Articles in Finished Projects

image: vintage white two-piece, currently available from allencompany on Etsy. I have never felt worthy of wearing a two-piece swimsuit. From an early age, we are encouraged to disassociate ourselves from our bodies. We start to carve it up into different parts so that we can evaluate and compare: my butt, my stomach, my arms, …

I wasn’t sure what to call this outfit. Monochrome lady pirate? Patti Smith meets 1970s secretary? This blouse started with the fabric. I found this absolutely gorgeous cream silk crepe at Mill End and knew it wanted to be a blouse. It is the softest, most luxurious silk in the world. It has a great …

My style has really taken a turn for the minimal in the last year or so. I think it reflects a lot of deeper stuff going on in my life (and in my head). Perhaps I feel overburdened, but I just want things that are simple and easy, and not too many of them. I …

I decided at the last possible minute that I should make a new dress to wear to my friends’ autumn wedding, as most of my more formal creations were more suited for summer soirees. I settled on the Truffle dress from the Colette Sewing Handbook and got to work immediately. The fit was great. I …

Happy thanksgiving for those in the US! I’m celebrating at home with my family today, but I just wanted to share a few of the beautiful projects in our Flickr group this month. I may have to start posting some more favorites elsewhere, there are so many great ones. Maybe our Facebook page? 1. A …

I mentioned a few weeks ago that I’ve been interested in sashiko embroidery lately. One reason is that we got these amazing stencils in stock. I couldn’t wait to give them a go. I bought some black linen and used my favorite Clover chacopel pencil to trace the design. Sashiko is a really simple form …

I’ve been meaning to share this dress forever, as evidenced by my long hair and bare legs in these photos. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, bear with me and maybe try to pretend I’m wearing tights and boots. For those in the southern hemisphere… hey, perfect timing! I made this version of Laurel because …

Many of you have asked for resources on finding some of the more specialty items used to make bags for the Cooper Sew Along. I’ve spent more hours than I can count researching this stuff as we planned our kits, so I want to share some of my resources with you today. I have used …

I’m loving the use of prints this month. And all the red and gold tones, too! Zinnia Birds by Julie of Jolies Bobines Plaid Violet by Merci Patrons! Pearl Peach Zinnia by Elle of Elationcreations Tweed Anise by Nicole of Nicole at Home Fleurie Peony by Camille of Cafekam

I have been sewing for 17 years now, and yet still I think not a project goes by that I do not do something absent-minded. I almost wrote “stupid” there, but I’m trying to be gentle with myself here. The truth is, sewing is a process that involves low levels of concentration for hours on …

Well, I found it. For years, I have been knitting myself these little cropped sweaters from vintage patterns from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. The style is usually short, with a wide band of ribbing at the waist for a cinched in look, made in a fine gauge yarn. Some are lacy, some are simple, …

This week on Instagram: Pretty fall roses on my walk to work, Sheli’s cat was surprised by her freshly cleaned room, Kristen had an awesome duck embroidered on her vintage button-up, and I visited some goats who live near our office. Dear Readers, this week has been all about project management. It’s easy to come …

It’s always difficult to pick just 5 user creations from the Colette Patterns Flick Group for these posts. This month was particularly hard. Then I decided, since we had such great support in the Martha Stewart competition, I should celebrate our fans by picking an extra 5 user creations! 1. Denim Hawthorn by Amanda Lyn of …

Left: Marie of A Stitching Odyssey Right: Reana Louise Top Left: Sam of Buckingham Road Bottom Left: Amy of Sew Through The Motions Right: Rachel of My Messings Right: Jen of Jennifer Lauren Vintage Left: Kat of Petticoats and Peplums I love when the blogging community comes together to have some fun and inspire one …

August is such an interesting month. Some of us are squeezing the last rays of sunshine out of summer while others are prepping for fall. I love the variety that has created in our Flickr pool! 1. Nautical Hawthorn by Eva of Brave Little Tailor. 2. Denim Laurel by Whenallyouneedis 3. Ikat Nutmeg by Jacqui of …

Did you know Hawthorn is the perfect summer travel dress? Sarai was seen looking quite fabulous in her navy Mark Jacob’s Hawthorn while visiting Palm Springs. Kristen finished her sleeveless dobby version the morning of her flight to the East Coast, and I finished my seersucker version just in time for a jaunt up to …

Palm Springs is my magic place. I can’t pinpoint exactly what made me fall in love with it. Maybe it’s the cool mid-century architecture everywhere. Maybe it’s my love for pools (swimming in them or relaxing next to them). I think a large part of it is how alien it is. I live somewhere so …

5 lovely favorites from our Flickr group this month: 1. Japanese Macaron by Dixie of Dixie DIY. 2. PJ Sorbetto & Madeleine by Charlotte of English Girl At Home. 3. Hemp/Cotton Juniper by Kelly of Cut Cut Sew. 4. Fair Isle Hazel by Gail of Today’s Agenda. 5. Polka Dot Chantilly by Allyson of By A …

Ok, I mentioned I was making my wearable muslin as a crop top and that I would share some photos. I finally finished it today and the weather agreed I should share it with the world. Here are the changes I made: 1. Drafted a waistband. 2. Used snaps for closures, including two at the …

5 lovely favorites from our Flickr group this month. I had such a hard time choosing: 1. Dragon Ball Hazel by Jaana of Jaana Rocks (she designed the fabric too!) 2. Red Peony by Lynahe 3. Nani Iro Hazel by Amanda of Blanca Pate 4. Denim Iris by Nicole of Nicole at Home 5. Jasmine …

Summer should be easy. Here in Oregon, our summers are gloriously beautiful but far too brief, and followed by a whole lot of grey skies. As a result, most of us spend as much time outdoors as possible. When it’s warm and sunny, I’d rather be running, biking, hiking, gardening, grilling, or camping than thinking …