Author: Jilly

Love to sew, fondle fabric and buy way too many sewing patterns. Check out my personal blog here! https://denversews.com/
Contests, Events

Giveaway of Cloth: 100 Artists Contemporary & Heritage Techniques by Lena Corwin

Artist, textile designer, and author Lena Corwin showcases the creativity of 100 diverse and talented American fiber artists in her latest book, Cloth, celebrating the timeless crafts of weaving, quilting, dyeing, and other heritage textile techniques. Cloth highlights contemporary artists who are thoughtfully reviving and reimagining traditional methods. Corwin introduces artists from a vibrant array of backgrounds, each uniquely influenced by their cultural heritage and … Continue reading Giveaway of Cloth: 100 Artists Contemporary & Heritage Techniques by Lena Corwin

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style a circle skirt
Finished Projects

9 Ways To Style a Circle Skirt For Year Round Wear

Few items in your closet are as versatile as a circle skirt. See how easy it is to take this one garment and make it work all year long. It’s easy to add colder weather accessories such as tights and scarves to bring your skirt into winter. Of course, a great neutral will take any core wardrobe piece through multiple seasons. This circle skirt with … Continue reading 9 Ways To Style a Circle Skirt For Year Round Wear

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History

What’s Your Favorite Hem Length?

Did you know that dress hem lengths didn’t change much from the 1700’s until the 20th century! Gowns and dresses for women including female servants and children rarely rose about the ankle. Other details changed but dress length stayed long for centuries. It’s interesting to think how slowly fashion has changed until the 20th century. I’ve been thinking about hem lengths as I finish up … Continue reading What’s Your Favorite Hem Length?

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On The Road

Vintage Sewing Center & Museum, Tulsa OK

I recently posted on Facebook Atlas Obscura’s story on the Vintage Sewing Center & Museum in Tulsa, Oklahoma. It’s a fun look at one of the few sewing museums in the country. A fan had made a comment that the owner of the museum WK Binger had been shot in the face. I at first didn’t believe it and privately messaged the museum to find … Continue reading Vintage Sewing Center & Museum, Tulsa OK

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Dutch Label Shop
Reviews

Dutch Label Shop Label Review + 15% Off For Friends of DSC

Dutch Label Shop asked if I would like to try their labels. I said yes! Read below for a quick review, plus a discount code to try Dutch Label Shop labels yourself. The website is easy to navigate and there areĀ lots of fun options to choose from. You can choose clothing labels, brand labels, hang tags and stock labels. I concentrated on the clothing labels. … Continue reading Dutch Label Shop Label Review + 15% Off For Friends of DSC

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McCalls 7054
Reviews

McCalls 7054 Sewing Pattern- Cha-Cha Skirt!

McCalls #7054 is such an easy swingy skirt. It may look complicated but it’s not. The only thing you need to keep track of is which panels connect with which side. This is done by making accurate markings and notches on your fabric. I made this is a rayon crepe from Fabric.com. Crepe type fabrics are my all-time favorite fabrics to work with. The lining … Continue reading McCalls 7054 Sewing Pattern- Cha-Cha Skirt!

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Reviews

Watch 1st Episode of BluPrint’s Re:Fashion with Marci Harriell

Many of you have probably heard that Craftsy has now rebranded itself as Bluprint. Craftsy will still have the same great classes for creative learning but since NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment became a major shareholder, things are shaking up for types of content and how we view online classes. There are all kinds of changes going on naturally, you can read a great synopsis from the … Continue reading Watch 1st Episode of BluPrint’s Re:Fashion with Marci Harriell

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Vogue 8645
Finished Projects

Vogue 8645 My Favorite Summer Dress

This dress pattern is probably my all-time favorite. I’ve sewn it up 4 times. It’s out-of-print but you can find it online still. It’s super easy and could easily be drafted. I could make one for every day of the week. It looks great in prints and solids. This version I made using a navy green fabric of mysterious content. I bought this at a … Continue reading Vogue 8645 My Favorite Summer Dress

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24 West Lemon
Events

Fabric Painting + Make Your Own Scarf

We have an extra special meet up coming soon. We have studio space reserved for a paint your own scarf day. On May 20 from 12:30 -2:00 we’ll meet at 24 West Lemon and Jennifer (owner and concept creator) will walk us through how to create our own one-of-a-kind hand-painted scarves. It’s all very simple. First you pick the size of scarf you’d like. There are … Continue reading Fabric Painting + Make Your Own Scarf

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How To Sew With BurdaStyle Patterns
Events

Learn To Sew With Burda Style Patterns

BurdaStyle patterns. Love ’em or leave ’em? For those new to BurdaStyle patterns, there are two choices. One, you can purchase patterns in a brick and mortar store like Joann’s or at online retailers. These are licensed via Simplicity. The patterns have seamĀ allowances and include decent directions. They look just like other big 4 patterns. Next, there are the BurdaStyle patterns that come from the … Continue reading Learn To Sew With Burda Style Patterns

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Finished Projects

3/4 Circle Skirt with Vintage Fabric

I’ve had this vintage fabric for a while, four yards of a poly blend. It’s very light and airy and I love the colors. I bought it at an antique flea market about 2 years ago. Obviously fabric like this I made sure I would make something that I would get a lot of wear out of. I initially wanted a full circle skirt but in order to save precious yardage I opted for a 3/4 circle skirt, using only about 2 yards.

I flat lined the skirt in a fun purple and Hong Kong finished the one and only seam. I hemmed it all up with navy blue purchased binding giving the skirt a bit of flare. An invisible zip completes this perfect summer skirt.

3/4 circle skirt
Kinda love this skirt

Continue reading “3/4 Circle Skirt with Vintage Fabric”

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Reviews

Butterick 5893 + Velvet = Awesome Pants

I’ve wanted to make a pair of velvet pants for a while and have seen gorgeous inspiration around the web. Earlier I made a faux wrap dress in a stretch burn out velvet that went really well. This is my first time working with a more traditional velvet. Being a newbie to the temperaments of velvet, I read Katherine Tilton’s recent McCall’s post on working … Continue reading Butterick 5893 + Velvet = Awesome Pants

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Reviews

Pattern Review: McCalls 7513 Close Fitting Jacket with Peplum

I’ve been wanting to make a jacket for fall 2016 and McCalls 7513 was the one. This pattern is a wearable muslin.Ā The fabric is from an American Sewing Guild Denver fabric sale last year. It’s a wool blend of something, very nubby. I lined it with two different shades of silk from my stash. The pattern sews up very well. However there are a few … Continue reading Pattern Review: McCalls 7513 Close Fitting Jacket with Peplum

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Events

The New Colorado Fabrics Is Here!

I was fortunate to get a peek at the new Colorado Fabrics Aurora location on Wednesday night. It is everything and more. Ā Laurel the Marketing Manager said it is an additional 8000 more square feet than the old space. Plus, it has a meeting/conference room, a lovely and spacious classroom and a dedicated space for scissor sharpening. Here are a few pics of the new … Continue reading The New Colorado Fabrics Is Here!

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Events

Kenneth D. King Workshops Are Coming To Denver

Sewing & Design School has announced several Denver dates for Kenneth D. King Workshops! If you love garment sewing and want to refine your skills and techniques from a pro check outĀ these workshops. Please visit the Sewing & Design School website to register, information and more. All classes for Denver location are: Ā Holiday Inn & Suites 6900 Tower Road Denver, CO 80249 Attendees have a … Continue reading Kenneth D. King Workshops Are Coming To Denver

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Junk Drawer

The Loss Of My Mighty Zeus

Zeus walked into my life about seven years ago.Ā I was not excited about having a pet of any kind. I knew that I would eventually be the one that was going to take care of it. I hadn’t taken care of a dog or cat in years, and really wasn’t very thrilled about the prospect.

Flash forward to today and I can barely keep the tears in while writing this post. I loved our time together,Ā he brought more joy to my life that I ever thought possible. Ā So, indulge me a bit here, and I’ll tell you about my mighty Zeus (aka Zeusy).

thecat1Zeus would usually meet me at the door when I got home from work. As kids get older you find this a great source of joy. You feel loved and needed in a very blatant, in-your-face way. Continue reading “The Loss Of My Mighty Zeus”

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Project 333
Challenges

Project 333: First 2 Weeks

Below isĀ a selection of some of the 38Ā items that I pulled for my first 3 months of the Project 333. I started July 21 . For whatever reason the Ā thumbnail grid won’t keep in chronological order, but you get the idea. I didn’t bother photographing my weekends of late, because all I’m doing is schlepping around in gross shorts and stuff. If a garment hasn’t … Continue reading Project 333: First 2 Weeks

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Project 333 = After Closet
Challenges

Minimalist Wardrobe: Project 333

Okay, I’m at it again. Have you read about Project 333 Ā – Be More With Less? Project 333 is “the minimalist fashion challenge that invites you to dress with 33 items or less for 3 months” (Courtney Carver: Project 333 blog)Fairly simple. Ā This core wardrobe/minimalist wardrobe is wearing onlyĀ 33 items and every 3 months you trade/switch up to a different 33 items.

You can read all the details of Courtney’s plan and its origins here. The 33 items in her plan include shoes, clothing items AND accessories. My plan is a bit different because separating myself from that much of my clothing, shoes and accessories was too stressful to think about. My modified plan is as follows. Continue reading “Minimalist Wardrobe: Project 333”

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Finished Projects, Reviews

Vintage Pattern Review – Advanced 4826

For as much as I love vintage sewing, I’m even surprised that I only recently attended my first ‘costume’/historical ball. Ā It’s held Ā twice a year; once in summer and again in the winter. I bought my tickets back in January and that was about the time I started thinking about what I was going to make. I think I bought about 20 yards of different … Continue reading Vintage Pattern Review – Advanced 4826

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Junk Drawer

StyleWe.com: A Review

Have you heard or visited the clothing site StyleWe? Ā Is it worth it to spend $$ here? Is it legit? Read on for a review.

StyleWeĀ has aĀ beautiful selection of modern fashion clothes. But, if you visit their Facebook page or SiteJabber you’ll notice a lot of negative complaints. Here’s my experience with StyleWe. Continue reading “StyleWe.com: A Review”

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McCalls 7253
Finished Projects

Finished McCalls 7253

Finished my McCalls 7253Ā skirt awhile back. Finally wore it at a my mom’s birthday dinner. Gotta say I love it! Love the box pleats, love the fabric I picked out from Colorado Fabrics, loveĀ it all. Certainly a keeper.

A Ā few things: Continue reading “Finished McCalls 7253”

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Challenges

Hey, Jill! Whatever Happened To That Core Wardrobe?

Remember that Core Wardrobe thing I was doing? Way back when? I wasn’t really documenting it but I did finish a black dress, black pants and two black skirts. What I haven’t completed is a blouse and a jacket. Ay, now, here’s the rub. I love the idea of a Core Wardrobe and I don’t want to give up on it, but I did a … Continue reading Hey, Jill! Whatever Happened To That Core Wardrobe?

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On The Road

Oh La La! The French Seam of Indianapolis

My knowledge of Indiana begins and stops at Michael Jackson, Indy 500Ā and Hoosiers (whatever those are). But, somewhere I heard about The French Seam, maybe on social media or in Threads magazine. And, with a name like that, Ā it’s hard to forget. Frontier Airlines offers low fares every now and then. I told myself that next time a cheap fare came along I would book a flight out to Indianapolis and visit The French Seam. And, so it came to be.

I flew out to Indianapolis on Saturday October 12. I got in around 2 pm. Popped into my sporty Ford Focus and checked into the Hyatt Place.

I had Siri show me around the area. My first request to Siri was to take me to the Indianapolis Museum of Contemporary Art. I figured museums would be located around great neighborhoods. I wasn’t disappointed. Ā I think there are two contemporary art museums, but the one I located was in the Fountain Square area of Indianapolis. It’s a cute, funky area, looked like fun bars and eateries around and several thrift and vintage stores, of which I had to stop and visit.

Untitled

Continue reading “Oh La La! The French Seam of Indianapolis”

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Reviews

McCalls 6794 – The Battle For Victory: A Review

Ever have those sewing projects where nothing seems to go right? This pattern was super easy and the problems were not with the pattern but rather the universe (or me).

Mccalls 6794
Looks sweet and innocent.
  • First I cut out the correct view on the front and the wrong view on the back. I fixed it by cutting away at the back view and then piecing together a portion in order to make it all work.
  • Neck opening was too small had to make an adjustment.

Continue reading “McCalls 6794 – The Battle For Victory: A Review”

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Finished Projects, Reviews

Style 2708: My Moby Dick Of A Dress

The dress represents for me my overall madness for sewing. Madness in a good way and sometimes in a “black heart I stab at thee” madness. That kind of craziness that comes over you andĀ you drive yourself mad trying to figure it out and you’re just stuck in this endless insanity. Usually I have the good sense to bail, but this one, ah, she was different….

2708 Jill caseI bought this pattern back in the 90’s and have always been a big fan of the shirt waist dress. Very popular in the 40’s and 50’s and every other year or so we see it back in various styles. Michael Kors had something along these lines for Spring 2015. All very lady like and really, hands down my favorite look. I think the style of dress is dress at it’s best.

If you like to look through vintage sewing patterns from the 40’s you’ll see this style in many incarnations, some housework casual others lunch with the ladies chic. There are hundreds of patterns new and old that have a similar look. But, for whatever reason, I HAD to have this one work.Ā There are a few I have worked on with varying results but always longed for my white whale of a dress: Style 2708. Continue reading “Style 2708: My Moby Dick Of A Dress”

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Reviews

McCalls Sewing Pattern 7131 – Warning: Culottes Ahead!

Ah, culottes.Ā AKA gauchos,Ā knee breeches, skorts or my favorite, bifurcated skirt. Whatever name you call them there are few garments that cause such passionate debate. There are two camps, those that love ’em and those that don’t.

McCalls 7131
McCalls 7131

Continue reading “McCalls Sewing Pattern 7131 – Warning: Culottes Ahead!”

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Junk Drawer

Blogging and the Pursuit of Happiness

Ā Has anyone noticed the tumble weeds blowing around Denver Sews?Ā 

tumbleweed

Well, for those that have been wondering we’ve had a few things come up. For one Kitty, who really was the whip cracker of the group, she kept us all on task and kept us moving forward. Kitty had family and friends to tend to and I think the joy of blogging and sewing kind of ran out for the time being. For Jamie work this time of year amps up for her and Lynn had a daughter going off to Japan and family and work obligations. Ā But, she’s posted the first post in a long time!

As for myself, my spouse lost his job, my mother-in-law was evicted from her apartment and had to move into what is essentially our porch and, she has Alzheimerā€™s which makes the whole thing like a crazy real life Beckett play. Plus, I write up to 5 blog posts/newsletters a week on sewing for work. Even if I had the time the desire has just not been there. Continue reading “Blogging and the Pursuit of Happiness”

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Reviews

The Magic of Tidying Up – Getting Rid of Stuff #konmari Style

If you follow me on Instagram I have posted photos of my journey to a better more organized life. I’ve read organizing books and made attempts here and there to de-clutter and get my sh!t in proverbial order with little luck. I found Marie Kondo’s book at B&N during their New Year – New You promotions they do every year. Immediately, it resonated with me so I brought it home and read it cover to cover.

closet
This is not my closet. Image from Houzz.com.

Continue reading “The Magic of Tidying Up – Getting Rid of Stuff #konmari Style”

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Denver

My Sewing Week

LastĀ week I was involved in threeĀ great sewing related activities through the Denver Sewing Collective.

Thursday was great to see new and familiar faces, we didn’t have anything planned this month for the Denver Sewing Collective but the weather was nice and spring was in the air. I actually can’t even remember what project I brought or what I did. Hmm.

First off I went with Marni to Colorado Fabrics for no better reason than it was a Saturday and on the way to the ASG Denver meeting. Bought these gems. The white is a crepe rayon. No idea yet what I’ll do but it’s going to be good.

fab fabric

Continue reading “My Sewing Week”

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