Every holiday I stand in my closet and look for something that is both dressy and comfortable and this year I’m going to have some lovelies to choose from! We usually do quite a bit of entertaining at our place this time of year and with that, quite a bit of cooking so comfort is key. But as hostess, I want to look festive and feel pretty. You’re probably thinking "I ...
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Ah, pregnancy. It's that magical time in a woman's life where everything is uncomfortable and nothing fits. But in truth there's a lot to be excited about and thankful for - including spandex! Califabric's double brushed knits are truly a gift from the fabric gods and not just for those who are expecting. They are incredibly stretchy, so buttery soft, plus there are tons colors and prints to choose from. I ...
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Swimsuit season is my favorite! Not because I love strutting around in next to nothing but because I can't stop sewing swimwear! I'm excited to be here on the Cali Blog sharing my tips and tricks for sewing with nylon/lycra swim knit and to let you know it's not just for the swimming pool. My first tip is an important one. ALWAYS choose good quality fabric! Whether you're sewing your first ...
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I spent much of this summer (and last summer too) sewing swimwear! From never having sewn a swimsuit before, to being considered somewhat of an expert, I learned just about everything there is to know! And I want to share some some vital things I learned with you before you start. Because sewing your own swimwear is a very, very rewarding (and even addicting!) thing to do. Tan and mustard vintage ...
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I have a habit. A swimwear sewing (or at the very least, a swim-fabric-hoarding) habit. And I have Cali Fabric to blame thank. I lived in San Francisco a few summers ago, and my maiden voyage to their bricks-and-mortar shop, The Fabric Outlet, was just in time for a super swim fabric sale. Table upon table of nylon lycra yardage lined the entryway. I'd not sewn a single stitch of the ...
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Starting my own business has been a dream of mine for some time now. Being my own boss means I get to make all the calls, which is a good and a bad thing. On one hand, I get to decide what work I take on and when I want to do it. On the other hand, there is no one to ask for help and I have to handle ...
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Let me start this post off by saying that yes, I am 33, and yes, I still want to play dress-up. But running around town in a full-on princess dress just doesn't cut it in "civilized" society unless you're under the age of 6. Not fair! But thankfully, sewing has given me the freedom to still throw in some fun (some may say childish) ideas when I make clothes for myself. I started ...
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I don’t often make New Year’s Resolutions, but for once I was ahead of the game and made my resolutions for 2017 last year! My one and only resolution was to take part in a minimum of one ParkRun a month throughout 2017, and naturally that means I absolutely needed new workout gear! I usually struggle to find workout gear that isn’t extortionately priced, so making my own was the next logical step. I got ...
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I am currently on a sports bra making kick! Honestly, I have sewn for years but never knew that making your own undergarments would be this easy or rewarding. Like many of us out there, I have a pile of patterns sitting in my sewing room that I intend to sew up when I have a free moment. Yet I continually find myself drifting back to the Greenstyle Endurance Sports ...
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Halloween is just around the corner and if you're anything like me your costumes are still just a thought in the back of your mind. I'm usually a last minute girl and I rarely, rarely sew my kids costumes. If it can be done in under an hour- then I'll jump right on it! This year my daughter wanted to be a leopard and Cali Fabrics was our first stop. ...
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Hi again, everyone! I'm super excited to share my next project with you... this one puts a smile on my face and a fry in my tummy. :-) When I was perusing the Cali Fabrics knits, the French Fries on Black Stretch Brushed Jersey caught my eye. Heck, it caught my eye, my heart, AND my stomach! And I'm not the only one who fell in love with it. Check out ...
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I know that some of you may be planning your fall sewing ( great for you but.... I'm not going to join your party just yet...) but for those of you....who, like myself will have to be dragged into fall kicking and screaming, I thought I'd share my new swim suit and beach bag with you. Good quality swim and athletic fabrics are hard to find and so I knew I ...
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So, there's this fabric on the website that I kept coming back to. I'd add it to my cart and then walk away for a couple hours and then look at it again. I thought on it for a couple of days actually. I loved the fabric but I didn't have a plan for it so I kept humming and hawing over it. Eventually, I decided to just jump in and ...
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