I’ve been meaning to share this dress forever, as evidenced by my long hair and bare legs in these photos. If you’re in the northern hemisphere, bear with me and maybe try to pretend I’m wearing tights and boots. For those in the southern hemisphere… hey, perfect timing! I made this version of Laurel because …

Many of you have asked for resources on finding some of the more specialty items used to make bags for the Cooper Sew Along. I’ve spent more hours than I can count researching this stuff as we planned our kits, so I want to share some of my resources with you today. I have used …

I’m loving the use of prints this month. And all the red and gold tones, too! Zinnia Birds by Julie of Jolies Bobines Plaid Violet by Merci Patrons! Pearl Peach Zinnia by Elle of Elationcreations Tweed Anise by Nicole of Nicole at Home Fleurie Peony by Camille of Cafekam

I have been sewing for 17 years now, and yet still I think not a project goes by that I do not do something absent-minded. I almost wrote “stupid” there, but I’m trying to be gentle with myself here. The truth is, sewing is a process that involves low levels of concentration for hours on …

Well, I found it. For years, I have been knitting myself these little cropped sweaters from vintage patterns from the 1930s, 40s, and 50s. The style is usually short, with a wide band of ribbing at the waist for a cinched in look, made in a fine gauge yarn. Some are lacy, some are simple, …

This week on Instagram: Pretty fall roses on my walk to work, Sheli’s cat was surprised by her freshly cleaned room, Kristen had an awesome duck embroidered on her vintage button-up, and I visited some goats who live near our office. Dear Readers, this week has been all about project management. It’s easy to come …

It’s always difficult to pick just 5 user creations from the Colette Patterns Flick Group for these posts. This month was particularly hard. Then I decided, since we had such great support in the Martha Stewart competition, I should celebrate our fans by picking an extra 5 user creations! 1. Denim Hawthorn by Amanda Lyn of …

Left: Marie of A Stitching Odyssey Right: Reana Louise Top Left: Sam of Buckingham Road Bottom Left: Amy of Sew Through The Motions Right: Rachel of My Messings Right: Jen of Jennifer Lauren Vintage Left: Kat of Petticoats and Peplums I love when the blogging community comes together to have some fun and inspire one …

August is such an interesting month. Some of us are squeezing the last rays of sunshine out of summer while others are prepping for fall. I love the variety that has created in our Flickr pool! 1. Nautical Hawthorn by Eva of Brave Little Tailor. 2. Denim Laurel by Whenallyouneedis 3. Ikat Nutmeg by Jacqui of …

Did you know Hawthorn is the perfect summer travel dress? Sarai was seen looking quite fabulous in her navy Mark Jacob’s Hawthorn while visiting Palm Springs. Kristen finished her sleeveless dobby version the morning of her flight to the East Coast, and I finished my seersucker version just in time for a jaunt up to …

Palm Springs is my magic place. I can’t pinpoint exactly what made me fall in love with it. Maybe it’s the cool mid-century architecture everywhere. Maybe it’s my love for pools (swimming in them or relaxing next to them). I think a large part of it is how alien it is. I live somewhere so …

5 lovely favorites from our Flickr group this month: 1. Japanese Macaron by Dixie of Dixie DIY. 2. PJ Sorbetto & Madeleine by Charlotte of English Girl At Home. 3. Hemp/Cotton Juniper by Kelly of Cut Cut Sew. 4. Fair Isle Hazel by Gail of Today’s Agenda. 5. Polka Dot Chantilly by Allyson of By A …

Ok, I mentioned I was making my wearable muslin as a crop top and that I would share some photos. I finally finished it today and the weather agreed I should share it with the world. Here are the changes I made: 1. Drafted a waistband. 2. Used snaps for closures, including two at the …

5 lovely favorites from our Flickr group this month. I had such a hard time choosing: 1. Dragon Ball Hazel by Jaana of Jaana Rocks (she designed the fabric too!) 2. Red Peony by Lynahe 3. Nani Iro Hazel by Amanda of Blanca Pate 4. Denim Iris by Nicole of Nicole at Home 5. Jasmine …

Summer should be easy. Here in Oregon, our summers are gloriously beautiful but far too brief, and followed by a whole lot of grey skies. As a result, most of us spend as much time outdoors as possible. When it’s warm and sunny, I’d rather be running, biking, hiking, gardening, grilling, or camping than thinking …

5 lovely favorites from our Flickr group this month: 1. Red silk kitten print Violet by Jaye of Sew Gorgeous 2. Stargazing Laurel by Angela of Sew I Thought 3. Blue Lily by Anna of Paunnet 4. Floral Hazel by Sonicka of Sonicka Made 5. Crepe in Dutch wax print African cotton by Laura of …

Without further ado, here are the winners of the Laurel Sewing Contest! (Don’t forget to check out everyone’s submissions in the Colette Patterns Flickr group. You will then understand just how difficult it was for the judges to pick these out.) Category one: Favorite use of prints Grand prize: Laura Lee’s watercolor print Love this …

Wow. You guys have truly blown me away. I knew this contest would be a lot of fun, but after going through over 1000 (!!!!) photos of your Laurels, I am just floored by your creativity, humor, and talent. My only regret is that I can’t recognize all of the entries here. There were so …

5 lovely favorites from our Flickr group this month: 1. Red juniper trousers by Jane of Handmade Jane 2. A kelly green beignet by Tiffany of Twilltape 3. A vintage Pendleton negroni by Rachel of Raywuwei 4. A polka dot crepe with a cool detail by Lynn of Ozzy Blackbeard 5. Lovely floral truffle by …

I had to share this dynamic springtime version of Eclair that French blogger Julie of Jolies Bobines sent me. What a fabric!

The experiment Last week, I had the pleasure of finally (!) meeting Alyson Clair. Some of you might recognize Alyson’s name from posts she’s written on sewing knits for blog for better sewing, or her knitwear line, Clair Vintage Inspired. This lady is seriously passionate about knit fabrics. And her enthusiasm is infectious, because the …