Sharon Sews

Ah yes, mid-July. The sun is shining, the temps hit the low 90s, the humidity is high, and there is no rain in the immediate forecast. So why would I be so enthused about the new fall patterns from Vogue? Especially since I am still in the midst of finishing my summer wardrobe? Silly question! Because they are new patterns and I can't help myself. My copy of Vogue Patterns magazine arrived two weeks ago and I've been checking the website ever since to see all of the new designs. Remember when you had to actually go to a fabric store to see if there was a new pattern catalog? Don't you love being able to browse online and check out line drawings and yardages without having to visit the fabric store? When I'm ready to purchase patterns I arrive at the store with my pattern numbers in hand, pull them from the drawers, check out - done! Minutes instead of hours. Anyway, onto the good stuff. Some of my favorites in this new offering. What are your favorites? (Photos from

Ah, McCall's 5330, how do I love thee? I don't have many TNT (tried and true) patterns as I'm easily seduced into purchasing and buying new patterns by the pretty pictures on the covers of the envelopes. However, this skirt pattern is an exception. Not only does it have three skirt designs in one pattern envelope, but it is basic enough to allow for creativity. The first skirt sewn from this pattern was the button front out of a gray embroidered border linen remnant; The second skirt sewn was the straight pencil skirt sewn from an embroidered (with sequins) black linen remnant; The third was sewn from a black stretch woven pinstripe - you guessed it - remnant. Each skirt cost under $10 to sew including skirt fabric, lining, and notions. My original thought on this pinstripe was to use it lengthwise on the main body of the skirt and crosswise on the bottom of the skirt. What I hadn't taken into consideration was that I wouldn't be able to put the stripe for the botto