Best Nine Bingo 2017 - Yearly Round Up


It's that time of year where I like to have a little reflect and see which of my makes were successes and which were the learning curves... always an interesting task.

Last year I hopped aboard the #2017makenine bandwagon and set a few goals, which I'm pleased to say I achieved the majority of in one way or another....with a few blips on the way.


The Sointu Kimono Tee got made twice - this simple sew was a real practial make and I wear them frequently, highly recommended!

Technically I was going to make the Adeline dress by style Arc, but it was so similar to the Lodo Dress by True Bias that I marked it as 'made' in my mind. It was the design idea rather than the actually pattern that I wanted :) Perhaps Adeline might get a go in 2018...

The less said about the Driftless Cardigan the better - as you can see here!

I TOTALLY predicted the release of Kalle by Closet Case Patterns and by far it was as good as I was expecting! A summer day saviour. There will certainly be more of these in future in my wardrobe with all the versions available. 

M6044 got another look in with a whale print version - and you may be seeing another one soon ;) An absolute gem of a menswear pattern.

Rosie Bralette - this did get made and I ventured into lingerie sewing. Suprisingly though I didn't enjoy it as much as I thought I would and can't say I'll be rushing to make another anytime soon :-/

The Emerson trousers did not get made and I'm not really sure why - probably just ran out of time and warm weather! I'm still after some lovely black cullottes so you never know.

This one is a prime example of not tagging onto a popular pattern just for the sake of it. I thought I would try the Emery Dress by Christine Haynes however I quickly realised there was no way it would suit me or be something I would actually wear. The pattern was therefore donated to a lovely friend who definitely would wear it well :)

And lastly, I do have the Ultimate Trousers pattern however I managed to make a comfy version from ponte which did the job just as well, so I'm counting this one too!


I think my favourite make of the year was this Gertie B6453 dress - the pattern is incredibly versatile and seeing so many versions during the sewalong was a pleasure. Have I worn it? Of course not. ::eye roll::


Another noteworthy contender are these Carolyn PJs - never has nightwear felt so smart. Have I worn them? Comfy loungewear.....Oh yes!

Instagram played a heavy part in sewing this year - looking at everyone's marvellous makes and researching projects. Suprisngly my favs were also favoured by others out there, which is often nmot the case. Here's what Insta has as my 2017 Best Nine!

MakeNine aside, it was another good year for learning and improving, as we always do, and sewing for me played a huge part in therapeutic recovery this year so I am thankful for that and the amazing community of sewists out there that are so supportive of each other and inspirational. I'm looking at you. Yes you. Thank you x

Happy New Year all!


 Feel free to comment and come and say hello on InstagramFacebookTwitterPinterest and Bloglovin too :-) xx

Nights in Blue Velvet - M6884

In what seems like an annual occurance - I once again pulled out the ol' faithful M6884 wrap dress pattern for a Christmas party! During the usual pre-party panic about not knowing what to wear, apparently I thought making a dress the day beforehand would be a good idea... this time it was!

This fabric is a super stretchy blue velvet from Tia Knight, a total bargain and there were so many colours to choose from! I was debating a simple tee dress but felt a Christmas party and this fabric lent itself well to a bit of a vintage vibe.

M6884 is a super simple pattern to whip up, it is stretch so fitting is not such an issue and the dress is a 'faux wrap' so no wardrobe malfunctions a few glasses of fizz into the night. I've already made two versions of this so was confident it would be ok to make in a bit of a rush.



Being luck enough to attend a Christmas party at The Assembly House it was nice to feel fancy for the evening. Had to have a cheeky pic next to the tree!



The venue was so festive and pretty, we even had a little snoop around the building and discovered the kitchens and cookery school full of copper pans. Also just a short walk away from the Tunnel of Light. Highly recommded if anyone was in Norfolk at Xmas time. Look how lovely...


On that rather festive note, may your needles be sharp and your bobbins be full this winter break. Wishing everyone love and a very Happy Holidays, whatever you may be doing :)

















Feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest and Bloglovin too :-) xx

Let It Snow! Kleiber Tree Decorations with Minerva Crafts


Those kind folks at Minerva Crafts have been in the festive spirit and gifted me some amazing little tree decoration kits to try!

There's still time to grab one - they make such cute gifts and stocking fillers.


Snowmen Felt Decorations
Whatever you may be doing - Happy Holidays :)


 Feel free to comment and come and say hello on InstagramFacebookTwitterPinterest and Bloglovin too :-) xx

More Sewing with a latecomer Linden

All of the opinions and crafting are my own in this post however today's project comes courtesy of More Sewing, a lovely little fabric shop and haberdashery in Worthing who very kindly sent me a little bundle of polar bear fabric through the post!


They have a huge range of really cool jersey to choose from, and how seasonally appropriate is this print - as I type it is actually snowing outside. It is gorgeously soft and stretchy so naturally lends itself well to a bit of cosy winter wear...


Considering my love of Grainline Studio (Archer, Hemlock, various Lark incarnations, Scout tee) how on earth have I not made the Linden before???? I see there is a rather wonderful Linden Swap going on again this year amoungst the sewing community - and perhaps next year I would like to join in - however this year this Linden was destined for my lovely sister. (Hey sis, are you reading this? You're getting a sweater :)

With regards to sizing - I have no idea if it fits her yet HOWEVER we are fairly similar and this looks like yet another equisitely drafted pattern as the drape and shape is just perfection in my opinion.



The pattern and fabric sewed up like a dream, a couple of hours at most? The entire thing was made on the overlocker except stitching down the neckband and cuffs. The fabric behaved very well and didn't pull, pucker or get stuck in machinery! (Even being a lazy beast and using a regular needle and sewing foot...**GASP**)


I'm pleased with how this turned out and really hope she likes it - I can't wait to make more now I've finally joined this Linden party, what a fabulous stable for a makers wardrobe!

With regard to the fabric - I thought it was excellent - the print is so cute, its just the right thickness and has great recovery, sitting nice and flat at the seams and neckline. I had a little browse of the other fabrics availabe on More Sewing website and check out these beauties! Bugs and birds...what's more to like?


Feel free to comment and come and say hello on InstagramFacebookTwitterPinterest and Bloglovin too :-) xx