I don't have many food posts these days, but I felt I really needed to publish this recipe. Nearly all the recipes and their derivations on the internet are just plain wrong. So let's fix that... These chewy caramel candies are perfect to make during the winter holidays when apple cider is easily available. I've... Continue Reading →
Ultimate T-Shirt Pattern Comparison
I promised to write this post a long time ago, but only now is it getting published. Sorry. In August, I worked on creating flat 2D patterns from 3D duct tape body forms that I would cut to make sloper pieces. I posted a lot on how to do that for pants etc. and I... Continue Reading →
Perfect T-shirt Pocket
I know it's been a bit since I've posted anything. I got buried with prepping and teaching a new university course. The semester is not quite over, but I'm getting close to freedom. At the end of September, I posted a picture of a t-shirt pocket on Instagram that got a lot of attention. One... Continue Reading →
Duct Tape Torso Sloper
Ready to start talking about torso forms? I think I've made a good start on my pant form that I thought it was time to tackle the torso form. Who's ready? DUCT TAPE TORSO FORM Here are the supplies you'll need: 2 rolls of duct tape saran / cling wrap scissors permanent marker The method... Continue Reading →
Self-Drafted Trousers Using Thread Theory Jutland Pants
My jaw dropped to the floor when I started comparing the self-drafted trousers pattern for Ryan to actual sewing patterns that I had in my collection. The style and fit of my self-drafted trousers were closest to Thread Theory's Jutland Pants, with a few modifications to leg fit, pockets, etc. Over a year ago, I... Continue Reading →
Self-Drafted Trousers Using Alina Design’s Chi-Town Chinos
The first pair of trousers I made from my duct-tape sloper was a pair of stretch skinny jean shorts. I had previously made skinny jeans so I was able to compare my self-drafted version with an altered pattern. This time around, I am trying a new pattern, Alina Sewing + Design Co. Chi-Town chinos Expansion... Continue Reading →
Self-Drafted Skinny Jean Shorts
This blog post is going to be another technical post, but isn't that my shtick?! Over the past few months, I've been getting into the nitty-gritty of fitting pants. I tried to work through patterns and make numerous test pairs to get the fit right. I was methodical and very precise about documenting my alterations.... Continue Reading →
Quick Sloper using Duct Tape
Raise your hand if you: struggle with altering patterns, don't know how to get pants to fit right, have no idea what your crotch curve should look like, and so on! I have been sewing for less than five years, and pants are still a bit elusive to me. I can sew pants blindfolded with... Continue Reading →
McCall’s M7668 Hooded Jacket
In the world of technical outdoor gear, there are few options for odd sized people. Ryan and I have always struggled to find gear that fits. We are tall, and most gear is intended for people much shorter than us. When I started sewing clothes, I always hoped I'd get to the point where I... Continue Reading →
True Bias Emerson Crop Pant in Linen
I struggle with summer outfits. Namely, I haven't been able to find a style that I can wear to work. I only need to be casually dressed for work, but wearing sneakers, shorts, and a t-shirt is a bit too casual. I don't mind dresses, but I need outfits that don't look bad with sneakers.... Continue Reading →
McCall’s M6044 Men’s Button-Down Shirt
I think Meg and I have a contest to see who sews more versions of McCall's 6044 and it is pretty much a draw right now! It is hard to deviate from a versatile pattern that fits so well. The two versions I made this time are for summer. The cute fish fabric is quilting... Continue Reading →
Butterick B6100 Shirt in Lightweight Woven Fabrics
Finding the perfect basic woven shirt pattern for summer wasn't as daunting as I thought it would be. Months ago, I purchased the Butterick Pattern, B6100, because it offered separate pattern pieces for A/B, C and D cup sizes. I can't believe I've waited until now to try this pattern! I know there are a... Continue Reading →