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 […]

Black and White Polka Dots…so french!

July 13, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

I’ve been obsessed with shirt dresses this Spring because as dresses go, they have so many advantages! For one thing, the front opening makes them ideal to let in air on a hot day. Also, they’re so versatile. You can add a pair of leggings /pants under them for a completely different look. My […]

McCall’s 7542 times two: Bubble and Tulip Sleeves

April 14, 2017.Reading time 5 minutes.

Hi all! I meant to post this earlier this week, but a horrid stomach virus took me out of action. According to my doc, it’s extremely contagious, but the good news? You can’t catch it by reading my blog :). Spring hasn’t exactly sprung here, but I continue to sew as if it has! These […]

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 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 […]

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 […]

Butterick 5526- One pattern, three versions

November 15, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

There’s nothing like a sewing contest to inspire you to explore the long forgotten bins in your fabric stash! That’s where I found these cottons. They were perfect for my entry into Pattern Review’s ‘One Pattern, Many Ways’ contest. As I result, my stash is considerably smaller, and let me tell you, it feels great! […]

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 […]

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 […]

Simplicity 1318 Kimono Love

August 5, 2016.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hi all! I’m back from my travels, and, I’m happy to report, my travel wardrobe was put to good use. I’m now a big fan of the Danube, and my travels there were relaxing but inspirational too. So many of the communities along its shore have a rich history of handmade garments. Everywhere I looked […]