Starting in January, I am going to be a full-time student to finish up my AS in Apparel Production! It's been a few years in the making since I've taken only 1 or 2 classes a semester while working part-time, but I'll be taking a leave from teaching to finally get it done. So, instead… Continue reading The Lola dress
After sewing this version of the Astoria top with a swishy skirt, I knew I had to make more. MORE! Alas, I only made this one more (despite my dreams of a closet full of them). The overall style works well--cropped 50s inspired top with a voluminous skirt--and I like how it works with my… Continue reading Astoria top + swishy skirt (take 2)
Yep, it's been a while! After returning from Alaska (and purchasing even more land!), school started for the boys, then it started for me (for the classes I take) and a month later school started again (for the classes I teach). Somewhere in there, we did a major remodel in our house and then painted… Continue reading A dress to match a necklace
So I'm not the most regular exerciser, and if I do anything these days it's either walking or cycling. I might not bother making "performance wear" (quotes required to indicate my decidedly lack of performance while wearing anything), particularly leggings, if it weren't for for a buy-one-get-one pattern sale at Sewaholic a while back, and… Continue reading Pacific leggings (for all that exercising I do)
After making a couple of fancy Linden sweaters (here, here, and here), I wasn't ready to give up my comfy sweatshirt-analogs when the warm weather hit. Papercut's Bowline sweater was such an unusual design, I couldn't resist! As an aside, if you haven't ordered a printed PDF from Papercut, do it! It takes a while to arrive… Continue reading Striped Bowline sweater
I've made the Renfrew cowl neck top a couple times (here and here), and I love it. The cowl is more like a floppy turtleneck, so for it to hang nicely, the fabric has to be pretty lightweight and drapey. After sewing up the Renfrew in this cute bicycle print (purchased at Harts, but it… Continue reading Renfrew top and a neckline conversion
When I made my petal skirt (no.5) from Drape Drape 2, I was struggling to find appropriate tops to wear with what was otherwise a pretty rad skirt. So, at the suggestion of the lovely Kristin from Skirt as Top, I transformed it into a dress! Seriously, this was the best advice because I am… Continue reading From petal skirt to Best Dress Ever
I was relishing the finale of "The Great British Sewing Bee" (season 3) with a bowl of popcorn this evening, when I was surprised and thrilled to see that the contestants' first challenge was to sew the Drape Drape 2 no.2 top that I posted the other day! It was the exact pattern! It was… Continue reading Drape Drape 2: skirt no. 5
After my first go with the Drape Drape patterns, I had to make another! This top, garment no.4, is another single-piece garment with asymmetrical sleeves and dramatic side drape. Here's the pattern piece on the floor:I went with the sizing on the chart (L/XL), but should have cut the S/M. After sewing the garment and… Continue reading Drape Drape 2: no. 4
Have you guys tried any of the books in the Drape Drape series? Even though it's a bit out of my standard sewing repertoire (to say the least!), I was seriously intrigued by the amazing, draped creations in these books. Many are single pieces that are "origamied" (my word, made up 🙂 into a garment.… Continue reading Drape Drape 2: dress no. 2
Bea & Lucille 