Category: quick makes

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!

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: Sagebrush Top

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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!

Cielo – Make Nine 2021

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Well this is a first! I’ve made one of my first Make Nine projects and that is the Closet Core Cielo Top within a week of publishing my #makenine2021 plans!

I went with option B and used fabric that I bought from Sister Mintaka.

The fabric is Viscose Twill and is a wonderful medium-light weight and features illustrations of famous mid century architecture. It’s now (no surprise!) Sold out. It does come in a white version aswell but I think it’s all gone unfortunately!

Both absolutely stunning 🤩

It’s lovely to work with and it really suits the Cielo Top.

The Cielo top is part of the Rome Collection from Closet Core Patterns. The Pietra Trousers and the Fiore Skirt also are part of this collection.

Closet Core patterns now have a bigger size and it comes in two size brackets, 0-20 and 14-30. It’s more inclusive size wise.

The Cielo is the second pattern I’ve tried from the new size range and again I’m really happy with the results. I recently did Elodie Wrap Dress which was the first. I’m hoping to try the new Kalle Shirt which was re-released in 14-30 size, earlier in 2020.

The Elodie Wrap Dress in Viscose from Minerva as part of a Blog post.

Closet Core patterns have great instructions and it was quite easy to follow them.

I love the fit on this top. I graded from a 22 bust to a 28 hip. I used the size 22 sleeve. This top really suits this twill.

I’m already thinking of trying version A and C once I’ve got a few other make nine projects under my belt.

So yes, I’m super happy with the result and looking forward to matching some of my fabrics from the stash with future Cielos!

Thank you for reading, happy sewing and Stay Safe xx

The many faces of Moneta

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So you might gather I’m quite a sucker for the “Moneta” by Colette Patterns and the fact that it’s been a few months since I’ve last wrote a blog post, would be too good an opportunity to miss to give the wee blog a bit of a boost!

So in no order here’s my “Moneta Collection”

🧵Fabric from Pin & Sew

🧵Hacked neckline and sleeves from Seamwork Alice and added a polo neck!

🧵Fabric from the Edinburgh Dress Fabric Company

🧵Hack – scoop back

🧵The Moneta that started it all!

🧵Fabric from John Lewis

🧵Fabric from Fabric Focus

🧵First scoop back hack

🧵The Scoop back with petal sleeves dress

🧵Fabric bought from Fabricate Mirfield

🧵Made it for my 39th Birthday

🧵Fabric from Sewisfaction

🧵Scoop back – ooo er.

🧵Made this for going out to dinner for our 10th Wedding Anniversary

🧵Fabric from Fabric Focus

🧵Scoop back hack

🧵Fabric from Holm Sown

🧵My Christmas Day 2018 dress

🧵Fabric from Fabric Focus

🧵Scoop back & 3/4 length sleeves (must be my favourite combo)!

Would it surprise you if there a few others that are works in progress? Once they are completed, I’ll share them on Instagram @sewdoitemma.

Ok, well hopefully it won’t be as long as last time until I write a blog, but until then … see you soon!

The Moneta Obsession

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Currently I’m sewing up a line of Colette’s Moneta Dress … you could say I’m obsessed (the title gives that one away!).

It all started with seeing the Moneta Party on IG way back when I first got the itch to stitch. It’s only take me a couple of years to summon up the courage to thread up the overlocker and have a go of this Jersey malarkey.

Here’s a Summery of my dresses so far!

Moneta 1

Fabric: John Lewis – dark green and black

Sleeves – short length

First trip out was at Tantallon Castle!

Moneta 2

Fabric: Fabric Focus, Mustard and grey knots

Sleeves – 3/4 length

Shortened bodice length and slightly shorter skirt

Made it up for #OWOP18

My mustard snag tights match up perfectly with this version!

Moneta 3 –

Fabric: Fabric Focus

Hack – scoop back

Sleeves: 3/4 length

Wore to a friends exhibit opening night!

Moneta 4

Fabric: Fabric Focus, Sage green with floral design.

Hack – scoop back

Have to re do front bodice due to overlocker punching a hole in it 🤬

Sleeves– 3/4 sleeves

Date night with the bestie for this one!

Well that’s four so far and there’s at least another four to be sewn including a Christmas one, so watch this space and IG for more to come with other hacks (I love the scoop back hack!).

Also I am going to put a couple of other stretch/Jersey pieces in between now and the rest of the Moneta’s so you don’t think I’m a one-trick Moneta! I’ll be talking about my next few projects in my make nine 2019 post soon!

Sewing: McCalls 7381

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So with little over a week I decided to start the dress that I planned to not only have finished but moved on to the the project.

As you know life doesn’t always allow you plans to go swimmingly well and time can just drown with you realising how little you have left!

I bought the Lady McElroy Cotton lawn “Brushstrokes” from StitchyBee a while back.

When I saw the McCalls 7381 pattern that I received free with Love Sewing Magazine a while back, I knew it would be a simple quick make providing I followed the instructions correctly.

Building the whole thing went brilliantly well until it came to me wearing it. It was huge, it was a tent on me. Where did I go wrong?

I had one resort, take it to class! So I did! Thankfully Abi saved the day but it meant me taking in at the waist (a lot!!). But I did it, It only took a few hours and a few swear words.

So where did I go wrong? I only went by the measurements on the back of the pattern envelope and not the ones on the tissue. I can definitely go down one size on the bodice (woop woop) next time. Also for next time I’m considering sleeves and the next version in viscose. So no I’m not put off – yeah! It’s so comfortable to wear as well, especially when it comes to eating a lovely German buffet and cheesecake because of the ease and the elastic!

A big thumbs up to M7381!

Sewing Room: Storage 

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With all these patterns, magazines and gadgets, I always need new storage ideas to store them all.

Instead of recycling the florist boxes I received with flowers, I upcycled them and I think they look great.

I’m a big fan of succulents and cacti, so when I saw this wrap in Paperchase, I couldn’t stop myself!

 

It’s a wrap!

 

 

 

Finished article …

 

Ta Dah!

 

I’m intending to do this with some of the shoe boxes that I use for storing my patterns too.  I think I will be using a different design, just to add more colour!

 

Emma

Disclaimer: all photos and opinions are my own!

Sewing projects: The peg bag

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Ever since the plastic peg basket broke earlier this year (shattered into a thousand pieces) I’ve been meaning to sew a peg bag.

It’s been on the list for a wee while and now I’ve done it.   The peg bag was fairly easy once I figured the way to do it.  Another reason for doing such an easy project was to get my confidence on my sewing machine a wee boost.

Okay, there are a couple of flaws but apart from that, I’m reasonably chuffed with myself.



Next time I make one, I’ll move the hole further up, so there’s less chance of pegs escaping!  I’ll also add some bias tape around the edges and take my time measuring (i.e. I will make a paper temple to avoid a patchwork “I need to finish it job” style effect).


Disclaimer: All photos are my own and all opinions are my own!

Made it: 1920’s style!

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So I was invited to a 1920’s murder mystery that took place last weekend.

I scoured the internet for some sort of 1920’s dress but then remembered I had a lovely lace dress that I bought from Monsoon so that was that sorted.

Then the necklace and feather boa came from WM Armstrong store which hosts a selection of great vintage wear. The pearl necklace,  I found at the Grassmarket Armstrongs and the Black Boa in the Clerk Street store.

Tempted to buy a fake cigarette and holder and long black gloves but I held off. The thought of more fancy dress never to be worn or used again was too much!

For the head-dress, I decided to make it. YES, you read right!

I found this tutorial, which kept me right for the basics – Head Dress Tutorial

From Remnant Kings, I bought some stretch sequin trim. Abby, my sewing teacher kindly gave me three peacock feathers to complete the look.

It was a pretty quick process and one I’m quite happy with. I stitched the feathers in with thread and a small piece of stretch sequin to stop the bottom of the feathers from scratching my forehead. I think it took my roughly half an hour to complete it and finish it, which a huge jump from any of my current makes!

*Disclaimer:

  • Please don’t use any photos without consent from myself- ta!
  • All opinions are my own!