Experimental Space has five patterns out now so for environmental, quality, and flexibility reasons I’ve taken the leap and invested in a large format printer for the studio. This is very exciting for me and I’ll tell you why it’s exciting (or at least potentially interesting) for you!
Continue reading Upgrades at Experimental SpaceJosie Blouse Sew-Along
Keeping track of old sewing needles
Here’s a tip on how to keep track of old sewing needles: Colour the flat edge of used needles with a marker!
Once a needle is used for a project, mark it. Using a permanent marker, draw a small line across the back of the needle. If it was a small project (i.e t-shirt) then just do a little dash. It probably has another use or two it in. If it was a larger project, like jeans, colour in the entire back of the needle. It’s probably time for a new one.

The type of needle I have available (ballpoint, jeans, etc) is then easy to spot. It also shows how used a needle is. They can also be safetly disposed of once they are used up.
Make sure the coloured side is facing outwards in the case. You can then see at a glance how many needles are used vs new.
I hope you found this helpful! I’d love to know if you have a different way of storing your needles. Or keeping track of used vs new ones.
Rosalee Top in a woven fabric
This was my sewing weekender 2020 project, and I’ve finally taken pictures of it! The top can be made by using the Rosalee Dress pattern and adapt it using the Free Rosalee Top Hack pattern pieces and instructions. The instructions give directions for both jersey and woven. Unlike the jersey option, the woven option still needs a zip and all of the waistband pieces.
Black Lives Matter

I’ve been listening, reading, and learning but there is nothing permanent to show you I’ve been doing that, and I want it to be absolutely clear where I stand. I’m not complacent with how things are. I am guilty of not starting to be anti-racist until the last couple of weeks. Previously, I would have said “I am not racist”, but had the privilege of continuing my life without making sure others could live theirs. I am sorry and I will not fall back to that ignorant type of living.
Continue reading Black Lives Matter