I’m living the caftan life! Staying home, draping myself in pretty fabric with no waistband… seems good to me. And if you’ve been following sewing patterns for a while, you probably recognise this as the Style Arc Toni Designer Dress! I’ve been meaning to make this dress for YEARS, inspired by many versions including Lara, … More Caftan Life
How are you holding up through COVID? I’ve been up and down, which is a pretty universal experience. I’m currently halfway through summer vacation and today it was announced that we will be back in schools full time in September. Yes, in 4 weeks I’ll be in 3 poorly ventilated buildings per week, each with … More Modelling the Victory Sofia Dress!
It fits! Look, I know that should be a given, but we all know Seamwork has sometimes had a reputation for dodgy fit. As I said in my last post, I had really good results with the Seamwork Ariel, and decided to get a Seamwork membership. The first thing I sewed was the new Blake … More Seamwork Clarke Tank
Here’s a post long overdue – two leatherworking kits I ordered in March 2019 and didn’t finish sewing until March 2020! I ordered from company in the UK called “Simple Way” as a treat to myself during my concussion recovery, and my first impression wasn’t good. The wallet went together easily, but the holes on … More Reviewing the Simple Way Leather Purse and Wallet Kits
For years I blogged twice a week, but now I haven’t blogged for a month. Like everyone, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking, learning and reflecting… and working from home… running Sewcialists… and sewing! I have some special projects that I want to blog about so they are recorded, but also some quick things … More Catching up on blogging!
…and so my sewing has to change. I spent this week realising just how much I didn’t know about the experience of being black in America, or in my own community. I thought I was informed, I thought I was progressive, and somehow I still had no clue. My path forward is clear as an … More Black Lives Matter
It’s my 9th year of Me-Made May, and the tenth year of the annual challenge! This year I pledged to wear patterns by Canadian designers at least 4 days a week. That way I can still wear pyjamas while working from home several days a week! I’m recording my Instagram posts here for posterity, because … More Me-Made Canadian May 2020!
I’m to the Ottawa Garment Guild on Zoom tonight about my favourite topic: Colour! I thought I’d share my slideshow here for anyone interested. DOn’t forget you can also see my full blog series by clicking Wardrobe Colour Palette in the header!
Hello! This is my first time testing for Muna and Broad, which is an exclusively plus-size pattern company. Patterns go from a 40″ waist to a 60″ waist, and *get this* they will grade up a pattern for anyone beyond that largest size FOR FREE. Swoon! These are the Willandra Pants, which were released last … More Testing the Muna and Broad Willandra Pants
Welcome to the new Jalie Patterns! Years before I became a pattern tester for them, I would start counting down to the annual release. Jalie always have mix of simple classics, modern basics, and a huge range of athletic gear which I ignore! This time I tested two patterns: The Romy Sweater and Tunic, and … More A quick post about the new Jalie Patterns!
