My mom started sewing before I was born. She continued to sew throughout much of my childhood. Watching her sew was most likely the impetus for my interest and desire to learn about sewing when I had my own child. She ended up having four girls (enough work in-and -of-itself, let alone while sewing!) and put up her sewing machine for about a decade. When I began sewing for my own little girl, my mom helped me whip up a bonnet, Bishop, Jamie, and learn the basics. Her re-entry into sewing has been incredibly eye-opening for me, as we’ve both improved our skills through dramatically different ways of learning and…
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Three Yards of Fabric…
What can you do with three yards of fabric? You can make three pair of Parker’s Pants, one Paulie, one Eleanor and a partridge in a pear tree! Seriously though; this is why I love fabric that is 60 inches wide. I ordered this fabric with the intention of making the Paulie and the Eleanor but quickly realized I had more than enough to whip up some Parker Pants. Admittedly; two of the pair are only a “size one” but you’ve got to agree, that was a nice little bonus. I also ordered three yards of this plaid and made two long sleeved Johnny shirts with it. It is only…
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Tailgating Attire
Okay y’all. First thing’s first. I’m not technically an Auburn fan. However, I am 1000% a fan of Auburn tailgating. One of my sisters currently attends Auburn Veterinary School. Getting to visit her and also attend games is a blast. Luke and I had the pleasure of attending a game last year and I absolutely LOVE how family friendly, fun, and rich in tradition the atmosphere is there. So naturally; We can’t wait to visit their “favorite aunt” (she’s named herself that) for a football game this year. When in Rome, dress as the Romans…right? Our impending visit with my sister provides me with the perfect excuse to make the…
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Smock ’em Straight: Smocking A Bishop Straight
When I first learned to smock I remember being taught about blocking, having no understanding of what I was doing and then assuming that smocking was too hard for me. This prevented me from smocking for quite some time. When I finally regained the courage to do it, I purchased a million pre-pleated inserts and just practiced. After that, I was hooked, and I was already smocking straight. I stuck to inserts (give me all the Michie Playsuits and Alan’s bubbles!) and did not venture out. When I finally attempted a Bishop, I did so with help. My friend Margy and I pleated the Bishop below using the methods I…
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Smocking A Bishop Straight-Pleat First.
Recently my good friend and mentor Margy Hood posted the picture above on her Instagram. She immediately received tons of messages and comments asking her how she smocked her bishops. Apparently there are quite a few ways to smock a bishop! So here’s how we do it. First things first: Some definitions written by yours truly. Pleating is the act of putting the bishop through the pleater and scrunching up your fabric. Smocking is the act of using decorative thread to create a design on the pleats. It will actually act to hold the pleats up when completed. When I first began smocking I used the two terms interchangeably, not…
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Tips for Fabric Shopping Online
Online shopping is one of my strongest skills. I’m not even going to pretend I haven’t honed this skill with much practice. Amazon, Walmart Grocery, Whole Foods Delivery, Target…you name a store…odds are good I’ve shopped there online. Much to my husband’s chagrin. That being said, shopping for fabric online is a different beast. Particularly if you’re a new sewist and aren’t certain what type of fabric you need for a project in the first place. I cannot tell you how many times I have purchased fabric online thinking it was one thing and ending up with another. I have purchased 8-wale corduroy thinking it was feather wale (see image…
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Part Three of Sewing Curriculum-Hand Embroidery and Smocking
This is the third post in my most recent series of posts. Click here to find parts one and two. My goal for these posts is to create a list of patterns to sew that gradually build sewing skills while increasing confidence through repetition. A sewing curriculum of sorts. In this list you will find patterns that I find particularly challenging, introduce a skill that has not been previously covered, or continues to reinforce previous learning objectives. I’ll be including learning objectives for each pattern beneath the options. I’m a former teacher. I’m all about some learning objectives. I’ll also be linking up all the patterns to various shops. Hopefully…
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Part Two of Sewing Curriculum: Sleeves and Collars.
In my previous post I listed the patterns you ought to try (in order) if you’re a new sewer. If you missed it, check it out here. My goal for these posts is to create a list of patterns to sew that gradually build sewing skills while increasing confidence through repetition. A sewing curriculum of sorts. I’ll be including learning objectives for each pattern beneath the options. I’m a former teacher. I’m all about some learning objectives. I’ll also be linking up all the patterns to various shops. Hopefully that will introduce you to the different sewing shops in the United States/on the Internet. Speaking of fabric shops, let’s talk…
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Part One of Sewing Curriculum: Beginner Sewist? Start Here.
Are you interested in sewing? Not sure where to begin? Here’s my list of patterns to try in order. This list is designed to first build confidence and then slowly challenge and build your abilities. This is the list I wish I’d had when I started sewing. It would have saved me a lot of heartache (think attempting to make blankets with minky….the devil fabric). I’ll be including learning objectives for each pattern beneath the options. I’m a former teacher. I’m all about some learning objectives. I’ll also be linking up all the patterns to various shops. Hopefully that will introduce you to the different sewing shops in the United…
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My Sewing Journey
Three and a half years ago my sewing journey began. Mainly because I was a pregnant runner who was too miserable to run. In desperate need of a hobby, sewing became my go-to form of entertainment and stress relief. After scouring the Internet, the pillowcase dress seemed like a good place to start. I was and still am incredibly proud of these first few dresses. They were made using a sewing machine that I did battle with every time I tried to sew. After sewing these dresses I moved on to minky. I kid you not…minky…and I’m still sewing…can you even believe that?! If you are considering learning to sew,…
