I hadn't consciously planned on three tours in a row, but I've noticed that these opportunities to try non-Japanese patterns give me the much needed push to get me out of my sewing comfort zone and try something new. And when you combine a good educational cause with a bundle of patterns I'm eager to try like this Perfect Pattern Parcel #6, it's all kinds of goodness. I've been part of the Pattern Parcel round-up before here and here and here, and though they've all been great, this ... Read more
Monday Outfit: E & E Ponderosa + (Slightly Modified) Hemlock
Good morning! Any time Heidi of Elegance & Elephants asks me if I'd like to try out her patterns, it's an automatic yes. Her designs are comfortable and stylish and the kind of garments that K actually wants to wear. "OH MY GOSH I LOVE IT," is what K said when I presented her the Ponderosa dress. I'm a fan of the chartreuse double-knit combined with the muted bold stripes, and K is a fangirl too. The only part I didn't follow exactly was the neckband attachment. I used my ... Read more
Franklin Dress + Tunic
Happy Friday! There's a new player in the indie pattern circuit, and I was excited to be invited to try out Brooklyn Pattern's brand new offering: The Franklin Dress. Erin, the creator, has such a fascinating background (circus, ballet and opera costume designer!) and because I worked in theater for a while, I feel a kinship with her. The Franklin dress has a vintage-inspired feel with a pleated yoke and puffy sleeves, and it actually reminds me of the many Japanese patterns I've pumped ... Read more
Sewing for Me: Wool Zip-Up Vest
Good morning! Since I'll be sharing a K-sized outfit on Friday this week, I thought I would change up the routine and post this wool vest I made a few days ago. I haven't sewn much with wool, and this fabric is actually a polyester blend full of slubbiness and stretch. I'm not sure if that made it easier or not, but oh, the shedding...don't get me started on the shedding. There is a thin layer of dark grey dust all over my sewing area at the moment, and it's looking rather ... Read more
Monday Outfit: Necessity Sewing
Good morning! For over two years, I've been sewing K an outfit nearly every week. An important lesson from last year was that I failed to make her enough clothes that are appropriate for cooler weather. All my lovely linen creations and flimsy dresses sat unloved as temperatures dipped and poor K suffered through the rainy season (which, as you know in the Pacific Northwest, lasts forever) with nary a waterproof jacket. I decided to rectify the situation this year and got some water-resistant ... Read more