Another gorgeous creation I couldn’t wait to share with you guys today. Meet Zoe’s new Ceylon. She chose a japanese cotton print that looks so much like a vintage rayon to my eyes, I was suprised it was new! I think it was the absolute perfect choice, really emphasizing the 1940s inspired lines of this …

I just had to share this gorgeous re-imagining of Macaron that Liz created. A long time in the planning and making, I think you’ll agree that the result is absolutely stunning. Hop over to Liz’s blog for more pictures and tons more project details. You really must go there and see the workmanship yourself.

You know how we’re always complaining that so many cool prints are only available as quilting fabrics? It seems like the folks at Westminster Fibers are catching on. This year, they’re releasing a whole bunch of Amy Butler‘s colorful prints on a range of fabric substrates, for both fashion and home decor. It includes voile, …

I’m starting off this year with a little experiment. A few weeks ago, I noticed a gaping hole in my wardrobe. I didn’t own a rain jacket. Now, I live in Portland, OR where it basically drizzles 9 months out of the year. And while it’s easy to get by without a rain jacket (I’ve …

Going through the blog for this last year to put this together was pretty astonishing. I’m especially impressed by all the fantastic discussions we’ve had here. No drama, no snark, just a lot of very thoughtful ideas and opinions from some really smart and creative people. I want to thank all of you for participating …

I love striped fabric. There are so many things you can do to play with it. This silk has been sitting in my stash well over a year. I ordered it online, and it was actually a bit of a disappointment. I loved the blue, but was expecting the lighter color to be a cream. …

So far, I’ve made one quilt in my life. It was a baby quilt for my cousin in the simplest pattern I could find. It was fun to make, came out to be very cute, and I completely forgot to take a single picture of it. Duh. This was about a year ago. Since then, …

When you first walk into the Colette Patterns studio, you’re met by a long hallway that opens out into our spacious loft. For months, I considered what to do with all that unused wall space in the hall. Framed photos of our designs? A giant piece of art? What? You know how it is when …

How many of you out there are knitters? I learned to knit years ago, when I was in grad school. I’d wanted to make holiday gifts for my family and just as I was going to start, my old sewing machine finally broke down. While I waited for a new one to arrive, I taught …

Name: Marianna Skill Level: Advanced beginner Patterns: Jasmine and Iris Her blog: Sew 2 Pro Her post about the patterns: Jasmine Tea and Colette Iris What kind of fabric did you use? Cotton lawn with a Liberty-style peacock print. The collar and cuffs were tea-dyed lawn. How did you decide to reflect your personal style …

Name: Laura Mae Skill Level: Advanced Pattern: Beignet Her Blog: Lilacs and Lace Her post about the pattern: Raspberry Lemonade What kind of fabric did you use? I used a lovely rayon/linen blend with eyelet embroidery which I underlined with a quilting cotton and lined with a yummy silk/rayon blend. How did you decide to …

Name: Samantha Skill Level: Intermediate Pattern: Peony Her Blog: Butter in the Fridge Her post about the pattern: Two Peonies What kind of fabric did you use? Cotton sateen or poplin (not sure which) that I bought from Paron Fabrics in NYC. How did you decide to reflect your personal style in the pattern? I …

Name: Michelle Skill Level: Intermediate Pattern: Macaron Her Blog: Handmade Martini Her post about the pattern: WIP Macaron What kind of fabric did you use? nIt’s a lightweight cotton flannel that I picked up for free at a fabric swap. How did you decide to reflect your personal style in the pattern? This is my …

Name: Ico Skill Level: Beginner Pattern: Hazel Her Blog: Tikismikis Her post about the pattern: Hazel What kind of fabric did you use? A floral lightweight cotton fabric with an embroidery border. How did you decide to reflect your personal style in the pattern? I really like floral and colorful fabrics, so when I saw, …

Name: Elina Skill Level: Intermediate Pattern: Crepe Her Blog: Mielitty Her post about the pattern: Kukallinen kesäleninki What kind of fabric did you use? Printed cotton lawn. I bough the fabric about 7 years ago for 3 euros per metre, and I have just been waiting to find the right pattern for the fabric. How …

Name: Inna Skill Level: Intermediate Pattern: Lily Her blog: Thewallinna and other creatures Her post about the pattern: Sunny Lily What kind of fabric did you use? I used brushed cotton twill by Nani Iro, my favorite textile producer. How did you decide to reflect your personal style in the pattern? Color and prints have …

Here’s my second go at that bralette that caused so much woe. This time I used a thicker cotton jersey in a peach color and repurposed the hardware. It’s getting much better, though I still think there are tweaks I’d make if I do make it again. I think I need a bit more fullness …

Name: Anna Skill Level: Intermediate Pattern:

Just as I share my sewing triumphs here, I think it’s good to share my failures. Behold my lovely but completely useless undies. These had me so frustrated, I literally screamed and rent my fabric. But then I took a deep breath, calmed down, and decided to consider these a muslin. Suddenly, my failure didn’t …

Name: Trine Skill level: Intermediate Pattern: Lily Her blog: Groovybaby… and Mama Her post about the pattern: Lily Dress What fabric did you use?: ‘Dew Drops’ which is a cotton fabric designed by Tula Pink for Free Spirit. I used a vintage tablecloth for the contrasting pieces. How did you decide to reflect your personal …

Name: Erin Skill Level: Intermediate Pattern: Beignet Her blog: Hungie Gungie Her post about the pattern: Beignet Skirt What kind of fabric did you use? I found the fabric at Joann’s in a random little section titled “globally inspired” or something like that… I’d say it’s got a linen-like feel to it. How did you …