Author Archives: Noile

Copy Caftan

Posted on November 29, 2020 by Noile

In a mis-guided attempt to lean into the leisure-at-home that characterizes this Covid year, I decided to make a caftan. I dreamt of gliding gracefully through the day — or at least an evening — wrapped in a flowing cloud.  … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, Coats/Capes/Wraps, Covid | 2 Comments

Snaps for a Duvet Cover

Posted on November 24, 2020 by Noile

So sheltering-at-home is getting old, but a surprising benefit, around here, at least, is that old projects, long-procrastinated, are finally getting knocked off. This week duvets got addressed. We got our duvets and covers quite a while ago because one … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, Covid, Home | Leave a comment

Stretch Denim Joggers (Sort Of)

Posted on November 17, 2020 by Noile

Well, maybe less “jogger” than just “sloppy comfort wear”. Clothing for our [Covid] times! Like Vogue 8499, these, Vogue 8712, are wide-legged pants, but these taper in more at the ankle.  

Posted in 2020, Covid, Pants | 2 Comments

Retro-rific Craft Pouch

Posted on November 7, 2020 by Noile

So, while tooling around the Mennonite fabric stores of Lancaster County, PA back in the days when tooling around places was possible, we ran across this charming faux-retro fabric. I figured I’d use it for pocket linings, if nothing else.

Posted in 2020, Bags, Covid | Leave a comment

Toaster Sweater 1

Posted on November 1, 2020 by Noile

Count me as one of those who looked at this pattern and who said “um, noooo, never”. Well, never has arrived . . . and it’s pretty cool. Or warm. Or cozy and just right . . .

Posted in 2020, Covid, Tops | Leave a comment

Dogbone Pillow

Posted on October 27, 2020 by Noile

So I’ve had to learn to sleep  on my back (ugh) . This has not been a nice process, and has involved a lot of more-or-less ineffectual trial-and-error experimentation. The latest iteration — and one that seems to be working! … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, Accessories, Covid, Gifts | Leave a comment

Masks? Why, Yes

Posted on October 11, 2020 by Noile

Herein, a brief history of my life with masks. (Hail, Covid!)  I began researching and sewing when urgent calls went out in early 2020 from institutions desperate for any kind of masks at all.  Home sewers like me took to … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, Covid, DIY, Masks | Leave a comment

Talvikki Mash-Up

Posted on October 5, 2020 by Noile

I bought the Named Talvikki pattern strictly for the neckline, because I didn’t want to draft it myself. This was just as well, since the neckline was the only part of the pattern that came close to fitting me. But … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, Covid, Tops | 4 Comments

Papercut Sapporo Coat

Posted on September 28, 2020 by Noile

First of all, this is a review of the old pattern, and the corrections to it made by Papercut, not the re-issued new version. Secondly, the coat is wonderful; the pattern (and “correction”) is a hot mess. Let me count … Continue reading →

Posted in 2020, Coats/Capes/Wraps, Covid | Leave a comment

Dowager on a Converted Tote Bag

Posted on September 27, 2020 by Noile

I spied an odd canvas tote at the Freer Gallery several years ago. It was just black canvas, but the (rather nicely done) print on the front was Philip Evergood’s Dowager in a Wheelchair. (Yes, the name’s not his original … Continue reading →

Posted in Bags, Weaving | 2 Comments