Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it? I think it does!

Were the instructions easy to follow? The instructions were very easy.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern? I love the drapey-ness of the design. It looks kind of Grecian. I like the looped overlay on the middle section. That's a cute added detail. I also like the deep V in the back.


Pattern Alterations or any design changes you made: I didn't have to make any alterations. I used a regular machine stitched hem for all of my finishing. I didn't want to use my coverstitch as I would normally do. I wanted the finish to simple and clean. I added beaded rosettes because I remembered a top in Anthropologie that I'd seen a while ago and thought it would be a nice touch.


Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others? There are very few patterns that I repeat and this one is trendy, so I probably will not sew this one again. But, I do recommend it.

Conclusion: This is pattern was very easy to follow, that had great directions and tips and suggestions throughout.

Mikaela is 11 today! My tiny baby girl is 11 today! Where has the time gone? Her first day of middle school is next week. It seems like it was just her first day of kindergarten. *SIGH* Okay... I'm going to go sob now.

Description: Long sleeve knit cardigan that may be worn open or lower edges can be tied at front waist.

My sewing mojo has been absent lately and I needed something quick and easy to get me back in the game. This is so easy to make... so easy that I whipped this up last Friday afternoon to wear to the movies that night. This pattern is literally two rectangles sewn together (creating a CB seam) that you cut holes in to set the sleeves. It took more time to hem than to actually construct. This is the perfect hybrid between a shawl and a cardigan!

I sewed this straight out of the envelope... no alterations needed. It's just one of those pieces that drape naturally and I decided to let it do whatever it does. I had been lusting over high-end pieces like this, especially one by Maison Martin Margiela, that retails for $745... mine cost me less than $20! LOL

I read a few reviews on this that were quite negative. To each his own... I like it. I didn't care at all for the other two pieces, but I highly recommend this if this is your particular style... it truly doesn't get any easier than this.

Another fun and easy top! This is my second top from this pattern. I made this one before my trip because I wanted something cool, lightweight and wrinkle-free. And also a non-boring variation on the basic t-shirt.

I followed the directions with the exception of the bottom part. I was suppose to add elastic in the side seams for ruching, but the elastic would not cooperate. So instead, I used elastic thread by hand, which was much easier to work with and control.

Carolyn just did a post on "wearability" and it made me think. I wore my Hotpatterns Sailor Pants when I was in New York... this was the first time I've worn them. I had them on from morning until late night. By late night, they were nearly falling off because they had relaxed just that much. I've noticed this problem with most of my natural fiber pants, especially linen.

Can this be prevented?? My first thought is to initially make everything very fitted so when they relax, they will be the right size.

What are your suggestions?

poly/lycra jersey knit; wool flannel


winter white wool; heather grey wool


red cotton lycra; black pinstripe wool


black & white tweed; burgundy wool crepe


white cotton lycra; seafoam green cotton jersey


greens, fuchsia, black and white poly lycra

To put the icing on a fabulous weekend, I got a chance to "meet" my girl 1969. We've been buddies for a couple of years now and it was so great to meet her in person!

We had dinner at Dallas Jones BBQ in Greenwich Village. I love the idea of finding "down home" food in the big city!

And tired! I'll post pics of my fabric on Wednesday. I shipped over 20 lbs for 2nd day air... no way I was getting all of that in my luggage! My sore feet and swollen ankles will be sleeping in and lazying around today.