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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

Happy Friday + Drop Top!

December 2, 2016

Happy Friday! Has it really been over four months since I posted something I made for myself?? Whoo-boy, it's been a long time. Well, I'm bursting at the seams to tell you all about the Drop Top by Madeit Patterns today -- I've already worn my Drop top multiple times and can't wait to make more. In fact, I've made two versions already and they've been lifesavers for Thanksgiving dinner and a book event. It's just the right blend of elevated casual with loads of ... Read more

Filed in: giveaway, sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 21 Comments

Endless Summer Tunics

July 18, 2016

Good morning! Looky here -- I sewed something! In fact, I sewed two somethings: This is the Endless Summer Tunic pattern by A Verb For Keeping Warm (have you seen the IG feed? Stunning). How is it that I didn't know about this pattern? I made the grey linen one first -- complete with pockets -- and used the same fabric as this top for the yoke facing and pocket linings. I should mention that I've long since donated that polka dot button down because I felt sloppy and frumpola in it ... Read more

Filed in: sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 32 Comments

Happy Friday + Randomness

May 27, 2016

Happy Friday! I'm just popping in with a quick Me-Made-May update. This past week was all about tops in stripes and checks -- then again, it's always about tops with stripes and checks for me. Note that the order of the images doesn't exactly match the order of the days below. The inner OCD in me begged for some sort of symmetry. Day 20: Simplicity 1538 plaid shirt Day 21: Simplicity 6241 pink + grey knit top Day 22: Julia Cardigan in indigo stripes Day 23: New Look 6648 coral ... Read more

Filed in: sewing for me • by sanae • 4 Comments

McCall’s 7251 in Black + White Knit

March 30, 2016

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

Filed in: sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 18 Comments

More Mods to The French Sailor Top

March 21, 2016

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

Filed in: sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 12 Comments

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Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your loved ones! Happy Thanksgiving to you and all your loved ones! I’m spending time with family in the Midwest and there is much to be grateful for, not the least of which is the slower pace this week. Sending big hugs to you! 🧡🧡🧡🧡 Incidentally, this ikebana floral arrangement is one of the illustrations that didn’t make it into my book SHIBUI — I painted a lot of extra illos!

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