One of the most practical patterns in my collection has just gotten better... Simcoe can now be made as a Nightgown!  The original Simcoe pajama pattern features a 2-piece set that combines woven fabric with knit bands and includes long and short options.  This new Add-on to the original, uses the same no-closure design and knit collar and sleeve cuffs, but now features a classic mid-calf length skirt or a vintage 'babydoll' shortie!

Have you ever sewn something super sweet and girly and thought to yourself "what this really needs is a cute little bow!"... but then tried to tie a simple bow out of ribbon and ended up just making a mess?  I have (obviously, or why on earth would I bring it up?).  The reason I'm asking the question though is because I found the answer!  A while back, I stumbled upon a method for tying tiny bows that completely changed everything; now, I actually look for reasons to make pretty little bows!   "What is this magical secret?", you ask... well, go get a fork and I will explain...

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!