Part 3 of our sample "collection" of Closet Core Patterns. This is the Kelly Anorak (view A - that's the view with a hood and cinched waist!). We made a Size 14 without adjustments. For the main fabric we used 3 yards of Dry Oilskin by Merchant and Mills and we lined it in 1 3/4 yards of Dobby Viscose by Atelier Brunette. All hardware is from the Kelly Anorak Hardware Kit - zipper, cording, snaps (which also has all the tools you need to install the hardware!). The anorak is interfaced with Shir-Tailor fusible interfacing and for durability we...

In the summer of 2020 we posted that we were looking for some part-time help and were thrilled when Charles applied. Charles had taken some sewing and quilting workshops prior to the pandemic and was also an avid crocheter. He also blew us away during his interview with craft examples that varied from sewing to knitting to wood carving! When did you start making things? I started crocheting about 10 years ago, and what keeps me interested in crochet is how easily you can influence the structure through alternating different types of stitches. Crochet is still my favorite craft, whether...

The last few weeks of August have been difficult to navigate: surges in COVID cases across the country, weather events that have taken precious lives and left people without homes, food, and power, a Supreme Court that is primed to destroy women's rights, and the end of a 20 year war that brings with it a refugee crisis (and so much more). We know we can't do it all. And we fear we will never do enough. For September we'll be fundraising for the Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston's Fund for Afghan Immigrants and Refugees. With your generosity, the...

When we started to prepare for some version of being "open" in 2021 we needed to find some fiber help. Harriette joined the team in February, learning how things worked in the "before times" as well as how things were operating in the "uncertain times". For those of you that haven't had the pleasure of meeting Harriette in-person, we're excited to introduce you to her here! When did you start making things?My mom is a teacher and one of the benefits as a very bookish child was taking home leftover books from the book fair. The summer before high school...

Part 2 of our sample "collection" of Closet Core Patterns. This is the Cielo Dress, View C/D - a shift dress with inseam pockets AND dramatic gathered long sleeves. We made a Size 10 without alterations and it is on one of our professional dress forms with the following measurements: Bust = 37", Waist = 28.5", and Hips = 38". We used Riley Blake Rayon Challis. Rayon Challis is a fluid fabric with amazing drape which makes it fabulous for dresses that move. Riley Blake creates a plant-based fabric that is soft to the touch, machine washable, but be sure...