Hi, Im Mary Anne and I’m so exited to share my blog with all of you! I hope you find it inspiring no matter where you are on your sewing journey.
I live on the East Coast of the US(at the beach in NJ). I’m a retired FACS teacher(Home Ec), where I taught sewing, foods and child development for 32 years.
I started sewing when I was about 10- learning from my mom, grandmother and older sister. I studied Textiles in college and worked in NYC for a Big 4 pattern company for several years before I decided life at the beach was better and more conducive to raising a family.
I retired in 2017, and now I have all the time to sew! I found the online sewing community while recuperating from foot surgery. I am so glad I did! Since then I have been sewing up my casual retirement wardrobe.
I like simple comfortable clothing that fits! As a full busted 5 foot tall woman in her 60’s, it’s very hard to buy clothing that fits, is trendy and I love.
……………….Welcome To My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links)
Sewing World News~
Love Notions~ No Sale This Friday!
Be on the look out next Friday, July 17 for the release of a new sale collection!!! There will be 5-6 patterns each only $5 each! If you purchase at least 2, you’ll be able to get an additional 10% off with my code MARYMAC10.
Pattern Emporium 50% Friday Pattern is ~
Ocean Daze- Very Oversized Shirt and Dress
The Ocean Daze Very Oversized Fit Shirt sewing pattern is a fabulously roomy & easy to wear style. Everything about this shirt is so perfectly exaggerated.
Need a layering piece? This pattern also works fabulously as an overshirt. An overshirt is basically a shirt, jacket or shacket, that can be worn as a layering piece. I think the name of this pattern says it all~ Beach Coverup sewn up in a lightweight linen.
……………Welcome To My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links)
Sewing World News~
Custom Printed Beach/Yoga Towels From Raspberry Creek Fabrics
Did you know that you can now order custom printed towels from Raspberry Creek Fabrics? You can select any design from the current Spring or Summer line, any design in the Designer Library or even upload your own! There are 2 different type towels to choose from~ Waffle Swim & Bath or Sand Free Beach & Yoga!
I love how small the Sand Free and Yoga towel can be rolled up/folded. Last week I took mine out kayaking on the Mystic River and I was able to fit it into my dry bag. Now my husband wants one for his as well!
The Somerset is simply………….the perfect set for summer!!! The Somerset is on sale for just $9.50 through Thursday 7/2/2026. Remember to use my code MARYMAC10 for an extra 10% off. You can grab the pattern here.
This pattern includes three pieces that work together to create countless outfits for all your summer days and nights! They can be combined to create the perfect lounge set or a classic everyday look. Each of them are also great stand alone pieces!
The top features a cross-over V-neckline with gathers (and optional buttons). Pair the top with a cute pair of shorts or the best baby barrel capri pants. The shorts and capris feature roomy front patch pockets and a nice wide cuff that gives them a bit more style.
I tested the Somerset pattern as a Love Notions Ambassador. lLet’s be honest~ I’m not really a “barrel” pants kind of person, or so I thought. I love these Capri pants so much I plan on making more! I’ve tried on RTW barrel jeans and pants, but they have never looked right on me. (Being just 5 feet tall may have something to do with that!). So, I encourage you to step out of your comfort zone and give them a try. This pattern was a fairly quick and enjoyable sew, but be sure to check out my tips below!
I will have a detailed blog post with all the details, sewing and sizing tips for the Somerset top, shorts and capris for you on tomorrow!(Saturday 6/27)
If you haven’t shopped the Summer and Swim Collection you still have time!
This collection is on sale through Thursday, June 18, 2026. The Summer & Swim Collection features 6 patterns, 3 Ladies, 2 Girls and 1 Boys pattern. Buy one, two or all!  Find the Summer & Swim Collection Sale patterns HERE.
Digital Patterns are just $5
Printed Patterns ( Ladies Clearwater & Summer Basics are just $18
The Clearwater Sewing Course is just $15
Remember if you spend $8 or more you can save an additional 10% off with my code MARYMAC10.
Here are links to each of the $5 patterns in the Summer & Swim Collection
I truly LOVE my Clearwater Swim Dresses! I have worn them the past 2 summers consistently. I always reach for them BEFORE my RTW swimsuits! The next thing I have to determine is what alterations I can make to them to fit me now~ or if I just want to make a brand new one!! All my swim fabrics have come from Raspberry Creek Fabrics.
I highly recommend the Clearwater Summer Essentials pattern for both Ladies and Girls! My niece loves the way that the briefs fit her daughter (my little great niece Vivi) over RTW ones. I do have another suit planned for her this year.
For the month of June (and perhaps longer) Love Notions will be featuring a collection of patterns for just $5 each! This collection will be on sale from Friday, June 5 through Thursday, June 18, 2026. (On Friday, June 19 a new collection will be announced!). The Summer & Swim Collection features 6 patterns, 3 Ladies, 2 Girls and 1 Boys pattern. Buy one, two or all! Find the Summer & Swim Collection Sale patterns HERE.
Printed patterns of the Ladies Clearwater Summer Essentials and the Summer Basics Top & Dress will be on sale for just $18.
Even better~ the Clearwater Sewing Course, that I highly recommend will be on sale for just $15! Remember if you spend $8 or more you can save an additional 10% off with my code MARYMAC10.
PLEASE NOTE THAT FROM NOW ON MY DISCOUNT CODE WILL BE MARYMAC10
Here are links to each of the $5 patterns in the Summer & Swim Collection
I have made and worn my Clearwater Swim dress over and over and over (I live on the coast). I’ve also made the Clearwater sports bra and brief for my little niece. My Clearwater Dress was my first ever attempt of making a swimsuit for myself and I like sewing and wearing it so much I made a second one!
Both blog posts contain specific sewing tips. The Ladies blog has tips on sewing the swim dress and how I was able to fit this to my petite busty shape. The Girls blog has some tips for sewing the sports bra and briefs. Both blogs have recommendations on elastic. You’ll even find tips for sewing with swim fabrics in both posts!
…………Welcome to My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links)
WINNER HAS BEEN DRAWN!!!
I hope everyone has enjoyed Me Made May with Sew Mary Mac and Love Notions! I can’t wait to see what you all sew up in June! Thank you all for your lovely comments~ I really enjoyed reading them all! As the week progresses I will respond to all of your nice comments!
I’m Giving Away One Free Pattern From the MMM Trunk Show!!!
All you need to do is comment on this blog post! I’ll be selecting one of my readers randomly to receive one pattern that was featured in the Me Made May Trunk Show! It’s that easy! Simply leave me a comment~ maybe about what your favorite LN pattern is, what blog posts you enjoy most or even what you’d like to see me include in my Weekly Stitch!
I will be selecting a winner on Sunday evening, 5/31/26. If you’ve won, I’ll need your email associated with your LN account. It’s that simple!!
TheSale is Over but be sure to check The Weekly Stitch on Friday, June 5 for the next exciting sale from Love Notions!
In honor of Me Made May, Love Notions has been doing something really special this May! Each day of May LN has been featuring a different pattern for just $5! The schedule won’t be announced ahead of time~ so check back to this email each day(until the next Friday’s Weekly Stitch) for the $5 pattern of the day and my link to the pattern and related blog post! Remember each pattern is on sale for just 24 hours.
**I would truly appreciate if you could use my affiliate link below to give me credit for your purchase. Thank you so so much for visiting and helping to support my blog! The small amount I get with this affiliate link helps to keep my blog ad free! If you don’t want to return to my blog each day~ you can simply go to the Love Notions Website to see the $5 pattern. You can bookmark/save this link which will also give me credit for your purchases~ Love Notions Patterns
The Muse Blouse is a great transitional blouse for all seasons! This pattern includes so many options you can easily make a closet full and each one would be different. I’ve made 3 versions so far and have plans for a few more for summer.
………….Welcome to My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links)
Hooray For May and Even More $5 Patterns Each Day!!!!!!
In honor of Me Made May, Love Notions has been doing something really special this May! Each day of May LN has been featuring a different pattern for just $5! The schedule won’t be announced ahead of time~ so check back to this email each day(until the next Friday’s Weekly Stitch) for the $5 pattern of the day and my link to the pattern and related blog post! Remember each pattern is on sale for just 24 hours.
**I would truly appreciate if you could use my affiliate link below to give me credit for your purchase. Thank you so so much for visiting and helping to support my blog! The small amount I get with this affiliate link helps to keep my blog ad free! 🙂 If you don’t want to return to my blog each day~ you can simply go to the Love Notions Website to see the $5 pattern. You can bookmark/save this link which will also give me credit for your purchases~ Love Notions Patterns
The Tidal pattern includes three lengths: shirt, knee length dress and maxi dress. Four sleeve styles are also included: tank, sleeveless, short and long. The back is full coverage while the front is a nice scoop- not too high, not too low. The princess seams are so complimentary on all shapes and give you a good opportunity to play with different fabrics if desired.
……………Welcome to My Sewing Room (This post contains affiliate links)
Hooray For May and $5 Patterns Each Day!!!!!!
In honor of Me Made May, Love Notions has been doing something really special this May! Each day of May LN has been featuring a different pattern for just $5! The schedule won’t be announced ahead of time~ so check back to this email each day(until the next Friday’s Weekly Stitch) for the $5 pattern of the day and my link to the pattern and related blog post! Remember each pattern is on sale for just 24 hours.
**I would truly appreciate if you could use my affiliate link below to give me credit for your purchase. Thank you so so much for visiting and helping to support my blog! The small amount I get with this affiliate link helps to keep my blog ad free! 🙂 If you don’t want to return to my blog each day~ you can simply go to the Love Notions Website to see the $5 pattern. You can bookmark/save this link which will also give me credit for your purchases~ Love Notions Patterns
I know I say this quite often but, you really NEED this pattern! It is a very satisfying sew, and much simpler to make than a traditional collared shirt due to its attached facing construction. So if you’ve been afraid to sew up a collared shirt, this is a pattern for YOU!
Check out all my Band Camp shirts over on this blog post. Post includes tons of details on sizing, my alterations, fabric choices and sewing tips. Read it all HERE.
Hello! Welcome to my blog. I'm Mary, a retired Family & Consumer Science teacher of 32 years. I now spend my time making all my own clothes because I'm fun! I have an amazing daughter who made this blog for me.
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