Sometimes two things in my life serendipitously collide. In this case it was a generous gift of holiday fauna from King of Christmas and my need for a Hobbit Costume. Such a funny combination but it just worked out so well.
Read moreMaking a Cottagecore Dress with Wild Linens Fabric
Like many others out there, I’ve been kind of obsessed with #cottagecore of late. And admittedly, I’m a little late to the game. That being said, pastoral life has always held my interest, at least in the last couple of decades. While I dream of my country home and peruse the Son de Flor & French General websites, I found a very practical way to show my love for this aesthetic and lifestyle.
Read moreHow to Avoid Eye Strain While Doing Detail Work
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When it comes to sewing quality pieces, the devil is in the detail. Embroidering skirt hems with flowers, adding sequins to sweetheart necklines, and finely stitching a hat can all enhance the appearance of your final product. However, detail work does require you to be exceptionally thorough, and all that near work can strain your eyes.
Read moreTransform Your Garage into a Versatile Sewing and Flex Space
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Transforming a garage into a sewing/flex room not only maximizes unused space but also breathes new life into your home, tailoring it to fit your creative and practical needs. This conversion process offers a unique opportunity to design a versatile area that serves as a dedicated sewing zone while also accommodating various other activities, from crafting to yoga. In this article, courtesy of The Sewing Room, we’ll guide you through the essential steps to convert your garage into a functional and inspiring sewing/flex room you’ll be excited to use.
Read moreBook Review: Make, Sew and Mend - Traditional Techniques to Sustainably Maintain and Refashion Your Clothes
I wasn’t sure what to expect but have been eagerly awaiting my own copy of Make, Sew and Mend and it arrived in my hands a couple of weeks ago. Having been a fan of Ms. Banner’s now for a few years, I knew that she had a book in the works. I also knew it would be a sewing guide of some kind.
Read morePeg Board - Organizing with Pegboarder & MADD TOOLS
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The “STUFF” in the shop overfloweth. Out of every little corner there is some tool or trim that needs to find a place to live and we have so much right now. I was in the middle of pondering ways to organize all that I have when Pegboarder reached out to me in collaboration. The request came just in time and I accepted the challenge.
Read morePerfect for a Picnic - Sewing 1950's Style for Everyday
A couple of weeks ago, I had a weekend picnic event that I had been invited to attend. The theme was “Posh/Glam 1950’s New York City”. Discussions with friends Led to talk of Mrs. Maisel and big full skirts. Not really my era, but I remembered that pedal pushers were quite popular and so were dolman sleeved blouses. I also realized that I could make these things for my every day wardrobe instead of making something over the top for just one event.
Read moreAll Hail the Housewife - Creating a Pattern for A Sewing Roll-Up
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For my birthday I received a sewing kit from my dear friend Erika. The sewing kit was for a sewing kit, which is kind of a funny thing to say. And in actually it was labelled as an 18th Century Housewife. The kit was a collaboration between Sewstine, one of my favorite 18th Century Costumers and master embroiderers and The Lady Detalle who is also a costumer and jewelry designer. Both have shops on Etsy, which is were Erika purchased my gift.
Read moreSewing my Own Bras
You know when it’s TIME, right? Things are looking a little rough around the edges, elastics are getting stretched out and the color has become just a touch on the dingy side. Well, that time arrived for me not so long ago, so I ordered supplies from our Bra Instructor Linda Sepeda, and set my self up to make some pretty new bras.
Read moreMaking My Own Vintage Inspired Panties
A few years ago, I copied my favorite underwear so I would have my own pattern. I just loved the vintage styling of the knickers from What Katie Did, but really wanted some that matched the bras I make for myself. Now, every time I need new undies, I can make them myself. I love it! Such an upgrade to have fancy panties at my fingertips. Yay!
So in perusing my drawers, recently, I decided to make some more. I scrounged through my collection of bra and panty making supplies and found that I had just enough supplies to make two pair to go coordinate with two different bras. I have a taupe colored Natori bra that I love and a taupe and brown bra that I made a few years ago. So excited, was I, to find I could make undies to match.
Read more1950's Dress Mending and Remodel
This is a quick little post to share with you my most recent garment renovation. Last year, my friend Joy gave me this darling vintage 1950’s turquoise dress. It was stained (on the front bust and neckline) but in decent shape otherwise. It’s been hanging on my rack waiting for a makeover. I knew right away, that it needed a neckline overhaul, so that it what happened after I finally decided to tackle it.
Read moreHow to Mend a Vintage Dress with Busted out Armholes
A few years ago, a friend gave me this gorgeous 1930’s/1940’s era dress with rips in the armhole. She thought I could use the fabric or make a pattern from it. She didn’t think it was ever going to be wearable again.
This blog post is about how I fixed the dress so it could be worn again. I was lucky, in that the dress had side ties the could be removed and used for extra fabric. After undoing those seams, and pressing the fabric, I had enough to make patches that I eventually sewed back on.
Read moreThe Folkwear Sailor Pants - A Pattern Review
When Folkwear Patterns reached out to me to try out their new Sailor Pants Pattern, I was beyond excited. I love everything nautical and thought new sailor pants would be a great addition to my Fall wardrobe. The pattern design is very cute, being cut from an original pair of US Navy issued Vintage Sailor Pants. The design has the classic button front with laced up back waist, flared legs (with a gusset) and some darling hidden pocket details.
Read moreBlogging Book Tour - Sew Bags by Hilarie Wakefield Dayton
I have never heard of a Blogging Book tour before. Have you? When my friend & Colleague, Hillary Wakefield Dayton, told me she was having one for her new book, “Sew Bags” The Practical Guide to Making Purses, Totes, Clutches and More, I was intrigued. She sent her book to me to review and make a project from, so now I’m blogging about & you can see inside this awesome creation of hers.
Thumbing through the pages, it was difficult to choose which pattern to pick, but Ultimately, I landed on the Abigail Boxed bottom Tote. I really needed a new & prettier knitting bag, as I’ve been using a cotton canvas grocery bag for the last few years.
Read morePattern Review - Sewing the 1930's Sportwear Set by Jem Vintage Patterns
A few months ago, my neighbor’s daughter brought me this gorgeous fabric (and tons more) when she was cleaning out her dad’s closet. The green corduroy and coordinating floral really caught my eye and I knew I wanted to make a matching set.
Read moreSewing my 4th of July Outfit + a Finished Sweater
During the week of Independence Day, I had the week off from teaching. What better way to celebrate than to get to sewing. I had just found a beautiful 1930’s style floral quilting cotton that coordinated with a blue and white fabric I’de been saving for a blouse. My plan was to re-make the Wearing History Smooth Sailing Blouse with a coordinating from the floral fabric.
Read moreRevamping a Men's Sport Coat for the Sacramento Tweed Ride - Part 2
After being invited to the Sacramento Tweed Ride, by friends Lisa and Robb, I had only two weeks to get something together. I took my inspiration from vintage hunting/riding/sporting attire and my imaginings of vintage country living. I hope to one day, own a country home. Until that happens, I can just dress as if I do, right?
Read moreSewing a Gingerbread Inspired Dress & Apron for The Holidays
I recently finished these 3 pieces for our Holiday Window and thought it might be interesting to show how I put them together. These were 3 very fast and furious projects that you could easily accomplish in a weekend.
Read moreBra Making 2.0 - Inside our Bra Making Class with Linda Sepeda
I can’t say enough good things about our recent Bra Making class at The Sewing Room. Linda Sepeda was a fantastic instructor and she really helped us to get the best fit possible.
Read moreSewing a 1930's Fall Ensemble - Silk Blouse & Wool Trousers
It’s Fall here (finally) in Northern California and the trees are starting to turn. And by Fall I mean it’s gotten hot in the days (upper 70’s F) and cools off at night. Not quite jacket weather, in the daylight, but it feels good to dip into the fall colors.
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