Modern and flattering trapeze-shaped top. The perfect addition to your summer wardrobe! I have made the Collins Top three times now. The first version underwent a small laundering mishap, the second provided an opportunity to use up some leftover fabric, and the third was a remake of the first. What I love about this top is the modern design created by interesting and flattering panel lines, in particular the three piece raglan sleeve. The panelling is also a great opportunity for personalisation, with the potential to colour block or experiment with patterns. A wrap-up of this review The mak ..read more

Versatile. Timeless. Super comfortable. The perfect addition to anyones wardrobe! You could say I am a little obsessed with this pattern. I have made the Florence dress twice, and I have just completed the top. I am pretty sure it won’t be my last of either! The Florence fits my style to a tee. It is quite minimal in design, with the interest created in high-low gathers. It is oversized and swingy (you would rarely catch me wearing something fitted), and it lends itself perfectly to be being made from linen (my favourite)! Having had a little practise, I thought it was about time I shared my ..read more

A flattering, easy to wear jumpsuit, suitable for all occassions. I love a jumpsuit!Why? Because you are getting a top and bottom in one, meaning no need to co-ordinate and less decisions to make. They are (usually) super comfortable, and easy to move in. They can keep you covered up without being too covered. There is a style for everyone and every occasion, from the playsuit, dungaree to boiler suit. They are also a great trans-seasonal piece, being perfect for layering with a long sleeve tee underneath, covering with a simple cardigan, or smartening up with a blazer. The Jolie Mome is on ..read more

Whether it be in store, at your local charity shop, or your own fabric stash, there are a few things we can keep in mind, and look out for, that will make the process of choosing fabric for your next project that little bit easier (and fun)! Choosing fabric can seem a little overwhelming at times, whether you are an experienced sewer, or just starting out. There are many different types of fabric out there with their own unique properties, each looking and performing differently. Therefore, the choice of fabric can influence not only the appearance, but functionality of your project. Whether ..read more

Overlockers make it incredibly easy to create professional-looking edge finishes. However, re-threading or changing the threads can be a real hassle. My relationship with overlockers is a bit of a love-hate one. While they make it incredibly easy to create professional-looking edge finishes, re-threading or changing the threads on one can be a real hassle. But, there is a trick to make the process that little bit less frustrating and keep that overwhelming feeling at bay. While not foolproof, I've found it works more often than not! Wrap up of this how-to What is an overlocker How to re-threa ..read more

All my favourite things rolled into one garment - green, linen, peplum, swingy, and indie sewing pattern! I first came across the pink version of this jacket (photographed below) on the @fordandguy Instagram page, and it soon became one of those styles that I just couldn't stop thinking about. I knew I had to have it! I was obviously not the only one. Because it didn't take long for the makers to release a PDF pattern for this exact jacket, enabling us home sewers to make our own. So you can imagine my excitement, as I purchased the pattern immediately! I was not disappointed with the end res ..read more

With a little tool called a bias tape maker, making your own bias binding becomes super easy. Bias binding is essentially a strip of fabric that has been cut on the bias (i.e. at a 45 degree angle to the fabrics selvedge) and has had both the raw edges folded inwards (see photograph above). Cutting the fabric on the bias gives the fabric more stretch and flexibility, allowing it to be eased around curves, such as necklines or armholes. Bias binding is a professional, neat and strong method of finishing edges, enclosing the raw edge within the bind and stopping them from fraying. Bias binding ..read more

Professional, high quality, and wearable, everyday designs. There is a reason I have sewed three Megan Nielsen patterns. And the relaxed and versatile Hovea jacket did not disappoint! I snapped up the Hovea Jacket pattern as soon as it was released. Not only did I love the casual style and relaxed fit, but I had had my eye on the Lunar Black Jacquard Square fabric from Merchant & Mills for some time, I just wasn’t sure what to make out of it. So when I saw the green version of the Hovea Jacket (pictured above) I was pretty inspired! This review has been a long time coming as I actually ma ..read more

Sure it isn't the most exciting thing to do, and it may be tempting to skip when all you want to do is dive straight into your new project. But pre-washing your fabric could save you a lot of time, not to mention heartache. If I am being honest, I haven’t always pre-washed my fabric before commencing a new project. Oftentimes, i just want to get stuck in! But I can certainly see merit in the process. It would be pretty devastating to spend hours sewing a garment only to wash it and find that it has shrunk or warped beyond wearability. I'm sure we have all been there, handmade or store brought ..read more

Finishing a seam edge becomes essential to completing a garment. But how do you know which seam finish is best for the fabric or garment? If you were to take a selection of garments from your wardrobe and turn them inside out, you would notice that all the seams have been finished in some way, most probably overlocked. Seam edges are finished for a number of reasons; to provide a professional and neat finish, to stop the raw edges from fraying, ensure that your garment will last wear and laundering, and; to provide strength to the seams. Therefore, finishing a seam edge becomes essential to ..read more