My Underground Railroad Story: The Patchwork Apron

The things we see with our eyes influence us even when we are not conscious of them. I saw a picture of my grandmother wearing a patchworked apron a few years ago while looking through my grandfather's scrapbooks. The apron was improvised, meaning the pattern was incomplete. Grandma clearly used whatever fabric she had on…

Whatever Your Hand Finds to Do

I've been making. Yes! my crafty fire still burns as bright as ever. I feel like I am in such a whirlwind of ideas at the moment. Inspiration to create new things is flooding me from all directions. I want to do more and more. This year has been filled with unexpected changes both at…

I Still Sew: Cappuccino Dress

I've been meaning to sew for a while now, really. I haven't forgot. Lately my spinning mojo has been in control. There was this one pattern though that was able to snap me out of my spinning trance for a brief moment, the cappuccino dress by Oliver & Co. I caught on to the Portfolio…

I Could Use Another Bag, Maybe Two

I Could Use Another Bag, Maybe Two I'm not much of a fancy, shmancy purse kind of girl. Usually when I carry a  bag it's on one of two occasions. For everyday, I wear a small pouch on a long cord, just large enough to carry  my cell phone, keys, and cards. When I am traveling whether for a…

Sewing Some More: Simplicity 2246 and Sew Chic View A modified

It's a new new year and I've been really itching to make something fancy. My life however, demands something a bit more practical. I have recently begun working in a 2nd grade classroom as part of my transition to teaching so I decided to make something to wear for school. Simplicity 2246 has nice, fuss…

Wardrobe Essentials: Japanese Styles for Everyday

It's pretty safe to say that I am on a roll with sewing everyday casual clothes for my wardrobe. I found a blouse on Pintrest from a Japanese sewing book one day and ended up falling in love with the simplicity of the styles. I have found 3 books that I really like so far. Stylish Dress Book:…

Wardrobe Essentials: Make it Easy Simplicity 1620 and Sew Chic

Not too long ago re-making my wardrobe seemed pretty far-fetched. At my rate it would take forever. I got to thinking about what I wear on a daily basis. I realized that most of the patterns in my stash were more tailored than what I would typically choose for an easy, fuss free day. Now this…

Wardrobe Essentials: Summer Maxi and The Little Black Dress

Sewing clothing has got me rethinking my wardrobe lately. I am one of those rare creatures that hates to shop for clothes. I mean seriously I would rather buy plants and craft supplies. There must be some kind of treatment for this condition, right? After looking through my closet I realized a few things. 1. Dang I have a lot of…

Simplicity 1417:A dress fit for a wedding…in Vegas

My sister and brother-in-law recently decided to renew their wedding vows in Las Vegas to celebrate their 10 year anniversary. I thought, well how cool! We would always joke about how they got married at a courthouse in plain clothes. They didn't want to break tradition getting all fancied up. Afterall it worked for my…

Make Me a Birthday Suit: McCall’s 6083 and Simplicity 1506

When I agreed to sew a jumpsuit for a friend's birthday I was excited and a little reluctant at the same time. Afterall, I'd never made anything for anyone outside of family.We chose to make McCall's 6083 View E in a black and turquoise pinstripe suiting.I made a few pattern alterations, made up a muslin, and made…