I would describe myself as an intermediate sewer, having 5 years of sewing under my belt, and a number of pairs of trousers/shorts/zip flys to feel relatively confident, however I struggled with this pattern. I like the bones; the trousers fit well and I like the design, but I found the instructions unnecessarily complicated, especially the fly and waistband. The hand drawn illustrations were sometimes confusing (not literal enough for me!), and I could find no instructions on how best to finish the hem. This is something I can obviously do myself, but it seems strange to not mention the hemming at all. I am left with trousers that I like, but do not love, and am unlikely to make them again due to the frustration of the process. I would not recommend this pattern to anyone who isn’t confident enough to go off piste a little and lean on their own knowledge, which I think is what was needed here.
A straightforward make once cutting out done! I used a stripe fabric which required some precise positioning but the pattern layout helped; also extended length by 10cm to make it longer. The neckline is quite unusual and diagrams do not show how to attach facing on top so a certain amount of fiddling required! Otherwise pleased with finished make!
I'm super happy with how this turned out and I'll definitely be making it again. I might attempt a small bust adjustment on the long tailed bodice pieces and I already have plans to adapt the pattern to have a skirt rather than pants to make a tunic dress. But overall, I love it just as it is!
I made one for my daughter and one for myself. This is the best garment I have ever made. The instructions were clear, my seaming was perfect. The finished garment measurements are accurate. I think I'll make a few more. Maybe donate all my other clothes. Haha.
Lovely pattern and easy to follow instructions. However, I found the sizing inaccurate, the size 12 was far too small and had to size up to a 16 to be able to get the measurements for the printed suggested size 12
This is my second Edie top as I love this patternand always get compliments when I wear the blue version. I made a size 12 but added 11cm to the hem this time. This is in Merchant & Mills Whisper ikat cotton.
This is really the classic shirt that your wardrobe is lacking. It has a great cut which looks very flattering. It has all the classic details including a high cut side which makes it comfortable if you like to have your hands in your pockets.
I bought this with the shirt making workshop which shows The Overshirt, so some details are different, but many of the techniques demonstrated are relevant for this shirt too.
So disappointed. Opened the packaging to discover you had to trace the pattern pieces from the enclosed sheet as they’re overlaid and printed on both sides. Will not be purchasing this brand again
This is a well-written pattern. The instructions provide clear, concise directions. The measurements on the suggested size chart are actually consistent with the finished garment size measurements! I almost cried of joy when I saw that! Also, it fit me like a glove. No major alterations were needed. This is only after one toile of it!
My first lined jacket…great support from the Wardrobe By Me accompanying video. I made this in a thick springy wool, which resulted in the cosiest jacket ever…but needed a fair bit of manhandling, not to mention pattern matching for the checks - would love to make again in a plain canvas for an easier life. Instructions were clear, I found it a straightforward make…was overwhelmed at first by the prospect of lining it (and all the pieces involved) but took it step by step and it came together without any hitches. Had a slight dread over the huge zip…but again, watching the video really helped.
Great little tool for ensuring you get the perfect point on corners, collars etc. Great M&M quality tool. I will use this often to ensure I get a professional finish.
The Nell dress is very loose fitting, so I chose my size based on the finished measurements. It came together very easily and is an easy to wear loose fitting dress
Full disclaimer - I bought this pattern just for the jeans, I haven't made the top.
My daughter wanted some wide legs jeans and these were just the thing. The proportions are just right and they fit perfectly with no adjustments required, having said that I did use the pocket construction from M&M Heroine jeans as I preferred to have some deeper pockets.
As is sometimes the case with commercial sewing patterns the instructions were vague to say the least. I couldn't make head nor tail of how the zip was supposed to go so again I turned to the Heroine pattern instructions in order to create the fly and insert the zipper.
As I said, I'm really happy with how they turned out (as is my daughter, more importantly) but if you haven't made jeans before you might struggle with the instructions.
If you're a fan of M&M patterns then this book should be on your wishlist. Full of beautiful photos of The Grove in Rye, furnished with items made from their instantly recognised natural and ethical fabrics. You too can make the coverings for your own home now like bedding, cushions and blinds. Note the patterns are printed on paper as with the Workbook but are illustrations with measurements for you to draw out yourself.
I have been wanting to try this pattern for a long time. Finally got around to it and encountered a few problems for what seems like a fairly straightforward pattern. It came up very large compared to the finished garment measurements. Some of this I was able to rectify by just shortening the straps a lot. But once the inside facing is in, it's really a big deal to make it smaller. I have taken a few cms off the outer cami to make it a little smaller but the fit is not perfect. The lining piece is a strange length too. I would definitely make the lining slightly longer next time. I also had a slight issue with the v's not sitting brilliantly either. Also struggled with the understitching around the straps. Most of these issues could be rectified by sizing down next time.
I made my first Etta and deemed it a fail,( too sticky out, too lumpy , waist in wrong place). The I saw a sewing bee contestant wearing it and tried again. I tied it more loosely and had a very useful pinafore. My fabric was a very cheap ridged cotton from Fabworks. This made the undertie very stiff and the very full skirt a bit heavy.
I tried again in a drapier cotton linen slub and made a few changes.
One I made the skirt less full - no maths I just the back on the fold and the fronts as half that, effectively 2 drops of 140 wide fabric. I omitted the pockets and moved the side seams forward by 6 cm each side. This makes the sides sit very well. This works for heavier fabrics, I would keep the fullness in a lawn.
I made a tab for the inner tie and sewed three buttons, then made a buttonhole elastic fastening to do it up, this keeps it adjustable for wearing different weight tops underneath, and puts in flexibility for moving.
The outer ties became a D ring tab and long tie. I put the D ring on the piece from the back using a 6 cm tab. Next time I will put the D ring on a shorter tab, but will need to use a long zipper foot to squeeze past when attaching the skirt.
I lined the bodice with voile but used a medium interfacing. Because the voile was so light I didn’t do the lining hemmed over stitching , I just whizzed along though all layers then overlocked. The forward side seams helped here.
I am 5 foot 8 with long lengths and the length is mid calf on me.
My cutting layouts meant I used 2.70 of 140 fabric.
I love my Etta and will make more.
It’s a great pattern, I’ve deducted one star for the confusing diagrams around which tie goes where, even allowing for my free styling alterations, and a definite error in the single cutting layout where the sleeve is not shown mirrored.
I’ve already made 3 of these from my fabric stash and had the pattern a couple of weeks. I’ve used velvet for the outer with jazzy linings and it’s worked really well. Already bought more fabric with this in mind!
Made this as part of the Fabric Godmother dream wardrobe and could not stop wearing it. Hacked it slightly by lengthening the sleeves and bodices, then binding the sleeve cuffs and turning the hem up to add an elastic cord so it can be worn cropped or longer - my machine gave up sewing the hem in place on the fleece fabric so had to hand sew it in place. It’s so cosy and the zipper gives you the option to feel even cosier when zipped up. A little tricky but don’t be put off, it’s a very satisfying sew, just take your time.
Have made this 3 times, 1 in patterned viscose, another in plain double gauze (heavenly) and then as a hacked version of a maxi shirt dress which I get so many compliments on. It’s easy to follow, no set in sleeves as they’re grown on and looks great tucked into jeans/trousers. Better suited to drapier fabrics but it’s a great basic to have in your pattern stash.
