It’s going to be a Charlie Caftan Summer!

July 21, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

If you’d asked me, ‘are Caftan’s your thing? I probably would have said, no. But I’m such a fan of this pattern by Closet Case Patterns. I was inspired to try it by Indie Pattern Month over at the Monthly Stitch. After making a muslin version, I decided it was the perfect pattern to hack […]

New to Me: a Colette Moneta

July 19, 2017.Reading time 1 minute.

It’s Indie Pattern Month over at the Monthly Stitch, a fun month of challenges designed to acquaint us with the wonderful world of Indie pattern designers. Last week’s challenge was to make a pattern from a company that was ‘New To Me’. I picked Colette patterns, a company based in my home town, Portland, and […]

Black and White Polka Dots…so french!

July 13, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

I’ve been obsessed with shirt dresses this Spring because as dresses go, they have so many advantages! For one thing, the front opening makes them ideal to let in air on a hot day. Also, they’re so versatile. You can add a pair of leggings /pants under them for a completely different look. My […]

New Look 6519: An easy travel dress

June 17, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

I’m always on the look out for stylish dresses that are easy and comfortable to wear while traveling in hot weather. That’s why the simplicity of this New Look pattern caught my eye. The shape of the dress is accomplished with the addition of a simple belt. This means the dress can be loose or […]

A Cold Shoulder Tee Dress

June 9, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

Last summer, I thought the cold-shoulder trend would be a one-season wonder. Boy was I wrong! It’s everywhere this Spring, and if the trend-predictors are correct, it will be around for some time to come. I’m glad to hear that because, honestly, I love wearing this look! To me, it makes a simple dress something special. […]

Chambray, Lace and Pom-Pom Trim?

May 19, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Chambray, lace and pom-pom trim… a funny combination I didn’t plan, but somehow, it happened. If you think this new dress looks alot like the linen dress I made last spring you would be right. I loved that dress and wore it constantly until a trip to a hotel laundry shortened it to scandal level. […]

McCall’s 7501: Two versions

February 24, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi all! I’m back with two versions of a McCall’s 7501, both made with fabrics from my stash (YAY!). When I first saw this pattern, I knew it had to be mine. I love the drama of a wide collar. It has a vintage vibe I love. My first version is made from a […]

DIY Date Night Dress

February 15, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

After I made a swing dress for the Day and Night Dress Challenge, I knew there would be another in my future. What is it that makes a swing dress so fun to wear?!? For me, it’s the way the skirt moves. It’s not quite ‘twirl-worthy’, but fun just the same. This dress is another […]

The Reveal: Day and Night Dress Challenge

January 10, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

Hi all – – I’m pleased to be showing you my dresses as part of the Day and Night Dress Challenge Blog tour. Thanks to Elizabeth of Elizabeth Made This for this challenge. What better way to jump-start our sewing after the holidays! There’s a blog tour and a community challenge so check it out […]

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 […]