Adriana and the Ophidia

Welcome back all - I've got another 'new to me' pattern today in the form of the Adriana Dress by The Patterns Room.

This is a gorgeous little pattern than seems not to have much of an online presence for some reason - but it's perfect for warm weather and holidays! It's also really simply to make so a great beginner project or a palette cleanser if you are not after anything too challenging. 

 

 The dress is a halterneck style with the neckties threading through the front and back bodice pieces and tied at the back. The ties are stitched onto the front bodice when you have your preferred amount of gather although I imagine this is entirely optional. I didn't stitch the back ones down. There is an encased elastic waist and a lovely full skirt with pockets.

I made a size 18-20 from the charts and made no alterations to this. It's a wafty dress so very forgiving.  

For my main dress I used some snake print EcoVero viscose from Sew Me Sunshine and the quality is glorious. It is 130gsm so is fluid and cool but not thin and annoying. 

 I adore the colours in this dress and it was perfect for floating about a very hot Mdina on holiday recently. The print also felt in keeping with the medieval surroundings!

For my toile of this dress (I didn't want to cut into the snakes until I knew I'd like the style) I used some Nerida Hansen viscose from Beyond the Pink Door.  This print is called 'Lion and Coyote' and is very summer bright and cheery. 

 There's a little key hole detail at the back of the dress which is very pretty and simply made by the centre back seam opening. 

There wasn't enough for the full length so a shorter one had to do! (I had 2m) Turns out that was also perfect for wandering about on hot streets. Little action shot to prove the case:

The sizing I found to be spot on, you can adjust the waist elastic as much as you like to be comfortable. I expected to have to move the waist seam but did not have to as that also moves up to your natural waist to create a blouse effect on top.

I can see this being a summer saviour if we get hot hot heat again - a classic thrown on and go hero. It's also good to know that it's possible to make a shorter one in 2m of fabric, which I seem to have an excess of. Definitely something that could be whipped up in a hurry aswell!

Do give this little pattern a go if you are after some easy breezy summer sewing.  

Wishing everyone well and thank you for stopping by - feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin too xxx  

Nepheline the Goddess of Green

Kermit called, wants his shirt back. 

Behold the greenest of green blouses you ever did see. Praise be to the gods of greenness for bringing this mighty Nepheline Blouse to our lives.

 Actually it was a friend Helen that introduced me to the Nepheline Pattern, but she's a gooddess so that's fine.

I think I'm the last person to know about this pattern but I had never heard of it until my sewing pal was making one at Retreat. Always on the lookout for something interesting she kindly let me try it on, and it fit! So not only did I discover a lovely new pattern, but also what size to cut out without any faffing and fitting. 

This is the Nepheline Blouse - by Vivian Shao Chen. 

 Nerd alert - Nepheline is a rock, so I assume the pattern is named after it's Greek origin 'Cloud'. I always like to know what patterns are named after! It has gone lovely billow cloud sleeves so maybe it's that. 

The blouse comes with a couple of versions - this high neck one and a more ruffly frou-frou type. 

I cut a straight up Size 5 based on the one I tried and that does the job just fine.   

I wore this blouse recently and had so many lovely compliments, including strangers, which is always such a kind thing isn't it. 

It's a very simple shirt to make, no darts, minimal pieces, but very effective. The sleeve detail is wonderful!

There are 2 pleats that make a great lantern sleeve shape as it tucks into the sleeve hem band. 

What does most of the work here is this fabric - it is glorious. This is the Palm Tree Broderie Anglais and not only is it vivid, its soft and a dream to sew with. (It comes in 6 colourways). Very refreshing to find a broderie fabric that isn't floral or ditsy in style. This is definite Farm Rio vibes. 

 

Because of all the holes in the fabric, I used the selvedge to cut the button plackets and cuff bands so any interfacing would not show through. I also used bias binding to finish the hem and neckline for the same reason and it works a treat. The bias is lime green so I quite like the colour pop when it shows. 

I deliberated on buttons for a while, but would it even be my shirt if I didn't put something ridiculous on it. These cute little lime green tree frogs went with the theme and I think they are just right for it.

All in all a really easy to wear shirt. 

Have you made this one? Let me know your thoughts! 

Wishing everyone well and thank you for stopping by - feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin too xxx

Nicks and the Tulips

Tulips as far as the eye can see in this post!

I got tickets to Tulips for Tapping this year (a field of tulips in Norfolk open to visit to raise money for a hospice) - did you know this was here in the UK and not just Netherlands? 

Photo from Tulips for Tapping

Of course in true stitcher style, I wanted to make something to wear and you know I do love to dress to a theme. 

This fabulous fabric is from Minerva called 'Nursery Blooms' - I have previously used it 2023 to make a Nova Dress and the remainder has been in my stash ever since. When I was having a clear our I kept being drawn back to it and the Closet Core Nicks Dress was shouting to me. A pattern that had also languised unused since 2023.

Turns out (and I had forgotten) I previously made a toile in a size 16 (my usual size) but it really was too big for me and so I sized down to a size 12 and even took out some fullness through the bodice. 2023 had made all the pattern changes so that 2025 me could pick it up and get sewing. 

 This is a seriously great pattern! (It's Closet Core so you know...classy goods). Massive size reduction aside, the pattern itself has some lovely features. The sleeves have the slightest gather which I really liked and I am not a puffy sleeve type. The bodice also gathers to the shoulder giving a very pretty effect. 

I think I had swerved this pattern initially as it was one of these that looked very complicated and involved and I didn't have the brain space for that. Upon making it, I can't believe how quickly and effectively it comes together. 

The front loops are made as one strip, cut and then trapped in the bias binding that's used to bind the entire neckline. I thought I was going to have to stitch the loops down but amazingly they stay put.

The peplum for this tunic version is made using THE MIDDLE TIER - I repeat THE MIDDLE TIER. Don't be me, who attached the top tier of the dress three times, wondering each time why there was no gather at all. I even resorted to watching a video of the construction to see where I was not doing it properly. Wrong pattern piece! By some minor miracle, the last sliver of fabric I had was the same width as the middle tier required. Blouse saved. 

There is a pattern piece to make the bodice binding out of the main fabric however I didn't have enough and just used ready made. A cute little label added and to finish off the look, a pair of tulip earrings by Sapphire Frills.

I am absolutely going to make this pattern again. The tunic is so easy breezy to wear and a dress would look fantastic - although that does take about 5m for all those layers and I do not have that in the stash!

 Definitely a recommended pattern - although the general consensus to go down 2 sizes is pretty accurate - and also a recommended tulip filed if you like that kind of thing!

Wishing everyone well and thank you for stopping by - feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin too xxx

A Kalle for All Seasons

 If you're after something new - this is not it.

 Welcome to the 800th Kalle Shirt blog post and I have zero regrets.

After having made several more versions of my all time favourite - Kalle by Closet Core I thought I would do a quick run down.

 Spring 

This version embodies springtime in my garden. You'll note that is not my garden. 

When I was very poorly last year I sat and drew what I could see in my conservatory and what I was doing at the time - which was growing lots of plants, feeding the tortoises dandelions and watching as Spring came to life with some rainy days in the mix. 

 All the elements above went into the design...and also a frog. Because....frog.

I decided to put my little drawings into a fabric design and have them printed! You can see here I drew them on my iPad and the subsequent print which I really loved. 

This year I made the fabric into a Kalle! What was rather wonderful is that Pigeon Wishes had some buttons that matched perfectly with my forget-me-not attempts. 

Summer

This version got bright and jazzy so it has to be 'summer'. The print is 'Nightlife Tokyo' by Lady McElroy and I find it so joyous. I think I could pop shorts under this one when the weather warms up.

This one got work to the Stitch Festival and attracted some attention! Or could that have been my new found bovine friend... (no frogs included in this one).

 Autumn

Autumn brought in more muted colours, more leaves and unsurprisingly... more frogs. Tall boots and cardigans went so well with this one in October.

 

This gorgeous viscose is from Beyond the Pink Door and is another Lady McElroy print called 'The Frogs and the Butterflies'. I particularly like how subtly the froggos are, but they are there! (They are always there.) Incidentally these are also Pigeon Wishes buttons which looked like water drops to me so on they went.

Winter

Winter needed cosier fabrics and so this brushed cotton flannel in 'denim' was ideal for a warmer make. Another Beyond the Pink Door purchase - and there is still some available I believe. 

I had a little play about with pockets and trimmings on this one and really like the effect. A good excuse for popping some labels on aswell. I wore this loads during January and February so that's a winner in terms of a practical sew.

 There we are, a little 'Tour de Kalle' for you. Will they be the last? Almost certainly not. 

Wishing everyone well and thank you for stopping by - feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin too xxx

All In - Easy Fit Shirt

 Hola, 

A springtime little post today about the 'All In' Easy Fit Shirt by Pattern Emporium. 

This is another case of me being influenced on Pinterest and inspired to replicate a 'look'. I think I nailed this one! (It's as close to 'cool girl' as I'm getting).

One of my favourite basic shirt patterns (after trying about 5000 of them) is this 'All In' shirt. It's described as 'Easy Fit' and yes, it is. There's no darts, a loose silhouette slight shaping but not fitted. 

It is NOT oversize (they have another version for that - Ocean Daze Overfit Shirt - which is also fab).

 As with most Pattern Emporium patterns, there are a multitude of options for this relaxed shirt. Various sleeve lengths, ruffles, a dress version - another great pattern for the armoury.  This is just your classic collared shirt with sleeves and cuffs. 

The fabric is a beautiful yarn dyed viscose from Croft Mill - it feels so elegant and 'French'.

The size I picked was an 18/20 exactly as per the chart - no changes made. I would lengthen the sleeves and widen the cuff next time as they were a bit tight on me. I always roll my sleeves up anyway though so it didn't really matter. 

To achieve the embroidered front, I bought a load of floral applique from Amazon and carefully placed and pinned it into place. When happy with the result I then pain painstakingly sewed all around the edges in pink, green and khaki to blend in. This did take a while but I love the result. The applique is also 3D in places so I like it gives some volume.

The inside of the shirt is hilarious though...

 As you probably know, I can't leave things alone so of course I had to add a little frog or two just for fun. And glitter bug buttons. I think these are quite subtle this time though! The shirt is so comfortable to wear, it's already been out in the wild the day after I finished it. 

As this shirt is all things floral and garden, I had to pick an appropriate label - this time a little bee from Guthrie & Ghani.

If you're after a lovely relaxed shirt - this one is a great option. Let me know if you have a classic shirt favourite!

Wishing everyone well and thank you for stopping by - feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin too xxx

Spring Sewing Retreat with Norwich Sewcials

What happens on retreat stays on retreat... mostly. Although I was just going to give you a little insight to this years Norwich Sewcials Spring Retreat held at Barnham Broom in the middle of the beautiful Norfolk countryside. What's great about Norfolk is that the weather is 'usually' very nice for this! This year was glorious. Exhibit A.

Despite our sewing community name, which was started when we were little and just Norwich based, we welcome anyone from anywhere. In the past we've had visitors from Scotland, Germany, Manchester, London and other parts of the UK so do consider it if you're after a fun weekend. We are also so happy that there were some familiar faces from afar who are repeat retreaters! 

Our sewing room has a huge balcony and windows making it light and bright. As soon as everyone arrived, machines were out and it was a hive of activity. Our lovely instructor and professional seamstress Pippa (aka The Fabric Wrangler) is always whizzing around helping and assisting with all the projects. 

One thing for sure is that we were all well fed, including some incredible afternoon tea and cakes made from local lavender! Yum. 

It also felt a little rude not to sit out and enjoy the sun for cocktail hour after all that chatting. I always love the down time when you get a chance to talk with people in more detail and get to know them, everyone always has such good stories. 

This year, Rosie from Sew Eco Fabrics also attended and brought a pop-up shop where everyone went a bit wild in the aisles and picked up some beautiful labels and deadstock fabrics. Some of which were bought, cut, sewn and worn all within 24 hours!

The whole weekend was an absolute pleasure and we left with hearts (and stomachs) very full! Have a look at this little video for a better feel of a retreat - have you every been on one? Tempted? Do let me know! 

Wishing everyone well and thank you for stopping by - feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin too xxx

Noodling About - Buckthorn Backpack

 Another Noodlehead pattern today!

I'm a big fan of the Noodlehead patterns as they have more elevated bag features and design components than most, making your end product just that little bit more special. 

Having already made the Hillside Tote, the Oxbow Tote and the Traverse Bag (just realized never blogged about that one despite making it twice) and just having purchased the Sandhill Sling for a future project...I knew this brand was the way to go when looking for a backpack. 

Due to the Stitch Festival trip - I figured I needed a handy bag to take with me that would be suitable for travel, walking, buying stuff and space saving. Enter the Buckthorn Backpack.

 It's a backpack and tote in one! Great for wearing with the straps when walking around and perfect to carry as a tote for shopping and crowded spaces. 

Pic from Noodlehead.com

 I am quite pleased with this in terms of fabric as I managed to make it out of bits of fabric and interfacing from my stash without buying anything. The webbing for straps I got from Beyond the Pink Door. This is my version. You'll notice it's slightly less neutral than the pattern image.

The fabric is some beautiful cotton that was originally from Fleur et Ours and the colours are beautiful. I was pleased to find another use for this one. 

Starting with the interior of the backpack - it has divided pocket sections which is really handy for keeping water bottles and purses in check. Less rummaging is always a good thing.

I also added a little zipped security pocket in there for essentials and my phone etc. That's not part of the pattern but fairly easy to add on. The lobster clasp for keys was also a little extra I threw in there too. 

This fabric is leftover from my Crafty Clyde's Emporium shop and the day I made this backpack, was the day my guys woke up from their hibernation. It seemed fitting so there we have the triple tortoises featuring nicely. 

 

Another little detail I added was some bag feet. A bit of extra sturdyness and wear and tear preventative measures. Technically they are just studs from Trimming Shop but it's the same thing. 

Of course I had to add a cute little zip pull on the top. Because of all the insects I thought it would be fun to pop a bird on there. These cuties are from MeMadeMakes.

The bag pattern is very easy to sew, and unlike some of the other Noodlehead ones, it does have pattern pieces - which made cutting out a whole lot easier than having to measure each piece. 

Construction is straightforward - make the outer, make the lining - drop lining into bag. There's no 'birthing' and turning anything inside out for this one. The raw edges at the top are enclosed by a piece of binding which is a really neat finish. 

 The bag did very well on our adventure out and I was backpacking myself about the Stitch Festival collecting goodies along the way.

Have you made this one? Next up is the Sandhill Sling so any tips on that let me know!

 Wishing everyone well and thank you for stopping by - feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and Bloglovin too xxx