My name is Sarai, I live in Portland, OR and love to make things.
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I’ve been a very busy bee lately, hence the long pauses for breath between posts around here. But for those that don’t read the sewing blog, this is one of the things I’ve been busy with… moving into my brand new studio! It’s quite bare at the moment, but the light is wonderful. I can’t [...]
I’ve just released a free pattern for these cute mini bloomers, so hop on over to Colette Patterns to see more pictures and details, and download the free pattern. Please feel free to blog/tweet/share the link around! For such a wee project, I spent lots of time on it, so I want as many people [...]
Continue reading Free sewing pattern: The Madeleine mini bloomers...
Friends, I am pleased to announce that I have unveiled the latest collection of Colette Patterns! We’ve also revamped the website, expanded our payment options, and are offering gift certificates. I am very excited! Please check them out and spread the word!
Here’s what’s going on at the Colette Patterns blog this week (or so): Beautiful silk butterfly prints inspired by a 1930s/40s dress I recently acquired. An idea for replacing buttons with bias tape bows Project 95, an effort to raise awareness about shopping at independent fabric stores. And last but not least, I will be [...]
Here’s what’s going on at the Colette Patterns blog this week: Some beautiful velvet pin cushions that make me want to start making my own. Jenna made a beautiful and patriotic version of Eclair with Obama fabric for the 4th of July! A gorgeous modernist botanic print fabric Happy weekend to you all!
I’ve been posting some fun stuff over at the Colette Patterns blog, so I thought I might start posting some quick weekly roundups to keep you up to date: The magic of vintage fabric covered belt buckles, and how I wish they were still being made. Lots of photos of Women’s Wear of the 1930′s, [...]
This is my new denim playsuit/overall thing, which I made by combining one of my patterns with a vintage one. It’s perfect for bike riding on a warm day. Check out thesewing deets on the Colette Patterns blog for more about them.
Friends, I am thrilled to announce that the Spring collection of sewing patterns is now available for purchase! Here’s what I wrote on the Colette Patterns blog: I think you will all really love what we’ve done. Each sewing pattern is packaged up in a pretty little booklet with a linen-textured cover, a singer-stitched binding, [...]
I wanted to mention some more guest writing, this time over at Design Sponge, as part of Grace’s Biz Ladies series. I love that she’s using her platform as a top design blogger to really help other women fulfill their small business dreams, and I have to say, the posts I’ve seen from other women [...]
Continue reading Understanding Your Customers – my post on Design Sponge...
When I posted recently about my new life in Portland, a few of you asked for tips about leaving the corporate world to pursue a creative life. I’m not an expert by any means, but I can tell you my experience. Back when I was in grad school at Berkeley, I took an internship at [...]