sew house seven

DIY Funnel Neck Sweater – Toaster Sweater pattern review

DIY Funnel Neck Sweater – Toaster Sweater pattern review

Some garments start with a pattern, some with a flash of inspiration and some with the fabric. This garment falls squarely in the latter category. A few months ago, the lovely folks at The Fabric Store asked if I’d like to do a partnership with them. I love their LA shop, so I of course jumped at the chance. Every month I get to go explore their current stock and take home a few fabrics to play with. They are so generous and I’ve really enjoyed visiting their shop and sewing with their fabric. The store is a beautiful little boutique full of the finest fabrics, making for a calm, lovely, stress-free experience. (We can all use more of that, right?) The staff are so kind and helpful. I could spend all day there just chatting about fabrics and sewing patterns.

Review of the Tea House Dress pattern

Review of the Tea House Dress pattern

Looking back, I think it was the cover shot that sold me on the Tea House Dress pattern. It goes without saying that the model looks just beautiful but I was equally struck by the red fabric. It reminded me of fabric that I had in my stash. So of course, I snatched up the pattern. Because when you already have the perfect fabric just languishing in the closet, you have to buy the pattern and give life to the fabric. It’s honestly so rare that I see a pattern and realize that I have the exact perfect fabric waiting in my stash. It’s a rather kismet sewing experience. 

Style Maker Fabrics Fall Tour - Driftless Cardigan and Nehalem Pants

Style Maker Fabrics Fall Tour - Driftless Cardigan and Nehalem Pants

I was so honored and thrilled when Michelle asked me to take part in the Style Maker Fabrics Fall blog tour. It’s an amazing group of sewists she has assembled and the fabric we had to choose from was equally inspiring. Living in LA, it’s generally warm here but in the fall nights become cool. Plus, I have the year round indoor AC to battle. With this in mind, I’ve been wanting to sew more separates that I can layer. I decided to make two new-to-me patterns, the Driftless Cardigan by Grainline Studio and the Nehalem Pants by Sew House Seven.