I hope you guys are looking forward to the new pattern next week. We’ve been working on it so long, I feel disconcerted about actually releasing it! I can’t believe it’s time to let it go off into the world. Don’t forget to get on the sneak peek list if you want an early preview …

I love rituals. They shape my life and make me a happier, more centered person. For example, every weekday starts the same way for me. I wake up early, turn on the coffee, and meditate for 10-15 minutes while it brews. I drink my coffee and go through a list of quick tasks I call …

We’re working hard on getting things set up over here. Well, Meg and Kenn are working hard. I’m basically doing the same kind of work I always do. Today’s an especially big day because we’re getting all of our inventory delivered, so that we can bring our shipping back in house after years of having …

I’ve noticed that many women, myself included, struggle with the concept of pride. We are, by and large, uncomfortable with holding up our accomplishments. This is true in personal situations, it’s certainly observable in work environments, and I even see it on sewing blogs as we downplay our achievements and point out all the flaws. …

It’s been an exciting week. As you read this, we’re likely packing up the last of our studio in preparation for the big move on Monday! Even more exciting, we have a new team member this week! Meg has joined us as our new inventory and office manager, so the next time you buy a …

This post almost didn’t happen today. After coming back from our trip to Panama, I’ve been catching up on work all week and putting long hours into the free hemming ebook (which is clocking in at over 100 pages, be sure to sign up so I can send it to you because it is looking …

I have a sizable collection of sewing books, most of them 50+ years old. Most of them just sit on the shelf and are only pulled out when I want to grab a little inspiration. The books I turn to again and again are the reference books, the ones you can pull out whenever you’re …

As you read this, I’m on a plane headed out for a short trip to Panama City! Since I’ve got a million things to do in order to prep for this little jaunt, I’ll keep it brief for now and share lots of photos later on – I made two dresses just for the trip …

This week has been a little insane, and there isn’t much sign of it letting up soon. We’re planning for our studio move, working on the next pattern, designing another big project for the end of the year (which I cannot wait to share), styling and planning multiple photo shoots, completely revamping our shipping procedures, …

I recently rewatched one of my absolute favorite films in terms of costuming, 3 Coins in the Fountain. This movie is pretty dopey, but it is entirely worth it just to see what the characters are wearing. And I am just so drawn to that technicolor 1950s palette of muted colors. I don’t know about …

One afternoon a few months ago, I felt like I was having a mini meltdown at the fabric store. This happened to me with alarming frequency. The store I shop at most often is gigantic. It’s stuffed with so many lovely silks, linens, knits, and wools that it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the …

I have this ritual. Every morning, either at home or first thing at the office, I write 1000 words. There are many benefites to having a creative ritual like this, but one of the primary ones for me is that every day, I feel like I created something. Even if I spend the rest of …

Sometimes I wish I could go back in time and tell myself a thing or two. Not about anything major. I’d let my young self make most of her big mistakes and learn her life lessons. But it sure would be nice to give little me a few sewing pointers. What I’d tell her wouldn’t …

After about 4 years in our beloved Ford Building, we’ve decided it’s time to move. When I first decided to move out of my kitchen, I was scared to death about the extra expense of paying rent. But I bit the bullet and got a tiny space under 400 square feet. It was oddly shaped, …

Fall sewing is just around the corner, can you believe it? I spotted an incredible variety of Italian wools at Mill End this week. I ended up picking up a gorgeous plaid wool sweater knit in grey and black to make a cardigan, along with some tweedy wools for dresses. It’s hard to imagine that …

Every summer, I wonder how it is I got so busy. One of my not-so-secret dreams is to be able to afford to work shorter weeks in the summer, maybe taking fridays off to enjoy the sunshine, go hiking, and sit on my patio. Instead, I always seem to find myself buried under a pile …

The other weekend, I went on a shopping expedition to Steven Alan, a branch of which recently opened up in Portland. I came away with a whole lot, and I didn’t spend a dime. Inspiration shopping is one of my favorite activities. It turns the act of spending, which is usually loaded with difficult decisions …

There’s something very freeing about de-cluttering. As you get rid of the things you don’t need, you start to realize that your stuff is not all that important. I’ve mentioned before that I’ve been trying to rid myself of at least one thing a day, and it’s been surprisingly easy. I’ve gotten rid of a …

Last weekend, we took a drive out to the Maryhill museum. After getting my socks knocked off by the Rodin collection, we stumbled randomly into the collection of Théâtre de la Mode. Théâtre de la Mode was an exhibition of 1/3 scale models and clothing crafted by the top fashion designers in 1945, and intended …

Today, I’d like to talk to all the beginners out there. I know how disheartening it is to be a beginner at something. Often when you’re learning something new, your imagination and taste greatly outpace your actual skills. You know when something looks wrong, but you aren’t at the point where you can fix it. …

Just a quick reminder that the 15% off on Myrtle ends tonight! Pick up your copy here. And thank you to everyone who ordered the pattern, especially to those of you who opted to get an early peek and managed to keep it under your hats. I’m amazed at how well it all worked, and …