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.

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 […]

Pauline Alice Aldaia Dress: DIY Grey Ponte Knit Sheath Dress with Gucci Inspired Side Stripe Trim

August 24, 2018.Reading time 7 minutes.

Hey everyone! Today I am excited to share a dress made using an old pattern, but with fabric from a new supplier. Pin and Sew is a new British online sewing company (they also ship internationally), specialising in high quality knit fabrics. If you love to sew with knits then I highly recommend you check […]

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 […]