I finally got around to trying a zero-waste sewing pattern! This is the Brumer Wrap Dress by Milan AV-JC. And I’m “on location” in Costa Rica! I made this dress as a beach cover up so naturally it was necessary to get to a beach ASAP in order to test it out. 😉 So what is a zero-waste pattern? In essence, it’s designed to use … Continue reading Zero Waste Sewing: The Brumer Dress by Milan AV-JC
So I get that it’s, like, the end of January, but I wrote this damn post a few weeks ago and didn’t realize I hadn’t hit the publish button! And, this Top 5 is actually a Top 8, because when I originally wrote it, holiday decision fatigue was setting in and, well, if you’re reading this post this late in January, I don’t think you’re … Continue reading Sewing Top 5 Hits: the post I never hit “publish” on
In December of 2017 I signed up for the Ready to Wear (RTW) Fast — no buying any clothes during 2018. There is SO MUCH to be learned from a buying fast, and I highly recommend the challenge to anyone, even non-sewists. First, a disclaimer. I didn’t get through the whole year without buying RTW clothes. I gained weight in the spring and summer and when … Continue reading Reflections on Refraining from Buying Clothes for a Year
This is my finished version of the Jalie Yoko Square Roll-Neck Top — a free pattern! Merci, Jalie! (If you read my last blog post and couldn’t click through to the pattern, the link is definitely working now.) I modified mine by adding 5 inches to the length so I could wear it with leggings and have my butt covered. Another modification: I made the … Continue reading Yoko Convertible Turtleneck Sweater & New Clothes Making Mavens podcast episode
‘Tis the season of being broke-ass! So I thought I’d share with you some of the free patterns I’ve discovered lately. Maybe something here works with some fabric in your stash, so you don’t have to lay out any cash to get your sew on. That’s what I call #brokeasssewing! Jalie’s Yoko sweater – just released today! Thanks to Dawn and Mayra on That Sewing Blab … Continue reading A few free patterns for #brokeasssewing
This pattern photo from the latest Butterick collection stopped me in my tracks. Now, I know that a lot of indie patterns have already been actively moving towards more inclusion with the models they choose, using a range of sizes, body types, ages, ethnicities, abilities, and gender identities. But you know we’re in the throes of positive change when one of the big commercial companies … Continue reading Remember this moment
More snuggly sweatshirts for snowy Sunday snack snarfing! This is McCall’s 6792 (Misses’ Batwing top and dress). I used some wool-blend jersey leftover from my early Marty Feldman wadder. Looking back on it now, I really could have rescued that top, but that’s several more years of sewing experience talking now. (Plus regret at having wasted beautiful royal blue wool jersey.) At the time, I … Continue reading Wrapping up in Cozy, Part 2: McCall’s & Vogue Sweatshirts
