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For 90 out of 100 fabrics the care is the same: wash/dry gentle, or wash/hand wash and ...

Stitching by hand brings me great joy. Whether I’m working on my ‘Potholder Project’, (...

Tips for working with corduroy It is OK to toss corduroy in the washer dryer to prepar...

An updated version of the classic ’boyfriend’ shirt, B6995 is fluid with a hint of roma...

One of my favorite sewing rituals is twice yearly to make a fresh bed-scape - a duvet cover and pillowcases, one for warm weather, the other for cool. It is easy, fun and very satisfying both in the making and using.

The La Galerie Dior, the Dior Museum in Paris is a must-see for all who are interested in fashion and design. No expense has been spared in this intriguing and breathtaking space, 3 floors filled with an extravaganza of Dior garments from the past to the present. The exhibitions change often as the clothes are fragile and cannot take being out in the light and air for long - so be sure to check that the museum is open when you want to go. I was lucky to hit the last day before a closing when I visited last fall. Book tickets in advance. It is a good idea to go as soon as the museum opens to avoid crowds. The Dior museum is conveniently located right around the corner from the beautiful flagship store on Avenue Montaigne. We booked 11 AM museum tickets, then arrived at the store when it opened at 10 to visit the charming small cafe for tea and pastries, an extravagance worth every centime.

Fluid and flattering knit tunic features a band across the lower front and a godet in the back. Perfect for transitional and warm weather wearing. Make in a knit with a 3/4 sleeve for spring and sleeveless for summer. Use one print or a solid color or a combination of prints or solids or both.

When the Vogue design director suggested the theme ‘Loungewear’ for a pattern design, it stopped me for just a moment until I began to see all the potential for this on-trend category - a theme that can go from sleepwear to everyday casual to refined evening wear - all depending on the fabrics and the intention and attitude of the maker. The simple lines are designed to flatter a wide range of sizes, shapes and ages, and the sewing is easy.

My favorite kind of sewing is to wing it, making things up as I go - challenging and fun. I’ve been photographing our new collection of cotton kantha shawls, loving the soft feel and luminous - sometimes unexpected - color combinations.

B6863 is a new chic hoodie pattern designed for knits, and, it is oversized enough that with minor adjustments works in a woven fabric as well. When I saw all the wonderful new Kanthas at MarcyTilton.com I knew I had to make one up as a hoodie/jacket for myself. Please see the end of the blog for general notes when making the hoodie in a knit.

Dubbed ‘The Symmetry’ while developing the design, Vogue 1970, is a figure flattering princess-seamed jacket and vest designed to layer together. I always consider my own wardrobe needs when developing a pattern and this pair can be worn together or separately and will work in a range of fabrics across the seasons.

Vogue 1808 is a contemporary version of a classic twin set that layers together, works as separates and can be interpreted for all seasons. Make it in any knit jersey or light weight ponte. I used cotton/lycra and cotton/hemp/lycra for the versions on the pattern envelope.

As America celebrates freedom this week, it’s important to remember the role that women played. From seamstresses to spies, the fight for freedom was fueled in no small part by the efforts of a generation of women who were still considered their husband's property under the law.

Shown on the pattern envelope in summery eyelet and linen, this versatile wardrobe design can also be interpreted for any season, dressed up or down and have the option of using knits or woven fabrics. The pieces are designed to layer together as well as to stand separately each one on its own. I kitchen tested all the pieces while working on the pattern - luckily had a long lead time with time in my studio to play and experiment.

When Vogue 1694, was being developed, it was the end of a long hot summer and my goal was to design a versatile warm weather dress. Named for a friend, the Felicity can be made either with sleeves or sleeveless, and features flattering lines that can be adapted to different fabrics in a style to dress up or down.

Such a good thing when the fabric tells you what it wants. American Beauty Italian Cotton Woven did that even before I decided I wanted to use it for a shirt. So many design possibilities, so much fun to play with. Three different stripes arriving from three different angles in three different colors along with that beautiful bouquet of roses was just too fabulous to miss.

This is a simple, flattering shirt that I will wear all summer. The pattern itself runs larger than I wanted so I cut this version smaller and longer, while simplifying and lengthening the sleeves.

In my life I can never have too many knit t-shirt/tunic tops, they make up the backbone of my closet, and I love both the planning and the making. Katherine and I have these kinds of garments in mind when we choose the designs and color ways for our French digital collection.

Butterick 6771 is the perfect shirt for color blocking and pattern play. The front has four pattern pieces of varying sizes which works really well for creative play. I’ve made many versions of this pattern and I’m always learning as I go.

This is my happy coat. Every time I put it on I smile. My version that I took to Paris is made from Cast Iron Charcoal Stretch Rainwear. Too bad it only rained one day! The luck of good weather. I love the way it goes over everything and dresses up even the most casual pair of jeans.