I didn't know I wanted a reversible skirt until I saw the pattern, but then I really wanted it! I used McCalls 5481 (c.1960). It's a very clever design because most skirts in late 50s/early 60s style require a crinoline or petticoat underneath for fullness. However, the ruffled side of the skirt provides enough volume [...]
Category: Art & Needlework
Out of Abundance
I've always been someone who keeps and saves. Someone who makes a good thing stretch as far as possible. Someone who stores up treasures for special occasions, for just the right project. I remember the first time I was able to let go of this tendency for a while. It was when I started to [...]
Sewing with Vintage Patterns: Two 1940’s Blouses
Vintage skirts are much easier to find than vintage blouses. Blouses have to be washed more frequently and are more prone to staining so fewer of them have lasted. I have several beautiful vintage skirts. I realized though that I don't wear them as often as I'd like because they need a certain style and [...]
A-wish-for-a-snow-day Snowflake Garland
A few weeks ago, we got a dusting of snow that was gone well before noon. I was hoping it would be just the first hint of snow to come, but now I'm wondering if that might have been our one sight of snow this year. When I took down my Christmas decorations, I pulled [...]
Implications of Fast Fashion and How to Minimize Them
I recently watched a quick video about "fast fashion" beginning in the Victorian era. It was very interesting and definitely gave me lots to think about. The advent of the industrial age and machines made many things possible that hadn't been possible before, or made them possible at lower costs and faster speeds. However, this [...]
Making a Hat from a 1930s Pattern
This project started with a homemade wrap skirt of plaid material for a person bigger and taller than me. It was the perfect opportunity to make a floor length plaid skirt I had been dreaming of. I ended up unmaking the wrap skirt (unpicking the darts and separating the seams and the lining) to give [...]
Marie Kondo and Improving the Art Room
You all know I love my art room. I have lots of natural light and all my favorite things around me. However, because it does not have a closet, I have had to store fabric and other craft/art supplies in the basement which makes for a lot back and forth when I want to start [...]
Enjoying the Art Room
The light filters in through two square 9-pane windows, north facing, capturing the longest light of the day. There is another larger window on the east wall, which brought in the morning light at an earlier hour. The lace curtains leave dappled patterns on the vintage rug worked with pink, peach, and blue flowers. The [...]
Pressing Wildflowers
In August, I decided to take advantage of a nice evening and gather some wildflower while they were still available. I obtained a flower press at a yard sale last year, but hadn't had an opportunity to use it yet. The instructions said to gather mid afternoon on a completely dry day. Well, I can't [...]
Trying Something New: Cross Stitch Pattern
It has been such a beautiful fall week! I've been enjoying looking around everywhere as I walk, hike, or drive. I'm listening to the wind rustling through the leaves and delighting in the feeling of fresh breezes and the crumbly scent of old plants laying down for the winter. I'm also wrapping up some art [...]
Welcome To The Carriage House 