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
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 …
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 …
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 …
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, …
INSPIRATION: DOLCE & GABBANA S/S16
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 …
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 …