Sharon Sews

I love pockets! I also love that I can sew my own clothing and add pockets if they are not included. Or, as in this case, take a simple patch pocket and make it design detail with the addition of an exposed zipper.  By adding the metal zipper not only does it add a little designer touch, the pocket becomes practical for holding essentials such as a phone, credit card, lipstick, and keys.  The tunic pattern I sewed is Butterick 6520 , a Katherine Tilton design.  It's a pullover knit tunic with a split hem and one patch pocket.  I liked the pocket on the pattern, but wasn't sure how practical it would be which is why I decided to add a side zipper. I choose to use stretch velvet (purchased online at Sly Fox Fabrics ). I don't know about you, but I am loving this current trend of velvet!  A simple knit tunic becomes date-night worthy when sewn out of stretch velvet.  The tunic is fairly simple to sew and I'll show you how to add the exposed zipp...

There are times when I purchase fabric with only a general idea of what pattern I will use.  That was the case with this skirt. I found this amazing piece of fabric a few years ago at SR Harris (my favorite local fabric shop).  I only purchased one yard planning to sew a pencil skirt.  I switched to an a-line when I decided to play around with adding an exposed zipper along the side seam. This pattern is New Look 6843 .  It's one of those basic skirt patterns that you could sew dozens of times and each would look different depending on the fabric and design elements chosen. It was simple to change the back zip to an exposed separating side zip. Determine the finished length of the skirt and purchase a zipper accordingly.  I used a 20" separating metal zipper that I had in my sewing supplies. Cut both the front and back on the fold of the fabric, eliminating the back seam and back zipper. Add a strip of interfacing along the left side seams before fi...

Making a bound buttonhole can seem like a daunting undertaking.  Trust me, I know. I avoided them for years thinking they were "too hard" and way beyond my sewing capabilities. Pshaw!  Yes, they do require pre-planning and definitely take more time than a machine-sewn buttonhole, but they really are not that difficult.  As with anything practice, practice, practice!   It's a good idea to work one (or two) in some of your fabric scraps before making the buttonholes in your garment. The one I made on my capelet was sewn using the patch method . Mark your buttonhole placement on your garment. If your garment does not call for interfacing, be sure to apply interfacing to the wrong side of the garment under each buttonhole marking.  Cut a piece of fabric for your buttonhole that is about 2" wider and 1" longer than the buttonhole.  Here's a fun tip:  the fabric doesn't have to match your garment.  Contrast or coordinating fabric is a fun wa...