• Pattern Reviews

    Pattern Hack: Fibre Mood Hortence

    *This post is sponsored* Hello! Today I am sharing my version of this pattern from Fibre Mood Issue 18, and hopefully inspiring you to get hacking, too . In true Fibre Mood style, Hortence catches a few current trends while retaining a sense of fashion longevity with a classic silhouette. I would say this dress is an easy sew, with an advanced technique- elastic shirring. For support with this technique you can check out the Sew-Along on Fibre Mood’s Instagram page, or search through the sewing blogs & YouTube tutorials out there! Sizing: Available in bust sizes 30″- 57.5″. The pattern describes extra ease and suggests sizing down if preferred,…

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    Pattern Review: The Effie Dress

    *This pattern PDF was sent to me by Michelle Sews Patterns at no cost for the purpose of review. I am happy to share my own thoughts and experience with you. * Pattern Description (from the designer): Effie is a contemporary shirt dress pattern with a straight-cut profile, hidden button placket, and below-knee length. Perfect for warmer weather, but still smart enough for the office. My first thoughts: I was really drawn (haha) to the line graphic of this pattern, it actually doesn’t look like like any of the shirt dresses I have sewn or seen around.It combines relaxed simplicity with elegant simplicity, and that is a rare balance to…

  • Pattern Reviews,  Sewing Community

    Pattern and Kit Review: Float On Top

    * I was sent this kit at no cost from Forest & Thread, for the purpose of review. I am very happy to share my own thoughts and experience with you, and the links included in this post are just to help you find things- no affiliation with them. :)* This pattern is available seperately from the sewing kit as well, so I will review them seperately. Pattern description (from the designer): Slim at the bust and extra wide at the hem, this little number has an undenialbly beautiful construction. A classy keyhole opening allows for a comfortably clost fit crew neck and princess seams offer some elongating vertical action…

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    Fall Fabrics: Stretch Cotton Corduroy

    *This fabric was gifted to me in exchange for review. All opinions and photographs in this post are my own. Please see the Sitka website for the best color rendering as it will vary in my photos.* I had never sewn with corduroy before, and some vague childhood memories of uncomfortable corduroy garments were probably to blame. I took a chance on this fabric because the color looked so incredibly deep and because I thought some stretch may change my mind about comfort. Sewing this was pretty much akin to sewing stretch velvet, but significantly more stable. I washed and machine- dried it, but the website recommends hang-drying (I will…

  • Pattern Reviews,  Sewing Community,  Uncategorized

    Pattern Review: 229 Sailor Pants

    *This blog post is sponsored by Folkwear patterns- but as usual, all opinions and experiences are my own. * It seems that every generation has been influenced by the flared-pant silhouette, and I am no exception. I was drawn in by the story behind this pattern ( Folkwear patterns include a little history and are an enriching experience, all round!) so despite cutting back on my sewing this season, I jumped at the opportunity to try the Sailor Pants pattern. Some things to note: The pattern pieces are big. There are no side seams, and they are long. I had my copy printed in A0 format at the copy shop.…

  • Less Waste Makes,  Pattern Reviews,  Sewing Community,  Uncategorized,  Weekend Sewing

    Hands of Tym Bag Kit Review: Cross Body Satchel #001

    *This kit was gifted to me for review, no affiliate links* I’ve been wanting to invest in a few accessories lately, like shoes and bags, but I have been a bit overwhelmed at the idea of making them myself. Let me tell you: this kit from Hands of Tym pretty holds your hand the entire way, and only requires you to have a small screwdriver on hand. Every single thing you need is included in this kit, down to the hand-sewing needles. The needles, thread, and hardware, all feel substantial and good quality. (This is something I worry about with kits). The vegan-tanned leather pieces are meticulously pre-punched. There are…

  • Less Waste Makes,  Sewing Community,  Uncategorized

    Thrifting Tips for Sewing on a Budget

    If you follow me on Instagram, you know that #thriftedfabric is in about 70% of my posts. I get a lot of questions about finding fabric and other sewing supplies secondhand, so I thought I would compile all my personal tips here! For most of my sewing practice, the budget was really small. Without thrifting and gifting, I wouldn’t have been able to sew. If you are in that place, I hope this post encourages you. If you have a sewing budget, and just want to try thrifting for more sustainable sewing or just for a challenge, this is for you, too. 🙂 The first thing to note is that…

  • Pattern Reviews,  Sewing Community,  Weekend Sewing

    Pattern Review: Passiflore

    *This pattern was sent to me by Deer And Doe in exchange for review. All opinions are my own. * Warning: This post contains hand-sewing that may offend some audiences. Just kidding! No matter which camp you are on with the ol’ needle and thread, read on… Description: The Passiflore dress and top is unlined with button closure, a-line silhouette, notched collar, set in sleeves (2 lengths available), and a D-ring belt. There are 2 dress lengths included in the pattern, as well as a blouse option. I made: Version B with short sleeves. Size range: 34-52 (33.5″-48″ hip measurement) I made : Size 36, no adjustments except lengthening the…

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    Sewing a Collection, Part 4: The Collection!

    I have focused on sharing the journey, but today I am sharing the results! I will list the patterns used, fabrics, and share a few days of outfits. I just used my phone camera and collage app to make these, so its not going to win any photography awards 😀 Its just for my own organization and documentation purposes. (#usewhatyouhave and start now). I didn’t set a number for myself because in the past that has sabotaged my task-oriented brain. I just made a list of what I want to wear and sewed it up over a couple months. It came out to be 5 tops, 3 bottoms, and 1…

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    Sewing A Collection,Part 3:

    Once I had chosen a color palette (side note: I think it may be more descriptive to call it a “color story”) , I went into my closet and pulled a few things that a) I really like b) are in the palette and c) fit the season the collection is intended for. Many more garments than these will fit with the collection pieces, but I am simplifying this project to avoid overwhelm. (I get overwhelmed by options.) I made a rough chart that included the pulled garments and that list of wardrobe “gaps” (see Part 1). I lightly shaded in the squares of pieces I have in grey. The…