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 7974: DIY button front, v neck dress with gathers and tie sleeves

July 1, 2020.Reading time 9 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Let me introduce my new favourite dress: McCalls 7974. This pattern is an almost identical match to the famous Cult Gaia Willow dress, so this pattern is the perfect way for home sewists to achieve the designer look but at a fraction of the cost. And yes, the pattern comes with the option […]

McCalls 8040 #EmmieMcCalls and Megan Nielsen dawn jeans: DIY V-Neck princess seam puff sleeve blouse and straight cropped leg rigid denim jeans

June 23, 2020.Reading time 10 minutes.

Hi Everyone, this blog post should see me largely caught up with my blogging. Today I wanted to share a review of a new to me blouse pattern, McCalls 8040 (#EmmieMcCalls), which I actually ended up making twice because I didn’t like my fabric choice in the first version, and a second pair of Megan […]

Grainline studio Moss mini skirt: diy denim midi pencil skirt

June 22, 2020.Reading time 5 minutes.

Who Diss? Three blog posts in as many days?! I am trying to keep these posts brief as they are mainly all patterns I have sewn before. Today I am sharing a pattern I first made 7 years ago! What? It has taken me that long to revisit this pattern, and it is so close […]

simplicity 8389: yellow pull on linen cuffed trousers

June 21, 2020.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Back again: same shirt as my last post, but different trousers. This time, my third iteration of Simplicity 8389 (version one here; version two here). The only alteration to this version was to lower the back crotch and extend it out by 5/8ths inch. I took the slash and spread extension down to […]

kwik sew 3586 and simplicity 1167: diy oversized white shirt and stretch cotton floral trousers

June 20, 2020.Reading time 9 minutes.

Hi Everyone, I have been sewing and making in general throughout lockdown. I have noticed that, as mentioned in my previous post, I have been trying to sew practical, more casual clothes rather than churning out dresses that might not get worn any time soon. So, over the next few days I hope to clear […]

Peppermint Magazine Ruffle Sleeve Top and True Bias Ogden Cami – DIY Embroidered Tulle Dress with Slip

May 15, 2020.Reading time 8 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Lockdown sewing continues, and although the restrictions in our part of the world are being lifted somewhat, life has still not returned to normal. I have had this dress idea for Kezia (11) for some time now, and as I am trying not to sew too many fancy things for myself, why not […]

McCalls 7811: DIY Blouse with Flounce and Puff Sleeves

May 8, 2020.Reading time 5 minutes.

Hi Everyone, I am back today with a new blouse that I made using McCalls 7811. This blouse is actually the third time I have made this pattern. You can read all the details on the initial pattern modifications that I made here. The first two versions were made from a lightweight denim and a […]

Lockdown Loungewear for Mum and Mini-Me

April 27, 2020.Reading time 9 minutes.

Readers, We are about to enter week 6 of Lockdown life here in the UK. Never has the phrase “unprecedented times” been used so much, and that applies to my sewing! I never thought I would find myself sewing loungewear, but that is exactly what I have sewn. And not just for myself, but for […]

McCalls 8036 #SashaMcCalls: DIY Mustard Floral Print Puff Sleeve Wrap Dress

April 11, 2020.Reading time 10 minutes.

Hello Everyone, I am guessing that for the majority of us right now, this Easter will be one of the oddest we have ever spent. If Easter has any religious significance for you, then you probably won’t be attending church in the usual manner, and even if it does not, then chances are you won’t […]

McCalls 7838: DIY Blue Striped Button up Shirt with Statement Sleeves and Deep Cuffs

April 6, 2020.Reading time 6 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Like most other things coming out of my sewing room at the minute, lets add this to the category of “things I have sewn which probably won’t get worn until after lockdown gets over”. I will have a fierce wardrobe, post lockdown! 🙂 This is McCalls 7838 made in a soft striped cotton […]