Sewing Freya

I know, I know, everyone’s making it but it’s another Tilly and The Buttons Freya (in fact it’s another two!) but until you try this pattern you will not realise how amazing it is to make and wear.

It has a soft mock roll neck, a roll neck or a cowl neck and comes with two lengths, multiple sleeve lengths and an optional frill at the chest, which I think really mixes it up but this will not be happening in my life as I have no need to more fullness across my chest!

I pre-ordered the book and I was so excited that I got to work straight away and had a dress version of the Freya sewn up before the book was even officially released! Obviously, the book is called Stretch so you can use jersey or ponte. I went straight for a red jersey I had in my stash which had been patiently waiting all along for a project like this.

I chose the mock roll neck and made the dress version. The instructions, as always, are super easy to follow and the construction is really quick, I can see this becoming an easy wardrobe staple, especially as roll necks are so great for layering.

I didn’t want to miss out of the chance to ruffle it up so I cut two 3 inch strips the length of the fabric, stitched them in to a loop and gathered like mad! I then attached this to the bottom of the dress to make a bit of a feature. I’m in love with it!

After this success I decided I needed another in my life. I ordered some amazing rainbow stripe jersey from Sew Me Sunshine and got to work on another – again with a mock roll but this time in a top version. This one did not come together as easily because I chose stripes, I needed to make sure that they matched up (well as much as I could anyway). I don’t sew with stripes much but it was nice to take extra care to get it right and I’m really pleased with it. I feel a little bit like a wannabe as Tilly herself has made one very similar but I don’t care because I LOVE IT SO MUCH! It’s the perfect, bright, pick-me-up t-shirt. It also goes with ALL of my Pink Coat Club pins!

One more thing, I have had problems with the fit of TATB patterns before but this fits an absolute dream, I haven’t had to take out for my chest and I feel that it isn’t too tight. The vote for my April challenge seems to be the Joni Dress too so you’ll soon see another Stretch make on the blog hopefully!

Varda Top

The Christine Haynes Varda dress/top pattern had me persuaded to buy it because it has some magnificent pictures of the different versions people have made. I saw them on instagram and I was hooked. I already have the Ultimate Shift Dress pattern and use it regularly as you will see here and here but they had a sale and I had to have it.

I mentioned on my first vlog that I intended to make it as a top with this lovely light blue linen that the lovely Simona over at Adventures in the Attick sent me. It was probably about a metre and I knew I wouldn’t get the sleeves out of it so I used the cap sleeve pattern which come with the Ultimate Shift Dress and made them instead.

It’s another super reliable and quick pattern. It has more shape the the Sew Over It pattern as it has really deep side darts and darts in the back so I think the Varda could quickly replace it as a go to shift pattern. I sometimes feel I needed a bit more shape with it and often found I wore belts with the dress so I think this will offer more shape for me.

I got the the zip insertion and decided to use a patterned Zip (I don’t know the of official name of it!)  on impulse which is exposed. I love the effect this has on an otherwise simple shift top (I think I have issues keeping the things I make plain!)

I’m really happy with it, especially the sleeves which end up lined so it has a really nice finish. I followed the same steps as with the Rebecca Page Riviera Blouse which I have made twice and used a bias binding to encase the raw edge and give a neat finish, which is pretty hard to photograph! 

I wore it with RTW white jeans from Marks and Spencers and a statement necklace. I felt like it gave me a really relaxed and chilled look. You will note I have still not got my act together and made my own trousers or jeans yet! 

 

I will definitely use this pattern again and intend the make the dress version next, maybe in black as I think that would make a great wardrobe staple.

Me Made Northumberland- The Summer Edition.

It’s no surprise to anyone, I’m sure, that Kyle and I have spent our summer holidays up in the lovely Northumberland. It is our favourite place in the world. As always, I’ve tried to make as much as my wardrobe as I can, sticking to some more casual pieces this time. I had 2 weeks of the Summer holiday before we went so I managed to get some good sewing in, so many of my garments will be as yet unblogged. Anyway, I still wanted to share my makes Me Made May style.

Day One: we were mostly travelling and settling in so I wore my super comfy Moneta Hack top and some RTW leggings and a Hoodie. I love this fabric from Girl Charlee, it’s so comfy. I got it in the Sew Up North swap. We did arrive early so I managed to get some time in on the beach with my crochet project, Virus Shawl, which I will blog once it’s finished.

Day Two: We had to perfect Sunday chill day, with a lazy breakfast, a walk around the village of Belford and hanging round on the roof terrace. This called for my chilled Linen Tunic, blogged here. It’s an old pattern called Sew Girl and for what I can gather it was free with a magazine about 3 years ago. I got in the swap at Leeds. The fabric was from John Lewis in the sale on the same day.

Day three: I wore my most recent Moneta in the amazing paisley jersey I got from EBay. One of my most favourite Monetas yet. I love it. I wore it to Beadnell Beach where we say watching the fishermen come in on the harbour. Perfect.

Day four: I wore my recent Florence Dress by Sew Over it,  which is super comfy and relaxed for a drive in land and a very impromptu trip to the pub, where to locals were having a jamming session. The dress is made using this super light Mermaid fabric from EBay and was a sewalong in Simply Sewing Magazine.  

Day five: we spent a relaxed day at the beach and in true Northumberland summer style, I needed both a hat and my sunglasses! My outfit was a RTW light jumper and jeans combo but I did wear a handmade hat! This hat was made for me by the lovely Lhizz who I did my handmade dress swap with. In our communication with each other I told her I had started crochet and so alongside my Dress I got this lovely hat, which I knew would be perfect for the beach!

Day six : was a beautiful day and we had a travel to Ford and Etal where I wore my first and favourite Galaxy Moneta.  It’s a great throw on dress!

Day Seven: I wore my Rebecca Page Arabella Skirt which is her newest pattern. I made this as a brand ambassador. It has just been released and it’s a super easy make so check it out. I love this retro tape fabric, it has just the right flow for a dress with this much gathering. I feel really feminine in it and it’s super comfy for relaxing with my book!

Day Eight: We had a walk to Saint Cuthbert’s Cave, which was super cool. I wore a Peach Skin Sorbetto with fabric from Abakhan, which I never bothered blogging and a RTW jumper and jeans. It’s quickly becoming apparent that the only solely RTW things I have in my wardrobe are jeans and jumpers, I have to sort this out as winter approaches.

We went to the pub later that evening where I wore my Velo Culottes again with a RTW chambray Tee. I didn’t manage to get a picture though because all the family were with us by this point.

Day Nine: I wore my Newest Moneta again today to go and see the Handlebards, who are a cycling touring theatre company who perform Shakespeare. They did Midsummer Night’s Dream at Bamburgh Castle and it was such an amazing night! The sunset was to die for!

Day Ten: we had a trip to the Milk Bar at Wooler for Milkshakes and Sundaes, I actually wore RTW with a denim style Tee and some harem style trousers and then very quickly realised why I make my own clothes… Look the this horrendous pattern matching on the crotch!

I also went to The Village Tea Rooms and Emporium and bought some more lovely fabric to make these amazing cushions for our new sofa.

Day Eleven: I wore another Moneta I threw together before we came away, which has glasses all over it so it is very me.

Day Twelve: My mum and I went to Edinburgh for the day and I wore my Sew Girl Tunic which was perfectly practical for a touristy day. We had an amazing time; the fringe was on so we saw lots of things going on and the city was just vibrant! Here I am outside Edinburgh Fabrics with my trusty raincoat!!

Telling you about everything we did could be a post in itself but the highlights were, looking around the fashion section of The Scottish Museum.

And finding The Elephant House Cafe where J.K Rowling wrote the first Harry Potter.

Day Thirteen: was a beautiful day and Kyle and I went for breakfast before we all visited Beadnell Beach. I wore my Hacked Orla, which I will blog soon, especially as it isn’t much like an Orla like at all any more! The fabric is another I got in the Sew Up North swap.

Day Fourteen: finally, I wore my Bird Tee which is Mccalls M6927. A really practical make for another day on the beach.

I hope you haven’t found the post too long, I find it a really useful way to round up what I have made and assess my wardrobe; I quite clearly need hand made jeans and jumpers in my life! Let me know to you think and it you follow me on instagram you’ll see more daily pictures anyway.

Breezy Birdy Tee

Me Made May has been so good to identify gaps in my wardrobe. It has become very apparent that I don’t have many separates. I am definitely a dress kind of girl but I don’t wear dresses all the time and I definitely need more casual separates in my life. 

With this in mind, I embarked on Mccalls M6927. It’s a pattern I got free with Sew Style although it only goes up to a size 16, it allows for different cup sizes which is where I usually need a bigger size. So I cut the biggest cup option and graded it up slightly so it was more like an 18. I made view C, which is really basic and exactly what I needed. 

I made it using this lovely turquoise with bird shapes on it, which was an absolute bargain from The Textile Centre. The pattern is levelled at easy and it really was. As I usually do if I can get away with it, I opted for bias neckline rather than a facing and I used it on the hems of the sleeves and on the bottom hem too. 

It was that quick to sew, that I really don’t know why I don’t have more separates like this in my life!! It’s a really easy top to throw on with jeans, perfect for my chilled holidays. 
I like it that much that I immediately decided to make another using some fabric from a bundle I am reviewing for Minerva Crafts. You’ll see it soon I hope. As there are so many options and different ways to change this top up, I can’t see it becoming a firm favourite.

I wore it with my RTW shorts and it was made just in time for my holidays to Bamburgh and the end of Me Made May! 

I convince Kyle to do some jumping pics

There’s a castle behind my head!

The Betty Blouse

I’ve had this blouse cut out for a while now… the design of it requires pintucks and I have been meaning to buy a pintuck foot for some time. However, I haven’t got round to it and I was after a quick sew for a Sunday afternoon so I grabbed my pieces and used the 3 inches marked for pintucks either side of the fold to create 3 pleats instead. I saw a blouse very similar in style to this the other day so I’m on a winner I think.

 

The Betty Blouse came with  Issue 18 of Simply Sewing Mag and only has two pieces so this was an easy one. I used a metre of this lilac polyester I had in my stash, there was more than enough to cut my pattern and the binding. This isn’t usually my colour but I got it in a bundle and was keen to use it, I’m quite pleased with the colour now it’s finished, it’s reminds me of parma violets!

I also like the style of the sleeves, which are quite feminine. The only other change I made was turn to the binding to the outside rather than the inside, just for another feature but I’m not sure, does it look a bit bulky?

I cut a size 14 in this pattern and though I am clearly not a 14, it fits so I’d recommend smaller sizes with this one. I’d also lengthen the pattern slightly if I did it again, which I will have to because I’m not happy to put the pintuck challenge to rest! I’ll maybe try a nice light chiffon next time.

I’m surprised at how much I like the colour when it is on and I’m proud of myself for resiting the temptation to add any details!

Also I just want to give a quick shout out to my lovely sister-in-law who cut and blew my hair, all fresh and ready for my holidays!

This is going on the Northumberland suitcase for with jeans. 😊 It’s the perfect place for photos so expect to see a few more exciting makes over the half term week!

Sew Saturday Haul

Although I am relatively new to the blogosphere, I already know that I’m not really going to be a ‘share the haul’ kinda girl… however, yesterday was Sew Saturday, which is an exception, so check out my goodies!

I really wanted to support local so I went to All Fabrics near me in Stalybridge. It was a pretty understated affair but gave me chance to browse and chat more to the owner and the lady who runs the dress making courses, something I plan to do in the New year.

I had to wear something that I had made so I wore this unblogged top, I made this using my good old-fashioned New Look 6483, which is my favourite top pattern. This was one of my first makes and is made with this really funky stretch fabric and mock leather sleeves! This was purely because I wanted to try sewing with different materials but it’s so comfy and I wear it a lot.

Anyway, on with my shopping! I got this beautiful mermaid print from the amazing Magic range by Sarah Jane for Michael Miller. All Fabrics had just had delivery of the range when I first went in and I’ve been obsessing about it ever since. There’s so much choice but the mermaids are going to make a adorable outfit for my niece.

There was also 10% of the Downton Abbey range, which is just fab by the way, whether you like the show or not. Again, there’s lots to choose from, I recommend taking a look. There’s no picture of this one though because it’s being used as a pressie for Christmas and my lovely, supportive family usually read my posts!

I also bought some wine coloured fabric, which I’m going to use to make the trouser version of The Sunday Set. Can’t wait!

I got a blue linen mix too, which is for another pressie.

I also got a free back catalogue magazine and this goodie bag! Exciting times! As my husband had a footy day yesterday that means a sewing day for me, so my machine awaits!

Who doesn’t love a goodie bag?

Mum’s Birthday Pressie

I have recently made this top for my Mum, for her birthday. (New Look K 6483) The pattern claims to take one hour* with an asterisk, the small print being that this should be sewing time. However, it took me more like two and a half* 1.because I’m so novice, 2.because I wanted my binding to be the neatest in the world and 3.because I inserted and unpacked an entire sleeve! Major sulk at this point.

Though possibly not the most seasonally appropriate (I was going to put sleeves in but it seemed the bunch round the neck- a common problem for me- so I left them out) I still think it’s really sweet and will really suit my Mum.

This is my first venture in to making a clothing gift for someone, my lovely Mum being the perfect candidate. It means that you put so much more in to it but this is something I’m trying to do with all my makes anyway. It was tricky though because she couldn’t try it on along the way and I just had to hope it would fit. I got so jealous of the way it turned out though that I made myself this top following the same pattern. Then because it’s so easy, I made this cute chiffon top, ready for Dublin too!

I did this super cute contrast binding, which I love.

I feel like this is a genuine proud moment for my little label!

I also used the binding on the side slits, another first, so I’m glad they turned out so neat.

Although the pattern didn’t call for it I also added a little zip for another feature and just in case it was needed.

She loved it and said she could see all the work that has gone in to it. I’m really pleased my first hand-made clothing gift was so well received!

A quick T-shirt… Getting my Chiff-on!

Happy Friday everyone! Today is Dublin day for me! Hooray! I promised it was going to be a me-made trip so I’ll update you all when I get back.

With this in mind I was after a top for with jeans for the trip. I had a flick through my pattern collection, which is still quite small (but growing) and couldn’t find anything, so I returned to my old faithful New Look K6483 1 hour pattern, which is fast becoming my go to pattern for t-shirts, as it fits so well without alterations and is super quick. I used it previously for this t-shirt. I promise I have ordered some different top patterns to try, so watch this space.

I had some blue chiffon fabric with a white pattern so I cut it out with the intention of this being a slightly smarter t-shirt.

I used the front piece which allows for a lower neckline and then extended the sleeves slightly, just to change the pattern up a bit.

I used a blue ready-made bias binding on the neckline and on the edges of the sleeves. I tried to use a narrow hem (and failed again!) on the arm edges so I changed my mind and used the same binding.

When I came to turn the binding inwards, I thought it looked quite attractive poking out of the edge so I top stitched it and left it as a bit of a feature. I don’t know whether this is a technique that I should’ve realised I was doing or whether I’ve just made it up!! I like it either way. The neckline I turned as normal.

After giving up on quite a few sleeve inserts recently I’m pleased that these worked.

See… I’m pleased!

I used the overlock stitch on my New/Old machine to overlock the side seams and finished it by turning the hem up twice. Easy!

Obviously I knew as I was sewing this that the top would be see-through, although it’s not as bad as I expected, I will probably still wear a navy or white vest under it. I don’t see the harm when so many tops call for that at the minute anyway.

In the pictures I’m wearing a black vest underneath it and my black work trousers but I intend to wear this with jeans.

I forced the hubby to take some pictures before I pranced off to Ireland; we’d just set up out Game of Thrones monopoly game (we are so rock and roll) so this is me with my glass of wine ready to win! The wine helps!

Hers a sneak peek at the little luggage tags I’ve made as a little gift for my mum and sister (or as a bribe to get them to take lots of pictures of me in my makes!) This were made using scraps from a cute make which I’ll share soon. Aren’t they cute?!

So, off I go on my weekend away, I’ll share some pictures of my makes in action on my return. I’m also in the middle of making some pretty cool dresses that I’ll share soon! But for now, Guinness is calling me, so happy weekend everyone!

Boring Black T… I think not

After making a New Look K 6483 top for my Mum (blog to come post birthday), I was a little jealous as it went so well. So I decided to make my own. I had some black four way stretch fabric which I got in a bundle from Abakhan. I wanted to try and sew with stretch and thought this would be ideal (it’s like fabric you’d wear for gym wear only thicker) but I thought it would look smart. I already know the pattern comes together great and fits pretty much from the pattern so I was away.

So, here it is- my boring black T-shirt.

Now, you may have guessed by now that it is not as boring as I am making out. After arguing with myself (quite aggressively I might add) about my need to add details because I am making it, wondering why I can’t be happy to throw together a plain top; I toyed with the idea of adding a ruffle at the neckline, or a contrast colour for the back, before settling on this chunky, visible zip.

I am happy with this decision, I think it adds detail without being OTT. It looks modern and it a great wardrobe staple, don’t you think?

And because I struggled to leave it there… look.

I had a stretch orange/red in the same bundle which I used to hem my t-shirt, just to placate my need for detail! I love little inside details like this.

I expect to be getting lots of wear out of it. It goes really well with this skirt.

Happy with my somewhat detailed t-shirt!