Cotton Voile Curtain Blouse … From A Free Pattern!

April 24, 2013 by mymateriallife

I recently finished sewing this blouse, and I wore it for the first time on Monday when the temperature hit 90°.  I wish I could tell you that I looked fantastic in it, but the truth is, it looks better on the hanger.  I was certainly very comfortable in it, though.  And I’m still excited to share it with you for a couple of reasons:  one – the fabric source (Cost Plus World Market; it’s a $19.99 curtain panel) and […]

Categories: Clothing & Accessories, Sewing • Tags: fashion, free pattern, peasant blouse, sewing

Fashion Illustration Class

February 10, 2013 by mymateriallife

I’m so excited to finally be learning about fashion illustration at Camp Fashionista in San Jose.  I completed this drawing during my very first session on Friday afternoon.  I couldn’t wait to race home and show it to everyone, including my sister and brother-in-law, Kathie and Doug, who were spending the night with us.  Kathie used to love drawing things like this when she was young.  Let me tell you, Dori Duncan, who is teaching the class and owns and […]

Categories: Clothing & Accessories, Paper, Sewing • Tags: camp fashionista, clothing, fashion, fashion design, fashion illustration, illustration, sewing, style

Bountiful Beach Blankets

July 27, 2011 by mymateriallife

I finished this blanket just in time for the beach yesterday.  It’s made from two Ikea towels that I picked up last summer.  I think the towels cost about $7 each and that is really something because their quality is outstanding.  Actually, a little too good for a pool or beach towel – too large and heavy.  So I decided to go with that theme and make them even larger and heavier by combining the two towels into one beach […]

Categories: Sewing • Tags: beach blanket, ikea's textiles, sewing

Sewing Pajama Pants with French Seams

July 25, 2011 by mymateriallife

Did you hear the good news?  Project Runway returns this week (July 28)!  I can’t wait.  Tim and Heidi and Michael and Nina have been away for far too long.  And I’m even more excited this season because I’m starting to sew again myself.  Nothing too fancy; I’m easing my way back in with things like pajama pants.  I’ve made two pair this summer, one for Sam and one for her Dad. I forgot how easy pajama pants are to […]

Categories: Sewing • Tags: carefree clothes for girls, french seams, pajama pants, sewing

My New Summer Board

July 9, 2011 by mymateriallife

Ironing board, that is.  Actually the board is old, but the cover is new.  That’s the before photo on the left and the after on the right.  It’s a big improvement over the last one, don’t you think?  Certainly more lively.  I’m so glad I finally figured out something to do with those bold, large-scale prints you can find for a song at Ikea.  I found this particular print last year.  I was hoping it would get me more excited […]

Categories: Sewing • Tags: ikea textiles, ironing board cover, sewing