Remember my cowl neck top from last week? I finally finished drafting, grading and writing up the instructions for the pattern, and here it is, free (and in multiple sizes!). In this post, I'm going to walk through the steps for sewing this very simple top, but please contact me if you have any questions… Continue reading Cowl neck top pattern (free!) and tutorial
When scanning my syllabus at the start of the pattern making course I took last semester, I was most excited about learning how to draft cowl neck tops. When we finally got to it toward the end of the course, I was surprised how simple they actually were! Using a basic bodice sloper, it's just… Continue reading Cowl neck top in sheer viscose
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
As one of the Community Match winners in the SOSM, I was awarded three Sewaholic patterns. In my opinion, it was the best prize of all (among many awesome awards, by the way!) and I was super duper thrilled! Always the pragmatic, I chose the Renfrew top, Thurlow trousers and the Alma blouse, figuring I… Continue reading Renfrew in double knit wool
I started this top ages ago and even though it was mostly done, it was relegated to my Unfinished Pile. The fabric is tissue-weight knit from Britex (purchased in the store) and, for me anyway, it was really difficult to sew. And after struggling with the construction, in an act of final desperation to avoid… Continue reading Fix or Fail: wavy striped top
The garment factory accidents in Bangladesh have really opened my eyes to just how our clothing is made. This article, which I heard on our local NPR station, painted a very vivid picture of the awful working conditions. (The article is short, please read it.) As seamstresses, we have a unique opportunity to do something… Continue reading Scoop neck tee from Skirt as Top
I got started on one final project for Spring Kid's Clothes Week on Friday, a pair of overalls for my little man. After working on them for what feels like an eternity, I finally finished them today (just a day overdue :). Between constantly switching between regular and topstitching thread, having to sew each seam… Continue reading Kid’s Clothes Week: Days 6, 7 + 8
Anyone who sews for boy children knows that there is a serious dearth of cute clothing patterns for little men, and big men, too, actually. So I was thrilled to find the Blank Slate pattern company, which gives little boys their due attention in the cute clothing department, and I quickly purchased the Perfect Polo. The… Continue reading Kid’s Clothes Week: Days 4+5
Two days, two sets of pajamas! First up, shorties for my big boy, in the "babyish" lizard print. Having bought only one yard, I didn't have quite enough to make a second shirt AND shorts, so I used the orange rib for the body of a raglan top and the lizard fabric for the arms. … Continue reading Kid’s Clothes Week: Days 2 +3
I'm going to preface this post by divulging that I have been home without children for the entire day. Compound that with not having to deal with fit issues (yay for kid's clothing!) and I was a very productive seamstress today...as should be expected under the aforementioned circumstances, right?On to the daily report! First up,… Continue reading Kid’s Clothes Week: Day 1
Bea & Lucille 