Things I like: Sewing aspirations edition

15 sewing patterns that will help me endure PNW winter

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Last Friday, I told my friends I couldn’t hang out because I had a date with my sewing machine. It rained all day and the conditions were perfect for a cozy night in. The last time I finished a garment had been in April, and since then, Steve had gifted me a serger for my birthday so I could finish hems more cleanly than with a zig-zag stitch. I hadn’t even learned to use it yet. Tonight was the night.

My plan was to make the Henrietta Skirt by Spaghetti Western Sewing—“inspired by horse girl eras, 18th-century pannier skirts, and looking hot and mysterious while running errands.” Steve headed to a show, and I tucked into my studio. I started like I always do, by laying out my fabric on the floor and cutting out the pattern pieces. Then, carefully following the instructions, I assembled the skirt panels, piece by piece. Then I finished the waist band, then the hem, then gave it a final press. And it turned out perfect, which isn’t always the case with DIY. I’ve already worn it three times!

Now I’ve got the sewing bug again, and I’m eager for more time at my machines as rainy season descends upon the Pacific Northwest. I can’t wait for overcast weekends spent stitching, syncing the patter of the rain outside with the thrum of my machine inside. I can’t wait for my iron to make its audible puff of steam, like a tired old man, when I press a corner of fabric. It has a specific smell, like clean laundry but a little mustier. I can’t wait for the quiet concentration required for stitching buttons onto plackets and pockets onto bodices. I can’t wait for Kona to wonder where her mom went and curl up on the sofa in my office.

My sewing desk still isn’t done yet, even though I had goals to finish building it during the dry season. But one of these days, I’ll have a long desk for storing my sewing machine and serger side by side, cubbies underneath for the printer and my fabric stash, and cabinets up above for my other craft and office supplies. For now, the portable table will do. Below, I’m including my favorite resources for getting started sewing, plus 15 projects I’m eyeing for this season:

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Resources for learning to sew

• Seamwork is where I started my garment-making journey. You have to subscribe for full access, but they also have a robust YouTube channel with tutorials on everything from sewing pleats to adding shirring. I watch this video on how to make bias tape every time I need to make it.

• Maddy of The Essentials Club has some really great self-drafting tutorials. That’s when you make a garment based on your measurements rather than a pattern. Recently, she recreated the iconic Ganni tie top.

• Here are a bunch of FREE patterns for practicing: Fabric Store (scroll down for the freebies), Peppermint Magazine, Closet Core T-Shirt, Tessuti Turtleneck, Ella Harp Work Dress, DIY Daisy Maya Ruffle Top/Dress, Essentials Club Bucket Hat, Fair + Simple Shift Dress, Morning Glory Tie Top

• Here are my favorite places to buy fabric online: Blackbird Fabrics (in Canada, but an amazing selection), Fabric Store (great prices on linen), Mood Fabrics, Isee Fabric, Matchy Matchy Sewing Club, and Lyrical Fabrics

• Here are my favorite pattern makers: Birgitta Helmersson, Daughter Judy, Modern Sewing Co., Puff and Pencil, Paper Theory, Papercut Patterns, Friday Pattern Company, All Well Workshop, Elizabeth Suzann, Anna Allen Clothing, Helen’s Closet Patterns, Common Stitch, and Matchy Matchy again

• If you’re in Portland, Modern Domestic offers sewing classes for all skill levels. I haven’t taken a class yet, but if I did, it would be this rolled hem one.

15 patterns I want to sew this season

Daphne Trousers, Archer Work Pants

Indigo Car Coat

June Dress, Dae Dress

Potters Jacket

Audrey Hood, Carrier Bag

ZW Block Pant

Pauline Dress, Rue Blouse

Ruffle Jacket

Tie Waist Blouse, Ruffle Dress

French Chore Coat

Which pattern is your favorite?! And tell me about your sewing journey!

XO

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