VIDEO July 2020 sewing vlog

Hello sew-friends! It’s vlog time again. Today, I’m sharing my July 2020 vlog. I tell you about the things I’ve been sewing this month, do a quick recap of all the things posted to the blog and YouTube, and give you a little behind-the-scenes info. Watch the video below or head over to YouTube to subscribe and watch. More details are below the video.

June blog posts

My Slabtown backpack (kit gifted by Klum House) finally hit the blog this month.

Continuing the Tasi Robe and Jacket sewalong, I created a video for how to use the Draft-It-Yourself the Tasi pattern. Note, this video is exclusive for those who have purchased the pattern.

For the Quilted Slippers sewalong, I posted a video about how to make your own quilted fabric. These techniques will work for other projects as well.

Another older make that finally got its blog debut is the Morningside Blouse. Read all about it here.

I answered one of my most asked questions and did a video with tips for deciding how much fabric to buy even when you don’t know what you want to make.

I made a video with 10 ideas for pattern hacking and tips for a successful pattern hack

Not mentioned in the video but definitely in July, is my blog post with tips for sewing with terry cloth fabric.

Things I sewed in July

My vintage animal print terry cloth Tasi Robe is a winner in my book. Read more about it here.

I’m really loving the Seamwork Kaye top and plan on making at least a couple more of them. And hopefully there will be a blog post at some point too.

I actually sewed the bean bag chair in June but forgot to sew it then. It is entirely made of scrap fabric! Here’s an inspiration image on Pinterest. I know he looks slightly alarmed in the photo above but trust me, he likes it.

Ways to support Sew DIY

If you’d like to support the free content on the Sew DIY YouTube and blog, you can “buy me a coffee” by donating here or visit the shop to buy a pattern or printable. Every little bit really helps me be able to continue making this content and I truly appreciate every donation and purchase. Happy sewing!

VIDEO May 2020 sewing vlog

Hello sew-friends! It’s vlog time again. I almost didn’t do a vlog today because I’m very busy getting ready to release TWO new patterns TOMORROW!! But, I knew that I’d regret skipping a month, so here’s the vlog for May 2020. Watch the video below or head over to YouTube to subscribe and watch. More details are below the video.

May blog posts

May has been very focused on Me Made May. I’ve wanted to quit a few times because getting dressed when social isolating just feels pointless many days. But, I’ve persevered because I know I’ll appreciate later that I did it. Make sure to follow me on Instagram to see all my daily MMM posts.

At the beginning of May, I focused on sharing more about my Lela Skirt pattern, including a post with style inspiration and a live sewalong on YouTube. This is one of my favorite patterns for summer months because it’s super comfy but still feels pulled together and stylish. This month, I also posted style inspiration for the Lou Box Dress 1 and 2 patterns.

My big tutorial for the month was a video on how to sew french seams. I had lot of people ask about sewing French seams with curves and I’m planning to do a follow up post about French seams for curves and corners next month.

Things I sewed in May

In May, I was mostly sewing samples for my upcoming patterns but I did manage to sew a couple of refashions. My lovely friend Amy from Amy Nicole Studio hosted the Restyling At Home challenge this month and it inspired me to refashion a couple of older makes.

First, I refashioned a floral dress (see the original blog post here) into a top. I used the Seamwork Emmie pattern as inspiration for the neckline and hacked the bell sleeves from the Emmie bonus pattern to work for this top.

Next, I added a panel onto my Tea House Dress to make it longer. I love the new length. It’s what I had intended all along and I’m really looking forward to wearing it a lot this summer. Check out this post to see the original version.

Next up, I’ll be making the Slabtown Backpack by Klum House. I made their Maywood Tote last year and I love how professional it looks. This backpack is supposed to be a little more challenging and I’m looking forward to tackling it.

Ways to support Sew DIY

If you’d like to support the free content on the Sew DIY YouTube and blog, you can “buy me a coffee” by donating here or visit the shop to buy pattern or printable. Every little bit really helps me be able to continue making this content and I truly appreciate every donation and purchase. Happy sewing!

VIDEO March 2020 vlog

Hello sew-friends! It’s vlog time again. I’m a little later than the last Thursday of the month but March seemed short on Thursdays. In this vlog, I do a quick recap of everything that happened with Sew DIY in March, I share what I’ve been sewing and a few other things that have been keeping me busy during “sewcial” distancing. Watch the video below or head over to YouTube to subscribe and watch.

March blog posts

Striped Neenah dress 

Video - Sewing knits w/o serger 

The Ali Sweatshirt was re-released

Video - How to sew kangaroo pocket 

A short sleeve Ali Sweatshirt hack with free pattern extension download

Video - Seven ways to style the Ali Sweatshirt 

Things I sewed in March

Free-wheeling Single Girl Quilt by Denyse Schmidt. I’ve been a big fan of her designs for years. I especially love this book and have spent hours pouring over it soaking in the beautiful designs.

A short sleeve Ali Sweatshirt hack (as mentioned above) 

Euler Bralette by Sophie Hines – I love the design of this bralette but I think the style doesn’t really work for my shape. Bras are tricky that way and I have a pretty consistent 50% fail rate with them. Btw, check out this post from Seamwork for help with the elastic application.

Seamwork Dexter pants Full blog post to come!

My next project is the Morningside Shirt by French Navy. I’m super excited to give it a try. I love the boxy style and the hidden placket will be a fun challenge.

What I’ve been cooking

While in social isolation, I’ve been making a lot of soup. One recipe that was surprisingly easy and delicious was a Potato Onion Soup. The recipe I used is the Potage Parmentier from Mastering the Art of French Cooking by Julia Child (similar recipe here). I really couldn’t believe how flavorful it was for so few ingredients.

I another soup I really enjoyed making was this Finnish Salmon Soup. Most of the ingredients are pantry staples, especially if you have salmon in the freezer.

What I’ve been watching

I’ve really been getting into Acorn TV. I used the code FREE30 to get a free month (usually it’s just one week). They have lots of British mystery shows that I really enjoy. I highly recommend the Miss Fisher series for fashion.

I also recommend checking out what’s available through your local library. Mine has loads of digital books and videos and you don’t need to leave the house to get a library card or access the content. I recently found out that my library partners with the Kanopy app and it has a bunch of fashion documentaries that look really interesting.

Bluprint is currently offering their online classes for free until April 9. I’m personally interested in learning more about free motion quilting. They have a wide range of classes including all kinds of crafts and even gardening and cooking.

Announcements!

The I love my fabric virtual party is returning! (Learn more about it last year’s party here.) The premise is the same as last year. The intent of the virtual event is to spend some time with your fabric, celebrate it and enjoy it. Maybe that includes a big folding and organizing endeavor. Maybe you implement a digital catalog system. Or maybe you just hang out with your fabric and lovingly caress it. However you want to celebrate your fabric, you do just that. But above all, let’s have fun!

The dates for the virtual party are April 9-12. Use and follow #ilovemyfabricparty on Instagram to share your photos and see others photos. I plan on doing some live videos on YouTube or IG and sharing photos of my own organizing party. Plus, sharing some tips for fabric organizing.

Ways to support Sew DIY

If you’d like to support the free content on the Sew DIY YouTube and blog, you can “buy me a coffee” by donating here or visit the shop to buy pattern or printable. Every little bit really helps me be able to continue making this content and I truly appreciate every donation and purchase. Happy sewing!