Have you ever been really excited about sewing a new garment to wear, carefully chosen your size, cut out your pattern and started sewing — only to find that the finished garment doesn't fit properly? Or at all? One of the main reasons my students give me for attending any of my dressmaking classes is that they're fed up with sewing clothes only to find they don't fit. And what on earth is going on with sizing on sewing pattern packets? It's just as random as sizing in the sh

A recent Spring clean of my sewing room sparked so much inspiration as I looked through my stash and sewing patterns. So many ideas were sparked that I've filmed a 2 part Spring Sewing Plans video and the first is all about the 1930's Garden Party. Think elegant Tea dresses and vintage florals in lovely shades of pink and green. In part 2 of my Spring Sewing plans, I'll be sharing my ideas for more casual makes which I'm calling 'Vintage Utility.' Make sure you subscribe to m

I have always had a tricky relationship with the zero waste concept! I think in part because, up until recently, the offering for garments sewn using this method have been rather, well... frumpy! As someone who loves the elegance of the 1930's, zero waste seemed the antithesis. More The Good Life then the Glamorous Life! But I have had a change of mind and, as is often the way with me, a change of heart and I shall tell you why! A lovely Patreon student asked if I could come

Traditionally, I'm more of a dress girl but, this Spring, I'm feeling an urge to have fun with separates and my favourite and most worn garment is my super simple a Line skirt! I really can't seem to stop sewing them! So, What Is an A-Line Skirt? The most simple way to describe this flattering garment is to think of it's silhouette as being shaped like a capital A. It's fitted at the waist and gently flares to the hem. It was designer Christian Dior who introduced the “A-Li

I stumbled upon a wonderful photograph from a Life magazine article that sparked the idea for my October content on YouTube ~ A woman in a black dress standing in front of a wall, mounted with all the additions she could use to turn the the dress into a fresh new concept.

I have fallen HARD for patchwork but as I'm easily distracted at the moment, big projects are beyond me for now. But a pretty little...