Monday, January 8, 2024

Book Review: Sew Your Own Scandi Wardrobe

This is going to be an awkward post, so prepare yourself accordingly.

I was asked by Quadrille Craft if I wanted a copy of the book Sew Your Own Scandi Wardrobe by Oda Stormoen and Kristin Vaag.

Saturday, September 10, 2022

Vali Dress by Pattern Fantastique

 Hello friends, it's time for another blog post which means I have a bit more than normal to say about this pattern. You can call it an extended review.

I have talked before about being cautious to try out new to me pattern designers. I have quite firm ideas about how I like patterns to be drafted (aka correctly, lol) and it greatly ruins my sewing experience when I get my hands on a not up to par sewing pattern. Especially because of my promise to always be honest about the experience. I HAVE to talk about it because my integrity as an honest sewing blogger is something I value greatly. Honestly, what is the point of a review if it only mentions the good things?! 

Now I don't only write honest reviews if there's something wrong with the drafting. It can be smaller things too, and much more personal opinion based. And this post is one of those examples.

Saturday, November 6, 2021

Hope Woven Dress by StyleArc

 Today's post is an example of how a simple shape can sometimes cause some troubles if you don't happen to fit the original draft. And when it comes to raglan sleeves, I rarely do. When a shape is simple there are no design details to hide or distract from the fit issues.

The Hope Woven Dress from StyleArc is a popular style exactly because of its simplicity. Deep 3/4-length raglan sleeves, a gathered skirt and a facing in the neckline. A fast make and a relaxed and comfortable style.

I want to be clear from the start, this is not one of those 'honest reviews' where there is a problem with the pattern. This is a post to show you how I adjusted part of a pattern to fit my body. It's more normal than not, that we don't fit the standard draft. Or we fit them in some areas and not in others. Especially because standard drafts vary from company to company. I think we are all looking for that company where however our body is, fit their standard as much as possible. I felt I found that with StyleArc but that does not mean I don't have to do adjustments. Certain things we almost always have to do, for me it's usually length (I'm 5'10"/178 cm tall). Or if I'm making non-elastic pants I have to blend sizes between waist and hips because those two areas do not fit into the same size. 

And my small bust and fairly narrow waist often puts me in dress or top/blouse sizes that my tall frame shoulders doesn't fit into. Which, like mentioned earlier, can cause some 'interesting problems' with raglan sleeves. 

So let's get nerdy and talk about how you fix that if you are in the same boat! And even if you are not in the wide shoulder boat, this post might still be useful for you.

Wednesday, March 24, 2021

Tutorial, Hem Split Opening for the Balmain Knit Tunic, Style Arc

When I realized that I had more photos for this tutorial, than the allowed 10 photos for one IG post, I did a survey in my Stories on IG, asking if you preferred the tutorial split up in two posts on IG (part 1&2) or here on the blog. Guess which won...haha.

If you want to read my other info about this make, size, fabric etc, you'll have to go read THIS post on Instagram.

Monday, August 24, 2020

Tutorial: Bagging Method for Lining of Sleeveless Dress & Nova Midi Dress by StyleArc.

I've been wanting to write about this subject AND to do this tutorial for a very long time. As you will learn later on, the tutorial is sort of connected to the subject. 

I've been thinking, that even though most of you who are reading my blog are home sewists, you might find it interesting to read about how industrial sewing techniques can have different rankings in the professional fashion industry. All within the industrial sewing techniques. I know some of you who follow me are also interested in learning how to end up with professional looking results when you sew, and this article might be of particular interest to you. 

The tutorial is for using the bagging method when sewing a lined, sleeveless bodice. It can be used with a bodice with or without a zipper. In this case it is without.



The dress in this post is the Nova Midi Dress from StyleArc. There are more photos plus size and fabric info in THIS post from my Instagram account.

Wednesday, May 13, 2020

The Wilder Gown, Pattern Review

Forever ago, I promised you a review of The Wilder Gown by Friday Pattern Company.

I mentioned I was a bit disappointed over parts of this pattern, and naturally I would like to elaborate. 

Sunday, December 29, 2019

Guest Post by Melanie, The Sewmelier. #SewHonestFeedback

What's a blog if it isn't being used, right! So when Melanie from The Sewmelier mentioned that she had written this piece about honest feedback, but also about boundaries, kindness and lots of other thoughts and opinions, but that she worried it was a bit too long for Instagram, I offered up my blog. I don't have any ads on my blog, so I don't make any money on it (just in case you were wondering), but it's a subject that is also close to my heart, and I would love to help share her, in my opinion, great thoughts on this matter. Mie


Thanks for having me on the blog today, Mie, to share my thoughts on topics very dear to me: useful feedback without hurt feelings, how honesty can easily become painful, why I think making mistakes is actually wonderful and how I interact with designers and sewing businesses to give feedback - or simply #sewhonestfeedback ! So let’s jump right in with