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

OOP Vogue 8836 and Pauline Alice Eliana Dress: DIY Wide Leg Ivory Pants with Polka Dot Gathered Neck Blouse

March 24, 2020.Reading time 9 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Despite everything going on the world right now, I am continuing with my sewing and blogging. I am so pleased with how these pants turned out. The pattern I used is (out of print) Vogue 8836. I was drawn to the pattern as soon as it was released, but was waiting for the […]

Simplicity 8982: DIY Maroon Ponte Knit Bishop Sleeve Barrel Cuff Turtleneck Top

March 16, 2020.Reading time 7 minutes.

Hi All, How is everyone doing in these testing times? Hopefully you are all keeping safe and have many sewing plans to get you through the next few weeks and months… Today is a review of the hugely popular Simplicity 8982, which was released not that long ago, but, at the time of writing, already […]

McCalls 7688: DIY Animal Print Sweatshirt with Sequin Star Applique Motif

February 28, 2020.Reading time 5 minutes.

Hi Everyone! The weather has been planning havoc with my blog photography, and I have a backlog of things which need to be photographed. These photographs were taken early yesterday morning before dashing to work but I had to take the opportunity when it arose, as we have more heavy rain forecast over the weekend. […]

OOP Simplicity 8060: DIY Khaki Green Boiler Suit

February 20, 2020.Reading time 10 minutes.

Hi Everyone, If you had told me even 2 years ago that I would feel fabulous wearing a boiler suit, I would have laughed in your face. But this is what sewing does. When you are able to adjust clothes to fit your body just so, it’s so empowering and you feel more confident and […]

McCalls 7902: DIY Flutter Sleeve Sweetheart Neckline Button Front Summer Dress

February 9, 2020.Reading time 11 minutes.

Hi Everyone, A little while ago, I was contacted by an online store, modeS4U, based in Hong Kong, but who sell and ship their products world wide. modeS4U specialise in Kawaii products (the culture of cuteness in Japan), and sell a variety of products, including stationary, bags and accessories, and including – of course! – […]

Simplicity 8389: DIY Pull on Camel Coloured Pleated Front Wool Suiting Trousers

February 3, 2020.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Today is a short post to share another remade pattern. Second time around is always sweeter! Behold, a second pair of trousers made using Simplicity 8389. Like the first version, this version was also made using a fine wool suiting from Fabworks (sorry, now sold out, but other options available), but this version […]

Butterick 6385: DIY Military Inspired Funnel Neck Heavy Wool Coat

January 20, 2020.Reading time 12 minutes.

Hi Everyone, I am very excited to share my latest coat project with you today. You know I love making coats and jackets. It’s been a little while since I made a heavy duty winter coat. When I say heavy duty, I consider both of my previously interlined coats as heavy duty. See here and […]

Vogue 9285: DIY High Necked Silk Blend Blouse with Shirred Cuffs

January 8, 2020.Reading time 10 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Happy new year! This was the last project that I started and completed in 2019. It’s Vogue 9285 which was made in a beautiful cupro silk blend gifted to me from Selvedge and Bolts. In case you didn’t know, Selvedge and Bolts is a new online fabric store started in 2019 by Dibs […]

Simplicity 8175 Pencil Skirt, Simplicity 8014 Button Up Shirt and a Sew Over It Pussy Bow Blouse

December 30, 2019.Reading time 6 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Happy New Years Eve Eve 🙂 This is going to be a very brief post to share a few items I have made recently using patterns I have previously sewn. Without further ado… This skirt was made using Simplicity 8175. You can see my first version of that skirt here. This time round […]

McCalls 7998: DIY Red Satin Jacquard Wrap Dress with Flounce and Statement Sleeves

December 13, 2019.Reading time 8 minutes.

Hi Everyone, I am desperately trying to get everything blogged before the end of the year and as I plan on wearing this dress tonight for my office Christmas party, it felt appropriate to blog this dress next. This was my birthday dress for this year, and it was made using McCalls 7998, which is […]