Sharon Sews

About six or seven years ago I purchased an ugly Christmas sweater cookie cutter. Every December my daughter and I would spend a Saturday baking and decorating ugly Christmas sweater cookies.  We had a lot of fun, but I'll be honest with you. I'm much better at sewing than I am cookie decorating!  After we moved, I realized it's not much fun to bake and decorate cookies alone.  So last year when I pulled that cookie cutter out, I used it as a template to create ugly Christmas sweater mug rugs that I sewed for gifts.  I even filmed all the steps for a YouTube tutorial video, but never edited the video. If I find time I'll do so yet this year - maybe :-) This year I used the same concept and created these ornaments as a post on the BERNINA We All Sew blog .  Not only are they quick to sew, they are small enough to be a great scrap-buster. Get the free tutorial here .

My latest blog post for the BERNINA We All Sew blog was just published - this cute reversible patchwork apron!  I love to bake Christmas cookies and since I'm quite the messy baker, I always wear an apron.  Personally, I like half aprons, which is why I designed a half apron for this project.  I was inspired by a Riley Blake Christmas Joys 5" stacker I bought at my BERNINA dealer ( A Nimble Thimble in Tyler, TX). The retro print is just so cute!  The step-by-step instructions can be found on the We All Sew blog here

I'm a sucker for any knit garment that includes a drape or a twist. In fact, I've sewn quite a few over the years. Unfortunately I don't have many photos of them as I've misplaced the zip drive that held the pics of many of my sewing projects.  When the McCall's fall 2022 patterns were released, I knew I'd purchase this one when it was on sale.  Why? Because of that twist front! The dress pattern is McCall's 8339.  There's no description provided with the pattern, so you have to look at the line drawings for details.  Oh wait, I checked the website.  It is described as: Fitted twist-front dresses have different lengths and sleeve variations. View B and View C have front slit. At least this pattern included finished garment measurements, making it easier to determine how close-fitting it's designed.   For example, the size 14 body measurements are 36" Bust, 28" Waist, 38" Hip. The finished garment measurements are 39-1/2" Bust (3-1

Everytime Linda Lee wears a Helix top on one of her Facebook Live videos (also posted on their YouTube channel) I tell myself I need to sew a Helix!  This past week I finally sewed one just to test the fit.  I bought the pattern quite some time ago, but whenever I would think about sewing it, I'd wonder about sizing.  If I used my full bust measurement (which is what Linda Lee usually recommends) I would sew a size large.  However, my upper bust measurement puts me in a small.  I know from experience that many Sewing Workshop patterns are oversized, so I chose to sew the size in between - the medium.  The finished bust measurement for a medium is 46", which gave me 6" of ease.   It is larger than I like.  Even as I write that I chuckle, because I am always saying how I don't like my clothing to be tight or form fitting :-)  But in this case, the top feels a bit sloppy and I think I'd be happier with a slimmer fit.  The finished bust measurement for a small is 42&q

Nearly a year ago I purchased the Itch to Stitch Sabalito Top *, with plans to stitch one up right away.  Ha, ha, ha! Judging from my laughter, you know that didn't happen. As soon as I downloaded the pattern, I printed and put it together, traced my size, and tucked it away.  I pulled that pattern out at least a dozen times over the past eight months but for some reason I was never motivated to actually sew the top.   Until last week. This is the fourth year that I've experienced the East Texas fall weather, and I'm still not used to it!  When you spend the majority of your life in a state with four very distinctive seasons, it can be hard to believe that the end of October can produce summer-like weather.  The warm fall temps catch me off-guard every year.  To me, it's warm enough to wear my summer clothes, but everyone here wears flannels, sweaters and booties!  I want to wear "fall" colors, but can't stand thought of bundling up in a flannel shirt or s

Have you ever sewn something simple and when you wear it you're amazed at how many  compliments you receive? That's what happened to me when I sewed this simple pullover top. I wore it to church soon after finishing it and I couldn't believe how many women wanted to know where it was purchased! The top is the S yle Arc Selina Woven Top .   It has an a-line shape, with a small ruffle on the sleeves and hem. It pulls over your head, with a faced neckline.  The front is slightly shorter than the back.  There is a back yoke with gathers. I don't know why, but in my mind I thought this was going to be longer and looser.  But now that I look at the line drawings, my version is pretty true to what is shown.  I sewed it using a fabric purchased from Emma One Sock. It was described as "Blue jeans floral drapey viscose woven".  I think it was the perfect choice for this top. It was lightweight enough to wear during the summer and will transition nicely into early fall.