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@eboyd83 the dress isn’t difficult to make. In fact, perhaps try the top first to get to know the pattern and it will be a breeze when you get to make the dress. A wolf sounds fun!

Cool thanks. Now I just have to find time sometime over the summer with all my other projects to make them haha. I was thinking of doing our dog as the wolf.

Great choice. It’s a nice sew.

Liesl, this made me laugh so much I almost choked on my drink. I was really excited to create samples for you of the “Desktop Wrist Rest Pattern”. I could not get those teeny, tiny oval eyes to have smooth edges. I went through all of the fabric you sent and then used some of my own trying to get 2 eyes that were the same.

What makes things…[Read more]

@eboyd83 I think it would be perfect! Of course there are many different dresses that would go well but I think stick to the one you would like to use most.

See how those armholes are way too deep?

The blazer…

I just finished a ‘muslin’ of a blazer to see how it would go. I want to make two for a family wedding and parties in November. I even added a full lining and it was suprisingly straightforward (…even if you weren’t there to hold my hand though the process, Liesl…hint, hint.). There are some straight forward fit issues that I’ll address.…[Read more]

I just finished a ‘muslin’ of a blazer to see how it would go. I want to make two for a family wedding and parties in November. I even added a full lining and it was suprisingly straightforward (…even if you weren’t there to hold my hand though the process, Liesl…hint, hint.). There are some straight forward fit issues that I’ll address.…[Read more]

Here’s how I roll…

I learned to sew in 7th grade Home Economics class. I wasn’t particularly good and got a B (which was devastating to me). The summer before high school, I enrolled in a summer class at the high school for sewing. The pattern that I picked – a fully lined fitted blazer. I sewed it in a no-wale brown corduroy. I’m short,…[Read more]

The Archer button-up shirt from Grainline Studio is not all that difficult, but it requires accuracy. It’s loosely fitted, not semi-fitted. It has long sleeves, but I’ve made short sleeves and versions with 3/4-length sleeves. Best of all, the collar isn’t too long for petites. Tamara, you can find Grainline Studio under the shop tab above.

Well, you’re practically reading my mind! Thanks for the feedback, and I think you’ll be happy with at least one of the fall patterns, then. xo

Thank you, Liesl. She really did love her dress, especially because no one else had anything like it and it had a vintage vibe.
My tackle list would definitely include honing my skills at getting good fit and I would really like to make a semi-fitted shirt with a collar that includes a collar stand. When I need to dress professionally, a…[Read more]

Ooh, well done @TamaraH! My mom sewed me a very similar prom dress: similar silhouette and fabric, but mine was strapless. I recall multiple fittings and many late nights on her part.

But think of the great memories she’ll have!

What’s on your “to tackle” list? Anything you’re really wanting to learn?

Great question, Liesl.
The most difficult thing I’ve ever sewn was a prom dress for my youngest daughter. This dress had a very fitted bodice, full circle skirt, and both a slippery main fabric and sheer accent fabric. Getting the zipper and hem just right were a trick! It was a success, however, there were flaws – only noticeable if really…[Read more]

I’m thinking about looking for a heavy twill when I’m in London next week. I’ve realized there’s an outerwear gap in my closet: winter coats, rain coats, and nothing in between. What do most people wear when the weather turns too cool for a raincoat but before you need a full-on winter coat? I’d like something that travels well (i.e., not too bulky).

Thanks for the example photo. I ended up finding some cheap wool so I’m going that route. But at some point I still think I want to do a raincoat version of this.