As I tossed on my new top, set up the tripod to take these photos and wrestled my out-of-control hair into a braid, I had a major realization: I am at ease in my body. I don't say this lightly because...well, until now I've NEVER been at ease in my body. I won't belabor the point, but when I finally got over all the excuses I built up and sewed my first pair of Ginger Jeans earlier this year (I'm wearing them in these pix -- they're my favorite pair of jeans ever), something shifted. I'm ... Read more
WIP + Lamenting the Lack of Tween Sewing
I remember this same feeling last year as I prepared for the book launch of Little K. Full of anticipation and bursting with ideas, terribly intent on creating elaborate behind-the-scenes blog posts and the whole shebang. But all I have for you today is a work-in-progress shot, making it look ever-so-slightly less mundane with some shallow depth of field photography of a cool print fabric and even cooler pair of Gingher shears. Easter was a big success, though we had to delay the egg ... Read more
More Mods to The French Sailor Top
Good morning! I've been experimenting with the French Sailor Top pattern from a couple of weeks ago and hallelujah, I now have two tops that will be a staple in my wardrobe. This is my original French Sailor Top (size medium with no modifications other than an extra cm in sleeve length): This first attempt was too tight across the chest and the bust darts were a joke. To rectify the situation, I started by modifying the medium. I liked Angela's suggestion of doing a broad back ... Read more
Effortless Baby Gift
Good morning! Our weekend was jam-packed with fun, and although I don't have a whole lot to show for it (unless you count the dark circles under my eyes from trying to shift my schedule for Daylight Savings), I did make these sweet double-gauze blankets for a friend's baby shower, just in time for the event on Sunday. Fabric design has come a long way since K was a tiny tot. I was amazed by the choices available here (love these birdies), but I got these gender neutral fabrics that are ... Read more
Linen Chambray French Sailor Top
Whenever I sew for myself, I feel like Goldilocks. Too big. Too small. Too long. Too short. Too dowdy. Too racy. Too something, always in search of just right. Don't let these photos fool you, because this unassuming chambray linen top is too, too tight. Look at how loose it is on the model: I used this book, and thank goodness this was a simple top to sew up because it has all sorts of issues, but they're completely fixable. First of all, I can't stretch much in this ... Read more