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
The Girl in Red (A Valentine’s Dress)
Good morning! It's mid-winter break right now, so K and I are hanging out and relaxing today and tomorrow. Since we're in vacation mode, the pace is slower around here and I'm posting a little later than usual... I made K this little red number for Valentine's Day. I don't know why, but I tend to avoid the color red -- maybe it's because it's my mom's favorite color and I OD'd on it growing up. It's a great hue on K, though, and I should make more outfits in this color. I'm not sure how ... Read more
McCall 7199 – Asymmetrical Zip Outerwear
I think my body might be shrinking. Or not. Maybe I'm not understanding what "moderate stretch knits" are, since I didn't think the fabric I used was crazy stretchy. This is what the envelope image of McCall 7199 view A looks like: This is how it looks on me: I cut the size 12 and made no mods other than making the hem slightly longer to account for my generous torso length (I folded up 3/8" instead of 1"). I actually like the loose fit, but it might have been a good idea to go ... Read more