You can always consider it a safe bet that one of the first things that will ever come up in my sewing diary is a Charm Patterns make. That’s because 9 times out of 10 the monthly release from Gertie’s Patreon is right up my street.
The Mariner Top
Ok, ok, so I didn’t make the top version – I added a gathered skirt – and I skipped on the collar detail (for a couple of reasons). My use of vintage inspired fashion is quite tame – I personally think there is a thin line between embodying the vintage aesthetic and looking like I’m in costume. If I’d made the mariner straight, I think I would have looked as if I just stepped off the stage as a cast member in Anything Goes and, while I have had some stage experience in my time, this is not the look I want for everyday. I also have a broad back so that collar would really do me no justice.
The first incarnation of the dress I made in 4oz denim from Jenny Stitches and used the sleeve pattern pieces (which I loved as they’re quite billowy and dramatic).
I also tried out the sleeveless version with all in one facing in this floral cotton from Sew Me Sunshine which makes a beautiful summer dress (not that I’ll get too many more opportunities to wear it this year). I’ve paired it with the Jennifer Lauren Juniper cardigan in french terry from Bumble Bunches. I love that the same pattern can be given a very different feel by a minor change and different textile.
I’ll definitely revisit this pattern as I love a good princess seamed bodice.
Kate Eva Designs Pisa Bow Bag
With the little fabric I had leftover from my floral Mariner dress, I managed to squeeze out the pieces to try Kate’s Pisa Bow Bag, a pattern that she released on Etsy recently after a lot of people (quite rightly) showed interest in it. It’s a straightforward and satisfying make – it’s basically made up from a series of rectangular pattern pieces; and all you need is some wadding and interfacing with your fabric. It’s a pattern that’s quite versatile, too. You could switch up the measurements and use a host of different fabrics to varying effects to create quite a collection. Personally, I’d like to make a black velvet version for evening use but I can see these being made up as little wedding party bags, too!
Charm Patterns Peter Pan Bolero
I realised when I was cutting out my teal Juniper cardigan last month that I quite a bit left so instead of resigning it to the remnant pile I ordered a little more of the ponte roma from The Sewist Fabric Shop to be able to make a little bolero which I made in red ponte last winter. I love the Peter Pan collar and this garment is an easy choice for the slightly warmer autumn days when a jacket or coat might just be a little too heavy. It was also wide enough to make the full length sleeves. Realising how much wear I would get out of these, I added a wine colourway to the collection; this fabric, from 1st for Fabrics wasn’t quite as wide so I made the 3/4 length sleeves with it.
Sew Over It Penny Dresses
This couldn’t be easier to make – with the grown on sleeves and elasticated waistband, there are no real fitting issues, either. I think I have found my go-to for viscose fabric. I have a fuller review of the dress here.
No sooner than I made it, I got some more viscose out of my stash and cut two more as they’re perfect for the office!
Sew Over It Marguerite
Another firm favourite of mine – if I have a fabric I want to wear a lot, Marguerite is a go to for me! There’s not a lot I need to say about this dress as I have said it at least ten times before. I love this wine gingham from The Rag Shop – I might need to go back and see if they have any more!
I then managed to find some orange and black gingham which I am thrilled about as it’s perfect for this time of year without being overtly ‘Halloween’. I’m not going to lie – I searched for the fabric to match my Erstwilder trick or sweet brooch.
And on the last day of the month, just as I thought my sewing was complete – another Marguerite in this gorgeous polka rose print from Jenny Stitches.
Fabric pumpkins
And then… because I loved that wine gingham so much I made use of the last few scraps to make some fabric pumpkins for the hallway! I made a few others, too! There is now a full blog post with a step to step showing you how to create your own over on The Rag Shop blog.
Butterick B6556
It is my quintessential go-to pattern for that classic fit and flare silhouette. It is close-fitted, has a lined bodice, a full pleated skirt, a centre back lapped zip, and generous pockets. It also has an option for sleeves but given that this is a dress I envisage being used to entertain guests, I’ve opted for the sleeveless as it get pretty hot in the kitchen (which is always more comfortable to layer, too, in my opinion.
Colette Patterns, Moneta
This is one of my all time favourite patterns which I had not made in a while so I decided to use it for another of my Minerva ambassador makes – this gorgeous stretch floral gingham was gifted in exchange for a blog post which you can check out here.
Poppy and Jazz Willow Pinafore
This dinosaur Christmas print made my 2 year old niece with delight so how could I not have made her a little festive garment? It definitely won’t be the last time I use this adorable pattern as it goes up to 6 years old!
