Posted on

White spotty silk georgette full circle skirted dress

white and black spotty silk georgette full circe skirt dress

Lizzy made this exquisite silk georgette dress for a gala dinner in Trentham Gardens, the pattern is from the Butda magazines – November 2019 design 133, the fabric is a sheer silk georgette 12340 on our website, lined in silk dupion for the bodice, and our premium breathable Venezia lining for the skirt. The skirts are a full circle which made the hems 8.2m, and there’s three of them so needless to say the hemming took a while!

The sash is double sided velvet ribbon

Burda deign 133 November 2019 silk georgette full circle dress - back view with sash
Burda deign 133 November 2019 silk georgette full circle dress – back view with sash
Posted on

Worsted Wool Long Pinafore Dress

navy blue small check worsted wool pinafore dress made using vogue 7975 and simplicity 2247

Lucy did that dressmaker superpower thing of combining two patterns to make something greater than the sum of its parts. The top of this fabulous worsted wool pinafore is Vogue V7975 pattern with Simplicity 2247 for the skirt. The top was also modified so the middle of the front part of the top consist of two pieces which overlap. It’s like “double breasted”. It’s fully lined. She spent some time to make it right. For the skirt Lucy needed to make adjustments to match up the seams of the panels to the top.  

This worsted wool is super fine and has a wonderful drape, making a pinafore dress is perfect as it means it spends far less time at the cleaners.

Posted on

Worsted Wool Supersoft Wide Leg Trousers

maker's atelier wide leg trousers made up in navy check worsted wool from Paul Smith

Suzanne used this designer buttery soft navy check worsted wool for her Maker’s Atelier wide leg trousers, the fit was honed by her tutor Claire Tyler (who does amazing retreats), they are lined in cupro bremsilk and the pockets have been omitted as Suzanne doesn’t like the bulk of the big pockets across the tummy. Suzanne now has the fitted pattern and has made many of these trousers since, it’s worth taking the time to hone a pattern like this as the classic style will not date and the simple lines can easily be adjusted into other styles. Worsted wool is the perfect fabric for a style like this.

maker's atelier wide leg trousers made up in navy check worsted wool from Paul Smith
maker’s atelier wide leg trousers made up in navy check worsted wool from Paul Smith
Posted on

Soft Blue Jumbo Cord Opium Swing Coat

blue corduroy deer and doe opium swing coat

Jenny used our ex-designer jumbo cord to make up the Deer and Doe Opium Coat and it is fabulous. Due to the thickness of the cord Jenny swapped the origami welt pockets for regular welt pockets -we all agree these look just as good in this funky wide wale corduroy.

I must say, I do like Jenny’s organisation on her pattern envelopes – I can only dream of such efficiency!

Posted on

Leaf Print Linen and Viscose Maxi Shift Dress

leaf print linen and viscose blend maxi shift dress for tall women

Lynn looking fabulous in her green and brown leaf print linen and viscose blend maxi shift dress. The pattern has been adjusted to account for Lynn’s tall (6’+) frame. This is an ace pattern that will work well in medium weight fabrics like linen and linen mixes. There is a centre front seam in this dress so choose patterns with no obvious repeat or geometry to them (or buy extra to match).

Posted on

Double Sided Coating Ingrid Coat

VikiSews Ingrid Coat made by Lis using double sided heavy wool coating (made and modelled by Lis)

Lis put this amazing double sided coating to its best by making this Viki Sews Ingrid coat.

See her full post in Instagram (and do follow her-she’s an inspiration) She said, “A rare sunny day this winter was the perfect opportunity to wear my latest and favourite make for a long time. I have been sewing, mainly for others but couldn’t resist using this wonderful double faced wool fabric to take my first foray into the @vikisews.patterns range. This is their Ingrid jacket and I love everything about it. 
The jacket is beautifully drafted with excellent instructions and throughout the tailoring techniques are first class. 
The only draw back I would say is that these are sold as single size patterns so there is no opportunity to size up or grade the pattern if you do not fit their measurements. 
The pattern is for a lined jacket but this fabric doesn’t need lining and it was easy enough to bind the facings and the hem in order to make it tidy inside. 
I might still add hip pockets which are not on the pattern but will wait to see if I miss them”

Fabric has sold out but you can find other fabulous reversible coatings HERE

lis standing on the sea shore wearing a buttoned up light grey reversible coating Ingrid coat
Lis standing on the sea shore wearing her buttoned up light grey reversible coating Ingrid coat
collar detail on the reversible coating Ingrid coat made by Lis Taylor
collar detail on the reversible coating Ingrid coat made by Lis Taylor
back view of the reversible coating VikiSews Ingrid Coat made by Lis
back view of the reversible coating VikiSews Ingrid Coat made by Lis
Posted on

Orange Stripe Jacquard Organza Cielo Top

orange stripe jacquard organza closet core Cielo top

Superb use of a structured semi sheer designer jacquard organza by Lis, she said “Who can resist the drama of a big sleeve?
When I saw this beautiful jacquard organza from @stonefabrics I was planning to use it for big sleeves perhaps with a contrasting body but when I actually received my 1m of fabric I realised I had enough to make a top and of course it had to be the #closetcorecielo
Despite the fact that the white stripes are sheer, I can get away without lining it . 
I used mainly French seams and bound the neckline and hems with matching linen bias binding. To that end I removed the seam allowance and then added the binding which I didn’t try to hide as it matches so well”.

You can find her original Instagram post HERE – do follow her because she is an inspirational sewing extraordinaire ❤️

orange stripe jacquard organza closet core Cielo top
orange stripe jacquard organza closet core Cielo top -hung to show sheerness
Posted on

Orange Stripe Linen Kalle Hack Dress

Orange stripe lightweight linen closet core Kalle shirt hacked into a dress

Lis has outdone herself with this fabulous Closet Core Kalle Shirt that she has altered into a dress.

You can find her post on Instagram : “The photos don’t do justice to the beautiful striped orange linen I used for this #kalleshirtdress hack. I simply made the button placket version, cut it at the hips (62cm in my case) and added a gathered skirt at a ratio of 2:1. The skirt section is 70cm and allows for an extra deep hem to give it some weight. 
The only other minor changes were to gather the back yoke and I also slightly deepened the armhole and widened the sleeve so that the oversized look was balanced there as well. 
Perfect for swishing around in our June heat wave”. 

This stripe linen has sold out but you can find others HERE

Posted on

Blue Stretch Suiting Dungarees

blue stretch poly viscose suiting dungarees

Not all suiting makes suits! Angela sent us these pics of her lovely dungarees using our stretch poly viscose elastane suiting and they are a great success – She sent us these words of wisdom to share:

“I am very pleased with them.  It is a super fabric and my machine and overlocker loved it.  It doesn’t crease and is comfortable to wear.   I used a Simplicity pattern but changed it considerably so they are nothing like the original and I lined the bibs and pockets with a light cotton fabric scrap to reduce the seam bulk.”

Hats off to Angela for a fabulous make

back view of blue stretch poly viscose suiting dungarees
back view of blue stretch poly viscose suiting dungarees
Posted on

Green Ovals Jersey Dress with Overlay

green and blue oval spotty print viscose and elastane dress with overlay

Teresa made this dress using our viscose and elastane lightweight jersey and it is beautiful.

She sent us this message: Really pleased with this comfortable, useful dress.  Made with another of your gorgeous fabrics.
The pattern is an old one but maybe there is another similar out there. (Simplicity 8070)
With the patterned fabric it is difficult to see the overlay on the front skirt but in wear it shows with movement. I underlined the body of the dress with one of your tricot knit linings.

Posted on

Hand Painted Mercerised Cotton Jersey T-Shirt

BE STRONG ... I whispered to my coffee slogan hand painted T-Shirt

Burda 6602 pattern strikes again! This versatile pattern is sooo good. This latest version is in the finest silkiest cotton jersey (11313) known to (wo)man- and it’s a double jersey so it doesn’t curl when you cut it (Yayy!). Highly Recommended!
Bess fabric painted “BE STRONG I whispered to my coffee” -a quote she saw outside a NYC coffee shop and so whilst she didn’t come home with a sweatshop made “I ❤️ NYC” T-shirt she has (finally!) got her holiday souvenir 💪
Bess altered the neck in this version – if you alter your neck hole and wonder what size the binding should now be it’s fairly safe to go with 2/3 the circumference measurement of the neck. Hems and neck binding were topstitched with the maraflex stretchy thread 👍

Having a good opaque fabric paint in the stash is a great thing to have on hand for impromptu presents – it’s easy to use and will instantly personalise / add meaning to what otherwise could be quite plain or ordinary.

Fun fact: The first time Bess painted the slogan she painted it on the wrong grainline… so the slogan went vertical instead of horizontal, rather than wasting the fabric she also made a vest top:

Posted on

Gingko Leaf Print Cotton Lawn Shirtdress

gingko leaf print cotton lawn shirt dress

Chrissie made this beautiful Vogue 8903 shirt dress using our gingko leaf print pima cotton lawn. This lawn is super silky weave similar to a Liberty tana lawn and the prints are of an excellent quality. The only modification Chrissie made was adding in-seam pockets (who doesn’t want pockets?). It’s a super dress that is belted in for extra shape.

Posted on

Marlin Print Tropical Shirt

Marlin Print Tropical Hawaiian Style Shirt

Gary made this fab tropical /Hawaiian shirt using our marlin print cotton and linen mix that came from Ralph Lauren. It’s a lovely weight of cotton- a kind of lightweight canvas weave that’s heavy enough for trousers but still lots of drape.

He mixed it with a remnant of polkadot cotton for the under collar and collar stand.

Marlin Print Tropical Hawaiian Style Shirt -side/collar
Marlin Print Tropical Hawaiian Style Shirt -side view with collar standing up
marlin print cotton and linen tropical shirt- side view
marlin print cotton and linen tropical shirt- side view
marlin print cotton and linen tropical shirt- collar detail
marlin print cotton and linen tropical shirt- collar detail
marlin print cotton and linen tropical shirt- Back View
marlin print cotton and linen tropical shirt- Back View
Posted on

Liberty Print Cotton Poplin Men’s Shirt

Liberty print poplin cotton men's shirt

Bess made this superb Liberty print cotton poplin shirt for her husband’s birthday, the pattern is Burda 6874 – whilst Burda’s instructions leave a lot to be desired their cut is superb and Bess finds they fit Rob without any major alterations.

As always with mens shirts the devil is in the details and Bess took her time adding contrast lining the the placket and cuffs, and adding grosgrain braids. The odd buttons are due to Bess wanting to finish the project and not having a full set of anything to hand – but they look fab.

Liberty print poplin cotton men's shirt - collar detail with grosgrain trim
Liberty print poplin cotton men’s shirt – collar detail with grosgrain trim
Liberty print poplin cotton men's shirt - cuff detail with grosgrain trim
Liberty print poplin cotton men’s shirt – cuff detail with grosgrain trim
Liberty print poplin cotton men's shirt - closed collar detail
Liberty print poplin cotton men’s shirt – closed collar detail
Liberty print poplin cotton men's shirt - open cuff detail
Liberty print poplin cotton men’s shirt – open cuff detail
Posted on

Blah Blah Blah Tea Towel

blah blah blah tea towel

Bess made a number of these BLAH BLAH BLAH tea towels for Christmas presents following Greta Thunberg climate emergency speech. It’s hard to think of things to make for people that isn’t adding to a mounting pile of unwanted/unnecessary gifts but tea-towels always go down well with Bess’s loved ones, and other than the bondaweb used to glue the letters down before sewing all the fabrics came from her stash.

On another year Bess used linen duck interlining and embroidered reflective robots on the corner.

It’s lovely when you visit the houses years down the line and they are still using the tea-towels (if a little stained/worn!)

Posted on

Watercolour Print Linen Butterick Dress

watercolour designer print linen butterick 6784 maxi dress

Brigid grabbed this superbly popular watercolour print lightweight linen for this Butterick 6784 maxi dress and it works BEAUTIFULLY. The linen works really well with this balloon skirt as it holds the shape without being stiff. Buying the right fabric for the right pattern is half the skill and we will always advise if you are unsure about the suitability of a particular fabric for a project. This dress oozes such wonderfully summery goodness it’s impossible not to love.

Posted on

Brown Bouclé Wool Jersey Blazer Jacket

Brown Bouclé Wool Jersey Blazer Jacket

Annie made up this fabulous wool mix brown bouclé bobble jersey using New Look 6636 pattern, being made in a heavy jersey it is both warm, comfortable and super stylish – ticking ALL the boxes of a No1 make.
The jersey knit is a mix of wool, cotton and viscose, it doesn’t have a great deal of stretch to it so works very well for this style of untailored blazer, it also means the button holes and pockets go on without stretching out (they are interfaced), and the whole thing just oozes effortless style.

Brown Bouclé Wool Jersey Blazer Jacket
Brown Bouclé Wool Jersey Blazer Jacket
Brown Bouclé Wool Jersey Blazer Jacket - back view
Brown Bouclé Wool Jersey Blazer Jacket – back view
Posted on

Black Chevron Knit Faux Jumpsuit

chevron knit faux jumpsuit

Anne bought this unusual chevron knit for her amazing (accidental) faux jumpsuit, It’s actually a bodysuit and seperate cropped trousers. Anne adapted the bodysuit was adapted from an ancient pattern for a polo-neck sweater and the cropped trousers were copied from a bought pair.  She says “It took quite a while to copy the dimensions, but I really like the wide flare and the angled hem, so I persevered.  It was worth the effort because this is the third pair of trousers I have made from the pattern”.

The waistband was from a scrap of black scuba – very comfortable!  Though she says the outfit looks more flattering with a wide belt.

This is just simply fabulous ❤️

Posted on

Parrot Digital Print T-Shirt

parrot digital print cotton t-shirt with pocket

Anne and her husband visited the shop in the summer, he was wearing these brilliantly bright and cheerful trousers and they bought the parrot digital print jersey to go with them – such a fun and cheerful outfit!

I am not sure which pattern Anne used but it looks like the Burda pattern I make up frequently -Burda 6602 (highly recommended). Anne used a small piece of turquoise cotton rib for the neck binding and pocket. We stock this pattern.

burda 6602 t-shirt pattern
burda 6602 t-shirt pattern
Posted on

Pink Fitted Oxford Cotton Shirt

Pale pink oxford cotton fitted shirt -butterick 6026 Katherine Tilton pattern

Petra did a fabulous job making this fitted shirt using the Katherine Tilton for Butterick pattern 6026 in her sewing classes, she loves it so much she is making another in the lilac colour way. Oxford Cotton is a lovely substantial cotton shirting that is great for these type of fitted style shirts. We LOVE the fanning out waist darts – such a flattering design ❤️

butterick 6026 Katherine Tilton shirt
Pale pink oxford cotton fitted shirt -butterick 6026 Katherine Tilton pattern
Pale pink oxford cotton fitted shirt -butterick 6026 Katherine Tilton pattern
Posted on

Black Boiled Wool Coatigan

black boiled wool designer coatigan

Michelle couldn’t stop herself from buying this unusual boiled wool from LG that has a fabulous laminated layer in the design, it lends itself perfectly to this kind of unstructured coatigan especially as the edges do not fray and can be left unfinished. Michelle makes these to sell -if you would rather someone else does the hard work for you!

The pattern is Michelle’s own but there are plenty of similar options out there. There is no lining and very little tailoring so it truly is a super quick make.

Posted on

Pleated Grey Check Wool Worsted Skirt

pleated marfy patterns wool skirt

Claire made this fabulous Marfy patterns skirt using our worsted wool suiting 11907 and she said it was a joy to work with (music to our ears!). This unusual asymmetrical skirt has a nifty pocket hidden in the pleat seam. Yayy! We love pockets! Marfy patterns are Italian and aimed at experienced sewists – your pattern arrives with no seam allowances, in one size only and with no instructions, for those of us who love a puzzle this will be a fun project, if that’s not your thing then avoid!

Claire sent us an email telling us what she planned to do and asked if this fabric would be suitable (the answer was an enthusiastic YES!), we love our customers to contact us and discuss options for a project first – it’s always a pleasure -never a chore, it’s what we are here for.

The fabric is a lovely hand washable worsted wool, linen and polyester blend, it’s the perfect medium weight for such a skirt with enough stability to mean it doesn’t need to be lined.

Grey, Taupe and Black 7.5cm check 53% Polyester 31% Linen 16% Wool lightweight Worsted Suiting
Grey, Taupe and Black 7.5cm check 53% Polyester 31% Linen 16% Wool lightweight Worsted Suiting
marfy patterns pleated wool skirt
marfy patterns pleated wool skirt
Posted on

Black and Gold Brocade Jasika Blazer

Wool Mix Brocade Jasika Blaser made by @_thedawnaurora

Dawn (_thedawnaurora) finally got to wear her tailored jacket that she made in a Zoom sew-along during the first lockdown in 2020

Dawn says: Mum and I both made the jasika blazer using the speed tailoring tutorial from closet core patterns. Having never done this method before I was super impressed! It’s got a beautiful gold lining, but guess what..? I didn’t get a photo of that 🙄🤷🏼‍♀️
This gorgeous brocade I bought from Stone Fabrics and had just enough left over to make a matching skirt. A bit too short for my liking, but it’s the longest I could get it with what I had left!
🖤🌟🖤🌟🖤

It’s a fabulous make (and the skirt isn’t too short!) -dawn did a fabulous job, this pattern is a great pattern to be used with all manner of medium weight fabrics. We love this ❤️

Posted on

Shocking Pink Jasika Blazer

jasika blazer in shocking pink worsted wool and mohair

Wendy had never made a jacket before – with the expert help of Make@140 in Plymouth she worked this beautiful shocking pink kid mohair and wool blend worsted suiting into the Jasika Blazer by Closet Core Patterns. We love it so much!

A blazer needs various interfacings to make it lie correctly, this pattern is great for detailing what you need and where, it utilises a speed tailoring method (using iron-on interfacings) which makes it super accessible for adventurous novices and creates impressive results.

This jacket uses weft interfacing along with hair canvas and 1/2″ thick tailored shoulder pads. Just to truly pop the colours Wendy chose to line this jacket in a fabulous pink and orange viscose satin lining

Wendy was super pleased with the help we gave her to choose the right fabrics and notions for this project, We are always here to help you get the right materials for your project, when you are out of your depth with a pattern just talk to us and we will always help.

L11899
pink and orange geo pattern viscose satin lining
jasika blazer in shocking pink worsted wool and mohair
jasika blazer in shocking pink worsted wool and mohair
Posted on

Dusky Pink Wool & Cotton Trench Coat

trench coat lapel detail in wool and cotton washable gaberdine 11778

Absolutely brilliant trench coat made by Vineta using our wool and cotton mix Gaberdine 11778 (also available in camel 11777). This fabric was originally labelled as dry clean but Vineta test washed it and proved it was washable (with minimal shrinkage) so …💃🕺👏
The pattern is the Grasser Trench Coat No 155 – I’ve not come across these patterns before but am impressed with the amount of detail you get in the info, and Vineta said whilst there were some iffy translations the instructions were very, very thorough.
She slimmed it down a bit but it would be fine if you like a more gathered look, she did no other adjustments. The sleeves went in a dream – only a tiny amount of sleeve cap ease so no puckers or collapsing sleeve heads. Yes! 🥳
These patterns come with four different height options so whether you are Amazonian tall or elfin proportions there will be a pattern for you.

trench coat in wool and cotton washable gaberdine 11778
trench coat in wool and cotton washable gaberdine 11778
trench coat (back view) in wool and cotton washable gaberdine 11778
trench coat (back view) in wool and cotton washable gaberdine 11778
trench coat cuff detail in wool and cotton washable gaberdine 11778
trench coat cuff detail in wool and cotton washable gaberdine 11778
Posted on

Italian Linen with Tufts Designer Fabric Jacket

Italian linen gauze with tufts designer fabric jacket

Lesley came all the way south from the Scottish Borders to buy this beautiful & FUNKY Italian tufted linen (I’m sure she had other things to do down here in sunny Devon too!) -bought way back in the early 2000’s this fabulous jacket has survived various wardrobe culls primarily because the timeless loose draped cut (Vogue Marcy Tilton 8088) means it always fits and… that fabric! 😍 😍 😍

Italian linen gauze with tufts designer fabric jacket
Italian linen gauze with tufts designer fabric jacket
Posted on

Grey Checked Wool Tweed Jacket

Grey Checked Wool Tweed Jacket

Gary is self taught and uses the garments in his wardrobe to learn from along with a wealth of old sheets and charity shop discards to practice on. This wool tweed jacket was made for his daughter and Gary needs to be congratulated on a fantastic job. Lined in paisley jacket and coat lining. Will you just look at those beautiful welted pockets?!

grey check wool tweed jacket
grey check wool tweed jacket pocket detail
grey check wool tweed jacket -back
grey check wool tweed jacket- back view. Beautifully matched with the shaping accentuated by the checks
grey check wool tweed jacket- opened to show paisley lining and internal pockets
grey check wool tweed jacket- opened to show paisley lining and internal pockets
grey check wool tweed jacket- side view
grey check wool tweed jacket- side view
Posted on

Brush Stroke Print Tencel & Linen Camisole

brush stroke print tencel linen camisole

Daiga has been our beacon for notifying us of all good Burda Style patterns for a long time (Bess generally runs down to the newsagent’s as soon as Daiga sends a new post to her Instagram), this camisole from July 2022 edition is no exception. Beautifully made using the brushstroke print tencel and linen voile, this super drapey lightweight fabric is perfect for this style top.

Daiga Widened the straps and did her usual full bust adjustment. If you cannot fathom how anyone can trace off those crazy Burda overlaid sheets there are lots of good camisole patterns available from other companies, but if you’ve never tried it we would urge you to have a go – where else can you get hundreds of patterns in multiple sizes for the princely sum of £7.95?

Burda Style July 2022 camisole tucked in and worn with jacket
Burda Style July 2022 camisole tucked in and worn with jacket
Burda Style July 2022 camisole untucked and worn loose.
Burda Style July 2022 camisole untucked and worn loose.

This pattern is long enough to stay tucked in (and looks lovely worn that way), or can equally looks good worn loose.

Posted on

Silk-Feel Tulle Wedding Dress

silk feel tulle wedding dress

Fiona did a stellar job on this beautiful wedding dress using our silk-feel tulle combined with guipure lace and beaded cuffs. Would you just look at that delicate drape!

Fiona can make your wedding dress – you can find her on Instagram @lovelyasitseams

silk feel tulle wedding dress
silk feel tulle wedding dress
beaded cuff silk feel tulle wedding dress
This polyester tulle is surprisingly strong for such a delicate fabric and can handle being beaded to make these beautiful cuffs
silk feel tulle wedding dress
Pearl buttons and rouleau loops were used to finish the cuffs
silk feel tulle wedding dress
Posted on

Big Graphic Floral Print Linen Tessuti Ruby Dress

big graphic floral print linen mix tessuti ruby dress

Anne used the funkiest of funky prints in a simple and fun A-Line dress by Tessuti patterns called Ruby. The Linen and cotton blend is a lovely medium weight cloth which is lovely to wear in the summer months. The pattern says the “style is flared at the hemline & makes a perfect floaty garment”  Anne says she will practice floating down her local high street looking tres chic 😂😂😂😉

big graphic floral print linen mix tessuti ruby dress
big graphic floral print linen mix tessuti ruby dress
Posted on

Washable Pink Spring Coat

pink sorona kelly anorak with grosgrain trim

Bess tried out this new Sorona fibre (made from corn) as a spring duffle type coat (or that was the intention – she went a bit off-piste). The fabric is velvety soft with a smooth pile and (hoorah!) is washable 👏👏👏, the pattern is the Closet Core Kelly Anorak hacked to take buttons down the front.

There was no fixed idea about colours, length or fastening whilst this jacket was being made, Bess’s husband was away and she took over the kitchen table with her box of tricks and had a good old play. The trimming is a polyester grosgrain that she pinned and repositioned until she had a look that pleased her.

The coat is lined with a super slinky cotton lawn – so slinky Bess thought she’d get away with it on the sleeves but that was a mistake, sooner or later those sleeve linings are going to have to come out and be replaced by regular Venezia so wearing a jumper + wearing the coat does not incur a 10 minute battle of the wills. Cotton, no matter how slinky, is not slinky enough for a coat sleeve. Bess knew this but she tried it anyway. 🙄

At the risk of looking ‘like a girl’ Bess added grosgrain trim to funky it up somewhat, and used a mix of vintage and new half ball buttons. The only interfacing she used was down the front facing (H0026 viscose), normally the hood facing would be interfaced on the kelly anorak but in this heavy fabric it was not necessary.

The jury is out if this fibre is perfect for outerwear, we are always looking out for alternatives to wool for coats and whilst the softness and washability is an absolute boon it is not as warm as wool, not by a long shot. If you can’t wear wool then this would be the next favourite as is far kinder to the environment than any synthetic polyester or acrylic type coating, but to make this a proper coat (to wear in cold weather) you would want to add some interlining to help with the insulation. The bonus of it not being terribly warm is it’s not too hot either – so a great coat to wear when in and out of shops and galleries without having to take off and carry.

Back detail of Kelly Anorak made up in pink sorona fibre coating and trimmed with grosgrain ribbon
Back detail of Kelly Anorak made up in pink sorona fibre coating and trimmed with grosgrain ribbon
Floral print cotton sateen lining and button detail
Floral print cotton sateen lining and button detail
pocket detail
pocket detail
lined hood detail of kelly anorak
lined hood detail of kelly anorak
KElly Anorak made up in pink sorona fibre coating and trimmed with grosgrain ribbon
KElly Anorak made up in pink sorona fibre coating and trimmed with grosgrain ribbon
Posted on

Navy Wool Tweed Duffle Coat

wool tweed duffle coat grainline studio cascade coat

Maria made this fabulous classic navy blue duffle coat to fit her tall frame using coating weight wool tweed and it is perfect for the chilly Scottish weather, love the comment about it reaching her hands – I’ve been making clothes so long I’d forgotten that’s a thing. How do tall people ever put up with ready to wear clothes? Much better idea to make it. 👍
She posted on instagram:

Finally it’s finished!! And just in time for the snow ❄️
I got the fabric for this coat as a Christmas present almost 2 years ago and progress has been sloooow. Lots of new techniques, first time sewing with wool, first time bagging out a lining and I wanted to really take time and get it as good as I could. It’s not perfect but I just love wearing this coat! I’ve wanted a good duffle coat for ages but I struggle with finding one to fit with my height- it’s so nice to have sleeves that actually reach my hands finally! The coat pattern is the #cascadedufflecoat from @grainlinestudio

Posted on

Neon Crepe Ruffle Dress

neon moss crepe ruffle dress

Do not adjust your screen! Shockingly bright neon moss crepe made up beautifully as a ruffle dress by Malin who initially planned it to be a skirt lining – but all best laid plans and all that – It turned into this. Made over the duration of two evenings as a last minute party dress. It’s fabulous. Malin had lots of lovely comments. And she definitely stood out!

Posted on

Robot Print Jersey Bomber Jacket

robot print french terry Jalie Patterns Charlie Bomber

Bess used up her last precious remnant of her favourite robot print french terry jersey on this Jalie Patterns Charlie Bomber jacket for her niece, it is amazing how little main fabric you need for a bomber jacket as the cuffing, pocket contrasts, sleeves and lining are all other remnants. This pattern may just be the ultimate in stash busting!

robot print french terry Jalie Patterns Charlie Bomber
robot print french terry Jalie Patterns Charlie Bomber
zip detail of Jalie patterns Charlie Bomber
zip detail of Jalie patterns Charlie Bomber
Posted on

Printed French Terry Bomber Jacket

printed french terry sweatshirting bomber jacket

Bess used printed french terry sweatshirting jersey and a variety of other sweatshirtings and ribbing to make this Jolie Patterns Charlie Bomber Jacket.. It was a success and Amelie declared she was never going to take it off (YES!)

The pattern has really clear instructions and goes from teeny tiny toddler size all the way up to adults, it’s highly recommended 

Bomber jackets are excellent stash busters as all the pieces are quite small (especially for the kids!) and you can mix and match, bomber jackets are an easy fit so good to make “in secret” without the need to try on.

There was a bit of drama with the making of this one as Bess needed to shorten the zip – usually a simple process of pulling off the teeth at the top and sewing over to stop the puller falling off -except she pulled off the puller before she had it secured and then spent as long trying to get it back on as she did making the entire jacket. 🙄

printed french terry sweatshirting Jalie Patterns Charlie bomber jacket
printed french terry sweatshirting Jalie Patterns Charlie bomber jacket
Posted on

Sequinned Jalie Bomber Jacket for Teenager

jalie bomber using sequined tulle, sweatshirting and cotton rib

Kitcat here wearing the sequinned bomber jacket @bessworks made for her (she’s very pleased 😀).

This is the Charlie bomber from Jalie patterns – The pattern has really clear instructions and goes from teeny tiny toddler size all the way up to adults, it’s highly recommended 🥰.
Bomber jackets are also excellent stash busters as all the pieces are quite small (especially for the kids!) and you can mix and match, bomber jackets are an easy fit so good to make “in secret” without the need to try on.
This multicolour sequined version used only 45cm of the sequin fabric- handy because it is £55/m 😭! – it’s a great way of getting a jacket out of a special fabric that you don’t have /want to buy much of.

doing a twirl in multicolour sequined bomber jacket
doing a twirl in multicolour sequined bomber jacket
multicolour sequined jacket -Jalie Patterns Charlie Bomber
multicolour sequined jacket -Jalie Patterns Charlie Bomber
Posted on

Olive Green Suedette Shirtdress

olive green suedette shirt dress

This dress looks a million dollars and so well executed Katie is rightly proud of her make (and we are so proud of her).
She used a tried and tested pattern ….vogue 8903 and added a cuff. She said she “had to hand sew the collar stand down as it was too much of a challenge getting all those layers through my domestic machine. Really pleased with this and will wear it to death!”

The fabric is a super soft and washable suedette with a bit of stretch in it ❤️ ❤️ ❤️

Posted on

Cotton Lawn Shell Top & Linen Mix A-Line Skirt

floral print cotton lawn shell top and tencel feel linen viscose mix A-Line skirt

Janet made up this super shell top and A-line skirt combo for Lucy using our green and pink archive floral print pima cotton lawn and olive green tencel feel medium weight linen and viscose. Both are unlined and perfect for hot summery days (oh I dream of those!), a concealed zipper is in the back of the skirt.

floral print cotton lawn shell top and tencel feel linen viscose mix A-Line skirt
floral print cotton lawn shell top and tencel feel linen viscose mix A-Line skirt
Posted on

Black 100% Cotton Jersey ‘Sneetch’ T-Shirt

pure cotton star bellied sneetch t-shirt using burda 6602 t-shirt pattern

Bess made a T-Shirt for her ‘star bellied sneetch’ using black 100% cotton piqué low stretch jersey with pale grey Sneetch star (also 100% cotton jersey), -attached with bondaweb and then stitched, black cuffing on the neck, the pattern is Burda 6602 size 44 with no alterations and it is indeed super easy 👏👏👏

Did you know we sell patterns? We do! We stock Burda, Butterick, McCall’s and Vogue, we also can have Simplicity sent direct to you. Our patterns are not on the website but you can browse them online HERE

close up of the star - bondawebbed on and then top-stitched
close up of the star – bondawebbed on and then top-stitched
burda 6602 t-shirt pattern
burda 6602 t-shirt pattern
Posted on

Indigo Denim Wide Leg Jeans

SF11581 10% cotton denim approx 10oz made up as Deer and Doe Narcisse Pants

Bess used a heavy 10oz 100% cotton denim to make these jeans using the Deer and Doe ‘Narcisse’ pants which is designed for medium weight fabrics such as linen or worsted suiting. Due to the weight Bess didn’t want darts – the front darts were moved into side and centre front seam, the back darts were turned into a yoke*. She also wasn’t sure about inseam pockets on such a heavy denim so used regular jean pockets and the back welt pockets were swapped for patch pockets.

The pattern was sized down quite a bit as this denim is too heavy to be too big, bias stay tape on the pocket – it works a treat and keeps that pocket opening the size and shape the sewing gods wanted

*Drafting a yoke from the back darts is super easy First, take your back trouser pattern and make a horizontal cut near the top of the pattern piece to make the yoke. When you are cutting, it should kind of yoke-shaped, ie, angled higher at the side seams and lower at the center back. Your cut should touch the tip of the dart(s). Take the yoke that you cut off, slash through the darts and close them. This will change the shape of the pattern piece and if it becomes too ‘pointy’ just smooth off a little to make it a nice curve. Add seam allowances to both yoke and trouser seams. Works every time 👍

10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants-front view
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants -front view
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants - back view
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants – back view
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants - inside showing happy bees print cotton poplin pockets
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants – inside showing happy bees print cotton poplin pockets
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants - inside showing front pocket reinforcement with bias stay tape H0119
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants – inside showing front pocket reinforcement with bias stay tape H0119
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants - inside showing side panel carpenter tabs (beacause you never know when you might need to hang a hammer off your jeans)
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants – showing side panel carpenter tabs (because you never know when you might need to hang a hammer off your jeans)
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants - inside showing side panel carpenter tabs (beacause you never know when you might need to hang a hammer off your jeans)
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants – showing side panel carpenter tabs
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants - inside showing side panel carpenter tabs (beacause you never know when you might need to hang a hammer off your jeans)10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants - side view
10oz indigo cotton denim narcisse pants – side view
Posted on

Blue Gingham Shirred Sundress

navy gingham seersucker cotton sundress

All praise this super simple (no pattern) shirred cotton gingham sundress made by RhiannonP. ❤️
Why complicate what is perfectly simple?

A bodice like this is simply a rectangle about 3 times the bust measurement and shirred (elasticated) in to fit. The skirt is approximately twice the hip measurement and gathered in to fit the bodice.

What is harder to achieve (in the UK ) is the sunshine to go with the dress. 🙄

Posted on

Navy Blue Herringbone Tweed Jacket & Waistcoat

Navy herringbone yorkshire made wool tweed made into man's jacket & waistcoat

Pure wool British made tweed is an absolute joy to work with but nevertheless the skills involved to create this fabulous man’s jacket and waistcoat is exemplary, Gary launched into this project with no training nor teacher (other than his ‘Sewing for Men’ Simplicity how-to book from the 70’s – gifted from a neighbour (it cost 40p!)) and my oh my he did a good job. The pattern is self drafted / robbed from existing/ cobbled together as all great sewists can do. The jacket and waistcoat are both lined in a lovely deep burgundy satin lining. It’s all just soooo good.

And he made a baker boy hat too!

pure wool navy blue herringbone yorkshire tweed
yorkshire herringbone tweed jacket, waistcoat and baker boy hat
Posted on

Stretch Denim Jeans – That Fit

black denim stretch jeans self drafted and closet core ginger jeans

Joan bought indigo and a black stretch denims from us in a bid to get some jeans that fit and she did a stellar job.

The pattern she used was a mix up of various elements: an old Vogue pattern for the blue jeans fly, Closet Core Ginger midrise jeans for the start of the black fly, and a lot of the sewing method, plus a pattern drafted off an old pair of her best fitting jeans and tweaked for a better fit. She modified the fly so that it more closely resembled RTW finish in the black pair and that worked better than the blue pair.

She bought the Mara 70 thread and found the best success when using it in the bobbin plus top thread.

jeans fly and jeans pockets details
jeans fly and jeans pockets details
Posted on

Black Classic Wool Melton Coat

black wool melton coat burda 6845

Lois used Burda 6845 with no alterations (though she conseeds it’s a little long we think it’s nice like that) and used our black wool melton. I’m in awe of her pockets – they are seriously neat. This is a proper lovely coat. Well done Lois.