Rachel Russell
@stitchflourish.bsky.social
🧵Sewing teacher and enthusiast.
🪡Interested in how the history of sewing and making can offer us meaning today.
she/her
stitchflourish.com
🪡Interested in how the history of sewing and making can offer us meaning today.
she/her
stitchflourish.com
And another-- a full page ad from September 2002. #sewsky #vintagesewing
June 3, 2025 at 3:34 AM
And another-- a full page ad from September 2002. #sewsky #vintagesewing
Just spotted a Vogue Patterns ad in the September 2000 issue of Vogue magazine while flipping through the archives. I'd forgotten that home sewing and high fashion were still sharing the same page in the 21st century! #sewsky #vintagesewing
June 3, 2025 at 3:25 AM
Just spotted a Vogue Patterns ad in the September 2000 issue of Vogue magazine while flipping through the archives. I'd forgotten that home sewing and high fashion were still sharing the same page in the 21st century! #sewsky #vintagesewing
This dress belonged to my friend Nora's grandma. It didn't quite fit and the zipper had come undone, but with a few tweaks it fits me perfectly. Whenever I wear it, I think of Nora.
That's what I love about sewing. It's not just about clothes. It's about honoring what matters. #sewsky #vintagesewing
That's what I love about sewing. It's not just about clothes. It's about honoring what matters. #sewsky #vintagesewing
April 19, 2025 at 12:01 AM
This dress belonged to my friend Nora's grandma. It didn't quite fit and the zipper had come undone, but with a few tweaks it fits me perfectly. Whenever I wear it, I think of Nora.
That's what I love about sewing. It's not just about clothes. It's about honoring what matters. #sewsky #vintagesewing
That's what I love about sewing. It's not just about clothes. It's about honoring what matters. #sewsky #vintagesewing
Love this little pocket belt situation so much on the #bernadetteskirt! The front pouch is the perfect size for my phone, plus there's a zippered pocket that offers the opportunity for a really fun print.
February 21, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Love this little pocket belt situation so much on the #bernadetteskirt! The front pouch is the perfect size for my phone, plus there's a zippered pocket that offers the opportunity for a really fun print.
I knew I had to sew the Bernadette Skirt for #SewSkyChallenge2025 the second I saw that pocket belt, especially since I’m currently reading this wonderful book about the history of pockets by Hannah Carlson!
February 21, 2025 at 5:16 AM
I knew I had to sew the Bernadette Skirt for #SewSkyChallenge2025 the second I saw that pocket belt, especially since I’m currently reading this wonderful book about the history of pockets by Hannah Carlson!
I am so delighted by how my #bernadetteskirt from @fridaypatternco.bsky.social came out, including the adorable (and very functional!) pocket belt. I lengthened it a little so i can wear it to work and graded down at the waist, as I like a snugger fit. #sewskychallenge2025 #sewsky
February 21, 2025 at 5:01 AM
I am so delighted by how my #bernadetteskirt from @fridaypatternco.bsky.social came out, including the adorable (and very functional!) pocket belt. I lengthened it a little so i can wear it to work and graded down at the waist, as I like a snugger fit. #sewskychallenge2025 #sewsky
I am really enjoying this spontaneous project!
#sewskychallenege2025 #bernadetteskirt from @fridaypatternco.bsky.social
#sewskychallenege2025 #bernadetteskirt from @fridaypatternco.bsky.social
February 17, 2025 at 3:45 AM
I am really enjoying this spontaneous project!
#sewskychallenege2025 #bernadetteskirt from @fridaypatternco.bsky.social
#sewskychallenege2025 #bernadetteskirt from @fridaypatternco.bsky.social
I've been having fun experimenting with sewing beeswax food storage bags! This round I added a little jojoba oil (¾ tsp to 2 tbsp of wax for an 18" X 22" bag). The jojoba made the bag softer and more flexible than the wax alone. #sewsky
February 12, 2025 at 8:19 PM
I've been having fun experimenting with sewing beeswax food storage bags! This round I added a little jojoba oil (¾ tsp to 2 tbsp of wax for an 18" X 22" bag). The jojoba made the bag softer and more flexible than the wax alone. #sewsky
Made my first beeswax bread bag with scraps— now to try some fun colors!
February 7, 2025 at 4:37 AM
Made my first beeswax bread bag with scraps— now to try some fun colors!
I’m usually terrible at quick project decisions, but here I am on February 6 ready to start sewing the #bernadetteskirt from @fridaypatternco.bsky.social with some denim in my stash for the #SewSkyChallenge2025!
February 7, 2025 at 2:25 AM
I’m usually terrible at quick project decisions, but here I am on February 6 ready to start sewing the #bernadetteskirt from @fridaypatternco.bsky.social with some denim in my stash for the #SewSkyChallenge2025!
Love a fancy pocket only visible on the inside!
January 29, 2025 at 2:15 AM
Love a fancy pocket only visible on the inside!
The construction of this pocket / pleat / strap detail on the #mitchelltrousers is pretty cool!
January 5, 2025 at 2:17 AM
The construction of this pocket / pleat / strap detail on the #mitchelltrousers is pretty cool!
I’m pretty happy with the way the welt pockets turned out on these pants. Relieved to have this step completed with no disasters!
January 4, 2025 at 3:01 AM
I’m pretty happy with the way the welt pockets turned out on these pants. Relieved to have this step completed with no disasters!
Ready to start sewing the Closet Core #mitchelltrousers now that the fitting, muslining, cutting, notching, and marking is complete. It’s wild how much there is to sewing that doesn’t even involve the sewing machine. I feel like I’m halfway done and I haven’t even wound the bobbin yet! #sewsky
January 3, 2025 at 5:46 PM
Ready to start sewing the Closet Core #mitchelltrousers now that the fitting, muslining, cutting, notching, and marking is complete. It’s wild how much there is to sewing that doesn’t even involve the sewing machine. I feel like I’m halfway done and I haven’t even wound the bobbin yet! #sewsky
This guy is not interested in me making progress on any of my sewing projects.
December 30, 2024 at 11:08 PM
This guy is not interested in me making progress on any of my sewing projects.
Sewing library shelfie! What’s your must have sewing book?
December 15, 2024 at 9:25 PM
Sewing library shelfie! What’s your must have sewing book?
The Illinois Moulding Company shadowbox really offers up some real estate for kitschy Christmas decor!
December 14, 2024 at 3:49 PM
The Illinois Moulding Company shadowbox really offers up some real estate for kitschy Christmas decor!
Sewing as a form of self-expression is timeless, as evidenced by these lovely words from Mary Brooks Picken, circa 1925. She founded the Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences, which offered correspondence courses that allowed students to create garments that reflected their individuality.
December 13, 2024 at 6:53 PM
Sewing as a form of self-expression is timeless, as evidenced by these lovely words from Mary Brooks Picken, circa 1925. She founded the Woman’s Institute of Domestic Arts & Sciences, which offered correspondence courses that allowed students to create garments that reflected their individuality.
Love how dressmaking can involve all sorts of delicate fabrics and also a trip to the hardware store for heavy duty tools. I did not explain to the very nice Ace Hardware employee who helped me find this plumbers tape that I would be wrapping it around spiral steel boning for a dress! #sewing
December 6, 2024 at 2:26 AM
Love how dressmaking can involve all sorts of delicate fabrics and also a trip to the hardware store for heavy duty tools. I did not explain to the very nice Ace Hardware employee who helped me find this plumbers tape that I would be wrapping it around spiral steel boning for a dress! #sewing
I can't get over this floaty and crisp white cotton dress with spectacular sleeves and a popped collar worn by Katharine Hepburn in SUMMERTIME, from 1955. You absolutely cannot walk into Joann's and find anything like this fabric in stock!
#fashionhistory #vintagesewing #katharinehepburn
#fashionhistory #vintagesewing #katharinehepburn
November 26, 2024 at 1:52 AM
I can't get over this floaty and crisp white cotton dress with spectacular sleeves and a popped collar worn by Katharine Hepburn in SUMMERTIME, from 1955. You absolutely cannot walk into Joann's and find anything like this fabric in stock!
#fashionhistory #vintagesewing #katharinehepburn
#fashionhistory #vintagesewing #katharinehepburn
My grandmother’s sewing machine from 1948. Whenever I teach a sewing class, this machine is my trusty partner as I demo the the project steps. It’s feels special to nurture new sewing enthusiasts on a machine with this much history!
November 25, 2024 at 4:54 PM
My grandmother’s sewing machine from 1948. Whenever I teach a sewing class, this machine is my trusty partner as I demo the the project steps. It’s feels special to nurture new sewing enthusiasts on a machine with this much history!
One of my very first sewing projects was this denim skirt—I woke up one day and decided I needed a denim ball gown skirt! It was thrilling dreaming up this project, finding the perfect pattern and fabric, and bringing it to life. I was hooked on sewing.
But looking back, I wish I knew a few things:
But looking back, I wish I knew a few things:
November 22, 2024 at 3:29 AM
One of my very first sewing projects was this denim skirt—I woke up one day and decided I needed a denim ball gown skirt! It was thrilling dreaming up this project, finding the perfect pattern and fabric, and bringing it to life. I was hooked on sewing.
But looking back, I wish I knew a few things:
But looking back, I wish I knew a few things:
You could even buy a paper dress to coordinate with throwaway party supplies! The craze started with a mail in offer from Scott Paper offering coupons and a dress shipped to you for $1.25. Apparently they are pretty sturdy and can take an iron so maybe I will wear it after all! #vintagefashion
3/3
3/3
November 20, 2024 at 10:21 PM
You could even buy a paper dress to coordinate with throwaway party supplies! The craze started with a mail in offer from Scott Paper offering coupons and a dress shipped to you for $1.25. Apparently they are pretty sturdy and can take an iron so maybe I will wear it after all! #vintagefashion
3/3
3/3
The dresses featured not only bold and graphic prints, but also political candidates (Richard Nixon and Bobby Kennedy), musicians (The Beatles), and advertising (Kentucky Fried Chicken, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Campbell’s Soup). #vintagefashion
2/3
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November 20, 2024 at 10:21 PM
The dresses featured not only bold and graphic prints, but also political candidates (Richard Nixon and Bobby Kennedy), musicians (The Beatles), and advertising (Kentucky Fried Chicken, Baby Ruth, Butterfinger, Campbell’s Soup). #vintagefashion
2/3
2/3