And since you know you cannot see yourself,
so well as by reflection, I, your glass,
will modestly discover to yourself,
that of yourself which you yet know not of.
– Cassius to Brutus in William Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar, Act I, Scene II
Now, let us abuse Shakespeare’s fine words, “so well as by reflection,” for our own purposes: sew well as by reflection. An apt description for this blog, which aims to be the journey of a novice sewer to sew well. And, by doing so, to discover something of herself in the reflective, meditative process.
To sew well as by reflection.
About Me
I’m a bioorganic chemist, a runner, a cat lover, a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, a friend. Originally from the east coast of the United States, my education brought me to the west coast, and I haven’t looked back since. I’m a do-it-yourself woman who married a make-it-from-scratch man, and together we’re crafting a home in the splendor of Seattle.
In 2008 I lost my grandmother’s vintage Singer sewing machine. Even though I’d never used it, the experience was rather heartbreaking. To replace it, my parents gifted me with a new machine for Christmas in 2009. I slowly eased my way into sewing through classes and crafting for my husband’s and my wedding in 2010, and then in 2011 my hobby truly blossomed, aided in part by the wonderful online sewing community.
Elsewhere Online
Sew Well 
I just wanted to let you know that I think your blog is fab and have nominated you for The Versatile Blogger Award. If you’d like to accept this award then please take it to your blog and pass it on – if this is not your cup of tea then please accept this as a compliment on your blog. http://thestitchsharer.wordpress.com/2012/06/10/the-versatile-blogger-award
Thank you, thank you! I really appreciate your passing along this award!
Just discovered your blog though BurdaStyle and wanted to say that I think it’s wonderful and we’re very much alike! I am a molecular biologist (postdoc) during the day and an enthusiastic sewer at night and on weekends! I really enjoy upping the quality of my sewing as well, so I was really pleased to see your blog! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Yay! Another scientist! There are a lot of us, aren’t there? There must be something about the two that make them go hand in hand.
Hi Amy, I’m aware you must get many of these, but they are all well deserved! I have a couple of awards for you over at http://bellemegan.wordpress.com/2012/12/13/blog-awards-thanks-and-apologies/ Keep up the fab posts! Anne
Thanks! I always appreciate the love!
Hey. I’m so happy with minouru jacket patterns. And my daughter wanted a copy. Was wondering if it was possible to get the children’s size as well? Need it in size 8 years. Regards Linda.
The Sewaholic Minoru pattern goes down to a fairly small adult size, but not nearly small enough for an eight-year-old girl. If you want to stay within the independent pattern companies, I might try modifying the Oliver + S School Days Jacket to have some of the elements you like in the Minoru pattern. Once you have an appropriately sized jacket pattern, I bet changing up the front placket and the collar to be more Minoru-like and adding elastic to the waist won’t be too complicated.
What pattern is the coat you are wearing in the picture above?
Hi Katie! That coat is the first garment I ever made for myself, and the pattern is Very Easy Vogue V8429. All my posts about it are here: https://sewwell.wordpress.com/tag/very-easy-vogue-v8429/ I was very, very new to sewing when I made it!
Hi Amy! I always love reading your posts, so I’ve nominated you for the Versatile Blogger Award! I hope you enjoy. 🙂 Best wishes from Toronto, Jana
http://www.meandmyveritas.wordpress.com
Hello, lovely site. … I’m just getting back into sewing, mostly to sew on paintings and collages I do, and to sew up the edges of canvas for paintings. … Do you by chance recommend a sewing machine repair shop in Seattle?
Thanks much,
Arni
Hi Arni! I’m embarrassed to admit that I haven’t gotten my machine serviced since moving to Seattle two years ago. I wonder if Maris of SewMaris.com might be a good source to ask since she’s been in Seattle much longer and since she’s very involved with the American Sewing Guild, a group that has lots of local connections to great sewing places. I could get you in touch with her if you’d like?
Just found your blog, it’s super cute:)
Amy,do you make these sweatshirts ?
I bought one at REI ( Alps )10 years ago and love it. It is thread barren. I love the kangaroo pocket and have searched high and low for years for a replacement without luck. I want a warm cotton one to wear all year round. Love the pocket to carry phone. Going to look this weekend for all the sales. Called Alps years ago but they not longer made this type sweatshirt.
I live in Olympia but come to Seattle often to visit family.
Thank you.
Kathleen Cannon
Just read that you’re expecting – congrats! I can’t find a place to comment on your blog, but I do enjoy reading it.