I've recently finished my Paynter Jacket, Just in time for Spring. I love how it turned out! It was quite a complex make and is classed as 'Advanced' but there is an excellent video over on Merchant and Mills YouTube channel which talks you through the more difficult stages - I found this really useful especially for the hip pockets which have access from both the top and side. Based on my measurements I cut the Small which fits great. My only small gripe about the pattern is that although it is classed as unisex the pattern pieces are cut for the male body so the bodice and placket need shortening and you also need to remember to switch the placket to the other side for a woman's fastening. That said there is so much detail to this jacket that I love. There is a hidden placket, pockets both inside and out, pocket flaps on the outer pockets with tabs to fasten them although I decided to leave the flaps off the breast pockets. There is also plenty of top stitching including a nice zigzag on the under collar.
I honestly don’t know what I wore through last winter, because I’ve worn this every day for months. I lined mine – wool flannel in the body and hood, and poly cotton in the sleeves – and although the pattern is only lined in the hood, it’s not too difficult to add a lining. If I make it again, I’ll add extra interfacing to the button stands, because one of my poppers tore out early on (and I still haven’t got round to fixing it!)
This is a great coat to wear while cycling, because it’s long enough to sit on and to cover your thighs, but not so long it risks tangling in the chain. And of course it looks like an ordinary coat when you’ve parked the bike!
The instructions are clear, and although there are some fiddly bits, it comes together pretty quickly.
The fit on these trousers is great – lovely close but not tight fit around hips and waist, and nice shape to the legs, ending with the optional ankle slits which are a nice touch.
I don’t get on with invisible zips, so converted them to a regular zip fly at the front, which was pretty straightforward following the zip insertion instructions from a different pattern. I also needed to remove the pockets and swap them out for bigger ones – as written they’re far too shallow.
I’ve made two of these, and am very happy with both. The panel design gives an excellent opportunity to play with contrasting fabrics or use up leftovers for all kinds of interesting effects.
The pockets are rather small – too small for even a phone, really, though the way they’re set into the seams is a nice touch. I got the sleeves in back to front first time around, and wondered why the shoulders felt too tight, until I figured it out, removed them and put them back in, so pay close attention to markings and instructions there!
With thicker fabric (my second one was boiled wool), an extra line of top stitching around the collar helps it lie flat.
Pattern has lots of photos, though occasionally diagrams might have been more useful, because simplifying the image sometimes makes it easier to follow.
The shape of this dress is really great – interesting details so it somehow doesn’t look like a boxy sack, even though it feels just as comfortable as one! Really repays going slowly and carefully with the top stitching, because it’s such a big design detail – I didn’t, and mine is a bit uneven. Next time I’m planning to use a twin needle to make sure it’s neater. Lovely big pockets, too!
Lovely, easy pattern, that looks smart and feels comfy. Much simpler than ‘standard’ shirts, but a great way of easing into the more complicated stuff, or of making something a bit more gentle and relaxing. The cuff at the sleeve makes the cap sleeves look polished, and the neat small stand up collar is a nice touch.
I’ve made loads of these now. Long and short sleeves, both the fitted and the looser view. The looser one needs a bit of lengthening, somehow especially with long sleeves, to avoid getting a cold tummy, but otherwise the shape overall is great, and as always the instructions are clear and well illustrated.
I whipped this up on my overlocker in next to no time, it’s a great pattern. The pattern piece layout given isn’t particularly economical with the fabric so I managed to get the long sleeve and cowl out of 2m of fabric in size 16 by laying it out a little differently. It is a little short in the body for me (I’m 1.73m/5’8”) but it’s still a very flattering piece. I plan to make one with the other neckline too!
This pattern was well constructed. I am a beginner - and recently bought a serger - so I used that throughout the process. I made this shirt for my teen daughter and she loves the neckline.
Loved making this pattern. Great instructions, easy to follow if you are a beginner. The best bit is the option to customise depending on what pockets you use and where to put them!
I used denim scraps for my first jacket and it won’t be my last!
I made this out of some needlecord, (didn't bother with the tie!) it's a really comfortable dress and love that it has pockets.
I struggled a bit to get the placket straight, but I think that's down to me, rather than the pattern.
This is a dress I shall get a lot of wear out of.
This was such a satisfying make. I used a vintage sheet to make a slip to go under my Scout dress. As with all Merchant & Mills patterns the instructions were clear and the attention to detail made this a beautifully finished garment. Loved that the french seams make a delicate piece seem more sturdy.
I'm thinking of making another in an Indian print to wear as a summer dress.
I loved making this out of stuff from my stash. Tracing the pieces was fun and they all fitted together. And I learned to make tucks although they are facing in, not out. Good opportunity to practise top stitching too.
Really great product. Highly recommended. Great addition to any make!
A fantastic quick sew. Even better because its a free pattern. I downloaded it and printed it at the weekend. Cut out this morning and made up at lunchtime. Super easy and will be a great addition to my spring wardrobe.
Fabric a 1.1m french terry remnant from Clothkits.
I really like the drafting of this pattern and have managed to make a nice dress. However, the instructions are incredibly difficult to follow. They have I think been translated into English and the translation is not great, making it confusing. The diagrams also use a busy floral print so it's hard to see what's happening. If you've made similar patterns before and know what you're doing, I would recommend, otherwise I would probably avoid.
Great labels repurchased them great quality they don’t fray and lots of designs too choose from
Even though it's one of my staples, I didn't know the Remy raglan has a gathered sleeve extension which you can download free at The Fold Line. So you may see another before long. It's a quick and easy pattern with a bias bound neckline, made here with Thai cotton from the Chinese market in Chiang Mai. I cut trousers too and didn't have quite enough length to make the turn ups for the sleeve which isn't a problem.
I have to admit I’m becoming a firm Fibre Mood fan. Oriana is a delight to sew with clear instructions as always. I used a light cotton lawn weight of fabric which holds the voluminous sleeves beautifully- only change I would make next time is to interface the button placket to give better structure it feels a bit flimsy otherwise this pattern and design is a WINNER. Nice work FM. Sorry no photo as yet will try and upload later.
The design for this is lovely and I took quite a while to decide which dungarees looked best, and picked these.
The ‘finished sizes’ chart is way off. It shows the waist being significantly narrower than the hips, which it isn’t. Even so the size I went for, based on the hip measurement, was way too big. I had to take about 15cm out of the width, as well as about 20cm width out of each leg (they are still a baggy fit).
Not only was the sizing wrong but they seem to be designed for someone at least over 6foot. I am 5’3” and expected to have to take a hem up. But I also had to take 8cm off the bib and raise the crotch considerably too.
After pinning to fit me and altering I have a gorgeous pair of dungarees that I love. But I have never had such a problem with pattern sizing before.
Sadly I won’t be using this pattern again and I have been put off atelier Jupe. However, if you are willing to measure every pattern piece, pin and adjust, then they do come out lovely.
It's a lovely pattern with a lot of detail, including proper cuffs with three buttons. I haven't made any notes on the envelope which suggests that it was a straightforward make. Do check the length. I thought I wanted it longer so I added four inches but it didn't suit me so I cut eight off again and I'm 5ft 8.
