Category: fabric

Looking back at 2021

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Oh wow! What a Year. I’m super grateful for all the unforgettable and amazing experiences that I’ve collaborated on, whether it’s been testing for designers, blogging in return for fabric or being part of an amazing community on Instagram.

It’s been a rather busy one regarding testers as there has been 15 so far … I’ve had to turn away a few because let’s face it, I was burning the candle at both ends and running on empty. But it’s good I know my limits, well sort of – it’s been a steep learning curve!

I’ve been counting up the makes that I’ve made this year and there are over 60 – yes, I’m not sure how I’ve done that but somehow I’ve sewn over 60 garments this year and yes it’s still adding up as the year is not over yet – It’s only mid-December, we’ve still got over a fortnight to go.

I’m always taken aback about how many likes, comments and engagements I receive, I’m still absolutely humbled by the kindness of strangers, some of which, now really good friends that I’ve met IRL, some that I’d love to share a day with and meet. I keep looking at my stats on Instagram and still shake my head in utter disbelief that I’m over 4.1K. It’s been a lot of hard work on my part, but I’ve enjoyed it. Interacting with you, whether it’s been on IG, email, youtube has been one of the best parts of 2021 – it’s kept me going.

My YouTube channel has been organically growing since I picked it back up over a year ago and I enjoy thinking of ways to bring you content on that media. I must admit, it’s hard work doing the editing – but I’ve learnt lots, and still continue to. I often have ideas bubbling over in my head for months before I get the momentum and confidence to actually do it. I was particularly slow at taking up VlogMas due to the commitment thing, but I’m enjoying showing some parts of my day to viewers and subscribers alike.

I’ve not thought about my favourite make of 2021 – yet! I better get thinking though, time is running out. One of my favourites is the Davenport in the pink spotted viscose as part of collab with felicity fabrics and the other is one of my Wildergowns.

Spotty Davenport over on Felicity Fabrics’ Blog
My FPC Wildergown in Fabric (that I bought from Sew Me Sunshine)

You may have noticed a shift with my makes. Earlier this year on my IG stories I shared a whole load of fabric pulled from my fabric stash which I put potential outfits together and asked on stories if it worked. I’ve kinda got a good eye for this and really do get a buzz out of it. This was the start of something huge for me – OH BOY … HUGE!

For me, dresses will always thrill me but I need to and I want to invest in separate pieces such as skirts, blouses, tops, cardigans and of course trousers. My make nine 2021 mirrored that as well, which must have been an underlying catalyst to start this shift from just sewing dresses.

Ok, I’ve not completed my 2021 Make Nine but it’s been my best year so far, In previous years I’ve only completed 1 of those! I’m on the fence about carrying over the makes I haven’t completed/sewn from my make nine 2021 to next year. I still want to make them but feel if there’s a fresh board for nine makes, it might spur me on. There’s still 5 makes on 2021 make nine but I’m taking four and a toile as a win!

My Make Nine 2021 – a win?

I still want to add separates, particularly trousers. If you follow me on Instagram you may have seen the fitting drama with the Megan Neilson Dawn Jeans. Like many others in the sewing community, the Dawn Curve hasn’t been straightforward. Before I even looked at the instructions I knew it wasn’t going to be straightforward as a pair of culottes (jeezo, I love culottes!) but I think that worked in my favour. I wasn’t overwhelmed – my brain was open to “ok, we can fix this in a rational state .. at some point in the future” (we still need to re-toile them with the adjustments – maybe 2022?!).

Looking at what I need in my me-made wardrobe, has maybe helped me with my fabric stash – ok I’ve been on a ban since the latter half of the year and am due to come off it in January but that hasn’t really made a huge dent in what I’ve got, perhaps this coming year it will, only time will tell. I am in a privileged position to have such a stash and I have to admit still feel overwhelmed with how many projects I have planned or with the actual stash. I have had very successful destahes in the past, most of which have allowed new fabrics into the stash, which beats the point of destashing, doesn’t it? But the ban has opened me to potential outfits from my already existing stash rather than shop, which is good. I’d like to keep pushing myself to use the stash and make new outfits. So I think that’s one pledge I can take into 2022. It’s quite a big pledge.

It’s been a good year for my confidence and sewing. I’ve learnt to really accept my body, whilst others might not – but that is their problem and not mine. I’ve just accepted what I have is me. Sure, I still have many moments in my head doubting if I can pull a certain outfit of but that’s half the battle.

I’ve put a slide show of some of the garments that I’ve made in 2021 for you to enjoy.

As Always – Thank you so much for taking the time to read.

Happy Sewing,

The trouser trials

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During this year, I’ve finally bitten the bullet and sewn up more trousers/pants than what I was expecting and I’m still kinda shocked on how straightforward it has been, ok there has been some minor issues but nothing that has put me off so far.

This blog post will be summarising what I’ve sewn and tried so far and what I’m looking forward to sewing up next!

First up is the Winslow Culottes by Helen’s Closet. I’d say if you don’t want massive fitting issues and you want an easy trouser project to ease yourself into then, I’d totally recommened the Winslow’s right now!

The Winslow’s are designed for ultimate comfort and style and that they are! They come in four lengths and so many possibilites with all the hacks. You don’t even need to have the original zip as there are elasticated waist hacks that to get you round that one.

I started my trouser journey a while ago with the Megan Neilson Opal Pants but have reignighted my confidence and sewing trouser journey with the Winslow’s, don’t fret – I’ll talk about the Opals shortly.

Winslow’s in a Viscose Crepe
Dashwood Rayon

Right , before I move on I’d better sit down and mention the Opals. The opals have 2 views and 2 lengths. It has that adorable paperbag siloheutte that’s strong on the high street at the moment as a standard elasticated waist band. I was one of the testers for this pattern and really like the fit of it. It’s a great match for a viscose particuarly in standard elasticated waistband version as I’ve done two of that exact look. I’ve yet to finish a linen paperbag version … which is is still in the wip pile as we speak – oops!

strong pastels
wild animal

Next up, is a very new pattern on the scene and I love making them up. Perhaps it’s because the instructions are really detailed and there was little confusion or the fact that they go up to a 64″ hip … It’s the Soline Culottes and Shorts from Staystitch Patterns. If you follow me on instagram, you’ll have seen all of my versions so far. I don’t think I’ll be stop at three, I’m not quite ready for that.

Solines in Linen
The Culottes in a Ventana Cotton Twill from The Rag Shop
Beautifully Soft Robert Kaufman Yarn Dyed Essex Linen Homespun

The latest in the trouser addition is the Nina Lee Portobello Trousers, which are now in the 16-28 size range and yep, another tester under my belt. I really like the shape of those although the zip closure and button is at the back, there’s a degree of tactic when needing to go to the toilet! I’ve also got a couple of tweaks where I want to adjust the crotch curve to give me slightly more room and maybe I could move the zip to the side?

Green Linen

So, what’s the next trousers on the table, you ask. Well, I’ve got the Chandler Trousers by Untitled Thoughts printed out to which I have a dark aubergine wool suiting that I’m thinking of pairing it with and I would like to use the reminder of that wool suiting to make a Friday Pattern Heather Blazer. The other trousers that I’ve got firm plans are the Megan Neilson Dawns for some stretch corduroy that I’ve been gifted by The Rag Shop for my A/W Edit and there’s gonna be so much more chat about that very soon!

Until then, happy sewing!

My favourite Fabric shops – online!

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Back in 2017 I wrote this post up by I thought it was high time I rewrote it as it’s now over half way through 2021!

All views are my own and I’ll also mention if they have a Brick & Mortar store too that you can visit. As I write this, please note some stores may have “appointment only” due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

First off is a very new favourite of mine and that’s The Rag Shop. Stephanie, the owner of The Rag Shop has a lovely curated collection of fabrics and haberdashery items.

I’ve also collaborated with The Rag Shop and have written a couple of blog posts which you can find here and here.

Monstera magic soon to be a Kew Dress as part of the Instagram challenge #SewRecreateTheLook

The Rag Shop has only very recently opened a Brick & Mortar store and judging by the photos it looks lush inside, I’m planning a trip (in my head) and hopefully soon I can visit!

Next up is Sewisfaction and Shona is the lovely lady behind the Business. From a teeny cupboard to a two storey business, including a few members of staff and classes, Shona has grew this flourishing fabric collection from a few bolts.

This is my first stop if I’m looking for Art Gallery Cotton Jerseys, occasionally I like to treat myself to one!

Art Gallery Moneta Dress

As you guessed, It is a brick and mortar store as well as online, which you can find here:

Hey Sew Sister are a small yet beautifully curated online store but based in my Hometown Edinburgh!

It’s always nice to see small businesses like this pop up in your local area. I love the fabrics that they’ve got too, it’s just ever so different from the other stores but still has top notch quality.

I bought this a wee while ago and I think I’m going to make an Ashton Top with it.

When you order something from Felicity Fabrics, Caroline and Fliss have the packing to an absolute dream. No matter what fabric you’ve choosen, be safe in the knowledge that you will be receiving a well wrapped parcel. It’s bespoke and it’s taken fabric wrapping to the next level in my opinion. I absolutely adore the way the fabric comes – I don’t want to give too much away but you are in for a treat.

Felicity Fabrics have also just very recently relaunched a very shiney new website which handles searches more effectively and most importantly showcases what they’ve got. I didn’t have any quibbles with the old site and it’s nice to see that Felicity Fabrics are growing so can branch out on these big investments.

Davenport Dress in a beautiful viscose gifted in return for a blog post. I have bought a few fabrics from them that need to get made up!

One of the most successful Sewing Bees from the TV show, Great British Sewing Bee is Lauren and yes if you don’t know it already she has a store based in Birmingham which looks so heavenly!

I haven’t yet made the pilgrimage to Guthrie & Ghani’s store but I do pay a visit to the online variation quite a few times a month and then stroke my screen, wishing I could play supermarket sweep in that store.

The Marsha Style Grace Dress made out of Bubblegum Pink 4oz Linen from Guthrie & Ghani

One of my favourite places in that store … yes I know I said I haven’t been there but hypothetically talking … I’d go straight to the pattern room! There’s just something mysterious and very exciting about a paper pattern room full of indie pattern companies! And yes, then there’s the massive shop floor full of fabric to limit myself from going into further debt 😂

Talking of pattern rooms and I’ve actually visited this brick and mortar store in Person, yes – hallelujah! It’s RayStitch, London and oh my golly gosh it legit my favourite places to be in that corner of eeeh, London!

I love the actual shop as it’s set up almost like an old style general store but beware you will be bedazzled with sweet joyful fabrics on two floors! Ok the online shop is quite spectacular too, don’t get me wrong! I’ve got patterns and a yellow bamboo silk which I’ve still to use as well as this lilac and white cotton shirting that I used for my Gilbert Top and this beautiful soft linen and cotton Kokka for my Sudley Dress.

My sweet Gilbert Top
So soft Sudley Dress

Next up, is an online shop that regularly makes me break any Fabric holiday/ bans/ rests no thanks to their Instagram stories … any guesses? It’s Fabric Godmother, of course! How can I mute their stories, I’d be forever wondering and then checking anyway 😂

I am absolutely loving the collections that Fabric Godmother are bringing from using old archives of prints! There’s been a fair few that I’ve missed out on but hopeful that they are on order so I can get maybe a metre or three off!

Park Lane in a Viscose Jacquard from Fabric Godmother

Not stopping there, I’m really intrigued by the monthly boxes that Josie and her team bring to the table … one day I shall suffice!

If there’s one online fabric business that grabs me with their deadstock range, it’s got to be Harriet’s Sew Me Sunshine and oh boy, I’ve been captivated by one or two and even in the nock of time to manage to be able to buy them.

I love Navigating around Sew Me Sunshine’s Website, it’s easy to find certain fabrics and the first thing I do is sort it into newest to oldest, even in the New Arrivals just to see if there’s anything that tickles my fancy!

My latest Wildergown – a sneek peak! This is a Viscose Jarquard from Sew Me Sunshine.

Both Sew Me Sunshine and Fabric Godmother do have Open Days where you can pop along and shop but as you know we’re in the midst of a Pandemic albeit restrictions being completely lifted and madly masks & physical distancing are now scrapped in England – which isn’t a wise decision in my opinion, as you can tell.

Lamazi Fabrics are another online store and at the time of writing this have only just moved into a new premises.

Lamazi’s website is one of my favourite websites to navigate through. It’s easy to find fabrics, too easy in fact but I’ve bought some fabulous pieces of fabric, to which many I’ve still got to use – no surprises there!

Mineral Stones Viscose used for the Opal pants.

Almost forgot Sister Mintaka – how dare I! I love watching her fabric drops, she’s got some special fabrics so it’s worth checking out.

I’ve a good handful of fabrics, most I’ve been scared to cut into but 2021 has been that year where that’s changed.

Viscose Twill in a Cielo Top

Other online Fabric Shops that I can recommend are The Good Fabric Shop, The Sewist Fabric Shop, Sew Sew Sew, Dragonfly Fabrics, The Avid Seamstress, Oh Sew!, ThreadQuaters and so many many more!

Overall, I have to say the stores I’ve mentioned all have excellent customer service. I’ve often emailed to ask about a fabric or other item they’ve sold and have received a reply within hours. They all dispatch paid items quickly and I’ve never had that sinking feeling it’s not lived up to the description and that’s what you want in my humble opinion. I’ve bought from these stores, some more frequently than others but all have been positive, I wouldn’t recommend any business that I haven’t bought from.

Last but not least … which online shop would you recommend (it can be anywhere in the world) and why?

Thanks for reading and Happy sewing!

*Please note that some of these stores may or may not deliver outside of the Uk. It is solely up to you to check this out before you purchase if you are outside the UK. ☺️

My #FrugalFrocks2021 Dress

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Wow. I can’t believe I completed the dress 👗 as it it was touch and go, but I did.

For the challenge, which was created by the fabulous Ruan @TheYorkshireSewGirl and the lovely Sam @Frugalisama over on Instagram, I picked the Bardot Dress which was designed in collaboration with Lauren from @Elbe_Textiles and @PeppermintMagazine.

The Bardot Dress has a decent size range and a good amount of ease. The body measurements start from high bust 28, full bust 31, waist 24.4 and hips 34.6 inches to high bust 51, full bust 53, waist 46, hips 56.3 inches.

Because of the ease and the amount of fabric I had I choose size H for the bodice and I.

The fabric that I choose was “Bird Parade” viscose twill from @FabricGodmother … which I think suits this dress so well, especially for a spring summer print and dress!

I used 3 metres of this viscose twill and that’s all I had. I didn’t use the fabric layout … recently I’ve been playing pattern Tetris and loving the challenge!

Sewing this up I noticed the fabric was fraying ever so slightly but it was as bad as other viscoses but I did try out French seams and they are on the majority of seams including the pockets and the bodice! This was my first time trying out such skills and I’m gobsmacked that it worked out so well.

French Seams!

I made my own bias to add to the edges just by cutting out strips of 2cm wide on the bias on a s small piece of left over fabric. It wasn’t straight or neat but it does the job and you can’t see the wobbly edges as they are on the inside.

This dress took a lot of gathering and I mean a lot! Lots of patience, even more pins and delicate precision were required to get even gathers.

I’d definitely recommend this dress for summer holidays or lounging about at home on a hot day. The instructions are really good but I really didn’t use them that much. I kinda just went for it!

When I do this dress again and I will do it again, I’ll size down further on the bodice and shorten the shoulder straps and I’ll probably shorten the bodice. I’ll still swan about in this dress though as it’s got swoosh appeal!

I just want to thank both Ruan and Sam for this amazing challenge. It’s been so nice to see so many lovely makes from the community and find some more free patterns that are size inclusive. On that note, I think I’ll be trying the Peppermint Maxi Dress and the Lucia from Mood fabrics, very soon.

Happy Sewing!

#theEmmaProject – Sweet things!

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Ok, let me explain what #theEmmaProject is!

Emma and I met on Instagram when I had a destash and since then we’ve have lots of chats via DMs. We are still to meet IRL but that will come along with a serious splurge on fabric when we are allowed to meet!

Both Emma @CoffeeandGlassSlippers noticed we’ve got a few of the same fabrics and then we got chatting and came up with this collab!

The wonderful Emma @CoffeeandGlassSlippers on Instagram in one of her gorgeous makes!

So to start off we’ve decided to use our Liberty Candy/Sweet Cotton Lawn. Although they are different colour ways, mine is brown and Emma’s is purple, they still have the same sweetie print.

I’ve had this in stash for absolutely ages, actually it’s went into my destash a couple of times and didn’t sell. Because it’s Liberty I really couldn’t take too much money off it as it wasn’t cheap to buy and there was 3 metres of it.

I’m glad I’ve turned the fabric now into a dress. I’m contemplating on doing a matching mask and hairband, although I probably won’t wear them all at the same time together unless it for photos!

For this dress, I choose the myosotis dress by Deer & Doe Patterns. This is the second time I’ve used this pattern and the colours are quite similar!

Now I know this pattern isn’t fully size inclusive and the fact that Deer & Doe really have fucked up with regards to their plans and eh excuses, I won’t be praising them in that way anytime soon once the actually release something that’s surpasses a 60” hip (body measurements). I will review the patterns when they do eventually show the light of day.

When I did my first myosotis dress, the mandarin collar was quite tricky but this time it seemed to be more satisfying to sew it together. Perhaps it was the second time I did it and also I think I looked up a few YouTube videos just to make sure that I was getting it right.

Yes, it has pockets … and they are a good size – I love a dress with pockets.

I’ve got the pdf pattern and although it only goes up to size 52* – Bust 45 5/8” Waist 37 3/4 Hip 48, I don’t mind the fit. Perhaps maybe in the future I could add some ease by slightly grading it out but to be honest, I don’t think I need it.

I added two labels, one being “Room for Cake” by Pink Coat Club and the other “Be Yourself” by Kylie and the Machine.

Now I’ve started to use a fabric glue stick for my labels – it’s a game changer. Before I found my labels going slightly crooked even with a pin and taking it slowly. With the fabric glue stick, that I purchased from Little Rosy Cheeks, there’s no more crooked labels going forward!

The gorgeous pink buttons are from Textile Garden. Textile Garden is one of my go to online button shops!

I do love this version of myosotis dress without the frills and ruffles. I think with the busy print it would be far too much with the ruffle on the bottom skirt and on the sleeves, plus I can easily get a cardigan or jacket on!

Going forward, I think I will add some length onto to the bodice. There’s nothing wrong with this version and my first but I do feel I could get away with more length in the bodice. Also I’m going to try the wonderful Marie’s @stitchodyssey’s no-collar hack on my third one, whenever that may be!

So there you have it. A blog post and a new make in one. Yes it’s been a while (over a month!) but I’m back and I hope you are ready for more posts coming your way.

Here’s the lovely Emma in her sweet Liberty make. Emma hacked the Maisie Dress into a top and I think it’s absolutely gorgeous! I think if I ever see this purple colour-way, I’ll be snapping some up!

Annnnnd Emma and I will be returning with another collaboration. And we can’t wait to share!

Review || The Block Tee by Paper Theory

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Disclaimer: I was given the Block Tee from Tara (Paper Theory Patterns) in exchange for my thoughts. I didn’t have to post anything but here you have it!

Image from paper theory – the block tee

Formerly known as the Kabuki Tee it’s been given the new name and now goes under The Block tee.

Line Drawing of the Block Tee

After some feedback and consultation with the community, Tara felt that having no Japanese heritage herself, it was only right to change the the name.

As well as a big name change, The Block Tee has has some small changes in the grading. This was also from feedback from previous customers. The change is small yet will help with the fit on the shoulders. The shoulder grading increments has decreased between the sizes 18-28, so the length of the sleeves aren’t as long.

Making the Block Tee was fun, quick but somewhat challenging as doing sharp right angle turns is not a quick job and you want to take care doing it.

If you are stuck and I was just needing that little extra visual, Tara has a really good video of how to do the Right Handed corners on her website, which helped me a lot.

Without any doubt, I cut two Block Tees’ … yep I didn’t do a toile, yep I’m a bad ass but I had totally faith in Tara’s design. I used linen: mustard yellow from Selvage and Bolts and the green from Blackbird Fabrics.

I graded from a 22 at the arms and bust to a 26 at the hips. I could always go down a size all over since the pattern has lots of ease.

I found that I used under 1.5 metres especially without needing to cut the piece for the bias binding as I wanted to use some of the bindings that I bought from The Specky Seamstress (The “Sewing Appreciation Society” Bias was received as a gift).

It’s quite a handy pattern and I feel I’m going to potential do a Block Tee with some of my scraps (watch out for that!).

I’m pretty chuffed with the results and yes I feel I need to practice these right angles! It’s a lot trickier than I thought but don’t let that put you off. Just take your time and pin pin pin!

Like most makes these days, before I start sewing pieces together, I overlock the edges. One for finish and two, to stop any fraying.

The details of the Block Tee are really smart. I like the lines that it has. It’s just has a different spin on the Box top.

I’m super chuffed that the block tee goes to 57.5”/146cm hip body measurements. It’s got a good amount of ease in it too. It’s going to be a nice staple in my wardrobe, especially in linen over the summer period.

If you haven’t tried The Block Tee yet and would like to give it a try, I’d definitely give you a gentle nudge of encouragement. However (again!), go slow round those corners!

The Mustard Yellow Block Tee Details:

  • Mustard Linen from Selvedge and Bolts
  • Label – “Handmade” This is for Makers
  • Label – “Slowly Does It” The Pink Coat Club
  • Bias Binding “Ruler” – The Specky Seamstress
  • Label – “Sewing is the F♥️cking Best” – Kylie and the Machine.
  • Necklace from Lynsey Walters

The Green Block Tee Details:

  • Green linen from Blackbird Fabrics
  • “Perfect Me” label from Little Rosy Cheeks
  • Bias Binding “Sewing Appreciation Society” – The Specky Seamstress.
  • Gold and white cord necklace from Stitching Me Softly

Happy Sewing!

New Make || SouthBank Sweater

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The Southbank Sweater is one of those patterns that since it was released was on my radar.

Unfortunately, when it was released back in the day, the sizing wasn’t inclusive but it didn’t stop me from buying the paper pattern and forever procrastinating whether I should or should not try and grade it up.

But when Nina Lee updated the Southbank with more inclusive sizing I quickly bought the pdf and then destashed the paper pattern to a new home.

However, the pdf lay waiting to be used for a while until December 2020 when Caroline (cme_202) and I collaborated on the Sew Cosy Winter Party.

The Southbank Sweater was one of the 6 sweaters I had on my short list but me being me, I always take too much on and only get half done … Southbank was in the batch cut though, it just didn’t get Sewn up until very early February.

Nevertheless, I love it. It’s so cosy and easy to wear. I can also layer up underneath or treat it as a cosy dress.

The fabric is from Pin and Sew UK. It’s a sweater loopback jersey and like always, it’s amazing quality!

Again, another pattern that I can see I’ll get more use out of. I see myself using the cropped version over a dress and trying out the hip length with a pair of jeans or dressed up with a skirt.

Happy Sewing!

Make Nine: Pona Jacket

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Disclaimer: I was given this fabric in return for a review over on Minerva. This is a basic post, so please check out my blog post over on Minerva!

What is happening? After three years of not completing make nine and a year off, I am powering through this years make nines.

Could it be I’ve managed to get confidence with my sewing skills – who knows, but I like it.

So, the Pona Jacket by Helen’s Closet Patterns kinda reminds me of similar RTW jackets that I’ve had in the past and will be a to go to pattern for the future.

I really enjoyed making the Pona Jacket. Helen’s instructions are second to none one of the best instructions around. I used the lining hack on her blog post on her website to insert the lining to this jacket.

For more information … please go to Minerva!

Thanks for reading

Adrianna || Make Nine

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Why did it take me so long to try this pattern?

I think I overlooked it as I didn’t realise it was within my sizes, particularly my hips but I was so so wrong!

So I’m hoping there’s a few of you who would like the juicy bits of how I found this pattern, Yes?

The Adrianna Dress by Friday Pattern Company is kinda like the woven sister of The Adrienne Blouse, whom is a jersey pattern. Adrianna comes in sizes XS-4X. The top sizes are: Bust: 54”/137cm, Waist: 47”/119cm and Hips: 57”/145cm.

This is my second Make Nine 2021 that I’ve completed before the end of January, which in itself a complete and utter shock to myself and probably a few of you as previous years I’ve just fallen by the road side!

On top of the Adrianna Dress being part of the make nine challenge, I also completed it for my birthday and as part of the lovely @SisterMintaka’s #FeelingSewMuchBetter annual challenge. It was really fun to photograph and document my progress through the week on Instagram.

Ok, the instructions were flawless – really easy to follow. There was one area where it wasn’t so clear and I was scouting the web for a sewalong and could find one (or any)! that would just glide me through that part. BUT I figured it out. Yay!!

Oh, now the area I was stuck on was step 11. But once it came relevant, it was plain sailing.

Top Tip: Because I was working with a viscose crepe I overlocked all of the edges and used a microtex needle on the sewing machine to sew it together.

I love how the fabric behaves with the elastic in cased at the shoulders and the cuffs. It’s simple to do but the drama it gives is just lush! Chelsea is a genius.

There’s one thing I really shouldn’t have overlooked though. In the instructions booklet on page 5 is a but/hip adjustment guide. Now I usually just grade from my bust-waist-hip but I think I should’ve just went and did this adjustment as I wouldn’t have got this excess (see photo below).

But apart from that, I really enjoyed reading the instructions and sewing this pattern up. On top of that the Viscose Crepe was a dream to work with, yes I’m surprised as it’s Atelier Brunette and sometimes (I have heard of mixed reviews!) notoriously difficult to work with. But it sewed up like a dream!

You can bet on your cotton socks that I will be sewing more Adrianna Dresses in the future. But I’ll be adding a little more length on future Adriannas’ as I’m a little scared I’ll reveal too much if I bend over!

For This Adrianna Dress – I used Atelier Brunette Viscose Crepe “Dune Smokey”, purchased from @ohsewshop with a voucher that I won a while ago. It was a decent remnant and I was completely impressed with myself that I got all the pattern pieces cut out of 2.40cm when the pattern call for between 2.88 and 3.88!

Although I didn’t have to pattern match, I managed to wow myself … and on top of that used the crossed grain to fit all the pieces in. This was really down to the print not being directional and I think I got away with it by the skin of my teeth!!

The Pattern for Adrianna can be found here. I mean, what are you waiting for? Yes, I am a enabler but come on!!

I used #SizeMe label from Stitch Collective, if you are in the Uk and don’t want to wait ages due to the pandemic postage delays then you can buy some of stitch collectives labels at a brilliant online shop run by the lovely Amy, which is Craft and Thrift.

But I just don’t use one label … I mean come on, I am a label fanatic! The #HelloGeorgeous label, I think just finished the insides nicely … don’t you? This is a Kylie and the Machine label, which are stocked in quite a few places now (worldwide) – yes I’ve had them shipped from KATM HQ a couple of times too and it didn’t cost that much extra to be sent over. But that was pre-Brexit and pre-Covid!

Oh! That necklace was a generous gift to myself. I saw it on wolf and moon’s Instagram and was like instantly magpied – it’s such a statement piece and yet flawlessly goes with the Adrianna perfectly! I’ve got a few me mades planned and the fabric will match this beauty very nicely.

Once again, thank you for reading!

Happy sewing …

New Make: Sagebrush Top

Published on by Emma_Ciarrocca4 Comments

Ever since I did my tester on Friday Pattern Company‘s Sagebrush Top, I’ve been hooked!

The brilliant Sagebrush Top – definitely a TNT pattern with me!
My Sagebrush Tester

Hooked in the sense that recently I did a batch cut and I’ve already sewn one of the up – yes already I’m churning Sagebrush Tops out!

I really love this pattern and the details of it. From the frill at the front to the gathering at the sleeves it just makes me happy.

This Sagebrush is slightly different to the others and I’ll explain why, in a moment.

You see it lies with the fabric choice. Previously I’ve went with a viscoses and a viscose-linen blend but I decided to take inspiration from the lovely Jen (@jenlegg_teescreatives) (I’ve met her in real life, as she came up to Edinburgh Frocktails, October 2019 and she is really lovely) who has already sewn the Sagebrush in the very same fabric.

The fabulous Jen in her “Ladies” Sagebrush Top

The fabric is a Lady McElroy Chantilly Single Ladies Cotton Lawn from Sister Mintaka which I bought a wee while ago after seeing Jen’s version and looks like there is some in stock. It’s a lovely quality and has sewn up a treat. I love the colours of the print, it will be so diverse! I’ve already thought of a few outfits featuring this top, including pairing it with Jeans, as shown in the photos.

And apparently I’m not the only one who was inspired by Jen, Louisa was too!

@LouisaLovesToSew in her Chantilly single Ladies Sagebrush Top.

Ok, my top was going so well until I decided to use my overlocker to finish the seams on the sleeve and front and back pieces …

I was seriously lost for words!

At that point of seeing the blade chop into the shoulder what like watching a horror movie. Urgh. I had to step away. It didn’t stop me from sharing my disaster on Instagram stories that night – but it also helped me come up with a plan to save this make.

I had two options, one seeing if I had enough fabric to cut out a new sleeve altogether but I couldn’t really justify using it as I was going to try and make a scrunchie and hair band plus other things from it. The other option was two interface the wrong side and the right side and hope that I wouldn’t need to do a patch work … my needlework is erm shockingly bad 😂

This is a close up of the repair after being interfaced. Not bad and if I don’t point it out I doubt people will notice.

So once I got that bit out the way I could move on and get it finished – yes that’s what we like – a happy ending!

On this Sagebrush I took a bit off the length off and made the hem deep And I actually really like it. So I think I’ll do the next couple this new length.

All smiles!

As you can see, using the cotton lawn gives the frill real structure and the sleeves extra va va voom! I do really like the effect that this cotton lawn has on the pattern.

I love the new length!

Well, that’s the 4th Sagebrush of many more to come … I’m excited to do more!

Fiamma wanted in on the action 😂

Again, thank you for reading and happy sewing!