The world of textiles is vast and varied.  Walking into a well stocked fabric store is, to me, similar to the feeling I get when I walk into a bookstore or a library.  So many possibilities!  

Patterns are generally designed to be used with a specific type of fabric.  In most cases, there is one very basic distinction that will at least get you headed to the right section of the store... identifying whether a fabric is woven, or knit.  These are the most simple categories that fabric can be divided into, and it's important to understand the differences.  Once you know the basics, I'll share some tips about these two very different fabric types, and how you can sew them together in one garment.

After a busy summer, the weather has started to turn to the crispness of Autumn here in Ontario.  One of my favorite things about this time of year is how the temperature drops for the evenings.  This always sparks thoughts of warm beverages and cozy fabrics.  While I haven't pulled out the fuzzy blankets from our linen closet yet, I've got plans (and online shopping cart ready!) to make new flannel pajamas for all of my constantly-needing-the-next-size-up children!

And because I knew this season was coming, I have been getting the update done on my woven pajama pattern, which is re-releasing today under the new name, Simcoe!

Now that winter has finally passed, there are two things competing for my attention: the house is begging for a deep Spring cleaning... but the sun is shining and I just want to be outside listening to the birds chirping and the bees buzzing!  While this may not officially qualify as "spring cleaning", the project I'm sharing with you today is a pretty neat way to use up some fabric scraps (and I say that anything that shrinks the overflowing scrap bin should be considered cleaning!)  And though it doesn't really have anything to do with enjoying the seasonal outdoors, I say it still counts as being in touch with the nature of Spring because for this project you need 100% natural beeswax!  

There are some patterns that you find yourself going back to over and over.  This is one of those patterns for me.  This sweet summery dress is beautiful in its simplicity.  Designed with straight lines and an easy fit, I think this has always been one of the most charming dresses in my collection.  Originally released in 2014 and called Daphne Marie, this pattern has been renamed Okanagan, and there is so much about it to love!

I love finding a craft that is fun for both myself and my kids to do!  It's a definite bonus when it is quick, inexpensive, beautiful.  A few weeks ago, I was on the lookout for something simple (but pretty) to do with a group of mom friends at church, and I found this idea for making sun catchers out of really easy-to-find materials.  I thought they looked like they would be worth a try, and it turned out to be a lot of fun!