Wondering why there are pegs all over my leather jacket? This was a quick little makeover/upcycling project and I'm thrilled with how it turned out. Best of all, there was no sewing involved! This jacket was my Mum's when she was in her 20's. She hasn't kept many clothes from her younger years, but this jacket has survived. As you can see below, it was quite the impressive ...
Sewing
20 Tips for Writing Good Quality PDF Patterns
I love that there are so many indie pattern designers around these days. Modern day sewists are really spoiled for choice! You can find patterns and tutorials to suit any taste to make almost anything you want. A lot of bloggers who like to sew are turning to designing patterns as a way to explore their creativity and earn a little income from what they love to do. It's ...
10 Refashion Projects Using Wool Blankets
This post was originally blogged on House of Estrela as part of Refashion Month. With all the Fashion Revolution stuff going on, I thought it was perfect timing to bring it back home. Don't forget to join us on April 24th and take the Fashion Revolution pledge. I get great satisfaction out of being able to give an old item a whole new life. It's thrifty, eco friendly and ...
Sewing 101: Adding Trim to a Seam Without Pins – Tutorial
Trims are often forgotten about, but are a great way to add some interest to a seam or to break up two fabrics. In this tutorial, I'm adding ric rac (rick-rack) to my seam, but the same method can be used to add pom pom trim, braiding, or lace to your seams. Piping is also a great trim to use, but I find it needs a bit more effort to add. You can see my tutorial for piping ...
Who Made Your Clothes? A Fashion Revolution
I have been working with Laura and Celina on something we feel is a very important message, and I'm sure you do too. Do you remember the tragedy last year when a factory in Bangladesh collapsed, killing 1133 people? People who make our clothes. Those cheap $5 tops we buy. They don't seem like such a good deal to me anymore. Not when you realise the cost they actually take to ...
Perfect Pattern Parcel – Summer Concert Tee
I love the concept of the Perfect Pattern Parcel. It's a semi-regular pattern bundle that supports indie PDF pattern designers AND supports a children's charity. There's a twist too... A good one, not a stupid pointless one like a reality TV show. You get to name your price! You can choose what you think the bundle is worth and that's what you pay. So what's in this first ...
Small Fry Skinny Jeans
Today I'm showing you my second pair of Small Fry Skinny Jeans...well, Roman's second pair. I first used this pattern here as part of the sew-along of the free 2T pattern. The fit is so perfect I jumped at the chance to join the tour and make Roman a pair in the next size. I love the name of this pattern! So much so, that I thought it was good enough to embroider on the ...
Boys Summer Pyjamas
It feels like summer is on it's way out already, so I think I got these finished just in time! My lovely sponsors at Sew Creative Supplies provided the fabric and thread for this project. The fabric is Michael Miller Vintage Fire Trucks. Roman picked it out and I was a little surprised when it arrived as the fire engines are a lot bigger than I was expecting! My own fault ...
Sewing 101: Bound Hem – Tutorial
This is a simple hem finish that has a few benefits. It is a great option for bulky fabrics as it reduces the seam bulk. It is also my go-to when I need to keep as much length as possible. This makes it great for pants and skirts that you would like a little longer. It also adds a pop of colour to the inside of your garment which is always nice. The amount of bias tape you ...
Seraphic Raglan Tee – Figgy’s Heavenly Tour + Giveaway (Closed)
Today I've got some selfish sewing to show you! This pattern is part of the latest collection from Figgy's. The Heavenly Collection contains a modern take on staples for girls and it includes a few patterns in larger sizes too! I have admired Shelly's patterns from afar for a while, but now that some of her patterns come in larger sizes, I'm very excited! You can view the full ...
Posting for the Sewing Machine Monologues
One of the trickiest parts about buying a new sewing machine is deciding what to get. Palak from sewistry.com is on the case and each week is featuring a different blogger and their sewing machine. Today you can read about what I think of my Pfaff Ambition 1.5. Click the picture below to go and see the interview. ...
Things for Girls: Roly Poly Pinafore
It's nice to do a bit of girl sewing for a change. Today I'm sharing a pinafore I made for my niece using the Roly Poly Pinafore Pattern by Imagine Gnats. This is such a quick pattern to put together, and the result is so cute! My sewing machine and I have been having a bit of a disagreement over buttonholes, so I skipped buttons and added some snaps instead. The snaps ...
