OK. Work continues on my "Covid 19 Blazer". When I left off I was talking about fitting issues. Namely, my curved upper back, and how I address that. This happens with just about every pattern. The center back seam is quite straight, which makes the collar pull away from my neck. It looks bad, and [...]
While I'm self isolating (and I hope you are too!), I've decided to take on a tailoring project. It's interesting to see what the sewing community is turning towards during this troubled time. Doing a deep dive into one's stash seems to be popular. Or maybe breaking out that fabric that's always seemed too [...]
OK, call me crazy but I like to get dressed up a bit to walk the dog (my sweet schnauzer Homer). It's a special time between us, usually early enough in the morning that it's just the two of us out in the neighborhood. It's such a great way to start the day. After a [...]
Well, it's finally done and Mother Nature provided the perfect backdrop. So what can be said about a project that I started back before Halloween? Mostly, that I love it, and wearing it makes me feel like a million bucks. Just to recap....the fabric and lining were purchased at Stone Mountain and Daughter back in [...]
I "cut my teeth" on men's outerwear, and I still find it incredibly satisfying to make. It almost always involves wool, which is a dream to work with; and there's the opportunity to have something that just isn't available in the ready to wear market. That's a huge draw for me. I hope my journey [...]
I will just preface this post by saying that none of what I'm showing is at all necessary. The Jedediah pattern has a perfectly fine waistband. It can be very attractive if one takes the time to add a bias binding. In fact, the whole interior of a pair of Jeds can really be dressed [...]
I've wanted a pair of red pants for years, but could never find the right fabric. Anyone who sews menswear will probably understand. It's SO hard to find the right weight and something without stretch. Stretch is the devil in my book. So you can imagine my delight in finding a non-stretch, heavy red moleskin [...]
The big day arrived, and on a perfect spring afternoon I walked my beautiful daughter down the aisle. We both made our clothes for this special day. I, of course, am wearing the suit I made for the occasion. My daughter "reinvented" the Irish linen skirt that her mother wore for our wedding. She lovingly [...]
With the jacket fronts complete I moved on to the sleeves. It was a nice break from all the detail work (pockets, taping and pad stitching). The sleeve construction is really quite simple, it just gets fussy where the lining meets the vents. A wide strip of pocketing cut on the bias is basted into [...]
Here we go, another wedding! This time, my beautiful and uber talented daughter is marrying. The place -- Oakland, CA. The date -- April Fool's Day (which also turns out to be Easter this year). My travel arrangements are all made, but my Father of the Bride wardrobe is sorely lacking. My daughter floated the [...]
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