Category Archives: PATTERN REVIEWS

Since I left New York City and moved to the French countryside a year ago, it felt like I’ve lived in boots and jeans for months now, renovating my beautiful old house and taking care of the garden, going on long walks in the woods and exploring my new region. So I was very excited…

I was looking for clothes that could fit me at 28 weeks of pregnancy and that would remain relevant even after the birth of the baby. I saw the ABBEY Wrap Cardigan pattern on the Fabric-store website and thought that was exactly what I needed! The pattern is very easy to understand and has only…

As someone who has recently dived into the patternmaker side of sewing patterns, I have come to appreciate how much work and attention to detail goes into producing a full sewing pattern package. A few of the challenges in creating a sewing pattern include creating efficient pattern piece layouts, laying them out on different paper…

I am, admittedly, a creature of habit. Once I discover a style that works for me, I just add more of it to my wardrobe. This is exactly what happened when I discovered the beauty of a wrap top! For me, nothing beats the wrap top when it comes to comfort and ease. It just…

I jumped on the linen culottes trend by sewing a pair of CASS Wide Leg pants last week! To no one’s surprise, I decided to make this classic and versatile piece in FS BLACK heavy linen, my favorite fabric lately. The heavier-weight is a little stiff at first, but softens beautifully after a few washes….

The AMI Dress was so easy to put together and has such great styling capabilities that I had fun adding some extra elements to it. I knew I wanted to make the dress in this Pattern Collection because of how versatile styling it would be. To me, this doubles up as a perfect basic as…

As we welcome warm and sunny days on the farm, my time set aside for personal sewing projects becomes limited in exchange for time outside. This results in simplified projects, dreaming up designs I can complete in a couple hours in the early morning. Just as my lifestyle changes with the seasons, my sewing habits…

The AMI Pattern is my literal favorite right now. I have a mini capsule collection in my closet now thanks to this pattern. The shorts are my second make. I was so intimidated with assembling the pants, now that I have a better idea of the steps, it made sewing the shorts more enjoyable and…

Making my first pair of trousers was very intimidating. I’ve made pants before but always with a clean waistband and side zipper. I wanted to challenge myself to make a more tailored pant. When I saw AMI Pattern I wanted both the pants and shorts. I especially love the gathered detail at the waistband, it…

Back in November, I stumbled upon the FS Charlie Pattern set while searching for a high-waisted pant pattern. I was instantly drawn to these classic designs. I started by making the Charlie Pants in NATURAL Linen in the fall with the intention of eventually sewing a couple matching blouses. Last weekend, I completed my first…

I have always wanted to make a shirt dress but had always been very intimidated to give it a try. The collar and buttonholes were enough to deter me. Having successfully made a few other FS patterns, I felt up to the challenge. The instructions you get with the patterns are unmatched. I felt ready…

My love for surplice tops continues as I added the JULIA Wrap Top in FS POTTING SOIL brown linen to my wardrobe this weekend! This pattern includes so many of my favorite elements; an elegant wrap top, bias binding neckline, and a tie closure along the waistline. Like so many of FS sewing patterns, this…

The Ashton Top designed by Helen’s Closet Patterns is a teeny tank that packs a big punch. Guaranteed to be a wardrobe workhorse, its simple but genius design will carry you through the seasons. It is perfect for the warmer months and is a great layering piece under a cardigan or jacket when it gets…

If you have followed my writings and sewing pattern reviews over the last year, then you know how much I’m drawn to a surplice top. This week, my obsession continued by creating the RUBY Crossover Dress in Midweight LAGOON linen.  The Ruby Crossover is another one of Fabrics-store’s free downloadable patterns. The combination of a…

This weekend, I welcomed the first day of spring by sewing a linen dress for Easter. I chose the NOOR Dress in DUSTY Lotus green linen for this occasion, as I was drawn to the long sleeves and flattering wrap silhouette. Of course, I will wear this dress beyond Easter Sunday, but having a specific…