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Sanae Ishida

A crafty little atelier in a grey city

The Great Pattern Hack

July 14, 2015

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

Filed in: sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 36 Comments

Nani IRO Month!

June 26, 2015

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

Filed in: sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 53 Comments

Happy Friday + Randomness

June 5, 2015

Happy Friday! I did it!! I submitted the entire manuscript for book #2 yesterday afternoon, and I am zonked. I've been getting up extra early in the mornings in an attempt to capitalize on my brain power (I've learned that I can't function after 4pm anymore...aging, it's a topic that's taking up a big chunk of mental space these days. I feel the urge to start talking about Pinochle and I don't even know what that is). I have to send out a HUGE shout out to all the pattern testers -- personal ... Read more

Filed in: sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 35 Comments

Sewing for Me: Ginger Skinny Jeans Muslin #2

March 18, 2015

We're getting close. In my glacial-paced sewing of the Ginger skinny jeans, we last left off at discovering that the size 12 made me look like I'd sampled Charlie Chaplin's trousers. Like so: So I shaved off a size from the original muslin and dutifully sewed up a size 10 muslin (fabric salvaged!). At first glance and with a roomy top (the beige-y top is a Renfrew I made in the softest imaginable bamboo knit a while back that I never shared here. I love it to death), it's looking ... Read more

Filed in: sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 40 Comments

Sewing for Me: A Linen Top + Ginger Jeans Muslin

February 11, 2015

I almost forgot how to set up the tripod, it's been so long since I've inundated you with selfies. So today, I've got a double-whammy with a stripey linen top made using this lovely book (it turns out I was misleading on instagram and showed the wrong book) and a quick and dirty muslin of the Ginger Jeans by Closet Case Patterns. I can't help but make these maternity-esque tops - I just love them so and my stomach is free to hang out in its natural state. Comfort is key, and just ... Read more

Filed in: sewing, sewing for me • by sanae • 27 Comments

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The word that incites terror in most newbie sewing The word that incites terror in most newbie sewing enthusiasts: zippers. Now that I have a few years of sewing under my belt I’m less cowed by them, but there’s something about long, separating zippers that still makes me nervous. I powered through, however, and made this versatile twill hooded jacket originating from a @patterncouture_ zip-up hoodie pattern meant for knit fabrics that I modified a lot. I blogged about it! Link in bio if you’d like to see the different versions I created. 

To skip zippers altogether and make a truly summery garment, swipe and check out my NEW @creativebug Tiered Dress class (link also in bio!). Back to sewing more hot weather stuff because I’m going to Japan for a special trip next week! 🇯🇵🇯🇵
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