Author: sewmanju

I love to shop, but I also love to sew my own clothes, and am currently on a mission to improve my (fairly basic) dressmaking skills. I confess to going into shops and being outraged at the prices of some (not very well made) garments (is it an age thing?) and think "huh, I could make some thing at least as good as that for less" (is it something to do with coming from the Indian subcontinent?) So this blog details my sewing endeavours, both good and bad....I love to nosey through other people's sewing projects....now everyone can get to see mine.

Butterick 5616: DIY Bleached Denim Jacket

August 15, 2018.Reading time 7 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Today’s post relates to a denim jacket that I made a couple of months ago, using Butterick 5616. A me-made denim jacket has been on my to-sew list for a couple of years now, so I am glad I finally got it ticked off. There are quite a few different jeans jackets patterns […]

Simplicity 8641 / Sew House Seven Burnside Bibs Dress: DIY Black Pinafore Apron Dungaree Dress

August 8, 2018.Reading time 5 minutes.

Hey Everyone, Who even am I? Dressed for work in a pinafore dress with trainers on, and loving the whole casual look! This is Simplicity 8641, made in a polyester crepe from Minerva Crafts. I think I used the Florenza Crepe which is a smooth, light to medium weight crepe with lots of drape. I think […]

Simplicity 8554: DIY Unstructured Grey Cupro Trench Duster Coat

August 4, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

Hey All, Simplicity 8554 has been on my to-sew list since the beginning of spring, and I finally got it made up this week. This is a really great smart-casual piece to add to my wardrobe going into autumn, with a laid back, relaxed vibe to it. I made mine in a grey cupro from […]

Simplicity 8014: DIY Striped Blue Cotton Poplin Fit and Flare Button Up Shirt Dress

July 30, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

Hey Everyone, Order of blogging has gone to pot and today I am sharing one of my more recent makes (made post holiday): another version of Simplicity 8014, and the first time I am making view A/B. (I have previously made views C and D; see here and here). If you are a fan of […]

McCalls 7745: DIY Floral Wrap Front Dress with High-Low Hem and Modified to Polka Dot Wrap Ruffle Hem Skirt

July 22, 2018.Reading time 10 minutes.

Hi Everyone! We are back from a lovely time in Javea, Spain, with some photos to show the garments I made to take with me, in action. (BTW, I have also updated my last post, about McCalls 7624 with a couple of new photos taken on holiday). So, today I want to talk about McCalls […]

McCalls 7624: DIY Palm Print Maxi Dress Caftan

June 30, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

Hey All! The summer sewing continues as the UK enjoys record temperatures. Happy days. McCalls 7624 is a perfect dress for wafting around in, when you want to be covered up, but feel free and breezy. It is really one of those dresses that can take you from pool, to market, to lunch, to out […]

Helen’s Closet Blackwood Cardigan

June 17, 2018.Reading time 2 minutes.

Hi Everyone! Today’s post is a super short one to share my Blackwood Cardigan, by Helen’s Closet. I don’t think this pattern needs much of a review; the number of Blackwood Cardigan’s on Instagram and the internet is testament to what a great pattern this is. It is beautifully drafted, stylish, comes with wonderful instructions […]

Simplicity 8134 and In the Folds Ruffle Sleeve Top: DIY Paprika Rust* Linen Wrap Tie Front Cropped Pants and Polka Dot Top

June 10, 2018.Reading time 8 minutes.

Hi everyone, Back again with an outfit made in easy to wear summer fabrics, using two new-to-me patterns. The bottoms were made using Simplicity 8134, and frankly I love them, and have been wearing them every week since they were finished. They are just so comfortable, and personally, I find the front wrap to be […]

Simplicity 8045 Bodice with OOP McCalls 6713 Skirt: DIY Maroon Off the Shoulder Bardot Evening Ball Gown

June 5, 2018.Reading time 9 minutes.

Hihi! Playing catch up again on things which I have made and have been wearing but haven’t had time to blog, starting with this dress which I made to wear to the annual school PTA summer ball. This year Philip was forced agreed to come with me, and we both enjoyed it (yes, even Philip, lol). […]

The Avid Seamstress Coat – DIY Electric Blue Crombie Style Coat made in Wool Melton Doeskin from A W Hainsworth

April 28, 2018.Reading time 15 minutes.

Hi Readers, Today I am sharing my review of The Avid Seamstress Coat pattern made up in a rather special fabric; a wool melton doeskin from A W Hainsworth. Never heard of them? Well, tbh, I didn’t know much about them either. But when they asked me if I would be interested in making something […]