Rachel channeling her inner Bette Lynch in this leopard print scuba jersey wrap skirt. The pattern is Simplicity 1322, large lacquered coconut buttons were added for fun and modesty -the skirt makes her feel quite saucy with the open wrap front (which is a good thing). The skirt is lined in Red Venezia.
Author: bessworks
Red Liberty Wrap T-Shirt
Woodland Animal Print Swirly Skirt
Rachel wearing her Tula Pink for Free Spirit woodland animals print cotton skirt using Vogue 8588 pattern, the hem is bound in satin bias binding. She was worried she was going to feel like mutton dressed as lamb (as if), but actually feels fabulous wearing it. There were debates about adding lace to the hem to extend it (there is no more of the fabric) but we think she’s right to have left it be.
Red Scuba Jersey Chado Ralph Rucci Dress
Jacoba triumphant in her Chado Ralph Rucci dress made up in red scuba jersey, she said it’s been great to do some sewing again. The (minor) changes made to the pattern were raising the front slit by 2 inches, omitting the front panel pockets (didn’t want the extra bulk), and also slightly changing the curve on the shoulders. She said the jersey was remarkably good fabric to work with. Huzzah for that top-stitiching!
Light Blue Broderie Anglaise Panelled Dress
Bess wearing her super summery light blue broderie anglaise cotton dress at the Pimm’s stall at the village fête. The dress is her same Jaeger dress pattern with the neck cut lower and lined in ivory cotton lawn. The neck is piped with red satin piping (made with a super lightweight bias binding and piping cord) and bias binding around the armholes.
Just to be extra fancy Bess used french seams on the lining (this has practical reasons as well as showing off -it is stronger and everything looks neater), and a heavy repp bias binding around the hem to give it a little structure. Despite the snug fit and no lycra Bess can still wiggle in without a zip.
Neon shoes are an optional extra 😉
Vintage 1970s Denim Dress
Lulu in her vintage 1970’s dress made in stretch denim with a lime green wash. Accented with patch pockets, the dress is unlined and has bias binding around the armholes/neck. She made this maybe… 15 years ago? So doubly vintage then!
Dresses in fabrics like classic denim that fit well will never go out of style.
Amy Butler Printed and Laminated Cotton Raincoat
Julie made up this fabulous Amy Butler print laminated cotton raincoat using Burda 7047. We love the spotty cotton lining and the drawstring waist which gives it just enough shape. Sewing laminated cotton can be a bit of a challenge, if you find it sticking to your feed dogs and not feeding through the sewing machine properly tear off strips of tissue paper and sandwich the fabric between the strips, it will then tear off when you are done.
Blue Spotty Button Up Mac
Julie made this blue big spotty button up Mac using quick drying proofed microfibre some years ago – and still her go-to coat for a rainy walk to work.
Orange Spotty Cotton Shirt
Purple Stretch Cotton Piqué Panelled Shift Dress
Bess was looking at this purple piqué for well over a year before she decided she was able to wear purple, and is rather loving the extra colour in her wardrobe. The pattern is a long tried and tested pattern she took from a Jaeger dress (seen here in many guises). This time it is unlined and piped in green satin around the neck and has green bias binding inside the hem (just in case anyone should look inside.
Despite the close fit no zip is necessary – she just wiggles in.
Cream Daisy Lace Maternity Dress with Pink Yoke
Clair made this cream daisy lace maternity dress with pink linen viscose yoke for Rosie for a Scottish high summer (ha ha) wedding… on the morning of the party! The toile had been sorted out previously (see pic below in embroidered linen and viscose). The pattern is a 80’s /90’s vintage McCall’s pattern found on Ebay.
Orange sequinned Silk Georgette Coat
Annabelle in her fabulous orange sequinned silk georgette coat trimmed with pink diamanté buttons.
ED. It is normal for me to have sewing envy when posting up pics of your makes but this is at a whole new level. I need an orange sparkly semi sheer coat! I need it!
Pink Sequinned Tulle Dress with Georgette
3D Floral Print Stretch Cotton Sateen Dress
Shirley made this fabulous 3d printed stretch cotton sateen up into a shift dress, it is lined in Venezia lining and the neck and armholes are piped very thinly in black.
Brown Floral Linen Mix Shirt
Shirley made this floral print linen and cotton shirt after a long hiatus in sewing (I’m wondering if this is Shirley’s sewing after a break how good was it before?!). Cut with a v-neck band and 3/4 sleeves, this shirt is a great Summer wardrobe staple.
Orange and Blue Floral Print Stretch Cotton Sateen V-Neck Back Dress
Marion wearing her fabulous orange and blue floral print stretch cotton sateen v-neck back dress. Designed and made for her by the genius Dawn Hooper of Hardy and Hooper (Maidenhead).
Cat Print Cotton and Elastane Jersey Dress
Marion on her silver wedding anniversary cruise wearing her fun and easy cat print cotton jersey dress designed and made for her by the genius Dawn Hooper of Hardy and Hooper (Maidenhead).
Lilac and Ochre Abstract Print Stretch Cotton Sateen Dress
Marion wearing this superb mock wrap lilac and ochre print stretch cotton sateen dress. Designed and made for her by the genius Dawn Hooper of Hardy and Hooper (Maidenhead).
Jade and Coral Floral Print Stretch Cotton Sateen Dress with Peplum
Marion wearing her jade and coral floral print stretch cotton sateen dress with v-neck and peplum detail. Designed and made for her by the genius Dawn Hooper of Hardy and Hooper (Maidenhead).
Floral and Animal Print Stretch Cotton Drill Dress
Marion wearing this superb floral and animal print stretchy cotton drill dress designed and made for her by the genius Dawn Hooper of Hardy and Hooper (Maidenhead).
Coral and Blue Floral Stretch Cotton Sateen Dress
Marion sporting her coral and blue stretch cotton sateen dress, designed and made for her by the genius Dawn Hooper of Hardy and Hooper (Maidenhead).
Pink Denim Skirt and Jacket with Lace Trim
Jane made this Denim jacket and matching skirt with stretch pink denim for Kitcat. It is trimmed in black lace (because Kitcat is 9 going on 19). The skirt is a great little pattern from Burda (9480) – the back was made slightly wider so elastic could be put in. The Jacket was an utter nightmare – BEWARE OF INDIE PATTERNS DOWNLOADED FROM THE INTERNET! She eventually got there though! And Kitcat is very pleased.
Topstitched with two poly sew all threads run through the same eye of the needle (a trick that is far easier and reliable than using topstitching thread, we have found). The coloured jeans buttons are riveted in.
The belt was made by Harlequin (you send them the fabric and hey presto!)
Pink Denim Jacket and Skirt for Dolly
Kitcat came up with the bright idea that when Jane makes her an outfit her dolly, Ayla should get one too. This concept is like a red rag to the bull to Jane so here we have a matching pink denim jacket and mini skirt to match her life size one; even down to the black lace trim.
She’s no fool, that Kitcat.
Green Lace Print Silk Crepe Dress
Kerry wearing her green lace print silk crepe de chine princess line dress using Simplicity 2247, which she said she would not make again in such a delicate fabric but we think it looks fabulous. Hems were hand rolled.
Geometric Print Needlecord A-Line Dress
Daiga made this aqua, brown and chartreuse green geometric print cotton needlecord up into a great retro inspired dress for a nine year old and embellished the seams and front with lace and does up with a concealed zip down the back.
Multicolour Floral Digital Print A-Line Dress
Daiga made this floral digitally printed viscose jersey up into a fabulous dress for a 6 year old using simplicity 1146. The neckline is embellished with diamanté (what little six year old doesn’t love a bit of bling? And what mother doesn’t love a dress that can be screwed up into a little ball but still looks perfect when worn?
Blue and White Print Linen and Viscose Blouse
Marilyn off travelling to somewhere tropical and looking super cool in her floral stencil print linen and viscose shirt made with a Style Arc pattern “Elsie”.
Grey Cotton Dobby Voile Dress
Maxine came to the shop with her bag stuffed with nearly finished projects and wearing this fabulous creation.
Made using a Marcy Tilton for Vogue pattern (9171), it’s a shirt/tunic which she has lengthened a bit. The fabric is a grey dobby cotton lawn. Isn’t it lovely?
Turquoise Houses Print Pleated Dress
Cammie came to the shop with a sewing bug after making up this fabulous cotton voile dress. She used Simplicity 1873 and lined it in cotton lawn. Well done Cammie! It looks ace!
Rose Print Stretch Cotton Sateen Cap Sleeve Dress
Celia looking stunning in her rose print stretch cotton sateen dress made using Burda pattern 6920 (slightly lengthened). The dress is unlined as the fabric is already quite structured. Celia loves these stretchy cotton prints, as they are so easy to make up and fit beautifully.
Dyed Cotton Sweatshirting Trousers
Bryan looking terribly dapper wearing his machine dyed cotton sweatshirting trousers made by Rachel. They have extra deep pockets for stashing various things that a man needs whilst still having hands free for the zimmer. Genius!
Dyed using Dylon machine dye (denim blue), the waist has elastic with a drawstring at the front.
Floral Print Cotton and Linen Flared Dress
Celia showing off her floral print linen and cotton flared dress made using New Look pattern 6390 (lengthened a bit). It is fully lined in cotton lawn and has an invisible zip in the back.
School Shirt and Shorts
Summer ready and super stylish Kitcat in her white spotty jacquard cotton school shirt and green gingham shorts. There is also a matching belt (covered by Harlequin). This girl will not be showing her knickers whilst handstanding in the playground!
To make the gingham a little heavier for the shorts Jane backed it with cotton lawn interfacing (iron-on).
Patterns: The shirt is Burda 9744 and the shorts are Burda 9481.
Navy Flecky Sweatshirting Jacket
Bree was pleased as punch with this jacket she made in record time entirely on her sewing machine (no cheating with an overlocker), it is a blue cotton sweatshirting with multicolour flecks, she used McCall’s pattern 6844. FABULOUS!
Corduroy and Cotton Jersey Circle Dress
Eloise modelling her bright blue jumbo cord dress with jersey circle inserts and inseam pockets. Made by Aunty Bess who would really like one for herself but suspects she’s too big.
Alice in Wonderland Sleepwear
Aqua and Black Frigate Bird Dress
Bess made this super fine linen dress with black bird print for her holiday in Tobago, it’s made using her basic block with just the shaping from bust darts and a centre back seam. Nicknamed the frigate bird dress as the print is similar to the ubiquitous birds of the Caribbean.
It is unlined and the neck is bound with super lightweight satin bias binding.
Designer Textured Wool Jacket
Mrs Stutt at the shop showing off her superb designer textured wool jacket made up in a simple boxy cardigan jacket style. Lined in Venezia and trimmed with leather binding.
3D Floral Print Stretch Cotton Sateen Pleated Skirt
Tracey in French France wearing her fabulous 3D floral printed Stretch Cotton Sateen pleated skirt using McCall’s 6706, there is cotton lawn lining (pink, of course) and pink and black tulle underskirt.
Worsted Wool Waistcoats
Vanessa again with these beautifully made worsted wool waistcoats lined in jacquard coat lining. They are made using Burda 7799 pattern. Look at those beautiful collar notches!
Teal Reversible Fraser Sweatshirt
Vanessa came to the shop with this Fraser sweatshirt (from Sewaholic), made with a reversible cotton sweatshirting so the stripe contrast shows on cuffs and neck binding. It is super warm and comfy (not to mention stylish).
Green Denim Kid’s Mini Skirt & Jacket
Jane made this lime green denim mini skirt and jacket for Miaow. The jacket was a pattern downloaded whose author shall remain anonymous due to the derogatory comments that have come out of Jane while making it. It was a battle to find a kid’s denim jacket pattern at all, it would have been quicker (and easier) to have drafted it ourselves after the multitude of alterations that had to be done to this pattern. The skirt was easy though!
Made using stretch cotton denim and trimmed with cotton poplin and coloured jeans buttons. The belt on the skirt is made by Harlequin who cover buckles and buttons with your fabric super quick and efficiently. Funky!
Green Gingham School Dress
Miaow modelling her school dress made by Jane using green cotton gingham and the Burda 9717 pattern.
Gingham School Skirt
Rudi the Siamese kitten getting in on the picture with Kitcat’s school skirt (he is so vain). Green cotton gingham with elasticated waist and slant pockets.
Denim Blue Wool Silk and Linen Shift Dress with Flounce
Daiga wearing her beautifully fitted short sleeved denim blue wool silk and linen mix shift dress with lovely seam detailing and hem flounce. She made it using Burda 6640 and lined it in Venezia.
Blue Irish Linen Smock Dress
Elwen ready for her travels in her blue Irish Linen shirting weight smock dress. The yoke is a batik printed cotton. Armholes and neck are bound with bias and there is no zip.
Silk Posh Frock
Rowena being a very glam Mother of the Groom in her black and magenta abstract print silk satin flared dress and matching dupion silk fitted jacket. She was a busy bee as she also made her hat and bag plus grooms men’s cravats and hankies. Also her daughter in law’s lace gown (which she beaded!) her veil and headdress.
Blimey! Now she is off to do some gardening.
Ivory Hoody Sweatshirt Tunic with Grey Stripe Cuffs
Bess wearing her hoody tunic in ivory sweatshirting on top of the South Devon Cliffs on a brisk April walk. Bess used Vogue 8951 pattern and added grey stripey cuffing.
Harry Potter Costume
Mia casting spells in the bathroom wearing her Harry Potter costume made by Jane for World Book Day. The cape was made to directions found on Burdastyle.com in Black poly viscose elastane suiting and lined in burgundy heavy poly satin lining. (We bought the wand and the badge on Ebay).
School Shirt and Skater Skirt
School shirt made for Kitcat (by Jane) with white cotton seersucker using Burda 9744 pattern. Green gingham cotton skater skirt using MCall’s 6918.
School Shirt and Skorts
School shirt made for Miaow (by Jane) with white cotton seersucker using Burda 9744 pattern. Green gingham cotton skorts (The shorts bit underneath is green cotton and elastane jersey) using MCall’s 6918.
Embroidered Whales Seersucker Jimjams
Kitcat wearing her whale embroidered babydoll nightie and cropped jimjams made by Jane (the granny). The babydoll is Butterick pattern 6659 cut out in a size 6 despite Kitcat being 9 (she is tiny).
A few different shorts were made but only one pair had the wales the right way up due to the new kitten ‘helping’ Jane cut out the pattern (the only way to do it was to cover up the paper so he couldn’t dive in on attack, which also meant Jane couldn’t see what she was doing. Doh!
Black Guipure Lace Dress with Cream Silk Lining
Bess enjoying a glass of bubbly wearing her black guipure lace dress which was lined in cream silk rep suiting. The pattern is her very basic dress block that only has bust darts and a centre back seam for shape. It’s tricky to tell in this photo but the lining is 3″ shorter leaving the scalloped edge unlined. Also unseen is the perfectly matched centre back seam (You’ll have to trust me on this one).
The lining and the lace are made up separately and joined at the neck with a vibrant turquoise satin bias binding. There’s no zip- it just chucks over the head.
Digital Bird Print Cotton Drill Skirt
Rachel surrounded by toiles and all things dressmaking at the sewing retreat weekend in Bromsgrove, wearing her bird digital print stretch cotton drill skirt and purple fleece with roll neck.
Grey Jersey Victory Dress
Kate outside the shop wearing her Grey Cotton mix jacquard jersey ‘Lola’ dress made from a Victory pattern. It has fabulous deep pockets that go all the way round the side seams. The neck, hem and cuffs are all finished with cotton ribbing.
Wool Tartan Swishy Box Pleat Ruched Skirt
Alphabet Print Viscose and Elastane Jersey
Jessie wearing black and multicolour alphabet print viscose and elastane jersey T-Shirt made by Bess for her Christmas Present (has been worn to death since!). The pattern was taken from a favourite Jaeger Breton T-Shirt so it was designed for heavier interlock type jersey but works very well in this slinky viscose jersey. The square neck is interfaced with extra-light iron on interfacing H0019 and the back neck and shoulder seam has a stabilising tape sewn in so they do not stretch out of shape.
White Sweatshirt
Bess made this uber-simple top using loopback sweatshirting from an old favourite Vogue t-shirt pattern. She bound the neck in self fabric and hemmed with a simple zigzag stitch.
Deep Red Damiel Linen sleeveless Tunic Shirt
Lesley sent us this Damiel washed Linen top by Katherine Tilton, Butterick 6138. It is a delight to wear and the heavy linen was perfect for it.
Plum and Burgundy cardigan jacket Type Tweed Cape
Amanda made this fabulous cape using British cardigan jacket type tweed. You can find Amanda on Facebook as Fascin8 Millinery and on Instagram as Amanda587.