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

Burdastyle B6420: DIY Black Zip Front Cut On Cap Sleeve Sheath Dress

December 18, 2018.Reading time 7 minutes.

Hey Everyone, This is the dress that I made to wear for my birthday this year. It’s Burdastyle 6420. It comes with two views, and I made view A which has a sporty look to it I think. I would describe this view as having cut on cap sleeves, an exposed zip front opening in […]

Pauline Alice Aldaia Dress: DIY Blue Stretch Velvet Wrap Bodice Fit and Flare Dress #sewfrosting

November 30, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Just popping on to say that the UK fabric store, Sewisfaction, recently asked me if I would like to write a guest post for their blog. I selected some of their beautiful blue stretch velvet and made my third version of the Pauline Alice Aldaia dress (you can see version one here, and […]

Vogue 9201: DIY Dark Floral Tie Neck Shirt Dress

November 27, 2018.Reading time 9 minutes.

Hi Readers, We are fully into the colder weather and shorter, darker days here in my part of the world. And of course, that means my sewing is reflecting that. This is Vogue 9201, made in a viscose crepe with a dark, dramatic floral print. This is a shirt dress with some interesting features. Let […]

Tilly and the Buttons Coco Top: DIY Striped Breton Inspired Funnel Neck Tunic Top

November 6, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

Hi Everyone! Hope you are well. Today is a quick review of the Coco top by Tilly and the Buttons. I made mine in a striped ponte fabric from my stash and added the funnel neck for laid back winter warmth. This is a quick and easy sew and it’s easy to see why it […]

Simplicity 8454: DIY Snakeprint Chiffon Top with Flounces

October 28, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

Hi Everyone, You know when you have high hopes for a pattern and then it falls slightly short of the mark for whatever reason? This is one of those patterns, at least for me. This is Simplicity 8454, which has been on my to-sew list ever since it came out. Whilst I have ended up […]

Simplicity 8451: DIY Pink Herringbone Notched Lapel Wool Coat

October 21, 2018.Reading time 10 minutes.

Hi Everyone, It’s that time of year when I make the project that I personally get the most enjoyment from: a coat. This year’s project is brought you with thanks to the Simplicity New Look Group who provided me with the pattern, and also to Fabworks for the amazing wool (more on that in a […]

Pauline Alice Reina Blouse: DIY Lilac Crepe Button Front Bishop Sleeve Blouse

October 15, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi Everyone, More than 2 years ago (wow! Time really is flying by), I pattern tested the Reina blouse for Pauline Alice – you can see that version here. That blouse has been worn to death. Untucked over skinny jeans and layered with a long line cardigan, and tucked into culottes. I think it’s the […]

Butterick 6182 and New Look 6374: DIY Tan Coloured Corduroy A-Line Skirt and Floral Viscose Tunic Top

September 24, 2018.Reading time 7 minutes.

Hey All, As I mentioned in my last post, I have really been trying to add to the “tops” section of my wardrobe: ideally, a mixture of tops which are suitable for both work, smart and casual wear. One of the tops which I have made in the past and have enjoyed wearing is my […]

Simplicity 8014: DIY Button Up Shirts in Chambray, Silk and Cotton

September 10, 2018.Reading time 9 minutes.

Hi Everyone, A few weeks ago I had a bit of a wardrobe clear out and assessed what I thought I might need, now we are heading into autumn. One of the things I identified was I felt like I really needed some wearable tops. I am a big fan of button up shirts, and […]

Butterick 5795 and the April Rhodes Staple Dress: DIY Swimsuit and Chiffon Swim Cover Up

August 29, 2018.Reading time 11 minutes.

Hey Everyone, My summer holiday seems like a long time ago already, but here I am only just posting the second to last holiday related items. This is a review for a swimsuit made using Butterick 5795 and also a swimsuit cover up, which was made using the April Rhodes Staple Dress pattern. You will […]