Introducing: A Fanciful Harvest

A Mini Digital Publication from the Digital Whimsy Collection

Gather your scraps and let the season inspire your needle. A Fanciful Harvest grew out of my love for small, playful projects, the kind that let your hands wander and your imagination take root. It’s a relaxed collection of hand-stitched fruits and vegetables, stitched from little bits left behind from larger work. There’s something deeply satisfying about turning a handful of scraps into something bright and full of character.

This collection being on point, on time, or on top of All The Things.

It’s about the making…

…. the moment

…. the whimsy

…. about how a few well-placed stitches and the right shade of red velvet can transform into a plump strawberry or how a tiny scrap of faded green wool might suddenly come back to life as a leaf. IA Fanciful Harvest is historically inspired, echoing the fanciful produce and stitched curiosities that once lady’s fancy work columns, yet it welcomes a bit of modern playfulness, too.

Think of it as a handful of seeds for your imagination: small, delightful, and ready to grow into something entirely your own. Whether you’re drawn to the rich textures of autumn or simply want a project that lets you use up favorite fabric bits, A Fanciful Harvest invites you to dive into your scrap stash and create something whimsical!

I still can’t make up my mind which cover I like better

Published in: on October 29, 2025 at 4:20 pm  Leave a Comment  

Two of my favorite new clients are ready for All Hallows Eve, wearing my chenille braid witch hats:

Published in: on October 26, 2025 at 11:28 am  Leave a Comment  

Sewing for the Holidays

The weather has turned full to fall here. This turns my thoughts to the coming holiday season. I love making gifts for family and friends. Some years, I plan ahead and sew for months. Other years, I make lots of little “thinking of you” gifts.

One of my favorite “thinking of you” gifts to make are ornaments. They are a great little make when you only have a little bit of time after work or in the evening to sew, or if you need to work from smaller bits in your scrap stash. If you need some ideas, I have an inexpensive instant downloads. These can work up in period fabrics or with a modern twist.

Do you want to make a gift for a history interpreter or reenactor in your life? Consider making a winter hood. If your giftee loves to sew for themselves, pair a pattern with materials. (You are welcome to print an e-publication give as a gift.)

PS – The Lappet Style Hood and One-Piece Quilted Hood work up nicely in fleece for a modern winter hood. This can make a nice gift for those who live in cold winter areas.

If you have a doll lover in your life, I released a series of winter hoods for dolls earlier this year.

I will be releasing a new mini-publication in the coming week or two:

Published in: on October 19, 2025 at 1:14 pm  Leave a Comment  

Doll Millinery Pattern Line – 4 Winter Hoods

I am excited to announce 4 patterns in my new Doll Millinery Pattern line are now available!

Two weeks ago, I first shared my intention to release this line, and in that time, I’ve focused intensely on bringing together my drafts and directions notes, writing and laying out for four unique patterns. The research and design process took several years to develop as each of these doll scale winter hoods parallels a full-size garment. Three of the four patterns are directly scaled from an original full-size 19th-century winter hood from my collection, while the Princess Capote pattern draws from a novelty hood featured in Godey’s Lady’s Book.

Which pattern is right for you?

The easiest pattern is my One-Piece Quilted Winter Hood. This hood truly is made from a single piece of quilted layers. You can choose to quilt a design as simple or as complex as you like.

Don’t want to quilt? The Draped Winter Hood or the Princess Capote both can be made without any quilting.

Are you an experienced sewer looking for a challenge? The Quilted Winter Hood is pulled from my full-size Quilted Winter Hood Workbook. This is the most complex of the pattern line so far. (But don’t let that discourage newer sewers.) With the basic brim, crown, and bavolet, you can vary fabrics, try out quilting designs, and even add trims.

Do you want to dress your doll as Little Red Riding Hood for Halloween? I would definitely suggest my Draped Winter Hood because the original was red wool flannel. The long, cape-like bavolet looks awesome draped around a doll’s shoulders and definitely gives those fairytale Little Red Riding Hood vibes.

Published in: on October 4, 2025 at 3:06 pm  Leave a Comment  

Celebrating Ag Fair!

This weekend is my favorite event, the Agricultural Society Fair at GCVM. I only entered 1 item in this year’s Blue Ribbon Competition. I’m not going to leave anyone guessing. Instead, I am putting the pattern on sale.

My One-Piece Quilted Winter Hood Pattern is 25% off this weekend (and into next week in case you attended the fair and want to make one for yourself.)

Published in: on October 3, 2025 at 4:03 pm  Comments (1)