Sharon Sews

In a (fairly) recent Facebook Live, Linda Lee ( The Sewing Workshop ) wore a Cottage Shirt sewn out of this fabric.  When she informed the viewers that it was available as a kit, I immediately purchased it, conveniently forgetting that I don't wear these colors and rarely wear button front shirts (or should it be button down)? The kit included enough fabric for the Cottage Shirt, coordinating cotton thread, and buttons. The fabric is a colorful cotton, the weight of a quilting cotton.  I did have to purchase The Cottage Shirt pattern separately as it wasn't one I already owned.  I've sewn other Sewing Workshop patterns and remembered they tend to be oversized.  My full bust measurement puts me in the lower range of the Large size, while my upper bust measurement puts me in the upper range of the Small size.  The finished bust measurement was included on the back of the pattern envelope, showing that this top is designed with 16-1/2" of ease!  I choose to ...

I have been a fan of multi-tiered maxi skirts since, well, forever!  At least it feels like forever as I was a teen when I sewed my first one. I'm sure at the time I used a pattern as I didn't realize how simple these skirts are to sew! As a BERNINA Ambassador, I get to create projects and write tutorials for the We All Sew blog .  In my latest blog post I walk you through the steps to sew this skirt using your own measurements. Visit the blog post here - How to Sew a Multi-Tiered Maxi Skirt  

Almost exactly one year ago, Cashmerette introduced their new size range with the release of the popular Appleton dress in sizes 0-16 .  Before the release, they had asked if I'd be interested in sewing the dress to help promote the new size range.  Um, yes!  Maybe you've heard this fashion advise before: "Wrap dresses are flattering on everyone, especially large busted woman."  I disagree! When I was a small (haha!) D-cup I did find wrap dresses to be flattering. Now that I'm much larger than that, I have found they can be tricky to wear.  As often as I've done full bust adjustments on patterns, I have never perfected the FBA on a wrap top or dress. I liked the void that Cashmerette filled in the sewing community - larger sizing and bust cup options.  I had often looked at their patterns, but knew I needed to start with a smaller size than what they offered and I didn't want to mess with grading.   That's why I was intrigued when I learned th...

I purchased McCall's 7836 when it was released in 2018, with intentions of sewing this asymmetrical cut out shoulder top. However, with my major surgery, followed by the move across country, followed by months of physical therapy because of the surgery...well, it just never happened.    Until January of this year.  Here's the pattern cover.   I do remember sewing View B (with one with the big sleeves) before we moved, but I can't find it. Now that I'm thinking about it, I think I gave it to one of my sisters who said she liked it.  I'm glad I didn't sew this until we moved as it really is not a practical design for Minnesota winters.   It works much better here in Texas - I can wear it when it's a bit cool outside and I'm not uncomfortable even with my one shoulder exposed.  The pattern is rated Easy (I would agree) and is described as a fitted, pullover top featuring a dropped shoulder.  I was concerned it would be too fitted for m...

I was going through old photos on my computer and came across a few makes that I took photos of yet never blogged about.  This knit vest is one of them. I sewed this in 2016 or 2017, I don't remember for sure. The fabric is a lightweight, embroidered wool knit that I purchased from SR Harris. I remember I was drawn to the textured detail of the fabric. I liked it enough that I overlooked the fact that those colors are not colors I normally wear.  That meant I sewed this beautiful vest only to have it sit in my closet as nothing worked with it. I'm trying to be more thoughtful in my fabric purchases as I don't wish to spend time (and money!) sewing a lovely item only to end up donating it because it does not get worn. Here's the back view.  I put a note on the pattern envelope to keep the pattern because the instructions for sewing the lined yoke are really good. The pattern is Vogue 1375, a Sandra Betzina design from 2013.  Back when almost all of us were wearing the...

I present to you my first finished WIP (work in progress) for 2022!  Y'all, I wish I hadn't waited so long to sew this one as I adore this top!   I mean, c'mon, Look at the amazing sleeves! I purchased the pattern when it was first released in 2020, and cut it out soon after.  I don't recall why I tucked it away, but I THINK it was because I didn't have the right color thread on hand.   The pattern is Vogue 1704, a Rachel Comey design that includes both the top and pants. The design is from her Spring 2019 line.  It's look 7 at this Vogue.com runway show link .   When I purchased the pattern, I didn't realize the front edges of the top were finished using an overcast stitch.  Because I don't read the description on the back of the envelopes :-)   Rather than buy serger thread in a color I would never use again, I purchased a couple of regular spools of thread and used those in my serger.  The front pieces are overlapped ...

"There's no way I can wear that" was my first thought when I looked at the line drawings of this pattern.  But then I remembered a top I tried on last summer while at Nordstrom Rack. It had a similar shape with the waist cinched in with elastic thread. I liked it enough that I almost bought it.  The almost was because I sew and you know how THAT conversation goes - "I could sew it, I will sew it, etc."  The pattern is the newly released Azores Top and Dress from Itch to Stitch.   Here's the line drawing. The pattern has beautiful details with a shirred waist and wrist, a buttoned yoke with gathers for the bust area, and a short peplum. The pattern has multiple cup sizes also. I sewed an 8 with the DD cup option, grading to a 10 at the waist/hip.  While there is enough room in the bust area, I discovered I will need to add length above the shirring next time. Any movement I make causes the top to ride up making it too short (and uncomfortable to wear).  I al...