One Stitch At A Time
I have several Adrienne blouses in my wardrobe – it’s a classic pattern. You can find my previous post on the blouse here. Three pattern pieces makes it a very simple make but such an effective one with the billowy sleeves. As much as I love the pattern, I find that I do not reach […]
I don’t make separates very often; I have to really love a pattern to take a break from ‘dressmaking’. I couldn’t resist the latest offering from Peppermint Magazine, though: The Paddington Top. It’s a free pattern (although there is a suggested donation of $2 if you would like to pay for it; if not, you […]
I thought I’d take 10 minutes out today to share a few of my favourite online fabric and haberdashery businesses. Having taken up sewing as the word went into lockdown, online fabric shopping is all I’ve known. There also isn’t a great variety of bricks and mortar dressmaking shops in Northern Ireland so shopping online […]
I don’t know about you, but one of my favourite things about sewing is the opportunity for self-expression. What we wear says a lot about who we are. The potential for this self-expression is heightened when we make our own clothes; we have unlimited choice of patterns, fabrics, colours and notions. As a bonus of […]
I wear dresses 99% of the time and that’s unlikely to change, if I am honest. However, I have made quite a few tops lately and I need a couple of skirts to wear with them – this is a no trousers zone! I have plans to make a few Stanwyck skirts (Charm Patterns) but […]
I finally made the Swirl Dress from Gertie Sews Jiffy Dresses. This is the second pattern from this book I’ve now tried, and it didn’t disappoint. This book is a great starting point for anyone beginning on their sewing journey; it covers all the basics, from sewing techniques to fitting adjustments. They’re all expertly illustrated, […]
I was on a roll making basics for my wardrobe over the last few weeks, including a few bodysuits after Gertie released her Skipper pattern on Patreon last month. Skipper is both a bodysuit (check out my post on the history of the bodysuit here) and dress pattern and while I’ve made three top versions […]
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 […]
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 […]
Loose fitting garments do nothing for me. Popular patterns like The Friday Pattern Company Wilder Gown and TATB Indigo drown me. Being semi-fitted, I decided to give the Jennifer Lauren Handmade Asteria Dress a try. It seemed a good compromise between fitted and flowing garments.