EllenMCM

Tamara, ironing is fine! As long as it’s not being forced on anyone, and people who need a crisply ironed shirt in a hurry are taking care of that for their own selves.

It feels good to have so many feminists support me through this difficult loss.

I am definitely putting a new iron on my Christmas list!

I will not, however, be getting one as a present from my mom. She views irons as a fascist instrument of women’s oppression. She is not a crafter.

Yeah, it’s pretty much sewing boards or nowhere.

My mom did have an iron, and I drove over to her house to borrow it. I think she got it as a wedding present. It comes from the land before safety features. Fabric flattens itself in fear before it, though. I think we’ll get along just fine until it shorts out too, or I accidentally burn the house…[Read more]

My now-14-year-old has saved me thousands of dollars and countless hours of sewing time over the years by being very honest about what she does and does not want. I join those who posted earlier in saying you should always check first.

My 8-year-old likes cargo pants and t-shirts in bright colors and fun prints. She will wear dresses on fancy…[Read more]

Those are AWESOME!

Oh, also shoes. Somebody outgrew her dress shoes.

Does anyone want to spam me with pictures of pretty party shoes? Please be aware that the child who will be wearing these shoes is allergic to grey and brown.

ETA: I think those who have reservations at the Music Class blouse are wise, and while I love that blouse, I’ve made it before, and I’m…[Read more]

Oh, also shoes. Somebody outgrew her dress shoes.

Does anyone want to spam me with pictures of pretty party shoes? Please be aware that the child who will be wearing these shoes is allergic to grey and brown.

The Music Class skirt is super fast, and the ones I’ve sewn up in cord before have held up well.

The blouse will take me longer, but I love pin tucks.

Next steps: order fabric, clean my room!

My current thinking is:

The Music Class!

Because nothing is more thrilling than using a pattern for something resembling the occasion for which it is named! Also, I have that one and I’ve made it before.

Please weigh in on my tentative fabric choices:
for the blouse:…[Read more]

I’m not sewing anything this month because I’m lesson planning, but I’m wicked excited to see everyone’s pictures!

I’m not sewing anything this month because I’m lesson planning, but I’m wicked excited to see everyone’s pictures!

I’ve made the Hide and Seek and the Library dress for recitals. You could do either in black and white. I’m also a huge fan of the poofy tulle skirt idea, but I have a violinist and she doesn’t have to negotiate with a piano bench at recitals.

CNN had side-by-side pictures. George’s outfit was similar to William’s. Not the same, but an apparently deliberate homage.

I have French-seamed a lot of sleeves in my time. I haven’t seen the carousel pattern in person, but I’m sure it will work.

ETA: just looked at the line drawing. The raglan sleeve should make it easy. You could also flat lock it, but it’s hard to flat lock a long sleeve and side seam, and I prefer not to switch seam finishes in mid-project.…[Read more]

I have French-seamed a lot of sleeves in my time. I haven’t seen the carousel pattern in person, but I’m sure it will work.

Chestnut looks like it may need a a bit of room in the belly. The finished waist/chest size would be very helpful!