M7546 – Happiness is florals and shaped darts

April 21, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

My first outdoor photo of the Spring! Yes, it’s warmed up around here, and today, the sun was out, so I tried to take photos in the side yard. For a moment, the light was good, then hazy clouds came so I had to move back inside. Never the less, I remain optimistic about our […]

A Ruffle Skirt and Cold Shoulder Top

March 24, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

If you told me a year ago that I would be sewing a ruffle wrap skirt in denim for Spring, I would have laughed out loud. Ruffles have never been my thing. But if you show me enough of a trend, I am usually happy to hop on board! Such is the case with this […]

Stash Buster: Simplicity 1377

March 19, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi all …As most of you know, one of my goals for 2017 is to reduce the size of my huge (re: out -of-control) stash. To that end, I’ve produced my own Little Black Book, a three-ring binder that holds my catalog of fabrics. Yes, it’s a bargain basement binder, but it holds the key […]

Butterick 6456- A Boho Top with Statement Sleeves

March 11, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Do you ever get obsessed with a trend? I’ve been known to go overboard with a new look, and in my case, statement sleeves are my new ‘thing’. This Spring, it seems they are everywhere, and I am clearly jumping on the band wagon! Sure, I like the look (flow-y, care free, maybe even a […]

A Missoni Inspired Boho Poncho

December 22, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi all! The weather outside is frightful but wearing a poncho is so delightful! With this cozy new make, I’m well prepared for the possiblity (fingers crossed…) of a white Christmas. Will it happen? I doubt it, but I’m glad I made this easy poncho. I loved laying out the pattern pieces so that the […]

A plaid and leather ‘duster’ for fall

October 11, 2016.Reading time 5 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 […]

A wrap jumper or a pinafore?

September 24, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

When I think Fall, I think, it’s ‘jumper’ weather! To me, a jumper is a sleeveless dress that’s meant to be worn over a shirt or blouse. But to my UK friends, ‘jumper’ means a sweater. Maybe, it’s less confusing to call my new make ‘a wrap dress that I am wearing over a […]

Simplicity 1318 Kimono Love

August 5, 2016.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hi all! I’m back from my travels, and, I’m happy to report, my travel wardrobe was put to good use. I’m now a big fan of the Danube, and my travels there were relaxing but inspirational too. So many of the communities along its shore have a rich history of handmade garments. Everywhere I looked […]

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 […]