The year has barely begun and we have the first of our new pattern releases! McCall’s has announced it’s Early Spring collection. It seems to be much the same as last year as far as trends go… Flouncy sleeves, open shoulders, and the like. There are lots of cute trendy pieces, but nothing that really … More McCall’s Early Spring 2018
Every year on my blog I try to look forward to the new year with sewing goals and sewing plans. It isn’t so much about making resolutions; I’m not really trying to create habits, but it is more about having some sort of goal-oriented roadmap for the future. Let’s see how I did on working … More Sewing Goals 2018
Although I’ve been sewing quite steadily over the past few years, this was really the first year I’ve made a significant number of garments for myself in quite a while, and, as it turns out, this has made me re-fall in love with sewing again this year. When I was spending most of my sewing … More A Year of Sewing: 2017
Another year done, which means we have another set of BurdaStyle Magazine issues in the stash! This year I feel like everyone has been pretty positive towards the looks we’ve been getting from Burda, but often hindsight and distance puts things in perspective, especially after the newness wow factor wears off a bit. In case … More A Year in Review: BurdaStyle Magazine 2017
Though skating has not been as large a part of my life since my back injury, I was very happy to have been able to participate in the National Championships as both a judge and competitor this year. Last year I didn’t have much to report, but this year has seen a few major successes: Placed … More Skating Accomplishments 2017
I haven’t been blogging my book reviews as much as in the past; my blogging time is somewhat more limited and I find myself preferring to focus on sewing when I do have time to sit down and write. However, books are still an important part of my life and I think it is good … More Reading Round Up 2017
I’ve been making a rather leisurely attempt at participating in the Pattern Review Stash contest, but the way I figure is that it’s sort of a collective effort to sew as much as possible, so in that sense, at least I’m contributing a bit. This next piece isn’t much of a stash buster, using up … More Pattern Review: BS-11-2016-109 Blouse (Stash Contest Entry #4)
Or, “In which I sew like a dumbass, but am saved by questionable pattern drafting and stretchy fabric.” Truly, this dress should not fit, yet, here we are. I was a bit dubious about New Look 6298 when it first came out, yet the idea of a slouchy knit dress won me over, and I’ve … More Pattern Review: New Look 6298 Teal Knit Dress (Stash Contest Entry #3)
While fitting to a dressform can never replace fitting to a live person, when you sew for yourself it can be an invaluable tool. I know when I first started I didn’t see the need for one, but after about a year of contortionist tricks and pin stabs, I was ready to find an alternative … More Dressform Comparison: Duct Tape, Singer/Dritz, Uniquely You, and Fabulous Fit, OH MY!
Although I’m not really “in it to win it” with the stash busting contest, I am having fun finding uses for fabrics that have been in my stash for quite some time. Although I did like my first entry for the stash contest, I didn’t feel it was quite right for the party I was … More Pattern Review: BurdaStyle Magazine 11-2015-113 Red/Gold Sheath Dress (Stash Contest Entry #2)
Doctor T Designs 