What We Heart

Betsy Ross Sewing Patterns

by Rebecca Grites

$15 at betsyrosspatterns.com and Art Star, 623 N. Second St., 215-238-1557, artstarphilly.com

Some call it crafty, others call it thrifty, but any way you call it, stitching your own is a fashionable alternative to shopping off the rack. And thanks to Ms. Aimee Dolby and her Betsy Ross Sewing Patterns, even seamstresses-in-training can whip up their own A-line. Not only are her patterns easy to use and graded for difficulty, but Dolby also keeps a blog (betsyrosspatterns.blogspot.com) full of tips and teaches private sewing classes right here in Philly. Her current collection of favorite outfits-to-be features wide-leg pants, a hip-tie blouse, a charm dress and even a chic clutch. So when friends ask where you got that perfect pencil skirt, just tell them you had a little help from this chick Betsy, who knows a thing or two about sewing.