Category Archives: PATTERN REVIEWS

As I’m writing this, I am sitting at the breakfast table in Croatia (again – lucky me, I know) enjoying a slice of bread with spicy Ajvar and cucumber. It’s 10:12 am and 27 C. It’s warm but not too hot, which feels perfect because I’m not sweating like hell but still don’t need to…

I’ve always gravitated towards pieces that are easy to wear, and breezy to fit the Los Angeles weather. Linen is absolutely my favorite fabric to work with because of that reason. On top of that, linen is also a very approachable fabric for beginners, which I still consider myself to be, since it is very…

A few seasons ago, a certain slow fashion brand had designed a long sleeved, slightly oversized white shirt dress with multi-colored buttons — it was outside my budget but I COVETED it. (Shout out to #statethelabel!) Simple but whimsical, the style I like to strive for. Classic without being on the nose, veering a little…

I used to struggle with choosing pants I go to work with. In Silicon Valley, the dress code is business casual. If you come for an interview for a tech job, the recruiter would repeat three times — don’t wear a suit. The RIVA linen pants are the perfect middle-ground between suit pants and jeans,…

When I was in veterinary school, we had a practical skills lab where we had to put on our ~white coats~ and “play doctor” on very sweet volunteer pets. At the time, I remember feeling so giddy to put that coat on. On the one hand, it felt surreal and exciting and on the other…

Every woman (or man, if they so please) needs a good basic dress in their closet. I, for one, savor in making just one decision instead of two. Although I’m not very good at making basics (I tend to get most excited about the “frosting” projects), I was really ready to whip myself up a…

I really like to sew dresses and jumpsuits for my daughter. Today we will talk about one of my favourite dress patterns for girls. I usually find interesting patterns on Etsy, there are a lot of great stores. But be careful if you want to sew clothes with the intent of selling them, as some…

I don’t know if I can adequately express how much I think everyone reading this needs to make a ZINA Shirt Dress. Maybe that sounds a little dramatic but wow, this was so fun to make and I think you can tell from my photos, how good I feel in this dress. A linen button-up…

Recently on fabric-store.com I saw a new Capucine pattern and decided that I absolutely must sew this robe to welcome the cozy summer eves in it. I sewed a dressing gown for the first time and already in the process imagined how, wrapped in a warm blanket, I drink a cup of coffee and watch…

I have one big big big problem with clothes: every time I see something in the store or online I like I think ‘Definitely not gonna buy that –  I can do that myself’ – in reality- I rarely do so. So when I started packing for my short trip to Croatia I found myself…

Nothing beats an airy top and skirt combination on a hot summer day. Here in the Southern Hemisphere, as much as it pains me to admit, summer is very much over. But I decided to make the Julia pattern in anticipation of balmy days in six months..  I must first commend the FS team for…

Who doesn’t want to feel like they’re at a resort this summer or any time? These garments will help transport you even if you’ve decided it’s a “staycation” season for you! For the Riva Shirt I chose the lightweight Blue Apatite Softened Linen. I like to pay attention to what colors are best for my…

Summer has finally arrived here in Vermont! I feel a bit better already with a bit of sun on my face and this lovely linen set to twirl in… The JULIA wrap top and tiered skirt collection is a gorgeous duo to make. Both pieces are beginner friendly in their construction and infinitely wearable. For…

The Mykonos shirt is a fun new take on the classic button up shirt. It is an oversized shirt; the kind you’d borrow from a boyfriend or perhaps grandpa. Sleeves rolled up, front left unbuttoned, it is the kind of shirt you put on and feel instantly confident and cool, without trying too hard.  I…

I’ve been avoiding making fitted pants for a while but decided to face my fears head-on with the RIVA Pants pattern. It’s a wide leg trouser with great details like front pleats, double welt pockets, double-belt loops and a relatively generous waistband fit. As daunting as it first seemed, a toile and some adjustments later…