Sharon Sews

The BALA Wrap Top and TREMBLANT Pleated Pants are both PDF patterns included in the Sew News Capsule Studio: Plush.  The capsule studio collection includes tips for sewing cozy fabrics, like Minky, as well as information on sewing with faux fur.  There are also tips for matching plaids included with the instructions for the pants.  There are six PDF patterns in this collection, each available in sizes XS (bust 33", waist 24-1/2", hip 35") to 7X (bust 58", waist 49-1/2", hip 60").   I sewed five of the six: BALA Wrap Top, TREMBLANT Pleated Pants, BANFF Dolman Sweater, MOONSTONE Jumpsuit, and KAWARTHA Cardi Jacket. I didn't have the supplies on hand to sew the WHISTLER Bucket Bag. That's a sewing project for another day. Make note that the seam allowances vary per project, so be sure to double check if you need to use 3/8", 1/2", or 5/8".  I'd also suggest you print, tile, and trace your pattern pieces before purchasing fabric. ...

I didn't know I needed a wardrobe full of summer knit skirts until I sewed the new Itch to Stitch Balboa skirt!  I've sewn three so far and love them all.   The Balboa Skirt , which was released June 1, is designed for medium weight knits. There are 13 skirt variations included in the pattern! I do like a pattern that provides me with a lot of options.  It is only available as a PDF pattern so you do need to print it out and tape/glue it together. My tie dye skirt is the a-line version.  I don't usually like a-line skirts on me, but I do like this one.  I used a double brushed knit.  The fabric was gifted to me from Fabrics by the Yard. - www.fabricsyard.com - I also sewed a dress out of the fabric which I'll review soon.  The fabric is TDP1177, and I plan on purchasing more in another colorway. I sewed another a-line version in a floral knit. It is also a double brushed knit that I had sewn into a dress previously. I never wore the dr...

It's my summer for sundresses and the new Oia Dress by Itch to Stitch doesn't disappoint! If you're looking for a comfortable, trendy, slightly more advanced sewing project, this dress is for you. I was one of the pattern testers for this dress design and am happy I volunteered to do so, even though this dress was more time consuming that what I've been sewing lately. While I was testing the pattern, I kept telling myself "this pattern is drafted so beautifully!"  I had no problems with anything not matching as it should, which made it a joy to sew. The instructions were thorough covering every detail of the dress construction. One tip I have for you when you sew this dress is to be sure to carefully mark every single dot and notch. Before I go into any more details, the Oia Dress is on sale for one week after the release date! (It was released on Aug. 13, 2019) It is a PDF pattern, and I think most of you know I lean towards printed patterns, but I ha...

Spring. Warmth. Sunshine. Flowers. Are you awaiting the signs of spring as eagerly as I am? Like many other areas of the country, winter is refusing to leave this year.  I've been waiting for a beautiful spring day to photograph my beautiful new Belle Skirt, but I may be waiting a long time!  I want it to warm up so I can wear this lovely Belle Skirt from Wardrobe by Me, a new to me designer/pattern company.  As soon as I finished sewing this lovely skirt, I had my hubby take a few pics. I may be smiling and wearing a sleeveless top but I was f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g! The temps were below freezing, the cold wind was blowing, and you can't see the snow around me as I'm standing on a patch of our sidewalk we had cleared. The fabric is a silky polyester from the $4/yard bin at my favorite local fabric store, SR Harris.  It is lovely made up, but was a bugger to stitch together. It was so slippery and frayed terribly! But the colors are so vibrant! And the movement of this...