. I think the ruffles, flounce on the top is great. Pair it with the scarf techniques Nancy’s taught us. Fun, pretty stuff to draw the eye upwards. Thank you! Crossing my fingers that I win!
Mary Alice
The patterns look great! I think that I have vintage fabric in my basement from my mother-in-law’s stash! And plenty of menswear fabric!
Judy Jones
Forecasters are telling us we’ll have a very cold winter again so I’m think plush fleece jackets……
Ell
This is exactly the type of creativity I want to employ now.
Diana Grindel
Besides sewing I also quilt so why not a quilted jacket. I am sure a denim would look wonderful as well as fleece.
Thanks for the chance to win
Nancy
Love the versatility…. thanks for the giveaway.
Patti Chapman
If I don’t win the pattern… where can I buy it? At your website?
Nancy Zieman
Patti, just click on the blue highlighted copy and the link will take you to a web site to purchase the book. Thanks for following along!
Janet Duff
I can’t wait to watch these shows! Thank you for featuring skirts! I sometimes have trouble finding creative ideas for them. I’d like to add pockets that are utilitarian yet look stylish. Thank you for making Sewing With Nancy available to me to watch online. I recently finished reading Seams Unlikely. I enjoyed it so much! It was great to see behind the scenes. I also was in 4H and grew up on a farm, but I did not enjoy doing demonstrations. 🙂 Thank you for writing it.
Kaye M.
I like the Bridget version of the skirt. It is figure flattering and and has some flair so it would be easy to walk in and sit, unlike some pencil skirts.
venla
Ohhhh, This is JUST EXACTLY what I’ve been lookinf for!
Can’t wait to see the programs!!!
Lisa
Love these! What a great way to recycle clothing to give it a modern look.
Rose Burnett
I love the idea of using one pattern to make many different garments by changing parts of the construction. Looking forward to seeing the show.
Margaret
What a brilliant idea. I love the longer skirts for the cooler weather worn with boots and thick tights and I think the front pleat skirt would look great in this style. I think the addition of an inseam pocket with leather binding would look great on a tweed fabric. Stylish, yet very simple.
For the festive season, making the tank in a sparkly, sequin fabric with fold over elastic trim would be great worn with a plain skirt – so many ideas and variations come to mind.
Love the programs and always look forward to all the ideas – you are a great inspiration in my sewing.
Margaret
Rosemary OK
I love making jackets, so this is going to be great.
Joanne Dillon
Oh My Gosh – love this series. I would, of course, add some embroidery embellishments to some of the looks to bring just the right amount of “this is so you” to the ensemble! Love You Guys! Joanne Dillon
Melissa
Fit the basic once, and spin it out forever. Cool!
Teresa Faile
Love these ideas. I could see using a wide lace for the flounce on the tank, using a long fringe for a flapper look, or even putting the flounce at a slight angle to give an elongating appearance. So much you can do with these patterns. Thanks.
JH
I like these. Thinking about adding a 2″ ruffle as trim all
along the neckline of one top/perhaps a longer cardigan.
Cindy
Thank you for the chance to win. I really appreciate the many years of excellent teaching you have provided. The skirt pattern intrigues me. Would like to try it in a light weight denim for a casual dressy look.
Jerri Baker
I like each pattern, but I’m sure a person could add there on flare to each garment. I sure have enjoyed your show lots & lots of years. Would love 2 win. But if not congrats 2 whoever does win
Donna G.
Really nice patterns! I’d add some embroidery to the skirt and top, and/or add a bit of lace to the tank. Great ideas!
Donna Weldon
I am so glad Nancy is back on PBS I learn every time I get anything from her. I would love to try this.
Juanita Proctor
My wardrobe needs some serious help–I am thinking this is just what I need. 🙂 I love the tank with the gathers, and the comfortable looking waistband on the skirt. I am excited to see the next episode! I am thinking fold-over colored elastic might be a fun contrast to a pretty print for the tank, and it would certainly be a soft and comfortable finish. I like the pleated version of the skirt with pockets. Some really awesome buttons would be nice to jazz up the pockets just a bit. 🙂
Jennifer
I would love to upcycle denim and menswear fabrics with these patterns! Thank you for an opportunity to win the book! 🙂
Suzanne Reese
Oh yes! This looks like a great pasttern. Although I am 70, I love off-beat clothing– even modified, feminine steam punk! How fun to work with coordinating pattern pieces. Thank you for the opportunity to win this pattern.
Suzanne
Peggy
It is always so much fun to see new ideas in sewing. I learned to sew while in 4-H and want to try these new skirt ideas. I am teaching two of my granddaughters to sew and they would love to add their own flair to these patterns. Thank you Nancy for all the time you take to teach others to sew. You are a remarkable person.
Melanie H.
I love the ruffled tank idea! I have the pattern printed and just need to decide which fabric to use for the tank top. I would like to try finishing the flounce edges with a rolled hem on my serger in contrasting thread, just to give it some pizzazz! It would be a great way to jazz up my fall wardrobe!
Natalie
Thanks for the chance to win the DVD! Everything old is new again, right? Waiting to hear about a part time job I applied for, will be needing some new duds if I get hired. I’m more of a pants gal, but I’d definitely make the tops to expand my wardrobe, maybe make the tank reversible to wear under a cardigan. . .
Tammy
Love your show and your products! This is very cool. I’m “sparking” on a longer version of the coat, dress, and the cardigan. I love the idea of making the tank reversible, which I have in a rtw knit (as in knitting, not fabric) and love it. Thank you for the giveaway.
Laura
36 different styles! One for each day of the month and twice the choice for Sunday.
Angelica
These are cute and look like fun to sew! Would be great to have.
Patti
Oh my, what an exciting way to create a new wardrobe. I love the idea of using men’s suiting. Will be watching this video soon.
Berenice
Three teenaged girls with three different tastes, need I say more?? I like also the closed caption, even though I am not hearing impaired, I learn visually more than orally. If I read something it sinks in faster and deeper than if I hear it. I can also watch episodes without bothering others.
Lydia
I am into fun and funky reversible projects right now, I can see a “spark” of an idea with the skirt, making it reversible and having deep inset side pockets, accessible to both sides of the skirt.
Nancy S
Just watched the show that I recorded yesterday. This is looks like a fascinating way to create a versatile wardrobe.
Barb Skinner
It’s nice to see patterns that actually look feminine, I would add lace to the ruffles, giant rickrack or lace at the hem lines.
Dell
I like to add machine embroidery for that extra spark.
Elaine
Recently I’ve been recycling older clothes into newer styles. Although they wouldn’t be entirely from scratch, I can see where I could use these ideas to bring a whole new “attitude” to my re-creations! Thanks for the great shows —
Lola Gerhard
I don’t own a dress or a skirt. My goal this winter is to sew a new wardrobe and I have been looking for patterns that appeal to me. These look like the one.
Eve
I just love these patterns. Thank you for the great ideas you post!
Blondell
This pattern book would be ideal for teaching. Students could learn how easy it is to create different looks with one pattern. Also, this pattern book could be used to teach embellishing fabric.
Blondell
This CD and pattern would be the ideal class to teach students how they can use a basic design to create various styles. The patter would also be ideal to teach embellishing fabric. It was a clever idea in the 20’s and now. Thanks for reviving out this oldie, but goodie.
Cindy
Perfect for my grandchildren (and me). We make/sew all of the outfits worn to comiccon, cosplay events & anima events. I can see many outfits that can be made from these patterns. Seems like a great way to change up the basic patterns. We (Grandchildren & me) would love love love to win. Perfect.
craftygramma
I just scored a length of vintage baby pink ribbon. Would put it down the side of the skirt (thinking black or grey pinstripe) or just under the waistband if there’s enough. Also got a pkg of cream stretch lace which might work on the tank or tunic at the neck… wow. So many ideas. I love that many sleeves are 3/4 length since I have a disability which makes that my most comfortable style. It can be hard to find in affordable tops.
Also love the coats! So much to consider. Thanks so much, Nancy. Love your show – we get up early every Saturday to watch!
Deana Watson
For me the ‘wow’ factor would have to be Pockets. Of course there’s lots of kinds of pockets to do and many ways to do them. it’s a nearly limitless easy thing to add to a basic pattern.
Arlean Fry
My daughter purged my closets and I don’t have a skirt left. I really do need to get to sewing some news duds. Hope I win!
Diane S.
I retired from teaching and have since acquired a wardrobe of jeans and t-shirts. I need to add some “girl clothes.” A few new skirts would be great.
Deon
I have some vintage trim from Belgium that would look good on the tank top.