My partner and I hiked the Uinta Highline trail, from Leidy Peak to Hayden Pass over 6 days from August 5-11, 2023. The 90 miles (that was supposed to be 80 but thanks to snow fields and blow downs added up to more) was amazing and brutal simultaneously, but such a wonderful experience overall!
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I finally caved and made THE pinafore dress that has seemingly taken over my instagram over the past several weeks/months. I created a projector file for two version so this dress, and Leila kindly adapted the files to be print-at-home friendly!. I am not providing any support with this file, the fun of this dress is figuring it out as you go, but I'm happy to share a starting point.
Origin StoryWhen I was in middle school in 2005, I asked my mom and grandparents to buy me a sewing machine so I could take sewing classes with my friends. I vaguely remember going to Target and purchasing my first machine, a Janome DC3018, which I still have and is what I learned on when coming back to the hobby in 2020. At the time, I assumed this was a very basic machine, but the fact that it's still going strong and has tons of decorative stitches, buttonhole options, an automatic threader and whatnot, I realize how privileged I was to get such a great machine as a beginner. I mean, this machine made multiple backpacks and pairs of jeans!
Kevin's wardrobe has really been lacking a long hooded coat, and after Waffle Patterns released their latest jacket pattern, I knew I wanted to give it a shot! The result is a 13.16oz puffer jacket using 2.5oz apex insulation and 1.1oz ripstop nylon!
Earlier this year I made two roll-top trail running packs using the LearnMYOG pattern, but it didn't fit my torso well & I prefer zip tops for day packs. So I got to hacking & here's how I did it!
I've been eagerly anticipating the release of updated version of LearnMYOG's ultralight windshell, and I'm stoked with how it turned out! This 3.14 oz windshell is incredibly soft, light and comfortable! It was a bit challenging to sew (mainly due to the material I chose) but ultimately turned out great.
I've been struggling to commit to a pattern for this lovely Burgundy corduroy I bought for my birthday back in October, but after seeing several lovely versions of the Paola I knew this was the one! I took a risk & learned a new skill with this and lined the Paola!
I've been looking for a ~10L pack design for awhile, both for use as a day pack, but also as a stash buster for all the bits and pieces I have laying around. This pattern served both purposes perfectly!
The Sara Pleated Pants are a great introduction to pants-making, especially considering the pattern is free! However, due to the Fabrics-Store's nested sizing, alterations on this pattern are a little frustrating and it can be hard to nail the fit.
Ever since moving to Utah I knew I needed some sort of snow pants, but I never ended up buying a pair (soooo pricey, how often will I wear them, very few made for short people, etc.). Eventually I decided to make my own. After sitting on the pattern and materials for over a year, I finally made the perfect fitting pair!
I sewed both versions (cropped & long) simultaneously, and haven't taken the grey one off since finishing! This is a lovely layering piece, and perfect for colder weather!
I've been hesitant for awhile to join the masses in making a pair of Persephones, mostly because I have enough other pants patterns, this seemed repetitive. After hearing from a lot of folks though, I realized this pattern is unique enough to merit making, and I'm so glad I did!
Easily the most versatile and customizable pattern I've made, plus even Kevin can knock one out in a few hours without much help! I've made two for myself (involving a HUGE size scale-down), and five for Kevin. In the construction section I talk about all the mods I've made to this pattern.
Y'all I made my first pair of jeans and I am SMITTEN! They turned out perfectly and I couldn't be more proud :)
I've made two toaster sweater's now, I love both dearly, but I have a strong bias towards the one I made WITH POCKETS! I've included instructions on how to add pockets to the Toaster Sweater in the sections below!
I'll be honest, this is mostly a toiles and tribulations post about my first attempt at the Jenny Trousers (Jenny Overalls) by Closet Core Patterns.
I've made three pairs of Free Range Slacks now, and I love each pair dearly! It has taken awhile to nail down my preferred sizing and construction, although all three fit & get worn often!
I've now made three Gilbert's, two for myself and one for my mother-in-law!
Throughout this post I will refer to Version #1 as my first go, the red pictured above, and Version #2 is my second attempt, which included a small bust adjustment and is the fall pattern below. |
About FrancescaI got my first sewing machine middle school, circa 2005 (although I don't remember learning much in the way of sewing). After a long hiatus, I was reunited with my machine in 2019. I re-entered the hobby through gear-making, and have been crafting a handmade wardrobe since late 2020. I have a real affinity for comfy clothes (secret pajamas) and all the colors! Archives
August 2023
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