A New Top and A New Rule

July 28, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

I have a new rule for separates. When I add a new make to my wardrobe, it must coordinate with two or more of my other me-mades. Ha! Take that, all you orphans in my closet! I have too many tops and bottoms in my closet that have no friends. When you live in […]

Shirt Dress Love: McCall’s 7351

May 28, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

If I had to choose only one garment to take with me to a desert island it would probably be a shirt dress, because they just make me happy. This one gets bonus points for being a rayon shirt dress, which is pure bliss to wear in any weather. What’s different about this dress for […]

Tencel Love

May 10, 2017.Reading time 4 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 […]

A White Shirt and Jeans: Classics Recharged

April 29, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

I’m such a fan of wearing classics – jeans, button-down shirts, tee shirts to name a few, so it’s always fun when you see an updated classic that brings something new to the game. When I saw this white Vince Camuto shirt in the Nordstrom catalog, I just had to make a DIY version. It’s […]

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 […]

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 […]

DIY top with waist tucks and bell sleeves

August 19, 2016.Reading time 3 minutes.

Greetings from the sultry streets of Portland. The temperature rarely rises above ninety degrees here in the rose city, but this week has been extraordinary. Two days have topped out at 100+ and more hot days are ahead. Weather like this drives me to my basement sewing room where the air is cool. And, as […]

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 […]