Sewing dresses has become appealing again now that I have a clearer idea of what I like to wear and what the gaps are in my wardrobe. It feels as if I’ve not made much other than activewear and bras … Continue reading
Tag Archives: autumn
Simple patterns and tricky fabrics
How do you find inspiration for a creative project? In this case it was a slow process. I had found some fabulous satin in a colour I can only describe as slate. It’s a dark grey/ navy/ purple that looks … Continue reading
Keeping warm: Sew Over It Chloe Coat
I’ll keep this short as I’ve been procrastinating for a while, having made my coat before Christmas! Photographing navy blue wool is tricky, so I made the most of a rare sunny afternoon to try and capture this. Way back … Continue reading
Cocoon Coat
I bought this beautiful fabric almost a year ago and had originally planned to make a second Clare Coat from it. I changed my mind this weekend when watching the new Sew the Trends video from The Fold Line.
The Cocoon Jacket by Sew Different has been a wardrobe staple since last winter, but I tend to wear the two I have as cardigans or on mild days as a lightweight coat. The increasingly cool Autumn weather prompted a warmer make – at some speed – and this is the result.
I made a few small changes to the original pattern:
Grading up two sizes from my original choice to give more ease and adding 5cm /2″ to the length.
Drafting a separate collar for the front panels.
Cutting the back panel on the fold to give a little more room and reduce the cocoon shape in the lower back, to make it wearable over layers.
Merging the sleeve and cuff pieces to create one piece sleeves and adding 18cm/ 7″ to the overall sleeve length.
Creating a full lining in taffeta to add weight and warmth. This was cut 2cm shorter on the sleeves and body so that is less visible at the hems.
I can’t wait to wear it!
Autumn capsule wardrobe
We’re just coming to the end of the Autumn half-term holiday and have had a short family break at LEGOLAND Windsor and nearby. I decided to pack a handmade capsule wardrobe (excluding tights and underwear! ) and thought I’d share … Continue reading
Named Clothing Gemma Maxi Dress
As soon as I saw this pattern in the new Earth Science collection from Named Clothing, I fell for it. The combination of the fabric colour and texture in the original photo and the unusual construction drew my eye. It … Continue reading
Letting the fabric speak
It’s such a blessing to have good local fabric shops! You’ve probably heard me talk about The Shuttle before. It’s a treasure trove of fabric that’s just a few miles from where we live (a long walk or short car/ … Continue reading
Pattern Review: Solange Dress
I first discovered the Belgian sewing magazine La Maison Victor three years ago, on the shelf of a French supermarket. I was drawn to both the styling and the wide variety of patterns that was included. The arrival this summer of … Continue reading
Pattern Review: Kommatia Patterns J006
It’s been mild but often rainy here during the last few weeks, so a lightweight, weatherproof coat is essential! Jessica from Kommatia Patterns put out a call for a pattern test in late August, which appealed to me immediately. It’s … Continue reading
Slow sewing: The Clare Coat
This gallery contains 6 photos.
Earlier this year – in April, I think – I decided it was time to sew a coat. I ordered the Closet Case Files Clare Coat from Fabric Godmother and started to search for fabrics. I came across a Chanel-style … Continue reading