Posts

Bias Cut Plaid Shift Dress

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I could have predicted it; a big old ‘look who’s back!’ post in Feb and then here we are already in April with only my third post of the year. I did warn you it may be more sporadic than it once was! To give myself some grace, there has been a DIY frenzy going on in my new sewing space which hasn't left time for much else. Next week I’m having a long overdue operation on my hand so there will be plenty of time for dictating blog posts and easing back into slightly more gentle hobbies after that. I haven't mustered up the enthusiasm to take photos of anything I've made so far this year, so instead I'm sharing one of my most successful projects of last year and some photos I took back in January. I use the word successful quite loosely as the process of making this dress was not straightforward! It was hard-won but I got there in the end and have worn it loads.  This dress was inspired by a number of dresses that Len Blake has made and looks so great in. I particularly l...
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Merchant & Mills x Paynter Field Jacket

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In my last post I touches briefly on how the fast pace of modern life (and social media) had encouraged me to sew simple, quick dopamine boosting projects. But I've realised that what I really crave and brings me satisfaction is getting stuck into a big complicated sew and trying new things. So I wanted to share with you my favourite complex project from last year. The pattern for this jacket was a collab between Merchant & Mills & Paynter for making your own version of their field jacket. As soon as I saw it I wanted to make one - Paynter jackets always have interesting details and Merchant & Mills' patterns generally have thorough instructions with well thought out construction techniques. It did not disappoint! Just the cutting and preparation took me ages, there are so many pieces and markings to transfer. But I loved slowing down, using considered techniques like tailors tacks for all the markings and focusing on getting the details of this just right. I trea...
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Look Who's Back (with fancy new PJs)

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I'm back! Two and a half years after my last blog post (where did that time go?!) I'm here with some photos of my January sewing project. I haven't got a huge amount to write about these PJs as I've made the pattern before, so I thought I'd use this as an opportunity to catch up on life and where I'm at with my sewing. First things first, these are the Closet Core Carolyn Pyjamas sewn up in a beautiful buffalo check linen from my trusty favourite The Fabric Store . I've had this fabric stashed away and earmarked for these very pyjamas even longer than my unplanned blogging hiatus. I've previously made the short version in another linen fabric which you can take a look at here . I clearly wasn't thinking about making the long leg/sleeve version when I ordered the fabric for these as I only JUST managed to squeeze these out of the 2.5m I had. Even with a bit of pattern tetris I managed to get the check to just about match across the side seams and cen...
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Showerproof Waver Jacket

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I made this jacket back in about April. I didn't expect it to be getting quite as much wear during this very wet summer here in the UK! I was in need of a practical jacket for walking the dog when it was wet but not that chilly. I absolutely adore my Kelly Anorak for winter but I lined the whole thing in cosy wool flannel so for damp spring walkies it gets a bit too warm. While I'm on the subject, I just realised I made my Kelly over 5 years and after a lot of wear it's still going strong. It must be one of my most worn garments so definitely worth all the effort I put into making it. 
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Mushroom Tencel Florence Blouse

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I must admit that I wasn't sure on this top when I first made it. I finished it back in February and I must have been trying it on with the wrong trousers or skirts when trying to make it work for winter because I put it back on last month with some slimmer fit jeans and sandals and have been wearing it on constant rotation ever since! That age old story of putting something away in the wardrobe for a little while and coming to it with fresh eyes strikes again. 
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Linen Print Lois Dress

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Long time no post! Things have been a little crazy around these parts but a little bit of sewing has been going on here and there. I finally motivated myself to take some photos last weekend so more blog posts are incoming! 
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Camel Wool Melton Traveller Coat

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Those of you who follow me on Instagram may have seen on my stories that I spent a large chunk of December working on a new coat. I've been meaning to make one for the last couple of winters but never seem to find the time. This year I planned ahead and got the fabric early (I think back in August!) and the forecast of a very cold spell here in the UK before Christmas motivated me to get going. 
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