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...

"Oh, please, please, please pick me" begged the silk print blouse. "Aw, shoot, passed over again. I don't get it, I'm much more attractive than that boring old black top she's going to wear." I'm pretty sure if this blouse could speak that's what I would hear when I stand in my closet debating over what to wear with my jeans. Don't get me wrong. I think it's a beautiful blouse! The colors are vibrant, the silk fabric feels divine, and there are many understated details. Such as the narrow neck bias binding that extends into front ties. The soft pleats in the back sewn into the self-lined yoke. The front pleats that provide fullness for the bust. And my favorite detail (one that you likely wouldn't notice) is the center front placket with hidden buttons. It might be easier to see in this picture, which shows my well used button cutter and board. This functional front closure is not needed. After all, the blouse ha...

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...

When I wear my zebra/polka dot infinity scarf it never fails to draw compliments.  Once people find out I made it, often the next question is "would you make one for me?" While I rarely sew for hire these days, I do enjoy sewing items to give to others, especially these colorblocked infinity scarfs. They are simple, yet each is unique depending on the fabrics chosen. This year I sewed a some as Christmas gifts for a few girlfriends. Here's how to make one of these cute and easy infinity scarfs for yourself. Fabric: For one scarf, you'll need one yard each of two coordinating fabrics at least 45" wide. Choose a lightweight fabric, such as voile, chambray, linen, rayon or even flannel. My zebra/polka dot scarf was sewn using a polyester blouse weight fabric. A lightweight knit would work also.  Heavier fabric would create a lot of bulk at the neckline. Each piece of fabric should measure 45" x 36".  If your fabric is wider, cut it to 45". ...