Sharon Sews

Christmas Eve day found me at the sewing machine putting the final stitches on a few gifts.  Once that task was completed I planned to sew another McCall's 6797 (that fabulous asymmetrical pullover top I blogged about here ) out of a beautiful silver knit from Mood Fabrics.  However with the temps falling rapidly I knew I needed to go for warmth over fashion this Christmas season.   Since I'd be donning a sweater, jeans and boots from my closet I wrapped up my sewing for the day and settled into a comfy chair to read a few sewing blogs and browse PatternReview. And there it was ! My top for the evening!   A simple pullover top from Burda 12-2013 issue (you can purchase a downloadable version here .) I quickly pulled out the magazine and set out to trace the pattern.  Fortunately there are only three pattern pieces - a front, a back and a lower sleeve.  I did one alteration to the pattern before cutting. I did a small FBA adding a little width and leng

Barbie Doll Clothing sewing using Simplicity 8281, c. 1977 and Simplicity 7073, c. 2002 Traditions. Holidays are ripe with them and in my family that means handmade clothes for Barbie dolls.  A little background. I began sewing those tiny little outfits in my teens and had a successful little business by the time I was 14.  My younger sisters were recipients of my handmade creations. When my daughter came along I had one more little girl to give my handmade doll clothing to.  Soon there were nieces, who also received gifts of handmade doll clothing. The part-time business continued to thrive and the gift tradition continued. And then everyone grew up.  And the Barbie dolls were packed away.  Until this year. I now have a three-year-old great niece (I know, right? I'm much too young for that!) and discovered this past week that she likes playing with Barbie dolls!   So you know what that means!  I get to sew doll clothing again!  Yay me! I spent a few hours this morni