Author: sewmanju

By day I work in the exciting world of pharmaceutical regulatory affairs, registering medicines (!), but by night I turn in to a sewing diva, making all manner of clothes in my beautiful sewing space (which you can tour using the link at the top of this blog). I love how sewing and sewing clothes that fit my curvy body continually challenges me. I enjoy working with all different types of fabric, and whilst I don't like to put restrictions on myself and say I won't buy RTW, the truth is that I probably rarely do buy it, preferring the fit of my own me-made clothes. I love to use natural fibres where ever possible and colourful coats are an obsession of mine! Sewing is both my addiction and my therapy. You can contact me at sewmanju@yahoo.co.uk

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

January 26, 2022.Reading time 5 minutes.

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 […]

McCalls 8040 and Simplicity 8389: DIY Velvet Puff Sleeved Top and Sequin Jogger Bottoms – Festive Dressing Edition

December 30, 2021.Reading time 7 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Hope you all enjoyed Christmas, if you celebrate. Here’s a quick post to share the last two makes of the year. Is there anything more festive than velvet and sequins? I don’t think so. Let’s dive straight in. The first item in today’s post is a pair of sequin joggers that I made […]

My Favourite Things Cardigan No. 7 with OOP Vogue 8836: DIY Hand Knitted Cardigan and Wide leg Wool Trousers

December 12, 2021.Reading time 10 minutes.

Hey Everyone, Today I am sharing my latest completed knitted project, together with a remake of a pattern I last made about 18 months ago. Let’s start with the cardigan first, shall we? The pattern I used was Cardigan No. 7 by My Favourite Things (a Danish pattern company). This is my first time working […]

Megan Nielsen Durban Jumpsuit Hack: DIY Collarless Tiered Skirt Baby Cord Dress

December 4, 2021.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hello All, A little while back I shared my Durban jumpsuit. Well, today I am sharing a dress I made using the bodice from the Durban jumpsuit. It’s made from a very soft, fine cotton baby cord that I found on eBay. Using anything too bulky and the gathering probably wouldn’t work. There’s not a […]

Vikisews Deborah Blouse: DIY square neckline puffed sleeve fitted blouse

December 1, 2021.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi Hi!, Vikisews is a Russian pattern company that has accumulated a large and devoted following in recent times. I wasn’t sure the sizing would work for me, but turns out that it does. I am not saying it is the most size inclusive pattern company, but I was able to fit in to their […]

Simplicity 8451: DIY Camel Wool Double Breasted Coat

November 28, 2021.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hey Everyone, Hope you are all doing fine. I have a bit of a backlog of things which I want to share before the end of the year so let’s just skip to the good bit, shall we? We went down to London last month and I decided I wanted to make a new coat […]

Tilly and the Buttons Lyra Dress: DIY Animal Print Tiered Midi Shirtdress

November 5, 2021.Reading time 5 minutes.

Hi All, Today I am sharing my version of the Lyra dress by Tilly and the Buttons. This pattern was gifted to me by Tilly and the Buttons with no obligation to share; all opinions are my own. For this version I knew I wanted to use this fabric from my stash. It is a […]

Megan Nielsen Durban Jumpsuit and Romper Pattern: DIY Indigo Cotton Jumpsuit

November 2, 2021.Reading time 6 minutes.

Hi All, Today I am sharing my version of the Megan Nielsen Durban jumpsuit and romper pattern. Full disclosure: I was gifted the pattern and Megan Nielsen also covered the cost of the materials used in the making of this jumpsuit. The Durban is described as a mix and match jumpsuit, with multiple options for […]

Anna Allen Anthea Blouse with McCalls 8180 Collar: DIY Gingham Check Blouse with Statement Sleeves and Ruffled Collar

October 30, 2021.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hey Everyone, I have wanted to add a few new blouses/ tops to my autumn wardrobe and this one is my first. This is the Anna Allen Anthea blouse (see my first version here), mashed up with the collar from McCalls 8180 (see my version of that pattern here). It is a very “of the […]

By Hand London Hannah Dress for Simply Sewing Magazine

October 20, 2021.Reading time 1 minute.

Hey Everyone, I almost forgot to mention that I am in this months Simply Sewing Magazine (Issue 87), with my review of the By Hand London Hannah dress, made in this Atelier Brunette Dobby viscose (chestnut colourway). Still plenty of time for you to go grab a copy if you would like to check it […]