Author: Pamela Klingensmith

Sewing is my passion and I always have a notion to sew, but sometimes I get distracted with other crafty endeavors. I share my creative accomplishments (and sometimes failures) here on my blog. I am a licensed Martha Pullen beginning sewing instructor and serger instructor. For 5 years, I taught new owners how to use their Bernina sewing machines at my local Bernina dealer, and for 2 years I taught serger project classes at my local Baby Lock dealer. These days, my professional time is spent retailing handmade purse and bag making supplies and patterns. I also sell a small selection of fabric as well as my handmade bags and purses. "The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps." Prov. 16:9

Cottage Shirt by The Sewing Workshop

Featured ~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ 2 Comments

Hello Sewing Friends!

The colorful shirt I am wearing is the Cottage Shirt from The Sewing Workshop. The pattern is available in printed format, or in digital format.

Back in early June, Sewing expert Linda Lee made a video detailing this pattern and fabric. The Sewing Workshop was offering the fabric, buttons, and thread as a kit, so I thought I would give it a try. It reminds me of a camp shirt and I used to wear a lot of camp shirts in the late 1980’s. 😉

It sews up into a very full, boxy shirt. That is how the pattern is intended to finish. So don’t expect a fitted, body con button up.

The shirt features a six-button closure, collar with a stand, arm bands, a yoke and an extra deep bottom hem with side vents..

For a video review, lots of chatter about color analysis, and more views of the shirt, head to my You Tube channel:

Thank you for reading my blog. I appreciate my readers very much. If you are so led, please leave a comment.

Simplicity 9471 – Cropped Pants

Featured ~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ 4 Comments

Hello Sewers! I am back today with a review of Simplicity Pattern #9471. The pattern description is: Cropped pants with front zipper and elasticized back waistband, belt carriers and yokes and three pocket variations. Pant hems are wide or pegged with back hem darts.

I made View C which has the pegged hem and ALL the details. Every time I wear these pants, my husband comments about how much he likes them. He says they remind him of a pair that I had when I was in high school. That was in the very early 1980’s!

You can get a better idea of the shape, style, and details of this pattern from Simplicity’s Website

Personally, I like these pants with a bit shorter top. Not a crop top, but definitely shorter than a tunic or tee. The top I am wearing is the Cielo Top by Closet Core Patterns and the fabric I used is from Needle Sharp.

I used a 7 oz. denim fabric from Joann Fabrics. Since the fabric is 100% cotton, I prewashed it in warm water and dried it on high heat before I cut the pattern pieces. After I finished the pants, they seemed just a bit baggy in the waist and hips, but after a couple more washings, the fit is spot on.

The opening of the front pockets falls right about the crease of my leg. They are definitely lower than a standard pair of pants. The front pockets are nice and large, and they are actually at a convenient location.

There are two back pockets and a side leg pocket (kind of like a pair of painter’s pants).

There is a fly front closure. I used a jeans hardware kit for my zipper and button.

The back features an elastic waistband and there are belt carriers around the waistband.

I posted a video review of this pattern on my YouTube channel:

Thank you so much for spending time with me, my friends. Please let me know if you have sewn this pattern, or if you have a favorite crop pant pattern.

What’s Sewing On . . .July 2022

Featured ~ Pamela Klingensmith ~ 5 Comments

Hello Sewers! I set aside my personal sewing plans this month so I could focus on stitching up some inventory for my handmade shop. I’ve been busy sewing these oh so useful snack bags.

The outside of each bag features a lovely cotton print fabric and a beautiful solid vinyl. These sweet bags are lined with food safe PUL fabric so they are easy to clean. You can feel comfortable using them for veggies, fruit, chips, or yes, candy. LOL Simply pull the lining out through the top of the bag and wipe it down with a dish cloth and dish soap. Dry with a dish towel and then also allow to air dry overnight. Your bag will be all clean and dry and ready to re pack in the morning.

While snack bags are something we think about using with children or grandchildren, they are not the only ones who benefit from a handy snack. These snack bags are terrific to take to quilting or sewing classes, to accompany you on a road trip, or to toss in your beach bag or in with your ski gear if you are heading into the great outdoors for the day. They are also perfect to fill with treats for Fido.

The handmade shop will be restocked with these and other goodies in September. What would you stash in your snack bag?

Thank you for sharing some of your time with me today.