A Room with a View

A sewing room biography..... seems like a good place of introduction.

I've always been a sewer, (and I'm in that space where I'd rather not do the math). So, this is a space and a collection of books, and things, and a setting that have been accumulated over many years.  If you're interested in getting to know me, or think about following this new blog endeavor of mine, perhaps taking a peek inside my workroom is a good place to start.

Much loved Shaker pincushion

The vintage buttons are thanks to sewing grandmothers.

And, sewing for more years pre-internet than not, I have a special book collection.  OK, I guess we could actually call it a library.....

Antique seed button

 My sewing room is a baby nursery with a second life.  It is warm, cozy and full of sweet memories. 

 I don't understand Japanese, but the language of sewing, if it is well-illustrated, doesn't really require the words.  Japanese patterns have been a recent obsession thanks to eBay, Etsy and Amazon. 

Can you tell I'm still learning this blog formatting skill......?

Sometimes the old workhorse is in order.

I finally ordered a linen color card.  Can't have too much linen.

It finally dawned on me a magnet board was a great place to keep pattern pieces at hand to keep them from floating about the room!  And a great spot for an idea board.






And... pattern storage.

And what room is complete without a best friend?

Willa

Oliver and S Gallery Tunic in Linen

This is my first ever Gallery Tunic, my first blog entry and my first sew-along.

I'm super happy with my finished shirt-dress version of this pattern.

I modified the placket construction to omit the front pleat and allow for the interior contrast collar and front band.

 I shortened the original sleeve and added a contrast band as a roll-up cuff.                                                          

I lengthened the pattern and lowered the pockets to create a shirt-dress. For fit, I also adjusted the armscye and bicep sleeve width.

This is a great basic shape with many options for details.  I love the linen, but could easily see this in a cotton lawn for the heat of summer.  (It's winter here in New England, but I am thinking ahead.)

I really enjoyed this pattern and will absolutely make another, probably tunic length next time.

Thanks for reading.  Looking forward to more sewing (and posting....)

-Lori

Check out my sewing boards on A Gathering Thread on Pinterest