Anna from Munich (brightening up a dull day in Totnes)Â wearing this fabulous maxi dress. It was made up in digitally printed viscose lawn and velvet for the bodice, the pattern was taken from a dress bought in the market.
Miaow (age 6) made this tropical bird printed cotton canvas bag (with help from Jane). With appliquĂŠ parrot dangling. How cool is this?
Bernie in the South of France wearing her blue and cream dragon print cotton culottes made using a pattern taken from the Burda magazine no 195, March 2016. She made adjustments (intentionally) and took out the pleat in the front simply by seaming it down.  The culottes were finished by then but felt they were far too wide so rather than disturb the good fit over the hips and waist she just took out the fullness by stitching the pleat down as a seam and then cutting away the surplus, an overall difference of several inches.  Bernie did have to undo the waistband for a few inches on each side to do the job properly.  Then (unintentionally as when using the overlocker to finish these extra seams she got the back caught up in it thus making a hole!) made a similar seam down the centre back of each leg of the culottes, no more than an inch or so of width, and is very pleased with the result. (HOORAH!)
As for to the top, it is made from some lightweight organic cotton jersey and the pattern is an amalgam of several for a far too complicated reason to explain!  Let’s just say it is a t-shirt!
Kitcat wearing her terribly kitsch cat digital print cotton and elastane jersey long sleeved dress (made by Jane). The pattern is Burda 8455 but Jane pieced together the yoke and hem so as not to cut up the print. Kitcat is such a squinge it is cut to age 6 but lengthened in sleeve and body (Kitcat is 9!). The neck was lowered so as to go over her head and negate the need for a zip but next time the neck will be altered so it doesn’t gape.
Now all the grown-ups want one too.
She then said that she needed pink leopard print ponte jersey cardigan to complete the outfit -personally we are not so sure this is a good fashion move but what do we know in the world of 9 year old fashion? We shall leave it to you to decide. The pattern is McCall’s 6542 (age 6 with lengthened sleeves), it is bound down the front and around the neck with jersey binding.
Lesley made this fabulous chartreuse and camel stripey proofed cotton cape. This was a cape pattern picked up at a Quilt Show in France which she embellished with flowers cut with a Sizzix machine attached using the Bernini Eyelet accessory and printed with Thermofax screens. It was fun to make!
Rachel channeling her inner Bette Lynch in this leopard print scuba jersey wrap skirt. The pattern is Simplicity 1322, large lacquered coconut buttons were added for fun and modesty -the skirt makes her feel quite saucy with the open wrap front (which is a good thing). The skirt is lined in Red Venezia.
Rachel wearing her Tula Pink for Free Spirit woodland animals print cotton skirt using Vogue 8588 pattern, the hem is bound in satin bias binding. She was worried she was going to feel like mutton dressed as lamb (as if), but actually feels fabulous wearing it. There were debates about adding lace to the hem to extend it (there is no more of the fabric) but we think she’s right to have left it be.
Jacoba triumphant in her Chado Ralph Rucci dress made up in red scuba jersey, she said it’s been great to do some sewing again. The (minor) changes made to the pattern were raising the front slit by 2 inches, omitting the front panel pockets (didnât want the extra bulk), and also slightly changing the curve on the shoulders. She said the jersey was remarkably good fabric to work with. Huzzah for that top-stitiching!
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Bess wearing her super summery light blue broderie anglaise cotton dress at the Pimm’s stall at the village fĂŞte. The dress is her same Jaeger dress pattern with the neck cut lower and lined in ivory cotton lawn. The neck is piped with red satin piping (made with a super lightweight bias binding and piping cord) and bias binding around the armholes.
Just to be extra fancy Bess used french seams on the lining (this has practical reasons as well as showing off -it is stronger and everything looks neater), and a heavy repp bias binding around the hem to give it a little structure. Despite the snug fit and no lycra Bess can still wiggle in without a zip.
Neon shoes are an optional extra đ
Lulu in her vintage 1970’s dress made in stretch denim with a lime green wash. Accented with patch pockets, the dress is unlined and has bias binding around the armholes/neck. She made this maybe… 15 years ago? So doubly vintage then!
Dresses in fabrics like classic denim that fit well will never go out of style.
Julie made up this fabulous Amy Butler print laminated cotton raincoat using Burda 7047. We love the spotty cotton lining and the drawstring waist which gives it just enough shape. Sewing laminated cotton can be a bit of a challenge, if you find it sticking to your feed dogs and not feeding through the sewing machine properly tear off strips of tissue paper and sandwich the fabric between the strips, it will then tear off when you are done.
Julie made this blue big spotty button up Mac using quick drying proofed microfibre some years ago – and still her go-to coat for a rainy walk to work.
Bess was looking at this purple piquÊ for well over a year before she decided she was able to wear purple, and is rather loving the extra colour in her wardrobe. The pattern is a long tried and tested pattern she took from a Jaeger dress (seen here in many guises). This time it is unlined and piped in green satin around the neck and has green bias binding inside the hem (just in case anyone should look inside.
Despite the close fit no zip is necessary – she just wiggles in.
Clair made this cream daisy lace maternity dress with pink linen viscose yoke for Rosie for a Scottish high summer (ha ha) wedding… on the morning of the party! The toile had been sorted out previously (see pic below in embroidered linen and viscose). The pattern is a 80’s /90’s vintage McCall’s pattern found on Ebay.
Annabelle in her fabulous orange sequinned silk georgette coat trimmed with pink diamantĂŠ buttons.
ED. It is normal for me to have sewing envy when posting up pics of your makes but this is at a whole new level. I need an orange sparkly semi sheer coat! I need it!
Shirley made this fabulous 3d printed stretch cotton sateen up into a shift dress, it is lined in Venezia lining and the neck and armholes are piped very thinly in black.
Shirley made this floral print linen and cotton shirt after a long hiatus in sewing (I’m wondering if this is Shirley’s sewing after a break how good was it before?!). Cut with a v-neck band and 3/4 sleeves, this shirt is a great Summer wardrobe staple.
Marion wearing her fabulous orange and blue floral print stretch cotton sateen v-neck back dress. Designed and made for her by the genius Dawn Hooper of Hardy and Hooper (Maidenhead).
Marion on her silver wedding anniversary cruise wearing her fun and easy cat print cotton jersey dress designed and made for her by the genius Dawn Hooper of Hardy and Hooper (Maidenhead).
Marion wearing this superb mock wrap lilac and ochre print stretch cotton sateen dress. Designed and made for her by the genius Dawn Hooper of Hardy and Hooper (Maidenhead).
Marion wearing her jade and coral floral print stretch cotton sateen dress with v-neck and peplum detail. Designed and made for her by the genius Dawn Hooper of Hardy and Hooper (Maidenhead).
Marion wearing this superb floral and animal print stretchy cotton drill dress designed and made for her by the genius Dawn Hooper of Hardy and Hooper (Maidenhead).
Marion sporting her coral and blue stretch cotton sateen dress, designed and made for her by the genius Dawn Hooper of Hardy and Hooper (Maidenhead).
Jane made this Denim jacket and matching skirt with stretch pink denim for Kitcat. It is trimmed in black lace (because Kitcat is 9 going on 19). The skirt is a great little pattern from Burda (9480) – the back was made slightly wider so elastic could be put in. The Jacket was an utter nightmare – BEWARE OF INDIE PATTERNS DOWNLOADED FROM THE INTERNET! She eventually got there though! And Kitcat is very pleased.
Topstitched with two poly sew all threads run through the same eye of the needle (a trick that is far easier and reliable than using topstitching thread, we have found). The coloured jeans buttons are riveted in.
The belt was made by Harlequin (you send them the fabric and hey presto!)
Kitcat came up with the bright idea that when Jane makes her an outfit her dolly, Ayla should get one too. This concept is like a red rag to the bull to Jane so here we have a matching pink denim jacket and mini skirt to match her life size one; even down to the black lace trim.
She’s no fool, that Kitcat.
Kerry wearing her green lace print silk crepe de chine princess line dress using Simplicity 2247, which she said she would not make again in such a delicate fabric but we think it looks fabulous. Hems were hand rolled.
Daiga made this aqua, brown and chartreuse green geometric print cotton needlecord up into a great retro inspired dress for a nine year old and embellished the seams and front with lace and does up with a concealed zip down the back.
Daiga made this floral digitally printed viscose jersey up into a fabulous dress for a 6 year old using simplicity 1146. The neckline is embellished with diamantĂŠ (what little six year old doesn’t love a bit of bling? And what mother doesn’t love a dress that can be screwed up into a little ball but still looks perfect when worn?
Marilyn off travelling to somewhere tropical and looking super cool in her floral stencil print linen and viscose shirt made with a Style Arc pattern “Elsie”.
Maxine came to the shop with her bag stuffed with nearly finished projects and wearing this fabulous creation.
Made using a Marcy Tilton for Vogue pattern (9171), it’s a shirt/tunic which she has lengthened a bit. The fabric is a grey dobby cotton lawn. Isn’t it lovely?
Cammie came to the shop with a sewing bug after making up this fabulous cotton voile dress. She used Simplicity 1873 and lined it in cotton lawn. Well done Cammie! It looks ace!
Celia looking stunning in her rose print stretch cotton sateen dress made using Burda pattern 6920 (slightly lengthened). The dress is unlined as the fabric is already quite structured. Celia loves these stretchy cotton prints, as they are so easy to make up and fit beautifully.
Bryan looking terribly dapper wearing his machine dyed cotton sweatshirting trousers made by Rachel. They have extra deep pockets for stashing various things that a man needs whilst still having hands free for the zimmer. Genius!
Dyed using Dylon machine dye (denim blue), the waist has elastic with a drawstring at the front.
Celia showing off her floral print linen and cotton flared dress made using New Look pattern 6390 (lengthened a bit).  It is fully lined in cotton lawn and has an invisible zip in the back.
Summer ready and super stylish Kitcat in her white spotty jacquard cotton school shirt and green gingham shorts. There is also a matching belt (covered by Harlequin). This girl will not be showing her knickers whilst handstanding in the playground!
To make the gingham a little heavier for the shorts Jane backed it with cotton lawn interfacing (iron-on).
Patterns: The shirt is Burda 9744 and the shorts are Burda 9481.
Bree was pleased as punch with this jacket she made in record time entirely on her sewing machine (no cheating with an overlocker), it is a blue cotton sweatshirting with multicolour flecks, she used McCall’s pattern 6844. FABULOUS!
Eloise modelling her bright blue jumbo cord dress with jersey circle inserts and inseam pockets. Made by Aunty Bess who would really like one for herself but suspects she’s too big.
Kitcat and Miaow with their Alice in Wonderland print cotton jersey nightime ensembles (complete with matching nightie for Ayla the dolly.).
Made by Jane, who doesn’t at all spoil her grandchildren.
Bess made this super fine linen dress with black bird print for her holiday in Tobago, it’s made using her basic block with just the shaping from bust darts and a centre back seam. Nicknamed the frigate bird dress as the print is similar to the ubiquitous birds of the Caribbean.
It is unlined and the neck is bound with super lightweight satin bias binding.
Mrs Stutt at the shop showing off her superb designer textured wool jacket made up in a simple boxy cardigan jacket style. Lined in Venezia and trimmed with leather binding.
Tracey in French France wearing her fabulous 3D floral printed Stretch Cotton Sateen pleated skirt using McCall’s 6706, there is cotton lawn lining (pink, of course) and pink and black tulle underskirt.
Vanessa again with these beautifully made worsted wool waistcoats lined in jacquard coat lining. They are made using Burda 7799 pattern. Look at those beautiful collar notches!
Vanessa came to the shop with this Fraser sweatshirt (from Sewaholic), made with a reversible cotton sweatshirting so the stripe contrast shows on cuffs and neck binding. It is super warm and comfy (not to mention stylish).
Jane made this lime green denim mini skirt and jacket for Miaow. The jacket was a pattern downloaded whose author shall remain anonymous due to the derogatory comments that have come out of Jane while making it. It was a battle to find a kid’s denim jacket pattern at all, it would have been quicker (and easier) to have drafted it ourselves after the multitude of alterations that had to be done to this pattern. The skirt was easy though!
Made using stretch cotton denim and trimmed with cotton poplin and coloured jeans buttons. The belt on the skirt is made by Harlequin who cover buckles and buttons with your fabric super quick and efficiently.  Funky!
Miaow modelling her school dress made by Jane using green cotton gingham and the Burda 9717 pattern.
Rudi the Siamese kitten getting in on the picture with Kitcat’s school skirt (he is so vain). Green cotton gingham with elasticated waist and slant pockets.
Daiga wearing her beautifully fitted short sleeved denim blue wool silk and linen mix shift dress with lovely seam detailing and hem flounce. She made it using Burda 6640 and lined it in Venezia.
Elwen ready for her travels in her blue Irish Linen shirting weight smock dress. The yoke is a batik printed cotton. Armholes and neck are bound with bias and there is no zip.
Rowena being a very glam Mother of the Groom in her black and magenta abstract print silk satin flared dress and matching dupion silk fitted jacket. She was a busy bee as she also made her hat and bag plus grooms men’s cravats and hankies. Also her daughter in law’s lace gown (which she beaded!) her veil and headdress.
Blimey! Now she is off to do some gardening.Â
Bess wearing her hoody tunic in ivory sweatshirting on top of the South Devon Cliffs on a brisk April walk. Bess used Vogue 8951 pattern and added grey stripey cuffing.
Mia casting spells in the bathroom wearing her Harry Potter costume made by Jane for World Book Day. The cape was made to directions found on Burdastyle.com in Black poly viscose elastane suiting and lined in burgundy heavy poly satin lining. (We bought the wand and the badge on Ebay).
School shirt made for Kitcat (by Jane) with white cotton seersucker using Burda 9744 pattern. Green gingham cotton skater skirt using MCall’s 6918.
School shirt made for Miaow (by Jane) with white cotton seersucker using Burda 9744 pattern. Green gingham cotton skorts (The shorts bit underneath is green cotton and elastane jersey) using MCall’s 6918.
Kitcat wearing her whale embroidered babydoll nightie and cropped jimjams made by Jane (the granny). The babydoll is Butterick pattern 6659 cut out in a size 6 despite Kitcat being 9 (she is tiny).
A few different shorts were made but only one pair had the wales the right way up due to the new kitten ‘helping’ Jane cut out the pattern (the only way to do it was to cover up the paper so he couldn’t dive in on attack, which also meant Jane couldn’t see what she was doing. Doh!
Bess enjoying a glass of bubbly wearing her black guipure lace dress which was lined in cream silk rep suiting. The pattern is her very basic dress block that only has bust darts and a centre back seam for shape. It’s tricky to tell in this photo but the lining is 3″ shorter leaving the scalloped edge unlined. Also unseen is the perfectly matched centre back seam (You’ll have to trust me on this one).
The lining and the lace are made up separately and joined at the neck with a vibrant turquoise satin bias binding. There’s no zip- it just chucks over the head.
Rachel surrounded by toiles and all things dressmaking at the sewing retreat weekend in Bromsgrove, wearing her bird digital print stretch cotton drill skirt and purple fleece with roll neck.
Kate outside the shop wearing her Grey Cotton mix jacquard jersey ‘Lola’ dress made from a Victory pattern. It has fabulous deep pockets that go all the way round the side seams. The neck, hem and cuffs are all finished with cotton ribbing.
