Oh Christmas tree, oh Christmas tree, I decorated your branches but I neglected to cover up your tree stand. Well, to the defense of my laziness the lower branches and the gifts, once wrapped and placed under the tree, hide the mammoth, green, plastic stand pretty well. How did I get so lackadaisical? Years ago I made […] Read more…
Easy and Quick Fabric Gift Bags
I have a love hate relationship with gift wrap. I love the designs, the colors, the way they make the simplest gifts look so good. I don’t like that it can only be used onced and then tossed away. (Yes, same with Kleenex, but Kleenex serves a very useful purpose before it is tossed). Gift bags are slightly better […] Read more…
Pattern Review: Easy Wristlet Purse by Sue Kim
What I sewed: Wristlet Zipper Purse Pattern found in Bags the Modern Classics by Sue Kim and published by Stash Books Bag sewer and pattern maker Sue Kim of ithinksew.com has been making bags since 2007. She published Bags the Modern Classics in 2011. I recently picked it up used. I liked a few of the […] Read more…
How to Sew French Seams
The recently sewn Rachel Comey Vogue pattern 1247, used French seams in the construction of the top. Upon reading this on the instruction sheet my first thought was actually three thoughts; What? Why? and How? What is a French seam? It’s a construction method used where the seam allowance is enclosed as the seam is […] Read more…
Rachel Comey Top; Vogue 1247 Pattern Review
My sewing brain is on summer vacation. It doesn’t want to think hard it just wants to sew. So I’m sewing “easy” patterns which I’m enjoying tremendously. There’s more actual sewing and less puzzle solving. I’m getting garments done and, bonus, they’re wearable. Rachel Comey’s design for Vogue Patterns, V1247, is my latest success. The pattern includes […] Read more…
Kwik Sew’s Bow Tie: Easy to Sew
A bow tie was never something I thought I would make. I’m not against them, they simply aren’t on my radar. Besides, I view ties like undies; garments to be bought at a store. Yet, I’ve just made a bow tie and I liked it. It went so fast and so easy. Recently a friend […] Read more…
Lisette Top: Butterick 6182 Pattern Review
It is the middle of Me-Made-May and I seem to be achieving the exact opposite of it’s desired effect. Instead of appreciating the clothing I’ve made by wearing them more often, I’m getting tired of my self made garments because I wear the same few pieces all the time. Someone give me a box store […] Read more…
Easy to Make Earbud Holder
(Please note, this post has been updated. My original post used hook and loop tape to hold a tab down but the glue couldn’t hold the Velcro so I now recommend using a snap in place of the hook and loop tape.) Here’s a first world problem; storing your earbuds. There are a wide array […] Read more…
Easy to Make Floor Pillow Covers
My daughter is in her first apartment and wanted to buy a big armchair for comfy reading except that money doesn’t grow on trees. I suggested a bean bag chair but then more seriously floor pillows. Floor pillows are comfy, arrangeable, can easily be transported when moving and are budget friendly. To make them even […] Read more…
A Review of McCall’s 4116; An Easy to Sew Head Scarf
My friend has started chemotherapy treatments and will soon lose her hair. I wanted to help more than just visiting a couple times (we live 458 miles apart) so I asked if I could make her some head scarves or hats. The answer was yes but the style was completely up to me to choose. […] Read more…