I’ve been explaining how a sewing machine works for years but have never had a visual for it. I just came across this great one (via Swiss Miss via Dossier).
author archive
playdate for play
I’ve always wanted to do something a little more sporty with the Playdate Dress. Something that can be worn for a playdate on the swings and while tearing around the playground. Something that’s amenable to serious outdoor activity. For this …
wool options for the school days coat
As you’re planning your fall sewing, here are a few additional ideas for you. Many of you have been asking about wool fabrics for the School Days Jacket and Coat. If you don’t have a great neighborhood fabric store (and …
laminated fabrics
Update: I’ve just been alerted to some terrific laminates at Superbuzzy as well, in case you needed a little more inspiration… I’m so excited about this post. I know many of you have been eagerly awaiting the release of the …
new fall patterns: school days jacket, winter coat version
In my last post I introduced the School Days raincoat. In this post I’ll to highlight the versatility of this pattern’s features and how you can use them to make a true three-season, cold-weather jacket. The multi-season versatility comes from …
new fall patterns: school days jacket, raincoat version
Our new School Days Jacket and Coat can be made in multiple ways: as a lined raincoat, as a fall jacket, and as an insulated winter coat with a removable quilted lining. The lining even has options. You can make …
new fall patterns: jump rope dress, view B
In my last post, I previewed View A of the Jump Rope Dress. Now it’s time for the second version of the pattern, View B. This version is a simple, clean A-line dress with a hem that hits at or …
new fall patterns: jump rope dress, view A
Our in-house model is outside enjoying the sprinklers at the playground, so Pedal (as S has named her, presumably because she has a pedal to raise her up and down) has stepped in to help introduce View A of the …
principles of fabric selection: be eclectic
Fabrics within a collection are made to coordinate with each other. But who said you have to stick within a collection and follow someone else’s creative vision when you’re selecting multiple fabrics for a garment? I think it’s fun to …
popover sundress: free downloadable pattern
We initially developed the Popover Sundress for Issue 6 of Sew Hip, the British sewing magazine. Now you can download it for free! Great for pursuing all sorts of naturalist adventures, or just spending a lazy summer day enjoying the …
excellent question
Regarding our last post about the principles of fabric selection, one commenter asked an excellent question: “In all of the examples you’ve chosen, the solid is at the top and the print is on the bottom. Do you think it’s …
principles of fabric selection: solid colors and neutrals can ground a bright, busy print
Let’s say you find a print you really love, but you’re a little nervous about using it for a child’s garment. Maybe it’s a large, bold print. Maybe it’s very bright or multi-colored. Maybe it’s both. You’re afraid that by …
copyright
Unless otherwise credited, all work on this blog is © Liesl + Co., Inc, 2008-2026. You are welcome to link to this blog, but please ask permission before using any text or images.