My latest sewing projects

Four things I've sewn this fall + all the details

The floor of my studio is covered in threads and little bits of fabric. They stick to my slippers and socks, and I transport them to other parts of the house. I found a tangle of white thread in my bedroom, fraternizing with a clump of dog fur in the corner. I will vacuum tonight. But not right now. Right now I’m sewing. It’s mid-afternoon and I should be working, but it’s gross out and I already did a lot today and besides, it’s dark way too soon. I woke up sad and this is helping. I’m in the process of assembling the ruffle to the sleeves of a blouse. Except right now, I’m disassembling it. I’m unpicking a line of stitching with my seam ripper because I attached the ruffled sleeve to the wrong side. Only a few more steps to go…

I’ve been slow to finish projects this sewing season. My weekends have been busy with hosting and house stuff and social plans. I’m also trying to be more intentional about what I sew since last year resulted in several things I never wore. Like a pink fleece hood and a purple gingham blouse. I gave them away or sold them. The point of sewing for me is to make things I actually want to wear and use. So I suppose slowing down is necessary. I can think through all the details, like silhouettes and fabrics and how a piece will fit with the rest of my wardrobe. And I can take my time on every step instead of rushing through stitches and making an irreversible mistake (though many things in sewing are fixable and that’s what I love about it). I’ve liked sewing a few steps at a time during the workday, when the light in my studio is bright.

Below are four garments I’ve finished in the last few weeks. I link to the patterns, share the fabrics I used, and detail a few notes about each sew. This was fun to put together, so let me know if you want more sewing updates like this!

XO

---

Horse Girl Skirt

Pattern: Henrietta Skirt by Spaghetti Western Sewing

Fabric: Washed cotton poplin in coffee bean from Blackbird

Notes: No mods! This was the perfect sew and it’s going to stay in my closet for a long time. I got 5 compliments the first time I wore it 🤎

Zero Waste Boiler Suit

Pattern: From Birgitta Helmersson’s book Zero Waste Patterns

Fabric: 8.5oz washed cotton canvas from Blackbird

Buttons: Thrifted from an estate sale

Notes: I got confused by a few steps. I didn’t size down to a small from the medium because I couldn’t figure it out, but it fits mostly oversized like I wanted—except for the crotch because I didn’t cut it to its full length. Maybe it’ll stretch?

Patch Pocket Chore Coat

Pattern: Seamwork Rhett Chore Coat

Fabric: 9oz brushed bull denim from Blackbird (bodice and sleeves), stretch dark denim from Bolt Fabric Boutique (pockets and collar)

Buttons: TBD; still gotta find the right ones

Notes: I made the collar larger because the original one was tiny and I prefer a big collar. Then I drafted my own patch pockets and staggered them.

Ruffle Sleeve Top

Pattern: Hubba Ding Eadie Top

Fabric: Leftover cotton poplin from the Henrietta Skirt

Notes: I used a white topstitching thread for some interesting contrast.

---