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!! […]

An Anthro Inspired Peplum Top X 4

June 30, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

Yes, I’ve gone a little off the deep end over this pattern! What can I say? When I find a favorite pattern, I tend to go a little berzerk, imagining all of the variations…and then, before you know it, I have four versions in my closet! No, I did not sew all of these tops […]

More Kimono Love – Simplicity 8553

June 22, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi All! I’m sure none of you will be surprised when you see my make this week, another long flow-y kimono! Yes, admittedly, I do have a ‘thing’ for long toppers of any kind (see others here, here and here). So, I couldn’t resist this Simplicity pattern for a long kimono. In my defense, this pattern […]

Blackwood Cardigan – the Star of my ‘Me Made May’

May 26, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

For me, Me-Made May is all about figuring out what works in my daily wardrobe and and what doesn’t. As a rule, I tend to wear me-made separates that I mix and match. The questions I ask myself are – – which me-made pieces do I reach for because they make me feel great, […]

Tops That Pop – Kimono Wrap Top

April 30, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hi all – I love a good challenge and so I couldn’t resist the #Tops that Pop challenge, created by the talented Faye of Faye’s Sewing Adventures. What a brilliant theme! Who doesn’t want to sew a top? I’ve been wanting a kimono sleeved wrap top for the longest time, so I was thrilled to […]

McCall’s 7430: A Knit Dress for Spring

March 17, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

I made this knit dress for a trip we just took to Santa Fe, but there was snow on the ground when we arrived so this dress never made it out of the suitcase, LOL! Still, I love wearing knit dresses, so I know this dress will have its day. The trickiest part of this […]

A Moto Jacket, part of a..capsule wardrobe?!?

March 31, 2017.Reading time 6 minutes.

When Pattern Review announced their Wardrobe Sudoku Contest, I said, Never! 10 garments in two months that all have to coordinate with each other and shoes and accessories? Too mind-boggling for me. So I told myself I’d play along and use only fabric from my stash. Well, the phrase, ‘never say never’ now clearly applies […]

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 […]

A lace top inspired by Dolce & Gabbana

June 8, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

I used to think lace was reserved for prom dresses, frilly wedding dresses and other hyper-girlie looks. But I think I’ve given that up. I can’t resist the combination of feminine lace with the edge of denim it seems. And if the lace is blue, I’m all in! My inspiration for this top was this tunic […]

Simplicity 1280: Crossover Top Times Two

April 29, 2016.Reading time 5 minutes.

I will admit. When it comes to sewing a top, I am a bit of a speed demon. I’m happiest when I’m sewing fast, and I will not stop until I’m done. Yes, I can leave a coat, jacket or dress on the sewing table to be completed another day, but a top? No way! […]