Since I've stepped down from classroom teaching as my full-time job, I've been excited to see how I still have so many opportunities to teach. Frequently, these opportunities have been one-on-one. And I really like it! I've been teaching Sunday School teachers how to be better teachers by stepping in to observe their classes and [...]
Tag: sewing
A Vintage Button Jar
The button jar. I am sure nearly all of you have something come to mind with that phrase. It could be an actual jar, but more than likely, it is an old Christmas cookie tin or recycled plastic butter container packed to the brim with every single button that ever crossed the threshold of your [...]
A Fall Skirt in a Weekend: Copying a 1950’s Skirt
I was in the mood to make something versatile for fall/winter. I have a few lovely lengths of wool in my fabric stash. Unfortunately, most of them are only about a yard long, which definitely limits what you can make with them. I was hoping for a nice wool skirt, in a 1940s style which [...]
The Bow Dress: A 1950’s pattern
For my most recent sewing project (ok, actually the one I was most recently able to photograph to share with you all), I wanted to find a fun use for a pretty minty blue fabric with little white bows on the print. Of course, I had to look for a sewing pattern that actually used [...]
Repairing a 1960’s Cocktail Dress
I was traveling in another state when I came across this dress in an antique shop called Ye Olde Ugly Duckling. There was a tear by the back zipper and the hem was coming undone, but it was only $10. I tried it on in a dimly lit bathroom/storage closet. It didn't quite fit, but [...]
A Skirt from a 1960 Pattern: It’s Reversible!
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 [...]
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 [...]
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 [...]
Welcome To The Carriage House 