This blog was created as the need for more techniques, tips and tricks for the sewing community has become increasingly apparent. I teach private and group sewing classes as well as online sewing classes, which fills some of that need. By creating this blog, I hope to help many others with their sewing related adventures.
Friday, April 14, 2023
Let's Make and Wear a Kaftan
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
Tunic! It's All About the Flutter!
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Open Front - Flutter Tunic!
I've had this Vogue Pattern #9305 for a few years, but never felt like I had just the right fabric for it.
Then along came this beautiful gifted fabric from Minerva.com and I knew it would work! The fabric is Diamond Dobby and is textured polyester suiting.
I love the silver-grey color and the tiny diamond shapes that are woven into the fabric. It gives it a kind of monochromatic vibe!
I love this open front - flutter tunic...but I certainly won't be wearing it without leggings!
Who says we can't wear leggings after a "certain" age?
They work perfectly with this tunic, and I didn't think the included pants would be flattering with it.
Sew...leggings it is!
As always, I hacked the pattern. 😉 I reduced the height of the neckline - high necklines are just not flattering on me. I shortened the sleeves by 5 inches (yes...5 inches) and lengthened the side split by about 3 inches...even with leggings, it was a bit too high - so down it came!
I also added a bit of shaping to the waist area. The pattern called for a back zipper, but after lowering the neckline, I was able to eliminate it.
I chose to use fusible stay tape versus stay stitching the neckline. After fusing the tape to the wrong side of the neckline, I serged it with a 3/8" finish using a 3-thread set-up. The curve was then clipped and turned under and top-stitched.
This dress is quite versatile...easy to wear...dress it up or down. Flats or heels both look great with it! Wear jeans instead of leggings...or be bold and leave the leggings and jeans at home!
It would also be a really nice swim suit cover up! Try a knit or a woven with some stretch. Use a solid or a bright or subtle print. I'll be using a bright print knit for my next one. Yes! I'll make it again!
How would you style this tunic?
Tuesday, January 5, 2021
Minerva ITY Knit - Wrap Dress
Tuesday, November 24, 2020
Minerva ITY Knit
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase from these links, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Minerva ITY Knit
Because of the print, I decided to go simple. I love hi/lo tops and dresses, so I used one of my TNTs - McCall's 6957 - view B. I love the fit and flare shaping of this pattern!
The only change I made was to add sleeves. I love elbow length sleeves. Many of my TNT patterns are marked with that length.
I did a bit of print matching by making sure the aqua floral was center front and that the sleeves matched. Most of the construction was done on my serger with a 4 thread set-up.
I love using pre-cut fusible stay tape on the shoulders, hems and necklines of my knits. After fusing the tape on, I serged the edges using a 3 thread set-up. Then I simply pressed the hem under by using the stitches as a guideline and top stitched.
Here I styled it with leggings, but it's actually long enough in the front that I can also forego the leggings. I wore it to an outdoor setting, thus the flats, but it can also be styled with heels!
Of course I couldn't resist making a matching mask. To stabilize the knit for the mask, I fused a tricot interfacing to it. The lining/filter pocket is 100% cotton.
This dress is easy to make and fun to wear!
Did I say that I love sewing and wearing ITY knits! 😃
Saturday, June 15, 2019
One Pattern 2 Ways

This top/dress even looks good on the hanger! 😍 Look at that drape!

Sew, I flipped the direction of the front pattern piece. After moving it around a few times, I decided that I wanted the smaller print at my neckline and the solid black at my waist.


I am definitely making another one!
Let's Make and Wear a Kaftan
This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase from these links, I may earn a small commiss...

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This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase from these links, I may earn a small commiss...
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This post may contain affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase from these links, I may earn a small commis...