N3-B Parka Project: Changes and Challenges!

 

While I stayed pretty close to the original pattern when sewing my N3-B parka from my Japanese pattern book, I did make a few changes.

The Big Parka Project!

Readers, I purchased Ryuichiro Shimazaki's book of men's military coat patterns (above) back in 2014 and, while I would page through it from time to time, I never actually sewed with it -- until this year!

PART 2 -- Finishing the Faux Fur Coat

 

Friends, if there was anything I obsessed over in making Michael's faux fur coat, it was the front pockets.

A Faux Fur Coat for Michael -- PART 1

I promised to make Michael a faux fur coat three years ago; it didn't happen but I'm determined to have one ready for his birthday this year.  

Working on My First Safari Jacket

Readers, more than five years ago I purchased this Australian Bush Outfit pattern, Folkwear 130, with the intention of making a safari jacket.

A Run on Sewing Machines? + Project UPDATES!

Readers, is it possible -- could there actually be a run on sewing machines?

Happiness is a Peanuts Shirt - PART 1

Greetings, readers, from my home quarantine to yours!

Muslining a Vintage Swimsuit, New Shoes, + More Movie Links!

When I'm self-isolating I indulge myself in ways I otherwise might not.

The VEST of Everything

Readers, until last week I had only ever sewn one men's vest (above), which I created as part of a men's pattern drafting class I took at FIT three years ago.

The 1980's Jacket Project

It's always interesting to me to trace the origins of my sewing projects.

Sewing a Summer Dress for Cousin Cathy!

As most of you know by now, my cousin Cathy gets annoyed with me if I don't make her at least one new outfit every season.

Experimenting with Pattern Mixing and Hand-loomed Fabrics

There aren't that many perks to being a longtime sewing blogger, but occasionally I'm given the opportunity to sample special fabrics in exchange for sewing something with them.

Oye, Poppy!

Friends, have you ever sewn with fabric that had such a bold pattern that halfway through your project you just couldn't look at it anymore and began to question whether you liked it in the first place?

Poppies and Lemon Blossoms!

Friends, do you remember this lemon print cotton I purchased last August?

Return to Color Blocking

Readers, how do you feel about color-blocked shirts?

Drafting a Men's Shirt Pattern From Scratch

Readers, it is time I drafted a shirt for myself entirely from scratch.

Sewing With Double Gauze

Gauze.

It's beautiful.  It's lightweight.  But it can be a PITA to work with.

Cathy's Comeback Dress?

Big news, readers!

My identical cousin Cathy, who hasn't been seen on this blog since 2014, is planning her return, tentatively scheduled for mid-August.

How Do You Like My Octopus (Fabric)?

Did I mention that, in addition to my mermaid-print fabric, I also purchased an octopus-print fabric to make a shirt for Michael?

How Do You Feel About Polka Dots?

Friends, I generally avoid polka dots.