I’ve been hunting for a nice easy but stylish jacket pattern. This spring I made a toile version of this Butterick pattern, B5927 – simply unlined, pocketless, and made using some home dec fabric that seemed the correct weight for the project. This was just meant to be a test for “fit” (not much of a stretch since it’s a boxy design, but mainly to … Continue reading Perfect jacket for Autumn…or for rainy Spring days in Spain
In February it was my mission to find a great fitting pants pattern. I believed if I tried enough patterns I would eventually find one that fit me out of the envelope. So far…not the case! All the pants pictured here are wearable muslins (using cheap stash fabric or even a cotton twill home dec!) Bottom of the pile, V2948 with princess seams down front … Continue reading Mission: Pants
This is actually my fifth Toaster sweater, but it’s the first I have made for myself, and the first Version 2 I have made. I made it out of this amazing dark charcoal gray French terry from Girl Charlee Fabrics and it’s very cozy. I made the size large and ended up ripping out the sleeves and re-cutting the shoulders and sleeves to fit it … Continue reading Another Toaster!
I have made quite a bit of lingerie in the past two years – I have at times been addicted to making it! Specifically I wanted to create several pretty underwire bras that had no padding. For some reason retailers in this country can’t fathom that those of us with a smaller cup size would not want maximum padding. I detest padding, but I do … Continue reading Two Harriets
This was my second make of 2019, the pleated Soho skirt by Liesl+Co. (My first make of the year was the grey Monroe turtleneck – a FREE pattern by Tessuti! – that you can barely see under my sweater). This box pleat skirt is fully lined and made using a light grey poly blend that has a great drape and is so comfy. It’s a … Continue reading Soho Skirt
Realizing one can make jeans was a game changer. Of course it is because most of us live in them. So if you can make your own jeans (be it out of denim or stretch twills or corduroys), you’re well on your way toward a handmade wardrobe! For my first two pairs made earlier this year, I used the Simplicity 8516 Pattern by MimiGStyle. And … Continue reading First Jeans Attempt
With the vow of a mostly handmade Christmas this year, I am busy sewing items for kids and husband and mother. Since I obviously can’t share these makes, I thought I would highlight a make that was loved by all last year – you guessed it – the Toaster Sweater by Sew House Seven. This cozy top looks great on everyone and more importantly is … Continue reading Cozy Sewing
The Renfrew Top by Sewaholic was my very first indie pattern purchase and make. I love this pattern. I have made many versions of it, with all of the different collar variations and with both long and short sleeves. After trying lots of other tee patterns, I keep going back to this one. For some reason no matter which knit I use, the collar band … Continue reading The Renfrew Top
sew sandbox 