I made a toile that is wearable and fits well. However, I cannot understand how the instructions passed muster. I followed them to the letter but found them unhelpful. Fitting the collar as per the instructions was very clumsy. Sewing the sleeve hems by machine proved impossible as they were too narrow to fit onto the machine. A note about overlocking edges if the fabric was likely to fray was included after the front facings were sewn.
I will definitely make this pattern up again but will follow my common sense.
I actually love this pattern , I made the first pair - black - in a drapey tencel and cut as per my measurements. Absolutely fine to wear but slightly on the large size. Make number 2 was in denim and I sized down and took some width out of the legs - I much prefer this fit.
I thought the pattern instructions were good . These are some of my first attempts at a zip fly , so I did also find some sew along instructions on you tube , and happy with end results.
The fact that there is elastic at the back also gives some leeway if you are starting out with trouser making as I am.
I took advantage of a rainy day and made the Sewing Therapy tie dress out of a yellow and white checked gauze. It was so helpful to have the full tutorial on YouTube and I switched between that and the written instructions. I look forward to making another version in a washed linen I’ve had my eye on. I think it will drape beautifully.
I've been wanting to make a Dukke blouse since the pattern was first released, and I'm glad I've finally got around to it!
The pattern is relatively simple for a button-up blouse, and it came together reasonably quickly. I found the instructions to be clear and easy to follow. My only slight complaint would be that there were quite a few typos/mistakes (I was using the paper pattern), but thankfully it's still easy enough to understand what they're meant to say.
I made the size recommended for my measurements, and used the 7/8 length sleeves. I didn't make any fitting adjustments, and I'm happy with how the fit of the blouse turned out.
The fabrics I used for this blouse are yarn dyed cottons in the same colourway, but with checks on the front and back, and stripes on the sleeves and collar.
I ignored the buttonhole placement from the pattern and used more buttons and placed them in line with the checks – that just seemed to work better for this fabric.
I'm already keeping an eye out for fabric for a second version!
There are more photos and details on my blog here: https://nightingaleanddolittle.blogspot.com/2026/04/wardrobe-by-me-dukke-blouse.html
Does anybody else have patterns that should be an OK sew but end up taking blood sweat and tears?! ... for me , this was one of those.
I will start off by clarifying .... there is nothing wrong with the pattern , it was just me being me , and I actually don't mind the finished result now that it is finally out of the naughty corner. If it could go wrong, it did go wrong.... and my particular favourite faux pas , was having sewed 5 out of 10 buttons on, thinking " not sure what made me buy these buttons , don't like the pattern on them much but they are the only ones I have in a vaguely matching colour ", only to turn one over and realise I was sewing them on with the wrong side up
I was trying to work out when I started sewing this - I reckon it was spring last year and then it ended up in the box that time forgot!
At the time I decided that a quick toile in a nice stable cotton poplin would be the way to go ...... fast forward 12 months 🤣....
I strugged with the facing pieces and ended up getting very frustrated- but in all honesty, this was a me problem. Size wise I cut it as per my measurements but I think I would size down if I revisit the patten. I like the side splits on the skirt , and using a drawstring in the waist is forgiving - although don't look too closely , the holes for the drawstring don't line up ! I do have a friend who has used elastic rather than the string and the results are good.
It's long - Named patterns draft for 5ft 8 inches - I am 5,7 so didn't alter the pattern length.
I've made this pattern three times and I am about to make my fourth for my sister. A couple things: **** making my own channels, i just went with bias tape in a similar color. Also, I overcut the facings for the neckline/straps and then fit them accordingly. Its a lot of extra work but the pattern fits so nicely on busty bodies that its 100% worth the extra labor!
What a beautiful pattern this is, and the instructions were so easy to follow.
I have made two long sleeved tops from this pattern. The instructions are clear and easy to follow and it fits well. The neckline drape is better with a viscose jersey than cotton jersey. I love a cowl neck and have tried another pattern previously but prefer this version, which fits my narrow shoulder particularly well. I am looking forward to make a shortsleeved version for the summer and this is a pattern I will return to many times.
My second Atlas Overshirt in just 2 weeks!
I had leftovers of this pinstripe denim and played a game of tetris to get the pattern pieces to fit. I made use where possible of the different stripe directions and used a chambray (from the previous Atlas) for the under collar and back facing. I was a few inches short of one of the under sleeve pieces so lengthened it with a piece of pink denim.
I made style A with the button placket from style B.
This version is heavyweight compared to the chambray one and will be a great additional layer for cooler days.
I have found my new favourite blouse - the Wardrobe By Me Dukke blouse. I made the first one as a wearable toile in a cotton poplin - unintentional camouflage with my daughter’s bedroom wallpaper! The second in quick succession was in a lovely drapy twill fabric picked up from the swaps table at the Shropshire Sews sewing sewcial.
The pattern has a lovely Peter Pan collar , and some shaping at the back from a couple of darts that come down from the neckline. In both versions I took some off the length , and went for a full length sleeve in the black and white version, and more of a 3/4 sleeve in the floral.
Absolutely a pattern I would recommend, the instructions are clear and it comes together quickly.
This is a pretty good basic pattern - probably. I say probably because I made so many adjustments to it I'm only half reviewing the pattern, rather than what I made (which is definitely five stars!)
I sized down because the finished garment measurements looked huge, and that was the right call. I could probably have gone down two sizes, but I wanted oversized palazzo pants for loungewear.
Plus points: the pattern instructions are great, very clear (even though I didn't end up following them) and there are only a handful of pieces, so this would be a great pattern for an absolute beginner.
Downsides: 1. the pockets are crazy skinny, so I added two inches to the width. 2. I really didn't like the roll down elastic waist method because it's pretty much impossible to adjust it once it's stitched. I made it too big and had to unpick it all, before lopping three inches off the top the pants and fitting a regular waistband with a channel for the elastic instead.
With the adjustments, the finished pants are fab, and I've been lounging around the house like a big trouser diva ever since.
Digital pattern arrived very quickly
I love this top so much! I’m so happy with how it came out, but I did find the attachment of the facings and twist a bit challenging to follow. Definitely an intermediate project but well worth the challenge.
Always great service. Good quality print.
This was my first attempt at a trench and it worked like a dream. There were tricky parts, but the instructions are well-written and I could do it. I think some of the techniques will get better with time.
I purchased this sewing pattern at 9:00 AM and had the dress finished in the afternoon. I chose to make a contrasting white "bib" (central upper panel) in back and front which gives the dress real charm. I love how easy to make the dress is and all the ways it can be worn and styled (two necklines, many ways to tie). It has very clear instructions. The best thing is that you can sew it as a surprise gift for other people as you don't need to take their measurements (it can be tied tighter or looser). I will definitely make some more!
Taylor trouser number 4 incoming. I've made these in twill (twice) and a 8oz(?) denim, these are in a heavier weight denim, I'd guess 10oz (but deadstock (Rainbow Fabrics) so no label.
I've not worn them much yet so they need to soften up but I feel like they will become another firm favourite.
Made view B, flat front, no pleat and with patch pockets.
As soon as I saw this pattern I knew it was for me. I have a Toast shirt from a clothes swap which is very similar in style and I love it, I've been searching for a pattern that meets the need and this is it.
It was straightforward to follow, I made this in a size 12, it comes up pretty loose and would be perfect for wearing a jumper underneath.
I'm not sure about the pockets on style B and how practical they would be however I'm happy with the chest patch pocket.
My next one is almost finished just need buttons.
Very happy with my first attempt at a Maker's Atelier pattern. Perfect for the summer!
The shirt went together neatly and the instructions were clear. The illustrations could have been more detailed for those with less experience, though.
I used a medium-weight linen that had been in my stash for a while, and cropped 8cm off the original pattern length to suit my proportions better.
I love the unusual shape of the Phen Shirt by Pattern Fantastique, and I have seen some beautiful versions online, but this pattern has been sat in my stash for a couple of years now as I found it quite an intimidating make. I'm certainly glad I waited until I had made a few button up shirts before tackling this pattern as this is quite a challenge. The shirt construction is fairly classic, so there is no real reason why this shirt should be tricky. However, there is something about the instruction style that I found confusing and somehow off-putting and difficult to engage with. I usually enjoy following along with pattern instructions but there was something impenetrable about these ones that meant the experience did not really flow for me. I did find the sew along video made by Sewing Therapy (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jk6uGcUX3Lg) really helpful though.
I made my version in a poplin, which is a recommended fabric for this pattern, but I would say this fabric is too structured and a fabric with body but drape would be a better choice. The pattern includes a lot of volume in the chest and upper back but cinches in very dramatically at the hip. My version pulls a bit when I have the shirt buttoned up so I would say it is important to double check that the size you pick has adequate ease at the hip.
In conclusion, I think the Phen is a really stand-out shirt pattern - different from anything else out there - and a great challenge to sink the teeth into!
I made the dress twice. Once with a nice drapey linen blend, with out pockets and with short sleeve. I would recommend sizing down but other than that like how it turned out. My second attempt is with a light weight , light coloured linen blend that has structure. I made the dramatic sleeves and put pockets. One thing to note, if your fabric is at all see through as mine is, you will see the pocket lining which falls right at you lower hip...and it looks very strange/unattractive/funny! Also, I will be redoing the sleeves, as with the structure in my linen they are way too puffy for my frame. I did love the pattern, but it is not a fitted shift dress, very loose.
Hopping on the Carnation Blouse trend. Based on the pattern measurements I made this in a size 12. The pattern is well written and I found it generally ok to follow. I did discover a youtube video sew along which I found really helpful, it added in a few extra tips such as gathering the sleeve head to ease it in: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IgeYM5slKQ
Made in a 'test' fabric, a long stashed Seasalt cotton lawn/voile, it's a lovely weight and worked well. Looking forward to making this again in another fabric.
I love these labels, they’re a great addition to handmade items both clothes and bags.
I made this after seeing so many fun versions popping up on my social media. I’m so glad I did because I am so in love with my version.
I decided to go full cowboy and use this cow print denim fabric. I love the structure it gives.
It was a really fun project, I love working with a more stable fabric but summer doesn’t allow for that as much so I like this pattern because it allows for structured summer sewing.
The instructions are great and the fit is spot on. I would like to make another version in a shorting weight cotton because I think that would work so well.
