Victor la Maison Crystal Top Transformation

Bored? Play “The Great British Sewing Bee Transformation Challenge” in the comfort of your own sewing space! Sadly no Patrick and Esme, but also you won’t be sweating/crying creating something in 3 minutes while being watched by 3 million viewers. Why? Expanding your fabric horizons.Sustainable.Charitable (if nightie type item purchased in charity/thrift shop).Cheap.Problem-solving brain-expanding dopamine-giving…… Continue reading Victor la Maison Crystal Top Transformation

Seamwork Leonara skirt

Its day 5 of Me-made May and already I’ve got nothing to wear.  Or haven’t I??!  I dug out this unloved skirt, abandoned because of a popped button and gaping and because I can never find shoes that work with it.  Well its lockdown baby, we don’t need shoes! I kinda like it now :).…… Continue reading Seamwork Leonara skirt

Holy toast, I made a Merchant and Mills shirt!

Finally I made my husband the shirt I’ve been promising since forever.  The All State Shirt by Merchant and Mills, to be precise. Mr Z is very neglected in my sewing – me and the kids waft around in handmade garb while he sadly buttons up his shop-bought clothes.  Its time to give his wardrobe…… Continue reading Holy toast, I made a Merchant and Mills shirt!

I made this! How 3 women got me to commit to a month of sustainable sewing

There’s a thing in sewing land called “Me Made May”.  It is a Good Thing – people who make their own clothes pledge to wear them throughout May, basically.  It was created by Zoe Edwards (read on for more on Zoe) 9 years ago and its getting bigger every year. I’ll be wearing my absolute…… Continue reading I made this! How 3 women got me to commit to a month of sustainable sewing

How to do a fashion revolution – from shopaholic to conscious sewist in 5 steps

The fashion revolution is a global movement that encourages us to buy fewer clothes, care more, and know how to make the clothes you love last for longer. I had a little fashion rebellion of my own two years ago when I decided to stop shopping for clothes and to make my own.  I wasn’t…… Continue reading How to do a fashion revolution – from shopaholic to conscious sewist in 5 steps

Sew Over It Penny Dress (of joy)

When this fabric arrived at Oh Sew Ditsy I got a bit over-excited.  Or the appropriate amount of excited? Its a Merchant and Mills Indian hand-blocked cotton.  The pigment in the dye is so gorgeously rich, a lovely tomato ketchup red. There is probably a more poetic description of that colour.  The cotton is a…… Continue reading Sew Over It Penny Dress (of joy)

Megan Nielsen Briar t-shirt / sweater

Now see this is probably my most made pattern Of All Time.  First I made many many mini briars for our small people and their friends.  Now I am making full-size ones for me. I made it in a beautiful viscose jersey with lovely drape.   Here’s what it’s supposed to look like: And here’s my…… Continue reading Megan Nielsen Briar t-shirt / sweater