Sharon Sews

Many of my design samples I've sewn for Sew It All magazine are too small for me to wear.  Since the contributors receive their designs back from the publisher once the magazine hits the news stands (yay! as I've discovered that's not the case with all publications) I would tuck them in my closet not wanting to donate them, yet unable to wear them.  Like these two "Cool Combo" faux leather and knit skirts from Sew It All Volume 9. The fabric for the gray skirt was supplied from www.fabric.com The orange skirt was sewn with fabric from my stash.  I planned on remaking the skirts larger so I could wear them.  But then it hit me! I have nieces that are the perfect size for the magazine design samples I've been sewing! Here is one of my beautiful nieces wearing the orange "Cool Combo" skirt from the magazine.   It was a cold, blustery Chicago day and she ended up donning her boyfriend's sweatshirt. But she still looks adorable. If you do

As I write this, the place this photo was taken is shimmering with the sun light bouncing off of the snow and ice that now covers that trail.  Yes, it's obvious that I've been lax in updating my blog with the multitude of sewing projects I've completed this past year. This is one of those projects. I sewed this cocoon jacket in December of 2014 (a year ago!) and obviously didn't take photos to blog until this past summer.  The jacket is Butterick 6065 and it quickly became one of my summer favorites. It's amazingly simple simple to sew - just the main body pattern piece and the neckband! I purchased the fabric the last time we visited the Denver, CO area.  I always find time to stop at Colorado Fabrics, which is conveniently located within 10 miles of a relative's home.  This lovely piece of fabric was found in the pre-cut section of the store.  I wasn't sure what I would use it for when I bought it, but knew it needed to come home with me.

Another Style Arc design that I sewed recently is the Esme Designer Knit Top . I used a textured ponte knit purchased locally from Hancock Fabrics .  The fabric was left over from a skirt I had sewn. I would have liked long sleeves since it's now winter, but I didn't have enough fabric. This pattern I purchased from Amazon.com instead of directly from their website.  The patterns on Amazon.com are multi-sized and the line for each size is printed in a different color making it a breeze to trace! This pullover knit top has a bias cut collar designed to be worn high or turned over, can have long or short sleeves and has a high-low hem. The collar and the hemline are what attracted me to the pattern. I'm easing into the return of the turtleneck with this design.  And a top that covers my rear? Well, that's always a plus in my book. Here's the collar turned over: Here's the collar up.  This ponte knit is too soft for it to be worn up, so it's a

I sewed this Style Arc Fern when winter was coming to an end last year. I recall at the time it was too cold to wear it without a jacket or cardi over it, and as summer came and went I found I only wore it twice. That's no fault of the design though as I'm really liking Style Arc patterns.  It just doesn't fit quite right. It's a bit large in the neckline/shoulder area and I find myself constantly adjusting it through out the day.  I made this was when I was still trying to figure out the size I needed to sew for Style Arcs. I've since realized it is better for me to begin a size smaller and do an FBA . The pullover top is designed for woven fabrics and has a full asymmetrical front wrap. No worries if the wind catches a corner as you're still covered!  There are small side darts and the slight drop shoulder sleeves are cut in one. I eliminated the keyhole opening in the  back as I found the neckline is wide enough to pull over my head without the addi

The Style Arc Courtney top is a pullover top with princess seams in the front and a back gathered into a yoke in the back.  The sleeves are cut in one with the side front, back and back yoke.  Recommended fabrics are jersey knit, slinky knit, linen, crepe and silk. For this Courtney top, I used a rayon print remnant that I had picked up when a local fabric store closed about two years ago. It was just enough for that center front panel.  I purchased black rayon challis locally from Hancock Fabrics to complete the top.   Sewing instructions with Style Arc patterns are minimal, but there are also a few illustrations to help guide you. Construction on this top was straight forward. Stitch the front princess seams, gather the center of the lower back and stitch to the back yoke, stitch the shoulder seams, stitch the neck band, stitch the side seams, stitch the armbands, and hem.   I also choose to topstitch the neck band in place.  As far as sizing goes, I've sewn s