5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Sewing Machine
Alexandra Harkins Alexandra Harkins

5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Buying My First Sewing Machine

So, you’re thinking about buying your first sewing machine? Maybe you’re dreaming of a perfectly tailored wardrobe or envisioning yourself whipping up handmade gifts in a weekend. I get it—I was right there with you. But before you take the plunge, let me share a few things I wish someone had told me before I bought mine.

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Why You Should Be Creating a Toile Before Your Final Project
Alexandra Harkins Alexandra Harkins

Why You Should Be Creating a Toile Before Your Final Project

When I first started sewing, I thought making a toile was something only expert sewists or couture designers bothered with. You know, the kind of people who can draft their own patterns from scratch and drop a garment right on the dress form. Me? I was just trying to sew a wearable garment without accidentally stitching my sleeve to my neck hole (yes, that happened).

So, naturally, I skipped making toiles. I figured they were a waste of time and fabric. Who needs an extra step when you’re already excited to dive into your final project? Well, past me was in for a rude awakening because skipping a toile led to way more wasted time, effort, and—tragically—fabric.

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Pattern Review: Rose Café Bustier by Daria Patternmaking
Alexandra Harkins Alexandra Harkins

Pattern Review: Rose Café Bustier by Daria Patternmaking

If you’ve ever dreamed of sewing the perfect bustier-style dress (or top, or corset—this pattern is versatile!), the Rose Café Bustier by Daria Patternmaking might already be on your radar. This was my first time trying one of their patterns, and let’s just say… it was a journey. A sewing voyage, if you will.

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The 15-Minute Sewing Trick That Changed Everything
Alexandra Harkins Alexandra Harkins

The 15-Minute Sewing Trick That Changed Everything

Ever feel like there just aren’t enough hours in the day to sew? You have all these creative ideas, fabrics waiting to be transformed, and patterns you’ve been meaning to try—but somehow, life keeps getting in the way. Trust me, I’ve been there.

But this year, I tried something new: I started setting aside just 15 minutes a day to sew. And guess what? It completely changed how I approach my projects.

At first, I’ll admit—I was skeptical. What can you even accomplish in 15 minutes? Turns out, a lot more than I expected.

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3 Steps to Take Your Sewing from Beginner to Professional
Alexandra Harkins Alexandra Harkins

3 Steps to Take Your Sewing from Beginner to Professional

Sewing like a pro isn’t just about straight seams and pretty fabric—it’s about mastering the little details that elevate your work from homemade to handcrafted. And today, I’m spilling three simple but game-changing tricks that will take your sewing to the next level.

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Want to Create Your Own Seamless Skirt? Let’s Sew!
Alexandra Harkins Alexandra Harkins

Want to Create Your Own Seamless Skirt? Let’s Sew!

With the right fabric, a bit of patience, and a sprinkle of creativity, you’ll have a comfy, stylish skirt in no time - no complicated patterns or fancy sewing jargon required. Ready? Let’s get stitching!

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Pattern Review: Nora Hoodie
Alexandra Harkins Alexandra Harkins

Pattern Review: Nora Hoodie

Welcome back to A Sewing Voyage! In today's blog post, we'll be diving into a pattern review for the Nora Hoodie. I recently made this cozy sweatshirt for the first time, and I'm here to share my experience with you.

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9 Standout Sewing Patterns for 2024
Alexandra Harkins Alexandra Harkins

9 Standout Sewing Patterns for 2024

Now, let's delve into the heart of it – the patterns that I've carefully selected to make the most of my sewing this year.. I’ve centered my patterns around significant milestones (e.g. my birthday or a vacation) to have an inherent occasion to wear what I’m also, but also ensure a hard deadline. Join me in walking through these 9 fabulous patterns to try out in 2024!

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6 Sewing Patterns for the Perfect Holiday Dress
Alexandra Harkins Alexandra Harkins

6 Sewing Patterns for the Perfect Holiday Dress

‘Tis the season to sew and slay! If you're planning to craft the perfect Christmas party dress, look no further. We've curated a list of fabulous sewing patterns that will have you turning heads at every festive gathering. Let the stitching begin!

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The Ultimate Gift Guide For Someone  Who Loves To Sew
Alexandra Harkins Alexandra Harkins

The Ultimate Gift Guide For Someone Who Loves To Sew

Are you on the hunt for the perfect gift for that special sewist in your life? Look no further! This gift guide is tailor-made for the special someone in your life who loves to sew. Buying for someone who sews when you don't can be extremely challenging, but that’s why I’m here to guide you through it. Let’s go!

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Thrift Flip Chronicles 2.0 From Oversized Shirt to Stunning Dress
Alexandra Harkins Alexandra Harkins

Thrift Flip Chronicles 2.0 From Oversized Shirt to Stunning Dress

Imagine a world where the most fabulous fashion creations don't come with jaw-dropping price tags but are born from your very own hands, creativity, and a dash of thrift store magic. Well, get ready to step into that world because we're about to embark on a ride that's all about turning the ordinary into the extraordinary. Stay tuned as I walk through the journey of turning an oversized shirt into a show-stopping dress!

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Thrift Flip Chronicles: From ‘Meh’ to Marvelous – Turning a Men’s Dress Shirt into a Fun Feminine Top
Alexandra Harkins Alexandra Harkins

Thrift Flip Chronicles: From ‘Meh’ to Marvelous – Turning a Men’s Dress Shirt into a Fun Feminine Top

Ever laid eyes on a fashion trend that made you go, “I need that in my life”? That’s precisely what happened to me when I saw those glamorous shirt dresses popping up everywhere. Those dresses were calling my name, but I had a twist in mind. It was time for a sewing adventure to turn a humble thrifted men’s dress shirt into something that oozes class and sass!

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