Wow, where is 2019 going? September already?! It's definitely starting to feel autumnal here in the UK with the winds picking up, temperatures dropping and darker evenings drawing in. So for most it's time to sew all the sweaters, coats and jeans, of which I have plenty planned. We have just received a wedding invite for a November wedding though, so instead, my sewing has been focussing on making myself an outfit warm enough for cooler weather whilst still looking dressy enough for the occasion, fingers crossed I've managed!
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Welcome to my stop on the Sew Long Summer Blogtour hosted by Melissa of mahlicadesigns, it couldn't have come at a better time for us here in the UK as we've definitely seen a change in the seasons in the past week or two!
As we say SewLong to Summer, my thoughts are turned to Autumnal sews and keeping the cold, wind and rain at bay whilst being able to remove layers on those days where the weather can't make it's mind up! (Yesterday we had everything from 23°C bright sunshine to 11°C with thunderstorms and gale force winds!) Whilst I've been keeping up to date sewing cardigans, sweaters and hoodies throughout the Summer, I now need to think about heavier, warmer and drier functionality garments so where better to start sewing for Autumn than a coat!? In my opinion, everybody needs a pair of classic tailored formal occasion or work appropriate pair of trousers in their wardrobe. There isn't always time to make or buy a pair when needed so having them there, ready in case, seems logical to me! With that, I introduce you to my newest pair! A pinstripe version make with the new North Point Trousers pattern from Itch to Stitch. Complete with all the necessary features including, single welt back pockets, slanted front pockets, zipper fly and hooks, belt loops and blind hems, they're the perfect pattern in my opinion for the job! I'm not going to lie, these took a while to make! There are 29 pages to print and assemble (although they're trim pages and line up so well, that it's really not a chore at all!) and then the cutting of the fabric before embarking on a 79 step construction BUT I believe it is totally worth it for the quality, finish and fit of the final trousers.
I'm always eagerly on the look out for the next Itch to Stitch* pattern tester call as I just KNOW it's going to be amazing. Not necessarily always in design, although everybody needs the basics too, but amazing due to how brilliantly and professionally the patterns are drafted, graded, illustrated and finished! So when the call for the La Paz* came out, I admit, I squealed a little! And what can I say but WOW?! An unlined, beautifully tailored, notch collar blazer for knit fabrics with all the bells and whistles! Seriously I'm in awe of this jacket pattern, it made a garment perceived to be impossible to make at home, easily achievable for any confident experienced sewer and I just know I'll be making more.
From the very first sketch I saw of this beautiful dress in the Love Notions* newsletter, I just knew I needed the pattern! It was my first testing experience with Love Notions* and I was very impressed at how thorough their testing process went. Tami was so determined to get the fit perfect we actually went through 9 versions before getting to the final pattern! I was also super happy to be able to squeeze the bodice out of the last of the stunning Summer Garden print from Lulus Fabrics, the fabric and pattern just works so well together!
Double brushed poly, or DBP, as it's often abbreviated to, is a relatively new fabric base available to the UK market, so when I was offered the chance to sew it up and review it I was very excited! I sewed up a sample from a lovely custom fabric company, Lulus Fabrics UK, and as usual, I like to test to the max! I washed it, tumble dried it, checked for colour running, fading and shrinkage and sewed it up into various different garments to test how it sews, stretches, wears and looks! Here are my projects, thoughts and findings.... Fabric Details - So what is DBP?!The newest pattern from my favourite ever PDF pattern maker Itch to Stitch* is this beautiful pleated Paro Cardigan!* I didn't need to think twice before applying to test it, it's the perfect shape to emphasise my body shape whilst being pretty and comfortable too! Absolutely perfect for work, daytime or evening wear!
I feel the cold {a lot!} and live in the not so sunny UK, so I wear jumpers and cardigans practically all year round! I don't often wear hoodie style sweatshirts as they aren't really my style so was very excited to see the sketch of this pattern release from New Horizons*, which includes 3 different cardigan styles and lengths with multiple neck options, pockets and a hood option!? It's perfect for so many outfits and situations! I'm looking forward to filling my wardrobe with LOTS of Vermont Cardigans this winter but here's my first two...
You probably already know that Itch to Stitch* is one of my absolute favourite indie pattern designers and that pretty much all of her patterns are exactly my style and very flattering for me so I always make sure to keep an extra close eye out for any tester calls! The Bonn shirt* has beautiful details, a super pretty collar and neckline and is once again totally my style for work or casual wear! I had lots of {non sewing related} hurdles to overcome during this test but I wasn't going to let any of them stop me from getting it finished albeit pushing me a day late.
I've had the original version of this pattern in my cart for several months, waiting for both an occasion and the time to make it before buying. Then, just as I'm looking for dress patterns for something to wear to my Brother's wedding next month a call goes out to test a new add-on for it which is even more my style than the original pattern, what perfect timing! I immediately applied and pre-washed some fabric from my stash ready in hope! I'm super excited to show you all the Marbella with the new skirt add on*.......
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AuthorHi! I'm Sarah and I live with my 2 boys and my Husband in East Anglia, UK. I enjoy sewing for my family and it is my aim to have a completely MeMade wardrobe for us all! Archives
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