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Forest Green Waterproof Kelly Anorak
The Kelly Anorak by Closet Case Patterns is an intermediate level pattern that can be made more complicated by adding a lining or working with different technical fabrics. Since I live in Seattle and it rains a lot here, I knew I wanted to make a waterproof version like the one Heather Lou made, so I decided to use the same fabric she did, but in a forest green color. Luckily, the place she got her fabric, Seattle Fabrics, is near me, so I was able to go in and buy the fabric in person! This also made following her tutorial on sewing a waterproof jacket even better for me,…
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2020 Word of the Year: Slow
We’re just over a week into February, which means we are almost to the eighth anniversary of Rake and Make! Since I started blogging in 2012, many bloggers have left this sphere in exchange for the shorter form of Instagram. I understand why and sometimes think I should do the same, but what keeps me coming back is the record it keeps for me personally. I am list person. I love the sense of accomplishment checking things off can make me feel. So of course I like setting goals. For many years, I was working on five and ten year goals, much of which I have achieved. As I got…
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2019 Year in Review
Like most years, 2019 had its highs and lows, but overall it was a productive year for me. I had some personal stress and drama—my mantra for a couple of months was “the only way out is through”—but I just did the best I could and tried to learn from it. I also course corrected where possible and ended the year in an pretty good place. There’s a lot going on in the world right now to be upset and worried about, but my personal life at least is back to normal for the most part, so I’m feeling in decent shape for 2020. Looking back at old posts, I’m…
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Hey June Handmade Halifax Hoodie
It’s another two-fer! Continuing on with my “cake” kick, I recently sewed not just one, but two Hey June Handmade Halifax Hoodies! As my ready-to-wear basics have been wearing out, I have been slowly replacing them with me-mades. If you know me at all, then you probably also know that hoodies are a big staple of my wardrobe. What can I say, I like routine and not having to think a lot about what to wear sometimes! One could say it’s part of my uniform and has been basically since I was child. When I was around three I think, I remember having a favorite green hoodie that had an…
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French Navy Stellan Tee
I’m still on the kick of sewing things that I will actually wear a lot. What that means, is that I am sewing a lot of basics. Or as it’s called in the sewing world “cake”, which is the opposite of “frosting” (fancy dresses and things that may not get worn as often). Read this post here, if you really want to learn more about what that means. Anyway, this is probably one of the most basic things I have ever made: a plain gray t-shirt! And you know what? I love it! When I wear stuff like this, no one even asks me if I made what I am…
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Closet Case Patterns Sophie Swimsuit
Growing up on the east coast, summer vacations often involved trips to the ocean, so I grew up a water baby. These days, I’m not the greatest technical swimmer, but I still love to be in the water. In Seattle, I don’t get the chance to swim outdoors very much, but I’m definitely looking for more opportunities now that I have I made the Closet Case Patterns Sophie Swimsuit! Details Pattern Closet Case Patterns Sophie Swimsuit Fabric The fabric came from a kit that I bought from Closet Case Patterns when the Sophie Swimsuit first came out. It’s some sort of swim lycra that feels really good to the touch. The lining…
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Capri Length Mid-rise Ginger Jeans
It’s pretty much true what they say about the weather in Seattle; it can be rainy, cold and dark here most of the year. When it comes to sweaters, pants and boots I am well covered, but every summer I find I am severely lacking in clothes for warmer weather. You probably won’t ever catch me in any sort of above the knee shorts (I prefer dresses and skirts to shorts), but I will wear capri length. Levi’s classic capris have been my go to in ready-to-wear for many years. I was still in jean-making mode from my stove pipe Mid-rise Ginger Jeans, (with three machines set up, one for…
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Pacific Leggings and Dunbar Top
Making my own activewear and has been a goal of mine for a while, so I am very excited to have made my first ever workout outfit using the Sewaholic Patterns Pacific Leggings and Dunbar Top patterns! Being active is an important and necessary part of my life—for both mental and physical reasons—but I struggle with making it a priority sometimes. I’m always glad I did it, but getting started can be a bit of a challenge. With all the great activewear patterns out there, sewing my own workout clothes seemed like a natural next step and one that might motivate me to work out more. I love putting on…
