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Sew the trends: Summer staples

Do you ever find yourself walking through the high-street shop, saying to yourself, “I could make that”? Us too and as makers, we’re lucky that we can take stylish shapes from the high-street and turn them into a garment perfect for our body shape.

No more confusing ready to wear sizing or scrambling around the shops for the ‘latest piece’, here we give you a round up of some of our favourite fashion from the high-street, paired with the perfect fabric and pattern combination – enjoy!

Dungarees – Monki

Dungarees really aren’t going anywhere are they? We love this stonewash style from Monki and we can already see the most perfect me-made pair when we combine our 8 oz Soft Washed Denim and the Tilly and the Buttons ‘Mila’ Dugarees. Simply layer up with a basic tee and trainers to achieve a super-casual look.

Short Sleeve Blazer – In The Style

Hot tip, short sleeve blazers are big news for this season – tapping into the seventies trend we all love. This boxy, oversize silhouette is perfect for any body type and using the Nina Lee ‘Richmond’ blazer as a base, combined with our beautiful, ‘new in’ Sevenberry Duckegg Cotton, we think this look will be a nice easy one to recreate.

Leopard print dress – All Saints 

This leopard print dress from All Saints is just beautiful – perfect for pairing with Chunky boots in the day time and heels in the evening – plus leopard print is a neutral too, so you’ll wear it forever right? Save yourself some serious pennies by pairing our Untamed leopard print cotton with the Nina Lee Kew Dress.

Linen stripe sun dress – & Other Stories

Even though the sun is a little..intermittent at the moment, we can still dream of holidays and summer dresses. This one from & Other Stories is dreamy and we particularly love the way the pockets are slightly contrasting. To recreate this one, pair our super soft Lilac Stripe Cotton Linen with the Tilly and The Buttons ‘Seren’ Dress.

Printed shirt dress – ASOS

Midi shirt dresses are big news at the moment and we are fans – worn with trainers now and with tights and boots in the winter, this might be one of the most versatile garments in your wardrobe. This bold and beautiful Ava Peachskin paired with The Sew Over It ‘Vintage Shirt Dress’ is the perfect way to recreate this on-trend style.

Linen Shirt dress – H&M 

Last but not least, a plain white shirt is always a wardrobe classic and this season it’s all about linen so it’s time to get sewing. To recreate this versatile style, pair the Closet Case Patterns ‘Kalle’ Shirt Dress with our Washed Rayon Linen. Not a fan of white, or cant be trusted to wear such a light shade like us? This stunning fabric comes in a whole host of colourful shades too – we think we’ll have one of each please!

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Meet the team: Lucy

Another new face, next up in our ‘Meet the team’ series is Lucy. A keen crafter, baker and dress maker, Lucy keeps things running behind the scenes coordinating classes and making sure the new-in fabric section is jam-packed!

Lucy answers our ‘Meet the team’ questions.

Start by telling us a little more about you?
I’m Lucy, married and Mum to three little people. I have loved being at home with them, but now they are all are school I have some time to work again.
My background is in mixed-media textile design and freemotion machine embroidery which I studied at A Level. I was taught to lace make by my Godmother at the age of eight and that sparked my love of all things creative. Since then I’ve dabbled in most things arty and sewing-related. However straight-lines and liking quick results have always hindered by dressmaking attempts. I have made a few things for myself over the years, but let’s just say my seams are not for inspection!  I also have a seven year old daughter called Holly, who still lets me dress her in anything, so I love making her dresses and skirts.
My other passions are baking and running. I’ve made a lot of my friends wedding cakes (including my own) and birthday cakes and the running is mainly to work off the cakes!
What’s your role at Sewisfaction?
At Sewisfaction I’m mainly responsible for the class co-ordination, answering all our customer emails and any administration that needs to happen to make sure our customers get the best experience possible.  And what better place to work than at Sewisfaction, with a bunch of people as passionate about sewing and spreading the love of sewing as me.
Tell us a little bit about your top make of 2019?
This year I’ve mainly been sewing for Holly.  I think my highlight was a skirt I made for a disco party using our beautiful Russian doll fabric.
What’s next in your sewing queue?
I’d love to make the Tilly & The Buttons Coco Dress. Deciding on the fabric is not so easy though…decisions, decisions, or maybe I need to make several!
Any sewing New Years resolutions?
To go on a dressmaking course or two, to try to improve my dressmaking skills.  I’d love to start making all my own clothes,
but just need a little more confidence in creating my own bespoke wardrobe.
Check out Lucy’s brand new Instagram packed full of makes here: @lucylou.hewett
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Meet the maker: Maddie Wills

We’re never more excited in sewing when the younger generation not only takes an interest but in Maddie’s case blows our mids with her first make. That’s why there was no doubt in our minds that she would be this month’s #MySewisfaction and a more than deserving one at that. We asked this brand new sewist to answer a few questions for us so you can get as excited about her impending memade journey as we are.

Tell us a bit about yourself

My name is Maddie and I’m 15 years old, I live in Hertfordshire. I’ve always loved art and textiles, and they’ve always been my favourite school subject. (Helen: She was always making things. I used to feel guilty because crafting isn’t my thing, so we rarely did it. But as soon as she was able, she’d just ask for supplies and get on with it herself!)
How did you get into sewing?
I’ve only recently gotten into sewing, but it’s something I’ve been interested in for a while. My grandma used to make clothes and it’s always been one of my goals to learn. Last year I received a sewing machine for my 14th birthday, and I did a few odd bits of sewing (I made a cushion cover), but it wasn’t until this summer that I really learned how to sew.
Where do you do your sewing?
I’ve got a little station in my bedroom, with a desk and a lamp, and my sewing machine. I decorated it with a mixture of fashion inspired pictures, a collage of pictures with my friends and a few retro black and white prints (including one of Audrey Hepburn that I love). Photo via Helen Wills
What’s your proudest ever make?
My proudest make would probably be the dungaree dress; it was the first proper piece of clothing I had ever made, and I was really pleased with how it turned out. Because it only took about 5 hours, it was a quick make that helped me get to grips with the basics of sewing and learn key skills.
What next on your list? 
I would really like to make something with a pattern by Tilly and the Buttons because I found these patterns simple to follow and would probably be the best thing to help me take my next steps into clothes making. Maybe a t-shirt or a pyjama set?
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Meet the team: Sandra

Next up in our ‘Meet the team’ series is Sandra. A familiar, smiley face if you’ve been over to our bricks and mortar shop, Sandra is the smiling face that greets you as well as getting all of your orders prepped behind the scenes.

Sandra answers our ‘Meet the team’ questions.

Start by telling us a little bit about you?

My name is Sandra , I live locally in Wokingham with my husband and my gorgeous 12 year old cocker spaniel. I have been been working for Sewisfaction for nearly 2 years  and am still in awe of all the beautiful fabrics as well as the things our lovely customers make from them.

What’s your role at Sewisfaction?

My main role at Sewisfaction is completing orders online, assisting in the shop and preparing the studio for classes, I work part time so this role is shared with the lovely Jacqui & Hayley.

Tell us a little bit about your top make of 2019?

My dressmaking has come along from last year and I’ve made quite a few clothes including a Tilly and the Buttons Coco and a Stevie dress too. This year I have attended  our ‘ Improver sewing course’ which I really enjoyed , making a piped cushion and a handbag, which will be perfect for the summer.

What’s next in your sewing queue?

Next year I will be looking to make another coco dress and an indigo top, together with more piped cushions !

Any New Year’s sewing resolutions?

New years sewing resolutions are to be more organised and get my fabric sewn not stacked !

For more on what Sandra is up to, you can follow her on Instagram: @sandysardines

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Meet the team: Sandra

As promised, this week, you’re in for a double dose of team Sewisfaction and up next is in some ways, the face of the brand. If you’ve been to our bricks and mortar store over in Wokingham then there are two smiling faces that will be there to meet you and one of them is the lovely Sandra (more on the other smiling face soon).

With a background in interiors, Sandra seems to have always been around fabric and more often than not, you’ll hear her commenting on what a lovely cushion our new in fabric would make. However we’re on a mission to make a dressmaker out of her yet so we sat down to ask her all about what that looks like in 2019.

Tell us a bit about you? 

I have lived in Wokingham for over 50 years and one day, I’d really love to live by the sea. I have a husband called Mike, and two lovely girls – Natasha & Claudia, plus a very naughty cocker spaniel called Zak. I love interior design and am looking forward to getting stuck into my new hobby, dressmaking .

What’s your role at Sewisfaction?

My main role in Sewisfaction is customer service, which covers a lot of the online orders preparation & posting as well as helping customers in the shop with their purchases and queries.

Tell us a bit about your Christmas make?

My Christmas make is my Betty dress, in this lovely black and white polka dot stretch cotton from Sewisfaction of course. It has an amazing skirt and a cute fitted bodice, I shall be wearing it Christmas Day with a red cardi. I decided to make the Betty at our ‘dressmaking for beginners’ course which I attended this year and I learnt many new techniques including. zips and darts. I might make a new version in a lighter weight cotton for the summer.

What’s next in your sewing queue?

My next make will definitely be a Tilly & the buttons Bettine dress – I actually already have it all cut out just waiting to be sewn up – I’ll be using a cotton fabric ready for the warmer months and I can see me wearing this when it gets warmer –  great for work. Once I have mastered this, I’ll definitely be making lots more in Sewisfaction fabrics.

Favourite Christmas food?

My favourite food, other than Christmas dinner is stollen – I must admit I have eaten a packet of it already!

Tipple of choice?

This year we’ll be trying the ‘Hugo’ cocktails which are made up of Gin, Prosecco, elderflower cordial, mint lime wedge & lots of ice.

Any sewing New Years resolutions?

I’d really like to get to grips with jersey as it’s comfortable to wear and I constantly see such beautiful jersey fabrics in our shop so that’s my main motivation.

So that’s Sandra everyone and doesn’t she look amazing in her very first dress? Plus trust us, this interview doesn’t even begin to show just how sweet she is – if  you’re ever in the area, make sure you pop in and say hi, she’s the best!

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Top five sewing patterns for beginners

Taking the first step to sewing your very own me-made workshop can sometimes be confusing. There are so many patterns out there from the independent brands as well as the ‘big’ and ‘scary’ top four. So if you’re thinking of taking the leap and joining the community, never fear, we have your back. Read on for our top five beginner patterns.

1. Tilly and the Buttons – Cleo

Great for: Easy to follow instructions

Sew in: Woven fabrics, including denim, cord or even upholstery fabrics

Cleo is our go-to pattern for all seasons, from cosy corduroys and knits in the winter to denim layered over t-shirts in the summer.  We love Tilly’s patterns for a range of reasons, from the simple to follow instructions to the easy to use measuring charts; you really can’t go wrong. This on trend, style has no fiddly zips or buttons to contend with and the dungaree clips are super simple to use, in fact, the only difficult thing about this pattern is choosing how many versions to make!

2. Grainline Studios – Scout Tee

Great for: A quick, simple sew

Sew in: Lightweight to medium fabrics including cotton lawn, linen and denim

Sometimes it’s hard to believe the perfect top exists, but we think the scout tee comes pretty close. A great, quick sew, this top has no darts or pleats but does show you how to handle bias binding on the flattering neckline. This top is one that suits all body shapes, which we love and can be made again and again in so many different prints and colours that your closet will be packed with them before you know it!

 

3. Leisl & Co – Everyday Skirt

Great for: A well-drafted, wardrobe staple

Sew in: Medium weight cotton, needlecord or flannel

We LOVE the everyday skirt – so many variations, so little time. This A-line, classic shape has a flat front, with elasticated back, which sits perfectly on the hips of any body shape. There are no zips and fastenings which is great, but you can get to grips with adding pockets (who doesn’t love pockets) and also adding elastic to a garment. This is sophisticated, simple sew which you’ll be swishing around in forever.

4. Tilly And The Buttons – Coco

Great for: Getting to grips with sewing jersey

Sew in: Medium weight jersey including Ponte Roma or double knit

Another favourite from Tilly And The buttons, the Coco is the ultimate jersey top AND dress all in one pretty package. Crying out to be sewn in a classic Breton stripe, the super clear instructions strike again, not only that, the handy guide shows beginners how to sew stretch without the use of an overlocker if you aren’t quite ready to take that leap just yet. Sewing with jersey may seem scary, but this will most definitely help you along on your ‘jersey journey’ – thanks Tilly!

Sew Over It - Ultimate Shift Dress

5. Sew Over It – The Ultimate Shift dress

Great for: A simple dress with lots of variations

Sew in: Cotton, viscose or crepe

Last, but by no means least, the ultimate shift dress is a wonderland of sewspiration, from the long-sleeves to short, ruffled ones and even a top variation – it really does have something for everyone. Again, there are no zips but this pattern will help you to get to grips with bust darts and neck facings, in a simple, easy to follow way. This one is great for showcasing bold prints and if you feel like ‘stepping it up’, try stitching something in drapier fabrics for a challenge.

So there you have it, our top five patterns for beginner sewists, we love the variation of all of these and the great thing is, you can add your own flare once you really get going on your sewing journey.

Ready to begin but still a bit overwhelmed? Don’t panic, we’ve covered all basis, check out our gorgeous kits for each of the patterns which contain everything but the sewing machine! From a perfectly paired Cleo/stripe combo to dreamy denim ready to be made into dungarees, we have plenty to choose from, so what are you waiting for? Shop the kits here.

To see Sheona talk in more detail about her favourite beginner patterns watch the vlog below:

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Agnes Batwing Hack Tutorial

Hi Guys, here is another post that’s been moved over from the old SewSheSho blog. A few years ago I wrote a tutorial on hacking the Tilly & The Buttons Agnes pattern into a batwing top. It was one of the most read posts on the old blog so it would be a shame to lose it, and with One Week, One Pattern coming up it would be a great pattern choice! Excuse the old, indoor photos! 

Since my last post on Agnes many moons ago, a few of you have asked for a post on how I made my bat wing version. It was a bit of a trial and error experiment and luckily it seemed to come out fairly well. I’ll try and show you how I did it, but feel free to let me know if you have an easier way! You could use any fitted bodice pattern, or draft your own. I’ve used Agnes as for me it’s a great fit and a really versatile pattern.

tilly and the buttons agnes hack tutorial

First take the Agnes front bodice piece and flip it over so the markings are on the bottom. Next, draw round this piece onto your pattern paper so that the centre fold is on the left of your paper, like so. Mark this piece with an F so you know it’s the front.

tilly and the buttons agnes hack tutorial

Now take the back bodice piece and lay it on it’s side so that the centre fold is on the bottom of your pattern paper and the waist curve crosses the waist curve on your front piece, as below. Draw round this piece and mark with a B.

tilly and the buttons agnes hack tutorial

You should now have both bodice pieces overlapping at 90 degrees. Draw a line between the outer shoulder point on both your F & B pieces, this is shown below in blue. You now need to take two measurements; First measure from your shoulder point to your wrist (or to wherever you want your sleeve to finish.) We’ll use 30″ for this example. You need to draw this measurement from the blue line out towards the edge of the paper. This is the green line below. To make sure you get it exactly central, draw the green line all the way across the bodices, ensuring it crosses at the point where the waists meet, as below. It’s important to remember that your shoulder to wrist measurement (30″ here) needs to be past the blue line, the rest of the green line is to ensure it’s centred correctly.

Secondly, measure around your wrist and add any ease until it feels comfortable. For example, if your wrist is 7″ and you want to add 1″ ease for comfort then your figure is 8″. Note, as you’re using jersey with stretch, you don’t have to add ease if you want your sleeve to be fitted to your wrist. You need to double your figure as you have two wrists, so your wrist figure is 16″ in this example. You need to draw a line perpendicular to your green line which is your wrist figure. It’s shown below in red. Make sure the green line is at the centre of the red line, so in this case there is 8″ of red line either side of the green.

tilly and the buttons agnes hack tutorial

Join the wrist points to the shoulder point on both sides, shown below in blue. This will be your sleeve. Smooth out the shoulder and waist points by drawing slight curves where the sharp joins meet.

tilly and the buttons agnes hack tutorial

You now have two complete bodice pieces, but as they’re overlapping you’ll need to trace them on to new pieces of pattern paper as per below. Mark the grainline and any other markings you want to add.

tilly and the buttons agnes hack tutorial

You’ve now got a front and back bat wing pattern! Use the same construction method as you would with Agnes, join the shoulder/sleeve top seams first, add the neck band and then sew the side seams. Finish the sleeves and hem by folding over and using a double needle. If you find the pattern piece is too wide for your fabric as the sleeve is very long, you could cut your sleeve piece as the below blue line and add a seam allowance. This would allow you to put the sleeve elsewhere on your fabric when cutting. I chose just to run right to the edge of the fabric and bring in the sleeve.

tilly and the buttons agnes hack tutorial

 

When you try it on, you may find you want a little less volume in the sides, if so just take it in slightly to your personal taste.

IMG_4150

Hopefully this has been relatively easy to follow and it will come in useful to some of you! Please do let me know if you make your own batwing Agnes, and feel free to ask any questions in the comments below.