Happiness Through Sewing
A wise woman once told me, when we dress for bed we dress for ourselves. I never thought of it like that. We’re not dressing for others. There is no dress code written or implied, or even socially enforced. So why not wear something we truly like? I like pajama pants with pockets (as I […] Read more…
Most patterns (in America) have seam allowance included. The outline you see is the cutting line and the seam allowance is not marked on the pattern. Somewhere in the instructions the size of the seam allowance will be noted. And hopefully, you don’t have to hunt for that information. This post is going to show […] Read more…
What if the seams on your pattern are not true? What if the side seam of the back bodice is longer than the side seam of the front bodice? Or if the shoulder seam is way off? Or how do you fix a seamline that becomes wonky after you added length or another alteration to the […] Read more…
Are your seams different lengths? You know that the front and the back are supposed to be the same length at the side seam. And you know that the back shoulder seam is supposed to match the front shoulder seam but…. it doesn’t. Or does it? There are two common reasons why your seams may not […] Read more…
What kind of paper should you use for pattern making and altering patterns? Well, technically, any kind of paper would work but different types of paper have different qualities and some papers are just better for pattern making, drafting, altering and/or tracing. In the video, I show you some of the more popular types of […] Read more…
Maxi Skirts are the new yoga pants. They’re easy to wear and they’re comfortable. But maxi skirts, well, this maxi skirt, at least is better than yoga pants because it has pockets. Pockets! If you can use a tape measure you can draft your own pattern in under an hour for this easy to sew […] Read more…
It’s easy to love an A-line skirt: It flatters almost every body It’s easy to sew It takes a mere two yards of fabric It’s simple silhouette can be made up in wilder prints and will still look classy. It’s a work horse; errands, date nights, work, gatherings. It always looks like you made an effort even when worn with a […] Read more…
A reader asked “On a commercial pattern I have decreased the size of my armhole on a blouse pattern. I took 1 inch out of the front armhole. How do I adjust the sleeve pattern?” I assumed the problem was a gaping armhole – too much fabric above the bust area. This usually occurs when […] Read more…
Novelty is a powerful attraction to me. I like trying new things; new Ritter chocolate bar flavors, new music, new hair cuts and so forth. Of course life is a contradiction and there are some things I am fiercely loyal to; flannel sheets, Breyers Vanilla, Dr Hauschka soap for example. However most things in my […] Read more…
Ever put on a garment and wish you had another one like it? Maybe in a different color or maybe just more in the same color. Maybe you want an exact replica or maybe you want a different sleeve length, or to alter the fit just slightly. This isn’t a problem if you sewed it to […] Read more…