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 SagebrushTop.
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!
Well here we are and I’m off to a flying start as I’ve almost finished one off my make nine grid!
This going alongside a YouTube video where you can see me chatting about my make nine 2021 plans. It’s kinda like the show notes from The Love Sewing podcast if you’ve ever read them – I find them really interesting!
Link to my YouTube Video!
Ok … so here’s my #MakeNine2021 / the image below is linked to my Instagram Post! The individual graphics are linked to the pdf patterns corresponding to to pattern house shop just in case you would like to buy it. (I get squad all for this but they are lovely independent pattern brands that I love)!
I’m taking part in the Sheffield Sewcial “Jeans January” over on Instagram. I’m hoping to cut them out ASAP and hoping that they fit well. I go for this style in jeans in Rtw/ Shop bought.
I’ve got some stretch denim but haven’t yet made up my mind which one to choose, that’s the trouble with hoarding fabrics 😂
View B is the option I’m going to choose.
I’m not sure on the finished garment measurements though …
The waist gains from the body measurements whereas the hip loses – is that right?
I’ll be grading waist size 28 and hip size 30.
Ok next up is …
I’ve got at least three fabrics set aside for this and I can’t tell you how often I’ve hesitated about Zadie.
I’m absolutely going to toile it. One reason being it’s generously sized or so I’ve heard. So I think I should just be cautious and do a mock up before I cut into precious fabrics.
However, I will probably going to have to grade between a 20/22 bodice and 26/28 trousers, which is the usual for me.
I think I’ll go for option B first and then try A. Every time I look at this photo I get butterflies 🦋! Perhaps I should just get some yellow linen?!
Back to Megan Neilson and this time we have The Darling Ranges Dress.
Definitely one of these styles I’d go for in a flash!
Without a doubt I was really in love with this style/pattern before it had the upgrade to the curve range but I patiently waited and now it’s here I have no excuses not to make it.
Although I have heard some grumblings about the bodice fit … I’ll need to look into this as I’m not sure what the details are regarding the grumbling! Have you tried the new Darling Ranges dress, did you have fit issues?
I’ve not yet decided on what fabric for this project, but no doubt I’ll let you know when I do find something from my stash that I’ll go – “that’s the one”!
Next up is the beautiful Pona Jacket from Helen’s Closet.
Now … I must I have AT LEAST 5 fabrics now set aside for this project. I think I just love this jacket because it’s so versatile. I’m really drawn to the short version but I think I’ll do at least a couple of longer versions in the future. I’ll probably do a batch cut & sew just to get them sewn up so I can wear them!
No buttons/ buttonholes – woop 🙌🏻!
I might have to grade from a 22 to 28 but I’ll assess that when I come to looking at the pattern pieces and measurements.
Like the others, I’m freaking looking forward to making this one!
To start I’ll be trying up a wool from Minerva as part of the blogger network. It’s black so it’ll probably go with a lot of other things in my wardrobe, both me-made and RTW.
Another jacket which I’ve been eyeing up is the Sapporo from PaperCut Patterns.
It’s funny how a lot of people raved about it and “had no problems” making this jacket up and it took one person to really point out the flaws that so many didn’t to get a update on the pattern pieces and a bigger size range.
Like the Pona Jacket and you shouldn’t be surprised – I have been collecting a few fabrics for the Sapporo.
I think I’ll be doing videos on my makes as we go this year, plus I’ll pop into posts on here with photos of the fabrics. That way, you can see the movement and colour – how’s that?
Again I’ll be indecisive about what fabric will be a long version and what fabric will be a cropped version. Oh dear! I’ll be maybe adding an inch on each seam at the hip, just to be sure as my hip measurements are 58 inches. But it should be doable! Ahhh butterflies 🦋
Now the Cielo Top from Closet Core Patterns.
I’m baffled this is my only top in my make nine but it won’t be the only one I make this year. I’ve already batch cut a little pile of Friday Pattern Company’s Sagebrush Top, my tnt pattern of the moment!
To my amazement I’m almost finished the first cielo top and I’ll probably be starting a second very soon.
Bliss. Simple but statement piece!
For my first version I choose to go all out and went for option B / see the big gathered sleeves always draw me, I like a little drama in my clothes.
I think the second version I’ll let the fabric do the talking and just go for version A as pictured. Yes, I’ve got rifle paper co fabric set aside … and it’s so dreamy! But I’ll not spoil the surprise 😉
The sizing is good. Like the Elodie I’m really happy with the fit. I think this is going to one top pattern that I’ll come back to again and again!
Ok – I don’t think it would be right if I didn’t squeeze in a Friday Pattern Company pattern into this make nine, so I’ve chosen the Adrianna Dress.
Unlike its sister (Adrienne Blouse), the Adrianna is designed for Wovens in mind. I’ve completely overlooked this pattern as I didn’t realise that it went up to 4X until recently!
Ooooh the DRAMA!!! I’m having yet more butterflies!
Sooooo … I’ve decided on some fabric for the Adrianna BUT I’ll need to lay it out with the pattern pieces in the next coming week or two as I’m hoping to cut this out and have this as a birthday dress. My birthday is the 17th of January… just in case you need to know 😂
The fabric is an Atelier Brunette Viscose which I’m hoping I’ve got enough to squeeze this dress out off. I might have to lessen the bulk and length in the sleeves to do this.
Ending on two trousers and first up is the Flint Trousers by Megan Neilson Patterns.
I’ve heard so many good things about the Flints, so again I’m eager to go through my Stash and see what would be a good choice to start off with for this pattern.
I’m also liking this pattern because it could be a good staple for work – when I finally get another one. TBH, At the moment the job searching isn’t strong but I think come mid January I’ll have a wee look!
Anyway back to the flints. I like the detail and the fact they now come in the curve range is 🙌🏻🙌🏻🙌🏻
I’m not sure what closure to go for first though, I like them both!
And the final make nine choice is …
This will be the third pair of trousers I’ll be aiming to make this year.
On top of being floaty (frickin love culottes) I’m going in for comfort and doing the elasticated back and flat front hack that Helen has in her blog.
Floaty Dreamyness!
I’m going to make a pair out of black viscose but I’m thinking for another pair perhaps for something heavier as I don’t think viscose is a suitable option if I’m trying to stay warm, do you have any suggestions on this?
The culottes are said to be quite roomy and I’ve read somewhere (probably HC’s website) that I can adjust the darts as-well!
So if you haven’t already picked this up yet – I’m super excited and geared up for this year’s #MakeNine2021 – eeeek!
I feel like the last couple of years I’ve learned enough skills now to not get that overwhelmed feeling and can honestly say that I think I actually might just manage this make nine!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this blog post relating to my YouTube, please comment in the box below if you have any questions or suggestions in relation to the choice of makes I’ve made and this blog post and if you have a chance, please go and view my YouTube video!
It all started when I saw By Hand London’s sample of the Jessica Skirt in this Valentine Red and Pink viscose … it was love at first sight!
I thought the chances of sourcing it would be second to none but what’s the harm asking? The worst answer would be no or sorry we’ve ran out, so with that in mind I did some digging! You guess it, long story short I found some at The Rag Shop via pigeonwishes shop.
Yay! So I contacted Steph at The Rag Shop to let her know that I was doing a blog post on the viscose and she kindly gave one meter in return for the blog post (I already purchase two metres) so having that extra meter allowed me to play about with more options.
The Wildergown by Friday Pattern company has been on my sewing list for ages, I just love the fluidity of the dress. The Valentine Viscose and the wildergown dress would be a beautiful match!
I choose the xl according to the finished measurements but I could’ve gone up an extra size on the skirt but I might come back to that as I’ve still got some fabric left. Obviously, I was going to go on the full-on gown – I think it would have been be rude not too!
Ok, for adjustments I shortend the bodice because I’m only 5’3″ and my torso isn’t long at all. I went for even layers in the skirt but on hindsight, shouldve keep the top tier longer and the bottom tier shorter – but nevermind.
Sewing with the viscose was a dream. I didn’t find it too slippery to work with either. I did use a light weight needle just to be sure it didn’t punture the fabric whilst sewing it. I’ve been reading that even using a microtex needle can sometimes still lead to tiny fractures in the fabric (in some makes more than others) which is quite nerving wracking after you’ve made that investment.
Before I started putting the pieces together I overlocked all the edges to stop them fraying. Of course, I could always try french seams to finish the seams but let’s be frank here, 1. I’ve not got the patience to do that and 2. I’ve still not got the patience.
I really wanted to try and pattern match some of the lines of the grids and this worked out better than expected even with the gathering. For gathering I used lots of pins … LOTS of them and I tend to use the Prym glass headed pins now, just my preference.
I’m still sitting on the fence if I should add waist ties just to give a bit of shape and I may shorten the bottom tier to be just below the knee. I think it’s all to do with my height but I may leave the length as it is if the waist ties help. I’ve heard that Julie Uzor has a great tutorial on her Instagram for rouleau loops via theminisewist (but I’ve yet to find it).
However I’m slowly falling in love with the dress as when I first tried it on, I was like “what have I done?”. For me it’s a bold change with the grid lines, because I’m short and rather curvy I think it accentuates certain features. But everytime I’ve tried it on I’m feeling more confident.
To add to the love of this wildergown I am loving the drama of the neckline. The pull tie that gathers the neck and gives the shape is such a simple yet clever design feature.
This Liberty fabric has been sitting in my stash for a wee while now. I knew it was going to be a sweater but was unsure which pattern I was going to go for. I think originally it was going to be a SH7’s Toaster but changed it for the Seamwork’s Skipper purely because it was going to be in my size range for hips.
Seamwork’s Skipper
Sew House Seven’s Toaster
“Heketh” (Snowdrop) Liberty Sweatshirt Fabric
The fabric was bought online from @FabricsGalore a while ago and now is no longer stocked (sorry!) although you might be lucky and see if eBay has it. I bought 1.5m of it, it was £11.00 per half a meter, so not cheap. Although the pattern asked for 1.7 for my sizing, I managed to get all the pattern pieces out of the piece of fabric – PHEW!
The humble snowdrop – Galanthus nivalis is my birth month flower (January) and I always look out it at this time of year, so this jumper will always fill me with joy. When I was born, the snowdrops in my Gran’s garden came up and my gran always referred to me as “Granny’s little snowdrop” even when I was thirty!
“Already now the snowdrop dares appear, The first pale blossom of th’unripen’d year”
Anna Laetitia Barbauld, “The Snowdrop” (1835)
My Gran & Grandad lived up in the Cairngorms, so any school holiday we (Mum, my Brother and I) were up walking, orienteering, ski-ing (both cross-country and down-hill!) and get our bit of fresh mountain air, not forgetting engulfing ourselves with Gran’s fudge and gingerbread cake and listening to Grandad’s tales of Billy Gruffs and Trolls!
Right, better skip back to Skipper.
Cutting the pattern out was really straight forward. I graded it from a 20-22 bust & waist to a 24-26 hips as i didn’t want the top bit to be too big. I left the pocket out as I thought that the busiest of the fabric pattern would be spoilt.
Constructing the pieces was a dream and this was my first sweater pattern, so was super surprised how well I coped. I found Cheryl from Stitchy Bee’s tutorial a real help doing the neckline. It’s also a really good vlog on how different materials look different in the same sweater pattern (Cheryl used Grainline’s Linden).
Yes I finally cracked my Moneta obsession, don’t worry there’s plenty more of them coming with hacks but for the moment I’m trying out different patterns and I have a few exciting things that are happening but I can’t tell quite yet!
Ok, lets talk Myrtle:
Do I like and will I use the pattern again, if so will I make any changes?
I love it, especially the cowl neck feature. I’d definitely use the pattern again but I would shorten the shoulders to avoid the embarrassment of showing of my assets too much!
Where did I get the fabric from?
I bought the lovely viscose jersey from fabric focus this winter, unfortunately for you I took the last 3.5 meters (sorry but not sorry) in fact, originally i bought 2,5 meters realised I didn’t have enough and the luckily there was 1 metre left when i went back to the shop – phew!
Myrtle needs quite a drapey jersey and lightweight I’d say and for me it was a good skill builder. This was the first time I did a cowl neck and used the main fabric for a lining on the front and encased elastic in the skirt.
For a quick make, once you’ve done it once it makes sense.
Ok here’s the fun part – PHOTOS … Hooray!
Now, where I’m I going to fit in time to do a woven version in this pattern? I love how this pattern is versatile like this!
I’ve been thinking about going for it for a while and have finally taken the crunch!
Also it’s my first day of my fabric buying hiatus! It gone well so far. I’ve put my time into doing this domain, house stuff and walking the dog.
In my head I’ve got hundreds of ideas with what fabric from my collection should go with what project/pattern. Sure, they’ll be limits because of meterage/yardage or what type of fabric but I’m going to start to try and categorically organise them.
This has been on the cards for ages but it’s not going to be easy with the amount of fabric I do have.
First of all, I think I’m going to set fabrics and patterns that are in my make nine.
Next I’m going to take all the fabrics out of the small Billy’s then (or maybe do a shelf at a time) measure, photograph and record each piece. Either spreadsheet it first and then add it on the Cora App, which I’ve had for yonks and not really made use of it.
Once I’ve done the fabrics, I think I’m going to go through my big four patterns as I bet there’s patterns I’ve forgot about and have either doubled with a newer style or no longer “has that sparkle”. This could be another fabric destash as well but we’ll come to that bridge when it happens!
This is going to be a long process for me as I am planning to sew a few things, some with deadlines and also I’ve got things that I need to do around the house (boo, hiss).
Ok this is quite a ramble but it’s kinda good to put it out there and then you can see the difference when it’s done.
I thought it was high time for my blog to get a wee spruce up. It’s take me a while to figure out what I like, don’t like and for some creative juice to flow but I’ve got there.
You may have noticed that there’s a fresh new logo, which I’m now also using on my IG @sewdoitemma.
Hope you like it.
Using the Canvas App on my phone, I settled on this design. I feel it’s a lot cleaner and has simple lines. It’s amazing what you get up to at 6am after letting the dog out.
With a new logo comes a new theme – I think I am finally happy with this one.
Hopefully this will encourage me to write more blog posts as I’m really finding confidence with regards to using my sewing machine and overlocker and learning to sew with jersey/knits has definitely wetted the appetite!
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!
Ever since it was a pop up shop I was intrigued by The Wee Fabric Shop but the location made it slightly difficult for me to plan a trip as it was in Inverness!
Now it’s a brick and mortar store situated outside the centre of Inverness which means I could plan a much more relaxed trip up.
The sun was shining when I reached the shop front and what a lovely shop front it is (photos don’t do it justice)!
Good thing about coming to this side of town is that you don’t have to worry about parking as it’s got a few spaces at the front of the shop and off street parking is available.
Walking into the store I received a very warm welcome from Marice, One of the owners of The Wee Fabric Shop. It was so nice to meet her finally after seeing so much of the her and the shop on Instagram. It’s not one lady but three that own the shop, Claire and Fiona are part of the power trio!
Their choices of fabric and patterns are on par and the quality is just brilliant- the only problem is that the trio can’t keep up with demand as sometimes the bolt sells out so quickly! (Trust me the quality is Devine!)!
Oh boy! If you like indie patterns you’re in for a fine treat.
Yeap – told you. It’s a Indie pattern heaven!
Before you ask … yes I did buy fabric and patterns (I mean it would be rude not too!) I bought two knit fabrics and three patterns.
Would I recommend? YES, hell yes! Ok I made a weekend out of it but it is worth the trip.
It was so nice to meet Marice and Fiona. I wish them the best with the business, so far they’re on a very good path with such strong and amazing products to offer. Unfortunately I didn’t get to meet Claire but maybe next time I’m up the road I’ll catch her for a chat!
Everyone looked amazing, we raised over £500 quid, enough to feed 41 kids for a year in education for @MarysMeals, the raffle was on fire, much so we were running out off tickets!
I am so humbled to get lots of compliments on my dress and fabric choice after having to an emergency repair before I left Home on the zip making me late!
Again, I didn’t take any photos on the night but others did – thankfully 😅
I’m so sorry if I didn’t get round to catching up with you but I do hope you had a lovely night. You all had wonderful outfits and it just goes to show how wonderfully talented you all are. You should be all so proud of yourselves and give yourselves a pat on the back. Each outfit was lovingly handmade and each unique in its on way, just like you!
Credit to @cme202
So the dress …
Vogue 9075
So after the first attempt not being successful but it will be (it just needs a bit of tweaking!) I decided I was going to try it again.
Fortunately it came together eventually (pockets took about seven attempts)! Yes 7. But moving swiftly on … I got there in the end but had to do an emergency repair on the zip literally 30 mins before I was due to leave and the my machine was playing game so had to had stitch. Drama!! I know!!
Here’s some photos of the Jungle Crepe V9075 …
Fabric: Lady McElroy Jungle crepe from Remnant Kings
Lining also from Remnant Kings, black pongee.
Pattern – Vogue 9075
Accessories – “me made” pink coat club necklace and earrings from Accessorize.
I’m going to give version b a go, which is the culottes Style bottoms with some pretty funky fabric from Rejects in Kirkcaldy. Definitely going to finish off the first version “Chelsea” though, so watch out for that. I’m going to try my first stretch project now and that’s the Colette “moneta”. It’s high time I tried stretch fabric and my overlocker. Also I will finish of my Harris tweed coat!
I just want to thank Lesley @sew_sleep_deprived for taking the reins and going full throttle on this. Without our her organisational skills and wit, I don’t think we’d have a brilliant night to remember. You were a triumph on the microphone and you are such a star!
Using the Canvas App on my phone, I settled on this design. I feel it’s a lot cleaner and has simple lines. It’s amazing what you get up to at 6am after letting the dog out.
Sew Do It Emma 