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 …

The making of a prom dress

A few years ago, I was making for others on a regular basis. It is intensive and demanding work and can be frustrating but also incredibly rewarding, so I’m more careful about what I take on. In the spring of …

Fabric from afar

I’m always a little hesitant when I receive a message from someone I don’t know but this was a lovely surprise! Vishruti from Fibers to Fabric contacted me via Instagram a few weeks ago, asking whether I’d be interested in …

Velvet dresses

We have found that each of the four of us has a distinct colour palette, which makes fabric shopping much easier! The Smaller Small likes pink, peach and purple whereas the Big Small – like me – veers towards greens, …

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 …

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/ …

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 …

#Sewmystyle April: Sew House Seven Bridgetown Dress

We had a busy few days last week, which saw the start of our girls’ school Easter holidays, so I focused my creative efforts on just a couple of projects (a crocheted llama and party dress). By Sunday I was …

The Little Red Dress Project: Anna

I came across the Little Red Dress Project during November. Hosted by Renata at RunningNStyle and Hollie of Hollie Dolly, it brought together stitchers from all around the globe with plans to make and wear a red dress for Christmas …

Simple Shapes

Simple shapes are, for me, the most satisifying means of making garments, as you will have seen in earlier projects. I bought this fabric a few weeks ago and was thinking about making some trousers or a play suit, but …