drape, drape drape 2, handmade wardrobe, knit, sewing, sewing knits, shirt

Drape Drape 2: no. 4

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

drape, drape drape 2, dress, handmade wardrobe, knits, pattern review, sewing, sewing knits

Drape Drape 2: dress no. 2

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

cotton, grainline, handmade wardrobe, indie patterns, sewing, shorts, summer

Really Maritime-y shorts

I bought this lovely chambray fabric (Robert Kaufman, Nautique Chambray) because anchors! I had ideas for a skirt which never materialized, and then felt inextricably drawn to the idea of making Grainline's Maritime Shorts with it because, well, anchors.  It's kitschy, sure, but once my mind latched on to that idea, there was no going… Continue reading Really Maritime-y shorts

anna maria horner, free patterns, handmade wardrobe, sewing, shorts, shorts on the line, vintage fabric

Summertime shorts

I'm STILL not on vacation (t-minus 20 hours or so), but at some point it will be summer break for me, since thankfully, it's kind of inevitable.  I'm done with pencil skirts and wool pants for a while; on to summer attire!  So, shorts.  I'm so not a fan of shorts (still not after making… Continue reading Summertime shorts

bathing suit, handmade wardrobe, McCalls 5036, ohhh lulu, sewing, swimsuit, vintage pattern

Two bathing suits, but only one winner

It's been two years since I made my last two bathing suits (here and here).  I love them, but much like underwear, bathing suit sewing is addictive, so when I spotted this fabric, I had to make another.  For my first attempt, I found the Abigail swimsuit pattern by Ohhh Lulu.  I'm a huge fan… Continue reading Two bathing suits, but only one winner

blouse, cotton, gauze, handmade wardrobe, pattern drafting, pin-tuck blouse, sewing, tops

Self-drafted pin-tuck blouse, two ways

Pin-tuck blouse muslin (left) and revised version (right)This blouse. I've had plans to make an official pattern for that top since I first made it. I even bought fabric (years ago) for the job, as encouragement. Ha.  In cleaning out my sewing room this weekend, I found a partial pattern of the blouse--just the back--and… Continue reading Self-drafted pin-tuck blouse, two ways

fashion design, mood, neoprene, pop art, scuba knit, sewing

Pop art-inspired Shuttlecock Dress

I've been taking fashion design classes at a local community college...a class a semester, whatever I can fit into my teaching schedule, nothing too strenuous.  Anyhow, while sitting in my fashion illustration class a month ago, there was an announcement for a fashion design competition.  Well, the college athlete in me can't resist a competition,… Continue reading Pop art-inspired Shuttlecock Dress