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.

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 […]

Simplicity 8389 Pull On Checked Wool Suiting Trousers and Sew Over It Modified V-Neck Pussy Bow Blouse

April 22, 2018.Reading time 8 minutes.

Hi Everyone, Today I am sharing my review of Simplicity 8389, which I think is one of those patterns which is so easy to dismiss from the envelope, but it is all kinds of good! First let me tell you about the fabric. It is another find from Fabworks, and is actually a wool suiting […]

McCalls 6172: DIY Grey Wool Suiting Blazer Trouser Suit

April 11, 2018.Reading time 7 minutes.

Friends, I returned to work after a 5 year break a year ago (already?!) and realised I didn’t own a suit anymore. I bought around 7 metres of this wool/ viscose/ elastane suiting from Fabworks last year (sorry, all sold out now, but other options available on their website), and thought I would make a […]

McCalls 7627 Laura Ashley Pattern: DIY White Cotton Poplin Wrap Top with Waist Tie, Tiered Pleated Sleeves and Peplum

March 31, 2018.Reading time 8 minutes.

Hello Readers! Hope you are enjoying the long weekend (assuming you get one). I have taken the whole of next week off too, so I have got 10 days in which to get some sewing done. Bliss. Today I am sharing something fun which I have not yet had the chance to wear 🙂 It’s […]

Named Clothing Kielo Wrap Dress: DIY Jersey Dress with Waist Wrap Ties

March 22, 2018.Reading time 6 minutes.

Hi Everyone! It’s a little while since my last post. I have been sewing. But you know, the weather has not been particularly conducive to blog photography, so the “to-blog list” is increasing! Here’s a dress a made a few weeks back which has been getting worn a fair bit. I find it’s a great […]

Simplicity 8014: DIY Brushed Flannel Plaid Checked Button Down Shirt Dress

February 18, 2018.Reading time 4 minutes.

Hey Friends, Today is a quick share of my most recent make: a button down shirt dress made using Simplicity 8014. This is my second time making this shirt dress. You can see my first version here, made using an African wax print. This time round the main alteration I made was doing a 5/8ths […]

Vogue 8940: DIY Mens Double Breasted Navy Wool Melton Peacoat

February 11, 2018.Reading time 10 minutes.

Hello Friends! Today I am sharing my review of Vogue 8940 which I made for Philip as his Christmas present. I think getting it done within 3 weeks of Christmas is not a bad feat 🙂 Both the outer wool melton and the acetate satin twill lining came from Fabworks – both are beautiful quality […]