Category Archives: PATTERN REVIEWS

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…

The Akira Wrap and Pants made with Mahogany Rose Linen are the most luxurious of loungewear. My daughter Anna was delighted when I said I would make this set for her. With this pattern there are two top options, one is the wrap and one is a cardigan which we chose to make. The difference…

I have been a long-time fan of button-up shirts because of their versatility: short sleeve, long sleeve, long sleeves rolled up halfway, no sleeves! And lately I’ve noticed half-placket tops floating around the virtual sewing community world, so I decided to try it out with the Bruna Shirt pattern. I love the idea of having…

I can’t begin to tell you how often I have looked at a piece of clothing and thought “that wasn’t made for me”, meaning – I knew instantly that it wouldn’t fit me, my body type, or lifestyle. But I guess that’s the thing with garments, right? We mostly wear items that fit those three…