New Look Pattern 6143

January 31, 2015February 8, 20151 Comment

I LOVE this pattern.

As you can see, I’ve made it a lot. Definitely got my money’s worth out of this one!

This pattern is so easy to make and such a great shape. As always with New Look patterns the instructions are clear and easy to follow. I’d highly recommend this for anyone, beginner or not, as it makes such a nice dress!

I’ve made it in polycotton (the pink flowery print), jersey (the last two photos) and polyester crepe (the first dress). Although it did work in the jersey fabric it was better in the other two non-stretch materials.

I’ve made both versions, with and without sleeves, and dresses for casual, going out and work wear. This pattern is so versatile!

It features two lots of darts at the bust which makes the bodice fitted, and box pleats in the skirt. There is a zip down the back that you choose to be invisible or just normal, so it’s a really simple but effective pattern.

I’m not quite done with it yet – I’d like to try view E, the sleeveless variation with a sheer panel too. Probably won’t bother with the tie belt though as its a bit too fussy for my taste.

A Spotty Dress and a Fedora

January 31, 2015January 31, 2015Leave a comment

Hats are my new favourite accessory.

I’ll be honest, I didn’t think they’d suit me or that I’d be able to pull them off, but hey I’ve decided I like them. I’ve even bought two now: this fedora from H&M and a little bowler hat from boohoo.com. Not only do they look good but they keep my head warm and mean I don’t have to bother doing my hair – what’s not to love?!

Dress: Made by me

Cardigan: Made by my Gran

Belt & Fedora: H&M

Necklace: Accessorize

Boots: New Look

New Look Shirt 6304

January 30, 2015March 1, 2015Leave a comment

I finally managed to finish this shirt!

I decided to make shirt D of New Look pattern 6304, a slightly cropped, short-sleeved shirt, using pastel purple chiffon and white polycotton for a contrasting white collar and front band, inspired by a shirt from French Connection.

I’m pretty pleased with how it’s turned out. Chiffon is such a pretty fabric but so tricky! I worked really hard to make sure it moved as little as possible while I was cutting out the pattern, to try and keep it as accurate as possible. I therefore used my rotary cutter and cutting board, which definitely helped.

Actually sewing the chiffon was all about the French seams and topstitching, which are both techniques I haven’t really done before. I also attempted and failed at a rolled hem, so the hems aren’t as neat as I’d like them to be.

I used polycotton, a much more stable and easy to work with fabric, for the collar and front band. I think the two fabrics work well together, and the polycotton holds the shape of the collar and the buttonholes much better than I think chiffon would have.

It has been a challenge!

The best part though has been learning how to use the one-step buttonhole foot on my machine. I’ve always avoided buttons because I didn’t know how to use it, but not any more! I watched a Singer tutorial on YouTube which I’d really recommend.

As for the pattern itself – it was great! Really clear instructions, which I so needed, and I love the shirt I’ve produced. I would make it again too, although not views B or C with the frillyness at the bottom (not my style), and definitely not in chiffon!

The Clover Dress

January 30, 2015January 31, 20151 Comment

From day…

To night!

A dress that can easily go from day to night. I haven’t found that many that actually can. Either they’re too dressy for daytime wear or too casj for cocktails. This one just works though! From tights and boots for day to heels for night, it’s simple but effective. Both from New Look.

Red is the New Black

January 30, 2015January 30, 20151 Comment

The little red dress – the new LBD! A little bit too festive maybe, but red shouldn’t just be for Christmas.

I’ve styled this bold dress simply because that’s all it needs. Just black tights, black boots from New Look and a long, gold, pointed pendant from Accessorize.

I always wear some sort of jewellery – I feel a bit naked without any! I blame working in Monsoon and the focus on accessorising… It’s true that good accessories can totally bring an outfit together though. Jewellery is one of my (many) shopping weaknesses. Not too expensive and can always be justified…

Sunday Styling

January 28, 2015January 28, 20151 Comment

One of the first times I’ve managed to wear a fully handmade outfit!

Details…

The skirt is actually my Clover Dress in paisley polyester – pattern review and styling posts coming soon…

My lovely Gran knitted me the pretty, cropped, pastel blue jumper. It was just meant to be a tester piece as she didn’t have much of the wool left, but I loved the colour so much I asked if she could just do me a cropped version. I love it!

Finally, I made the coat using Burda pattern 6844. I think it’s one of the best things I’ve made, mostly because I challenged myself with something that wasn’t a dress! A full blog post will be coming soon on this one – just as soon as I brave the buttons…

So it’s all handmade apart from the leggings – but plain black leggings? They don’t really count. I’m still after an overlocker to make my own of those. And they wouldn’t be black. These are £3 Primark beauties!

All styled with a necklace and bag from Accessorize, and Topshop boots. I love a good statement necklace and Accessorize never disappoints. I’ve also found that although Topshop boots are a little bit more pricey, they’re always the nicest and good quality.

The SeamSmith

Self-taught Sewing

Month: January 2015