I'm thrilled with my finished Paynter Jacket, and very proud of the finish I have achieved on what is the most advanced garment I have made to date. I made the size S with some adjustments for a women's fit, but didn't bother reversing the way the jacket buttons up. I would say the jacket is time-consuming to sew rather than difficult, and the video walking you through the pocket and placket construction was brilliant. I used an 8oz sanded twill and 11 wale corduroy for the collar and elbow patches, both from Merchant and Mills. There is a more in-depth review with additional photos on my blog here: https://mintbutton.co.uk/2025/11/16/paynter-jacket/

Another well drafted pattern from Tessuti. I ran mine up in a satin mix but could also be in a thicker fabric as the pattern photos. I like that the pattern can be made in different lengths as well as different fabrics and can see me making it again.

I'll be ready for Halloween next year! I made this out of a discounted blanket from tjmax. I opted out making two individual pockets, and chose to just overlay the welt pocket for one big pocket instead.

I added button holes in the hem so I can use a draw cord instead of elastic, or have the option of keeping it loose.

I’m becoming a fan of Atelier Jupe patterns. I really like the grandad style neckline because I’m too lazy to install a collar on a stand but prefer a placket opening finished with a band. This toile was my first attempt at a an Atelier Jupe pattern. It’s finished but waiting for some suitable buttons to be found. I made a mess of the gathering at the front neckline because I was rushing too much and didn’t space them out evenly. So the right side has more gathers than the left side. The fabric was a cheap deadstock viscose challis. Quite fluid and it misbehaved during cutting out. It does have beautiful drape though. My measurements put me in a uk size 18 but it was too voluminous for my liking. I reduced the width a bit by constructing rather generous French seams on the side seams and underarm seams. Next time I’ll size down. I took the advice of Norfolk Dianne and added a square of interfacing at the bottom of the placket. I also stitched the placket facings on to the centre front of the blouse before cutting the placket opening. Then I followed Andrea’s tutorial from Beyond the Pink Door. I’m pleased with how it turned out.
I now have the Frida blouse and Alexa blouse in my queue. The construction of the neckbands are very similar but without the gathers.

I first made these in 2017 for my husband, and despite trying other brands of pants these are still his preferred fit.
I've made 6 or so pairs of these over the years in a size 28, and have just finished production line sewing of another 4 pairs, using fabric from stash - those pieces that aren't big enough for much else.
Trickiest part is attaching the elastic to the waistband, you need an extra pair of hands at this point!
Benefits of making them oneself is that when the elastic is a bit tired it can be replaced however like all pants they do eventually wear out.

Made for my rugby playing daughter for her prom outfit, there was not even a consideration that a dress was an option.
I made a toile to get the fit right and understand the pattern with it's pleats etc.
I made a XS shortened the top by 1" and tapered the leg as they were too roomy for her liking.
There is an instruction to gather the sleevehead but it only needed to be done by a small amount so I think I could have skipped that step.
Fabric used is a Robert Kaufman Ventura Twill.
She wore it for prom and then for an end of season awards night - not sure if it will get worn again but contemplating dying it for variation.
I would suggest this intermediate/advanced level sewing

I spent a fair amount of time reading others people’s reviews and modifications of this patterns before starting on this.

Laying the pattern piece for the exterior pocket on my typewriter block I was delighted to discover that it was the perfect size for it.

I opted for recycling a pair of jeans from the charity shop for the main panels and gusset as I wanted something hard wearing and that would contrast well with the typewriter.

I was struggling slightly with the amount of denim I had to work with (approximately one and half legs!) and creatively cut up one of the seam lines and used the uncut seam as the middle of the back piece.
The changes I made were to add an internal zip pocket on one side rather than the elasticated pockets.
I added piping to the top of the external pocket and all around the gusset, it adds a great pop of colour to the dark denim. I used the same orange on the back as I used in the typewriter block. On the front I used a packet of vintage bias binding that went well with the typewriter paper

I'd seen many stunning versions of this bag and decided to give it a go. I wanted a small 'hands free' bag that would be suitable for phone, keys and purse.
I made this using off cuts/scraps of dry waxed cotton that is of a good weight, meaning that the bag would be water resistant.
I've made numerous bags from Noodlehead patterns and was confident that this would be as clear and easy to follow as all the others. I wasn't wrong and it was my assumptions about creating the folds/pleats in the front panel that caused problems, slower reading of the instructions resolved that!
I used leather scraps for the closure and rivets which give it a more professional polished look.
The bag has been well used over the last 18 months and I would recommend this pattern.

This easy little pattern, can be made from leftover scraps. Matching handbag anyone? I've made two so far, one with a ruffle and embroidered monogram and one using baby corduroy and the selvedge as a mini ruffle. I highly recommend this bag pattern for all sewists from beginners to advanced makers. Make one for all seasons and for gifts at Xmas . . .

Loved making this, looks beautiful on.
I’m 5ft and made the short skirt version l. Bear in mind the pattern uses a lot of fabric.
I made mistakes in the pattern but purely my fault, rectified it. It’s so worth it.

I bought this pattern 3 or 4 years ago and made both versions at the time. Decided to get it out after seeing it trending again as I had some ponte from Fabworks i wasn't sure what to do with.

Run up version 2 quickly in an hour and a half, popped it straight on to go out for the day!

I made these out of an old bedsheet as my first project. I loved how it had pictures at each step to make the instructions nice and clear. The pants fit well based on my measurements. This was honestly such a good pattern to learn with plus I have the cutest PJ pants ever now! They are creased and wrinkly because of course I wore them to bed straight after finishing them and before taking a photo!!! Hahaha

I had to look up 'horse girl' and 'pannier skirt' and learned something about both.
The skirt is very popular and there are lots on Instagram. This was my toile, made with double gauze from my stash. It was hard to believe that I was an XS so went up a bit. There is a lot of ease in this pattern; it only has to go over the waist then it can be as gathered as you wish - or not.
There was enough width for me not to worry about making French seams even though the allowance is only half an inch. I bound and top stitched the side panel join.
Issues: I had the same as the other reviewer in that the front/back panels were too long but that could be how I attached the gathered panels to the sides. There is no grain line marked on A, the front and back panel but this is a symmetric piece so you can get there by folding it longways. There is also no marking on this piece showing where to place the cross seams on the side panels. You just have to make sure they match.
It's a very quick sew as the waistband is simply folded over before the elastic is added so there are only three pieces and a bit of elastic.
I could have added a bit of length. I'm 5'8" but like a long skirt.

Size 12, graded to 14 at the waist in a medium denim from my stash. I found a good tutorial for a high round back adjustment to design with raglan sleeves.
There is also a tutorial for the placket on the Emporia website. It ends with the sewer saying to ignore a bit which is sticking out but that did enable me to make a better job!
I bound the edges inside because I don't over lock. And copied the colourful details from the sample.

This is a really nice top pattern. It's a simple and very wearable shape, but the yoke adds a bit of extra interest – particularly if you use gingham/plaid or stripes and play with the print direction.
The instructions have a good level of detail and I found them very easy to follow. They're also illustrated with clear diagrams. I really enjoyed sewing my Clemente top, and didn't have any problems.
I used the size recommended for my measurements, and I like the fit. It's relaxed as intended, but not too baggy. The only alteration I made was to lengthen the top by an inch, which is a standard adjustment for me.
I used a yarn-dyed cotton gingham fabric, which I think worked really well for this pattern.
There's a post on my blog with more photos and details here: https://nightingaleanddolittle.blogspot.com/2025/10/itch-to-stitch-clemente-top.html