I love the look of this coat and really wanted to do a good job of it. Started with a calico toile, then another, but I could not get it to fit across my back and shoulders. Perhaps the complicated construction was just too much for my fairly limited experience, but I had to give it up as a bad job. I didn't want to risk cutting out my good fabric if it wasn't going to fit. I loved all the tailoring techniques within the pattern which are laid out in great detail, and I used some if those in the simpler coat pattern I ended up using instead.
Loved using this pattern it was so easy to follow and sizing was perfect. I can’t wait to make another
This is a great sized tote with lots of pockets! It wasn't difficult to make and I'm really pleased with my first version made from cotton canvas and lined with interfaced cotton lawn.
My cats are always assisting with my sewing efforts, so it seems only fair to acknowledge their input with a pretty label. Excellent quality.
I'm very much a beginner quilter, and I find myself leaning towards more modern designs that aren't too fiddly. This design ticks all my boxes, simple but with a really stunning overall effect. The instructions are clear and concise. I've got the top assembled, now to baste it all together and quilt!
Lovely pattern, made the first one in canvas for hubby - I made Large but it's a bit tight over a jumper and would size up next time. Made the second one in dry oilskin which I found novel to work with but loved it by the end! This one was XL for my son. I left out the waist cord but made the bottom hem into a channel, and love the final shape this gives. Fleece for the pockets made it very cosy. I wouldn't say it's straightforward - the zip arrangement was a bit challenging so I would advise doing a toile first. But well worth it!
I like this brand of patterns but I think I was not advanced enough for this particular pattern. I really struggled to get the bust darts in the right place and found the hidden/ French seams confusing.
I managed the invisible zip well but I am not yet at an intermediate level. I ditched my attempt.
I'll be honest that I didn't hold out very high hopes for this pattern on myself, as I find dresses with ties often look a bit frumpy. Having two skinny ties is a game-changer however! This has fast become one of my favourite dresses. I love the coverage of the wrap neckline, but also can't wait to give the button-up a go.
Tip: If you're plus size, make sure to check the finished measurments if you're worried you might not fit this pattern's size bracket.
So easy to cut out and sew, I wasn't sure if it would suit my body shape so used some fabric from my stash, It came together so quickly and the video instructions were great to follow. The first one I made (green/black cotton) was perhaps a little too short but not unwearable. The second one (cream/black) I made a few inches longer and finished the side seams off with a slit at the hem which made a nice touch. The fabric was heavier and had a slight stretch which made it very comfortable to wear. However the plain sleeves wern't sitting very well at the front due I think to the heavier weight, so I decided to insert elastic at the sleeve hem and this pulled them in and solved the problem so did the same on the green one. I will make more of them as so easy to wear amd made up in just a couple of hours. I am going to try out the Tie Dress next as it looks very interesting and hopefully if will be as easy as the top.
I made this having seen so many lovely versions. I used a Lady McElroy cotton lawn.
I watched the videos to determine size and went for a very oversized option. This was so I had lots of tie options. I would size down next time as the more complex ones didn’t work on me. I think they might in a more structured cotton as the garment would be more sculptural.
I will also do v neck both ways and lower one by 5 cm as I prefer v necks and would probably never wear the round at the front.
Pattern is very clever and goes together well. The central bodice is lined so you could save a bit of fabric by using a plain piece. The side panel is cut in one long piece so be aware if you are using a directional print as it ends up the other way up on either front or back. I had thought to use a giraffe print but they would obviously have been dangling.
I found the written instructions easy to follow apart from the side seam/armhole. (Short sleeve) The video made this clear but mine doesn’t sit that well. It’s ok when worn because it’s hidden in the side tie situation. I think it’s because I made it so oversized that the opening is too big but it can’t be reduced because of the construction. Next time I will use a smaller size sleeve even if I still go oversized.
This is a deservedly popular pattern and has the potential to be a very useful dress. I’m looking forward to tying different fabrics and sizes.
The final product of this bag is brilliant, I made for my friend's birthday and she loved it BUT I would say the construction is very fiddly, this is mainly due to the shape and catching all of the lining. take it slow and yo will be fine and worth it!
the instructions were easy to follow, i made it using cotton sateen and chinese frog buttons for my mum to wear during Chinese new year.
Very pleased with the final garment. It has just the right amount of fullness. The pockets sit nicely in the end but I found the instructions for the in-seam pockets very confusing. Not sure I did it right but there enough gathers to mask the slight mess I made on one side! Otherwise it's very straightforward and I will make again because the proportions are great. Works well as a set with the Jily top.
The neckline on the Jily is lovely and the tie front option makes it a bit different. I cut a 36 based on the size guide. The bust darts are a bit high for me but it was a good fit overall. I found the method for attaching the neck facings a bit fiddly but the instructions are good and it worked fine. Fabric is a light cotton.
The neckline of the Jily is lovely and the tie front option makes it a bit different. I cut a 36 based on the size guide. The bust darts are a little high for me but overall it was a good fit. I found the method for attaching the facings a bit fiddly but the instructions are good and it worked well. Fabric is a light cotton.
This is a versatile jacket pattern with four different collar and cuff variations. I chose to make the collarless version with cuffs. The pattern instructions are clear and comprehensive, plus there is a video tutorial available in French with English subtitles. I found it useful to play the video at half speed because it’s not easy trying to watch the demo and read subtitles at the same time.
I chose this pattern because it’s constructed of many separate fabric panels in the front and back bodice and the sleeve. In total, I cut out 25 pattern pieces across the main fabric, interfacing and lining. Tracing the pattern from the PDF onto pattern paper alone took a few days.
That said, I wanted a pattern with lots of pattern pieces because I had a variety of smaller pieces of fabric to use in the construction of this jacket. I pieced the jacket outer together from calico, corduroy, and an old tablecloth from my stash.
I liked that each notch is given a letter, which helps with matching when sewing seams. There were also some clever devices to help the lining fit and hang better within the jacket. There was just one step I could not get to grips with in either the written or video instructions; how to handle the top of the button placket. I decided to miss this step and managed to get the placket neatly aligned and secure without it.
I usually try to make a toile for a pattern I haven’t tried before, but I didn’t bother this time and just went by my measurements against the pattern chart (UK14 (42) and I’m 5’5’’) – the fit is true to size, and the length is great (mid-hip).
I didn’t use snaps; instead I used Kylie and The Machine Jacket buttons. They look fab, but because the button placket is quite narrow, I would probably go with snaps next time.
Overall, an excellent pattern for a biker-style jacket and a good one if you have fabric pieces in your stash you want to use up. It is a time-consuming make because with all the pattern pieces there are a lot of seams to sew and a lot of topstitching. It might be a while before I tackle this pattern again, but I would like to make the version with collar and cuffs.
I have now made four of these and love them all. You know that a garment is a hit when you wear it over and over and are waiting for it to come out of the wash. I have made the pattern in remnants of indian cotton and in ice-dyed viscose, mixing the designs on the bias tape and on the side panels. It uses very little fabric so is great for using up left fabric. The Ts have been great for traveling too, packing flat and weighing next to nothing.
Mafe up over thecweekend with some crinkle gingham bought on holiday recently. The Tessuti block suits me and i cut a medium. I lliked the neckline and its easy to pop on over the head, also the godet adds some interest. Ultimately once tried on i wasn't sure about the high low hem so evened it out.
This pattern went together very well and was very quick to make … a simple design with nothing too fiddly on a small size.
The instructions are minimal so although the design is very straightforward, a beginner might have questions. The centre front line had to move to fit the neckline and I had already put in eyelets for the waist cord so they are in the wrong place. If I make this pattern again I will make larger pockets and forget the flaps. I wanted a long cagoule and am happy that this has been achieved.
I loved making these. The pattern is well presented, loads of clear photos on the instruction booklet and a brilliant video. Complicated construction but great result. I added belt loops and reduced the width and depth of back yoke which was easy. Contrast topstitching looks good. I'll definitely make these again and will try different leg shapes.
