Make Nine 2026
it’s 2026! Time for the Make Nine 2026 sewing plans. I use my own Make Nine grid, available for free download (see the bottom of this post). I have planned both summer and winter sewing projects with this make nine…
paradise
I'm Ann. I've been sewing since I was 9. My first project was a denim wrap skirt. Thrifting is a way of life for me - both eco-chic and financially savvy.
Sewing a travel laundry bag
Our family travels a lot – from work travel to travel sports to overseas and vacation travel, we’re gone a LOT. I sewed everyone a travel laundry bag last winter and they’re great! Just big enough for a week or…
Sustainable gift giving – sew, thrift, make gifts for the holidays
This time of year we’re all looking for a gift that says “I love you!” more than anything you can buy on Amazon. These two great gifts are examples of things you can make for your loved ones. At left…
Sewing a nylon reversible rain coat
Sewing a reversible nylon raincoat – my longest Work In Progress ever! I started this coat from a (now) vintage Vogue Elements pattern back in 1997!! This pattern, now vintage, is one of the Vogue Elements line from the early…
Upcycle a sweater into a cable and faux fur collared capelet
I was inspired by this capelet from designer Devi Kroll. So I went to a thrift store, bought a man’s sweater (any sweater you can slide over your shoulders with comfort is fine – men or women’s) and turned it,…
5 brand new sporty, chic and lounge sewing patterns I recently purchased
Get ready to be on trend with stylish sport-chic sewing patterns to sew for this fall. I recently purchased several in the trendy sport chic and lounge sewing pattern category. I bought these because my life is increastingly casual –…
Affordable Hockey Mom Outfits – Secondhand, Handmade and Stylish
Hockey moms are the true anchor of the most expensive of youth sports*. The rinks are freezing (but at least you normally can control the precipitation indoors), the hours are long, the driving is even longer. Hockey moms need to…
A year of sewing patterns – celebrating a handmade (birthday) wardrobe
My birthday is in October, this is a year of sewing patterns – celebrating a handmade birthday wardrobe. Here’s what I’ve sewed since last birthday (links to all the blog posts below!) Finished some 1990s jeans and jean shorts (from…
What I sewed this month – Make Nine 2025 Edition
Do you catalog your Make Nine garments? This is what I sewed this month – the Make Nine edition including a running total for the year! My Make 9 plan is here: Two quick wins with these two garments, the…
Two Piece Knit Lounge Casual Top and Pant Set Vintage Sewing Pattern Review
I own this McCalls 4202 vintage pattern (ca. 1980s) and decided this year I’d start sewing my vintage patterns more (not just buying more patterns.) This pattern features knit separates you can sew in 90 minutes. It contains a top…