It’s time for some summer fun–in this case a lightweight summer jacket that has languished since last summer! The pattern is the Moss Jacket from Helen’s Closet Patterns and the fabric is this one from Blackbird Fabrics in Canada. I’ve ordered from Blackbird before and luckily had no issues with US customs.
I love a super light jacket–I don’t care for the feel of 99% of sunscreens, but I burn very quickly. This type of garment is my solution. When making a garment, the first thing I do is figure out my fabric layout ...
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Hard to believe the ninth and final lesson is here already! Thank you for following along. Links to all nine of the posts in this series are now listed at the bottom of each lesson and on my Resources page! If you remember this down the line, the fastest way to find it is put “Plaid” in the search box at right on the blog OR look for a link to the Plaid Top Tutorials on my Resources page, here.
read moreToday we move on to another fun technique: a lined patch pocket. I kinda made this up along the way (my first photos are not included because I figured out a better way…this is the revised and improved method!). The flannel is SO soft and comfy–in part because the weave is dense but not terribly tight. That means I might be able to wear holes in the bottom of the pockets, so I decided to give them some strength and structure by adding a lining. The hand-dyed blue was in my stash and worked well enough I also ...
read moreHong Kong seams are a thing of beauty–a little extra work but a secret delight! So even though I didn’t use them in this plaid top, I’m including them with all the seam lessons in this series of technique posts. I did use them on both my Simplicity S8883 top, full blogpost here, and the Brumby Skirt. I also used this finish on a jacket I made for my daughter-in-law some years ago that I swear I wish she could wear inside out LOL!
read moreI'm here at the retreat! We're back at Retreat at the Farm in Shelbourne. I arrived at 7 PM, and it's good to be back even if I have to work most of the week. Hey -- I have presentations to prep and samples to sew, but I can have more fun doing that while visiting with friends than being at home.
I brought most things I need, and whatever I'm missing, then we'll make it up! There is one thing that I have a big issue with my phone charger. I have two, but again ...
read moreLapped and flat-felled seams are two sides of the same coin. Both are found in ready to wear–the lapped seams I see most often in men’s dress shirts. Flat-felled seams are found on jeans…they’re that heavy, bulky seam! The double stitching makes it strong, so it is good for seams that endure strain–like tight jeans! They can also be used decoratively with contrasting and/or heavy topstitching thread. Let’s start with the ….
Please note: I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated. However, my reviews are honest and I would ...
read morePlease note: I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated. However, my reviews are honest and I would say what I say whether affiliated or not. I’ve also chosen to be affiliated with Janome since 2003 (!!!) because their machines are so good and they are so responsive to the interests and needs of their customers.
To make a French seam you sew the seam twice. My example is on a 5/8″ seam which is standard in the US. Please adjust accordingly for your pattern and practice.
First, sew the seam with the fabric WRONG ...
read moreI am NOT an enabler, although I hear someone else bought that grain elevator panel! I know --- we're preserving history. And that sounds like a perfect excuse to buy it. I am waiting for my panels to arrive, and then I need to make a quilt so it can return to Saskatchewan in a couple of months.
Oh, those girls --- they are needy! It's not good that we have been home so much these last couple of years because now they think we are HERE for them always. And Murphy is especially "bad." I can be on a ...
read moreNothing beats a beautifully finished garment, one that is so pretty on the inside that you enjoy it every time you put it on. Though you might be tempted to wear it inside out it’s so pretty, it remains a secret just for you! Top technique for a beautiful inside is using a seam finish to hide the raw edges. Not only does it look nice, it also protects the edges of the fabric, prevents fraying, can improve the way the seam functions, and contributes to a garment that will last longer. After all, you’ve spent money and ...
read moreWhile visiting a favorite local shop in nearby Rockland, Maine, Clementine, I happened to fondle this amazing thick, soft flannel and thought it would made a perfect winter top. The plaid adds a bit of complexity and opportunity to teach a few more advanced skills along with a fairly simple pattern for this series.
Please note: I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated. However, my reviews are honest and I would say what I say whether affiliated or not. I’ve also chosen to be affiliated with Janome since 2003 (!!!) because their machines are so ...
read morePlease note: I am affiliated with Janome as a Janome Artisan and am compensated. However, my reviews are honest and I would say what I say whether affiliated or not. I’ve also chosen to be affiliated with Janome since 2003 (!!!) because their machines are so good and they are so responsive to the interests and needs of their customers.
There’s a LOT of detail in this post, but if you ...
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I thought it would be fun to teach some basic garment sewing techniques using a simple “T” top in woven fabric as the platform, tossing in a few special lessons along the way. This isn’t a class in how to make a blouse–rather it is a way to teach several techniques that are useful in garment making and home dec across the board. There will be 9 posts total that will publish on Tuesday and Friday through March 21. As they go live, I will update a list at the bottom of each ...
read moreYes, I made a dress - from Kaffe Fassett fabrics of course!
I like to wear 100% cotton dresses in summer, but they're getting harder and harder to find in the shops. So I decided I would just have to make some dresses myself.
I used the Style Arc June Sheath Dress pattern with a few modifications around the neck line. I cut the neck line lower, based on a dress I already have.
I'm really pleased with how it turned out and I'm looking forward to wearing it soon.
Update: Yes, it's regular quilting Kaffe Fassett ...
read moreHello friends! I have a fun finish to share with you today. Here's me in a denim jacket I recently dug out of the back of our coat closet. I'd forgotten I even owned it! I looked at it for a bit and then I had an idea. So I set to work.
Today’s blogpost takes you through making an entire blouse, which presser feet I use on my Janome (I’m a brand ambassador and compensated, but I’d say all this good stuff anyway…they rock!) m7Continental, why and offer tips and tricks for garment ...
read moreWe just had three days of summery weather! When it hit 90 degrees, Ray and I once again felt sure we have made the right decision in moving up here! Neither of us like hot weather and love the cooler weather we have in Washington. We are back to cool temps and a breeze today. Perfect!
In between working on quilts that need to be finished, I have been making two dresses for the girls. Before leaving California, my friend Stephanie was clearing out some fabrics she didn’t think she would use. Stephanie is a generous soul and she ...
read moreLife in western Washington is going well. The house is shaping up and starting to feel like home. I wanted to check in and share a bit about the past couple of weeks.
It has been many months since I sat at a sewing machine for any reason. No quilting, mending or sewing has been enjoyed since who knows when? Maybe January or February?
Clearly, this had to be fixed. I spent an evening shuffling bins and plastic totes around to create a path to the corner of the sewing room.
For the time being, I set up a folding ...
read moreEvery now and then I get the urge to return to my roots and make myself a garment. These days, due to some hard earned weight loss (Go me!) all of my clothes are baggy on me. I'm trying to put off buying new clothes, but thought a fun make or two might be in order.
I'm really happy with how this tunic turned out! I used McCalls pattern #7284 and by adding french seams to the side seams it is nicely finished on the inside which is always a plus for me. The fabric is Modcloth by ...
read moreOn this last day of November, I am thinking about how quickly the month buzzed by and how busy it was. Lots of work on the house was accomplished and just a bit of sewing. Such is life.
Earlier I made this pair of pants. They are really, really comfortable and I am quite happy with them. I used Simplicity 2369 to make these stretch knit, wide legged pants.
After making the pants, I was browsing in a shop downtown. I ...
read moreOK -- something is wrong! I have had no issues with my internet connection for a long time. I did two presentations yesterday, and there was no issue. But when I went to open up the computer last night to do the third one of the day, things just didn't work! I managed to get the call open, but not until I moved the laptop to the office and even then. I had to abandon the call! That's the FIRST time that's happened.
I'm not sure what the problem is. It still doesn't seem 100% right ...
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