Sew Well is a series of reflections from a novice sewer who is striving to live up to her blog's name. See more from Sew Well »
Cavalli Cowl
One of my favorite things about Mood Fabrics is their large selection of designer fabrics. One designer I’d had my eye on for awhile but hadn’t yet worked with was Roberto Cavalli. When I found this Cavalli jersey print on the Mood site, I snapped up a couple yards, even though I didn’t have a project in mind at the time. I just couldn’t pass up those glittery roses, and I figured the fact that it was a jersey would give me a lot of pattern options. When it arrived, I became fixated on finding a pattern that would allow [...]
Sunny Golden Plaid Boyfriend Shirt
It’s hard to start writing about my new favorite shirt while I’m still reeling about the unnecessary violence at the finish line of the Boston Marathon on Monday. The attack hits so close to home for me. Running is a huge part of my life. I ran the Boston Marathon last year (and in 2005), I had friends running this year, and I spent most of my Monday morning watching the live streaming of the race. My heart goes out to all those who have been impacted. [Huge, deep breath.] Okay, so about my awesome new shirt. I’m almost embarrassed [...]
In a Colorful Mood: Technicolor Lace Skirt
This month I was in such a colorful mood. When challenged by the Mood Sewing Network to sew with lace, I found myself gravitating towards this bright, textural orange lace with its organic pattern of swirling leaves and flowers, from Mood Fabrics. I really wanted to have some fun with color by pairing the orange with an equally vibrant hue. After a very circuitous path, I ended up choosing this blue double-faced wool from Mood to partner with the lace. Since this experience marks my first time to truly work with lace, I chose a pattern I had successfully made [...]
Black-on-Black Pants
Let me introduce you to my newest garment: my black-on-black pants. These pants are the culmination of my efforts in Sandra Betzina’s Pant Fitting Techniques class on Craftsy. The pattern is Vogue V2948, a princess-seamed basic pant pattern that either zips at the side or back. I chose to use a black wool crepe from Mood that is described as “an absolute staple for three-season wear”, which makes it a very worthy fabric for all of the time I put into the class! I’ve spent a decent amount of time these last couple of months going through Sandra’s class. I [...]
Silk Dots and Rhinestones
I fell for this Marc Jacob’s embroidered silk from Mood months ago. I saved it in my list of must-get fabrics while I searched for the right pattern. I wanted the pattern to be playful for the sake of the dots, while also being serious enough to live up to the silk. Enter BurdaStyle’s Graphic Dress 09/2012 #113. I liked the carefree nature of the Peter Pan collar, as well as the design of the front facing that lent a tuxedo vibe to the dress. Add some of Mood’s rhinestone buttons, and you’ve a great combination. Overall, I’m incredibly happy [...]
Racy Lacy Rosy Ladyshorts
Oh! What’s that I spy? A new pair of lacy undies? Let’s take a closer look… Why, it does appear to be an exquisite pair of Clothhabit’s Rosy Ladyshorts (free online pattern) made from a black and pink stretch floral lace designed by Anna Sui with black lace trim, both from Mood. This pair of ladyshorts marks my first foray into lingerie making. And, I’ll admit, it wasn’t without its bumps and scrapes. Making underroos is harder than it looks! On the hanger these ladyshorts looks so discrete… Until a bit of light shines through them. These ladyshorts are racy! Va [...]
Watercolor, Feathers, and a Drop-Waist Dress
Jamie Lau, one of the authors of BurdaStyle’s newest book Sewing Vintage Modern, wrote to ask me if I’d make a dress from her book. Of course I jumped at the opportunity, even though at that point I only knew that the patterns were classic designs from different eras in the 20th century. Jamie explained that my choices of patterns were a 1920s drop-waist dress, a 1940s men’s shirt, a 1950s gathered-waist dress, or a 1960s stirrup pant; she also let me know that I was free to modify the patterns as I wished. I ended up choosing the drop-waist [...]
Italian Riviera Peplum
Whew! You have no idea how excited I am to finally have this peplum “dress” completed. It’s taken me over a month from cutting the fabric, to prepping the fabric, to putting in the last hand stitches. Since the peplum and skirt are actually two separate pieces, construction took twice as long as I expected. But, I did my best to not skimp on any of the steps – except maybe that last press to get the garment into ideal photo shape. Why not cut a corner here or there? Because this garment is actually destined to end up [...]
Stripes Take Two
I’ve always wanted to try out those Japanese pattern books where the garments seem like little works of art. I finally got my hands on an English translation of Drape Drape 2 by Hisako Sato as a gift from the publisher, and I launched right into pattern number 2: one-piece side drape top. I might have launched myself in a bit too quickly though because after converting my bust measurement into centimeters and seeing I was about a small, I traced the S/M pattern for myself. It wasn’t until after I cut the pattern out from a bit of leftover [...]
