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 5 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 Tale of Two Toaster Sweaters

January 18, 2017.Reading time 5 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 […]

Vogue 8952 and the Day and Night Dress Challenge

January 6, 2017.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hi all! It’s 20 degrees here in Portland, indoor photo weather of course, but also the perfect weather for sewing. There’s nothing like a cold day to drive you to your sewing room. Sometimes, after the intensity of the holiday season, I find it challenging to re-focus my energies and to get my sew-jo going. […]

McCall’s 7476 (#2) in textured wool

December 4, 2016.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi All – – I’m back with another cardigan, this time in a nubby sweater knit. This fabulous wool came from the remnant section of Fabric Depot, a fabric I had longed for from afar, but didn’t purchase since it was really expensive. Then, one day, Lady Luck looked my way. When I was there […]

Butterick 5526- One pattern, three versions

November 15, 2016.Reading time 5 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! […]

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 […]