A Sweater Knit Dress you can sew in a afternoon

.Reading time 4 minutes.

At this time of year, I find it so easy to dress in cozy knit tops and dresses. So, I find myself reaching for sweater knits rather than wovens for my sewing projects. Sweater knits used to be so hard to find! I’d spend hours in the fabric stores and shopping online looking for the […]

Read More

First Make of 2018, Goals and a Few Reflections

.Reading time 6 minutes.

It feels good to be back to blogging after the holidays! I love the parties and fun but I’m very ready to move on, to get back to the routine and back to the sewing room. So, I’m happy to welcome 2018 with a new make, a few goals and some reflections too. I took […]

Read More

Top Five of 2017 – The good, the bad and the ho-hums

.Reading time 6 minutes.

This year, I did alot of sewing, way more than my 2016 crystal ball predicted. I’m very happy about that, as I find a week without sewing to be a bit grim.  Although I didn’t keep a spreadsheet, I can tell by looking at my blog photos that I made roughly a garment a week, […]

Read More

One for you, one for me…A reversible fringed scarf to give or keep

.Reading time 5 minutes.

Well, it’s almost too late to pull off a DIY gift for a friend, but here’s a last minute gift you can sew in an hour – – A fringed scarf that’s so versatile! It’s cozy and lovely as a scarf, but also wide enough to wear as a shawl. When I saw a version […]

Read More

A Bomber Jacket Inspired by Philip Lim

.Reading time 4 minutes.

  I thought I was over bomber jackets until I saw this plaid version by Philip Lim. When I found McCall’s 7636  by Beaute’ J’Adore, I knew it was the perfect match for my designer inspiration. There’s alot about this pattern that sets it apart from the bomber jacket patterns that are available. My favorite detail is […]

Read More

A Peplum Jacket For Layering

.Reading time 3 minutes.

A love the four Helmis I made this year, so much so, they might make it into my Top Five Hits for 2017!  But unfortunately, those shirts aren’t warm enought to wear alone at this time of year. So, my Helmis became the perfect excuse to sew a new jacket! As you all know, I […]

Read More

A Top That Could Go to a Party

.Reading time 3 minutes.

Last week, I had the pleasure of singing at a holiday event in the beautifully decorated Pittock mansion here in Portland. It put me in a holiday mood, so much so, one of my requirements of any sewing project this month is, ‘can it go to a party?’ I can happily answer ‘yes’ for this […]

Read More

About the Jacket my Husband Hates

.Reading time 3 minutes.

  Hi All – – My husband is usually quite generous with compliments when I finish a make. But this coat got a strong, very negative reaction out of him! It caught me so off guard, I had to run to my girlfriends for reassurance. Yes, this coat isn’t the classic style I usually gravitate […]

Read More

‘Tis the Season for Flannel

.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hi All! I’ve been traveling on the East Coast this week, where the below freezing temperatures have encouraged me to think about the benefits of a wardrobe dominated by flannel.  It’s certainly not a bad thing as there’s nothing more comfortable to wear! This plaid flannel has been hiding in my stash for a couple […]

Read More

Four Helmi shirts For TNT Month

.Reading time less than 1 minute.

  Hi All – -It’s TNT month over on the Sewcialists Blog and I’ve written a post over there about one of my favorite TNT’s, the Helmi shirt/tunic from Named patterns.  I love this pattern so much, I’ve made four versions! Here’s the link to my post about the lovely Helmi shirt! I’m so glad […]

Read More