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Category: Straight Stitch Designs

First Anniversary Celebration

Last year on September 18th I released my first pattern, Ravenna!  I was so scared that day when I hit publish on the pattern and the intro post.  I knew how I felt about the pattern, it was pretty great, but what a test in confidence to throw something out to the world and hope that people like it.  One year later I will tell you that I still get just as nervous putting a pattern out that I did last year, maybe more because people actually know who I am this year where as last year I was totally unknown.

Moms Weekend

What more could you ask for than leaving the husbands and kids at home and escaped to a cabin on the water for the weekend with your girlfriends and fellow co-op moms.  As we loaded up into my friends van with far too much food and alcohol I just couldn’t be happier with the group of friends that I have here in Seattle, these ladies rock my socks off, they make this motherhood thing so much easier.

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Greenwood Maxi Dress

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My newest pattern, Greenwood, is pretty much the perfect basic piece.  Not only is it an all around great tank top, but it is also a wonderful layering piece through the seasons, and the foundation for so much beyond a basic tank top.

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During testing a few of my amazing testers began to come up with some hacks or add-ons they would like to see with the Greenwood as the base.  As soon as the idea of turning the Greenwood into a maxi dress was brought up I knew I had to make one, who doesn’t like a comfy knit top with a long flowy skirt.

Greenwood is Finally Here!!

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I am so excited to be joining Swhetty Betties Aspiring Designers Challenge again.  These challenges are just what I need to get my butt in gear and release my pattern.  It’s easy to have a pattern sit on your computer just waiting for a few things, trust me I have at least 3 patterns in various stages of completion on my computer right now.  The pattern I am releasing today, Greenwood, is the first pattern in my new collection Straight Stitch Basics.  This is the most ‘me’ pattern I have made to date and I am really quite excited about sharing it with all of you.

Laurelhurst

There are so many times when I see something in the store and think ‘I can make that’.  Just ask my mom and sisters, I say it all the time.  When you have the skills to make it yourself why not put that knowledge to use.

I have been on the hunt for the perfect layering wrap to wear in the strange weather we have been experiencing lately.  I wanted something that was slightly fitted while still being flowy and ultimately comfortable.  I am especially excited to share with you my newest pattern, Laurelhurst!  It couldn’t be more my style.

Laurelhurst Tester Call

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My next pattern, Laurelhurst, is all ready for testing! (Wow, I am not sure that fabric could be more wrinkled)

Laurelhurst is a casual wrap available in sizes 0-24 that has both long and 3/4 sleeves and can made in a variety of knits.  Included in the pattern are two optional button placements to change up the look of the wrap.

Testing will begin Friday the 6th with photos and feedback due to me by Thursday the 12th.

This is also a great opportunity to do a little sewing for yourself next week during Selfish Sewing Week, and it’s a really quick sew, which is always great.

Put a Pocket On It!

I have had such a great time sewing up a closet full of Bellevue tops to share with you all week.  I couldn’t let the week end without one more Bellevue top with even more small modifications to give you yet another version of this pattern.

If you haven’t had a chance to read about my other Bellevue tops this week you can see the two tops I sewed simply by following the pattern as written.  To mix it up a little I decided to make one based on one of my pattern testers without the accent pieces but still retaining the shirttail hem.  If you are a visual person like me the tester round up yesterday is a great way to see the pattern on a variety of shapes and sizes as well as fabric combinations.

Bellevue Tester Roundup

The build up to pattern testing is stressful, I have no idea how the pattern is going to be received and whether the fit is going to be so off that it will take multiple versions to get right.  But every time I test a pattern regardless of how many versions it takes my testers are always so patient with me and the process.  I love having a fresh look at my patterns and take the time to hear what they have to say because I am by no means an expert, I really rely on their sewing knowledge for ever pattern.

Modified Bellevue

As I am coming out of the fog of a 24 hour stomach bug I am reminded that my life is less than glamorous sometimes and I love that about my life, I could do without the stomach bug though.  Every morning I throw on my jeans that get worn far too many times between washes and the nearest shirt and my favourite pair of well loved moccasins.  If a necklace is within reach that goes on too.  I am pretty much a no fuss kind of girl and I really want my clothes to match that.

Comfort Meets Elegance – Bellevue

I am so excited to release this pattern that has been on my mind FOREVER!  I was in a bit of a pattern design/sewing funk through most of December and January but this pattern finally brought me out of it.  It turned out exactly how I wanted and ended up being even more comfortable than I imagined.

Introducing Bellevue!

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Bellevue has a wide open neckline with two finishing options, either banded or faced, and four sleeve lengths.  I am a sucker for elbow length but the short sleeve is perfect as the weather is warming up.  The pattern is a mix of knit and woven with endless possibilities.