A hub of sewing resources by J Stern Designs including patterns, workbooks, custom fittings, tutorials, and classes both online and in-person.
My next 3‑Day Pants Fitting Workshop is happening in Lansing, MI on July 17–19, 2026, and it’s already shaping up to be something truly special. Check out all the fun… and if you’re interested in joining us, this workshop is filling up FAST, there are only two spaces left! You might be wondering… Why Lansing? …
Hi Everyone! I had some time this week to sit down and read the article I authored in the Summer Issue of Threads Magazine. The topic?? One of my favorites… pants fitting! In this article, titled Key Measurements for Making Pants, I took a look at the range of pants styles and the different kind of …
Hi Everyone, I’ve been working on plus size pants fitting and a little knitting on the side. (A little knitting past my bed time.) As it turns out, these two projects are competing for my attention. I’m on a mission to finish my first knitted skirt & make my daughter, Anna, comfortable non-stretch pants. Pants …
I want to share some thoughts on positioning back pockets. The process of making a well fitting pair of pants can be a labor of love. First the pattern needs to be adjusted to achieve a great fit. This can involve multiple fit muslins and pattern adjustments. At this point I recommend tracing a neat …
Happy New Year Everyone! I’m kicking off 2019 with a new exciting sewing adventure… Stitching Zen with Gail & Jen. My friend Gail and I have teamed up to offer a unique sewing experience. We have planned a year of exclusive patterns, fitting techniques and embellishments. My favorite part is creating new looks… So, after …
Happy Holidays. I can’t believe we’ve already celebrated Thanksgiving! (Hope everyone had a very happy Thanksgiving). Today I’m celebrating Small Business Saturday with a little sale… 30% off all patterns and workbooks. The coupon code is ShopSmall30. (Sale ends Sunday at 12:00 pm pst.) I also want to share my favorite Turkey Soup Recipe. I …
Hi Everyone, I hope everyone is shifting into Fall… I’ve gotten into the routine of going to visit my Mom and Dad every Tuesday (when I’m not traveling). I have to admit, it’s my favorite day of the week most weeks. My Mom likes to hang out with pjs and a robe when she’s home …
Hey Everyone, I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother’s Day Weekend. I had the best day! First we all gathered together for brunch at my Mom’s house. My brother whipped up amazing bacon, egg and cheese sandwiches. My sister brought a yummy fruit salad. I was in charge of the Bloody Marys. I suggested it …
I hope everyone had a wonderful Easter and Passover this weekend. I had a perfect weekend… A little cooking, a little pattern design and fitting, a little sewing and a little family gathering (Plus my husband spent the entire weekend working on setting up my Fancy New Streaming Software with HDMI out, 2 camera views …
It’s Spring Break at J Stern Designs… Anna was on spring break last week and Abby’s home this week. I really miss my girls, so I’m always happy to have them home. In addition to the dirty laundry they bring home, there are usually a few “projects” for me. This time, I had projects of …