Fabric Shopping in Paris, France

July 15th 2011

So you know that post from two weeks ago, when I mentioned I wouldn’t be posting for a couple of weeks, due to my taking some family time? Well, the part I didn’t mention was I actually went to France with my son and some of my extended family on holiday. Saw the big, iconic [...]

Matching Large Scale Patterns

April 9th 2011

Big scale prints are everywhere these days.  Amy Butler, Heather Bailey.  The larger and bolder the better, it seems.  But how do you use these patterns in garment sewing? I’ll show you how I handled a dramatic stylized paisley print to make this adorable spring raincoat from a really nice Michael Miller laminated fabric I’ve [...]

Playing Dress Up

January 17th 2011

I’ve wanted a dressform for myself for ages. Not that I don’t love Stanley but I want a Claire-sized version. A lot. I am bound and determined to sew more for myself this year but the downside of being a very good sewer is I’m now too fussy to put up with poorly fitting clothes [...]

It’s All About Me!

July 22nd 2010

After a mammoth couple of months of ‘business’ sewing, including five Christmas/winter articles, a Valentine’s Day cross-stitch and more, I’m finally taking a bit of a break from ‘gotta-dos’ to sew some ‘wanna-dos’. Last night, I cut out the lining for my Ottobre raincoat. Yes, yes, I know it’s taken me until now to get [...]

Neither Rain nor Sleet

February 26th 2010

Everybody do a happy dance! The fabric for the raincoat I plan to sew for myself over the next couple of weeks has arrived today. We’re finally seeing some winter weather and the roads are slick and sloppy here but happily, the mail was delivered regardless and with it three yards of Michael Miller laminated [...]