When the shops reopened in mid-April, I was so excited to finally be able to pop to my local fabric shop to pick up the thread I had run out of, or the buttons I needed for a project, instead of having to order online. However, not only did trips for essential haberdashery supplies resume,Continue reading “Wearing History Smooth Sailing trousers: making 1940s summer trousers”
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Making a 1940s lemon print beachwear set
In March, as the evenings got longer and the days a little warmer, I found my mind wandering to spring sewing projects. All the plans for warm wool skirts for winter were being shelved as I dreamt about bright printed cottons and summer dresses. After a really long and cold winter, I was truly readyContinue reading “Making a 1940s lemon print beachwear set”
A 1910s project, part twelve: reflections on my first historical costuming project.
This post is the twelfth in a series in which I endeavour to create a historically-accurate late-1910s outfit to the best of my ability. From using an antique sewing machine, finding modern patterns of historical designs to using contemporary sewing manuals, this project is a huge challenge and one that I’m super excited about. IContinue reading “A 1910s project, part twelve: reflections on my first historical costuming project.”
The Curtain Dress – or a Cinderella moment (Vogue pattern V1094)
I wrote this article in September 2020 but have been long overdue in publishing it! I hope you enjoy… When my friend’s mum asked me if I wanted her old curtains, of course I said yes. Multiple metres of good quality fabric for free?? Why wouldn’t I say yes? Also, using pre-existing fabric is moreContinue reading “The Curtain Dress – or a Cinderella moment (Vogue pattern V1094)”
A waistcoat for Dad: The Great British Sewing Bee book waistcoat pattern
This is a tale of perservance and triumph in the midst of many mishaps. Last June, I made my first piece of menswear: a waistcoat for my Dad. I used the pattern from the Great British Sewing Bee book and, as far as I remembered, it was pretty straightforward. The book includes a thorough collectionContinue reading “A waistcoat for Dad: The Great British Sewing Bee book waistcoat pattern”
A shirt for Dad: Simplicity 1544 review
UPDATE: I made Dad another shirt using this pattern in August and made some alterations based on what I learned making this shirt. I lengthened the sleeve piece by 3/4″ and the cuff by 1/4″ so the sleeve would be 1″ longer overall. This worked way better! Last April, I promised my Dad a bespokeContinue reading “A shirt for Dad: Simplicity 1544 review”
An ode to Simplicity 8447
There is one pattern in my collection to which I always return, whose versatility and design make it perfect for a variety of projects. This pattern is simplicity 8447: a pattern from Simplicity’s vintage line. The showcased design is for a collared shirt and dungarees but it can also be used to make trousers andContinue reading “An ode to Simplicity 8447”
A first attempt at draping: a 1950s style summer top
As the temperatures rose in 2020, I retrieved all my summer clothes from storage and began to go through them to see if they would make the cut for this year’s summer wardrobe. During this process I came across a pair of yellow New Look palazzo trousers with a geometric print. I absolutely loved wearingContinue reading “A first attempt at draping: a 1950s style summer top”
A ‘Roman Holiday’-inspired dress (Vogue V9106)
At the end of 2019, my Mum and I sat down to watch the first episode of Queer Eye: We’re in Japan. We were introduced to Yoko Sakuma, a hospice nurse with a beautiful soul and a love for the movie Roman Holiday. After watching (and crying at) the episode, I decided that it wasContinue reading “A ‘Roman Holiday’-inspired dress (Vogue V9106)”
A beginner-friendly project: a cushion cover
A few friends have expressed to me their desire to learn how to sew but getting started in sewing is potentially very daunting. What equipment is needed? Is it expensive? Do I need to buy a sewing machine? How do I buy fabric? These are just some of the questions that may come to mind.Continue reading “A beginner-friendly project: a cushion cover”
Rachel makes 