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 9186 by Kathryn Brenne: DIY Shirt Dress with Asymmetric Hem

April 14, 2019.Reading time 9 minutes.

Hi Everyone! Today’s post is about OOP Vogue 9186 by Kathryn Brenne, which is hot off the sewing machine. Let me rewind. Before my brain haemorrhage, I decided that I wanted to enter this year’s Tessuti Fabrics contest, which, for this year, is called Colour in Thirds. I have entered once before, in their Gridlock […]

Simplicity 8014 and McCalls 6613: DIY Womens and Mens Button Up Shirts

April 8, 2019.Reading time 3 minutes.

Hey Everyone, Thank you so much for all the love, encouragement and support you guys showed me following my last post. I am making steady progress and feeling so much better. I have even managed to sew a couple of easy projects! Anyway, today is basically me sharing a couple of shirts that I sewed […]

Grainline Cascade Duffle Coat: DIY Waterproof Hooded Coat with Quilted Lining and Fur Trim – and a life update

March 29, 2019.Reading time 10 minutes.

Life Update Hey Friends, It’s been a short while. In case you are not on Instagram, I wanted to let you know what’s been happening with me, and why I might not be sewing and blogging quite as much for a brief period. 10 days ago, whilst I was at the gym, I had a […]

Nina Lee Patterns Camden Pinafore: DIY Navy Corduroy Pinafore Dress with Exposed Zipper

March 2, 2019.Reading time 11 minutes.

Hey Everyone, Back again with another new-to-me pattern company: Nina Lee patterns. When I saw this new release, the Camden pinafore, pop up on my social media feed I thought it looked worth a try. There are so many pinafore patterns around at the moment, but I liked the look of this one, with its […]

Vogue 8825: DIY Blush Pink Bishop Sleeve Fixed Wrap Tunic Top

February 26, 2019.Reading time 9 minutes.

Hi Everyone! Today I am sharing my version of a pattern that I have had in my stash for a few years. It’s Vogue 8825, which, at the time of writing, has more than 50 reviews over on PR.com, which is testament to how popular this pattern has been. Why did it take me so […]

Peppermint Magazine Wide Leg Pants: DIY High Waisted Wide Legged Pants Trousers

February 14, 2019.Reading time 9 minutes.

Hi Everyone, I am back today sharing my second make using a pattern from Peppermint Magazine. You can see my first make using one of their patterns here (the ruffle sleeve top). Like the first, this pattern is also a completely FREE pattern to download, and comes in a decent size range (24 – 45.5″ […]

Closet Case Ginger Jeans and Jalie Eleonore Leggings: DIY Dark Denim Skinny Jeans and Faux Leather Leggings

February 1, 2019.Reading time 9 minutes.

Hi Everyone, At the beginning of January I decided I was going to spend the rest of the month making items which I needed to make, rather than wanted too. Items which I needed either in my wardrobe (like jeans!) or in my home (like curtains…still not done). Anyway, in the month of January I […]

Simplicity 8014: DIY Animal Print Crepe Shirt Dress

January 22, 2019.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Today is a short post to share my latest version of Simplicity 8014. You only have to search this blog to see how much I love this pattern. Not only have I made both views of this pattern twice (this being the second time for view C/D) but I have also used this […]

Making Luna Lapin: DIY Wool Felt Heirloom Doll Rabbit with Clothes – Sewing Book Review

January 13, 2019.Reading time 7 minutes.

Hey Everyone, Garment making is interrupted to bring you something a little different today. Over the Christmas break I made a couple of heirloom dolls, namely two wool felt rabbits using the book, Making Luna Lapin by Sarah Peel. Long time readers of this blog will know that 1. this is not the usual kind […]

2018: A Year of Sewing

January 3, 2019.Reading time 12 minutes.

Happy new year Readers, I hope the new year has started well for you. Thank you for all the love for my Linton Tweed biker jacket. It was a great way to finish the year on a sewing high. Whilst the new year is still fresh, I thought it would be good to have a […]