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)
The December Burda has barely been out and the January Preview is up! I’ve been pretty excited by most of the issues from 2017, and it looks like this is going to roll into 2018 too. I can’t wait for this issue! I love so many of the patterns coming out next month, not to … More January 2018 BurdaStyle Magazine
You’ll forgive me if this post is a bit picture heavy – this was a project a year in the making. Last year, my dad declared he wanted a winter coat he could wear while traveling to colder climates for work meetings. We don’t have much need for real winter coats here, and, indeed, it … More Pattern Review: Vogue 8940
I wasn’t planning on entering any more Pattern Review contests this year; the Sewing Bee was quite a bit of effort and I sort of wanted to meander where I would with the remaining month this year. However, since the final contest is a stash-busting contest, I figured it would be worth a go. I … More Pattern Review: BurdaStyle Magazine 12-2017-120 Red Velvet Dress (Stash Contest Entry #1)
Hard to believe that winter hasn’t even officially started yet and we are already getting the early spring releases from Simplicity! I’ve barely converted to fall sewing; I’m hardly ready for spring, but since they are here, let’s take a look: 8543 – Cute Amazing Fit sheath dress for spring. Very similar to a New … More Simplicity Patterns Early Spring 2018
The second quick top I made over the Thanksgiving weekend was from the most recent BurdaStyle Magazine. I had a sort of love-hate relationship with the ruffle sweater top. But I was intrigued and it seemed quick enough so I thought I’d give it a try. Here is my version of the top: Here is … More Pattern Review: BurdaStyle Magazine 12-2017-111
