Another month, another make dear readers! And this time I’m tackling our recent pattern of the month: Flint! Full disclosure: I had my heart set on making Flint pants for our Beginner Sews Series even before we announced it as our pattern of the month in Feb. There’s a gorgeous sample in the studio in a beautiful dusty pink shade that I’ve coveted since I started working here. Trying that sample on just confirmed what I already knew: I needed a pair of Flints, and I needed them now! Pants are one of those things that can be so tricky to get right. They’re obviously a staple, but if you’re long in the torso (like me) with wide hips (also like me), finding a pair of pants that are well-made, stylish and comfortable is near impossible. So even though I learned my lesson with Sudley to take things slowly and not get myself in over my head (you can read all about that experience here), I was determined to have my own Flint pants. Needless to say, I am grateful I didn’t let myself get psyched out, because I now have not one, but TWO Flints in my me-made wardrobe!
Fabric Stash Storage Ideas!
Whether you’ve been sewing for decades or have only just recently joined the party, you’ll have realised that sewing and collecting fabric go hand in hand! You might have a fabric stash because you like to plan ahead or maybe because plans change and projects get put on hold. Maybe it’s because you fell in love with some fabric and haven’t quite decided what it’s perfect for yet…and sometimes all you know was there was a sale and you walked in and next minute you’re on your way home with a big bag of fabric (it happens!). The fact of the matter is, if you sew, you’re going to have a fabric stash! So how do you store your fabric stash?
Do you have a meticulously organised and categorised collection? Or do you take a more relaxed approach to all? So much depends on the space you’ve got, the amount of fabric you have, and the way you interact with your fabric – whether you need to be in and out of it all the time or only once in a blue moon.
Today on the blog we’re delving into the stashes of our team! Each of us with our own way of organising and storing. If you’re looking for inspiration on how to manage your own collection you might find some useful tips and if you’re looking for reassurance that you’re not the only one with a big stash – you’ll definitely find that too! We love sharing hacks & knowhow here at MN so don’t forget to get involved in our comments section if you’ve got any great advice to share! [Read more…]
New Opal Shorts & The Perils Of Working In A Fabric Store
So recently I just finished off a gorgeous pair of Opal shorts and they are everything I’ve been needing this summer and more! They’re made from this gorgeous thick linen twill that’s to die for and that I had been in love with since the moment I laid eyes on it. That tends to happen to me a lot. The falling in love with fabric thing. My fabric addiction is fully fledged and I know a lot of people can relate to that – but to make it worse, I also happen to work in a fabric store.
A Beginner Sews: Sudley
Take it slow, they said. Don’t rush into sewing without learning the basics they said. Well, they may have said it but I chose to ignore it all and instead dive headfirst into making a Sudley blouse (View B, to be precise). And whilst the entire exercise left me stressed out about lines of stitching not staying straight, sewing bias facing correctly, and attaching sleeves, I have to admit—it was really fun! I’m that person who wants to be amazing at everything they try on the first go. I’m a serial hobbyist—I pick something up wanting to give it a try, and when I’m not immediately good at it I get discouraged and decide it’s just not for me. So I’m putting a lot of my frustrations with sewing Sudley down to the fact that I’m just not as skilled as I thought I was—and that’s okay! Because I still loved making it, I have a gorgeous blouse to show for my efforts, and I’ve begun my sewing journey.
Buddy’s Adventure Mini Jarrah Sweater
Alternative title: Buddy has a never-ending growth spurt. My goodness, this kid just keeps growing! All my kids seem to be growing at lightning speed at the moment -but Bud especially is shooting up. I can’t keep up to be honest especially with the pants – i have made him so many Mini Hudsons, and every time I think I’ve left enough growing room, he gets taller! I made this Adventure Mini Jarrah for him the same day that I made Birdie’s Giraffe sweater dress, which was only a few months ago in winter, and it looks unlikely to last next winter. Hopefully i’ll be wrong – he still wears his grid sweater even though it’s getting a bit small, so maybe i’ll get lucky!