For our family, summer begins the first time we hit the beach!  Near to our home is a beautiful lake with clean water and a sandy bottom, perfect for swimming.  The shoreline weaves and curves against rocky outcrops and shallow inlets and calls us to grab our paddles and kayaks to go exploring.  My kids have been swimming pretty much since they've been walking.  Their love for water also includes pools and water parks, and splash pads are always a hit!  Water means PLAY.  And with all the many water activities out there, I really wanted to design a swimsuit for those kids that can spend the day at the beach and still ask for more!  With that in mind, let me introduce you to Nahanni.

There are some patterns that fuse together the perfect mix of style and simplicity.  These are the ones that you can make over and over again and every time you do you say to yourself "this one is my favorite one ever"... until the next one!  The pattern that I am showing you today is one of those patterns.  

Ah, the wonders of bias tape!  Perfectly coordinated clean edges flowing smoothly around curves and adding that perfect finished touch.  What is it that makes bias tape such an ideal alternative to a turned hem, and how can you make your own so that it is truly a perfect pairing with your project?  Read on, my sewing friend, because homemade bias tape may just become one of your new favorite things!

With all the pattern updates I have done so far over the last year, this is one that I have been most anticipating.  Originally released in the fall of 2015 and called Alexander Casey, this pattern is re-releasing today with the new name, Malpeque Bay.  This update includes completely re-drafted pattern pieces for a slimmer fitting leg, more tailored fit, and a new pocket and shorts length. 

One of the things I enjoy about designing is the ability to take inspiration from something you see and figure out a way to use it for your own vision of a pattern.  I was recently inspired to use color-blocking and buttons to create a new Muskoka tunic.  I wanted to give you a closer look and share some tips on how you might do something similar.