Izzie, Brooklyn, NY (2026)

05/31/2026

Are sewing patterns art? Is fashion art? I’ve actually always been interested in where they intersect. And as I’ve gotten more into the sewing world, I’m curious where craft and art intersect.

I do think draping is an art form. It’s much more free, intuitive, and organic than flat pattern making.

Anyone who’s been following me for a while probably knows my story: I’ve been sewing since I was 8 years old, I went to Parsons for a BFA in Fashion Design, and I worked in the NYC luxury womenswear market as a designer for many years.

Growing up sewing my own clothes, I think it was my art form. My creative outlet and I always let my brain figure things out. I never took sewing classes growing up. I just spent many hours in my room, on the floor, examining RTW garments and figuring out how 2D shapes turned into 3D wearable objects.

Fast forward to college, and all of a sudden your creativity is judged. You get grades. You have deadlines. You’re critiqued on your creative expression.

Fast forward again to the real world, and your ideas actually don’t matter that much. You’re on a team. You help make other peoples creative vision come to life.

Now you’re a sewing pattern designer. You have creative control, but you also have rules to follow. Like, how complicated can a project be for people to make it? Is it a trend or a silhouette that customers will actually wear? Is it technically interesting and/or easy enough?

I don’t really know if I consider making sewing patterns an art form. But it is definitely a form of creative expression, even with all the rules intertwined. So maybe yes? Maybe no?

This post was supposed to just be a quick reminder that my special on the Cowl Me Maybe sewing pattern is ending tonight and instead I went on an existential rant!!!

Okay so 20% off ends tonight!!! Use code: COWLME20

OR if you want to hang out with me virtually for 8.5 hours, then grab my pre-recorded sewing workshop for this pattern and the pattern is FREE!!!

Both deals end tonight (May 31st)

05/30/2026

because I sell sewing patterns and virtual sewing workshops! 😄

Wearing my patterns:

The Dart Side Jeans sewing pattern - link in my bio to shop my patterns - I also have a virtual sewing workshop if you want to learn how to make these jeans yourself ♥️

The Cowl Me Maybe Top sewing pattern, also by me - it’s a bias cut blouse with a high cowl neckline. Simple, elegant, comfortable. Nice seam finishes are included in the pattern instructions so you’ll feel extra special in it ☺️

If you want to sew up your own version of the top, you can grab the pattern for 20% off right now with code: COWLME20

Or it is free when you buy the virtual sewing workshop!

Both deals end tomorrow, on May 31st

05/30/2026

Modern day elegance for me is: relaxed jeans with a satin blouse, vintage purse, and black slides

Also, this is probably my simplest outfit formula. I always feel good in jeans and a “going out top” (I’m most definitely a millennial)

Wearing some of my current favorite makes:

The Dart Side Jeans sewing pattern by me - link in my bio to shop my patterns - I also have a virtual sewing workshop if you want to learn how to make these jeans yourself ♥️

The Cowl Me Maybe Top sewing pattern, also by me - it’s a bias cut blouse with a high cowl neckline. Simple, elegant, comfortable. Nice seam finishes are included in the pattern instructions so you’ll feel extra special in it ☺️

If you want to sew up your own version of the top, you can grab the pattern for 20% off right now with code: COWLME20

Or it is free when you buy the virtual sewing workshop!

Both deals end tomorrow, on May 31st

05/29/2026

The Cowl Me Maybe Dress out in the wild, made by the lovely .makes ♥️

How beautiful is this version of the Cowl Me Maybe Dress??? I love how Jess lengthened the hem and added the little back ties! Both such simple and beautiful alterations you can make to the pattern.

From Jess:

“For a recent wedding of a lifelong friend, I sewed up a guest dress with the by !

The design caught my eye immediately for its elegance, featuring a gorgeous bias cut and a great scarf detail.
The scarf is also detachable, which let’s you switch it up a little, or take it off at the end of the night! The design also doesn’t require a zipper, which really speeds up the sewing process. The instructions are so clear and the construction is so smart. I’ve never sewn a cowl neck garment but this pattern just made so much sense.

I sewed this one in a size 6, based on my bust of 34.5”.
The bias probably would have let me get away with sizing down probably, but l’m all about a more comfortable fit lately and gave the size I cut a swing.

For mods, I lengthened the dress by 6”. I probably should have factored in a slit somewhere, but it was perfectly danceable! I also added waist ties to really cinch in the fit around the waistline.

I sewed this one in a lovely silk crepe de chine. Much easier to work with than the poly satin that I have used previously, but maybe I’m just getting better at cutting these slippery fabrics on the bias lol. This was my first time working with silk, and I will say the silk wrinkled more than I expected throughout the night. Also picks up stains and such much easier than I expected!

Overall, super super loved this dress. Probably my most comfortable but gorg evening gown that I have sewn yet.
Definitely will sew again, it’s a fav!”

Thank you so much Jess for letting me share your gorgeous dress! ♥️♥️♥️

If you want to sew up your own version, you can grab the pattern for 20% off right now with code: COWLME20

Or it is free when you buy the virtual sewing workshop!

Both deals end in 2 days, on May 31st

05/28/2026

The Cowl Me Maybe Top & Dress sewing pattern had a long design process. Something I think I’ve realized this year is how important the pattern drafting stage of design is to me. Draping in particular always hugely influences the final outcome of my design.

I’m not a rigid designer. I draw a sketch and then often don’t pattern it verbatim. I let the pattern draping and drafting stage inform the final design outcome. I let the cloth do a lot of the work for me.

I love looking back at the Cowl Me Maybe design process and seeing how it all came together. It was a lot more linear than I thought!

If you want to sew up your own version, you can grab the pattern for 20% off right now with code: COWLME20

Or it is free when you buy the virtual sewing workshop!

Both deals end in 3 days, on May 31st

05/26/2026

I released this pattern at the beginning of winter last year and while I think the gold lame version perfectly encapsulates “holiday vibes”, it always felt like more of a spring/summer sewing pattern to me. I love throwing on my black linen version for running around the city! It’s easy, comfortable, but you still look chic, you know?

I also think the top view is such a great wardrobe staple! You can wear it with a bra easily, it has appropriate coverage for professional settings, and it can be dressed up or down.

The scarf is designed to be completely optional! I love the drama that it gives for a special occasion or a fancy date night. But it’s as easy as unbuttoning 3 little buttons to turn this “wow” factor down a notch.

The sewing pattern includes all the pretty finishes on the inside of the garment. You’ve got French seams, bias binding, and a tiny little baby hem. It’s such a good pattern to learn all about bias cut garments.

I’ve also got an incredibly detailed virtual sewing workshop for this pattern - check out the customer reviews in the images above - it’s a great resource for someone looking to learn more for their sewing practice.

Right now, the pattern is 20% off ($14.40 instead of $18) with code: COWLME20

Or you can get this pattern for FREE with your purchase of the virtual sewing workshop!

Both specials are ending in 5 days! Ends May 31.

Have any questions? Feel free to drop them in the comment below!

05/25/2026

The Cowl Me Maybe Top sewing pattern is a surprisingly quick sew even with all of the luxurious seam finishes, which are all detailed within the pattern instruction booklet.

For the next week, you can grab the pattern at 20% off with code: COWLME20

OR you can get it for FREE with your purchase of the virtual sewing workshop

The workshop includes 4 sessions breaking the pattern down into 1-2 hour parts. The first session covers size selection, fabric recommendations, fit adjustments - basically all of the intro pages in the instruction booklet prior to starting to sew. I talk you through all of it with examples. I even show you how to cut out silky fabric on the bias with my favorite tips and tricks.

The next 2 sessions are sewing the top or dress. Constructing the darts, sewing French seams, finishing the interior edges with bias binding. Hemming your garment with a baby hem.

The last session shows how to sew the scarf piece with or without a lining - makers choice!

If you’ve never sewn a bias cut garment or just want to improve your skill set, then the workshop is a great resource for you!

This special is only running for this week, ending May 31 ♥️

05/24/2026

In all honesty, Everlane was one of the only major retailers I would buy from over the past few years. I rarely shop, but when I need basics, like socks and bralettes or leggings - Everlane was my go to store. So I am actually sad, but not surprised.

If anything, the news just made one thing clear to me: there is no such thing as ethical fashion production at scale. Period. I don’t think it can be done.

So I’ll just be here making all of my clothes in the least bad way I see possible. Slowly and methodically with the intention to last. Who’s with me?

Outfit deets:

Cinch Me I’m Dreaming Dress sewing pattern, wearing my denim jacket hack - I have a Substack post and YouTube video all about it if you want to check it out

BF Bestie Bag sewing pattern by

Cowl Me Maybe Dress sewing pattern - currently 20% off with code: COWLME20 or get it for FREE with your purchase of the virtual sewing workshop (great for newbies wanting to get into sewing biascut garments, silky fabrics, and up level your skill set for well made clothing)

05/23/2026

POV: You make the perfect wedding guest dress

Say hello to the Cowl Me Maybe Top & Dress sewing pattern

Featuring a high neckline with a cowl draping emphasized by shoulder pleats, this is a modern take on an elegant bias cut design.

When designing this pattern, I specifically wanted to create a bias cut top and dress that allowed you to comfortably wear a regular bra.

The scarf is detachable so even if you want the drama for one occasion you can always remove it and have more of a day-look for another day.

The fit is naturally body skimming because it is cut on the bias. But the bias cut fabric also makes it extra comfortable to wear for an entire day (or wedding party) because it can contour around your body as needed.

Since I know we are entering wedding season, I thought it might be the perfect time to offer a little special on this pattern so you can make yourself the ultimate wedding guest dress.

For the next week, you can grab the pattern at 20% off with code: COWLME20

OR you can get it for FREE with your purchase of the virtual sewing workshop

The workshop includes 4 sessions breaking the pattern down into 1-2 hour parts. The first session covers size selection, fabric recommendations, fit adjustments - basically all of the intro pages in the instruction booklet prior to starting to sew. I talk you through all of it with examples. I even show you how to cut out silky fabric on the bias with my favorite tips and tricks.

The next 2 sessions are sewing the top or dress. Constructing the darts, sewing French seams, finishing the interior edges with bias binding. Hemming your garment with a baby hem.

The last session shows how to sew the scarf piece with or without a lining - makers choice!

If you’ve never sewn a bias cut garment or just want to improve your skill set, then the workshop is a great resource for you!

This special is only running for this week, ending May 31 ♥️

05/08/2026

What if your next sewing project came with a teacher built in?

The Zip-It Reusable Shopper virtual sewing workshop is now live on Substack!

This is a full 2 hour virtual sew along where I guide you through every step of constructing the bag in real time from my Brooklyn studio. Pre-recorded so you can watch on your schedule, wherever you are in the world. ♥️

Inside the workshop, I’ll cover:
- the unique zipper installation for this packable design
- French seams
- French binding along all the exposed edges
- how to fold the bag nice & tidy into your pouch!

When you become a paid subscriber on Substack, you unlock:
- the full workshop
- The Zip-It Reusable Shopper PDF pattern
- all paid posts
- future exclusive patterns 🎉

If you’ve been wanting to up-level your sewing skill set, this is a really great beginner friendly project where you’ll be introduced to more advanced sewing techniques! And it’s super fun to make and use 🤓

Link in my bio to subscribe and start sewing with me!

P.s. cutest cat fabric is from 😍

Izzie

05/31/2026

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