A year off from blogging has given me a wonderful boost in sewing energy. In fact, I did so much sewing last year that I decided to start keeping a written Sewing Journal.

The journal consists of an inexpensive notebook and cover. The cover is one I made a few years ago. It’s fashioned after a leather Franklin Covey planner I loved that I found at a thrift store. My cover fits a 5″x7″ spiral bound notebook perfectly. Continue reading “A Sewing Journal!”

lynnenewFebruary 27, 2016May 22, 20166 Comments

Finished Projects

Anthropologie Hack – How to sew an Anthropologie dress using sewing patterns

I love Anthropologie. I am a total sucker for their stylish content marketing, I fall hook line and sinker. Well, not exactly. I have gone to their brick and mortar stores to look at the quality of their garments and frankly, not impressed. On average an Anthropologie dress can cost from 120-348.00, basic Made In China ‘stuff’. So, what is an Anthropologie lovin’ woman to do? Hack it together herself.

In the 2014 fall/winter catalog there are many dresses I would love to have and so I shall by making them myself.

My first hack is this one. And, for some reason it is no longer on their website. It is made of rayon jersey, 3/4 sleeves, scoop neck in a soft grey with a black contrasting fabric and gathers at the waist. Full price was listed at 148.00. Fabric is listed as ‘imported’. Unless it’s from Italy or other more ‘luxurious’ places I’m thinking ‘imported’ generally means China.

Here is my hack and how I put it together. Continue reading “Anthropologie Hack – How to sew an Anthropologie dress using sewing patterns”

JillyJanuary 8, 2015January 9, 201520 Comments

Reviews

Butterfly Kimono from Butterick 6065

Well, this was unintentional, me posting a kimono right after Jamie. Plus, we’re having a Kimono night at the Denver Sewing Collective’s next meetup. I’ve got kimono on the brain. This was an super easy jacket to make. Basically a rectangle folded over and the side sewn where your arms go through. I like the drapey band that Butterick has here. I bought the fabric from … Continue reading Butterfly Kimono from Butterick 6065

JillyNovember 13, 2014November 12, 20148 Comments

Junk Drawer

Operation: Core Wardrobe – No Pain No Gain – Editing the closet

Still moving forward on my core wardrobe. This is the tough part, editing the closet. Twice a year I change from a spring/summer wardrobe to the fall/winter. And, every year I put a few things in the ‘Donate’ pile. Well, it’s about to get a bit ugly this year. With my goal of sewing a core wardrobe it’s important to get rid of things that … Continue reading Operation: Core Wardrobe – No Pain No Gain – Editing the closet

JillySeptember 25, 2014September 24, 201410 Comments

Junk Drawer

Operation: Core Wardrobe – What shape am I?

The idea of sewing my core wardrobe has been growing for the past year. I’ve taken the last 6-9 months or so to plan for it. Not that it needs to take that long to plan for a wardrobe, it’s not like we’re climbing Everest here. Or is it? The first steps in sewing a Core Wardrobe that looks and feels smashing is to determine … Continue reading Operation: Core Wardrobe – What shape am I?

JillyAugust 27, 2014August 26, 201410 Comments

On The Road

Sewing On The Road (In A 1962 #Airstream)

I own a 1962 Airstream. We bought it on a whim, literally drove by it and stopped to inquire and wrote a check. I love the Airstream, but it really is a money pit and we’ve often thought about selling it. But, then when we take it out, we vow to hold on to it and keep working on it. And, it needs work. EVERY year something goes wrong. Like this trip the toilet didn’t work and we didn’t have hot water. We usually stay at RV parks surrounded by very upscale RV’s. As in $300,000 kind of upscale. And, there amid all the glitz and glamour sits our very old Silver Twinkie. But, I love it.

I’ve always wanted to sew in the Airstream and this year I did. Here are a few pointers for sewing on the road. I am no expert but if you decide to sew on the go these might be helpful. Continue reading “Sewing On The Road (In A 1962 #Airstream)”

JillyAugust 13, 2014August 13, 20148 Comments

Finished Projects

Making Pants That Fit

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.

B4998

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”

JillyJuly 9, 2014July 30, 201410 Comments

History

Facts About Betsy Ross America’s 1st Lady of Sewing

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

JillyJuly 3, 2014July 3, 20143 Comments

History

The Importance of Home Ec. with #Simplicity Sewing Patterns

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

JillyJuly 2, 2014July 1, 201410 Comments

Denver, History

The Lost Art of Dress by Linda Przybyszewski

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

JillyJune 4, 2014June 3, 20149 Comments

Reviews

McCall’s 6961 – Pattern Review

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

lynnenewMay 25, 20143 Comments

Junk Drawer

How To Read A Sewing Pattern Envelope

Many would-be great seamstresses get cold feet right after looking at the back of a sewing pattern. There is a lot going on on such a small piece of paper. A foreign language, metric, diagrams, and good grief body measurements most women would rather not think about! Let’s have a look at the back of a sewing pattern envelope. In the end, not such a … Continue reading How To Read A Sewing Pattern Envelope

JillyApril 23, 2014July 1, 20162 Comments

History

Born on this day – William Travilla Costume Designer

William Travilla, known simply Travilla was born on March 22, 1920. Multiple Oscar and Emmy nominee and one time Academy Award winner for the Adventures of Don Juan. Travilla is probably best known for dressing Marilyn Monroe. He designed the iconic white dress in Seven Year Itch as well as the costumes for Gentlemen Prefer Blondes and How To Marry A Millionaire.(For a fascinating look … Continue reading Born on this day – William Travilla Costume Designer

JillyMarch 22, 2014March 22, 20141 Comment

Finished Projects

Sewing the perfect T-shirt = A surprising amount of work

I am working on the perfect t-shirt. One that fits like a glove. Ultimately I want to use a cotton blend fabric with modal that is somewhat sustain-ably made if possible. My goal is to make all my t-shirts from here on out and build on this must have Wardrobe Basic. Continue reading “Sewing the perfect T-shirt = A surprising amount of work”

JillyMarch 12, 2014March 12, 201411 Comments

Tips & Tricks

How To Read A Sewing Pattern

If you are new to sewing or are learning sewing on your own you might be wondering what exactly all those arrows, notches and symbols mean on the sewing pattern. Let’s walk through all the symbols and markings you might find on today’s sewing patterns.

How To Read A Sewing Pattern

The pattern instructions will take you step-by-step through the sewing process. The symbols and markings on the pattern will aid in layout, specify whether it’s the front or back side of the garment, where decorative elements like darts, pleats, etc go and more. Knowing what these symbols mean will aid your garment sewing and improve your final garment. Continue reading “How To Read A Sewing Pattern”

JillyFebruary 13, 2014July 1, 20163 Comments

Junk Drawer

The luxury of sewing all day

Denver Sewing Collective had their first Saturday Sew-In on January 25th. And, boy was it a glowing success. Lynne was able to score her housing development’s club house that had lots of tables, natural light a kitchen and even a fire place and couch. At one point there were 16 of us sewing away like so many mad seamstresses. Lynne’s husband Frank even brought his … Continue reading The luxury of sewing all day

JillyFebruary 1, 2014January 31, 20142 Comments

History

Born on this day – Christian Dior

Christian Dior, always a favorite among the sewing and fashion set, was born January 21, 1905 in Normandy, France. For fashion historians and lovers of vintage style Dior is best known for his “New Look” which emerged right after World War Two. The “New Look” was presented in 1947 and was seen as a fashion revolution that brought women out of the boxy, rationed designs from the war years into voluptuous, excessive glamour. Dior is cited as being the designer who brought fashion back to Paris with his “New Look”. Continue reading “Born on this day – Christian Dior”

JillyJanuary 21, 2014January 20, 20141 Comment

Reviews

Wardrobe Wakeup by Lois Joy Johnson – A Review

“The Wardrobe Wake Up” by Lois Joy Johnson.
I love books on wardrobe building so I loved “The Wardrobe Wake Up” by Lois Joy Johnson. I thought it brought forth a lot of sound and moderate advice. For anyone who sews, this information will work as a guide to help you find the right patterns to build your wardrobe from scratch. I did think the book could have used more detailed photos – like on how to tie scarves. I also think many readers would have loved to see some of Johnson’s ideas in plus sizes, i.e. the cropped pants. Continue reading “Wardrobe Wakeup by Lois Joy Johnson – A Review”

JillyJanuary 15, 2014January 14, 20145 Comments

Denver

Tish Gance of HISS Studio – A modern sewing studio

Tish Gance will be teaching members of Denver Sewing Collective how to obtain perfect fit with sewing patterns at the Fit Fest. Tish owns the sewing studio HISS Studios – in Denver, Colorado and we are so lucky to have her present this class. Tish has been sewing for over 30 years and started sewing about the same time she started working on cars as a teen. … Continue reading Tish Gance of HISS Studio – A modern sewing studio

JillyJanuary 12, 2014January 11, 2014Leave a comment

Humor

7 Reasons Sewing Is Better Than A Cinnabon

youre-not-welcome-in-Cinnabon-ever-again — Image from http://www.sodahead.com

The last time I had fun at the mall I was with my boys. We were looking for back-to-school clothes for them. They were obnoxious on the escalator and we stuffed our faces with fast food. I got a coffee drink at Sbucks and I let them wander around unattended for an hour. So, the mall was fun on that day. And it was fun because I was shopping for them, not for me. Continue reading “7 Reasons Sewing Is Better Than A Cinnabon”

JillyJanuary 8, 2014January 8, 20146 Comments

Finished Projects, Reviews

Tessuti Fave Top – Jill’s Favorite Free Sewing Pattern

I love the Tessuti top! It’s a free download from Tessuti Fabrics, a fabric store based in Australia. All levels of sewers will love this top. It sews up quick and provides lots of opportunities for customization. On mine I lengthened the sleeves about 3 inches and didn’t interface it or even do bias binding, I just folded over the edge and stitched. I wrote a bit more on this top HERE. All in all I love the top, belted or not, and it’s one of the tops that I reach for time and time again. What do you think? Love it or not so much? Continue reading “Tessuti Fave Top – Jill’s Favorite Free Sewing Pattern”

JillyJanuary 2, 2014January 1, 201410 Comments

Junk Drawer

Sewing and the New Year!

I love the New Year. I can’t help but get excited to leave the old year behind and fully embrace the New Year coming. Like many sewers, quilters and crafters I like to think about all the wonderful new things I’ll be sewing and creating. What new techniques will I tackle this year, what new fabrics will I create with, who will I be inspired … Continue reading Sewing and the New Year!

JillyJanuary 1, 2014January 1, 2014Leave a comment

Junk Drawer

Welcome to Denver Sews!

If you own and use a sewing machine, likely you do so in isolation, in the comfort of your sewing room, bedroom, closet or dining room. We have our machines set up just so, our notions and fabric stashes in handy locations, or not. The idea of sewing with others is often a foreign one. If your machine is heavy, there’s some reluctance to try … Continue reading Welcome to Denver Sews!

lynnenewNovember 23, 2013December 31, 2013Leave a comment