• Get Dressed To Stay Home

    A little over a year ago, I was inspired by a review of my own handsewn wardrobe–following months and months (and months) in a sewing rut–to GET DRESSED TO STAY HOME. …

  • Toaster Sweater #2

    This is easily the most aggressive sweater I own. I bought this fleece when Hancock Fabrics was shutting down (RIP, messiest fabric stores evar, but let’s be honest: in the face…

  • Christmas Pajamas: the Ultimate in Deadline Sewing

    I wasn’t going to sew Christmas pajamas two years ago.  Until my children heard about it.  They were actually speechless.  Aghast.  Appalled.  Couldn’t IMAGINE a world in which they didn’t launch…

  • Solve Crime in the Ancient Pyramids in 2020!

    When I dreamed up the Murder Mystery Quilt, I never imagined even for an instant all the places it would take me.  Around the world, it turns out. The short origin…

  • Recursive Sewing

    I have a clear memory of a single conversation that changed the way I see the world.  The initial memory is of feeling frustrated and defensive.  Then the scene skips to a…

  • Sewing and Self-Compassion

    Years ago, I was teaching a sewing class to brand-new seamstresses.  It was an introductory class, and there were six women there.  I gave my usual second-day-of-class pep talk, and then…

  • Quilt and Solve Crime in 2019!

    Four years ago, I had a wild idea.  I didn’t really think anyone would go along with it, if I’m being honest: who on earth would think a MURDER mystery quilt…

  • Personalizing with Patches

    I have self-diagnosed as having a massive patch problem.  I am a patch addict. I’ve written about the satchel-style backpacks I made for our children who vigorously pursue the Junior Ranger…

  • Emerson Shorts in moss linen

    When our family took a trip to Maui this spring, I started packing pretty late in the game, for me: only a week ahead.  Because, for real, I get SO EXCITED…

  • Lost Project: Beatrix Top in Liberty Cotton

    This is the Beatrix Top from Made By Rae, which I made up in Liberty lawn before ever making a muslin, and learned a valuable lesson. The pattern itself is really…

  • Lost Project: Liberty Lawn Tuxedo Tank Top

    This particular Lost Project actually got a lot of screen time, just not publicly: I originally drafted this pattern for my League of Dressmakers, and we worked with it in various…

  • Florence Kimono in rayon–with cherries!

    I have a truly absurd number of garments hiding in my closet.  Things that I’ve made, for myself, over the past few years that have never been shared or blogged about. …