McCall’s 7780; A cold shoulder top for Fall

August 23, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

It took me awhile to fall in love with this new pattern by McCall’s. The cold shoulder style put me off at first. I thought I was over that look, but this summer, I’ve discovered that the cold shoulder tops and dresses I made last year (here, and here and here) are the ones I reach for […]

A Knit Anorak in Two Hours or Less

June 10, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

It’s June, and I would love to say that this make is out of season, but it’s still layering weather here in the Pacific Northwest. When summer does arrive, it usually lands pretty hard though, so I’ll be breaking into my stash of linen this month! But for now, I’m craving soft warm cozy layers […]

Putting Fushia Linen To Good Use

April 26, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

I have a new favorite color; fuschia. This fuschia linen jacket takes me back to my first handmade effort years ago, a Vogue Perry Ellis jacket pattern that I fussed over because it was so expensive! Everything about that project felt special to me, so I visited a specialty fabric store and splurged on […]

Remnant Buster– Vogue 9301 three ways

April 4, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

When it comes to fabric shopping I can be my own worst enemy. Last year, I was in a frugal mood. Unfortunately, this didn’t keep me from buying fabric – – it only kept me from purchasing enough. So, I found myself short by a half a yard on several projects. Now, in 2018, I seem to […]

Two Cozy Knit Dresses for January

January 26, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

This Butterick pattern has shown up on alot of blogs since it was introduced in 2016 and I can see why. It’s fun to sew and to play around with! Since committing to the 2018 Ready-To-Wear Fast, I’ve also been committed to filling some significant holes in my wardrobe. Casual dresses to wear when it’s […]

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 […]

Tencel Love

May 10, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

Since completing this pair of gray Jalie Jeans, I’ve been in a frenzy, sewing fun summer-y tops to go with them, hence – – this shirt! I can tell it’s going to be a favorite because it’s made from Tencel, better known as lyocell, a fabric I grew to love when I bought a Tencel shirt […]

McCalls 7333- An Easy Jacket for Raking Leaves

October 2, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi All…..It’s leaf-raking time here in Oregon, a task that requires a specialized wardrobe, don’t you think? Well, here they are, piling up on the deck. Yet, I do not have a rake in my hand. But, if I do decide to grab one, I’ll be dressed for it! As you can see, the rainy season […]

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 […]