Good morning! Everyone knows about K's love of animal prints. And most people know that I make all her clothes, so of course, she received two yards of animal print fabric for her birthday. "Pants!" she said without an iota of hesitation when I asked her what she'd like me to make with her special fabric. Pants it is. I used the "slim pants" pattern from this great book, but made a few mods in addition to lengthening the pant legs by 1cm. I changed the front pockets (the original ... Read more
The Great Pattern Hack
It's my turn to chatter on about the lovely collaboration with Melissa of A Happy Stitch and Michael Miller Fabrics (via Kait of Making it Fun): The Great Pattern Hack! My pattern hacking skills are still pretty basic, so I didn't get all fancy or wild on you, but I had lots and lots of fun modifying the Southport Dress into two garments. First up, the strappy-backed tank: I selected the Indigo Midnight Cotton Couture, which has a drapey hand and feels like an ever so slightly ... Read more
Monday Outfit: Henry Dress in Gradients of Grey
Good morning! We're still recovering from the Fourth of July party, the heat and technical blips, but I have a new garment to share today, and that's always an energy booster for me. A few months ago, I had fun sewing up the Franklin dress + tunic (in fact, K wore the tunic when we went to see the fireworks on Saturday). The lovely Erin of Brooklyn Pattern Co. contacted me again recently to see if I'd be interested in giving the Henry dress a try. But of course! I had a hard time ... Read more
Bralette
Yes. I made K a "bralette". Or, as it is known in preadolescent female circles, the training bra. She almost exploded from happiness. I self-drafted the pattern (it's just a cropped tank top after all) and as soon as I tied off the last knot, she whisked it from my hands and hasn't taken it off for the last 48 hours. M recommended that I make her a few more versions or the beautiful white Anna Sui knit (also used for the puff-sleeved tee) may end up some unspeakable hue. We're prudes here, ... Read more
Nani IRO Month!
It's that time of the year when Frances of Miss Matatabi stocks her shop with the dreamiest, newest season of the Nani Iro fabric line designed by the one and only Naomi Ito. If you haven't already, do check out the interview Frances posted with Naomi's thoughtful and inspiring responses. It's my second year participating in Nani Iro Month, and the 2015 designs may be my favorite. I selected two to showcase, and the first one is called Free Way - hitoiki. Hitoiki, means a single breath, ... Read more