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 […]
All Posts By: Mary-Ellen
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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.
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.
Part Two – Cherry Print in Fashion
In Part One of this blog, I brought you a brief rundown of the symbolic significance of the cherry in culture from Medieval times to recent days. Fashion exists within that culture and so does the meaning of the fashion choices we make. As part of the #FruitSaladSewing challenge hosted by Yvette (@blossomsandwich) my plans are to sew up some cherry print. That could say a lot about me…