Pandemic connections are challenging. We miss the way things worked “before”, almost as if we are part of some insane dystopian novel. I really miss attending class in person, especially when it comes to pattern drafting. There’s an extra set of challenges that presents themselves when you are standing there, clad in your tank top…… Continue reading The challenge of hard-to-reach places.
Well, that was a whirlwind. 2020 razed through most of our lives like a stampede of bulls in a fully-stocked porcelain factory. I transitioned to working full-time remote in early March (thankful for a job where this was an option), quickly learned how to support two elementary school home learners, moved from one home into…… Continue reading The finish line has pockets.
I’ve now made over 30 of these masks for family members and those in the community—as of tomorrow everyone on our little island will be required to wear them in any social settings so in between working my full-time job and homeschooling my two wild kids, I’ve been trying to sew as many as I…… Continue reading I have updated my mask pattern to include the adult size
I don’t know about you guys, but I’ve been going nuts trying to work from home as well as keeping my kids connected with both their remote classwork and the classmates they so dearly miss. I never thought my kids would have more conference calls than I do, but we’re definitely competing for the best…… Continue reading Staying Home and Sewing a Child’s Fitted Mask Pattern.
As I work on designs for my final line (it’s fast approaching!) I’ve been looking for bits and pieces that remind me of my trip to Paris. The goal is to incorporate vintage elements and styling into my more modern garments. This weekend I lucked upon a stash of art deco buckles. Presumably they are…… Continue reading Enameled Details
It’s been ages since my last post. Things have gotten really busy, in a productive and inspiring way. I finished my jeans and, not only do they fit, I got to wear them all over Paris. And yet, I still don’t have a photo of myself in them. It was my first solo trip—going to…… Continue reading J’aime Paris
Wracking my brain trying to figure out what to be for Halloween this year, I decided to be a darker version of myself and go as a hex-witch. I’ve just started under a new boss who has a pretty good sense of humor, so I spent last evening making a little voodoo doll of him,…… Continue reading A little last-minute sewing
A few years ago, frustrated by never having jeans or pants that were (insert adjective here. i.e. long-enough, comfortable enough, fitting in the waist, fitting in the hips, the right shape), I decided enough was enough and it was time to learn how to make my own pants. It was a big part of my…… Continue reading Hope Becomes Reality
In January, I bid many of my freelance clients farewell, and accepted a full-time consulting position in San Ramon. It’s been a busy transition, shuffling school, a full-time job, the commute, my family, and volunteer work. And at the moment, I have foster kittens, which just complicates everything! I’m now 2/3 of the way through…… Continue reading Awww… pants!
I hadn’t thought, when I initially designed my tailored jacket, that in the end it would be constructed of 119 individually cut pieces. Twelve panels, plus a notched collar, two piece sleeves and welt pockets didn’t seem too adventurous. The perils of being a newcomer to tailoring, I suppose. My class was fantastic. As usual,…… Continue reading The tailored coat.
refashioning history 