Last year, a friend from work gave me a huge bag of yarn – in it was a partially complete Sirdar 9248 vest. I’d wanted to knit a vintage style vest for a while, so I decided to finish the vest myself! It was made of Debbie Bliss Cashmerino DK Petrol, it’s a gorgeous blueContinue reading “Making a vintage style vest: Sirdar 9248”
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Trousers for Eve: By Hand London Jackie trousers
Back in September 2021, my friend Eve asked me if I ever did commissions – I never had (beyond making clothes for my family) but it was something I’ve been open to for a while! I’ve gained more confidence in the professional finish of my work since I got my overlocker which has made meContinue reading “Trousers for Eve: By Hand London Jackie trousers”
Making a 1940s -inspired twinset: Celia Lacy Fine-Knit Twinset
When I first received my copy of Knit Vintage (by Madeline Weston and Rita Taylor) from my Mum, the first pattern that jumepd out to me was the Celia Lacy Fine-Knit Twinset. I loved the elegant style and delicate lacework on the top and front edges of the cardigan. I knew it would be aContinue reading “Making a 1940s -inspired twinset: Celia Lacy Fine-Knit Twinset”
A secret birthday project: Paintbox Yarns Bubble Stitch Cardigan
At the beginning of April, I embarked on a most top secret project: a cardigan for my sister for their birthday. Normally when I make things for other people, I like to include them in the process – partly because it’s fun to share the creative journey but also because it means I know thatContinue reading “A secret birthday project: Paintbox Yarns Bubble Stitch Cardigan”
Making my perfect vintage shirt dress: McCall’s M6891
One of my favourite staples of a vintage-inspired wardrobe is a shirt dress: they are versatile and effortless. I have one of the classic Collectif Caterina dresses but I have been wanting to make my own for a very long time. So, when I saw this cotton check in Fabricland maybe a year ago, IContinue reading “Making my perfect vintage shirt dress: McCall’s M6891”
A jacket for Stephen: Friday Pattern Company Ilford Jacket review
In May, after watching contestants on the Great British Sewing Bee make utility jackets, I decided to make one for my boyfriend, Stephen. He finally got it in December – better late than never I guess? Shortly after deciding I wanted to make a jacket for Stephen, I settled on the Friday Pattern Company IlfordContinue reading “A jacket for Stephen: Friday Pattern Company Ilford Jacket review”
Another 1940s co-ordinating set: Wearing History and Jemvintagepatterns mashup
One of my favourite fabric companies is Amothreads, they sell a variety of deadstock fabric on their website for a really good price. When I was scrolling Instagram one day, I saw this really lovely blue and yellow flower print cotton which I instantly fell in love with, and it was only £3.95 a metre!Continue reading “Another 1940s co-ordinating set: Wearing History and Jemvintagepatterns mashup”
One pattern, two tops: Wearing History circa 1939 blouse review:
When I finished my blue stripey Smooth Sailing trousers and my orange Simplicity 8447 trousers, I had quite a bit of each fabric left – enough, I thought, to make matching tops. I had also recently finished my lemon ensemble and was really inspired by coordinating sets. In the past, I’ve made simple strappy topsContinue reading “One pattern, two tops: Wearing History circa 1939 blouse review:”
Simplicity 8447… again: 1940s orange summer trousers
I make no secret of the fact that Simplicity 8447 might just be my favourite pattern of all time – I wrote a whole blog post about it! So when I saw this orange viscose/linen blend in my local fabric shop, my mind immediately jumped to what a beautiful pair of 8447 trousers they wouldContinue reading “Simplicity 8447… again: 1940s orange summer trousers”
The chaotic re-making of my Alice and Co. Adele dress
I’m sure I’m not alone in feeling like projects that I think will be easy often end up being the most challenging. This pinafore was no exception. I made this pinafore as a pattern test for Alice and Co. back in July 2020. I loved the experience of being a pattern tester and, at theContinue reading “The chaotic re-making of my Alice and Co. Adele dress”
Rachel makes 