After talking a bit with my friend Emma (sewdoitemma) about some hesitations when it came to Friday Pattern’s Elysian Bodysuit as a plus size person (comfort, appropriate length and fit, accessibility, bathroom needs and struggles to re-snap), we talked about the idea of turning the Elysian into a shirt and I couldn’t let it go!
Read MoreWhen I first started sewing indie patterns, Friday Pattern Company was one of the first brands that I found and wanted to try. The first patterns I ended up loving and wanting were the: Vernazza Two Piece, Adrienne Blouse, and, shocker, the Avenir. I was definitely bummed when I realized that I didn’t fit in with the size chart but I held out hope. Now we have it!
Read MoreThese pants came together smoothly and quickly! I managed to get everything set start to finish in the span of maybe 5 hours max (I really need to start keeping track of everything), including paper pattern assembly, cutting out the fabric, and even taking my content videos and photos. I definitely could’ve finished quicker than that had I had my serger on-hand since I managed to whip this out at my boyfriend’s using the time-consuming stretch stitch on my machine after realizing that they were due a day sooner than I had planned on and panic-sewing.
Read MoreEver since I decided to start my own label business, I’ve been obsessed with looking for other small businesses offering labels as a means to add a bit more variety into the styles I sew into my makes. Today’s blog post is a list of the different small label businesses I’ve come across and plan on updating with more if and when I find more that I love!
Read MoreChelsea over at Friday Pattern has done it again! If you’re like me and went crazy over the Saguaro Set that she released in March of 2022, you’ll love this new skirt set that she released just in time for the holidays!
Read MoreAnother year, another time for resolutions. While I don’t necessarily go with the resolution route, I love taking the end of the year and the beginning of the new year to reflect on the year gone by and plan for some goals in the coming year that I hope will improve things. While the famous Make 9 trend lives on, I decided to take a different approach to things and try to stick with less specific goals to give myself a bit of leeway while also giving myself more attainable goals rather than sticking with 9 specific patterns that may or may not end up being a successful addition to my closet. With my pattern testing and work schedule I anticipate this year, I also figured that this way I could also try to incorporate some of these goals in with my tests and hit two for one!
Read MoreFor those of you who may not know, I used to work in a sewing shop. Part of my job centered around helping clients find the right machines to suit their needs ranging from beginner to advanced as quilters, garment sewists, embroiderers, and crafters in general. More often than not, I would meet with those looking to start sewing for the first time - those who weren’t sure on which machines would suit their needs. That’s what this blog post is all about: Which beginner-friendly machines should you look at?
Read MoreOne of the things I admire about Caramiya and her patterns is the fact that she really makes sure that there are plenty of options and variations available with her patterns. With the Evie One Piece (actually the pattern that inspired this pattern!), there are numerous styles you can pick from between the neckline and back depth, strap width, coverage, and leg points, you can mix things up endlessly!
Looking at the Tate Crop and Dress, that’s the case yet again! While you can definitely have the crop top for a quick and easy sew (also can we get a round of applause for it being fully lined?!), you can also choose a bralette option (that you need to cut as well for the lining of the dress), a longer tank, and, finally, the bodycon dress!
Read MoreFor those of you who may not know, I used to work in a sewing shop. Part of my job centered around helping clients find the right machines to suit their needs ranging from beginner to advanced as quilters, garment sewists, embroiderers, and crafters in general. More often than not, I would meet with those looking to start sewing for the first time - those who weren’t sure on which machines would suit their needs. That’s what this blog post is all about: Which questions are the right ones to ask yourself?
Read MoreA quick look at how NYC Frocktails went!
Read MoreI feel like I’ve talked about this nonstop since January when I really committed to this and yet here I am 9 months later without having written about the plan for this satin label business so I figured it’s high time that I explain a little bit about this craziness that’s consumed my life for almost a whole year of planning! So, that said, I wanted to answer a few quick FAQs to kick things off and open the floor for any additional ones that might come in so make sure you leave a comment if you have any additional questions!
Read MoreIt’s been a little while since I last wrote up a Minerva post to here’s my most recent make with them! This is one of a long line of exclusive prints that have just (and will continue) coming out for Minerva!
I was excited to see that the fabrics up for grabs was going to be one of my favorite fabrics (viscose challis) and I was even more excited to see that they’re OEKO-TEX certified! For anyone that doesn’t know, that simply means that the fabrics have been tested and cleared of harmful chemicals, making them healthier than a number of other fabric options!
Read MoreLet me tell you. It’s been a WHILE since I’ve taken a vacation. Like an actual one. I was the kind of girl who would make sure I took a trip at least once a year and, thanks to the Panini (Panorama, Pandemic, Insert Your Term Here), I’ve been stuck and going stir-crazy not having anything to do. Back in March or April, though, I made the decision that I would go somewhere for a solo trip for a week. While I wasn’t gone for the full week, I did have some much-needed time away, came to a few personal life realizations, and had a number of fun adventures with friends I either haven’t seen in years or was finally able to meet up with in person for the first time. So it’s been a while since I went on this trip in the beginning of June but here we go!
Read MoreHey all! I’m so excited for swim season! Last year I made two different suits that I have yet to actually use and this year I have plans for (hopefully) another 2 or 3 using patterns right here on this list! I had a bit more of an issue finding some swim patterns friendly to larger sizes but I found some of the styles that I actually plan on making up myself that I’ll be sure to let you know about once they’re done! If you don’t see your favorite pattern listed here, make sure you leave a comment and spread the love!
Read MoreIt’s been a little while since I’ve been able to sit down and put together another listicle of my favorite shops but I figured, with summer here on full blast, that it’d be the perfect time to share some of my favorite shops and locations when it comes to gathering materials to make your own swimsuits! This blog post is only going to focus on where to find the perfect materials (like fabric, elastic, etc.) but next time I’ll be sure to post some of my favorite swimsuit patterns for you to take a look at! Now, let’s get to it!
Read MoreThe second I saw this dress pop up in my Facebook feed (I’m in a number of plus size sewing groups) with a call for pattern testers, I knew that it would be the perfect versatile dress for date night and some of the other occasions I have coming up this year!
Read MoreIt’s been quite a while since I’ve been able to post something I’ve made thanks to some personal things that popped up but I finally got back into the swing of things with pattern testing with this super fun and versatile pattern set from Friday Pattern Company! I was fortunate enough to help work on this set (Yes - you get 2 pieces for the price of one!) and had so much fun sewing up this outfit that I already have a minimum of 3 more sets and versions planned and ready to go!
Read MoreLove is in the air (and yes I mean that both literally and figuratively). As we’re heading into Wedding Season, there are a few things we need to be real about when it comes to the fashion involved… Don’t worry! After today’s post you’ll (hopefully) feel a bit more at-ease and ready for the journey ahead!
Read MoreWith the start of the year in full-swing and everyone focusing on cleaning and reorganizing their spaces or starting new hobbies, I thought this would be the perfect time to share some of my favorite sewing room organizational must-haves! These necessities keep all of your sewing needs on display and organized so you’re not scrambling to find them when the time comes or even buying more because you’ve misplaced them. Below are 9 of my favorite organizational tools with everything from small storage to larger options. This is in no means an exhaustive list so make sure you comment with some of your favorite sewing space products and hacks below!
Read MoreOne of the most common questions I’m asked by beginners is which cutting tools are my favorites as a designer. I have such a wide variety of cutting tools all over my room (okay all over the house let’s be real) and I actually have multiples of most of these.
Here’s my list of all of the cutting tools I have in my arsenal and that I always highly recommend for some incredible quality!
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