Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer: DIY Oversized Blazers in Wool Suiting and Linen Blend

Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer

Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer

Hey Everyone,

A couple of months back I made the Heather Blazer by Friday Pattern Company in wool suiting (that’s the brown blazer in these pictures). I wanted an oversized “dad blazer” and this pattern seemed to tick all the boxes. However, when I had finished making that first version, something felt off. It was, perhaps, too oversized (especially at the shoulders), and I truthfully I think the fabric choice was too much into “dad” territory. That fabric was from Fabworks btw.

Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer

Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer

However, I felt like this pattern deserved a second chance, and I made it again (with some modifications), this time in a linen/ recycled viscose blend (the blue blazer) from Patterns and Plains (sorry, now sold out). And I am so much happier with this second version, although I will say that I can see from these photos that in both versions the front edges don’t seem to be lying flat: anyone got any suggestions on what to do about that? Should I have taped the edges perhaps? (The blazer fronts and facings are interfaced with a fusible knit interfacing).

Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer

Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer

I am really glad I gave this blazer a second chance. I wanted a dart-less/ no princess seam front blazer and this one meets that requirement. I already have blazer patterns with princess seams etc. And they are great if you need to do any adjustments. But I specifically didn’t want anything like that on this blazer and the plus size block for this blazer is drafted a D cup so I didn’t need to do a FBA. I like the oversized look, even if it did take me two attempts to get the fit comfortable for me. Check my notes below for full details.

Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer

Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer

Fitting Notes

• Version one of this blazer was cut as a straight size 2X. I sized down by one size for version two.
• Entire separate lining pieces are provided for the (two piece) sleeves, back and side front. Also included is a pattern piece for a back stay. I have never seen a blazer pattern include separate lining pieces for sleeves and I think there is a difference in the way the outer fabric and lining sleeves are drafted possibly to accommodate a shoulder pad? Although the instructions make no mention of adding shoulder pads (but I did).
• No lengthen/ shorten lines are printed on the main body pattern pieces, although instructions are included on how to adjust those pieces. Also the bust apex is not marked.
• I shortened the body by 2 and 5/8ths inches
• I shortened the sleeve by 1 inch. I think I also shortened the sleeve lining by a further 5/8ths inch.
• I added welt pockets with flaps to both versions
• I swapped the upper and under collar over because the under collar looked bigger to me. I also cut the upper collar on the fold as a single piece.
• I added a 1 inch pleat to the back lining
• I added extra interfacing to the under collar to shape the collar stand
• I used fusible knit interfacing throughout and cut the back stay from muslin. I also extended the length of the back stay on version two so it was below the armholes.
• I stayed the shoulders using cotton tape and added shoulder pads
• I interfaced all hems
• I catch stitched the hem up on the inside
• The pattern is designed to have just one button. I added two buttons to both my versions.
• For version two I did a 0.5 inch forward shoulder adjustment and a 5/8ths inch small shoulder adjustment
• For version two I also bagged the jacket out through the hem rather than the sleeve as in version one so it looks neater when I roll my sleeves up. The pattern has you bag it out through the centre back seam I think, but as I added a pleat to my lining that wasn’t possible.
• I got my pattern printed for the first time ever and I used Fabulosew who I recommend. They print on tissue paper which means tissue fitting is possible.

Once you have the fit down this blazer comes together fairly easily and there are not that many separate pieces to cut. I wore the linen one on a recent trip to Slovenia and was very happy with it. I will keep the wool suiting one in my wardrobe for now and see if it gets worn once autumn comes around. Long time readers will know sewing outer wear is something that I love to do and I enjoyed making both of these.

See you soon!

Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer

Friday Pattern Company Heather Blazer

Named Clothing Reeta Shirt Dress: DIY Blue Animal Print Shirt Dress

Named Clothing Reeta Shirt Dress

Hey Everyone,

Inspite of using the Named Clothing Reeta Shirt Dress to make tops three times (see here, here and here), I’ve never actually made the dress version. I finally bit the bullet and made it as intended (albeit with the addition of long cuffed sleeves) using some viscose crepe purchased from eBay. Conclusion: love it, and it’s already been worn several times.

Named Clothing Reeta Shirt Dress

Named Clothing Reeta Shirt Dress

Named Clothing Reeta Shirt Dress

This is such an easy to wear dress and I love the adjustable waist. I definitely want to make another version, maybe this time with short sleeves.

Named Clothing Reeta Shirt Dress

Named Clothing Reeta Shirt Dress

Pattern Adjustments

• This is a size 18 grading out at the waist/ hips
• I did a 1 inch FBA
• I had previously done a 1 inch full bicep adjustment
• I added a 1 inch pleat to the back (had also done that on a previous version)
• I removed 7 inches from the length
• I made the height of the side vents 10 inches
• I added long sleeves with vents and cuffs
• I took 2 inches to hem.

Like I say, love this pattern, especially in this drapey viscose crepe (one of my favourite fabrics to sew and wear). And the blue animal print feels fresh and fun.

Back soon!

Named Clothing Reeta Shirt Dress

Closet Core Elodie Wrap Dress: DIY Wrap Dress with Dolman Style Sleeves

Closet Core Elodie Wrap Dress

Hi Everyone,

Today’s post features gifted items. Both the fabric and pattern were gifted to me by Sew Essential. If you haven’t come across Sew Essential please do check them out. They are a UK based company that sells not just sewing patterns and fabric, but also a wide range of haberdashery products as well as sewing machines.

Closet Core Elodie Wrap Dress

I have had my eye on the Closet Core Elodie wrap dress for a while so it was great to have the opportunity to try this pattern out. The fabric I selected is this abstract printed polyester which has great drape and requires zero pressing which means this dress is perfect for travelling and easy care. If you do press, use a medium heat. I do believe that this particular print is also shortly going to be available on a viscose base if that’s your thing. Be warned: this pattern is somewhat of a fabric hog, although you can make the skirt/ sleeves shorter.

Closet Core Elodie Wrap Dress

Closet Core Elodie Wrap Dress

Check my pattern notes below, but overall this is a well drafted pattern. The neckline (at least for me) is stable and doesn’t gape, and the skirt affords a good amount of coverage. The only thing I would highlight is that I didn’t like the instruction to hem the centre front of the skirt pieces. My first attempt looked horribly wavy. I unpicked and drafted a facing to finish that area.

Closet Core Elodie Wrap Dress

Pattern Fitting Notes

• I cut a size 18 for the bodice, grading out a size for the waist/ hips. I made view B.
• My pattern is from the standard block, but a plus size block is also available with sizes running from 14 – 32 (PDF only). I believe the standard block is drafted for a B cup.
• I did a 1 inch FBA and incorporated the dart that arose into the release pleats at the waist. This meant I also had to adjust the waistband and bodice facing to match. I also had to add extra width to the skirt pieces so that matched the bodice.
• I did a 0.5 inch forward shoulder adjustment.
• I removed 2 inches off the the length of the View B skirt.
• I used 5/8ths inch hem for the sleeves.

Thanks to Sew Essential for the opportunity to work with them. This is a great dress moving into Spring.

Until soon.

Closet Core Elodie Wrap Dress

McCalls 8008: DIY Viscose Lawn Printed Blouse

Mccalls 8008

Hey Everyone,

I’m back sharing a blouse I made using McCalls 8008. This is a bit of a sleeper pattern: it comes with a pattern for overalls/ dungarees/ rompers, but I haven’t seen that many versions of either in the sewing community. I made the blouse and I really like it. But then it’s got ruffles, so what did you expect, lol.

Mccalls 8008

Mccalls 8008

The fabric is a gorgeous ex designer viscose lawn that I purchased from Simply Fabrics Brixton. At the time of writing there were 2 metres left of this fabric on the website. It’s called Mona. I know you perhaps can’t tell, but it has small lame fil coupe accents woven into the fabric. Subtle but glamorous.

Mccalls 8008

Mccalls 8008

Pattern Alterations

• This is view A in a size 18. I did grade out at the hem but this was unnecessary. As drafted I found the length of this blouse to be quite long on me. Removing the extra length (maybe 2 or 3 inches?) meant it wasn’t hitting me at my widest point and fitted better.
• I did a 0.5 inch FBA.
• I removed 3 inches from the length of the sleeves.
• I omitted the sleeve tucks and cuffs and instead gathered the sleeve openings to a band.
• I had to add a centre back seam to the collar pieces due to fabric limitations.
• I used the double yoke burrito method for a clean and stable finish inside.
• For next time I would probably extend that front placket to be full length.

I think this is a cute blouse with lots of hacking potential. See you soon.

Mccalls 8008

McCalls 8034 #CoraMcCalls: DIY Red Jacquard Square Neck Fitted Dress

McCalls 8034 in jacquard.

Hi Everyone,

It was Kezia’s 13th birthday this week and after ordering a dress from Zara which just didn’t fit like she wanted it to, I offered to make her one. I made McCalls 8034 (#CoraMcCalls) in a beautiful red jacquard (ex. River Island) from Rainbow Fabrics. The colour is stunning and it washed, pressed and sewed beautifully.

McCalls 8034 in jacquard.

McCalls 8034 in jacquard.

Aside from grading between sizes, I made minimal alterations to the pattern (see notes below). There is boning sewn into the bust and side seams (I used some cotton covered featherlite stuff I had in stash) and the body of the dress is fully lined. All the seams means fitting is easy and small pieces means you can be economical when cutting out fabric. Both Kezia and I were thrilled with the finished garment.

McCalls 8034 in jacquard.

It turns out I could have got away with ordering just two metres of fabric, but I had ordered three metres. So I managed to also cut and sew a bonus pair of lounge wear bottoms from the remaining fabric. I used the free Peppermint Magazine lounge wear pattern which I have made for Kezia before (see here). I didn’t make any alterations from the first pair I made.

Peppermint magazine loungewear bottoms by Common Stitch

Peppermint magazine loungewear bottoms by Common Stitch

Fitting Notes

• I made view B
• I cut a size 6 through the bust and sleeves, grading to a size 12 at the waist and a size 14 at the hips
• I added 0.25 inches to the seams over the bust and into the top of the front midriff
• I did a 0.5 inch sway back adjustment, and added the removed length back at the hem
• I shortened the dress by 3.25 inches
• I added 0.25 inches to the side seams at the hips
• I replaced the ties at the sleeve openings with elastic
• I used my machines blind hem foot to hem – first time ever using it!
• I did make my own (self fabric) bias binding to form the casing at the top of the sleeves. If I was going to make this again I would narrow that binding down slightly

Kezia had an indulgent birthday celebrating entering her teenage years 🙂 Next big birthday…sweet 16….lol.

Here’s a snap of me and my baby. I am out of order of sharing my makes but the weather just hasn’t let me photograph other makes I have made for myself. Hopefully back soon with those.

McCalls 8034 in jacquard. I’m wearing my Tilly and the Buttons Lyra dress.

McCalls 8040 Bodice and Sleeves with McCalls 7971 Skirt: DIY Green Floral Viscose Crepe Dress

McCalls 8040 bodice and sleeves paired with McCalls 7971 Skirt

Hey Everyone,

I have been searching for the perfect green viscose crepe print for at least a couple of years to make a dress, and finally found this fabric from Rainbow Fabrics (no longer available). It’s still not my perfect green fabric, but it’s close. I would perhaps have liked less white and more green, but viscose crepe happens to be one of my favourite fabrics to sew with, so yeah. I will take it as a win.

McCalls 8040 bodice and sleeves paired with McCalls 7971 Skirt

McCalls 8040 bodice and sleeves paired with McCalls 7971 Skirt

I chose to combine two patterns together to achieve this look: the bodice and sleeves are from McCalls 8040, which I have made before: see here. The skirt is from McCalls 7971. I wanted the slit in the front and as the skirt has princess seams front and back, it meant the seams aligned with the princess seams of the bodice fairly easily. I did make some adjustments to the skirt (see below), and I am pretty pleased with the outcome. I have already worn this dress a couple of times, and it’s very easy to wear.

McCalls 8040 bodice and sleeves paired with McCalls 7971 Skirt

McCalls 8040 bodice and sleeves paired with McCalls 7971 Skirt

Pattern Adjustments

• See my original post for the adjustments I previously made to the blouse. I simply shortened the blouse at the waist
• The neckline of the bodice is still finished using the facings, but I overlapped the front edges by about 0.5 inches and sewed non functioning buttons through all layers of fabric to close
• The skirt is size 22 and I added extra width at the side seams for fit insurance, but I ended up taking a ton of width (like a lot) out of the side and back princess seams at the waist of the skirt and the blouse
• I did do a 1 inch full tummy adjustment and a 1 inch full bum adjustment
• The skirt is view C, without the pockets, and I ended up removing a further 1.5 inches of the length
• I increased the height of the slit by 4 inches
• I cut the skirt back on the fold
• I interfaced the side seam on one side and added an invisible zipper
• The sleeves are the longest length sleeves, shortened by 4.5 inches, and with 4 rows of shirring done 0.25 inches apart about 1.5 inches up from the finished hem. I think the sleeves are my favourite part of the dress 🙂

Very easy to wear, and perfect to wear on warm summery days.

See you soon.

McCalls 8040 bodice and sleeves paired with McCalls 7971 Skirt

Butterick 5795: DIY Animal Print Wrap Front Swimsuit

Butterick 5795 fully lined animal print swimsuit with foam cups

Hey Everyone,

Today I am sharing the swimsuit I wish I had made before we went on holiday, but didn’t. I figured I should make the swimsuit anyway once we were back, because having a great fitting swimsuit to hand is always a good thing. This was made using Butterick 5795, and this is the second time I am making this pattern. You can see all the details, including adjustments, to my first version here.

Butterick 5795 fully lined animal print swimsuit with foam cups

This new version was made using fabrics from Tessuti Fabrics. I actually purchased this fabric (and some plain black swimsuit lining) using part of the voucher I won in the Tessuti Color In Thirds Contest back in 2019. It is a beautiful quality fabric, and whilst I was worried about the fact this fabric (and the lining) are much lighter than the fabric and lining I used for my first version, both fabric and lining sewed up and have performed beautifully.

Butterick 5795 fully lined animal print swimsuit with foam cups

Butterick 5795 fully lined animal print swimsuit with foam cups

Pattern Adjustments for this Version

• I made sure the swim suit lining at the centre front was trimmed down (by 3/8ths inch) to avoid it peeking up at the centre front, which happens with my first version.
• I left the height of the back as is, but narrowed the front crotch by 1 inch width.
• I lowered the armholes by 0.5 inch.
• I slashed and spread the tummy area more to introduce more ruching further down the tummy area (an additional 3 inches of ruching added in this area).
• I did a 1 inch sway back adjustment.
• I cut the lining on the cross grain as instructed, but cut the swimsuit fabric on grain due to the direction of the print.
• As last time, I did my own thing with the elastic, and measured the lengths needed for the arm/ leg openings, and removed 1.5 inches for the armholes, and 2 inches for the leg openings. I also applied the first pass of elastic using my overlocker which looks much neater, but was tricky to do. The elastic is fine, but for next time I will try and stretch it a little more at the bum area. I just applied the elastic to the neckline with a slight stretch. In my first suit the elastic was far too over stretched I feel. This suit is much better.

Overall, I am thrilled with how this turned out. It feels comfortable and supportive. My very first swimsuit (see here), the straps were attached to the body of the suit separately, with elastic inserted into the straps, and personally, I found them to be so uncomfortable. That’s one of the reasons why I prefer this suit with its cut on straps; much more comfortable and supportive. I also love the crossover style and the tummy ruching. I see more of this pattern in my future, although I have a second cut of swimwear in my stash which is bonded, which I don’t think would work for this type of style. I have a Kwik Sew pattern I might try next.

See you soon!

Butterick 5795 fully lined animal print swimsuit with foam cups

Butterick 5616 Denim Jacket, Named Clothing Reeta Shirt and Simplicity 8389 Woven Joggers

Butterick 5616 denim jacket, Named Clothing Reeta shirt in linen and Simplicity 8389 woven tencel twill joggers

Hey Everyone,

Today’s post is all about comfortable staples made using patterns that I have shared before, and beautiful, breathable fibres. Pictures speak louder than words to be honest, but let me give you the basics.

Named Clothing Reeta shirt in linen and Simplicity 8389 woven tencel twill joggers

The linen shirt and khaki tencel twill woven joggers were both made using fabrics purchased a little while ago from Rainbow Fabrics (alternatives are available on their website). The shirt was made using the Named Clothing Reeta Shirtdress pattern which I have made before – see here. The weird thing is that the first version of this top fits perfectly, but when I went to try this nearly completed linen version on, it felt really tight across the arms and back. I ended up removing the back and sleeves and adjusting those pattern pieces (see below). Good thing, because I love the final piece, and these camp/ resort style collars are everywhere at the moment.

Named Clothing Reeta shirt in linen and Simplicity 8389 woven tencel twill joggers

Named Clothing Reeta shirt in linen and Simplicity 8389 woven tencel twill joggers

The woven joggers were made using Simplicity 8389 which has become a TNT pattern for me. See here for my last version. Again, modification details are given below, but I love them. So comfortable and easy to wear.

Butterick 5616 denim jacket, Named Clothing Reeta shirt in linen and Simplicity 8389 woven tencel twill joggers

Named Clothing Reeta Shirt Modifications

• From my previous version I added 2 inches to the length of the sleeves
• I ended up adding 1 inch of width to the back piece and cutting on the fold and adding a back pleat to take up the excess
• I did a 1 inch full bicep adjustment

Simplicity 8389 Modifications

• From my previous version I added 3 inches to the height of the front and back due to using 1.5 inch wide elastic at the waist. I omitted the waistband and simply attached the elastic directly to the top of the trousers using my overlocker, turned the fabric down and topstitched in place using a triple zig zag stitch on my machine
• I omitted the pleats in the front and replaced with gathers
• I added pockets from the Peppermint Loungewear set I made
• I added elastic cuffs to the leg openings
• I added back patch pockets
• I shortened the legs by 2 inches due to using 2 inch wide elastic for the ankles

Butterick 5616 denim jacket, Named Clothing Reeta shirt in linen and Simplicity 8389 woven tencel twill joggers

Now onto the denim jacket, made using Butterick 5616, which I have made once before – see here. To me, the proportions on the first version seemed off, and so I played with those on this second version, choosing to omit the bottom band and leave a raw edge finish, and lengthen the sleeves. The beautiful soft bleached denim came from Cloth House and I have already used the same fabric to make some new jeans which will be appearing soon.

Butterick 5616 denim jacket

Butterick 5616 denim jacket

Butterick 5616 denim jacket

Butterick 5616 denim jacket

Butterick 5616 denim jacket

Compared to my first version this version is much neater inside. That could be because this was made using my newer Pfaff machine, and my Babylock overlocker which are superior to my previous machines, but also because I didn’t attempt flat fell seams on this version, and just did faux felled seams by overlocking seams and then topstitching in place. Whatever the reason, I am so happy with how this turned out, and it has already been worn lots, with many different items.

Butterick 5616 Modifications

• From my previous version, I shorted the body by 1 inch at the lengthen/ shorten lines
• I omitted the bottom band
• I lengthened the sleeves by 2.5 inches
• I left 5/8ths inch at the bottom of the body of the jacket to allow for fraying, but did a tight zig zag 0.25 inches from the hem to stop excessive fraying
• I took 0.5 inches seam allowance for the sleeves and side seams but 5/8ths inch at the sleeve opening
• I only used 2 buttons at the cuffs and not 3

Very happy with all these pieces; versatile and comfortable: what’s not to love?

See you soon.

Butterick 5616 denim jacket, Named Clothing Reeta shirt in linen and Simplicity 8389 woven tencel twill joggers

Alina Sewing and Design Company Fulton Sweater Blazer: DIY Camel Ponte Knit Casual Blazer

Alina Sewing Design Company Fulton Sweater Blazer

Hey Everyone,

First of all, in case you hadn’t heard, I won a fourth prize place in the Tessuti Colour in Thirds Contest! So it was worth it pushing myself to get the dress I posted about in my last post finished and blogged in time. I haven’t spent my winnings yet: my voucher is valid for 3 years but somehow I think it will get used up well before then 🙂

On with the business of today’s post, which is about the Alina Sewing and Design Company’s Fulton Sweater Blazer. This is an interesting alternative to the traditional notched lapel blazer, and one which I thought would be a step up from a cardigan, but without being as formal as a jacket or blazer. Initially, when I first made this item I was a little on the fence about it, but the truth is that I have been reaching for it a lot (wore it today in fact, on my first day back at work after 5 weeks away!) and it’s a great neutral layering piece to have in my wardrobe.

Alina Sewing Design Company Fulton Sweater Blazer

As ever, please check my full review below for all the details. The main thing to note about this pattern is that it is drafted for a B-cup. And whilst this jacket is designed to be worn open, not closed, I decided to go ahead and do a 0.5 inch FBA, which brought a bust dart in. For me, I would rather have that dart there and the garment fit me properly, than not and have pull/ drag lines everywhere.

Alina Sewing Design Company Fulton Sweater Blazer

Alina Sewing Design Company Fulton Sweater Blazer

You will note that I chose to use a contrasting striped fabric for my cuff facing. I thought the cuff facing was a nice detail which can be worn turned up or down. I made my own bias binding from lining scraps and used a combination of a bias binding finish for the facings, a hong kong finish for the centre back seam (due to the 3/8ths inch seam allowance), and an overlocked finish for everything else. I also used the striped contrasting fabric (which was a remnant piece I had in my stash) to cut the back neck facing.

Alina Sewing Design Company Fulton Sweater Blazer – inside finish

Alina Sewing Design Company Fulton Sweater Blazer – inside finish

Pattern Review

Pattern Description:

The Fulton Sweater Blazer is an open-front knit jacket with a slimming relaxed fit. Polished, yet comfortable, this layering piece will instantly escalate casual outfits while adding a layer of warmth as you transition to and from seasons.

Easy to dress up or dress down, this pattern can be worn anywhere from the office to the park to a night out.

The 3/4-sleeves layer nicely over short sleeves, while the full-length sleeves are practical for cooler weather. Both sleeve lengths can be folded up and cuffed to expose a thick facing (use a fun contrast fabric here!).

The hip-length version (View A) is extremely versatile while the knee-length version (View B) can be made in warmer fabrics more suitable for cold weather. Large patch pockets serve to catch all of the essentials on-the-go.

This pattern is unlined, making it easy to sew, and can be made on any home sewing machine.

I made view A.

Pattern Sizing:

From bust size 32 – 44.5 inches, and hip size 34 – 46.5 inches

I cut a size 16 through the bust, shoulder and arms and graded out to an 18 over the waist and hips.

Did it look like the photo/drawing on the pattern envelope once you were done sewing with it?

Yes.

Were the instructions easy to follow?

For the most part very good and a comprehensive set of finished garment measurements are provided. I did find the written instructions for the collar a little hard to follow, but there is a video tutorial available which is clearer.

What did you particularly like or dislike about the pattern?

I like the finished garment. It feels comfortable and is very easy to wear. Nothing to dislike.

Fabric Used:

A viscose mix ponte knit in camel colour.

Pattern alterations or any design changes you made:

• 0.5 inch FBA which brought a bust dart in (the pattern is drafted for a B-cup).
• Added 5/8ths inch to the front and back side seams.
• For next time: I think the bust darts have to be moved down an inch, and I have already done this on the pattern, but this seems to vary depending on which bra I am wearing, lol.

Would you sew it again? Would you recommend it to others?

I might make again. A longer length in a heavier fabric might be nice. Yes. I recommend.

Conclusion:

Easy to wear but a step-up from a cardigan; definitely a great piece to have in your wardrobe.

My first day back at work went well. I am only doing two short days this week. I am feeling much better and just trying to take things slowly. As ever, thanks for all your support and wishes.

Until soon!

Alina Sewing Design Company Fulton Sweater Blazer

My Sewing in 2016: a look back and some things you might have missed

Hi Friends,

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and are looking forward to the New Year.

I actually still have 2 unblogged items that I completed this year but I am not going to rush into blogging those before the year end. Instead, I wanted to take the opportunity to reflect on the items I have made this year and also share some items that those of you who are not on Instagram might have missed (because I felt they were not worthy of a blog post of their own).

It’s been another great year of sewing for me. I feel like my skills are improving and I am getting more practised at refining the fit of garments – that’s not to say I always get it right – because I don’t! I think I am also more confident in my own sense of style and picking patterns that I think might work on my body shape etc. So all in all, 2016 was a successful year for me.

Here is the complete breakdown (not including the two unblogged items) with some pictures of things that have appeared on the blog before, as well as some pictures of items I shared on my Instagram account.

• 4 coats – including one for Kezia. These are probably my most favourite items of all the things I have sewn. I have to wear a coat of some kind most days for at least 9 – 10 months of the year and reaching for these items makes me happy. I really enjoy coat making.

• 2 blazers – both huge learning curves for me. One was a hand tailored wool blazer and one was a wool ponte blazer constructed using fusible interfacings.
• 2 jackets – one made from Linton tweed and fully lined (that was worn lots when travelling on planes in America) and one unlined kimono style.
• 3 pairs of pull on jeans made using the Jalie Elenore pattern (my red pair got worn loads – see below for picture. My black pair are in the donate pile – fabric didn’t have enough stretch to make them comfortable).
• 3 pairs of pants made using Simplicity 1167 – this pattern has become my go to pants pattern – for now. So proud of myself for making pants that fit ME!

Simplicity 1167 pants

• 2 pairs of culotte style trousers.
• 2 skirts, both made using Simplicity 8019. I made a version in suede leather and then this (unblogged) denim version, which has gotten a fair amount of wear.

Simplicity 8019 denim button front skirt worn with plaid Grainline Archer shirt

• 1 pair of workout leggings
• 5 shirts – including one made for Philip’s big birthday and a floral Grainline Archer made for myself from some soft cotton voile type fabric I purchased a few years ago in Paris that I LOVE wearing.

McCalls 6613 striped shirt

McCalls 6613 striped shirt

Grainline Archer floral shirt worn with Jalie Eleonore pull on jeans

• 11 further tops/ blouses/ workout top, including this modified McCalls 6886 breton style top. Sadly this has also just gone into the donate pile on account of the fabric not washing very well. It’s a shame as I LOVE the first breton top I made using this pattern and it still gets regularly worn (in a black and white stripe). Need to find the perfect fabric to make more!

McCalls 6886 modified into colour block yoke breton style top

• 2 cardigans
• 4 shirt dresses

• 6 further dresses – one of which was a wadder. The wadder was  my attempt at turning the True Bias Sutton blouse into a dress with an elasticated waist. I made the top part way too blousey and I ended  up chopping the dress apart before giving up on it completely.

True Bias Sutton Dress – wadder!

• A gymnastics outfit for Kezia

Erbsenprinzessin leotard – fabric purchased from Spandex house, NYC

Erbsenprinzessin leotard (modified) and e+m leggings (modified to shorts)

• 2 pairs of cotton pyjamas – made using Simplicity 2317. These have been washed and worn and washed and worn. I hope to make more (and more luxurious) versions next year.

Two versions of OOP Simplicity 2317

• 2 refashions: a blouse of mine which I no longer wanted refashioned into a top for Kezia and a denim peplum jacket made from 2 pairs of old jeans.

Refashioned top into a top for kezia

• 1 baby dress and pantaloons

Phew! Quite the list. I am proud and happy of all I have achieved this year 🙂

What does 2017 hold? I am not one to tie myself down with challenges/ resolutions or even firm plans. I like to run wild and free, haha. But….

• More coats: a waterproof Kelly anorak, a trench coat of some kind and another blazer (still need to find my perfect one in terms of fit and style!)
• Workout tops in the supplex I purchased in America this year
• More pants! Maybe another pattern?
• Feel like I need some new tops to freshen my wardrobe up.

Not going to think beyond that. I like to draw up a more specific list up about 3 or 4 times a year and edit as I go along.

So all that remains is for me to say a huge THANK YOU to all of my followers and to all of you who read my blog and comment. It’s great to be part of this community and also it was great to meet some of you in real life and make new friends. Actually, that’s something I hope I get more chance to do next year. I wish all of you health, happiness, peace and prosperity for the new year. Happy and fruitful sewing!