I had some great stiff cotton, so I decided to make a blouse with a crisp collar and cuffs. I used a simplified method for cuffs that doesn't require a true placket. This is the same method I use for cuffs on my boy's shirts. To add cuffs to your simple blouse, lengthen the sleeves to 1 1/2" above your wrist. (If you...
When Drew and I moved into our house, our (old) bed couldn't fit up our staircase. I never totally loved that bed. It was a mahogany-colored sleigh bed that we received as a wedding gift. It was pretty, but it was taller than I like and the worst part for me was that it creaked. For the first little while in our new...
Here is another super easy Simple Blouse variation: a faux peplum. I think a peplum is just fun and flirty. Trace the front and back pattern pieces on separate paper. Mark a waistline across both pieces. Cut 7-10 slashes stopping a the waistline mark. Spread the slashes open creating as much fullness as you want. You can retrace your pattern after you've spread...
This ugly tear happened to my favorite wool coat when the button got caught on the shopping cart at the grocery store. I didn't notice that the button slid inside a slat on the cart and as I stepped away I heard a shredding sound, I looked down and saw a flapping button. I love the coat too much to throw it out,...
This is probably the easiest variation we have to offer. It's just a hip-length tunic with side vents. PATTERN HERE Cut out the simple blouse lengthening the body 5". Surge the sides of the front and back pieces. Stitch the side seams stopping 6" from the bottom edge. Top stitch the vent. Be sure to have a bar tack at the top of...
Variation to take Jessica's Simple Blouse Pattern and turn it into a sweatshirt. Pattern available here. In my collection of fabric I have loads of vintage polyester. I know most people don't like the feel of it, but I have always loved it. I love that it's thick and heavy and it doesn't wrinkle. It does have a little stretch but not lot...
