Here we are in September already! I am still holding on to these last Summer days… Today I have a new Summer dress to share with you and although the weather already looks a bit like Autumn, I still have a couple of Summer projects that I am working on.
About the dress I will be sharing today… it might be the perfect Summer dress, in my opinion of course. 🙂 But if you know me, you will know how much I like broderie anglaise.
I like everything about this dress. From the fabric to the lovely details!
Hope you are all well and enjoying Summer (in case you are in North hemisphere).
Sunny weather hasn’t been very reliable this year but, that did not keep me from sewing a couple of summer tops. Although it might seem a bit useless, having in mind that I live in the UK, the truth is, I do wear cami tops quite a lot as they are perfect under a cardigan or blazer.
A couple of months ago I tried the Pema pattern from Ose Patterns and liked it so much that I wanted to try other patterns and this time I bought the Brené Camisole and will be sharing with you the versions I made.
I found the pattern has some lovely details as it is but, it is also a great starting point to make it your own. As the Pema Dress, I found the pattern to be very well drafted and the instructions clear and detailed, with links to helpful videos. Also, it includes detailed and helpful instruction for size adjustments.
For the first version I made a straight size 34 based on my bust and waist measurements, with no alterations. In this case, I used a cotton lawn that was part of my stash for some time now (don’t even remember where I got it!) and a shirting cotton fabric for the lapel.
As per the instructions, I interfaced the facings, straps and lapel. The straps, I only interfaced half and I think it worked well. I find the lapel such a cute detail and it works great with a contrasting fabric or using the same. Also, the buttons can add a lovely detail. In this case, I only used one, instead of the three suggested.
In my opinion, the fabric worked really well for this pattern and I am so happy with the fit. The way it is designed makes it fit without being tight and the straps are perfect to cover bra straps.
For my second version I decided to experiment a bit. I made the same size, 34, without alterations but this time I added broderie anglaise lace to the straps (and absolutely love it) and omitted the lapel as I wanted the straps to stand out, keeping the rest simple.
As for the fabric, I used a Liberty quilting cotton. It is a wonderful quality and a bit different from other quilting cottons I’ve previously used. Even so, I think a lighter cotton or a fabric with more drape works better for this pattern. Nonetheless, I like it a lot!
This pattern is perfect to add some details and make it your own!
This is a perfect pattern for someone that is a beginner as there is no closures and to use fabric leftovers.
I am genuinely happy with the fit and definitely it is a pattern that I will be making again and that I recommend.
I have a new make to share with you and it is a pretty one!
I have been wanting to make the Celia Shirt since it was released but didn’t managed to actually make it until now. Nonetheless, I am glad it is now part of my wardrobe.
This pattern has such lovely details! You can read more about it here.
This last days the weather has been wonderful and of course, there was a need to make a new dress. Any excuse is good, really…
I made a lovely dress using a gorgeous Liberty linen / cotton. The pattern is the Anthea dress by Anna Allen and I don’t think I have to tell you how much I like those sleeves!
You can read all about this pretty dress at Minerva 🙂
I told you the sleeves were pretty! Also, how lovely is this print!
The last couple of months I have been quite busy but not so much with sewing. I have so many ideas I want to bring to life but just haven’t been able to.
Nonetheless, I have a recently made blouse to share with you. I used a Robert Kaufman Rayon Challis from Minerva to make the Fibre Mood Paulette blouse and what can I say? It has ruffles and I quite like it!
Spring seems to be here, finally, although still a bit shy. I have so many sewing plans for this Spring /Summer but, as usual, I am finding it difficult to bring them to life…
It has been in fact a few weeks since I last was able to sew something but, I have a sweater I made for the girls, that I would like to share.
I am not a subscriber of the Fibre Mood magazine and in fact this was the first time I bought one. I have made, last year, a Norma Blouse but got the individual pattern. Nonetheless, issue number 13 had quite a few patterns that I really enjoyed and, for that reason, I bought it. I believe it was good value for money.
The first thing I made was the Minnie Sweater and opposed to the PDF pattern, the magazine ones need seam allowances added. Not really an issue for me, just need to have that in mind when tracing. In the pattern instructions it mentions where the seam allowances need to be added.
According to the size chart, I made a size 12 for both girls, based on their chest measurements. Fit wise, it turned out well and I made no changes.
The instructions are clear but are only images, no text. To be honest, it really is not needed as the images are quite clear and it is a simple make. It has been quite a while since I last made something in knit and I almost forgot how such a quick make it is.
I did not make changes to the size but I did a very small change (despite different) to both sweaters. For M (not shown in the photos), as per her request, I just omitted the waistband. She likes to wear paper bag trousers and it just works better this way.
For F, as per her request, I kept the waistband but not the original one. The pattern one seems to be a bit too narrow in width and F doesn’t like tight clothes. For that reason, I made a new one and just took a couple of centimetres to the bodice width. We both like how it looks and most of all, it is comfortable.
The sleeves are really cute!
Regarding the fabric, I used a gorgeous and soft French Terry from See You at Six Fabrics that I won in a giveaway last summer. Lucky me, I know! In fact, lucky them as they are the ones wearing it. 😊 The fabric worked really well for this project, even with the gathering required for the sleeves.
For the cuffs, neckline and waistband, I used matching ribbing, also from See You at Six Fabrics. It really adds a lovely detail.
No need to tell you that our favourite part of this sweater are the sleeves! In fact, there is a very similar pattern for grownups in this same issue…
Overall, we are happy with this pattern and how it turned out with this fabric.
At the moment, I just started making another pattern from this issue so do expect to see more from it in here.
I am here today sharing a dress from Ose Patterns. A new, to me, French designer. I am, a confessed French style admirer and come across Ose Patterns a few months ago. Since then, I have been following their account on Instagram and wanting to try their patterns as I really like the style.
For that reason, when Monty, the lovely lady behind Ose Patterns, asked if I would like to try one of their patterns, I haven’t hesitated. So, yes, the pattern was gifted to me but, my opinion is sincere.
As it was a new designer to me, I did not know what to expect in relation to drafting, construction techniques or instructions and that was the reason why I haven’t tried the patterns before. As I don’t have much sewing time at the moment, I don’t want to waste “me precious” time with something that might not come out as I expected. This is a legitimate concern but, in that case, unnecessary as everything turned out for the best. Even better than expected to be honest.
I don’t like to generalise and that is a rule I like to apply in life however, French designers are not known for detailed instruction. Nonetheless, that is not the case with Ose Patterns. Not only the instructions are very clear but, there are also links to helpful videos. The instructions are actually very thoughtful, with encouragement words for those starting (or not), a checklist before you start and main steps at a glance.
The Pema Dress is available in UK sizes 6 to 18 (EU 34 to 46 / USA 2 to 14), designed for 168cm height (I always find this piece of information extremely helpful) and include instructions if, like me, you need to alter the pattern.
I made, according to my measurements, a size 34 for bust and waist, size 36 at the hips and the fit turned out great. The only modification I made, was shortening 10 inches (25 centimetres) from the skirt length, based on my height and personal taste.
The pattern has two options, View A is sleeveless and View B has ¾ sleeves and that is the option I made. Both versions are very beautiful to be honest and depending on the fabric you use, this pattern can be very versatile.
Now, about the fabric. I used a light/medium weight viscose from Rainbow fabrics and it turned out lovely, if I might say so 😊 although I must say, I had to debate with myself between the viscose or a plain fabric that would made the lovely details stand out (I might make a second version). The dress has beautiful shoulders, waist and front skirt pleats, as well as darts that make it drape beautifully. Even better, the front skirt pleats are only on the right side (the one at the front) so that it doesn’t add volume to our tummy. Cleaver, right? No one wants extra volume in that area!
My fabric choice, although lovely, does not showcase the beauty of the pleats in this pattern how it deserves!
If you want to make this dress (and I would advise you to) do interface as recommended and if, like me, you opt for a viscose, then I recommend stretch interfacing. It is very light, the dress doesn’t lose its shape and fluidity however, it does make a difference.
In short (and this is my honest opinion), this project went smoothly, everything matched perfectly, the instructions were clear and I had no issues whatsoever while making this dress.
If the only thing putting you off is the language, fear not, Ose Patterns now have an English website and the patterns are all available in English.
Hope you liked this dress as much as I do and thank you for reading!
Spring seems to just around the corner and although the weather is a bit grey at the moment it was wonderful to have a sunny weekend and enjoy long walks a bit less muddy.
Today I am sharing a new dress I made using the Magnolia Dress pattern from Deer and Doe and a lovely fabric from Minerva.
I do adore this pattern, this is my second version and most likely, not the last one.
A Pinch of Sewing 