Given that it’s November 15th, and I’m only now getting the opportunity to sit and write up my makes for October, it surprises me that I managed to get much made at all.
It has been a much quieter month for me, sewing wise, for reasons I won’t go into here. Nevertheless, there are some garments here I am really happy with.
Nina Lee London, Piccadilly Pyjamas
Yes, the Christmas fabrics are out. I was pattern testing the curve range and have come to think these pyjamas are an underrated pattern; there are so many pretty features that really elevates this pattern; the patch pockets, the mandarin collar, the curved hems and the bias binding which would allow for some really cute contrasting detailing, although I chose to stick with the palette of the fabric for my finishing touches.
I’m really happy with the way these turned out; admittedly, I am not much of a pyjama wearer, but I’ve always loved seeing these on other people and I dare say in the winter evenings, I’ll be very glad of them. I really need to get back to sewing for other people now as I do have quite a few pieces I’ve promised myself to try and make this year.
The fabric was gifted by Minerva (I’m a brand ambassador) so you can read more about this make over there.
Poppy and Jazz Strawberry Sweater
I am going to make so many of these – what a lovely sew for kids. My little niece just loves all things dinosaur and gets super excited by auntie makes!
The fabric was part of a mystery bundle from 1st for fabrics and I’ve loved making kidswear from it; I also made a few Elm tees with the coordinating cotton jersey.
Beetlejuice-inspired Moneta dress
There wasn’t much time to indulge the Halloween spirit in me this year but I couldn’t resist picking up this black and white striped fabric when I spotted it on the shelf in Hobbycraft. I even squeezed a Sage tee for Simon out of the 3 metres.
Schultz Patterns, Gerda dress
I was lucky to be part of the tester team for Schultz Apparel and test the latest pattern release, the Gerda dress. The moment Amalie posted about this dress on her Instagram grid, I was in love, so it was amazing getting my hands on the pattern before it was released.
Gerda is a vintage inspired pattern with a really beautiful feature collar and statement sleeves (leg of mutton sleeves in two lengths). The pattern is semi-fitted and the bodice is fitted with an invisible zipper, although – it is worth noting – I had no real need for the zipper as there is more than enough ease built into this pattern that you can easily put it on and take it off without opening the zip! The dress comes with two skirt options; one is a vintage inspired knee length gathered skirt and the other is a tiered skirt. It’s a perfect transitional dress; there is potentially a version for every season and I’ll be making many of these.
This autumnal Dashwood cotton (gifted by Minerva in exchange for a blog post) seemed a lovely fabric to start with.
Sew Over It London Marguerite Dress
Again, even though there was no time to go full out for Halloween, this classic monster Robert Kaufman caught my eye a few months back and has been in my stash just waiting to be sewn up. This dress is absolutely not just for Halloween, that’s for sure.
I’ve made so many of these Marguerite dresses that I don’t think there is anything left to say about this pattern at this time.
Charm Patterns, Cropped Princess Coat
This was my favourite make this month and there is a full blog about it over at The Rag Shop. I’ve a plain black version planned for December sewing.
And that’s the round up for the month. Quieter than usual but some really good pieces that will get so much wear.