Sharon Sews

During the month of July, while in the midst of a long stretch of 100 degree + days, I sewed this simple sleeveless knit top. I liked that it provided more coverage than a tank top, but would keep me just as cool.    The pattern is top 119 from the July 2022 BurdaStyle magazine.  I found the drape below the armhole opening interesting, but wasn't sure if it would feel or look awkward when worn.  I knew the design needed a soft knit, like a rayon knit. Not wanting to use one of my "good" rayon knits until I was sure I liked the top, I used a lightweight floral knit that I purchased as a precut bundle from Walmart.  This one was two yards for four dollars.   I'm sure it's a polyester, which was fine with me as I only wanted to test the pattern. Turned out I liked it enough that I wore this top frequently during the heat wave.   The top has a two dot rating. According to the magazine, that means "easy to sew, but more time-consuming".  I think that depends

Even though the calendar tells me it's early September and the stores are filled with "It's Fall Y'all" merchandise, it's too early to pull out the sweaters and cardis.  And I've never been a fan of Pumpkin Spice :-)  Because the temps will be warm here for quite some time, I'm beginning to transition to fall by sewing a few easy-to-wear tops.   Right now, that means loose-fitting, woven tees.  Such as this one, the Melrose Top from Itch to Stitch. The pattern was released in 2019, I purchased it soon after, and am FINALLY sewing one!  It includes a dress and a longer version of the top, each with an elasticated waist.  I was most interested in View C, a relaxed-fit top with a bias bound round neckline, dolman sleeves with cuff, and a bottom band.  Many of the Itch to Stitch patterns offer cup sizes, this pattern included.  I've sewn quite a few from this designer, and know I can trust the measurements provided. For this version, I choose to go up

 If you're a Facebook user, mark your calendar for Sept. 13 at 2 pm CST when I join BERNINA of America Manager of National Events, Jeanne Delpit, as we talk about enhancing your style as you age. Here's the link:  https://www.facebook.com/BERNINAUSA/photos/a.220951507920005/6353687587979669/ Hope to have you join us! 

In a (fairly) recent Facebook Live, Linda Lee ( The Sewing Workshop ) wore a Cottage Shirt sewn out of this fabric.  When she informed the viewers that it was available as a kit, I immediately purchased it, conveniently forgetting that I don't wear these colors and rarely wear button front shirts (or should it be button down)? The kit included enough fabric for the Cottage Shirt, coordinating cotton thread, and buttons. The fabric is a colorful cotton, the weight of a quilting cotton.  I did have to purchase The Cottage Shirt pattern separately as it wasn't one I already owned.  I've sewn other Sewing Workshop patterns and remembered they tend to be oversized.  My full bust measurement puts me in the lower range of the Large size, while my upper bust measurement puts me in the upper range of the Small size.  The finished bust measurement was included on the back of the pattern envelope, showing that this top is designed with 16-1/2" of ease!  I choose to sew the size

In April 2021, I became a BERNINA Ambassador. In July of 2021, I received my machine and began sewing on my first BERNINA machine ever!  I published a short video a while back on being a BERNINA Ambassador.  Here's a link to that video : https://youtu.be/Ofbob1wPoAE If you've ever thought that you'd like to be an ambassador, now's your chance. The company has just announced that they are accepting applications for the next class of ambassadors. Learn more in this We All Sew blog post, which includes a link to the application.  https://weallsew.com/bernina-and-bernette-brand-ambassador-class-of-2022-open-call/

I have been a fan of multi-tiered maxi skirts since, well, forever!  At least it feels like forever as I was a teen when I sewed my first one. I'm sure at the time I used a pattern as I didn't realize how simple these skirts are to sew! As a BERNINA Ambassador, I get to create projects and write tutorials for the We All Sew blog .  In my latest blog post I walk you through the steps to sew this skirt using your own measurements. Visit the blog post here - How to Sew a Multi-Tiered Maxi Skirt