We moved at the beginning of the year to Canada, and it has been quite the ride. It has been snowy, cold and nothing like Texas. I switched back to flip flops in March, and garnered a whole lot of funny side-eye from moms at school pick-up. It takes ten more minutes to get dressed in the cold, and much, much longer to dry a heavy jacket than I estimated. Who’da thunk it?
Since we left the cheap shipping of the States behind, I’ve been on a strict no-buy fabric diet. I’ve been back into pattern testing, and I’m stunned that I still haven’t needed to buy any fabric. I test extensively for Pattern Emporium, based in Australia, so when it was snowing here I was making thin, flimsy wovens. Photographing that top was a breeze (hahaha). See below, and marvel that I needed a couple of shots of vodka to keep that smile on my face.
This is the Make It Happen top from Pattern Emporium. Designed for wovens, with a high-low hemline, a crossover back or one-piece, and three sleeve styles, this top is definitely easy to wear and fun to sew. Here’s another look from this pattern:
Another fun pattern I tested for Pattern Emporium was this really pretty knot top. The Starstruck Side Tie Top is this ingeniously designed pattern with no side seams. The only seam is along the center back, and it gives you a unique look at the armscye since it has just one pattern piece including front and back. Appropriate for knit fabrics, I made two in rayon spandex and one in ITY. I have received nothing but compliments when I wear them!!
Can you see the snowflakes in the top left of the photo? It was below 0 celsius – I don’t even know how I managed to press the button on the remote to take this shot, I was frozen stiff!
All in all, it’s been a wonderful adventure. With the -30C temps and the snow shoveling, it’s been a steep learning curve. All the amazing friends and family, the authentic food of every flavor, the love and happy conversations we have. Canada is lovely, and it’s definitely a great place to be!