Sharon Sews

Well, the monthly Sewing Studio Sundays with Julie have yet to become a regular monthly event, but that didn't keep Julie from doing some sewing on her own this past weekend. Look what she whipped up on Sunday! Another simple tote based on the tote from Lotta Jansdotter's Simple Sewing book. This time she took samples of fabric she had purchased at Crafty Planet ( and yes, you can all be jealous as she lives close enough to visit in person whenever she gets the urge to look for some great fabrics! ). Some time ago she had purchased these fabrics with the intent of stretching fabric around canvases for her kitchen decor, but choose to add other decor in the kitchen instead. That meant she had 4-1/2" by 45" strips of fabric that needed to be used. So, ta-da! She's obviously a natural at this sewing stuff!

As promised, here's the complete review for the retro inspired jacket sewing using Simplicity 2701 . The pattern: The basic jacket is princess seamed front with one or two button closure, round or v-neckline, with or without collar, welt or pleated pocket, short pleated sleeve or 3/4 sleeve with or without notch. Tip on yardage: If you're purchasing fabric you'll want to know which elements you want on your jacket before you begin as yardage for each piece is given separately. For example the jacket body requires 1-3/4 yard and the short sleeves require 1/2 yard so you will need to purchase 2-1/4 yards. But wait a minute! If you want a collar you won't want to forget additional fabric for that! See? It's just a bit confusing so choose the elements before the fabric. Or do what I did. I choose my fabric, then choose the jacket I wanted to make, and then used as many of the elements as I could. All I had to leave off was the notched band on the end of the 3/4 sleev