Since cloth face masks look like there are going to be the feature accessory for yet another season, I’ve updated my very popular, Pleated Face Mask Tutorial to add a PDF of the Pleated Face Mask Sewing pattern in three sizes: Adult, Older Child/Tween, and young child.

When I first wrote the tutorial last year, I had no experience in wearing a face mask. Like you,I have learned a lot in the past year and a half. Not just how to make a great looking, safe and durable mask, but also that in order to wear them, they have to be comfortable and they need to completely cover your nose and mouth.

Learn to sew a detachable statement collar with perfect collar points.

Welcome to part two of the series, How to Sew a Detachable Collar. Detachable Statement Collars are such quick and satisfying sewing projects. There is so much mix and match potential in the variations that you might find yourself amassing quite a collection. Throughout this series, we will begin with a basic collar pattern and learn how to change the design to create a look that is uniquely you.

Statement collars are everywhere right now- and with good reason. They can be easily tied on over tees, coats, sweaters and even dresses for an instant outfit upgrade. The collars are really easy to make and to give as gifts too!

Happy Thanksgiving! Since most of us will be home this year to celebrate, and needing some festive decor, I’ve got a fun DIY for you. This tutorial is a bit of an update from one that I wrote a few years back. The construction and pattern are the same, but I’ll walk you through a few other options for stems. Plus, like the velvet pumpkins that I love to make and gift each year- we can tuft these to give them a more organic pumpkin-y shape.

How to Make a Plush Fabric Pumpkin

Have you gotten used to dressing too comfortable while working from home? Like many of you, I have been looking forward to the change of season wardrobe and some fun experimentation with color and layering. This DIY lace collar necklace is an easy update that can instantly elevate an everyday cardigan or sweater top. The idea is reminiscent of lace detachable collars of the 80’s but so much less stuffy. Gone are the Laura Ashley floral prints and fussy ruffles. These collars are designed to make a statement and bring a bit of contrast to up your look. Ready to sew?

Learn how to save time and maximize the number of face masks that you can sew. How to sew a double-layer face mask with wire and pocket for filter or shield. Step by step cloth face mask tutorial and free pattern. Face masks are hard to come by and it seems that hospitals will be facing a shortage.

Across the world, we are all discovering just how unprepared we are for the COVID-19 situation. Face masks are hard to come by and it seems that hospitals will be facing a shortage in the near future. After reading this article I decided that I needed to put my skills to use make a mask pattern.

You have seen the new guitar type purse straps, right? While they weren’t really on my radar until early this year when I read an article in the NY Times. Since then, I haven’t been able to get this detachable strap out of my mind. I began to imagine the countless options and reinterpretations. Suddenly it seemed as if each bag I own needed to have its own wardrobe. And now, they do.

There is just nothing like sewing or crafting with beautiful materials. Chief among them for me is leather.

One of the reasons that I was late to release a pattern that requires leather is that for many people, it is tricky to acquire. It is not like you can stop by your local fabric shop and pick up a yard or two. Additionally, while leather is not difficult to sew, you do have to have a few extras available to make it turn out looking fantastic.

Have you ever tried sewing with leather? It isn’t nearly as tricky as it sounds. Later this month I will be releasing a free pattern for making a leather bag. Before that, I thought it might be fun to give you a small- and instantly gratifying project to get your mind thinking about all things leather.

An over-the-shoulder bag doesn’t always work so great when you have kids or say, you need your hands to hold something else- or nothing. Years ago, the cross-body bag made a strong comeback as has the more recent resurgence of the “belt bag” (formally known as the fanny pack). What makes these bags so great is the ability to adjust the length of the strap. Whether you want to adjust it to fit your outing, outfit or just personal strap length preference, with a quick slide of the hardware, you are ready to turn any silhouette into a cross-body and reinvigorate your bag carrying game.

I teach sewing and design because I believe that everyone possesses some innate creative ability and once you tap into that and discover your passion, it can build confidence that flows into all aspects of life.

These past few weeks, I have had to take a deep dive into my confidence reserve.

As the publication of my book drew near, I knew that it was time to begin to organize a promotional book blog tour. In order for the book to sell, people have to know about it - right? By May, sheer panic set in. Besides the fact that I am terribly introverted and likely would never own a phone, let alone leave the house given the chance, I had to ask complete strangers to read my book and to (PLEASE!) make something from it and share it with the world.

Until very recently, caring for and mending our clothes and other textiles was a necessity.  Sometimes because of rations or scarcity, but more often, because clothing was valued. Time and effort went into both purchasing and maintaining a wardrobe.

The key to a longer-lasting wardrobe is to care for your clothing. Treat clothes gently and mend them when they need repair.  That means sewing on buttons, replacing a hem or mending a moth hole.  Through these small acts, we will create a more meaningful relationship with the things that we purchase and prolong the life of our clothes.