Blue Sewing Machine Illustration by me (gouache + digital) With Christmas safely tucked behind us, I've been reflecting on the past year as we head into 2013. I started this blog in July of 2012 and embarked on my sewing mission in August. In approximately four months, I have sewn 37 items for K (including the polar bear hat). I can't believe it! I really started getting into the groove in October when I joined in the KCWC fun. Although I pin my hand-sewn clothes images to one of my ... Read more
Happy Holidays + Polka Dot Party Dress
Hello! We are in a frenzy here, but in a good way. My mom is visiting from California for a few weeks, and not only do we get to sample her glorious cooking, K gets to practice her budding Japanese language skills. That up there is a little tree in K's room. The ornaments are about an inch high, and we've had them forever. I made a little party dress. It's a french-inspired dress from this book. I've had this polka dot silk-like fabric in my stash for a while now. It's probably polyester, ... Read more
Happy Friday + Color-blocking
It's the end of the week again, which means Christmas Eve is 10 days away...I am a teensy weensy bit overwhelmed. Anyway, Happy Friday! Have you been enjoying the color-block trend as much as I have? I recently acquired this very cool fabric, and it's got Lycra (though mostly cotton) that gives it a sheen and stretch and almost raincoat-like feel to it. I immediately wanted to make a jacket. This pattern from this book is actually a peter-pan collared coat, but I didn't want to break up ... Read more
Suspended in time
This is K when she was about 2. I had made this suspender dress from this book and was thinking about making it again so I unearthed these images. I was then pummeled with nostalgia. Do you see those curls? I loved her curls. Shortly after this photo was taken, her hair started to grow out straighter, pushing the spiral tendrils toward the bottom - business on top, party on the bottom. At age three, we cut off the last remnants of curls and I still mourn that day. Don't get me wrong, she ... Read more
Happy Friday + Plaid Tunic
Happy Friday! To me, tunics epitomize the Japanese wardrobe aesthetic, and I'm all about the Japanese aesthetic. That loose, boxy silhouette ideally made in linen, layered in neutrals. Inspired by lovelies created like this and this, I sewed up a tunic. It's a linen/cotton blend, and I think it's rather charming with its big ole pockets on the sides (perfect spots for Rose + Bob) and cheerful plaid. With gathers and various panels, I didn't even bother matching up the plaid, but by pure ... Read more