A New Top to Add Some Drama

May 31, 2018.Reading time 3 minutes.

Me-Made May is winding down, but not without a few more revelations that are worth mentioning. I used to wear solids and very few prints – – Not so anymore! My wardrobe is dominated by prints and textures. There isn’t anything bad about this, but I miss the drama that solids bring to the table. […]

A Bomber Jacket Inspired by Philip Lim

December 19, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

I thought I was over bomber jackets until I saw this plaid version by Philip Lim. When I found McCall’s 7636 by Beaute’ J’Adore, I knew it was the perfect match for my designer inspiration. There’s alot about this pattern that sets it apart from the bomber jacket patterns that are available. My favorite detail is […]

A Top That Could Go to a Party

November 29, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

Last week, I had the pleasure of singing at a holiday event in the beautifully decorated Pittock mansion here in Portland. It put me in a holiday mood, so much so, one of my requirements of any sewing project this month is, ‘can it go to a party?’ I can happily answer ‘yes’ for this […]

‘Tis the Season for Flannel

November 14, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hi All! I’ve been traveling on the East Coast this week, where the below freezing temperatures have encouraged me to think about the benefits of a wardrobe dominated by flannel. It’s certainly not a bad thing as there’s nothing more comfortable to wear! This plaid flannel has been hiding in my stash for a couple […]

Jersey and Fall: Two Variations

October 5, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

There’s nothing like Fall to get the sew-jo going, is there? At this time of year, fabric choices are at their best for me. The color palattes tend to be richer and more intense, which works best with my personal color palatte and there are more knits to choose from too. This jersey knit is […]

An Anthro Knock-Off

September 28, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

When I saw this top in the Anthropologie, I fell in love with the denim blue checks, the side tie at the hem. But when I tried it on, the neck was so big on me, it fell to my shoulders like a cold shoulder top. Not a good look! And the long sleeves covered […]

A Ruffled Top Done 3 Ways

September 18, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Sometimes when you first meet a pattern, you can see so many possibilities. That’s the way it was with me and this simple pattern. I made one view, then couldn’t resist immediately trying another and….well, another. Three versions of one pattern…overkill maybe, but why fight it? When you have alot of children, you aren’t supposed to […]

Color Blocking and Statement Sleeves

September 8, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Is color blocking still a ‘thing’? I hope so, because here I go again. I suppose the good news is that, even if color blocking is clearly ‘out’, the statement sleeves on this dress are clearly ‘in’! I decided to color block this dress when I found a yard of poppy linen and navy linen […]

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 […]

Chambray, Lace and Pom-Pom Trim?

May 19, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Chambray, lace and pom-pom trim… a funny combination I didn’t plan, but somehow, it happened. If you think this new dress looks alot like the linen dress I made last spring you would be right. I loved that dress and wore it constantly until a trip to a hotel laundry shortened it to scandal level. […]