I spent one week in Seattle, Washington with my teenage son who is attending the DigiPen Pre-College program. During that week, I hung out with my friend Paula. We met on the textile tour to Japan in March and have been buds ever since. She is an amazing seamstress! Besides doing touristy things, we compared sewing notes and visited many of the local sewing establishments. Continue reading “I Have Seen the Light – Tailoring”
For the 22nd post in my 
series, the letter V, I chose to sew Vogue 1247. This pattern is a Rachel Comey design that had tons of favorable reviews in 2011 when the pattern was first issued. The pattern is a skirt and top, and the skirt, “a semi-fitted A-line with front in-seam pockets” quickly became a favorite with the blogosphere sewing community. Continue reading “V is for Vogue 1247 – A Pattern Review – AKA: My Vogue Curse”
Have you ever made something that whenever you put it on you feel like Audrey Hepburn or a ballerina, or whatever your feminine ideal is? Well, Vogue 8645 is it for me. I LOVE THIS DRESS. I love its simplicity, I love the fabric I picked, the way it looks everything. And, the funny thing is it’s riddle with sewing errors!
Okay, maybe not riddled, but there are a few things I would do different next time. Continue reading “Vogue 8645 Summer Dress – Completed”
Somewhere in my delusional mind, I decided I could someday complete a ridiculously large and complicated paper-pieced quilt that I saw in a book and fell in love with. The book is “A Paper Pieced Garden” by Maaike Bakker and Francoise Maarse. The book is full of beautiful paper-pieced blocks combined with appliques. The cover alone is stunning. Continue reading “Paper Piecing – Keeping It Together”
As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, I used to sew quilts. I enjoy the repetitive quality of patchwork. Sewing patchwork is a zen experience for me, but I don’t have the patience anymore to finish an entire quilt top. I’m also terrible at the quilting part and I’ve discovered it’s quite costly to have the quilting done professionally. I’ve tried making small quilted wall hangings instead, but since I’ve never displayed any of them, sewing more wall quilts seems pretty pointless. Continue reading “Combining Quilting and Clothing Refashion”
I’ve been subscribing to Burda for about four years and they seem to cycle through high and low periods. After the last stinker of an issue I expected them to be a slump for a few months but… this issue was surprisingly good! I’ll start with my favorites because I’m a “dessert first” kind of gal. The crazy (in a good way) seamlines in this dress look great colorblocked or in a solid. I love the idea of the print mixing on the left. Or, I could see it in a solid with top-stitching to make the seamlines really pop. Or, how about a mix of black ponte and faux leather? So many possibilities. Continue reading “Burda August 2014 Review (International Edition)”
One of the blogs I follow (recently found) is Infectious Stitches. Emmely, the owner of the blog, is a very handy lady she even made her own clapper, pretty cool. Emmely was having a giveaway and I put my name in the hat so to speak . It was the Knip Mode July magazine which I’ve always wanted to get and try some of their patterns. Knip Mode is much like Burda in that you need to copy off the patterns and add seam allowances. But, I like their designs, or at least I like the this issues very much. They look very uncomplicated, relaxed and perfect for me. Continue reading “I’m A Winner! Thanks Infectious Stitches!”
My local library, the Longmont Public Library, has a collection of 31 sewing and fitting DVDs from Cynthia Guffey (she’s the one in the purple jacket above), thanks to the Friends of the Longmont Library. Having pants on my mind, I checked out the two relevant titles: “Pants Fitting” and “Tweaking Pants Crotch Depth Crotch Length”. Try searching for “crotch” at your local library and see what you get. Besides the “Tweaking Pants” DVD, I got a medical guide for cyclists and “American Shaolin: … and the legend of the iron crotch”. Too funny. But I digress. Continue reading “Cynthia Guffey Pants Fitting DVDs – Review”
For the 21st post in my 
series, the letter U, I decided to make underwear. (Believe me, there’s not much choice when it comes to items to sew that start with U!) Although I’d never attempted to sew panties before I had two underwear patterns in my stash, Jalie 2568 and McCall’s 5651. Jalie 2568 had 100% positive reviews on PatternReview, so I chose the Jalie pattern. Continue reading “U is for Underwear – Jalie 2568 Pattern Review”
Charles James is getting a lot of recognition this year with a look at his legendary career with an exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, Charles James: Beyond Fashion. Considered to be a “master of the cut and fold” his creations are an architectural marvel. Hailed by his rivals like Chanel, Dior, Balenciaga, Schiaparelli as well as countless women from high society ( and not so high like Gypsy Rose Lee) as the best and only dressmaker, James considered himself first and foremost an artist. Take a look at some of his art.
Continue reading “Born On This Day: Charles James July 18, 1906”
I have quite a few 12″ quilt blocks that I’ve made just for fun. One of my favorites is a block from Carol Doak’s book 50 Fabulous Paper Pieced Stars book. The blocks have been sitting in my quilt block pile for quite some time, waiting for their future home. The time has come to turn it into a tote bag for my friend Paula. We’re planning to go on a cruise to Alaska next year and this block is the “Alaska” block from Carol’s book. I love the Frozen-esque colors! Continue reading “Tote Bag from Quilt Blocks”
Sometime last year, I (Lynne) found some fabulous knit fabric at the ARC Thrift Store in Louisville, Colorado. There were actually two pieces, each costing $3 or less. One I kept and one I gave to Kitty, in a challenge to see what each of us would make. At long last, we are ready to reveal our masterpieces! Continue reading “Fabric Swap #1 – The Floral Knit”
What goes up must come down and Burda is no exception. After the excellent issue they put out last month, they seem to have gone into a death spiral. I’ll try to stay positive and give you the good news first. My favorite piece from this issue was this color blocked raglan sleeve top. The suggested fabric is jersey, but I could see going up a size and making it in silk (with a zipper in the side probably). Continue reading “Burda July 2014 Review (International Edition)”
On a Saturday while the kids were helping feed the homeless, (the homeless can wait, I’ve got pants to make) I made a plan to make pants. I made pants all day long. Here’s the result of my labors.
This is from a OOP Butterrick 4998 pattern that I getting to almost perfection. The fabric is a green something I got in a discount bin. Nice for muslin. Works better than muslin actually. See the wrinkles at the bottom, I can’t tell if that’s just the way I was standing, the fabric or what. Plus, the fabric IS kind of wrinkly.
The alterations I made: Continue reading “Making Pants That Fit”
When I made the pants muslin for the Silhouette Patterns One-Day Seminar in Denver, I actually made two of them! I chose the wrong size initially, using my hip measurement, not my sitting hip measurement. I ended up with an extra pants muslin and lots of scraps. At first, that extra muslin and those scraps were in my trash bin. But the Kitty sitting on my shoulder suggested that maybe I could do something useful with those scraps. I really didn’t have many ideas at all and I still don’t. Do you have any ideas? Continue reading “What Can I Do With Muslin Scraps?”
For the 20th post in my 
series, the letter T, I made the “Tie-On!” sundress.
I needed a sundress to wear to my June “Sew ‘N Sudz” meeting. The Sew ‘N Sudz meetup group was created by lovely Tish of HISS Studio to provide an opportunity for home sewers to showcase their handmade garments. As a retiree I wear jeans almost every day, so this group is an excellent incentive for me to leave my comfort zone and dress creatively, if only once a month. Continue reading “T is for TieOn! Dress: Butterick 5482 – A Pattern Review”
I was intrigued enough by the design of these slouchy pleat front pants by StyleArc that I bought the pattern, but then I waffled on whether to actually make them. I’ve never tried on a pair of pleat front pants that I liked, and frankly the image they always bring to mind is something like this…
Unfortunately, most of what you may have learned in school about Betsy Ross and the creation of the American flag is most likely myth. Here are a few facts about Betsy Ross one of American’s most honored seamstresses. (For more fascinating history check out the Wiki page “Betsy Ross Flag”) • Elizabeth “Betsy” Griscom was born on January 1, 1752, and lived in Philadelphia for … Continue reading Facts About Betsy Ross America’s 1st Lady of Sewing
Remember girls: If you don’t take Home Ec you won’t have the Know-How Look, you’ll hang your head in shame and won’t get a date for the Jr. Prom. Caution: High levels of hokey acting, but oh so charming. Plus, an interesting behind the scenes look at Simplicity sewing pattern drafting. Worth the time! Enjoy. Continue reading The Importance of Home Ec. with #Simplicity Sewing Patterns
It looks like three of us have signed up to take the one-day Silhouette Patterns fitting seminar in Denver. And all of three of us are planning on making pants muslins. Continue reading “Working Towards Pants that Fit”
This refashion started out as a white dust ruffle generously given to me by my dear friend Sally, whom I met volunteering at the Boulder Humane Society Thrift & Gift store. Sally gifted me with 2 identical panels, so I had 232 inches of 19″ wide 100% cotton fabric to work with. The dust ruffle conveniently already had a rod pocket sewn at the top which made me suspect these might be window valances made to coordinate with bed dust ruffles. Whatever they were, they could not have been more perfect for a skirt makeover! Continue reading “Ombre Dip Dye Dust Ruffle Skirt Refashion”
My closet is void of summer tops. So, I put it upon myself to make a few this summer. This started out as a muslin, but it is a wearable muslin for sure, with mistakes minor and hidden. Here’s a down and dirty review of New Look 6871. Name: New Look 6871 View: D Modified Size: 10 Fabric: From stash, Project Runway silky – no longer available. Level … Continue reading New Look 6871 – Finished! Easy Summer Top
I was intrigued by this little tidbit of fabric from Fabric Mart Fabric. It was in Julie’s Picks for June – a little “scuba knit” fabric from Maggy London. It has a nice combination of colors with a leaf motif. How could I possibly lose with this one? So I ordered up almost two yards and lo this is what I received! I was expecting … Continue reading What to do with a Scuba Knit?
For the 19th post in my series, the letter S, I’ve sewn a Simplicity pattern, #7499.
I had A MULTITUDE of Simplicity patterns to choose from in my pattern stash. Judging from the number of Simplicity UFOs (unfinished objects) I have stored in my attic, apparently Simplicity was once my favorite pattern company. I’m actually embarrassed to admit to my UFO count.
Let’s just say it’s a good thing my attic is quite large. Continue reading “S is for Simplicity 7499 – A Pattern Review”
The July issue of Burda just showed up in my mailbox which made me realize I’m a month behind in reviews. I think I was putting off reviewing June because there was so much I liked, I knew it would take awhile. Warm up your scrolling finger and let’s do this…
Continue reading “Burda June 2014 Review (International Edition)”
If you’re like me and love looking through vintage fashion illustration either on Pinterest, around the web or in (gasp!) a book you most likely have seen Paul Iribe. Paul Iribe was a fashion illustrator and collaborated with some of the top designers of his day. He worked with Paul Poiret, Coco Chanel (they were also lovers, he died rather suddenly and some alleged he … Continue reading Born on this day – Paul Iribe June 18, 1883
This new pattern for summer from McCall’s looked like a great collection of basics – tank top, short sleeve, mid-length sleeve, and long sleeve with V-neck or round neck. I love wearing sleeveless tops in the summer and thought I’d give this one a try. If the fit was good, I could use this pattern in the cooler months for basic tops. Continue reading “McCall’s 6964 Pattern Review”
For the 18th post in my series, the letter R, I decided to sew the Renfrew top from Sewaholic Patterns. Sewaholic Patterns is the brainchild of Tasia, a pattern maker and sewing blogger based in Vancouver, Canada. Tasia specializes in designing patterns specifically to fit pear-shaped women, who would need to combine sizes in order to acheive a good fit with most commercial dress patterns. The 15 Sewaholic Patterns are unique – they are drafted for a B cup bust, wider hips, more muscular thighs, and a height of 5’4″. Continue reading “R is for Renfrew – A Pattern Review”
Choosing the wrong fabric for a pattern can ruin a garment for even the most experienced seamstress. I’ve been wanting to make the Antionette Pants by StyleArc since the pattern was released, but I haven’t been able to find any pictures of a finished pair online to see what fabric others have used and front pleats SCARE ME. There’s a fine line between slouchy cool and having enough room to be smuggling something down the front of your pants. Seriously, that is a dangerous area to accidentally have too much volume! Continue reading “Testing the Drape of a Fabric and StyleArc Antionette Pants”
Slips. Why don’t we wear slips? And, really with Madame Liz has inspiration, you think every woman in the world would be slipping into a slip. That’s how you wear a slip! Here’s a little video from the ’40’s of the great slip. There is so much to love here. The music is perfect, the choreography is Balanchine worthy and, the camera work is amazing. Oh … Continue reading How to wear a slip
Kitty made this dress in May and reported on it here. I loved it so much I thought I’d give it a try myself. At the time, Kitty brought the neckline up by 3/4″ and adjusted the back waist to be more curve-hugging. I thought I’d give it a try without any modifications. Continue reading “McCall’s 6074 Pattern Review”
Some news for Denver folks – the Joann’s in Westminster is having a “closing” sale. (Don’t worry, they’re just moving to another building in Westminster and selling everything off rather than moving it.) I stopped in on Saturday because I heard they were selling off the fixtures and I wanted a pattern cabinet for cheap. (Yes, my pattern collection is embarrassingly large.) Unfortunately for me some guy had showed up before me that morning and bought the whole row of cabinets!
Continue reading “Local News – Westminster Joann’s Closing and Elfriede’s Fabric Swap”
For the 17th post in my series, the letter Q, I decided to complete my unfinished quilt. About 10 years ago (when I was making quilt tops rather than garments) I signed up for a quilt class at a Chicago sewing studio. After struggling through sewing two quilt tops on my own, I hoped that the class would help me improve my patchwork technique. The students had their choice of two designs: a log cabin quilt or the Amy Butler Charm quilt. Since my first quilt was in the log cabin style, I chose to make the appliqued Amy Butler Charm quilt. The pattern for the Amy Butler Charm quilt was just a grouping of simple patchwork rectangles with “football” shapes appliqued on top. I knew the rectangles wouldn’t be difficult to cut or sew, and hopefully the instructor could teach me the art of applique, something I’d never tried before, but was eager to learn. Continue reading “Q is for Quilt”
Linda Przybyszewski was in Denver at the Tattered Cover bookstore doing a reading and book signing of her book The Lost Art of Dress: The Women Who Once Made America Stylish. Linda is a wonderful speaker, has a doctoral degree from Nortre Dame with an emphasis on law, history, culture and dress. She teaches a class called We Are A Nation of Slobs: The Art, Ethics … Continue reading The Lost Art of Dress by Linda Przybyszewski
The next in my series of new McCall’s patterns for Summer is this batwing. I love batwings, but I think this one is a bit too much like a smock or poncho or cape. It’s super comfy to wear, but I feel very vulnerable without wearing a tank top or cami underneath. If I lean forward, the front just flops open and I think the smallest breeze will probably blow the thing right off of my head. The neckline is just too low. Next time, I need to modify the pattern by possibly making the shoulder seam allowances something like 2″. Continue reading “McCall’s 6962 – Pattern Review”
For the 16th post in my series, the letter P, I chose to sew a pattern I found on the New Zealand blog “Pattern Scissors Cloth”. The Ruby Slip, posted on 12/10/11, is available as a free downloadable pattern. Sherry, the blogger behind Pattern Scissors Cloth, also hosted a sew-along for the pattern on 12/12/11.
Continue reading “P is for Pattern Scissors Cloth: Free Downloadable Pattern”
It is Memorial Day Weekend here in the US. Memorial Day is the day we remember and honor our fallen war heroes. I personally don’t know anyone who has died while in service to our country, but am exceedingly grateful for those who are willing to put themselves in harm’s way. That’s a lot to ask of anyone. And though we may not be a … Continue reading McCall’s 6961 – Pattern Review
Here is Claire McCardell’s The Essential Eleven – Eleven rules every designer, either professional or individual should embrace. Learn to see Learn to sew Learn to drape Learn color Learn anatomy Learn to wear clothes well and appropriately Learn the difference between good taste and bad taste Learn what sells and what doesn’t Learn fashion history – trends-cycles Learn how to feel changes before they come Learn how … Continue reading Born on this Day Claire McCardell – May 24, 1905
For my 2nd post in my quest to sew at least one project from every sewing book I own, I’ve sewn another purse. I didn’t have a choice as to what to sew this time – the book I used is “Making Vintage Bags” by Emma Brennan. “Making Vintage Bags” was published in 2007 and contains instructions and patterns to create 20 original purses. This handbag sewing book is unique because the purses are vintage-inspired. The styles are reminiscent of bags from the 1920s through the 1950s, with 5 patterns representing each decade. Continue reading “Making Vintage Bags Purse Project”
After a few busy weeks where I didn’t have time to sew, the thought of going back to the the moto jacket I was working on was starting to feel like a chore. Do you ever spend so long on a project it starts to weigh on you? I’m still going to finish it, I SWEAR, I just felt that at the moment I needed an easy win to get my confidence back up. Enter Vogue 1395 – a Rebecca Taylor dress pattern from the latest spring Vogue collection. Continue reading “Vogue 1395 – Back in the saddle”
I love scarves. Love wearing ’em and making ’em. Here are a couple of scarves that I made on a Sunday afternoon. This first one is fabric from Lynne that she scored while she was in Japan. It’s from an old kimono that must have been a beautiful kimono in its prime. Lynne, during her trip to Japan stopped at a place that sells kimono … Continue reading Out of scraps a beauty is born – Making scarves from scraps
Yet again I have a new book sitting on my shelf, beckoning me with fun projects. “Sew Gifts!” from That Patchwork Place has been tempting me for a few months now. I purchased it largely for the project on the cover and the Dresden Pouch shown on the Introduction page. I am indeed getting lazy because I know I can figure out most projects in the book without instructions, but I just don’t want to anymore! Continue reading ““Sew Gifts!” and the Zippered Dresden Pouch”
For the 15th post in my series, the letter O, I chose an Ottobre design pattern. Ottobre design is a Finnish sewing magazine, with traceable patterns included in each issue. The magazine is printed in Finnish, English, German, French, Dutch, and Swedish. They also publish a separate children’s pattern magazine. Ottobre is available as a subscription here. I don’t actually have a subscription to Ottobre though, fellow Denver Sews blogger Jamie gave me the Autumn/Winter 2013 issue at a Denver Sewing Collective meet-up. Thanks Jamie!
Considering the summer styles are usually when Burda patterns seem to drop off in complexity and I start to lose interest, I was pretty happy with the variety in the May issue. Let’s jump right in… My favorite dress from this issue was this v-neck raglan sleeve dress with contrast bands along all the seam lines. Unfortunately for me this was a tall pattern and I don’t know that I have the enthusiasm to shorten it. Continue reading “Burda May 2014 Review (International Edition)”
Jane awhile back talked about her handpicked zipper that she did on Butterick 5917. I tend to avoid any hand sewing like the plague. My Sewing OCD comes out like crazy because I want all the stitches to be nice and even. Plus, I’m a horrific hand-sewer to begin with, OCD aside. So it was with great reluctance that I decided to put in a … Continue reading Handpicked Zipper Application – Tutorial
At the last Denver Mancuso Quilt Festival, I purchased some quilting tools that looked extremely promising. The first was a tool for trimming perfect half-square triangle blocks from Bloc Loc. The second was a set of tools from guidelines4quilting that promised to make cutting strips easy and ruler-slippage a thing of the past! Continue reading “Some Cool Quilting Tools”
For the letter N, the 14th post in my series, I used New Look pattern 6598. I don’t think I’ve ever sewn a New Look pattern that ended up fitting me, probably because I used to sew the size that matched my measurements. I’ve now learned to sew one size smaller when using commercial patterns. In fact 6598 wasn’t a pattern I wanted to purchase or sew. Because of my fear of sewing buttonholes and zippers I usually choose knit pullover tops. And 6598 is a blouse – with buttonholes! So how did I wind up using New Look 6598 for my N project? Continue reading “N is for New Look 6598”
I cannot help but be intrigued by a cute, usable fabric box with a seemingly complicated design on its exterior. I’ve been thinking of buying the privilege of watching this video for some time and finally did. Continue reading “DailyCraftTV – Chevron Fabric Basket REVIEW”
Running my first Maker Faire was a grand experiment. I went in with a ton of clothing and fabric and a thread bare plan. Fortunately, Jamie was there on Friday’s load-in to help plan something a little better than “Oh, just make stuff, I guess”. On her suggestion we went to the Last-stop-before-Africa-store, aka Goodwill Outlet where you buy stuff by the pound. We got 33 … Continue reading Denver Mini Maker Faire – Recap
Denver Sewing Collective 
