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 …
CREATURE COMFORTS: MCCALLS 8067
Pattern Reviews
CIAO, AMORE: MCCALLS 7974 (HACKED)
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. […]
EVEN COWGIRLS GET THE BLUES: MCCALLS 8161
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. […]
OUT OF THE WOODS: VOGUE 8896
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 …
LEAD ME DOWN TO THE OCEAN: TILLY AND THE BUTTONS INDIGO SMOCK TOP (HACKED)
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! […]
FLOWERS FOR SPRING: MCCALLS 7606
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. […]
STRIKE GOLD: TILLY AND THE BUTTONS FRANKIE BASEBALL T-SHIRT
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 WANNA BE ADORED: NEW LOOK 6560
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 …
STEP INTO MY OFFICE, BABY: SIMPLICITY 9133
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 …
WHEN LIFE GIVES YOU LEMONS: MCCALLS 6696
One of my biggest weaknesses in fashion is fun, patterned dresses; from the fairly standard, like floral prints or geometric shapes, to the more unusual, like cacti patterns or embroidered matchsticks, I will immediately gravitate …
