The dress and top I made last year using the Sade pattern are some of my most worn makes, so it was only a matter of time before I made another one! Definitely should have ironed it before taking photos- that crisp centre front fold is making the fabric hang weirdly! Back in February I… Continue reading Tencel twill Sade blouse (from Breaking the Pattern)
Author: oolongstitches
Hi there! I'm an amateur seamstress with a keen interest in fashion history. I've been sewing (and occasionally knitting) my own clothes since August 2018.
Rust linen Safiya trousers (from Make It Simple)
This pattern is the main reason I bought the new Tilly and the Buttons book (aside from the fact that all her books are amazing!). As you may remember from my New Year's Resewlutions post, this year I want to make more trousers, and this pattern ticks all the boxes for me: elastic waist, flat… Continue reading Rust linen Safiya trousers (from Make It Simple)
Handmade presents
Confession time: these are actually all presents I made last Christmas! Yes, this is how slow I am at writing blog posts... Anyway, I wrote it eventually, and I thought I may as well share it, even if it is several months late (hence the vague, non-seasonally-specific title). I love giving people handmade Christmas presents;… Continue reading Handmade presents
‘The Love Witch’ inspired Wilder gown
This dress has a slightly sad story behind it... I'm a huge fan of Lana Del Rey, and I've wanted to see her live for years. Therefore I was ecstatic when I managed to get tickets to see her in Birmingham this February. I love the 1970s style dresses she wears on stage, so I… Continue reading ‘The Love Witch’ inspired Wilder gown
A slightly austere Coco dress
I've been meaning to make a black, funnel neck Coco dress for a loooong time. In fact I actually attempted to make it months ago, but I took in the side seams to make it more fitted and overestimated the amount I needed to remove. The resulting dress was uncomfortable and unwearable! In a way… Continue reading A slightly austere Coco dress
‘Pretty Thing’ cowl by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
Back in the summer, I went to Copenhagen and did a mini yarn haul. My favourite purchase was a skein of incredibly soft 4ply Baby Alpaca yarn in a moss green, heathered with some purple here and there. I spent ages trawling Ravelry for the perfect cowl/scarf/snood pattern, but most of them needed slightly more… Continue reading ‘Pretty Thing’ cowl by Stephanie Pearl-McPhee
The Maker’s Atelier ‘Unlined Raw-Edge Coat’ in squishy boiled wool
This winter I'd originally planned on making a fully lined, 1960s style coat (I even bought the fabric for it!). However, I soon realised what I really needed was something basic that would go with everything. I also accepted that I just don't have the time or the energy to make such an involved garment… Continue reading The Maker’s Atelier ‘Unlined Raw-Edge Coat’ in squishy boiled wool
New years resewlutions and what I plan to make in 2020!
I tried doing the Make Nine challenge last year and failed miserably- I'd only been sewing for a few months and hadn't really settled on a personal style at that point. The (since deleted) list was full of vintage style patterns from various decades, most of which were big four. Soon after making the list… Continue reading New years resewlutions and what I plan to make in 2020!
Dressing like a crayon: Stellan tee dress hack and Salut Cheri beret
Wow, that title is a bit of a mouthful... A couple of my recent makes combined to make the perfect autumnal Dress Like a Crayon outfit: The dress is a hack of the French Navy Stellan tee, a free pattern for a loose fitting T shirt. To turn it into a dress I literally just… Continue reading Dressing like a crayon: Stellan tee dress hack and Salut Cheri beret
Natural dyeing and yarn shopping in Oswestry
About a month ago I went to stay with family in Oswestry, and whilst I was there I partook in several yarn themed activities. Day One: Firstly, I went to Ewe and Ply, a small and lovely yarn shop. The staff were so friendly, and they even gave me a goodie bag on my way… Continue reading Natural dyeing and yarn shopping in Oswestry
