Broderie anglaise is one of my favourite fabrics; here are some tips for working with it, a recent project of mine – the Kosedo Studio Lima Dress – and some other pattern suggestions for sewing with broderie anglaise.
All Posts By: Mary-Ellen
History of Fashion
Let’s Talk Fashion History: The Bodysuit
I’ve always had a liking for bodysuits which has become even more pronounced now that I sew and can get the dimensions just right for my short, curvy body – thank you, Gertie! Charm Pattern’s Patreon recently released the Skipper Bodysuit and Dress Pattern, fully interchangeable with the Barbie Top pattern, and I can’t stop […]
Blog
The Weighty Issue: What Size Matters?
This post was originally written for and published on the Sew Anonymous Sewist Blog. It’s mental health awareness week; my mental health and self-worth has always been linked to my weight. I have not always been comfortable with or accepting of my body. I was the chubby child who became the early developer with curves […]
History of Fashion / Pattern Reviews
Cotton and Chalk, The Sunday Set
This pattern comes in two variations – a bib overall and a bib pinafore skirt version. Both the bib overall and pinafores have a long history and their transition into modern styles is a long and interesting one. Consider the etymological definitions of the words (which are by no means definitive): How have garments that […]
Pattern Reviews
Seamwork Astoria Sweater
I’ve had a Seamwork membership for a few months now and I’m really enjoying building up my Seamwork pattern collection. I’ve been asked if the Seamwork subscription is worth it and, for me, I think it is. Firstly, they have most of the once-Colette Pattern collection there, which I love. I have the Premium membership […]
Pattern Reviews / Sewing Menswear
Fairfield Shirt by Thread Theory
Apart from Elbe Textile’s Sage tee, I hadn’t tackled menswear before. I think I’ve found a new niche – and, since Simon needs some new clothes, it’s guilt free sewing. Sometimes I feel slightly guilty when I make myself a new dress (I know I shouldn’t feel guilty but that doesn’t stop me). The Fairfield […]
Sewing Plans
May Sewing Plans
I’m still recovering from the shock of how many garments I made last month (14!) and I doubt I’ll be half as productive this month but there are a few pieces I am intent on making. At the same time, it is Me Made May – I love a good Instagram challenge but I’m not […]
Sew Diary
April 2021 Sew Diary
14 finished projects! I had no idea I managed to sew this much over the course of the month. Maybe it was because April is my birthday month so I may have been more self-indulgent than I usually am. Or maybe it has more to do with the amount of fabric I currently have in […]
Blog / History of Fashion / Pattern Reviews
Creative Expression – Frida Kahlo and Fashion
I’ve always been fascinated by the ‘wild women’ of history – the women who broke the mould, challenged hegemony and refused to recognise limits; the writers and the artists, not least among them the iconic Frida Kahlo.
Pattern Reviews
The Loungewear Edit & Seamwork Almada
I had quite a few patterns to choose from when I decided to make a dressing gown; I could only make one (for now, anyhow) but I thought I’d share the shortlist as well as my choice.