A Sewing & Style Blog
And just like that, it truly feels like autumn here in Oxford! We have had quite a few days of non-stop rain and grey skies, so I have packed away my summer sandals and started dreaming of knitted scarves, wooly socks, and cosying up by a fire in a pub (…until 10pm). I have still […]
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For me, this sundress feels like an Italian summer; I can just picture myself wearing it in the sparkling sunshine in Palermo, eating gelato and people-watching… oh well, perhaps next year! In the meantime, this sundress can brighten up my days in Oxford — the punchy red background against the zesty lemons is so cheerful and I am pretty proud of myself for all the additional details I put in when pattern-hacking to make this my ultimate summer outfit. […]
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One of my favourite parts of sewing is feeling inspired by ready-to-wear fashion, and then thinking how I will make it ‘mine’. Perhaps I will see a dress with an interesting skirt style, but the back bodice is not bra-friendly; no matter, because I can change that to something that works for me when I create my own version. Being able to pick and choose design elements is incredibly freeing. […]
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Wrap dresses have been considered a sartorial staple for decades now — and for good reason! Wrap dresses work in the office, for special occasions, for lunch dates… the possibilities are fairly endless with a wrap dress, especially when you make them from knit fabrics. I am still getting used to sewing with jersey, so […]
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Can you still call it pattern hacking if it is your own poor-planning that is to blame…? While I absolutely love this finished smock top, getting to this point involved plenty of playing jenga with pattern pieces, adding in additional seam allowances and changing a pretty big element from the original design! I think it is only fair to highlight the I mistakes made — making mistakes and working around these challenges are so important to grow and improve as a sewist — but I really don’t think it detracts from the finished garment, which is as swishy and dreamy as I envisioned! […]
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I truly believe that wrap skirts and summer are the perfect combination; they go together like strawberries and cream… or like gin and tonic! These skirts are such an easy option for both dressing up and down, and feel so comfortable to wear when the days get warmer. I was on the hunt for a good wrap skirt pattern and found McCall’s 7606, which has two options for the skirt and two bodysuits. I immediately was drawn to View C, as it would hit me about mid-calf length and has a big statement ruffle around the hem, which just screams summer vibes. […]
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Since picking up sewing as my hobby again, I have had a list of challenges to complete in my mind. As much as I want to fill my wardrobe with endless colourful, cotton skater dresses, I also know that pushing myself to learn new techniques and try out new fabrics is beneficial to grow and improve as a sewist! Getting out of my comfort zone and learning to sew with knit fabrics is one of my first challenges of 2020; with this project complete, I can officially put a mini checkmark next to it, as I imagine this will be the first of many projects with stretchy fabric this year. […]
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When deciding on fabric to make my own clothes, ex-designer deadstock fabric is usually high on my list. Deadstock fabrics are leftover from fashion designer’s collections and they either end up in landfill or sat in warehouses waiting to go to waste — not good. Ex-designer deadstock fabric is then not only a sustainable choice, but also a choice that means you can make your own clothes out of amazing quality fabrics! […]
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Lately, I have been itching to get sewing a selection of summer tops – I am daydreaming about lightweight cottons and linens in fresh colours, and blouse patterns that are flowy and keep me cool when it starts getting warmer. […]
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At my workplace, we aren’t expected to turn up in full business formal wear everyday — thank goodness! While I could never be one to wear a white button-up and suit each day, I do think it is important for my work wardrobe to look professional (yet to also let my personality peep through!). […]
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