Welcome to A Beginner Sews, a new series here on the blog! And Hi! I’m Belle, a new team member at Megan Nielsen Patterns – but probably a familiar face if you’ve checked out our Curve pattern range (or not, it’s okay, I promise I won’t get mad). I’m many things—a Masters student, a writer, a movie buff, a Capricorn—but one thing I’m not is a dressmaker. Don’t get me wrong, I know how to thread a machine and sew a straight line or two, but that’s where my knowledge ends. Starting work here was like getting thrown in the deep end: words like baste, bias, overlock (huh?). I was in way out of my depth.
Veronika Now In Extended Sizes!
As a little holiday gift for everyone this year, we’re super excited to announce that our Veronika skirt is now available in extended sizes in our 0-20 and Curve 14-30 ranges! This pattern is such a wonderfully simple sew. It’s a great pattern for beginner sewers to test out and practice their skills, but also makes the sweetest skirts for even the most confident of makers.
The updated Veronika pattern is FREE to our newsletter subscribers so be sure to subscribe to get your free skirt pattern.
Floreat as a Maternity Pattern!
Ah, pregnancy, isn’t it wonderful? Slightly less wonderful is how tough it can be finding clothes that fit, are stylish, AND comfortable. Not to mention the unicorn of maternity dressing…the outfit you can also wear after the bub has arrived! That’s why we’re super thankful for versatile patterns that can grow and adapt with you as you need them – like our pattern of the month Floreat!
Floreat’s been a favourite of ours for a while now, but it first came to our attention as a great maternity pattern when one of our own team members made and wore Floreat during her own pregnancy (lightbulb moment!). The beauty of using Floreat as a maternity pattern is in its flexibility: Floreat can be made in woven or knit fabrics – so the all-important ‘stretch’ is on the table! Who says comfortable maternity clothes have to be boring?
Let’s take a look at the pattern!
Rowan Now In Extended Sizes!
Wonderful news today – I’m thrilled to let you know that the Rowan Bodysuit and Tee sewing pattern is now available in extended sizes in our 0-20 and Curve 14-30 ranges! This pattern is such a wardrobe basic, the perfect accompaniment to a statement skirt or pair of bottoms, and wonderful for layering under dresses or overalls. I went absolutely nuts when creating the views for this patterns (i love options!). It comes with 6 views, tee and bodysuit options, 3 sleeve lengths and 3 neckline finishes.
I’m going to go through the differences between the Curve pattern and the standard pattern as well as detailing each of the variations, and telling you a little bit about them and how you can use them. We’ve made a few changes to how this pattern is formatted to make it easier for you to take advantage of the modular elements, so I’ll detail those as well!
The 40 Under 40 Business Awards
It’s been a big week for me. Earlier in the year I was nominated for the 40 Under 40 Business Awards here in Western Australia and this week was the big awards gala evening. It was such an honour to be nominated, and I was incredibly blown away to win a place in the top 40 out of over a hundred nominees. To be honest I just feel so humbled and grateful to be included amongst so many amazing young entrepreneurs. This is a definite career high for me.
It was so wonderful to have my husband Chris, and my parents there for this special event – three people who have supported and helped me from day one and made everything possible.
Of course I just want to be gushy for a moment and say thank you to all of you wonderful makers of the sewing community. I know I say it all the time – but it’s still true – without you I wouldn’t even have a business, and I’m grateful for your support and encouragement over the years! And yes, I did make my dress for the event ;) I promise I will share more about it in a few weeks once I have some photos to share!