A New Top and A New Rule

July 28, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

I have a new rule for separates. When I add a new make to my wardrobe, it must coordinate with two or more of my other me-mades. Ha! Take that, all you orphans in my closet! I have too many tops and bottoms in my closet that have no friends. When you live in […]

M7546 – Happiness is florals and shaped darts

April 21, 2017.Reading time 4 minutes.

My first outdoor photo of the Spring! Yes, it’s warmed up around here, and today, the sun was out, so I tried to take photos in the side yard. For a moment, the light was good, then hazy clouds came so I had to move back inside. Never the less, I remain optimistic about our […]

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 […]

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 […]

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 […]

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! […]

Butterick 6057-Chambray and Floral Top

August 14, 2016.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hi All! It’s hot here in Oregon, so there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy my vacation wardrobe even though I’m back at home. Might as well keep those vacation vibes going as long as possible, don’t you think? This top was one of my favorites on my summer vacation, completed only a day before I left. […]

New to Me: Kanerva Button Back Shirt

June 3, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

I just might be the last blogger in the world to sew the Kanerva top! And better late than never. This top is truly unique with buttons down the back, a pleated waist, and a split peplum. And as you all know, I’m a sucker for a peplum! True love! I’ve wanted to sew […]

McCalls 7314: Burberry knock-off

May 14, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

As you all know, I’ve got a thing for Burberry’s classic designs, and the Spring 2016 collection was one of the best. Being peplum obsessed, I couldn’t help but fall in love with this cute shirt. Okay, as Burberry prices go, the tag on this one wasn’t totally ridiculous…only $350. Yes, it’s a lot, but […]