Some of you will probably disagree with me, but I don't really consider myself a trend follower when it comes to clothing. Yeah, there are sewing patterns out there that a lot of us sewists will use, but when it comes to styles and brand names I'm not easily swayed by what is "in style" at the moment. Take those shirts with the shoulder cut outs. NO. Lululemon leggings for $128.00? NEVER. And wearing a bra as a statement piece. NUH UH. I guess I try to think long term when it comes to sewing and I want to make garments that fit my taste and are timeless, in that they are things that I will wear for a long time, not for a "season."


Despite everything I just said two seconds ago, here is the trendiest thing I have worn in a while 😂 I've seen a lot of off the shoulder tops and dresses this summer, so I'm guessing this is very "on trend" right now. But this comment/fashion advice is coming from someone who has been wearing black Converse and band shirts for the last seventeen years, so feel free to take any "fashion tips" from me with a grain of salt, haha!


The tunic length pattern is version two of the Seamwork Loretta pattern, sewn without any fit adjustments. It was a quick one to make (it's a Seamwork Pattern, so duhhhh) with only a few pattern pieces (front, back, sleeves, elastic casing, belt, and belt loops) which is great for the instant gratification project I needed in my life. The only changes I made for my version were minor ones: I cut the elastic a few inches shorter than the recommended length for a snugger fit and I didn't add the belt loops. Honestly, I'm not a fan of how they look and since I wasn't sure if I'd be wearing it with the belt (it has since been confirmed that this will be belted at all times) I kept them off. For future version two it will be loopless, possibly have a longer belt, shorter elastic to keep it on the shoulder (Not sure I can rock an off the shoulder look. It looks cute, but might not be functional. Will have to wear version one a few times to determine), I will use bias tape along the hem instead of folding over and stitching, and it will have some sort of tag in the back so I can tell the difference between the front and back. One of my favorite things about sewing is that I don't have to have annoying and itchy tags on my neck, but I'll definitely add a small loop of elastic or fabric. Not itchy and functional FTW!


This dreamyyyyy fabric is the new chambray from Birch in black. I love that it comes in 58 inch widths and that it's organic. Well, all of Birch's fabrics are organic, so that's nothing new, but it is always a plus for me when I'm buying it. I buy organic fruits and veggies, so why not organic fabric? To clarify, Birch did give me this fabric to make a garment, but I do buy from their line already, which is why I say I'm a fan of buying organic. I also like buying local, which is convenient for me since Birch's storefront is forty five minutes away mwahaha!


Back to the fabric, it's lightweight enough for this blouse. Wait, actually, it's pretty perfect for this pattern. It would also be perfect for the most comfortable Archer too. You guys know I'm an Archerolic, right? So basically this situation is going to happen soon since it is now technically Fall and I'll be living in Archers. Also, just decided that Fall and Winter are now considered Archer Season in my world.

Happy Saturday! Happy Fall!
xo Erin

Let's play a game, Fact or Fiction. Which number below is false?

1. I have had a septum piercing for 13 years.
2. When I was younger I once sculpted a quail from a rock.
3. Dick Van Dyke was my first crush.
4. I would never wear jeans with sandals.
5. I'm addicted to watching the tv show Basketball Wives.


Do you have your guesses? Ok, the answers are "fact" for all of them, with the exception of number four. I never thought I would be someone who would wear flip flops and and jeans, but I have officially become that person. More of a function thing than a fashion thing for sure. What was the point of that game? I wanted to throw in the fact that I really like quails and wasn't sure how to bring that up 😂 Welcome to the most pointless paragraph on my blog hahahaha

Quails remind me of my childhood. I grew up on a cattle ranch on twenty acres with no neighbors in sight. I'd see deer, ground squirrels, would hear boars at night, and see little flocks of California quails sprinting across the hills. In the one sculpting class I took in my life, I sculpted a quail from a rock to show I was a quail super fan or something. Dang, I wish I still had that sculpture, but I gave it away to someone a long time ago.


Back to the point of this post: my friends at Birch approached me and asked if I would like to sew something from the new Charley Harper Western Birds fabric line that was being launched. As you can see from the photos, I obviously said "yes" and immediately chose the quail fabric. Birch calls it a cotton poplin and it can be used for quilting or garments. There are a lot of different designs and colorways for the cotton and knit and a few options for double gauze, canvas, and the 108 inch poplin. I have never bought fabric 108 inches wide, but I think it would be a really great option for a quilt back.

The pattern is the Closetcase Patterns Kalle Shirt/Shirtdress sewn in view tunic aka "C". It was a fun one to sew and I would like to make the dress version next. This was my first button popover placket, and while it's not perfect, I am happy with how it turned out. I used to be ashamed of my sewing imperfections, now I just decide that I'll do better the next time and move on with my life.


Speaking of imperfections... if the shape of the hem looks wonky blame me 😁 My serger took a bite out of part of the hem (my bad) and I had to "even" out the other side, so the front would look the same. I don't think it's super noticeable, but like I said up above, "moving on."

I liked the challenge of the popover placket paired with no sleeves to set in or cuffs to attach, like I usually have to do with button ups I make. I also liked attaching bias tape to the hem instead of folding the fabric over and stitching. This thing would be a beast to hem without bias tape, so yeah, no thanks. Idk how I feel about the instructions for attaching the collar, I'll have to try making it again and see how it goes the second time around. Not sure if I am being picky/stubborn because I like doing things the way I am used to, or if I genuinely do prefer the construction method I use when making Grainline Archers.


Any other Charley Harper fans out there?