-
How to clone a ready-to-wear sports top
A few years ago I bought a sports top in an M&S sale. I love the shape and fit of it, but I can’t really pull off a crop top. So back then I extended it with a bit of black jersey and it works perfectly, because the extended bit is tucked under my leggings or skirt. When a local deadstock fabric shop, Textile Mountain, had a drop of sportswear fabrics from a Czech brand, Kinoko, a few months ago, I couldn’t resist getting some and thought I’d try to clone my top into a new and improved one. I’ve never tried making patterns from existing clothes. As I usually…
-
A Kate-Middleton-style coat dress and a pillbox hat: the making of my viva outfit
As some of you know, I’ve spent the last few years working on my PhD, looking into the history of Australian English. At the end of February came the big day – the viva! Initially I did not have a special outfit planned for the viva, but I was dreaming of a Kate-Middleton-style coat dress for the graduation ceremony. However, the viva being in February, it meant the graduation ceremony would be in June, which would be a bit too hot for a coat dress. So I thought I’d try to make one for the viva instead. Especially since I’ve already made a pretty pillbox hat during a millinery workshop…
-
Back with a bang: How I made a sparkly evening gown in two days
Hello there, remember me? It’s been a while. This year was a bit of a whirwind. I was working hard to finish my PhD thesis (which I handed in in October, yay!, although the viva won’t be until the end of February) on the top of my regular job, and then I took some time off to go on an adventure to Australia. I came back early December, three days before my work Christmas party. Of course, I needed a new dress! I had the fabric ready, but I only had one eveing and the next day to make it. I had an idea of what I wanted and I…
-
Combining four patterns into one dreamy garment: Lady McElroy flowers and oranges dress
You know the feeling when you see a fabric and can’t get it out of your head? I’ve had this glorious deep green linen viscose blend with a faboulous large-scale flowers and oranges print by Lady McElroy stuck in my head for a couple of years now. But courtesy of brexit, ordering fabric from the UK has become really really expensive, so I relented. I finally caved when Minerva had their birthday sale a couple of months ago, thinking whatever I save on the fabric would at least partially make up for the duties. I’m very happy I finally got the fabric and almost as soon as it arrived, I…
-
A little red dress: a modified Sew Love Patterns Joelle dress
I’m sure you know the feeling. You see a new pattern and instantly fall in love with it, but there is one little detail that’s stopping you from immediately pushing it to the top of your to-sew pile. When I came across the Sew Love Patterns Joelle dress, I really liked the open neckline, the shape across the bust, and of course the bow detail. But what was putting me off a bit was the little peak-a-boo under the bust, because I don’t really feel like exposing even that little bit of skin there. Nonetheless, when Sew Love Patterns had a sale on, I snapped the pattern up, knowing I…
-
What’s on my sewing-themed bookshelf, part II: Novels and non-fiction
I don’t know about you, but the cold winter weather and the upcoming Christmas festivities just make me want to curl up on the sofa with a nice cup of tea, snuggle under a blanket and sink my teeth into a good book. In this day and age, the choices are endless, so there’s something for everyone, even for us sewists. There are several novels that include sewing in one form or another on my bookshelf, as well as several non-fiction books about the history of fashion, dressmaking, taking care of your clothes, and the fashion industry in general. Perhaps one of these might catch your fancy. The Dress, Kate…
-
How I made my reversible Liberty quilted jacket of dreams: tips & tricks
Many years ago, when I was living in Durham in the north of England, courtesy of the Erasmus programme, I remember walking into Monsoon for the first time and falling in love with their colourful quilted jackets embellished with beads, sequins, and embroidery. But they were way out of my price range. I’ve been dreaming of making a jacket like that for myself for years, collected precious bits of Liberty fabric, and here we finally are. As you can see, in the end I left off any embellishments, as I thought it was already statement enough, but one day I’ll hopefully make another jacket which will be even more colourful….…
-
What’s on my sewing-themed bookshelf, part I: Pattern books
I don’t know about you, but when I’m not sewing, I’m thinking about it, looking for inspiration, or browsing sewing books. And I have a lot to choose from! So I’ve decided to show you what’s on my bookshelves in a three-part series. Today we’ll have a look at pattern books, next time on more technical books about pattern cutting, fitting and sewing techniques reference books, and in the final part I’ll share some tips on sewing-themed novels. Maybe one of these will catch your eye. 1. Tilly Walnes: Love at First Stitch (2017) I feel Tilly’s debut is a classic in the sewing community by now. She published it…
-
“Come a-waltzing Matilda with me”: Megan Nielsen Matilda shirt dress
Years ago when I first came across Megan Nielsen, the Matilda shirt dress instantly caught my eye. I love shirt dresses, and this one stood out with the amount of beautiful details – top-stitched seams, angled pockets, little grown-on sleeves, waistband, breast pockets… And also the name, of course! If you’ve been following me for a while, you might know I spent some time in Australia and it will always have a very special place in my heart. Of course, Megan Nielsen is an Australian company and the name of the pattern – Matilda – seems to be a reference to the Australian song Waltzing Matilda, a famous bush ballad…
-
One Sewing Pattern Three Ways: My Obsession with The French Poetry Leo Dress
Who would have thought that my favourite dress would one day be a leopard print long-sleeved high-necked number with a gathered skirt. I used to hate leopard print and gathered skirts. In fact, I still kind of do. But I realised that I only hate animal prints that look realistic and I still hate gathered skirts in anything but lightweight fabrics. So there we have it. That’s how I’ve ended up with three French Poetry Leo dresses, two of which have coulourful leopard print. And I don’t think that will be the final count. Leo Dress no. 1 in an Atelier Jupe viscose Last spring I made my first Leo…
