First Make of the New Year: Sew Over It Cocoon Coat

January 9, 2019.Reading time 5 minutes.

If you read my post on my sewing ‘Misses’ for 2018, you know that I’ve sworn off wearing or buying fabric with beige and brown tones. Yet, I’m here today with a beige/tan coat, LOL! Well, I had to ignore my new rule, because I had this lovely wool in my stash, and couldn’t pass […]

A Coat in Spring Green

March 23, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

I finished sewing this wool coat a few weeks ago, and wanted to share it, but the weather hasn’t been great for taking photos outside. The fact is, the sky probably won’t be clear for another month or so, and by then, it will be too warm to wear wool (fingers crossed). So today, […]

About the Jacket my Husband Hates

November 20, 2017.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 […]

A Moto Jacket, part of a..capsule wardrobe?!?

March 31, 2017.Reading time 6 minutes.

When Pattern Review announced their Wardrobe Sudoku Contest, I said, Never! 10 garments in two months that all have to coordinate with each other and shoes and accessories? Too mind-boggling for me. So I told myself I’d play along and use only fabric from my stash. Well, the phrase, ‘never say never’ now clearly applies […]

A Sparkle Tweed Coat for Spring

March 4, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

I didn’t know I was a fan of sparkle tweed until I saw this Kate Spade coat. In person, this tweed is gorgeous, and when I saw the coat at Saks I became a serious fan. I love how Kate Spade designs clothes that feel vintage yet fresh. And those shoes…!! The photo above […]

A Cardigan for Early Spring:McCalls 6802

January 28, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

Yes, I know the title of this post is optimistic. Sure, there are several months of cold weather between me and Spring, but I can dream, can’t I? This knit fabric is so soft, I knew at first sight I had to make a sweater-y wrap from it. This new cardigan is a perfect seasonal […]

2016: Top Five Hits

December 31, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi All! It’s almost time to ring in the new year, so I thought I’d take the opportunity to review my top five makes of 2016. Looking back at my sewing projects always makes me a little nervous, because I can’t bear to face the facts. Sometimes the makes that are the most fun to […]

A plaid and leather ‘duster’ for fall

October 11, 2016.Reading time 6 minutes.

Hi all! Wearing a coat in the fall is a no-brainer, but finding the perfect one can be a bit tricky. There are days when it’s cool but not cold and wool is too much, but a summer jacket isn’t enough. That’s when a duster comes in handy! ‘Duster’ is an odd word for a […]

Vogue 8346: A coat just in time for Spring

February 10, 2016.Reading time 6 minutes.

It’s sunny and warm in Portland today. Yet, I’m posting about a heavy winter coat! Yes, timing is everything, and mine isn’t impeccable, but here goes. I started this coat before Christmas, and just finished it because I worked on it in sporadically. So, here I am, wearing a wool coat when it’s sixty degrees […]