I was asked by a co-worker at the day job if I could recreate a favorite garment. It seems the co-worker's significant other had purchased him a casual kimono while on a trip to Japan. The garment had become a treasured item and has been worn almost daily. He wondered if I could make him… Continue reading My First Frankenpattern: the Storm-Grey Kimono
Category: Sewing
Digital Stash Management
I am a late baby-boomer, but I am an information specialist working in a progressive academic library. So I'm more "millennial" than many others my age. I get that. I am also an avid sewist, manic knitter and occasional crocheter. If it involves a needle, I'm there. I am tired of living in two completely… Continue reading Digital Stash Management
Altering a Purse Strap
It is 4th of July week and I felt the need for a new purse. I found a pretty snazzy, all-American one but it had a short faux leather strap. I can never find purses with ample straps for my ample body. Then it hit me. I can sew! As a quilter I have a… Continue reading Altering a Purse Strap
Murray State Caps – My Version
One of the latest fashion fads in this little college town is m0nogrammed baseball caps. Girls are keeping the embroidery business hopping by asking for baseball caps with a round or square monogram on frayed edge appliques. One sewist is selling a lot of caps with the state of Kentucky appliqued on a cap with… Continue reading Murray State Caps – My Version
My Very First Label
When I finally decided on a brand for myself and my creations, the first thing I wanted to do (after acquiring the services of a graphic artist) was to create my own fabric labels for my handmade items. I sent my shiny new professional graphic image off the an Etsy vendor who crafted me my… Continue reading My Very First Label
Generation We and Working With Their Hands
While scanning my Twitter feed, I ran across this article re-tweeted by HootSuite concerning Millennials and the social media skills they lack. I had not heard the Millennials referred to as Generation We or Generation Me but I find that it is an accurate description. Those born between 1980 and 2000 have: predispositions of Generation Me – idealism,… Continue reading Generation We and Working With Their Hands
My First Seam Gauge (After 40+ Years)
I must be the McGyver of sewing. I've learned to take whatever is available and adapt it to my needs at that moment. Lack of resources, both financially and geographically, have always dictated that I work with whatever is on hand. This is a skill that is lost on the younger generations of today, by… Continue reading My First Seam Gauge (After 40+ Years)
Mobile Sewing Center Of My Dreams
I have found the perfect mobile solution for my sewing needs! Thanks, Happy Zombie, for your blogpost. I've searched high and low for some sort of storage and travel option for my treasured featherweight and associated sewing notions. My husband's shopping gravitates toward sporting goods stores and home improvement centers so I tend to make… Continue reading Mobile Sewing Center Of My Dreams
Pillowcase Learn to Sew Class
When people find out I sew, the first thing out of their mouths is one of two things. One response is "I have some pants that need hemming. Can I get you to do that?" The other response is "I bought a sewing machine because I wanted to learn to sew and it is still… Continue reading Pillowcase Learn to Sew Class
Product Review: Clover Protect and Grip Thimble
My hand quilting has been on a hiatus for a couple years while I have been doing the whole "get healthy, get active" thing. When I returned to my project, I quickly found out there had been a change. My favorite thimble no longer fit. I had no idea a 45lb. weight-loss could affect the… Continue reading Product Review: Clover Protect and Grip Thimble
Fruit From My Hands 