2020 in Review: Sewing Hits and Misses

January 3, 2021.Reading time 6 minutes.

Hi all – -Even though 2020 has been rough, I do look forward to reviewing my hits and misses each year. So in spite of the fact that I’d like to forget much of this year quickly, here we go! Some hits…… The Tamarack Jacket (Grainline). Can I just say, what took me so long? […]

July Making Journal: A Wiksten Haori, A Libby Shirt, a Peplum Top

July 12, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

Although we’ve all felt the strain of the unknown over the past months, for me, there have been some positive things about the quarantine. I’ve truly appreciated the gift of time. It’s been lovely to slow down and savor making things. As Oregon gradually reopens, I hope I can resist the urge to rush! Denim […]

My Sew Over It London Summer Capsule Wardrobe

June 20, 2020.Reading time 7 minutes.

It’s been awhile since I’ve written. It’s been hard to imagine posting smiling photos of me in new clothes when there’s anger, hurt and death because of the systematic racism that surrounds us (during a global pandemic, no less). I’ve learned that I know very little about the daily experience of being black. So, I […]

My First Tamarack Jacket

April 26, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

This jacket has been on my sewing to-do list for such a long time. I kept shuffling it to the bottom of the queue as I waited for a block of time to tackle it. Well, as you all know, I’ve got that time now! The tamarack is quilted, making it perfect for those cooler […]

A Wiksten Haori in Kantha Cloth

March 27, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

I don’t know about you, but I’m craving a bit of ‘normal’ right now. So let’s just dive into the details of this new make, a Wiksten Haori jacket. If you haven’t tried this pattern, you’re missing out on some fun! It’s a chance to use your favorite fabrics in a way that makes them […]

A Sierra Jacket in Forest Green

December 6, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

Whoa….It’s been awhile since I’ve posted! My mother-in-law died recently and it’s been a sad, low energy time for me. I drifted into a space where I had very little time or mental space to create. The experience of being away from sewing deepened my appreciation of it though. I’m so happy to be back […]

Making a Wiksten Haori from a Mid-Century Modern Curtain

August 16, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

This Wiksten Haori was once a curtain in someone’s house. The leaf design on this fabric is typical of the mid-century modern style. It was all about the exotic, so tropical themes were big. Vintage drapes can cost as much as $200 per panel on Ebay. One Saturday afternoon, I got lucky. I found mine […]

A Spring Jacket with Triangle Bound Buttonholes

May 3, 2019.Reading time 5 minutes.

For years, my sewing bucket list has included “Jacket with Bound Buttonholes.” Well, this jacket has triangle shaped bound buttonholes and I’m saying, close enough! Yes, they were a bit fussy to sew, but I’m glad I took the leap to do them on this project. I will admit that the first two were ‘nail […]

Waiting for Spring in my Wiksten Haori Jacket

March 23, 2019.Reading time 5 minutes.

Well, it’s official. I am now a big fan of the Wiksten Haori jacket. I might be the last blogger to make this lovely jacket. I avoided this pattern at first, as I prefer fitted jackets to loose-fitting styles. But on a recent visit to a local fabric store (Bolt, such a great store!! […]

Two Hvar Jackets are Better than One

March 1, 2019.Reading time 5 minutes.

The Hvar Jacket from Itch to Stitch has been on my to-sew list for awhile because I’m crazy about cute easy-to-wear jackets. Not only are they adorable, but they help bridge the wardrobe no-man’s land between seasons. A light jacket can function as a layer under a heavy coat when the weather is severe, or […]

Elle Gee Makes

Category: jacket