TATB Indigo in Broderie

 Hello again!

I did actually write a whole blog post the other week but it disappeared into the ether and I couldn't be bothered to do it again. So here we are. 

This week I'm popping on to share a take on the classic Tilly and the Buttons Indigo Dress.  (Whilst simultaneously still faffing around with my photos).

Yep, it's a repeated make and nothing new but it's turning into a real TNT for me, and in particular my sister, who loves this style and gets to keep many versions!

This one started with falling in love with some Broderie Anglais fabric from Lamazi. The fabric is called Sweet Vines and comes in lots of beautiful colours, but I was drawn to Cyclamen. I mean LOOK AT IT.

Lamazi Fabrics

 Admittedly I bought the fabric before I had a plan but as soon as it arrived I had an idea. The holes in this broderie are quite large and so needed a bit of lining to prevent any nudity of the torso. I really wanted to keep that beautiful detail and so opted for a bright pop of contract colour.

The Stash Gods provided as I had a piece of turquoise and fuchsia viscose in there originally from Rainbow Fabrics. This provided a great backdrop for this embroidered beauty. 

 As the majority of the dress would need lining I went for a simple pattern - Tilly and the Buttons Indigo Dress.

In terms of lining, I just laid the pieces over each other and basted, treating the 2 layers as one piece of fabric and assembled the dress as normal. I didn't line the sleeves or the bottom tier of the dress as it was not necessary and I also wanted the extra contrast. 

I made a size 7 and it's plenty big enough. Gathers are ALWAYS done with a row of shirring in this house. There are even some contrast side pockets going on aswell.

It appears that this dress works with or without foobs which is a major plus, as no pattern adjustments were made to my original from a couple of years ago.  (And its too hot for fake tits so why bother).


 I added my little Kissing Turtles belt for an extra colour pop and found a lovely little label to polish off this make. Where am I going in this? Nowhere. Just fancied making something pink and pretty.

 I'm just going to throw in another special mention for a further Indigo Dress - this one for my sis in some neon challis! Nice and bright for the summer and in the post to her right now...


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Lyra in the Lagoon

Well good morning all! Have you missed me?!

Probably not but I'll not hold that against you heehee.

I've obviously been very AWOL from the blog, and once again debated whether to start up or not, but here we are, and coming in with a very jazzy little number whilst post-chemo and pre-radiotherapy and able to take some pics at last!

Full disclosure as always - this fabric was gifted to me by Minerva in exchange for a post on their site. But can you blame me this fabric is awesome

This particular work of art is the ‘Lagoon’ border print viscose challis fabric.

Although it says ‘border’ print – the design actually spans the entire width of the fabric, quite literally from sea to sky on this one. Wherever you look there is a completely different creature or flower to spot. Beautiful tropical fish in the lagoon, water plants and foliage, coming up through blossoms and tropical flowers to the bright birds above!

I have absolutely gone through the motions on what to make with this one and have sat on it for quite a while. It WAS going to be a Lahja robe for summer dressing down vibes, and it would absolutely make a great robe. That being said I already have one, and I felt this needed to be worn out and about.

After further deliberation I settled on the Tilly and the Buttons Lyra Dress as it has details, but not so many that it breaks up the print too much. That print definitely needed to be showcased. 

I wanted this dress to be very roomy and flowy at the middle so that I could nip it in at the waist. Therefore, this pattern has been hacked a little.

First up was moving the darts from the side seam to the waist seam. I intended to then gather the darts closed but I forgot in the end but it didn’t really matter due to the ‘loose’ look that I was after.

The Lyra Dress also had tiered skirt pieces however I wanted full length so as not to cut into the design or distort it too much with ruffles. I just free-handed two big rectangles for the skirt. I then laid the bodice at the top of the rectangle and just shaped the skirt piece in to match the bodice waist width. Definitely not professional but definitely worked. 

 Yes, I added pockets to the skirt. Just popped the original pocket pieces in, 3 inches down from the waist seam.

 The buttons from the bodice are Pigeon Wishes and are just beautiful. The colours just match the fabric perfectly picking out those pink and blue hues. 

For the finishing touches I made a belt – well, assembled a belt. I had this lovely vintage Kissing Frogs belt clasp and so threaded a piece of lilac elastic through the loops. Voila, one adjustable and comfy belt. 

I also love this print as it reminds me of one of my best friends. She used to have a pet cockatiel called Simone when we were kids, so I had to feature ‘Simone’ in pride of place on my shirt. She’s on the front and back. The massive heron was also placed on the front skirt so I could see all the creatures when wearing it. 

In the end I now have a super whimsical and fun dress for Spring/Summer. I’ve even worn it ::gasp:: 

And just in case we were wondering how social media works....

 


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Lovely Logan the Style Arc Shacket

Two weeks in a row what's happening!

This week is all about the 'shacket' - the shirt/jacket - and yes I'm aware I'm about a year too late to this particular party. 

Shackets (not sure I like this word) were absolutely everywhere at one point and I had purchased the Style Arc Logan pattern to join in with that fun. But like most great ideas it languished unmade for some reason. 

Yet another pattern to file under 'why didn't I make this sooner' category because it's fantastic!

Style Arc describes the Logan as an 'oversized shirt style jacket' - which I suppose it is depending on your fabric choice. I'd say mine was more 'heavy shirt' than jacket. 

The size chart would put me in a 16 however I read multiple reviews about this being VERY over-sized so opted for a more familiar 14 instead. This was plenty. Room to manoevre without being utterly swamped. My sweet spot for a casual garment.  

You'll have to forgive the crumpled state in the pictures however it's a testament to the fact I have been wearing it and it was rather 'lived in' by the time I took the photo. I'd say that was a good sign. 

The design features two big breast pockets, a rounded yoke at the back (which I actually had to put a centre seam in due to fabric allowance) and hidden side seam pockets too!

 Since making it I've found this shirt to be so practical. Whack it on in milder weather or when I've pottering between indoors and outdoors without needing a 'big coat' on. The length covers comfy leggings (yes I am still wearing those) and the pockets are super deep for chucking in tickets, car keys and whatever else when you have your hands full whilst doing said pottering. 

Plans for this shacket had been some 'Essex Speckle Yarn Dyed Robert Kaufman' cotton/linen mix however it was very narrow and I couldn't fit the sleeves on. Delving back into the stash depths I picked out what I thought was the same fabric in black - but by happy coincidence it was a brushed cotton and even better for this project! (Fabric intended for my husband - sorry love!).

This is also a Robert Kaufman - 'Black Speckled Shetland Flannel'. I have no idea where I originally bought it however that is the name if you wish to find any. As you can see close up it has colourful little flecks.

There was an attempt at matching speckles with buttons so I popped on some blue glittery ones. The whole shirt is top stitched but difficult to see on the black flannel. A contrast colour may be good if you want to make it stand out a little.

 My next sewing projects have been bags, intended as gifts, so I will have to wait to share those!

Until the next time, wishing you all well.

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Rio & Loren

 Hello all! If anyone is still out there....I appreciate it's been a long while again. 

I have managed a little bit of sewing the last few weeks and couldn't resist in sharing this wonderful jacket. Mainly because of the fabric. 

The interwebs went crazy for this fabric called Paradise Jacquard - which I SWEAR was called 'Rio Paradise' when I bought it but I can't find that description anywhere. 

The fabric is a beautiful woven jacquard from Sister Mintaka made from recycled yarns!

What better than fabric with birds, tropical trees, mountains, the moon, the sun and the stars.

Obviously resistance was futile and I bought 2.5m of this wonder fabric. Every time I look at it there's something new in the scene.  

As the fabric is the star of the show it needed a simple pattern pairing. Enter a previously made Style Arc jacket in the form of 'Loren'. The Loren Jacket is a wonderfully simple blazer that would be a great starter project if you were looking for a spring jacket.    

There is an option for side seam or patch pockets but I did neither, not wanting to break up the print. 

This is a size 16 from the chart, no alterations made to the pattern. 

The fabric is also reversible and so the unlined look is perfect! In order for have those 'pretty guts' I bound the raw edges in cotton bias. 

 No your eyes are not deceiving you - this is not Richard O'Brien in a jazzy jacket it's just me, follicly challenged right now.

It's such a fun and uplifting make this one - not exactly a basic staple of the wardrobe but certainly a museum piece to enjoy. 

My head has also had a little decoration with Henna - shout out to Nadia Sondh who created this incredible Henna Crown for me before a chemo session. 

Of course the jacket needed a little finishing touch - voila, love labels from Sewanonymous. ❤️


Hopefully I'll be back soon with a few more makes!

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Sewing Round-Up - 2023 Hits and Misses

 Wishing everyone a Happy New Year! Let's hope 2024 is a kind one for all 💕

I'm just popping back on the blog again with a little round-up of sewing from 2023 where I thought I'd pick my top 3 and worst 3 makes of the year. If it's not your thing no worries - I'm going to attempt a return to sewing when I can. 

Also if you can't be bothered to read the rest of the post I'll save you from scrolling.

TOP 3

 WORST 3

I can't think of a 3rd so I'm going to give a special mention to a GREAT basic pattern which I made a few of this year:

There was a challenge over on Instagram for #mymakesforthemonth which I joined in with. This was a great way of collating some projects into easy view posts. 

January started off very much in the blue. 

Most worn: The Baa-ble Hat 

Least Worn: Greenstyle Valerie Tunic - mostly because I forgot I made it

Fail: A Tilly and the Buttons dress in the bottom right. Looked awful and got the chop into my most worn item for February.

February brought some different colours but only just.Whilst I was proud of the pink coat I haven't worn that either. Fear of standing out? No idea. I still have it so perhaps once I'm feeling up to it a return to neon may be made! The Alex Coat was also an absolute labour of love and an 'overall' winner.

Most worn: Friday Pattern Co Westcliff Dress 

Least Worn: Pink Butterick Coat

Fail: Some Style Arc trousers that looked fit for a clown

March was another mishmash of items including gifts for my sister and husband. 

Most worn: Kalle Shirt with hacked collar - by far my most loved shirt

Least worn: Yellow sun dress - never worn. It was a panic make for holiday.

April saw me do the usual pre-holiday sewing frenzy including a little foray into swimwear. 

There is an epic fail not pictured which was a lilac sequin dress for a gala dinner but WOW that did not suit me.I looked like tinkerbell on crack. It has been re-homed. 

Most worn: The black Ocean Daze shirt (bottom middle) which was amazing for layering on holiday and also saved me post-surgery when I was recovering in the heat. 

Least worn: One shoulder tank - mostly because it wasn't warm enough at the time

Fail: Hands down the saguaro set. What was I thinking.

May makes me a little sad as it's the last time I felt good about life and things were going well. However not to dwell on that the sewing was a fun one. The Nicks shirt was a gift for my mother in law, a fun dino repair for my husband's jeans and an Indigo dress was my sister's birthday present. 

Most worn: The Ruby Skirt - I absolutely loved wearing that outfit

No misses in May :)

June was quite fun in terms of makes but potentially the least worn items of all.The cardigan was too small but got rehomed. The succulent garden dress felt a bit 'off' and the sports bra was a toile. The pretty bra - well it was interesting to make but oh the irony. The bottom right is a Kalle space dress which was fun - but quite stiff and not my usual substrate of choice. 

Most worn: None!!

July was a sporty one as I was training for a fitness event, having even made the mascot (I am happy to report he supported the team even without me on it).

Most worn: Kalle 'dip in the lake' shirt - my absolute favourite wear this year.

Least worn: Style Arc Nova - although I actually love the dress I didn't really have anywhere to wear it after finishing it off

August brought some cheery colours and my first attempt at the Zadie Jumpsuit. 

Most worn: Gym wear

Least worn and fail:  Tessuti shorts (bottom right) - fit was off.

September was surgery month so I managed to make myself some nice PJs and joggers for recovery.

Lore Piar had me pattern test the Lenne Top and that's all that happened. 

Most worn: Carolyn PJs

Least worn: Everything else

Made a few bits in October. Another panic dress (bottom left) as nothing fit right after surery and I needed a quick win. 

Most worn: All-In-Easy-Fit Shirt with snakes (bottom middle)

Least worn: The panic dress (Tilly Buttons Indigo)

By November I was trying to get outdoors walking as much as possible so made a load of outdoor-activewear!

Most worn: Jalie 2795 (bottom middle) - damn that thing is warm

Least worn and FAIL: In  desperate attempt I made a frilly Dolly Top by the Dressmakers Closet. I should have known better.  

Special mention: Closet Core Kelly Anorak - so happy I got that finished.

There was no sewing in December just lots of sofa knitting. 

Once more another year of makes which I haven't really worn however I did found a little niche in making activewear and outdoor wear and thoroughly enjoyed that. 

My body shape has changed so much over the last few months I have no idea what sewing in 2024 looks like. I would definitely like to try and make trousers that fit and move away from leggings (although I fear you may have to prise them off me).

You can also probably put money on another Kalle Shirt! 

Do tell me what patterns you have really loved making and any recommendations.

Wishing everyone a lovely weekend. x

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Christmas Creature Crafting

 Hello all - just popping on with a little festive ridiculousness.

Sewing has very much taken a backseat as my chemo treatment started but I managed to do a little bit of knitting this month. 

Starting off with the obvious choice of 'what shall I knit today' - sweaters for frogs.

These 2 likely lads were treated to a new Christmas jumper each. 

Barnham the Frog sporting a sparkly white little number with adorned tree. There is a sequin star at the top but his roll neck hides it. Short neck problems.

Turner the Frog went for a striking red knit with felt holly berry motif and beading.

The frogs had a great ol' time decorating their mini Christmas Tree. Check out their slippers.

Dot Pebbles (aka Clare Garland) then released a new Reindeer pattern and of course, being a big fan of hers I had to make him immediately. 

Meet René the Reindeer. An absolute pleasure to create. He has a wire skeleton inside, wired legs and antlers making them all bendy and poseable.I love that all the patterns are anatomically correct and include all the hind leg undulations and features of an animal.

Which reminds me, I never shared the lovely Bat that came out at Halloween. Here is Cloud the Bat:


The next project was a quick little one but equally as cute. I usually make my friend's little girls a knitted treat at Christmas and this year we went for Robins!

These little cuties have long dangly legs and a tail at the back aswell. The roundness is adorable. Pattern from FluffandFuzz (aka Amanda Berry) called 'Jolly Robin'.

I hope everyone manages to find a bit of peace at what can be a stressful and weird time of year. 2023 can go and get F$%$*d in my opinion so here's wishing one and all a Happy New Year! x

Merry Christmas from the Crafty Clyde Crew!

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Jalie Jacket 2795 - Walking with Turtles

Following my latest venture into outdoor wear in the form of the Kelly Anorak I got a bit obsessed about making another jacket - with a bit of an 'outdoor activewear' vibe.

I'm trying to get out and about for a walk as much as possible at the moment and so it gives me the perfect excuse for sewing something up.  

Enter the Jalie 2795 Jacket. It doesn't have a particularly fun name but it did look quite appealing with all it's colour blocking potential and sporty looking details. 

Jalie have an absolute array of sizes in their patterns  which are given in alphabetical format rather than numerical sizing. This jacket comes in 27 different sizes and so you're likely to find a combination that fits. 

For reference I made a AA-BB (which means nothing really other than it being about a 44-45 in European sizing).

I made a toile for the fit as I wasn't too sure on Jalie and managed to use up a whole load of sweater scraps I had been hoarding. That felt very satisfying to get rid of them. Whilst not the prettiest of hoodies, it's a very warm wearable toile!

The pattern has a high cosy collar, with optional hood, blocked princess seams and some 'sort of' welt pockets. 

My toile was absolutely fine fit-wise so I brought out the big guns in the form of this stretch softshell from Activefabrics (also known as Aktivstoffe for the German site). 

I found it almost impossible to find softshell with any amount of stretch in it, in the UK. Minerva do some but I didn't like the muted colours available at the time and REALLY wanted cobalt blue.

This amazing technical fabric was found on a deep dive of the internet called Medea 4-Way. Water repellent, fleece lined and wind-proof.  

Hat is the Baa-ble Hat by Donna Smith Designs

The final version is a little snug around my hips which is annoying but not so much that it makes it unwearable. I was actually looking for a jacket that went to hip-length but couldn't find anything. Just after I cut this all out, Itch-to-Stitch brought out the Andes Jacket which would have been perfect! Ah well. This may be better with proper trousers.

The Jalie instructions are NOT detailed. There was a 2 page diagram and a few words and I struggled to understand how the welt pocket went together. A quick search of Youtube came up with the goods and it was actually not too difficult. 

The hood of the jacket is great, it actually stays put and has a little rain peak shape on it which is a nice detail.


I'm currently sporting a new 'hair do' which is acting like velcro so perhaps thats why it stays in place!


Having the high collar is a great detail and very warm. I wore the jacket out on a really cold and wet night and can confirm the windproof fabric worked wonders and it was very toasty. Bonus points for being able to fit a t-shirt AND jumper underneath aswell.

The fit is boxy so if you wanted it a bit more shapely, make sure you adjust your princess seams BEFORE doing all the flat-fell or topstitching of the seams. 

I think I have been spoilt by the immaculate instructions and construction of the Kelly jacket as a lot of the finishing on this one is a bit basic. Seams are raw and there are numerous places I think the edges could have been enclosed but were not. I overlocked all my inner-seams and tucked under the inner-collar for a neat finish. 

It was all looking rather plain by my standards so of course I had to add a little jazz to the sleeve. This way when I'm out and about I can take my turtle with me. 

 This little fella is from SisterMintaka by a company called Malicieuse and it's a beauty. I find they don't stick particularly well just with an iron so I did stitch around him for turtle-arm-security.

Photo from Sistermintaka - Iron-on patch

Thank you for reading - hopefully this is of some use if anyone tries the pattern :)

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