Quick tips for choosing a large scale print
Looking to try a large scale print? Below are my top tips for making it work for you. 1. Pattern matching (or lack of) can be more apparent with a large scale print. If you’re worried about pattern matching, or don’t want to bother, look for garments with few details and side seams rather than […]
What is Ponte?
Ponte is a beautiful fabric – soft yet structured, stretchy but not clingy, warm yet breathable. It’s also a great fabric for those new to sewing with knits – unlike jersey, it doesn’t roll, is not overly slippery and holds its shape well. What is Ponte fabric? Ponte (pronounced “pon-tee”) is a double knit fabric. […]
5 patterns to sew with ponte fabric this winter
Ponte is one of my favourite fabrics for winter: warm and snuggly, yet structured enough to give you a bit of shape. Here are my top 5 patterns to sew with ponte: 1. If you want to snuggle on the sofa: The Nora Top by Tilly and the Buttons The boxy fit and […]
What is TENCEL™ jersey?
When it comes to winter sewing, TENCEL™ jersey is my top pick for dresses and tops. Here’s what you need to know about this lovely fabric. What is TENCEL™? TENCEL™, as you may have guessed by the trademark, is a brand name for a particular type of lyocell and model fibres. TENCEL™ modal fibres are […]
Pattern Review: Sewing the Mandy Boat Tee
I set two sewing goals for myself this year. The first was to sew patterns from a wider range of pattern companies, as I had very much fallen in a pattern of making the same thing over and over again. The second was to try and build my wardrobe with more items I would actually […]
Pattern Review: Sewing the Amelia Skirt
One of my favourite pieces of RTW clothing of all time is a tiered maxi skirt I found on a clearance rack in Target. It’s simple, a throw on piece, and one of my most versatile – worn with tights and long sleeves in winter, and a t shirt in summer. The maxi length always […]
How to buy a sewing machine
Having recently upgraded my personal sewing machine, I thought I’d share my process for choosing one. There is an incredible variety of sewing machines out there, with a wide range of prices, and it can be a little bit overwhelming knowing where to start. Here are the questions I ask myself when choosing a […]
Sewing the Senna Dress: Pattern Review
As the owner of a fabric store that specialises in viscose, it should come as no surprise that I like big swishy skirts. The first two patterns that I truly loved – the Penny Dress and the Betty Dress by Sew Over It – both have full circle skirts. I always feel a bit more […]
How to choose the perfect thread
It can be intimidating to be confronted by the rainbow wall of threads at your local fabric store. Here’s how to choose the perfect one! For a matching thread: Take a small sample of your fabric with you. Choose 3-4 spools that look similar to the background colour on your fabric – just eyeball it. […]
Sewing the Penny Dress: Pattern Review
The Penny Dress is one of my all time favourites – I have definitely found that when I find a sewing pattern I like, I stick with it. There’s a few reasons I love this one – it has sleeves (tricky to find a summer dress with sleeves), the sleeves are grown on (I hate […]