One Stitch At A Time
I recently pattern tested the Isla Dress Jennifer Lauren Handmade. I very rarely participate in pattern testing because of the time constraints that are usually imposed. With sewing being my hobby, I resist the idea of sewing to a deadline. Pattern testing is usually time consuming, too. There is always at least one toile that […]
I have been in need of a plain black skirt in my wardrobe for ages; I really detest plain black, though, and tend to go for black fabrics which have a texture so when I saw this deadstock fabric, I thought it would be perfect for a Charm Patterns Stanwyck Skirt (the full circle version). […]
I am a big fan of Tencel™ (otherwise known as lyocell – the difference is merely a case of copyright; Tencel is a brand owned by the Lenzing corporation). Tencel™ is a rayon substrate—a semi-synthetic textile composed of cellulosic regenerated fibres; it is produced using non-toxic NMMO instead of the highly toxic carbon disulfide that […]
Ever since I took up sewing (during the initial lockdown), I have been curious about the Cashmerette pattern range because of the fact they are drafted with curves in mind. As a curvy woman, I probably should have jumped on them, but I have never made one of the patterns until a couple of weeks […]
I bought Gertie’s Jiffy Dress book back at the outset of the lockdown in March 2020 when I started dressmaking. It was this book which pretty much taught me everything I know about basic sewing. I previously made this pattern when I wasn’t all that attune to making alterations and perfecting the fit so I […]
The cropped jacket version of this pattern has become my signature outerwear. I first made this a couple of months ago (and wrote a blog post on it for The Rag Shop. Having made another since then (and with the fabric for a third one going into the prewash) I thought it was worth chronicling […]
This was my first time making a Cashmerette pattern; they’re not usually my style, if I am being honest. I prefer my clothes to have a more vintage-inspired twist (saying that, the Upton dress is on my make list as it has a really classic silhouette). However, I purchased a gold jersey fabric from New […]
The Decades of Style ESP 101 pattern has been on my radar for a long time; it is a part of their ‘Decades Everyday’ pattern collection designed with the premise ‘sew in a day, wear everyday’; the pattern is easy, accessible, and quick to make. I bought the No. 101 E.S.P. Dress pattern a long […]
The Jackson Tee and Pullover is a pattern you’ll be able to use again – as a gender-inclusive pattern, it’s the pattern to get if you’re making handmade wardrobe gifts for friends and family, especially for occasions such as Christmas. The size range is, as typical of Helen’s Closet, incredibly inclusive; it ranges from 0-34 […]
Self-Acceptance and a Viscose Penny Dress I recently made up the Sew Over It Penny Dress and fell in love with the style even though it was quite different to anything I had ever worn before and I knew I wanted to make a couple more. It’s one of those dresses that looks as good […]