Every year during summer, I spend 4-6 weeks in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I am a high school librarian, so I have the time, and my family lives in Rio, so I have a reason. Once I started sewing consistently,… Continue Reading
Skirts: A Love Affair The first garment I have ever sewn was a skirt. It was made out of a hideous fabric, in the wrong size, and without any finished seams. It was a disaster. But it was also very… Continue Reading
Blazers: Not Just an 80s Power Lady Thing The word “blazer” conjures visions of powerful women marching down a busy street in the financial center of some big city in a rich country. They look put together, all business, a… Continue Reading
For someone who lives so much in her head, I do not have the habit to reflect officially. I do not keep a journal; I have tried a million times, but it is not something I can stick with. I… Continue Reading
Less Frosting, More Cake I like sewing party dresses. I love choosing a pretty fabric, selecting a fancy pattern with a special detail, and spend hours with a new technique. I make a muslin and tinker with the fit until… Continue Reading
I grew up without Halloween. Brazilians have their share of wearing costumes (Carnaval) and passing out candy (Saint Cosme and Saint Damião Celebration), but it was only in the past two decades that Halloween has become popular and celebrated… Continue Reading
I like to think of myself as an active person. When I was younger, I had the time and disposition to hit the gym Monday through Friday. Making exercising a priority became more difficult as an adult. It is hard… Continue Reading
A few months ago, I purchased two cuts of Cotton+Steel jersey fabric at Michael Levine. They were not cheap; when I placed the bolts on the cutting table, the store clerk read me the price twice as if to warn… Continue Reading
I have been blessed with strong, thick legs. I get them from my mom. Even though I have been plagued at different times and in different ways about body issues and my weight, I have always loved my legs. I… Continue Reading
I have spent hours obsessing over a hem that is not exactly straight or waistband sides that do not match. I have ripped finished garments to shreds because of some flaw only I could see. I have spent so… Continue Reading