Named Pattern Loudes

I was really excited to start making the Named Pattern Lourdes as it was my first proper step into outerwear. I made it in a polka dot wool which was bought from Walthamstow market from the man outside Sainsbury's and lined it in a cotton from Backstitch.

Sadly, I made a humongous error before I had even made one stitch. I measured myself using the guidelines on the pattern then decided to completely ignore the sizing and make the size up! I'd like to say that it was my first time making this error, but it's far from it.

To combat the sizing issue I had to take it apart when it was near completion. I heavily increased the size of the inverted pleat at the back and reduced the size of the arms and side seams. All of this resulted in a completely different shape to the jacket than the original design. It's not that I don't like the flared shape but I still can't shake the feeling that it's just not right!

The instructions were comprehensive the whole way through and made the construction straight forward and easier than I anticipated.

The fabric I used was reversible so I used the purple side for the facing which I think adds a nice touch to the inside.

I love the detail on the back of the cuffs...it's so pretty!

My machine couldn't make the button holes as the fabric was too thick. I borrowed my mum's machine for the job which is a slightly better model but it still struggled and they're far from perfect up close. The buttons are a gold/bronze colour and were purchased from John Lewis. I wasn't sure about them when I sewed them on but they're growing on me.

All in all I'm pleased with it but I definitely see it as a wearable toile and I will certainly be making another.

Happy sewing x

Fabric shopping in Walthamstow

This week is my Easter holiday and I thought it would be nice to kick start it with a bit of fabric shopping at Walthamstow Market. I buy fabric from lots of different places but quite a large amount comes from Walthmstow.

The market is located in North London, there is a tube station about a 5 minute walk from the market itself so it's not too difficult to get to if you're North of London. It really is worth a visit as the market is an absolute treasure trove of fabric which is all priced amazingly! It's rare to pay over £5 a meter with most fabric approximately £2.50 a meter.

Walthamsow market has a large number of stalls and shops which sell a range of fabric. There is a man outside Sainsburys and a lady slightly further down (Maynards Fabrics) who are definitely the highlight of the market. If you choose to visit it's worth coming with an open mind. It's not the place to go if you are looking for something specific but it is particularly good for drapey fabrics and wools. There are also a couple of haberdasheries which are very good value for zips.

This is my haul from the market...

First of all is this rather beautiful sand washed silk which I intend to make a Named pattern Inari tee dress. It's much darker in real life and has a gorgeous drape to it.

I also bought this rather gorgeous cotton lawn with a repeating floral pattern which I think I will use for a top of some sorts.

Next up are a couple of rayon/cotton mixes which I haven't quite decided what to do with yet! Any ideas?

I also bought a couple more drapey fabrics but I'm not too sure what they're made of.

I also picked up a couple of pieces of sweatshirt fabric to make a few more Lindens. I would like to free motion embroider on one if I can manage to get my machine to play along!

Last of all I am absolutely in love with the next fabric which I think I will make into a top with a yoke top and a bottom lined with a grey fabric.

As you can imagine, by stash is now bulging! If you do go to Walthamstow market I hope that you have a fabulous time! Also any suggestions for any of the fabrics I have bought will be welcomely received! Happy sewing x

An Emery in Pencil Shavings

I was gifted this rather lovely Liberty print by my Dad for Christmas. As soon as I saw it I knew I wanted it to be an Emery dress! It's the perfect print for a teacher to wear too, isn't it?

I have made the Emery before so no adjustments were needed which made it a pretty quick project. I decided to go for the collar this time instead of the bow. I had reservations about the collar which seems large on some Emery dresses but I think that the heavy pattern of the fabric helps it to blend in and alleviate this.

I was going through a 'sew the stash' phase which means that it is lined in a very boring grey lining fabric. I regret this decision as having my makes beautiful inside and out is really important to me.

As ever, the cheery on top of the Emery dress are the pockets! This dress is definitely going to become one of my favourites.

I hope you all have a great bank holiday weekend. Happy sewing x

Scrumptious Saiph

I have been ogling the Paper Cut Saiph pattern for a while so I decided that it was time to take the plunge and start sewing. I bought a spotty drapey fabric from Walthamstow market. On reflection the pattern of the fabric is a little too loud for me but I'm still pleased with the dress.

The pattern is actually a tunic, which I don't tend to wear so I decided to lengthen the bodice pattern piece to make it into a dress instead. I originally made the dress with long sleeves but the pattern of the fabric seemed over whelming on me so I shortened them into three quarter length before hemming.

The dress has a gorgeous peplum bottom which is made using a full circle. Because of this it has lots of movement which I love.

The pattern would be great for beginners (or zip haters) as is has a button back using a rouleau loop. I used a pretty heart button which I had in my stash.

As the peplum is made using a full circle I finished the hem using satin bias binding. I haven't used satin bias binding before but it was absolutely perfect for the drapey fabric as it doesn't restrict it at all. I will definitely be adding more satin bias binding to my stash!

Happy sewing!

Linden Sweatshirt Hack

I absolutely fell in love with a sweatshirt in Liberty about a year ago. It had a rather large price tag which I just couldn't justify so I sadly left it behind. This winter however, I decided to try and make my own using the Grainline Linden pattern and I couldn't be happier!

This was the original, I think that they're pretty closely matched!

The Linden pattern itself was a dream to work with and made up quickly and easily. I sewed it together using an overlocker but it could easily be made using a sewing machine. When topstitching my sewing machine initially struggled with feeding the fleecy back through so I attached my walking foot which worked much better.

I adapted the pattern by flaring it out at the sides to alter the shape. The peplum was made using a double layer of black organza which I cut from the width of the fabric, gathered then hand stitched onto the hem.

I'm really pleased with this make, there will definitely be a few more Linden sweatshirts appearing in my wardrobe!

Happy sewing!

Let the spring sewing commence...

It feels slightly ridiculous to be sharing this make with you today especially as it has been snowing only this morning! But I have decided to begin sewing some spring/summery wardrobe pieces whilst also still trying to wade my way through my wool stash (far too large for this time of year of course) before I have to put it away for a few months.

I have been busy sewing another Deer and Doe Datura. I love this pattern, it sews together beautifully and is constructed so that it is gorgeous both inside and out. Since I began sewing there has been a big influx of pattern into my wardrobe and I'm lacking plains to wear with them so this was a tactical make!

It's made using a cream cotton fabric which has an embellished edge. Datura originally has a curved hem which wouldn't have worked with this fabric so I extended the top to the lowest point the whole way around. I was concerned that it would look boxy but I think it actually looks less boxy than the original design.

Pattern matching is definitely not a strong point of mine so I'm pretty pleased with the match if the curves at the back and side. I used some heart buttons from my button stash to finish the back of the top.

I have no doubt that that this will become a wardrobe staple (when it stops snowing and raining!). Happy sewing x

A pretty in pink pencil skirt

Despite not having blogged about it, I have made this pencil skirt three times now and wear them regularly to work. They're a bit of a staple in my wardrobe. I traced the pattern from The Great British Sewing Bee: Sew Your Own Wardrobe. The instructions are clear but not extensive. I definitely did a little bit of google searching the first time I made it!

I made the skirt in a wool from Walthamstow Market. I'm not sure what kind of wool it is but it has an almost felted quality and feels gorgeous to the touch.

The fabric was very thick, which I didn't really account for. Luckily, the previous skirts were slightly too large so it does fit. If I hadn't had this ease though it definitely would not have fit! Because the fabric was so thick I used a scrap of Liberty lawn for the facings (it's actually a scrap left over from the top I'm wearing!)

The thick fabric supports the vent nicely at the back of the skirt but my darts could be better! I need to either invest or get sewing a tailors ham so that I can press out my darts neater. Has anyone made one before?

I decided to make a bow for the front of the skirt which runs from one dart to the other. I absolutely love the bow! Although it means that I will have to tuck tops into the skirt I think that it's worth it. This pencil skirt will definitely become another wardrobe staple like the others!

I've been dreaming of sewing all week so I'm happily off to sew a Liberty Print Emery dress. What are your sewing plans for the weekend?

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