McCalls 7476-A cardigan for all seasons

November 6, 2016.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hi All! Fall means cardigans because they are the perfect layer to throw over shirts and tee shirts when the weather begins to shift, so I’m always searching for new patterns. I was so pleased to find this new McCall’s option; a cardigan destined for ‘tried and true’ status. It’s easy and versatile with just […]

McCall’s 7430- A sweater dress

October 29, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

As you all know, I am a big fan of sweater knits, so much so I tend to stash/horde every one I find. Yes, I have quite a few squirreled away in my sewing nook, so (fair warning here) this is only the beginning of my annual sweater knit obsession. Here is why I […]

Tie top and pleather skirt

October 21, 2016.Reading time 5 minutes.

Hi All! This time, patience paid off! I was determined to take photos outside one more time before the leaves dropped, and finally, after surviving a week of rain, we’re enjoying a clear day. The temperature is mild too, and there’s very little wind. Moderate weather is perfect for pleather I think, because it isn’t […]

A plaid and leather ‘duster’ for fall

October 11, 2016.Reading time 6 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 […]

McCalls 7333- An Easy Jacket for Raking Leaves

October 2, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi All…..It’s leaf-raking time here in Oregon, a task that requires a specialized wardrobe, don’t you think? Well, here they are, piling up on the deck. Yet, I do not have a rake in my hand. But, if I do decide to grab one, I’ll be dressed for it! As you can see, the rainy season […]

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 […]

DIY Cropped Pants and an Easy Top

September 16, 2016.Reading time 5 minutes.

Hi All! What are these? Cropped pants? Wide shorts? Culottes? Tell me, please. Whatever they are, they’re strangely reminscent of a poppy skirt I bought in junior high. Yes, it has been that long since I had anything in my wardrobe that was poppy! Can’t tell you why I’ve waited this long because the color […]

Vogue 9204 – morphed!

September 9, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi All! Sometimes, you just want a dress with pom-pom trim, am I right? That was the motivation that drove me to make this new frock. Frivilious? Yes, but oh so satisfying! I can’t really tell you where my pom-pom craving came from. Maybe from these inspiring photos? Pom-poms and lace; who can resist […]

Butterick 6378: Two tie neck tops

August 29, 2016.Reading time 3 minutes.

Sometimes, you make one version of a pattern, and you love it so much, you rush have to make another. It wasn’t just the versatility of the pattern that inspired me to sew two (2) versions, it was envy too. When I saw these versions in ready to wear, I had to have one (or […]

DIY top with waist tucks and bell sleeves

August 19, 2016.Reading time 4 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 […]