Just to be up-front, I am a bit of a Barb Emodi fan-girl. I actually think Barb and I are kind of like two halves of the same person. We both have been sewing since right after the dawn of time, have children + grand-children, love to sew, and maybe most importantly, love to experiment…
What is the right sewing machine for you?
*** Updated 11/15/2017 The short answer: the best one you can afford to buy. Good engineering costs money, plain and simple. If you really want to learn how to sew, you are going to need to invest in a piece of equipment that will make your new hobby enjoyable rather than an exercise in frustration….
Vintage Vogue 2090: The “Madeline” Coat
Both of my daughters LOVED the “Madeline” series by Ludwig Bemelmans when they were young girls. Well, my DGD shares some personality traits with the intrepid Madeline, so of course I had to make her a “Madeline” coat! This pattern is Vogue 2090, which is long out-of-print, but still available on Etsy and eBay. This pattern was…
A Vintage Christmas Dress for Oona
My DGD is 5 this year, and that girl loves dresses. BUT. She has opinions. Sparkly, golden, twirly, not-scratchy are all good things. I used a vintage Nannette pattern for Oona’s Christmas creation, McCalls 9479. I made view the short and sweet dress version from red cotton velveteen with a sparkly red tulle overskirt. There is no…
Best.Interfacing.Ever SALE!
Have you ever tried interfacing from Fashion Sewing Supply? If you are still using that papery stuff (you know, that name that rhymes with felon), do yourself a favor. Buy the good stuff. You are worth it, and your garments deserve the best. From now until December 3rd the uh-mazing professional interfacing is 15% off….
Pattern Review: McCalls 5591 + Butterick 6182
I am pretty sure I am in love. Bottom first. McCalls 5591, with pretty soft pleats and POCKETS, is definitely the fav skirt in my closet right now. Add the fact that I made it from the leftover yardage from my crazy-linen-pants-making-marathon this summer makes me feel absolutely parsimonious. “Frugal” + “Maris” + “anything-related-to-sewing” are not…