Okay, so I'm a trend monger. I like those sleeves with a bit of flourish. But how are they going to fit inside my winter coat? Pattern A couple of weeks ago Hobby Lobby had Simplicity patterns for 99 cents each. So I bought ten. For 99 cents, I reckoned I might get through some… Continue reading Simplicity 8454 – Still the year of the sleeve
Author: Janine Sews
I’m a proud Canadian living in western Canada. I lived in the US for a couple of decades & in 2021, we returned home to Calgary. My sewing focuses primarily on garments for my over-60 body, with an emphasis on finding my style in a mature body.
I also share my sewing journey on YouTube as Janine Sews.
A Sewing Bee ~ Simplicity 1255
Every September the Pattern Review website/sewing land site holds a Sewing Bee contest. Skill be damned, I entered again for the third year. The contest is 4 rounds long. For each round there is a specific challenge, a strict deadline, and a panel of judges who are very picky about the rules. About half of… Continue reading A Sewing Bee ~ Simplicity 1255
McCall’s 6885 ~ Dress into Tunic!
In May, 2017 I made a shirtdress with this pattern. And in August I pulled out the same pattern and made a tunic. This is a brief follow-up blog on the tunic. If you'd like to read all about the shirtdress and the pattern adjustments, please click here for the original blog post. London… Continue reading McCall’s 6885 ~ Dress into Tunic!
Style Arc – Harlow Top
In search of something with trendy sleeves ... Pattern Decided it was time to test my sewing mojo so I ventured out into indy land and ordered 2 Style Arc patterns; the Marilyn dress (yet to be made), and the Harlow top. Style Arc patterns are beautifully drafted but the instructions are minimal. Since this… Continue reading Style Arc – Harlow Top
Great British Sewing Bee: From Stitch to Style – Breton Top Pattern
Recently the Duchess of Cambridge toured Germany and of course her wardrobe was fabulous. It helps that she's slender and tall and her clothes hang nicely. But not everything she wears is fancy; she has a penchant for Breton tops. Like the one that inspired me. I posted the picture on Pattern Review and commented… Continue reading Great British Sewing Bee: From Stitch to Style – Breton Top Pattern
Simplicity 1920 ~ Third Time Around
Sometimes the simplest of patterns brings the most satisfaction. Pattern Simplicity 1920 is one of those coordinates patterns - "Misses' Skirt, Top, Jacket, Scarf and Belt". I bought it early last year and sewed two tops, two belts and a skirt at the time. I like the shape of the tops - the deep scoop… Continue reading Simplicity 1920 ~ Third Time Around
Janine Sews 