Sewing Tips
Make it better, faster, easier
Circle Skirt but Border-Print Fabric?
I see this question a lot online: “I want to make this circle skirt pattern but can I use this border-print fabric?” or “Can I use a border embroidered fabric?” or “Can I use lace fabric with a scalloped edge?”…
Sewing: To Up-cycle or Not?
In general terms, I applaud up-cycling, recycling, using what you have instead of buying more. I also believe in the rights of the individual to do whatever you want to with your own private property. You want to buy a…
Pattern Review: LLK “Sorrento”
5/6/2019 I’m updating this review today, due to comments from the pattern company. I reprinted the pattern using a different printer and found a slight difference in size, which is good because the adjustments I had made before were confusing.…
Empire Angel Gowns: part 2
Recently I posted about up-cycling vintage wedding dresses to sew “Empire Waist” angel gowns for preemies, that are more fancy and embellished than traditional angel gowns. One question I received was “How many of these can you get from one…
Saying “Thank You”
As a Tech Designer, I was trained to be objective, rational. It doesn’t matter whether or not you personally care for the designer’s vision, the job is to make it fit and get the factory to understand how how to…
Fabric Shopping in Rome
Last week my husband and I took our daughter to Rome for her last Spring Break before graduation from design school. Italy has special memories for Peter and me, because coincidentally both of our dads held 4-year ex-patriot stints there…
How to Make an Empire Angel Gown
Upcycling wedding dresses into angel gowns is one of my favorite sewing activities. Each vintage gown has it’s own unique properties of textile, silhouette and trim, making every project a fresh design challenge. For example, take a look at this…
Vest Pattern for Angel Gowns
This is a long-overdue pattern, so “Thank you for your patience” to all who have requested a vest pattern to coordinate with the Angel Gown pattern from a previous post. Parents of little-boy angels appreciate a blessing gown with simple lines,…
Bow Ties for Angel Gowns
I’ve had so many requests for a vest and bow-tie to coordinate with the Angel Gown pattern from a previous post. The vest pattern is coming very soon…as I was writing the instructions, I realized that the post was getting…
Sewing Halloween costumes
Philip Stanhope, 4th Earl of Chesterfield, is famous for this quote: But just HOW well? Sure, there’s no point spending time in any endeavor that you know ahead of time is a waste. On the other extreme, doesn’t perfectionism sometimes…
