britex, britex guest blogger, handmade wardrobe, knits, resewlution 2014, sewaholic patterns, sewing

Renfrew in dotted viscose/lycra knit

If you arriving here from Britex, welcome to Nicole at Home!I managed my "Resewlution 2014" goal for March (at least a single garment for myself a month) on the very first day of the month!  As a Guest Blogger for Britex, I had the opportunity to use some of their beautiful knit fabrics and a… Continue reading Renfrew in dotted viscose/lycra knit

alma blouse, handmade wardrobe, resewlution 2014, sewaholic patterns, sewing

Alma blouse (and sash loop tip!)

My first Alma blouse! Obviously, I'm already huge fan of Sewaholic Patterns, but this blouse truly sealed the deal for me.  With only a slight modification (my standard petite adjustment at the waistline), I cut a straight size 2 and the fit is perfect! The fabric is a cotton shirting in black and orange stripes… Continue reading Alma blouse (and sash loop tip!)

handmade wardrobe, knits, resewlution 2014, sewaholic patterns, tops, wool

Renfrew cowlneck in silky wool knit

With "winter" drawing to a close in Northern California, time is running short for sewing up the rest of the wool fabric I bought a few months ago.  At this point, I'm not sure I can pull off another pair of wool pants or a dress, and still get reasonable use out of them before… Continue reading Renfrew cowlneck in silky wool knit

britex, dress, handmade wardrobe, pattern review, resewlution 2014, sewing, vogue, wool

First day of school, new wool dress (Vogue 8902)

I know, I know...I just had my first day of school.  But that was my own teaching quarter.  As it turns out, I'm also taking a class, and my first day of Patternmaking at a local community college began this past Tuesday!  Of course I had to make something to wear!(Awkward arm angle to show… Continue reading First day of school, new wool dress (Vogue 8902)

britex, britex guest blogger, colette patterns, dress, handmade wardrobe, lingerie, sewing, silk, small bust adjustment

Cinnamon slip in silk with small bust adjustment

Even with the onset of colder weather in California, I've not wanted to give up on wearing dresses.  But tights with dresses, and the static that clings them together, make me completely crazy.  So, with an opportunity to use some of Britex's beautiful silks, I just had to make a slip.   The fabric I chose… Continue reading Cinnamon slip in silk with small bust adjustment

bemberg, handmade wardrobe, mens clothing, mood, outerwear, pattern testing, sewing, thread theory, wool

Pattern testing: Goldstream Peacoat by Thread Theory

When I first "discovered" Thread Theory and their solid line-up of patterns, I was impressed and excited: stylish menswear!  What a concept!  So when they had a call for pattern testers for their newest pattern, the Goldstream Peacoat, I just had to respond, and was fortunate enough to be chosen to do it. Lucky me!… Continue reading Pattern testing: Goldstream Peacoat by Thread Theory

handmade wardrobe, mens clothing, sewing, wool

Project in the works (Hint: more menswear!)

I'm not quite ready to reveal my most recent (big!) project, but here're a sneak peeks and some thoughts about it...This project marked the first time I've used shoulder pads (!).  I sewed during the late 80s and 90s, so that's kind of impressive.My own blood, sweat, and tears (well, maybe not tears) went into… Continue reading Project in the works (Hint: more menswear!)

britex, britex guest blogger, handmade wardrobe, handsewing, mens clothing, pocket square, silk, tie

Holiday tie and pocket square for your man

With the holidays quickly approaching, the season of get-togethers and parties with family, friends, and co-workers is nearly upon us!  Whether it's as a gift for your sweetie or a unique statement to be worn yourself (you budding tailors out there!) sewing a special tie and coordinating pocket square is actually surprisingly easy.While silk is… Continue reading Holiday tie and pocket square for your man

"lady skater dress", dress, handmade wardrobe, sewing, wool

Lady Skater Dress in wool sweater knit

Continuing the parade of wool clothing from my recent, multiple visits to the fabric store is my latest work/ holiday dress.  I'm the biggest fan of dresses for any and all occasions, particular those that are stretchy and flattery, so when the Lady Skater Dress pattern by Kitschy Coo started making the rounds, I was… Continue reading Lady Skater Dress in wool sweater knit