Sometimes free just isn’t worth it. This was one of those days. I found this site which has a LOT of free patterns. But only illustrations of the garment and the barest of instructions on how to make it. But hey, it’s free. So I downloaded the wrap front blouse … Continue reading
I enjoyed the last couple of skirts so much that my idea of elasticated waist skirts had changed – why not? So I fancied a combination of the elasticated waist from my paper bag skirts, and the a-line pattern I had drawn up for the unfinished skirt (still unfinished). … Continue reading
You can’t turn a street corner without seeing someone in leggings at the moment, and they are everywhere because: leggings are comfortable leggings are versatile they can be worn dressed up or down they can be modest under clothing or figure hugging on their own leggings are perfect for lounging … Continue reading
I had an email to tell me that the new Spring 2013 patterns were now on the site for Simplicity. I was keen to take a look because I’ve recently bought a lot of patterns from Simplicity that I liked and I was sure (worried !) that I would find … Continue reading
[Note – this post has been edited to remove all of the photos, as Google told me I am not allowed to use copyrighted material and these pattern photos belong to McCalls. Sorry Google. So the post is still here, but the photos are removed. Somehow, it’s just not so … Continue reading
This was such a quick and easy pattern – I recommend Vogue 8724 for all new sewists. What I liked about this pattern and the finished dress: Custom fit – different pieces for different cup sizes. I used a B cup. Princess seams in back for great shaping and easy … Continue reading
I’ve been following the Pants Fitting Techniques course with Craftsy. As a new sewer, I have a lot of trouble with fit and pants must be the ultimate fitting problem – hence the course. Here are my first two attempts: Pants Fitting 1 and Pants Fitting 2 … Continue reading
Having made my first test piece for these trousers, I had a better idea of what alterations I needed to make to my pattern pieces. I re-watched the videos from the Pants Fitting Course on Craftsy, and got to work with my pens and waxed paper. I made a lot … Continue reading
I recently enrolled in a course with Craftsy. Pant Fitting Techniques – how to get a good fit on trousers that you make from a supplied Vogue pattern. It was a new course so there weren’t many reviews to go on, and no finished student projects, but pattern fitting is … Continue reading
Clearly I was going to be at a great disadvantage in sewing my own clothes if I could not do zippers and with my zipper foot a long way off on the horizon, I scoured the internet for ideas for clothing that didn’t need either zippers, nor buttons (too advanced … Continue reading
I am heady with excitement as I head back to my sewing machine for my next project. The ‘Cute dress !’ comment about my Nancy dress leaves me salivating for more new clothes courtesy of the remnants bin. I read all over the web about making clothes from your existing … Continue reading
