2017 makes (so far)

I thought I’d share what I’ve made so far. Most of my garments don’t get blogged unless I have a lot to say. I usually don’t have many fit adjustments to make and so it would make a very short and boring list! However for those of you that don’t follow me on Instagram (whatamymade if you’re interested) here’s what I’ve made this year so far. Apologies in advance for some rubbish photos – this is why I don’t get much blogging done!

May 

By Hand London Kim dress in polycotton from Minerva Crafts – finished just awaiting a zip. 

Self-drafted Cami in fabric from Sewoverit

Sorry for the crappy instastory photo – I’ve made this and not worn it yet! Sewaholic Alma with a hacked button band. 

April

Sewoverit Ultimate trousers – love the fit!

Grainline Lark tee and Pauline Alice Rosari skirt

Named Inari tee dress

Harriet Bra

March

McCalls M7387 shirt dress in Atelier Brunette fabric 

February

Tilly & the Buttons Cleo

Sewaholic Alma blouse

January

Pauline Alice Turia dungarees 

Grainline Alder 

Currently I’ve made 12 garments in 5 months. Which is not bad going considering I work 4 days a week and have been teaching a dressmaking class, copy your clothes and an overlocker class at Simply Solids. Oh and I have a 17 month old baby!! I’m not as proflic as some sewists who’ve made this many garments in a month however I’m trying to be mindful about what I make rather than churning makes out for the sake of it. 

Oh and my resolution to not buy any fabric? Lasted 6 weeks!!! Argh!

Summer of basics

Karen over at Fringe Association is hosting the Summer of Basics where you sew or knit 3 garments over 3 months. The deadline is the 31st August which leaves me plenty of time… well you’d think so except I have to mark 150 exam papers in between. Luckily I finish work at the end of June so I’m hoping to squeeze some sewing time in. 

Seeing as I can’t knit for toffee I’m going to be sewing all 3 items. Depending on how pushed for time I am I will be sewing either:

1. Cascade duffle coat in red wool blend (all I need is lining and the toggles)
2. Republique du Chiffon Suzon blouse in white dobby cotton (from the stash)
3. Polka dot Ultimate trousers (already made)

Or if I manage to get a lot more sewing done than expected then I’ll be making:

1. Cascade duffle coat
2. Burda chambray shirt (already cut out but not started sewing)
3. Ginger jeans in cone mills denim (ordered but not arrived yet)

I already have a muslin of the jeans which need a massive swayback adjustment and to go down a size however the denim is coming from Canada. So we shall see! I’m looking forward to getting my coat finished for autumn (let’s face it coat weather is never really done in the uk) and having more of my to sew list completed! If you’re interested it currently looks like this:

One of my favourite things about finishing a project is deleting it from my list! #geek

Favourite patterns

I thought I’d share my favourite/TNT patterns with you;

Trousers

Named peg trousers



They’re so comfortable with the elasticated waist but look really put together. Great for work!

Woven Dress

By Hand London Anna dress

Due to the lack of a lining it makes the Anna a really quick and satisfying make. 

Runner up: Tilly & the Buttons Lilou dress

Jersey dress

Colette Moneta

Secret pyjama territory! Easy to wear and perfect for work or the weekend. 

Woven top

Sewaholic Alma blouse 

I love the fit of this blouse and the Peter Pan collar is perfect 👌🏻 I wear these a lot for work. 

Jersey top 

Grainline Lark tshirt 
I love the Lark tee, the fit and style is great and they’re so easy to wear. I live in these come the weekend! I wore these a lot when pregnant but still wear the same ones now. 

Shirtdress

I LOVE shirtdresses. I think they are my most favourite thing to wear and make. My favourite has to be McCalls M7387

It’s easy to wear and really comfortable. I love the kimono sleeve with bands and the collar doesn’t have a stand and so is dead easy to sew. 

Runner up: Grainline Alder Shirtdress

Comes up really short on me so I don’t feel as comfortable wearing it. One of the things I learned from MMM17 was; I don’t like revealing outfits or not feeling comfortable. 

What are your favourite patterns?