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 […]

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 […]

A Sparkle Tweed Coat for Spring

March 4, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

I didn’t know I was a fan of sparkle tweed until I saw this Kate Spade coat. In person, this tweed is gorgeous, and when I saw the coat at Saks I became a serious fan. I love how Kate Spade designs clothes that feel vintage yet fresh. And those shoes…!! The photo above […]

McCall’s 7501: Two versions

February 24, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi all! I’m back with two versions of a McCall’s 7501, both made with fabrics from my stash (YAY!). When I first saw this pattern, I knew it had to be mine. I love the drama of a wide collar. It has a vintage vibe I love. My first version is made from a […]

DIY Date Night Dress

February 15, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

After I made a swing dress for the Day and Night Dress Challenge, I knew there would be another in my future. What is it that makes a swing dress so fun to wear?!? For me, it’s the way the skirt moves. It’s not quite ‘twirl-worthy’, but fun just the same. This dress is another […]

DIY: Philip Lim Inspired Top

February 4, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi all! The inspiration for this stash-busting top was a Philip Lim creation I saw at the San Francisco Saks a couple of weeks ago. It’s so fun to wander around in that amazing store, a real treat for me since we don’t have a Saks here anymore (wah!). But when I saw this […]

A Cardigan for Early Spring:McCalls 6802

January 28, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Yes, I know the title of this post is optimistic. Sure, there are several months of cold weather between me and Spring, but I can dream, can’t I? This knit fabric is so soft, I knew at first sight I had to make a sweater-y wrap from it. This new cardigan is a perfect seasonal […]

A Tale of Two Toaster Sweaters

January 18, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi all – – My photos were taken indoors again because of this!Yes, that’s about a foot of snow. In Oregon, this much snow is an event! No one tries to drive and many of my neighbors just shut themselves in. Some folks freak out, and long for it all to end. But, I love […]

The Reveal: Day and Night Dress Challenge

January 10, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

Hi all – – I’m pleased to be showing you my dresses as part of the Day and Night Dress Challenge Blog tour. Thanks to Elizabeth of Elizabeth Made This for this challenge. What better way to jump-start our sewing after the holidays! There’s a blog tour and a community challenge so check it out […]