Crafts: Wiksten

So far I've made three Wiksten Tovas and three Wiksten Tanks. I've made size adjustments for each one and have finally found my fit.

My measurements register as S for both patterns, but I find a S/M combination works best for my broad shoulders.

For the Tova: S front with M armholes and M back, sleeve and cuff. I angle the back pattern piece 1/2-inch off the center fold at the neckline (as Made by Rae does here).

For the tank: S front with M armholes and M back, same angle, and I raise the neckline by 5/8-inch.

Now that I've sorted out the Wiksten sizing, I see myself making several more tanks and Tovas, some with sleeve, placket, and hemline modifications. But the original Tova may always be my favorite.

I love this flannel one!

Crafts: Perfect Pajama Pants

These are Amy Butler's In Stitches Lounge Pants and Made by Rae's Parsley Pants.

Both are easy to sew, as I imagine most pajama/basic pants are. What makes the lounge pants unique is the ultra-wide leg, and the Parsley has only one pattern piece.

I made no pattern adjustments for the Parsley, and Cole loves the fit. He's rocking those pajama pants...

I did modify the lounge pants, as I find the pattern sizing too generous (I could pinch 3 inches of excess fabric on each hip using my recommended size, M). There's 3/4" difference between S and M and M and L, so I made an XS and the fit is just right. I also added 1/2" elastic to the drawstring casing. One other adjustment I'd like to make is lowering the waistline by 2 inches, and then this will be my perfect pajama pant pattern.

Cole's pajamas are made from quilting cotton, and mine are flannel (from Anna Maria Horner's Loulouthi line).

Crafts: Modified Mail Sack

I recently made a couple of bags for an acquaintance. One of them was a modified Pink Chalk Studio Mail Sack. I prefer the pattern as is, but was asked to add a flap and shorten the strap. I wasn't keen on the strap modification, but, all things considered, think the bag turned out fairly well.

I recycled her husband's military uniform, cover insignia, and her father's uniform pockets and blousing strap. I used Anna Maria Horner's Loulouthi Clippings in Cherry for contrast.

Anna Maria Horner

Yesterday, I happily attended Anna Maria Horner's Trunk Show at Keep Me In Stitches in Tampa, Florida. Anna Maria shared some of her designs, completed projects, inspirations, and recounted how she came to license these designs, make the fabric and patterns we love to sew, as well as how her craft has evolved over time.

She's warm, genuine, and a pleasure to listen and talk to. As of course I knew she would be. And it was amazing to see her work in person.

Naturally, these photos don't do her work justice. I also didn't take nearly enough of them...

I've never met a celebrity before, and I readily admit being awestruck. It's not every day you meet, in my opinion, a creative genius. I was most eager to have her autograph my book and take a photograph with me, which she graciously did.

Lucky me! I'm so glad Janome gave me the opportunity!