Dear friends,

This summer has been anything but normal, unless you count the weather (hot). Luckily, I've got a few patterns that are just the ticket for staying cool in the heat of summer that will also transition perfectly into cooler weather outfits. 

Two of my most popular warm-weather patterns are the Cleo Skirt and Gemma Tank. Here I've rounded up some tutorials, resources, and posts that I think you'll find inspiring for the next time you sew Cleo or Gemma. 

Below, Jess is wearing a cropped Gemma with a Cleo. See more photos and get details in the post here.

Gemma + Cleo on the blog

It's easy to access all the blog posts and resources relating to each of my patterns: just go to made-by-rae.com/gemma or made-by-rae.com/cleo to see! 

Here are some Gemma and Cleo posts you might like:

And there's even more (sew a Gemma dress! or Cleo with a side zip!) over on the Gemma or Cleo pages. 

I'd love to see your makes! use the hashtags #cleoskirt and #gemmatank tag @madebyrae when you share your projects. 

Last week, Clementine had a birthday (she turned 11!), we brought takeout dinner over to a friends' house and sat in their yard for a distanced hangout, and set up the tent in our backyard for some "camping" (our annual family trip didn't happen as planned for us). What are you doing to stay busy this summer?

I'm trying not to think about distanced learning this fall or how I'm going to find time to work, sew or design. The lack of leadership in the US right now is dangerous; costing lives and jobs, and hurts those who have the least, the most. It may be inconvenient and stressful for me, but it's downright devastating and life-threatening for others. 

In my family, we're still isolating, washing our hands, wearing our masks and trying to stay home as much as possible. I hope you are all safe and healthy (and home, if possible). And mask up!

MBR made a donation this past month to the Seattle Artists Relief Fund, a fund founded by antiracism writer Ijeoma Oluo, which is one way to support artists who are struggling during this time. I hope you'll consider donating to this program if you have the resources -- they have a waiting list and could use your help. Donate here.

Happy sewing!!

Rae

PS. I was deeply moved by John Lewis' final piece in the New York Times last week. I hope you had a chance to read it.

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