I've been praying that mask-wearing would become more normalized, partially so that my family members won't have to be coerced into wearing them. I was incredibly encouraged to find that most of the people in Whole Foods the next day were wearing some sort of mask. And even if they weren't, I've done enough self-talk to convince myself that this is just too important to be swayed by the thought of what others will think. 

Our county has collected more than 3000 masks already + seems to be a bit at a loss for what to do with them at this point. I think New York City could use them, but it looks like I'd need to send them there myself. Just something to be aware of. The masks I've made were first for my family...then I'm sending a few to my parents. If my sister has already sent some, they can share the extras with their neighbors + friends. I'm also going to send some along with Julia to the grocery store where she works. People can wear bandanas, but there may be some service workers (in addition to our friends) who would appreciate a mask. Just a thought.  

This is obviously a good project for fabric scraps. And in the spirit of zero-waste, I noticed that these masks could also double as a strappy, bra top when this thing is finally over. (ha-ha!)  :)

Lots of love to you, friends! 
Jane

We are loving these coloring pages from Daren Thomas Magee at Real Fun, Wow! I love that this is a tiny way to support an independent artist (I own some of his other lovely artwork as well!). No thinking of what to draw or paint...the thick outlines are forgiving + the designs are fantastic. About half a page in, I was wondering what we'd do when our watercolors ran out (we have had them for about a decade).  :) I love that it was something to do all together with music, tea + a little conversation. I also love having some artwork to put on the fridge again.  :) Thank you, Daren!!

Love,
Jane

Over the past few days, I haven't felt like there's much I can do to make things better. So, today I mended. Halfway through this lovely article that classifies mending as "a quiet, global protest movement", I decided to gather a few mending projects + make something a little better.

Mending always has the effect of adding value to these utilitarian objects rather than downgrading their value in my mind. The pieces I'm mending are always the most loved pieces of clothing in our home. They are the hardest working...the most worn. They've taken on the shape of the wearer...someone I love. 

Both of these pieces had holes at the elbows. One was repaired with a lightweight patch + the other received heavy-duty elbow patches made with fabric leftover from a pair of vintage army pants that were shortened into shorts. 

I suppose mending reflects what we are trying to do together with all of our social distancing + staying at home...trying to add a little strength to the fabric of our collective health. ​Thank you for all the sacrifices you've made for our collective good...not that I'm any sort of authority or anything...I just feel like we could be showing our appreciation for each other right now. I appreciate you, friend.

Love,
​Jane

Before searching for wrap pants inspiration, I was thinking that their styling possibilities were sort of limited to fitted tanks + tees. The photos above offer so many more options + I'm even more excited than before to get some wrap pants back in my life. 

These pants were finished over the weekend + worn this week. The Style Arc Bob Pants were a quick sew especially without the in-seam pockets. I think "big" pants is an apt description. I like how comfortable they are with their roomy legs that resist getting caught up on the calf. Cuffed is my preferred way to wear them.

I considered making these up in the Folkwear Sarouelles pattern (like these), but wasn't sure that the style suited the gingham fabric. Now that I can compare the patterns, I do prefer the sarouelles for the decreased volume around the stomach. In any case...I like this fabric very much + look forward to wearing my new (big) pants lots more.  :)

Love,
Jane

This week my partner decided he was ready to let go of these two shirts, because they have become a bit crusty under the arms. These shirts have served him well...both were thrifted + have been worn every 7-10 days for somewhere around five years.

Since I'm not sure that they would (or should) be sold again in a thrift shop, I decided to repurpose them into something new + completely wearable. The fabrics of these shirts don't really scream "men's button-up", so I decided to make them into tops for my girls. 

I used the free Peppermint Peplum pattern. I like the rounded neck at the front + the v-neck at the back. I left off the peplum, straightened the sides on the front  piece + added some length at the bottom of the bodice pieces. (Since I didn't add the peplum, I only needed to print out pages 1-10 of the pattern. I didn't need to print the directions either. This saved paper + a few coins, since we don't have a printer. I use the one at the library.)

Getting in close with these shirts made me realize what craftsmanship went into each of them. For example, there were three buttons at each adjustable cuff + darts at the back of the salmon-colored one. I'm glad each shirt was well worn + appreciated in its original form. The cotton fabrics are high quality + worth selvaging. These tops will get lots more wear now.  :)

A few other ideas for giving a men's shirt a new purpose: 
-bento bags 
-child or baby's dress, top, skirt, shorts or hat
-women's top
-boxer shorts
-produce or bulk or bread bags
-period pads
-tote bag 
-pillow
-doll clothes
-cloth napkins
​-smock
-stuffed toy (can stuff scraps inside)

​I have to say that I think the idea of making men's shirts that are showing their wear at the collar (though the collar can be turned) +/or the pits into boxer shorts for the owner seems to be a fitting progression. 

In the end, (after cutting off + saving the buttons) I'm left with a few scraps of fabric that I added to my scrap fabric bag that periodically gets dropped off at Goodwill. They will send those scraps off to be recycled into things like carpet padding. This feels like a pretty successful waste reduction project.  :)

Love,
​Jane

I like to call these zero-waste pillows, because...well, I couldn't resist the fabric swatch packs from Ace & Jig. Once I had these gorgeous little squares, I had to think of something to do with them...a garland, small quilt, tote bag, little layering vest, pillows? When I received my third pack of swatches recently, I had enough to make two pillow tops (with the addition of two squares from my fabric scraps)...so I got to work.

After finishing one of the tops, I sort of stalled out. Winter gloom got the best of me for a while...and then I watched Where'd You Go, Bernadette + this simple story had something to say to me. The concept of trying to use only the resources that I need has brought some confusion with it in regards to creating. The thing is that I think I truly need to create in order to be the better version of myself...to truly live. 

So...now I have these pillows. I'm not sure where they will live in my house or if I will try to sell them...but for now...it feels good to have created.

Love,
​Jane

I'm feeling the need to stretch my creative muscles + also looking ahead toward spring. This has me thinking about sewing + my wardrobe. Slouchy pants are catching my eye + pushing me toward making. I love how these photos offer varied options for styling these pants. I would love to wear them with my oversized cashmere pullover or open button-up now + with my tees + tanks in warmer months. I'm thinking that the choice of footwear is helpful in signaling that these are not pajama pants.  :) 

I'm considering Style Arc's Bob Pant pattern as the shape for my own big, slouchy pants. I also like the Teddy Pant pattern for a more fitted waist with less bulk. The looks up top are moving me toward gingham + an indigo print for fabric. Now...off to the fabric store!  :)

All lovely photos via links.

Love,
Jane

Ace & Jig has offered fabric samples for their last few collections. I couldn't resist. Not only could these colorful squares work as the perfect patches...they could also become a colorful garland...a patchwork bolero-type vest...placemats...pillow...tote bag...quilt...

With three seasons worth of swatches, I'm finally committing to a happy, little, zero-waste project.

Love,
Jane

Thank you to some of my favorite online ladies for the affirmation that a cream quilted coat is a good idea. Mine is cut + ready to quilt. Cozy days ahead.  :)

Pattern I'm using :: Grainline Tamarack (again)
Fabric I'm using :: natural muslin that I could find + feel locally
Batting I'm using :: organic cotton batting already in my stash

Lovely photos via links.

Love,
Jane