Itch to Stitch - Baiona Pattern Test

 Hello!

I am swinging in today with a BRAND NEW pattern to the sewing world and that is the Baiona Dress by Itch to Stitch.  

 Full disclosure as always - I did receive this pattern for free, however it was to be on the test panel and give it the once over and instructions check so views are (as always) my own.  

The pattern is a really easy breezy and easy to wear little dress. There's a few options on hem lengths and ruffles and there is a very neat V neck placket and facing. The waist is very comfortable as it is just drawn in, rather than tight to the body. 

 I went for a size 12 on top graded to a 14 at the waist and hips. This is interesting as I usually cut a bigger size in Itch to Stitch patterns however as it was a test, I went with exactly what the chart put me in. 

There are 2 cup options for this pattern - regular and full. I went for the regular expecting it to still need some adjusting down, but it is fine without being super voluminous. 

The pattern comes with kimono type grown on sleeves - unfortunately on my version here the sleeves were a tad too tight for me and so I cut them back to 10 inches from the neckline. This created a little more room and more of a cap-sleeve effect, which I actually prefer, and would do again on any future makes as personal preference. 

As we were approaching the end of summer at the time this was made, I opted to use some of my navy ladybird fabric as a 'trans-seasonal' print. Cute enough for warm weather, nice colours for cooler days and autumn boots perhaps.  

The V-neck on this dress is made from a separate pattern piece that is Y shaped - and faced with an identical piece. Both are interfaced and gives quite a nice crisp finish. You have to 'stitch in the ditch' which I am not particularly good at but the thread is forgiving! Some testers went for a contrasting V neck and that looked great.

The waist is formed from 3 rows of elastic, all encased in a double sided waistband that has no raw edges on the inside. It is a really neat and tidy pattern from that point of view - few exposed seams on the inside.

Personally next time - I would be inclined to make a shirred waist and see how that works. I find channels fiddly and you need to be really millimeter accurate for the elastic to fit perfectly. I am not that kind of perfectionist sewist. Whilst I did achieve this - meh - I would try a different method just to see.  If you love a channel - the method Kennis uses for this pattern is flawless. 

 This is a great little dress pattern which I think would be really versatile to wear on a day to day basis. It's currently 20% off at time of writing if you were tempted!

 

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Go Shorty

 Back this week with the Atelier Jupe counterpart to the Sophie Top - it's the Ellis shorts!

 Whilst I am really enjoying the end result - I have to level with you. I went reallllly wrong somewhere along the lines as these are supposed to be zip closure fixed waist. These ain't that. 

My measurements put be at a size 44/46 so I cut that out and they were way too big. Of course I went rogue and just finished them the way I wanted - which was to put an elastic waistband on. Job done - comfy shorts, fabric rescued.

I’m not one for overreacting with excitement at things generally – but I have to admit to a little squeak of joy when I opened the packet for this fabric.

It is wonderful! The colours in this are absolutely stunning – and my personal favourite combo of blue and neon pink was in there. This fabric is the Mexican Woven Stripe Jacquard Canvas in the Minerva core range. I was gifted this - but definitely would have bought it anyway. Use code STARSCLYDE for 10% off on everything at Minerva don't forget!

The pictures on the Minerva site are really not doing these fabrics any justice as they are far more vibrant in real life.

I picked canvas to make a bag but when it arrived, not only were the colours glorious, but the fabric itself is so soft! The description has this as a poly fabric – and I really don’t usually wear poly at all as it ‘mithers’ me but this really does feel like cotton, and as bottom weigh fabric I have had no issues with it.

 

As we’ve all been hotter than hot recently, I figured that I might make some shorts as well as a bag – stay tuned for that one. The shorts jumped the queue for their summery properties.

The shorts have a diagonal pocket bag – much like the Closet Core Pietra Pants – and the stripes really lend themselves well to playing with this feature. 

 As if the shorts weren’t loud enough on their own, out came the neon ombre pompom trim to adorn the leg holes. Hi-Vis safety shorts.

I have enough fabric left now for my bag plans, so a matching backpack could be heading this way…

 A second pair of these shorts also materialized in the form of a 'transformation'.

I think it was May that I made a Sew Over It Ruby Skirt in some gorgeous yarn dyed stripe fabric from Cloth Kits. Whilst it was...Ok... I really didn't get on with it and I think the fabric was a little thick for the pattern. Plus I just don't wear skirts so there's that....

I was a bit miffed as I had really put effort into the details - purple heart buttons, a cute label, stripe play and some trim on the hem.

Then along came l'il shorty Ellis. Comfy clothes I can wear while working in the heat - now that I do like and do wear.

Somehow the god's of sewing were upon me as not only did I manage to squeeze the pattern piece out of the skirt fabric (some bits are patch-worked together) - but the trim of the skirt was the EXACT - and I mean mm EXACT same length as both leg openings of the shorts. Crazy.

 I also thought I should add a cool little feature onto the shorts too - so voila, one fish label from TheCosyclubHandmade. 

There we go - is it even summer without some shorts?

Have you tried this one? I'd love to see how they compare to the Pietras.

Feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Bloglovin too xxx

Sophie this Season

 Sophie is the pattern du jour at the moment, especially in this weather!

 I was kindly given the Atelier Jupe - Sophie and Ellis set by Beyond The Pink Door to try a while ago, and I've made several over the last few months.  

This pattern is a cute little top and shorts pattern with some great elevated details. One of the being - these shoulder ties... 

The Sophie Top is a really simple shell top - a bit like the Ashton which is doing the rounds again, but with a wider neckline and some asymmetric shoulders. 

 The fun thing about this design is that the ties at the shoulder are a separate pattern piece - so you can use it on either shoulder, both, or neither! I think that's a very clever feature by Atelier Jupe, giving much more options if asymmetry isn't your thing.  

It is QUICK to make if you're looking for an easy win. Also a fabulous way to showcase some fabric as it's a blank canvas. A great stash buster too for those smaller pieces you may have. 

I couldn't resist this Fabric Godmother seagull print (always reminds me of lovely reader Karen) and of course a top for the Norfolk seaside was in order.  

I made a size 44/46 and the only change I made was to remove the small dart by pivoting it out to the hem. Of course as I do love a theme it was a great excuse to crack out all seagull related goodies to wear....

Fun earrings are from Oo Bears I think although not 100% on that - she certainly has some though. The cute little label is of course another CosyClubHandmade  and the epic necklace is Sugar & Vice. 

 A great little shell top sewing pattern if you're after something simple but effective for the rest of summer - definitely one that can be carried into new seasons for layering. Great value too as it also come with the shorts pattern included! Little peek of those here...

 Once again thank you for reading if you've made it down here - wishing you happy sewing.

 Feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Bloglovin too xxx

Ultimate Summer Sew - Fibre Mood - Alberthe

 I just checked the date of my last blog - wooooo its been a while! I have been sewing, just clearly not recording anything about it.

 It was definitely worth popping up a post today though - I found this year's favourite summer sew. 

                                             

Fibre Mood - Alberthe Dress and Top 

Firstly - I have never made a Fibre Mood pattern to my recollection, and for some reason was a bit suspicious of them, no idea why, just a new company to try and mess about finding the fit and sizing. I'd also heard lots of things about tracing complex patterns and no seam allowances. 

Turns out that's not entirely true as although Fibre Mood is a printed magazine, all the patterns are available as separate Paper and PDFs to buy on the website. Seam allowances included.  

I got a bit bored of sewing the same patterns up recently and wanted something fun. This fit the bill!

 

I tried out the top version first to see how the sizing would be - opted for a size L -which was the 16/18 bracket - and it fit!

The pattern has a very small dart at the bust, which I remove by just pivoting it out to the hemline. The pattern also calls for a side zip.

 Nah - the top goes on over my head just fine so I omitted the zip. 

The fabric I used for the top is a really cute bug print cotton cambric from Rainbow Fabrics . I had no idea what cambric was but gambled because...bugs. It's lovely fabric, natural and breathable and had some drape to it whilst being easy to sew and press.

I struggled with the slight origami of the pattern on my first version. The instructions are good but there was some shuffling of right angles going on. I still have no idea if the top is crossed the right way round or not, but it works so who cares. 

Now for my favourite make of 2026 so far - this little beauty! 

Can you tell I love it? 

This was a definite labour of love as the print is my own. I designed the fabric by drawing all 26 species of UK ladybird (talk about time consuming) and had it printed up (hit me up if you would like to order some or petition your local store to stock it haha.) 

We were off for a fancy day at RHS Sandringham for a friend's birthday so a floral dress was definitely on the cards.  

 This pattern was an instant 'yes' when thinking of what to make up with the fabric. This version is viscose and works just as well. So soft and was perfect for the heat.  

The cross-over front is entirely contained, it doesn't waft open or anything, you are fully covered. A clever construction once I got my noggin around it.  

The back of the dress is fairly simple in shape and the wide straps were very comfortable and stayed put.  

This pattern would look amazing in something beachy and seasidey - some blue and white or simailar colours. Or just about anything for that matter. 

I will be quite honest, it has been difficult to dress a flat chest in summer, as everything is very darted, cupped, gathered etc and doesn't sit right. THIS however is amazing and I felt so comfortable wearing it. 

I have a short trip away planned at the end of summer so perhaps one more version may get made before then....

Have you tied Fibre Mood? Any recommendations?

Feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Bloglovin too xxx

 

Putting on the Regalia

 This was not a pattern I ever though I'd be into - ruffles and 'fluff' but I loved it so much I made it twice! 

The Regalia Pattern by Sew House Seven  first came onto my radar last year during Sew April Blouse challenge on insta. I liked the look of it on other makers and figured it would be a good one for a flat chest. I bought the pattern but of course it languished about and never got made up. 

Sew April Blouse rolled around again for this year so it was the perfect time to try it out. 

What I also thought was not very 'me' was some floral viscose that I bought in Barcelona. I was however really drawn to it as it had almost oil paint brush stroke details. 

We had just been to an art museum and seen Damien Hurst 'The Virtues- Politeness' and the fabric just represented that really well as a token of our trip.  I figured it would be rude not to buy a piece of fabric while we were there. 

 Turns out I bloody love both - the fabric and pattern! I think they work really well together. I especially like the high collar on this blouse, it gives it a bit of edge.

This is the 'normal' length (as opposed to tunic and belt view) with short sleeves (and no cuff gathers). I was enjoying some gathers but let's not lose our minds here.  

The ties at the back are a joy and the construction method makes this a really straight forward sew. The front and back yoke are fully lined with a 'double burrito' method. And who doesn't love that burrito. 🌯

I didn't have enough fabric for my facings so improvised with a bit of viscose from Guthrie Ghani (another one languishing in the stash begging to be made up).  

 I made a straight up 16 and made a grand total of ZERO CHANGES - wooooop! 

This blouse sews up really quickly and so I squeezed in a second as I wanted a reason to use my blue Cobra Corsage fabric.

Bizarrely, I think I may prefer the floral one. (Gasp). That being said they will both get worn - hopefully when the weather picks up a bit. 

This little biscuit label was the perfect colour combo for this Regalia blouse, in it goes. I think it was a freebie with some Hey Sew Sister fabric a while ago. 

 Have you made this? Let me know what you are all up to :)

I'm hoping to sew up a few fun makes next so hopefully I can bring you that soon.  

Feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, and Bloglovin too xxx

Making Moves - New Trews

 Hold up - I made a pair of trousers with a new pattern. Whhhhaaattttttt?!

Having spent the last 10 years making the same pair of Style Arc Fifi or Parker pants on repeat, the fact I tried a new style is a bit of a shocker for me. Especially when the pattern is a bit 'trendy'.

You've seen all the barrel legs out there - I wasn't convinced I must be honest. But I do love Pattern Emporium and I do love using up stash. So caution to the wind I gave the Making Moves pants a go! 

And I don't hate them!

As usual I went into these thinking I'd have to make 1000 adjustments to the fit - however I made just 1. Scoop the back curve out a bit for this larger booty. Would you know, it worked.  

I cut a size 16 - there was a minute where I thought I had made a big mistake as the waist looked significantly smaller than normal, however it did come together and I can get them on without issue even with a big hip/waist difference. 

 My first pair were made from some black stretch linen from the deep stash - I just wanted to check the fit and not waste anything too precious. 

I had to chop about 5 inches from the hem thinking they would be 'cropped' however they ended up being about right! 

I appreciate black trousers are not the most interesting thing to look at or see any details. 

There is a 2 piece back leg which gives a gentle curve around the leg, a nice 'beginner barrel' shape. 

 The second pair I made in some leftover stripe soft denim (used for a jacket here) - the pattern says not suitable for stiffer fabrics however, I ignored that and gambled on them being ok. It's elasticated trousers. It's fine. Not as drapey on the bum but they still fit which is great.  

Here is the fabric and pocket shape close up:

Of course a fun little label was required and I popped that on the back waistband.

I have just realized this is the same label as in my matching jacket - maybe I could wear this as a co-ord?!

 Comfy little beasties these are. 

If you are after some easy-to-wear and easy-to-make trousers this season I would definitely recommend the Making Moves. 
 

Feel free to comment and come and say hello on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and and Bloglovin too xxx

 

Jenna - it's not you it's me.

Or is it?

For the first time in my sewing 'time' I have fallen out with a Closet Core pattern - gasp!!

 

Did my beloved betray me? Or did I just reallllly bodge up this shirt.  

I was so chuffed when I found some beautiful Japanese Liberty Lawn with Snoopy on - it wasn't cheap but I treated myself and thought I would make something 'simple' so as not to ruin the fabric. I've made shirts a zillion time before so the Jenna should be no problem right? Wrong. 

The idea was an easy breezy crisp blue shirt for Spring - looking all cool like this lady on the packet:

Jenna Shirt Closet Core

 I look more like some bloke called Steve in accounting.  

Edit: I've just re-read the pattern description and it does say 'menswear inspired'. Nailed it then. 

The size put me at a 16, pretty normal for me. I was expecting it to be a VERY oversized shirt but it isn't. So just beware pick your actual size for this one.

It is one of those makes that just went a bit awry. Firstly I didn't ave enough fabric for the full shirt due to width issues, so I had to get creative with 2 different colourways. 

The collar stand I found far too shirt for the neckline and really had to wrangle that in there. The collar then looks a bit awkwardly big in comparison.

The bit the annoyed the bejeezus out of me was the hem!!! I must have unpicked that thing 4 times. It's such a steep curve that it was getting wrinkled (ok, that has a solution - baby hem) but then joining the sides of the shirt together to the pre-hemmed pieces was a mess.  

 For that reason I had to chop off the now raggy hem and do it again. That meant I had to take in the side seams considerably to get them to line up with the hemmed lower shirt. Voila - one too small shirt that does not fit the brief of chic. Ah well. Win some loose some.  (To be fair I don't think I have ever been chic so no real loss hehe).

 

 Found cute Snoopy buttons from Button Box Devon though - so there's that.  

Having just had some time apart and taken some better pictures I don't think it is as disastrous as first thought - just not what I had in mind. It's wearable. And that's about it. 

I like it - but it's not love Jenna...

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