One Stitch At A Time
I don’t know about you, but one of my favourite things about sewing is the opportunity for self-expression. What we wear says a lot about who we are. The potential for this self-expression is heightened when we make our own clothes; we have unlimited choice of patterns, fabrics, colours and notions. As a bonus of […]
“No woman really knows anything about men’s clothes. How could she? After all, she’s conditioned to obsolescence, to the principle that things go out of fashion. Well-dressed men know that nothing worthwhile is ever outmoded, that a superb tailor’s work is ageless” — Finis Farr (American Author) I’ve been meaning to sew some garments for […]
When I was a child, there was nothing I loved more than hearing the stories of my grandparents – it was often better than reading a book (and as someone with a PhD in Literature, I’ve always prized reading books) because these stories were being told by the people I loved about their own lives […]
There’s a new sewing challenge on Instagram right now which is right up my street – #sewrecreatethelook, hosted by @sosewdressmaking and @jenlegg_teescreatives. The brief: take inspiration – whether it be from Pinterest, the catwalk, the high street or another makes – and recreate the look. For me, vintage fashion is my constant inspiration so I […]
My sewing has been slowed down remarkably this month due, at least in part to work and voluntary commitments. While I’ve had 14 or 15 makes to show for my efforts over the last couple of months, I’ve less finished garments this month. Nevertheless, it has been incredibly satisfying. Another reason I have slowed down […]
I made this pattern back at the start of May along with Sally (@theyorkshiresewist) who shares my love of vintage styles. Just like any of Gertie’s patterns, the Gardner deserves a place on the blog. It’s definitely a spotlight look. Named after the beautiful Ava Gardner, this yoke top could easily be dressed up or […]
The Dressmaker was the debut novel of Australian author, Rosalie Ham. Published in 2000, it’s been around for quite a while, but I have only read it recently – it was a rather odd occurrence of having watched the film and then discovering it was based on a book. If you’ve seen the film, don’t […]
Since childhood, Caroline Shelby has always known what she wanted from a career – to design and sew clothing. Upon completing her schooling, she leaves her hometown of Oysterville and moves to New York. She gets a job with a well-known designer, Mike Taylor, and, after ten years, is on the verge of getting her […]
Today I’m writing about sewing for other people – I don’t mean in a professional capacity; I mean sewing for friends and family. I have previously made a couple of Thread Theory Fairfield Shirts for Simon and have reviewed the pattern here. I took it as a good sign that as soon as I made […]
✂️ @kosedostudio have recently launched this gorgeous and versatile dress pattern. It’s a loose fitted dress with so much potential for personalisation with sleeves and frills aplenty: needless to say, I opted for puff sleeves for my tester version. Anyone familiar with my makes knows that one of my all time favourite patterns is the Lima […]