Author Archives: Noile

Ten Minute Skirt (Almost)

Posted on March 9, 2012 by Noile

Rhonda, of Rhonda’s Creative Life, posts a free pattern — instructions, really — nearly every Friday.  In the midst of making my Minoru, I wanted something I could knock off fast, and call “finished”.  This skirt was perfect:  It’s made … Continue reading →

Posted in Skirts | 6 Comments

My Minoru Jacket

Posted on March 5, 2012 by Noile

It’s finished!  I wore it out today, and I loooove this garment!  It’s everything I hoped it would be, and next year I plan to make an actual parka from the pattern.  Here’s the front view, with the hood inside … Continue reading →

Posted in Coats/Capes/Wraps, Jackets | 13 Comments

Minoru Zip

Posted on March 4, 2012 by Noile

I couldn’t find a 28-inch (or 30-inch, for that matter) jacket zipper  in dark red for my Minoru jacket, so I bought a much-too-long one in New York, and shortened it myself.  Generally speaking, nylon/plastic zippers are pretty easy to … Continue reading →

Posted in Jackets | 4 Comments

In My Drawers

Posted on March 3, 2012 by Noile

Sadly, this isn’t a post about knickers.  It’s about kitchen drawers.  Our kitchen cabinets are classic metal cabinets, installed in 1952.  Though they show a few of the ravages of time, we love them.  Call me crazy, but I much … Continue reading →

Posted in Home, Misc | 8 Comments

Material Politics

Posted on February 21, 2012 by Noile

Bunny has sung the praises of Walmart’s faux leather, and has made some amazingly creative bags using it.    Though I’m not convinced that its competitors are a lot better, I admit that I’m no fan of Walmart, and I try … Continue reading →

Posted in Misc | 6 Comments

Trike and Trekking

Posted on February 16, 2012 by Noile

Cidell and Trena will not be impressed, but I have a new vehicle (new, that is, as of last fall): It’s my favorite form of transportation around town (though I’ve also taken it on vacation).  It’s much lighter (only 62 … Continue reading →

Posted in Adventure/Travel, Misc | 16 Comments

Exterior Pockets for the Minoru

Posted on February 12, 2012 by Noile

I’ve been dithering, seemingly forever, over what to do about exterior pockets on my Minoru jacket.  I even wrote a blog post rounding up choices other sewists had made, in an effort to sort out what might work best for … Continue reading →

Posted in Jackets | 4 Comments

Vogue 8771 – The Sweats Version

Posted on February 9, 2012 by Noile

I’m supposed to be sewing my Minoru jacket, but other things have taken precedence, and I still haven’t gotten to it.  Fortunately, the sew-along is moving at a relaxed pace, so I’m not out of time quite yet. In between … Continue reading →

Posted in Tops | 10 Comments

Minoru Pockets

Posted on February 5, 2012 by Noile

I’m supposed to be participating in the Minoru Sew-Along, but a variety of things have conspired to keep me from tagging along as Tasia leads the group.  I’ve cleared the decks, mostly, but am stymied at the moment because this … Continue reading →

Posted in Jackets | 2 Comments

Not Martha/Not Sewing

Posted on February 3, 2012 by Noile

(With apologies to the actual Not Martha.  Real Martha, America’s favorite domestic diva and best-known upper-crust felon, wouldn’t be impressed with this project, either, but there you go.) Our pull-down attic stair was replaced recently, first, with a horrible, flimsy … Continue reading →

Posted in Home, Misc | Leave a comment