9/27 San Francisco Sewing Workshop at Britex Fabrics

Posted on September 10, 2014 by Jamie

Featuring our exclusive Swing Top sewing pattern available only in this workshop

Join me in San Francisco on Saturday, September 27, 2014 for a 4-hour sewing workshop at Britex Fabrics. In this hands-on course, students will learn how to sew a relaxed Swing Top using one of my original pattern designs. I will discuss pattern and fabric layout and demonstrate various garment construction techniques including: sewing gathers, applying neckline and armhole bias binding, and hemming. This fun top features a front and back yoke and is a great canvas for color blocking or mixing solids with prints. This easy-to-wear style slips on effortlessly without the hassle of a zipper and is great for layering or wearing as-is. This sewing pattern will be made available only in this San Francisco sewing workshop, so sign up today!

Sew A Swing Top
Saturday, September 27, 2014 from 10:30 am-2:30 pm
Britex Fabrics
146 Geary Street
San Francisco, CA 94108
Register Now
$45.00

Britex Fabrics is offering a 20% off discount on regularly priced fabrics to students purchasing supplies for this class. Sewing machines provided by Ray’s Sewing Machine Center.

The top features a front and back yoke and is a great canvas for color blocking or mixing solids with prints

Fashion Travelogue: Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit

Posted on April 21, 2014 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 1

Photo shoot near the waterfront this past weekend

As a follow-up to my last post, I’ve whipped up another jumpsuit design, this time using linen and going for a much bolder look – a colorblock palazzo pant style with short kimono sleeves. Silhouette-wise, I was inspired by a variety of sources, including 1940s high-waisted wide leg women’s trousers, a style which reemerged in the late 1960s/early 1970s as palazzo pants. I was also loosely inspired by the hakama trousers worn by samurai, as well as the silhouette of hanbok (traditional Korean dress).

Jamie Lau Designs Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 2

Inspiration from my visit to the Portland Art Museum last winter; (Right) Hakama trousers from 18th century Japan – divided trousers worn under armor for ceremonial occasions

For the yoke and necktie, I chose a lightweight linen that is a cross between hunter green and teal green. And for the volume-heavy part of the garment, I used a midweight linen that is a lovely mix of warm copper and terracotta tones.

Jamie Lau Designs Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 3

A mix of lightweight and midweight linen

I’ve worked with this earthy color combination before, including my Colorblock Wool Cross Front Dress design from a few years ago, and decided to revisit this duo again for spring.

Jamie Lau Designs Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 4

Colorblock Wool Cross Front Dress

Linen is a great option for warmer months and has a nice, natural luster to it. As for the pants, I felt that the natural creasing properties of the linen added to the natural flow of the intended blousey, boxy design.

Jamie Lau Designs Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 5

Pockets are a must

Jamie Lau Designs Linen Palazzo Pant Jumpsuit 6

Totally hooked on jumpsuits – be on the lookout for other versions coming to the web shop in the future

We had a lovely shoot this past weekend and I have to say, the garment is quite comfy, breathable, and billows nicely in the wind. This is definitely on the pack list for my upcoming trip! Stay tuned for the next installment of Fashion Travelogue!

P.S. This jumpsuit is also featured in my latest guest blog post for Britex Fabrics, where I sourced these beautiful linens. Hop over to their site to check it out!

Fashion Travelogue: Vermilion Gathered Top

Posted on March 26, 2014 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Vermilion Gathered Top 1

Dramatic sleeve with volume in cotton jacquard

Last weekend, I went to The Orchid Show at the New York Botanical Garden. As you may know, I love color and it was the perfect weekend inspiration to kick off spring. The exhibition was beautifully designed and featured both classic and modern orchids.

It was the perfect day to wear my new Vermilion Gathered Top, which I designed in a textured Swiss cotton jacquard fabric. One of my favorite color combinations is a red with a little bit of orange in it mixed with a nice pop of blue (think the look and feel of Jean-Luc Godard’s La Chinoise).

Film still from Jean-Luc Godard’s La Chinoise, 1967

Guillaume and Véronique, played by Jean-Pierre Léaud and Anne Wiazemsky

When I first saw this fabric, I immediately thought “dramatic sleeve” given its nice texture and body. I styled the top with a pair of blue linen polka dot pants this past weekend (I will definitely be packing this outfit for Japan as well.)

Jamie Lau Designs Vermilion Gathered Top 2

Color everywhere in the Enid A. Haupt Conservatory

Here are some snapshots of my favorite finds at the botanical garden.

Prayer plant – lush green and full of textural inspiration

Aechmea ‘Del Mar’ – this bromeliad is even more beautiful in person

Neoregelia “Jampa” – some intensely colored leaves

Afternoon sunlight hitting the Wicked “Red Head” orchids

I am in love with these orchid wall hangings

Hop over to the Britex blog for my latest article on how to sew set-in sleeves using this top as an example in my tutorial. Stay tuned for the next installment of Fashion Travelogue!

Windowpane Pleated Top and Wool Shorts Duo x Britex Fabrics Guest Blogging

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Windowpane Pleated Duo 1

I selected a cream windowpane check black and carmine wool crepe for my checked ensemble

For my first Britex Fabrics guest blogger post of the new year, I decided to branch out from dresses and into the world of separates. I designed a pair of pleated shorts in one of my prints a few months ago (coming to the web shop soon!) and wanted to make the same cut, but in a nice, pebbly wool crepe.

For the overall look, I was partially inspired by the geometric designs of André Courrèges and the playful, mod aesthetic of Foale and Tuffin and decided to make a windowpane pleated top and wool shorts combo.

(Left) Dress by André Courrèges, 1968; (Right) Marion Foale at the sewing machine, 1963

For the top, I designed and sewed an easy-to-wear pleated neckline top with relaxed short kimono sleeves, similar to my Pleated Tunic Dress, styled here with my A.P.C. cat brooch that I picked up in Belgium back in 2007 at their Antwerp store.

Jamie Lau Designs Windowpane Pleated Top 1

Front neckline pleating detail

Jamie Lau Designs Windowpane Pleated Top 2

Fully lined and easy to slip on without the hassle of a zipper

And for the shorts, I added front pleating and hip yoke pockets.

Jamie Lau Designs Windowpane Pleated Duo Details

The devil’s in the details – checks meticulously aligned

We shot this look with photographer Liz Clayman the same weekend as the photo shoot for my new textile designs. Check out my Instagram for more behind the scenes glimpses of other looks from this shoot, including new Jamie Lau Designs prints which are coming to the web shop at the end of this week!

Jamie Lau Designs Windowpane Pleated Duo Behind the Scenes

Thanks to my model Ming for the behind the scenes snapshot!

Visit the Britex blog for my full article which includes a tutorial with tips on sewing shorts (and naturally, can be applied to sewing pants as well)!

Metallic A-line Tent Dress x Britex Fabrics Guest Blogging

Posted on October 9, 2013 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Metallic A-line Tent Dress

Venturing into a new color palette of shimmering jewel tones

In my latest Britex Fabrics guest blogger post, I chose to work in a luxurious French metallic/wool novelty blend. I was mostly drawn to the metallic characteristics of this fabric (as you know, I particularly love working with metallic brocades for my dress designs).

Jamie Lau Designs Turquoise Floral Metallic Brocade Party Dress

Classic Jamie Lau Designs dress silhouette in a turquoise metallic brocade with floral specks of peach, rose, gold, violet, and lush greens

Jamie Lau Designs Copper Metallic Brocade Sweetheart Dress

Another fun party dress I made in a copper metallic brocade with an abstract floral motif and sweetheart neckline

For this dress design, I wanted to create something modern, wearable, and layerable. I didn’t want to go too “evening” or fitted, so I decided to make an A-line tent dress with a yoke and vertical seaming (I ended up not having to add a zipper). I added a subtle petal hem and used Bemberg rayon “Ambiance” made in Japan for lining.

Subtle brilliant blue, emerald green, and purple jewel tones set against dark midnight blue background

A fun silhouette that can be worn with colorful tights or metallic accessory accents

It was definitely a challenging fabric to work with, but well worth the effort! Check out my full article for sewing tips and a tutorial on how to sew a dress with attached lining.

Thanks for the beautiful shimmering fabric, Britex!

Textured Geometry Dress x Britex Fabrics Guest Blogging

Posted on August 28, 2013 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Textured Geometry Dress

Textured Geometry Dress sewn in a striped cotton and linen blend styled with colorful oxfords

With New York Fashion Week just around the corner, I was inspired to create a high-fashion fall look using a heavier weight fabric for my latest Britex Fabrics guest blogger post. When I saw the thick, bold charcoal and oatmeal colored stripes on this textured cotton/linen/lycra blend, I immediately thought of playing with stripes and creating a strong, structured silhouette.

Pattern play with stripes

I added asymmetrical style lines and cut the front bodice on the bias, keeping in mind the rule of thirds…

The perfect prisoner’s (wardrobe) dilemma?

And paired it with an inverted box pleat skirt design for a fit and flare dress, with all the horizontal stripes lining up perfectly.

Classic round toe oxfords by Dieppa Restrepo in red metallic leather

To complete the look, I’d add a pop of color with my red metallic Dieppa Restrepo leather oxfords for a more casual look. To dress it up, I could see this styled with some black and gold accents.

For a more “behind the seams” look at my pattern making process, check out my full article on Britex Fabrics. Love this dress? Email me at jamielaudesigns@gmail.com to place an order.

Thanks again for the amazing fabric, Britex!

Draped Cocoon Silk Dress x Britex Fabrics Guest Blogging

Posted on June 25, 2013 by Jamie

Jamie Lau Designs Draped Cocoon Silk Dress

Draped Cocoon Dress sewn in abstract and floral silk prints styled with my Rachel Comey wedges

It’s been a busy last few months here at Jamie Lau Designs! Among the many exciting developments is that I have recently joined Britex Fabrics as a guest blogger starting this summer. Throughout the next few months, I will be sharing my design inspirations in addition to sewing tutorials, tips, and techniques using various fabrics, starting with silks.

Excited to be a part of another Britex Fabrics collaboration

For my first post, I designed and sewed this draped cocoon dress using a combination of an Italian abstract taupe, black, and white silk crêpe de Chine and a contrasting yoke in French featherweight, silhouetted winter white floral silk. I usually opt for more color, but something about these two prints together screamed “winning combination” to me.

A swingin’ silhouette

This dress is light as a feather, finished with French seams, and easy to slip on without the hassle of a zipper…

Front draped cocoon effect

Featuring a draped cocoon effect that gives the dress movement, creating an “out of focus” visual effect…

A simple, gathered back dress

Followed by a simple, gathered back that billows in the wind.

Wood wedge platforms by Rachel Comey

And just for kicks (no pun intended), I happen to own the perfect pair of shoes to complement this outfit – a pair of Rachel Comey wood wedge platforms I picked up this past February with trompe l’oeil printed leather upper.

Check out my full article on Britex Fabrics for tips on cutting silk and tutorials on how to sew a French seam, create your own bias tape, and more!

Thanks for the beautiful fabric, Britex!

My Color Blocking Workshop at Pop-up Britex

Posted on February 27, 2013 by Jamie

Beautiful textured fabric from Britex Fabrics in San Francisco

On a recent trip to San Francisco, I went to Britex Fabrics to pick out fabric for some dress samples in preparation for my upcoming Color Blocking Workshop in May with Pop-up Britex, a new monthly mobile sewing and textile class series. It’s so exciting to collaborate with one of my all-time favorite fabric stores and to have access to all four floors of colorful, high quality fabrics to sew my designs in. Some of my finds include luxurious Armani wool cotton blends and linens, bright floral textured Swiss cotton, contrasting large and small polka dots, and striped Guatamalan fabric.

I also had a chance to have my portrait taken at Photobooth, which is where the workshop will take place. The photographer was kind enough to give us a step-by-step, behind the scenes tour of creating an authentic wet-process tintype in their studio and darkroom. Registration is now open, and you can read more about the workshop description below:

Pop-up Britex: Color Blocking Workshop With Jamie Lau
Thursday, May 16, 2013 from 7:00 pm-9:00 pm
Hosted by Photobooth
1193 Valencia Street @ 23rd Street
San Francisco, CA 94110
Buy Tickets
$25 class fee includes all materials

Color blocking is a fashion trend that emerges time and time again on the runway and beyond. In this interactive and creative workshop, students will have access to an assortment of fabric swatches and use croquis templates to sketch out design ideas by combining two or more blocks of color in an ensemble. This can be for a top, bottom, or dress. Liven up an old sewing pattern or bring a simple silhouette to life through color blocking and explore the use of monotone, bright colors, muted colors, contrasting and complimentary colors, and more!

We’ll review examples as inspiration for creating your own designs, from Yves Saint Laurent’s iconic 1965 Mondrian dress to styles by modern-day designers. The instructor will also provide a live demo of altering two existing patterns to achieve a new color blocked look.

Pop-up Britex brings textile and design education to neighborhoods across San Francisco in collaboration with our favorite venues and artists. To help us sharpen our wits, Four Barrel Coffee provides drinks and bites for every pop-up. Special thanks to our sponsors Apparel Arts, BERNINA, and Photobooth.

Upcoming Book Launch Parties and More!

Posted on December 4, 2012 by Jamie

Join me at these upcoming events to celebrate the launch of BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern in New York, San Francisco, and Santa Cruz this month!

To kick off the book tour, I’ll be doing a book signing on December 10, 2012 from 7-9pm at the Manhattan Textile Arts Center, where I’ve also been teaching sewing and draping classes for the last two years. Highlights include sweets from Momofuku Milk Bar (did someone say compost cookies? yum!) and a free gift from BurdaStyle with a book purchase.

Later on that week is my New York book launch party on December 13, 2012 from 7-9pm in Brooklyn at 3rd Ward, where I teach sewing classes as well. Not only will there be door prizes and an interactive photo booth with printable photos from Have Booth Will Travel, but confetti and a pinata (yes, a confetti pinata) will also be in order from CONFETTISYSTEM. That’s not all! There will also be yummy cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts from Rucola, and DIY make-and-take sewing stations led by the BurdaStyle crew. Get your stitch on and make a tote bag or drawstring backpack using beautiful fabric from Spoonflower.

If I haven’t lost you yet in this wonderful sea of food speak, I’ll be off to the west coast for a book signing at a lovely fabric shop in Santa Cruz called Hart’s Fabric, which has been around since 1969. Join me for an afternoon of DIY making from 4-6pm on December 17, 2012 plus a free gift from BurdaStyle with a book purchase.

Last but not least is my San Francisco book launch party on December 18, 2012 from 7-9pm at Britex Fabrics. As an SF native, Britex holds a special place in my heart. It is one of the very first fabric stores I ever visited growing up in the city and has been a constant source of fashion and sewing inspiration. In addition to giveaways from Makeshift Society, MOO, and more, join me for drinks and sweets from Tartine Bakery and macarons from Miette Confiserie. Britex will also be hosting DIY make-and-take brooch/hair fastener and button making tutorials.

Preview the garments from the book, get a signed copy for yourself or as a gift, and meet other DIY makers at these upcoming events! I’m SO excited and look forward to a month of great fun!

BurdaStyle Sewing Vintage Modern

jamie lau designs

Fashion Designer | Sewing Instructor | Craft Author

Tag Archives: Britex Fabrics