When trying to teach myself how to knit I found decoding the pattern was, and still is, the highest hurdle. If you want to sew but the sewing pattern is confusing, daunting, or just leaves you in doubt about even trying tp sew, let me clear things up for you, please. This is your How […] Read more…
Easy to Sew Separates for Special Occasion
Because I rarely attend dress-up functions I don’t want to spend weeks sewing something I’ll only wear a little (unless, I really want to make that particular item, or it’s a very special occasion). So my “fancy” clothes need to be fun and easy and, yes, still comfortable so that I am comfortable when wearing […] Read more…
Perfect, Easy to Make, Pattern Weights
It took me a long time to switch over to pattern weights from pins – not just because I really liked my scissors but also because I didn’t want to pay for pattern weights. They didn’t look like a good value and only came in ugly colors (at the time). I tried using soup cans, […] Read more…
A Line Skirt: You Sew Girl! Pattern Review
You Sew Girl! patterns by Nicole Mallalieu are all about teaching you skills while you make something you can be proud of. Although the bulk of You Sew Girl! patterns are for handbags they do offer a few garment patterns and it’s their A-Line Skirt pattern I’m currently in love with. Style details: This A-line skirt […] Read more…
How and When to Make a Stronger Sewing Pattern
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…
Stop Buying. Start sewing.
We’ve all heard jokes about uncontrollable fabric shopping and overflowing fabric stashes. We’ve laughed at them with a knowing cringe for certainly all of us are guilty of buying fabric we didn’t have a need for just because we loved it. And almost as certainly all of us have done it more than once. The […] Read more…
How to Make a Pattern From a Favorite Garment
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…
Rachel Comey Top; Vogue 1247 Pattern Review
My sewing brain is on summer vacation. It doesn’t want to think hard it just wants to sew. So I’m sewing “easy” patterns which I’m enjoying tremendously. There’s more actual sewing and less puzzle solving. I’m getting garments done and, bonus, they’re wearable. Rachel Comey’s design for Vogue Patterns, V1247, is my latest success. The pattern includes […] Read more…
Lisette Top: Butterick 6182 Pattern Review
It is the middle of Me-Made-May and I seem to be achieving the exact opposite of it’s desired effect. Instead of appreciating the clothing I’ve made by wearing them more often, I’m getting tired of my self made garments because I wear the same few pieces all the time. Someone give me a box store […] Read more…
Lisette Skirt: Butterick 6182 Pattern Review
Spring time means time to make a couple skirts and this year I’m trying out three skirt patterns. I just finished making Lisette B6182 a safari inspired a-line skirt. (The B in B6182 stands for Butterick. You may recall Lisette patterns use to come out under Simplicity Creative Group but now it’s Butterick) Lisette patterns […] Read more…