My old silk bonnets were completely frayed and dead, so I went digging in my stash to see if I could make my own. I like the final product, so here's what I did. Fabric I had some leftover 22 momme silk charmeuse fabric from when I made Ryan silk pillowcases, which was perfect for... Continue Reading →
GreenStyle Simpatico Leggings Update
At the start of the year, I began working on the Simpatico leggings by GreenStyle. In February, I was hospitalized due to PE/DVT, which delayed my work until March. Once I was able to resume sewing, I was eager to finish these leggings, as exercise became a key part of my recovery. I wrote a... Continue Reading →
An Update on the redesigned Shop Pant from Open Studio
48-Inch HipBlue: Old Pattern, Size 6Red: New Pattern, Size 18 Nearly a year and a half ago, I shared my experience with the Shop Pant from Open Studio, highlighting some discrepancies in their original pattern. At the time, I found that the waistband measurements were much larger, and the hip measurements were smaller than indicated... Continue Reading →
Sophie Hines Median Knickers Update
I did a complete analysis of the median Knickers a while ago. I needed to update my pattern pieces; this is just a review of my changes. You would think, "Oh, my underwear is too big now. I should be able to just go down a size." Unfortunately, my changes aren't straightforward because my body... Continue Reading →
Thread Theory Arrowsmith Undershirt
I'm finally getting around to blogging about Ryan's Arrowsmith tank top pattern. As a bonus, I adjusted the pattern for myself, so this is a two-for-one review. Analyzing Style and Fit The Arrowsmith undershirt is a free sleeveless tank top pattern. The pattern features a deep crew neck with enlarged armholes finished with binding. Sizing... Continue Reading →
Elbe Textiles Sage Tee
Yahoo! Here's a final review of the Sage Tee from Elbe Textiles. This was my first attempt at establishing a more concrete workflow for fitting tops. I was inspired by J Stern's bodice workflow. It's not always obvious where to begin with evaluating fit. With my pants fitting, I have found that having an established... Continue Reading →
Fitting Workflow for the Sage Tee – Part 4, Sleeves & Neckband
Sleeves and the neckband are the final step in my t-shirt workflow and the one I'm least familiar with! However, I highly recommend watching this YouTube video first so we can all understand the basics of sleeves! https://youtu.be/9k7LBRdKzx0?feature=shared Here are the previous steps in my workflow: Shoulders Armhole Lower Body Preparing The Pattern This series... Continue Reading →
Fitting Workflow for the Sage Tee – Part 3, Body
My t-shirt workflow so far has been focusing on the body. I am working my way slowly from the shoulders down to the hem. In Part 1, I focused on the shoulders. In Part 2, I focused on the armhole. In this section, I will focus on body length and width changes. Preparing the Pattern... Continue Reading →
Fitting Workflow for the Sage Tee – Part 2, Armhole
In Part 1, I focused on all the adjustments I tried for the shoulders. In this section, I will focus on changes to the armhole. Preparing the Pattern As a reminder, I'm loosely following J Stern's bodice workflow, but I am ultimately trying to find a process that works for me. This is by no... Continue Reading →
Fitting Workflow for the Sage Tee – Part 1, Shoulders
I've refined my workflow for fitting pants over the years, but I lack experience and confidence when it comes to tops. As the weather warms up, I want to revise my t-shirt pattern again. The long-sleeve shirts I made a few months ago were OK, but the fit never felt great. This four-part series will... Continue Reading →
Lightweight Hammock for Hiking
This year, I wanted to make a hammock I could easily carry in my daypack while hiking. I wanted it partly to force me to slow down and relax outdoors and partly as a backup if I can't hike that day because of pain / lingering health issues. I was not prepared for the trove... Continue Reading →
Greenstyle Simpatico Leggings
Of course, I needed matching bottoms after all that effort to make new sports bras! Back in January, I started testing the Simpatico leggings from Greenstyle. I was curious how they would fit since they don't have a side seam. Based on some of my digital comparisons, I wasn't sure this legging style would work... Continue Reading →