It’s a beautiful world after all. I recently went to visit my parents. At the last-minute, before leaving my home, I grabbed my wool coat just to show my mom. I knew she would be interested in seeing it even though I wasn’t happy with it. I had room in the car so why not […] Read more…
How to Make Pot Holders
After sewing the coat that turned out to be unflattering, I wanted to sew something fun, kinda’ easy, and where success is a pretty sure thing. Ah, pot holders. I’ve made pot holders as gifts with themed fabric picked just for the recipient. I’ve made them as a class fund raiser using muslin the students potato […] Read more…
The Coat is Done But I Have No Reason To Celebrate
I “finished” the coat about two weeks ago. But it wasn’t what I hoped it would be so I wasn’t excited to share. However, I had put a lot of time, effort and money into the project, the sewing was flawless (flawless, I tell you) and it was cold outside so I was going to […] Read more…
Hand Stitching the Pockets On
I couldn’t believe the difficulty I had with these patch pockets. Patch pockets, right? Easiest pockets there are but not this time. Here are my four stumbling blocks; First, I lost motivation. I had to stop sewing completely for a week as we went away for the holiday. Second, placement of the pockets was difficult […] Read more…
Coat Collar
Geez Louise! I’m so happy that I did not skip making this coat in muslin first. I did it to make sure the fit was right but it’s the opportunity to figure out the collar construction that makes me glad I’m sewing a muslin. Let me share my confusion; Read more…
The Start of a New Project – A Wool Coat
I always say if I’m going to take the time to make a garment then I’m going to take the time to make it right. Trying my best to be efficient, by all means, but no short cuts. And now I sound like a complete hypocrite by challenging myself to get this coat done in […] Read more…
Bunting; An Easy and Fast Project For Any Festive Occasion
I see bunting for sale in catalogs and at craft shows. It can turn any room instantly festive. We use it outdoors at the school I work at on special days and and at booths when we have a table. Teachers have borrowed it to use at home when they’ve hosted baby showers. If done […] Read more…
Tinkerbell Costume – Completed
I finished. I made a gathered tulle skirt to wear under the “skirt” of the pattern. I think it should be called a peplum and I added an inch to the length. I cut the bottom edge of the tulle skirt in a points. Just random points, after I had sewn the skirt. Since the […] Read more…
Sewing the Lining to the Bodice – Not How I Thought it Would Be.
Sewing my daughter’s Halloween costume, Simplicity #2757. I didn’t have the camera when I was sewing this part so I drew the steps out. Because the front and back pieces form a right angle with the side pieces at the neckline I couldn’t just sew one seam starting at the left side center front, around […] Read more…
Tinker Bell Halloween Costume
My daughter is 18. She wants to be Tinker Bell for Halloween this year. When you’re 18 your Halloween costume has to be somewhat stylish no matter what you’re dressing up as (I’ve seen Mean Girls). My daughter is away at University so pattern decisions took place via email. Measurements were taken on a recent […] Read more…