Sunday, 17 August 2025
Children's Dress: McCall's 7709
Friday, 15 August 2025
More Nostalgic Sewing: Vogue 9268
I think I have already mentioned that Vogue 9268 is a favourite pattern? It's nice to have another version of this dress to wear when the mood strikes. Over the years, I made four versions of this pattern but as of today, there are now only two sitting in the closet. There were some lessons learnt along the way. This pattern does well with a knit fabric that has some drape.
Thursday, 7 August 2025
A Pullover Knit Dress: Vogue 9268
Saturday, 2 August 2025
Revisiting a Favourite Pattern: Butterick 6784
I am revisiting a favourite kAtheRine Tilton sewing pattern, Butterick 6784.
This is one of four that I cut recently and hope to get to this month. Two are summer versions (one cotton and one linen) and the others are cut in fabrics I can wear in the cooler to colder months of the year. Why four more? This is such a comfortable dress to wear, that's it. Oh, and it has pockets!
The only change to the pattern was to shorten the length by two inches after it was all pieced together. It has a 3/4" topstitched hem. I decided to leave off the collar, even though I do like the design and I did cut the pattern piece. In the end, I decided to omit it since this is a warm weather version. I also omitted the interfacing on the sleeve facing piece. I just wanted to keep this light.
The 100% cotton fabric used for this version has been in the stash for some years now. I picked up this shirt weight cotton fabric from Emma One Sock many moons ago. It was pre-treated with a wash in the washing machine and a tumble in the dryer prior to hitting the ironing board for a good steam press. And then it hit the cutting table.
Sewing IS Political
This project is Canadian 🍁 made and tariff free. The fabric was purchased from Emma One Sock, an U.S. business prior to the convicted felon down south starting his tariff war on the world and trash-talking Canadians. The "made in U.S.A." Butterick sewing pattern has been in the stash for years and was previously used over the years. So I am happy to report, the fabric and sewing pattern did not in any way contribute to the convicted felon's economy. I believe this is an Obama era fabric. The threads used were Gütermann threads. The fabric scissors used to cut the project are from Merchant and Mills, an United Kingdom company. The sewing label is from KATM, an Australian company.
Project details
Seams: 2.6--2.8 straight stitch
Seam finish: Serged
Fabric: 2.9 metres
Knit 'N Stable: 0.20 metres
Label: 1--KATM "Ooh La La" label
Pattern: Butterick 6784, circa 2020
Additional Tools and Supplies: Cutting tables, pins, tailor's chalk, pin cushion, fabric scissors, measuring tape, measuring gauge, threads (sewing machine and serger), Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine, walking foot, Janome AirThread 2000D serger, thread clippers, iron, ironing board, assorted cans used as weights, good tunes and a cup of tea.
Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.
Thursday, 31 July 2025
July in Review
![]() |
L to R: silk noil sweatshirt (TAL High cuff top), breast feeding cover (no pattern used, just copied the design and measurements from an Amazon advertisement I was forwarded). |
Friday, 11 July 2025
Copy Cat San Francisco Baby Nursing Cover
This project is a request that recently came across the worktable, a baby nursing cover. From the photo I was sent, I would be guessing at the details but thankfully there were more clues to be found within the advertisement.
It is listed as 100 x 70 cm and it basically looks like an oversized rectangular shaped apron. Sounds easy enough. I had a piece of 100% cotton French terry leftover from these tops that fit the bill. There was even enough to cut straps. And the best part is that this piece was previously pretreated with a tumble in the washing machine and dryer. I was all set to get to work.
At first, I really didn't get the appeal of this project. The frugal part of my brain thought why not just use a bath towel or blanket to cover up during breast feeding? But it's the interior details that I started to "get it." Yes, having those interior pockets can be helpful for having easy access to a burping cloth or soother for after the baby is fed.
Sewing IS Political
This is another Canadian 🍁 made but sadly not a tariff free sewing project. I've been trying hard not to avoid American products that could contribute to the convicted felon's economy or tax dodging oligarch's companies. This is the first project this year that I purchased an American product to complete a sewing project.
This project was finished with Tailor™ magnetic fasteners. The package states that it's imported by Rose E Dee International Ltd. and was made in China. Packaging information can hide some information from consumers but a little online research reveals that Tailor brand sewing notions are indeed an American company, founded in 1907 by professional tailor Frank Wawak. Since these snaps are made of metal this project was impacted the tariff war. I could have found a less expensive alternative to these snaps but I was considering the ease that these could provide while breast feeding. I do like the product, I just don't like the tariffs and if it weren't for a gift project, I would have forgone this notion at this time.
The fabric has been in the stash for quite some time and was originally found at Marshall Fabrics, a western Canadian fabric outlet. The threads used on the sewing machine and serger were pulled from the stash and included some Coats and Clark threads that I'm trying to clear out of the stash.
Project details
Seams: Knit (lightening bolt) stitch
Seam finish: Serged
Label: "Made with Love" by KATM
Snaps: 2--25 mm magnetic
Additional Tools & Supplies: Cutting table, ruler, measuring tape, measuring gauge, fabric scissors, pins, pin cushions, Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine, walking foot, Janome AirThread 2000D serger, threads, thread clippers, Jean-a-ma-jig™, iron, ironing board, hand sewing needle, tailor's wax, computer research, chai latte and coffee.
Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.
Thursday, 10 July 2025
Raw Silk Sweater: The Assembly Line's High Cuff Sweater
Monday, 7 July 2025
In Sewing News Today...
Tuesday, 1 July 2025
Happy Canada Day!
![]() |
Canada Day outfit: Red and white maple leaf print cotton top, OOP Butterick 6325, circa 2020 worn with a white cotton sateen pull-on skirt, The Assembly Line's A-line midi skirt, circa 2024. |
I'm grateful that I live in a country that is kind and cares about others. I am grateful and blessed that I live in a democracy. I'm blessed to live in a diverse and generous country. Even though Canadians may disagree with each other from time-to-time, for the most part we're respectful and stand together as a nation. I am blessed to live in a country that cares about the environment and takes care of our national parks. I am grateful for a country that has healthcare. I am grateful for the community organizations that care of the poor, those without food and those that need help. I am grateful for governments and community members that work towards ending homelessness and affordability issues. I am grateful for the beauty that this country has to offer from it's vibrant urban centres to the rural and northern communities. I'm am grateful for clean water and a place to call home. I am blessed that I get to live in a country that has four distinct seasons. I am grateful that I get to enjoy the beauty of the first snowfall at the start of each winter season. I am grateful for Canada.
Happy Canada Day!
Monday, 30 June 2025
June in Review
Clockwise from the top: cotton skirt (The Assembly Line, S:402 Tulip skirt), blue cotton knit t-shirt (OOP Butterick 6859) and cotton pullover top (The Assembly Line, T:202 High Cuff Sweater). |
Another Pattern Shake Up
This month the sewing community was hit with the news of a pattern shake up. According to the online article, "Parent Company of the Big 4 Sewing Pattern Brands Sold to a Liquidator" by Abby Glassenberg, "IG Design Group cited the impact of tariffs imposed by the US as a factor."
It was twenty years ago that Fabricland stopped carrying Simplicity and New Look patterns here in Canada. And now Fabricland has started selling off these Big Four Five legacy patterns (Vogue, Butterick, McCall's, Burda and Know Me) at deep discounts.
It breaks my heart that these pattern companies are the latest victim of the convicted felon's tariff scheme. But according to an upbeat message by Mimi G, work at the Big Four continues. So what is going on? According to a reply to a question on the Mimi G video update, there are Fall Vogues in the works. Deep breath. It's heartbreaking to even think that the Big 4 may not survive the upheaval tariffs have created.
I did take advantage of Fabricland's recent pattern discounts and, with a heavy heart and elbows momentarily down, picked up a few patterns just in case it's my last chance.
National Sewing Machine Day
Another June presents us with another reason to celebrate our sewing machines. June 13 happened to be National Sewing Machine day. I am intrigued with what the future will hold with artificial intelligence and the use of sewing robots to help over populate the globe with fast-fashion. Yikes!
The times they are a-changin'.
Stash Busting
This month 5.6 metres of fabric, 7 spools of thread, 1 recycled zipper, 1 KATM sewing label, 1.5 metres of Knit 'N Stable and 0.8 metres of basting tape were used from the stash. There were four new patterns added to the stash.
Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing
Saturday, 21 June 2025
I Do Like a Plaid: TAL's High Cuff Sweater / T:202
Wednesday, 11 June 2025
Stash Busting: Wearable Toile / OOP Butterick 6859
This is a lovely pattern. It's well drafted. I adore the gathering on the raglan seam of the sleeves. And I wouldn't mind making the sweatshirt version with a kangaroo pocket one day.
Monday, 2 June 2025
It Has Pockets! The Assembly Line's Tulip Skirt / S:402
I've made a few Tulip dresses in the past but this is my first Tulip skirt which has some of the best design elements of the Tulip dress. I am a fan of the front side pockets and the tulip shape of the skirt.
It is a comfortable skirt and I do recommend this pattern. I cut a size large knowing that it was going to be too big if I sewed the recommended seam allowance. I thought if I sewed 5/8" seam allowances I would come closer to the fit I need. In the end, I think I should have cut a size medium and could still have sewn a 5/8" seam allowance and achieve a good fit.
The length was shortened two and a half inches and there is an one and a half inch hem. The pockets were raised about an inch, three inches down from the waist cut edge.
The fabric is a medium weight cotton sateen with some stretch that I pulled from the stash. It was pretreated with a tumble in the washing machine and dryer before hitting the ironing board for a steam pressing.
Sewing IS Political
This skirt is the latest Canadian 🍁 and tariff free make. Most of the material and supplies were found in the stash. Some of the threads were new for this project.
Sewing is a reprieve from all the chaos in the world. After a recent visit to Canada from a bipartisan group of U.S. senators and listening to Senator Kevin Cramer during the press conference just makes me want to boycott American products more than I already am, if that is even possible. It's not just the convicted felon's rhetoric regarding tariffs and annexation, it's also those who support him that is beyond belief. And as a Canadian and consumer there is no way I would contribute or support the American economy while this is happening. No means NO! What part of that do these republicans and MAGA supporters not understand about no? Even after the King of Canada read the Throne Speech, the annexation rhetoric continued to echo from across the border. Let's not get me started on the U.S. Ambassador to Canada's view of the 51st comments and boycott of American products. Again, mind blowing. Trust me when I say there are plenty of American products on the store shelves in the hardware, grocery store and fabric stores, no one is buying it while the economic war, tariffs and annexation / 51st state rhetoric continues to circulate. But I digress.
Let's count the ways that this lovely project did not contribute to the convicted felon's economy.
- The Tulip skirt pattern is from The Assembly Line, a pattern company from Sweden. I picked up this pattern after I stopped shopping American products which sadly meant saying good-bye to any future Vogue patterns. I don't miss the American line of sewing patterns anymore, I actually found some beautiful patterns in queue from across the pond to keep me busy for the next while. This Tulip skirt pattern is one of those patterns.
- The cotton sateen fabric was found in the stash and purchased before the convicted felon took office for the second time. I found it in the discounted section of Fabricland, a Canadian fabric store.
- The scissors used to cut the fabric are Merchant and Mills, a company from the United Kingdom. They were purchased from The Workroom, a Canadian company.
- This project was sewn on Janome machines, a Japanese company.
- The zipper is a recycled 22" zipper from a previous project that was cut to size.
- Some of the threads used in the sewing machine and serger were Gütenmann threads from Europe and were purchased at Marshall Fabrics, a western Canadian fabric store. There were some vintage spools of Ballet® brand threads found in Mom's thread box that were a close colour match and used in the serger.
- The label is from Kylie and the Machine (KATM), an Australian company and purchased directly from them to avoid shopping on Etsy.
Project details
Seams: 2.8 straight stitch
Seam finish: serged
Fabric: 2.5 metres
Basting tape: 0.60 metres
Zipper: 20 centimetres
Pattern: The Assembly Line S:402
Additional Tools and Supplies: Cutting table, paper scissors, fabric scissors, tailor's chalk, pins, wrist pin cushion, Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine, walking foot, invisible zipper foot, regular zipper foot, blind hem foot, screwdriver, Janome AirThread 2000D serger, threads, thread clippers, lint brush, mini vacuum, tailor's wax, hand sewing needle, iron and ironing board.
Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing!
Saturday, 31 May 2025
May in Review and Me Made May 2025
Sewing, Alterations and Mending
There hasn't been much sewing this month. I wake up with sewing time planned into my day and then life happens and sewing does not. I did manage to finish off one previously cut and started project that I stumbled across this month.
That's it. Other than cutting out the next sewing project and setting up the sewing machines.
Mending and alterations seem to take up most of my designated sewing time. There always seems to be the odd mending job that presents itself while I'm tackling the ironing.
Stash busting
There was 0.5 metres of cotton knit and 2 metres of elastic used in the only project that I managed to finish this month. Nothing was added to the stash.
Me Made May 2025
The final week of Me Made May finally arrived.
To recap the month:
What am I missing from my wardrobe? Technically, nothing. Although, one rainy day when I had to do some work outside, I wish I had a rain jacket to keep me dry.
Most worn me-made item(s)? Pajama sets (OOP Vogue 9217 and Butterick 6296), cotton knit underwear (OOP Simplicity 8229) and French terry undershirts made to wear under the scoliosis back brace (OOP Vogue 9057 and OOP Kwik Sew 2899).
Favourite me-mades? Those pieces made in natural fibre fabrics (cotton, linens and silk) and pieces that are easily pulled on or pullover.
Least favourite pieces worn this month? Those grass stained yardwork pieces. And pieces that don't have pockets.
Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.
Saturday, 24 May 2025
Me Made May 2025: The Third Week
Days 17--24
Other than going to church on Sunday and a few errands, my wardrobe and week was very low key. It was a week of yard and housework.
The only observation that I have to share is that I have clothes in my closet that don't fit my current low key lifestyle. I have next to nil occasions to dress up. Case in point, the teal coloured dress was the second time I wore this dress since I made it almost two years ago.
Well that's all for this third week of Me Made May. Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.
Monday, 19 May 2025
A Forgotten Project: OOP Simplicity 8229
This project, OOP Simplicity 8229, was started last year when my serger went into the shop and stayed there for over a month waiting for a new needle plate. It was half done when the serger needed repair. And then I forgot about it until I recently stumbled across this half finished project and resumed work.
It's finally done!
I did not use the Cover stitch machine on this pair. I went old school and used the zigzag stitch for securing the elastic. I prefer this technique. The fabric is a pre-washed cotton knit. The elastic is 3/8" picot.
Sewing IS Political
This is another Canadian 🍁 made and tariff free project. All of the supplies were found in the stash and purchased before the convicted felon declared a global trade war against the world. Let's count the ways that this project did not contribute to the convicted felon's economy.
- The pattern, OOP Simplicity 8229 (circa 2016), is an American made product. It has been in the stash and used before the convicted felon declared an economic war on my country with the goal of annexation. Never going to happen, that is why there is a boycott of American products.
- The fabric was purchased before the convicted felon broke the trade agreement he himself signed. It was purchased at Fabricland, a Canadian fabric outlet.
- The scissors used for cutting out this project are from Merchant and Mills, a United Kingdom company. They were purchased from The Workroom, a Canadian company.
- The elastic was purchased from Marshall Fabrics, a western Canadian fabric outlet.
- The sewing machines are Janome, a Japanese company.
- The threads were found in the stash, purchased before the convicted felon's started his rein of terror. The threads used in this project are all Coats and Clark which contributed to the convicted felon's election campaign. Once the Coats and Clark threads are depleted from the stash, they will not be replenished.
Project details
Seams: Knit (lightening bolt) stitch
Seam finish: Serged
Fabric: 0.5 metres
Elastic: 2.4 metres
Additional Tools & Supplies: Cutting table, fabric scissors, pins, wrist pin cushion, tailor's chalk, Janome 4120 QDC sewing machine, walking foot, ballpoint needle (size 12), Janome AirThread 2000D serger, threads (cotton for the sewing machine, polyester for the serger), thread clippers, Jean-a-ma-jig™.
Stand strong, elbows up and keep sewing.
Children's Dress: McCall's 7709
This is a gift sewing project. McCall's 7709 is a new-to-me pattern. An easy peasy project with just three pattern pieces. It was a...

-
I am revisiting a favourite kAtheRine Tilton sewing pattern, Butterick 6784 . This is one of four that I cut recently and hope to get to t...
-
This project is about revisiting an once upon a time favourite pattern, Vogue 9268 , and stash-busting some fabric. I made Vogue 9268 when...
-
Here is another version of Vogue 9268 . I think I have already mentioned that Vogue 9268 is a favourite pattern ? It's nice to have a...
-
This is a gift sewing project. McCall's 7709 is a new-to-me pattern. An easy peasy project with just three pattern pieces. It was a...
-
I do love a loose A-line style dress so when I saw versions of the Trapeze dress from Merchant and Mills popping up I was sold and wanted t...