New Pattern: Cotton Time Jacket
Hello All, I have a new zero waste pattern to introduce. It’s a short sleeved jacket, published in the Japanese magazine Cotton Time. Here’s a preview of this lovely magazine, and a little flip through: This opportunity fell into my lap via Mirai Pattern, who license and translate my zero waste patterns into Japanese. Last…
Read MoreMaking Birgitta Helmersson’s Slip Dress (again)
I’m back on the quest for the perfect nightie pattern for my teen, and I think I’ve found it with Birgitta Helmersson’s slip dress from her book Zero Waste Patterns. My teen has long covid but worse than me, and spends a lot of time resting in bed. Previously I tried making a nightie using…
Read MoreWhen the Right Hem Stitch Matters
I hemmed a wool skirt during the week, and realised at the end I’d used the wrong handstitch. Felt like an idiot (didn’t I write a book on sewing?). Not that anyone passing in the street would notice a skirt’s hem stitch, and I’m sure the universe will keep on turning, but the wearer will…
Read MoreThe Louvre Beret, Behind the Scenes
How does a pattern end up in a magazine? The Louvre Beret is a pattern of mine in the newest issue of Tauko magazine, with the theme of architecture. I gave a show and tell on this blog last week. I thought you might be interested in the process leading up to publication, which covered…
Read MoreNew Pattern: Louvre Beret
Hello All, I’m thrilled to introduce a new pattern: a zero waste beret. It’s in Tauko magazine, which came out last week. I can’t begin to tell you how excited I am about this pattern – this is the pattern I’ve been most happy to nail, ever. There are seven sizes, to fit a 52-54-56-58-60-62-64cm…
Read More6 Ways to Wear a Bias Shift Top
The Bias Shift top, a new pattern by Emily Klug of Goldfinch Textile Studios, got finished off during the week, all ready to…put aside until warmer weather. But, I had a lot of fun working it into some outfits. It’s as comfy as a t-shirt, but smarter-looking. I reviewed this pattern last week. 1. With…
Read MoreMaking the Bias Shift Top
The Bias Shift top is a new pattern by Emily Klug of Goldfinch Textile Studio. It’s a minimal waste top with two options for the hem, round neckline and cap sleeves. View a selection of tops made by the pattern testers, made in a huge variety of fabrics including stripes, checks and prints. The pattern…
Read MoreIn the Shop Window
Something very nice happened to me lately. Our local bookshop, Miss Gracie Taylors Pre-loved Books, has a sewing-themed window display this month, with my books in them. You might recognise Nigelle-ann, the shop’s owner, from some of my patterns. She was the cover girl for the Xanthea top, culottes, and most of the things from…
Read MoreMaking Nicole Akong’s Beach Kaftan
Last year I did a collaboration with Nicole Akong for a kaftan cut from beach towels (read about it here, order the pattern here, and here are three ways to style it). Nicole had gone on holidays and whipped up a kaftan to take. When she got home, people asked for the pattern and she…
Read MoreOn Designing Toy Faces
Do you like sewing soft toys? If so, how do you choose a project? I would bet the toy’s face is the main decider. If the face isn’t right, it’s a pass. I quite like making toys. I liked making them when my children were little and enjoyed doing a pattern for a cloth doll…
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