Category Archives: PATTERN REVIEWS

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…

Ever since I uncovered a vintage French chore jacket at a flea market years ago, I have been obsessed with this timeless jacket design. If you follow me on Pinterest, you are not surprised to read this. I have dreamed of creating my own version for a while and finally found the perfect sewing pattern…

A few weeks ago, I wrote a tutorial on how to make a natural indigo vat, this was followed by a tutorial on how to create patterns using Indigo dye combined with Japanese shibori techniques. It seemed fitting to apply the techniques to linen and create an item of clothing from the fabric. I have…

In my 10 years of sewing, I can say with confidence, there are few fabrics I love more than classic black linen. I keep coming back to it. Pair it with vintage cotton denim and a natural vegetable tanned leather bag, you have my ideal wardrobe.  A couple weeks ago, I made the AKIRA pants…

The outside temperature dipped into the negatives this week in southern Wisconsin. Deep winter is among us. Tucked inside a drafty old farmhouse wearing many layers of wool with a space heater at my feet, I continued sewing my summer wardrobe. On the schedule this week? The MAGDA Pant in a NATURAL Linen. If you…

We arrived at the lake on Monday evening around sunset. Snowy pine branches swayed in the wind. “I am home”, I thought. I grabbed my grandma’s old sewing machine from the car, the first item I packed for this winter trip to the cabin. The first to be unpacked, too.  This week, I’m working from…

The DEVIN Linen Pajamas are the perfect lounge set to boost your winter comfort! In recent years I know many, including myself, have caught on to the ideals of Hygge (pronounced HOO-GA). This lovely mindset of extreme coziness and comfort brought into every aspect of life was apparently started in the Danish culture. You can…

I celebrated the first day of winter by sewing a linen dress for summer. This might just become a tradition. I have certainly heard of buying clothes out-of-season, but sewing clothes out-of-season? That’s a new concept for me.  While creating the NICO dress in a Midweight OLIVE BRANCH Linen, I discovered something about myself. I…

Fabrics-Store has many well designed patterns to inspire the possibilities of what to make with their lovely linen. In my over two decades of sewing I don’t think I have sewn more than one piece that is cut on the bias. The NICO Dress Pattern was a very good pattern for me to stretch myself…