Clean and Simple

I used to sew. A lot. Once upon a time I crafted jackets from tapestries with intricate collars and cuffs. I made custom Hawaiian shirts for Mr. Larry. I even sewed trousers (with zippers and plackets) for myself! Yes, I was the original Renaissance woman...sewing, knitting, crocheting, cooking, painting, playing banjo and guitar and more. The years and other obligations have taken much of my free time. I became more obsessed with yarny pursuits over the years and sewing fell by the wayside. It has taken me reading a knitting blog to make me want to sew again.

My new patterns by Sonya Philip

A couple of weeks ago I read a post by guest blogger, Sonya Philip on the Mason-Dixon Knitting blog. It's an article about color and wearing colors that make you happy. It wasn't so much about color for me. I always wear color. It was the style of clothes that Sonya Philip designs and her sewing patterns that inspired me! Sonya designs clothes. She also knits. Her clothing designs are clean and simple. She uses colorful fabrics that delight her. She layers her clothes. The different fabrics she uses become a painter's palette of color. 

The simple, easy to read instruction booklet

I spent much of my birthday week vacation shopping. I was looking for a few cute summer tops to pair with my go-to black slacks and jeans. I found one or two items that were just OK, but not fab. This is when I decided to go back to sewing and choose my own fabrics and styles, just for me!

It's summer. I'll be starting my sewing expedition with a few stash fabrics I've been hanging onto for years!

Another impetus back to my Elna machine is that my friend, Natalie is helping with the grand opening of a new fabric and sewing shop called SEW TOGETHER. It's conveniently located right next door to my favorite yarn shop in Los Angeles, THE KNITTING TREE. Perfect! Sew that outfit then find some yarn next door to make the perfect scarf or other accessory to go with my new ensemble!