I was definitely not kidding when I said I tend to sew up a pattern twice! Since I made this two dresses just days apart, I thought I would post them together :)The pattern is McCall's M6891. It's a good, classic shirtdress style with a convertible collar and pockets. I love the full skirt, waistline… Continue reading Two summer shirtdresses: M6891
I'm about halfway through my last semester at WVC and I am loving my draping class! I've taken two flat pattern drafting courses, which were amazing too, but draping to create garment designs is just a whole different skill. So much fun!Since I work on a dress form that has a similar bust size… Continue reading Draped silk blouse
I have a thing, apparently. If I like a pattern, I make it at least twice, in quick succession. There are many examples, but this is the most recent instance; the Bronx cowl dress (see first version, here). Clearly, I love this pattern. More specifically, I love this silhouette and look for me. A fit… Continue reading Textured check Bronx dress
After seeing SBCC's new cowl-neck addition to the Bronx dress pattern, I couldn't resist. I loved the look of a classic skater dress with a bit dressier neckline and elbow length sleeves. If I were teaching, this style would be perfect every day....But instead of teaching a lecture, this past Monday was my first day… Continue reading Bronx dress for the first day of school
Initially, I had envisioned this tomato and pink wool tweed fabric from Britex for the perfect chic work dress, but since said chic dress pattern is not in existence (yet...), the fabric sat for a while. I've tossed a couple of ill-fitting wool pants recently, so this fabric seemed like a fun option with which to… Continue reading Tomato wool tweed trousers
For years, every time I went to my local fabric shop, I looked longingly at this vintage red plaid wool voile fabric (I think I'm the only person that buys anything in that part of the store, so stuff lasts a while!). Last week, I finally just bought it! I'm not sure what drew me… Continue reading Plaid wool voile top
As much as I love the disposable Swiffer dusters, I just can't do it anymore--all that trash! I've recently switched to washable microfiber pads for my Swiffer sweeper, and after doing a search for reusable dusters that I could sew, I came across this tutorial at Sew Much Ado. The process is so easy, and… Continue reading Reusable Swiffer dusters
My favorite "dress" rain jacket is now about 12 years old. Despite its age, the lovely aqua color is still in style and fit is still so good...however, there are stains and discolorations that dry cleaning can't fix. As sad as it is, I think it's time to pitch it. Well, this is one of those… Continue reading Dress rain jacket with silk lining
We've been going to the Google Holiday party for over a decade--this year was actually our 12th! We had just moved out to California from New York for the job a month prior to the first party and I was so desperate to go that I willingly handed off my 3 month old baby to… Continue reading Dress for a holiday par-tay!
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)
Bea & Lucille 