As I mentioned in my post on using up knit scraps, I don’t like to throw fabric away, even fabric scraps that are far too small to become a garment. Although today fabric for quilting is a big market, historically, quilters often used whatever bits of leftover fabric they had lying around. I approach quilting… Read More Beginning a Scrap Quilt
Although I definitely sew more clothes these days, knitting was my first love. I almost always have something on the needles, even if it takes me a little longer to get it done. This project is actually my third from the wonderful book knit, Swirl! These sweaters have a unique construction. They are all based… Read More Swirl Sweater
I like to play around with pretty much all aspects of working with fiber and fabric. One thing that can be really fun to play with is natural dyes. There is tons you can do with synthetic dyes as well, but I have decided to restrict myself to natural dyes. Part of this is for… Read More Dyeing Silk With Black Walnut
A few years ago I informed my family members that I was no longer buying them birthday/Christmas presents. Instead, I asked them to tell me what they wanted me to make for them. This has actually worked surprisingly well. (Although I definitely do not always have their presents finished by their actual birthdays, but they… Read More A Birthday Present For My Sis
One thing about sewing is that you get to see first hand all the fabric that gets wasted in the garment making process. Since I am someone who tries not to waste resources (and since I paid for that fabric), I quickly decided that I was going to start saving my scraps and using them… Read More Color-blocked Tees, a.k.a. How to Use Up Knit Scraps
Last year I went on a bit of a sari buying binge. To be fair, you can buy vintage ones online for a song. And they are about 5 yards of silk! in intense bright colors! with fun patterns and embroidery and beading! Who could resist? Obviously, being used, they have some stains and holes,… Read More Dresses from Vintage Saris
I am sewing my own wedding dress. I have always wanted to sew my own dress– even before I really had the skills to do it. I’m going to describe my process in case it helps anyone out there who is also interested in sewing their own dress. Sketch of my wedding dress concept from… Read More Sewing My Wedding Dress- part 1
The fabric for this dress also has a story. This fabric was given to me by my aunt, who is a world traveler. If I remember correctly, it is from somewhere in southeast Asia, but I do not remember what country. It is intended to be a sari-type garment, but I was never going to… Read More Pretty in Pink
This dress was inspired by the fabric. I got it from my mom, who inherited it from my grandmother. Apparently my grandmother used to buy fancy fabric from a place in Pennsylvania, and this was one that never got used. There is a actually a ton of it; I didn’t measure it, but it I… Read More Sunset Dress