For weeks, I have been trying to decide how to introduce my new pattern line. I have been negligent of our blog the past month because I have been sketching, scanning, grading, writing, and rewriting my first two paper sewing patterns. I've always wanted to make my own patterns, so I've been researching and reading about pattern making for a long time, but, finally, I have actually done it!

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My New Machine & New Sewing Area

I have never been a sewing machine snob.  I have sewn for many years on several Brother sewing machines.  From the Project Runway model I purchased at Wal-Mart to my slightly upgraded Brother from Costco, I have always found that I could sew anything I wanted.  I can’t even begin to count the number of pillows and curtains I’ve made, and I’ve sewn on all types of fabrics with my faithful little Brother machine. I’ve made a lined wool pea coat, knit maxi skirts and dresses, raincoats with laminated fabric, all sorts of apparel items with silks to cottons and all other fabric types in between. 

I want to start sewing, what machine should I buy?

"I want to start sewing. What machine should I buy?"

Book Report Tunic by Oliver + S

Over the holidays, I received a new sewing machine for Christmas. I immediately wanted to make something, so I decided to make some last minute Christmas dresses for the girls. I’ve been thinking about the Book Report Dress for some time, and I had some left over fabric in my stash from Michael Miller that I bought just because it was the end of a bolt.

The Birthday Dress by Debbie Brooke

I'm very excited to announce that the Birthday Dress is officially on sale! This fully lined dress is made to twirl and everyone who tested it agreed. The high neckline, gathered sleeve, high waistline, and decorative pleat make this dress vintage and modern. The dress is designed to be tea length but the smaller the size the higher the hem. The sizes should be true to what you would buy at the store. I used Janie and Jack and Carter to get the size chart and based the dress off of those sizes. 

2014 Modern Solids Block of the Month

at Five Eighth Seams with Megan Nichols of CityStitches

We are excited to introduce our first Block of the Month Club. By signing up you will receive a kit including the fabric and instructions for 2 blocks per month for 10 months. At the end of the 2014 Modern Solids Block of the Month , you will will have a finished 76" x 91" quilt! The block of the month is designed to incorporate many of the basic piecing techniques of quilting to give you an excellent foundation to become a confident quilter! The facebook group, Five Eighth Seams BOM  has been created and will be available for you to ask questions and get tips from the designer. Only registered BOM members may join the facebook group.  The entire quilt will be made from Kona and Art Gallery Solids.

The cost includes a $20 registration fee upon sign up and $20 each month for the kits.

Need a class?There will be an optional monthly class for an additional $20 if needed.

12 days of Holiday Savings 2013

More Ice Cream Please

Ice Cream Dress by Oliver + S

I love this dress!!! The details and the design are different than anything else I have ever made for my daughter. Most dresses are so similar that I get a little bored making them, but this dress surprised me. And, although it was different, it was easy. 

Halloween Staple Dress

This year, I decided not to make my daughters Halloween costumes. I made this decision after my husband, who has never participated in Halloween, asked if Braelyn, 22 months, could be a crab and Mackenzie, 7 months, could be a shrimp. I, of course, love that he is actually excited about Halloween, so I agreed. The thought of spending time making a pattern for these two costumes did not excite me at all. In fact, it annoyed me.

Playtime Dress by Oliver + S Now Princess Dress

We went to Disney on Ice last week,  and the girls had more fun than I expected! Braelyn, although being almost 2, absolutely loved it, and Fabiana loved, in her words, "all of them". When Daniela and I bought tickets a few weeks ago, we knew we wanted to make the girls special princess dresses to wear.

Anouk Tunic by Victory : Pattern Review

My first Victory pattern is complete, and I love the result. Victory is a company from Canada that makes women's patterns. I chose this pattern because it was labeled intermediate, and I wanted to be able to tell customers and students what "intermediate" means to Victory. I would say this pattern is more advanced not because of the fit or the technique but because of all of the stitching in the ditch that must be done. I barely had to serge because there were so many seams covered by a lining. If I was not good at stitching in the ditch before, I am now!