All Posts By: Mary-Ellen

Adventures in Menswear

“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 […]

June 2021 Sew Diary

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 […]

Charm Patterns, Gardner Top

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 […]

Sewing for others

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 […]

Butterick B6556

This is a pattern that has been on my radar for a long, long time. It’s so long ago since I bought it that I had almost forgotten I had it. With Gertie’s monthly Patreon projects, I has plenty of her vintage patterns to work on. I bought this floral print cotton from The Rag […]