Category Archives: PATTERN REVIEWS

Summer pants, the ever-elusive search. When asked to make a pattern for the thread from the FS pattern catalog, I wanted to highlight a pattern which I haven’t come across much. I love a good linen pant especially one that would work for both work meetings and a night out with the girls. Mykonos is…

Wrap cardigans are popular right now and easy to accessorize.  You can sew them with long sleeves or short sleeves, and layer them over a tank. I’ve been wanting to make a wrap suit for a while, so I didn’t put it off and started as soon as I got Akira’s pattern and fabric. It’s…

Today you can allow yourself to play with the style of slip dresses. What should I match the dress with? A slip dress in cold weather goes well with knitted clothes (sweater, turtleneck), and coats and jackets are worn over it. In warm seasons, a shirt and a T-shirt are combined with such a model….

I love a good button down. I know this isn’t a revolutionary statement by any means, but there’s a reason it’s become a wardrobe staple in so many people’s closets. They have the innate ability to be a closet chameleon, transitioning from office wear to casual chic, and they are a piece I return to…

The traditional trouser includes a waistband, belt loops and a fly front but over time I think we’ve accepted many variations on this beloved staple garment. Don’t misunderstand, I do love cozy elastic waist linen pants as well. I’ve even designed patterns for such a pant and have several but nothing can totally replace the…

I should start with a caveat. I think the idea of ‘flattering’ is so steeped in society’s obsession with controlling what women wear, that writing about picking patterns that suit my body type feels like walking a very tricky line. That being said, we cannot deny that certain silhouettes will make us feel wonderful, will…

Some of us edge into garment sewing from a quilting or crafting habit, or perhaps someone’s child needs a costume. I’ve seen people hang a piece of fabric on themselves and start cutting. I’ve had all of those starts, but none of it stuck until I picked up my first dress pattern.  Years down the…

Everyone loves options. You get so many with the Abbey pattern set: it has 7 pieces. I cannot resist a great collar, so, the cardigan was a perfect choice for me. I was looking for something that could transition the seasons. I like the roomy design of the cardigan.  The sleeveless option fits the bill…

This week I made the CHELSEA Tee in TERRA linen!  I have been eyeing this simple tee for months and finally downloaded the free pattern to give it a try. The CHELSEA Tee features a boxy silhouette, raglan sleeves, and a bias binding neckline. Like so many of Fabrics-store’s patterns, the Chelsea Tee is a…

Robes are my weakness, as I spend a lot of time with my kids at home, you want to have quality and comfortable home clothes. And it’s lovely to spend your slow mornings in a comfortable linen robe like Amalfi. The cozy kimono-style robe will fit perfectly into your daily routine. With a loose fit…

The Charlie shirt first caught my eye because of the interesting pleating detail on both the back and front, and I was curious as to the construction method. Funnily enough, I initially misunderstood the front closure to be a covered button placket, but was pleasantly surprised to see that the same design aesthetic could be…

I’ve been on the hunt for 100% cotton poplin fabric for the last several months and I had no clue Fabrics-Store had a whole range sitting pretty on the site. Of course they offer the fabric in a quintessential white color as well as a bevy of gorgeous floral prints; but when I saw the…

Okay, so there is a little background on choosing Ami. I look for vintage elements in contemporary patterns, something that I have started doing more of, influenced by my love of vintage clothing. I look for vintage clothing when I thrift.  The adventure that comes with thrifting can be such a rush. It is one…

I moved to Los Angeles three years ago after living in Boston for over a decade. Over that decade, this California native learned what winter was, how incredible wool is, and that jeans are NOT the pants I want to wear when it’s humid out. IYKYK. But one of the things I miss most about…