Butterick 6057-Chambray and Floral Top

August 14, 2016.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hi All! It’s hot here in Oregon, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy my vacation wardrobe even though I’m back at home. Might as well keep those vacation vibes going as long as possible, don’t you think? This top was one of my favorites on my summer vacation, completed only a day before I left. […]

A Dress with a Few of my Favorite Things

June 29, 2016.Reading time 5 minutes.

I’m smiling because this dress has three of my favorite things: linen, lace and silk. Yes, linen wrinkles, but I’m prepared to overlook that fact because it breathes like nothing else. If the weather is muggy, no worries! When it comes to heat, this fabric is invincible. To make this dress even more humidity […]

Simplicity 1160-A Cut-Out Tee

June 24, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi all! After completing my denim skirt last week, I needed to find an easy, fun, ‘instant gratification’ project to cleanse my sewing palate. This little tee was the answer, inspired by a recent visit to Anthropologie. I found so many wonderful tees to admire there. I’m always amazed at how they can take a […]

New to Me: Kanerva Button Back Shirt

June 3, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

I just might be the last blogger in the world to sew the Kanerva top! And better late than never. This top is truly unique with buttons down the back, a pleated waist, and a split peplum. And as you all know, I’m a sucker for a peplum! True love! I’ve wanted to sew […]

McCalls 7314: Burberry knock-off

May 14, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

As you all know, I’ve got a thing for Burberry’s classic designs, and the Spring 2016 collection was one of the best. Being peplum obsessed, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this cute shirt. Okay, as Burberry prices go, the tag on this one wasn’t totally ridiculous…only $350. Yes, it’s a lot, but […]

Sew the look: Denim and Lace

May 7, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

My summer travel wardrobe is starting to take shape. I’m determined to pack efficiently, but this will be tricky. The trip includes a Danube River cruise and some evenings will be dress-up events. Of course, jeans are my go-to wardrobe staple, but they’re probably not ‘cruise-appropriate’ (LOL), so I’m sewing some separates that […]

Sew Boho: Bell Sleeves and a Cardi-Vest

April 8, 2016.Reading time 5 minutes.

I’m calling this look ‘boho’, even though some might call it ‘romantic.’ The top has bell sleeves, my favorite look this Spring. I love them because they signal warm weather and outdoor concerts and summer food festivals, you know? Here are a couple of ready-to-wear examples for inspiration; a top by Elizabeth and James, and […]

Sew the look: A denim shirtdress

March 17, 2016.Reading time 5 minutes.

It’s Spring, the perfect time for shirt dresses. There’s nothing easier to wear when the weather’s warm than a simple dress, and if it’s made from denim…well, that’s even better!! Here are some of the shirt dresses that inspired me this Spring. First up…Burberry’s version. Perfect in dark denim, with princess seams and topstitching. Made well’s […]

Thursday Top: Vogue 8815

February 4, 2016.Reading time 5 minutes.

Well, here we are in February, the month that straddles the seasons. The fabric stores are flaunting new lightweight cottons and linens. Yet, I’m still working through my stash of sweater knits. At this point, it’s probably ridiculous to state the obvious – I am a fan of sweater knits. As I’ve confessed before, it’s […]