not opened yet but delivered in good time ready for advent
A fairly easy make apart from the instructions when it came to the waistband. Still not sure whether i read the instructions wrong or there is a piece missing from the pattern. I added bias binding to the raw edge of the waistband and folded over. Easy fix! I also added a bit of elastic to the ties for extra stretchiness
These pants are so comfortable and i spent a full day doing physical work in them (plenty of bending and squatting)
This is a super stylish dress pattern. I would say best to make in a lightweight cotton or natural fabric ( my the French love viscose) as you need to be able to press really sharp pleats. Be absolutely sure that any marker pens user will wash or fade as they can be surprisingly stubborn to remove ( I'm going to use lines of tacking in future.). The placket looks complicated but if you're careful it's surprisingly neat. I shortened the sleeves to three quarter length as I can't be bothered with long sleeves and I also lengthened the dress to knee length given I'm not 20 any more.
This pattern lives up to its name – it is definitely a simple skirt, but in a very good way. It's easy to sew and very comfy to wear.
There are only two pattern pieces (one for the front and back, and one for the waistband), so it comes together very quickly.
The instructions seemed clear and easy to follow, although I only really glanced at the diagrams because I've made similar projects in the past so was familiar with the steps.
I wanted a length between the two provided in the pattern, so I shortened the longer version by 4 inches. This gave me a finished length of 33".
My measurements put me between a size M and size L. Based on the finished measurements, I cut out a size L but used a half inch seam allowance instead of the quarter inch called for in the pattern to take it in a bit. That worked out nicely and gave me the fit I wanted.
I used a cotton jersey, which I think is a good fabric for this pattern.
I could definitely see myself making more Simple Skirts in the future.
There are more photos/details on my blog here: https://nightingaleanddolittle.blogspot.com/2026/11/wardrobe-by-me-simple-skirt.html
I’ve made two of these now, super fun and cute way to use up small amounts of fabric / scraps in your stash. Neckline is a little high for my preference, recommend lowering it 1-2cm
When I first saw the Madrone pattern I thought it was a great opportunity to use up smaller pieces of fabric I had in my cupboard. I stabilised the thin cotton fabric with simple curtain lining, sewing around each pattern piece. The pattern fitted together perfectly and I love that lining the cotton has given some heft to the structure. Although my usual size is smaller I went with the size guide and cut for the size 18. I probably could have gone down a size but the style looks well super baggy. I did not use a drawstring and sewed three channels for elastic. This will be my first pair.
I'd never made joggers before but wanted something to cope with winter in an old Scottish cottage, & I think they'll fulfil the brief very well!
I hadn't ever sewn any of this French pattern company's products before & couldn't find any reviews for these joggers. However I did find a couple of reviews for a blouse by this pattern maker, with sewists saying it came up small. With that info in mind I opted for a European size 44 - usually I do a UK 8 or 10. I was concerned that the joggers would be enormous or even too small, they're fine especially as I'll only be wearing them indoors, they won't be for public consumption lol - who wants to see a pensioner in joggers?! I will probably make another pair in the same material but different colourway & will be minded to size down to a European 42. I do like the fact that the lower is not voluminous, that its on the slim side.
I chose a fleece-backed polycotton sweatshirting fabric, 150cm wide and 1.5m was more than enough fabric. I did one patch pocket and made both front pockets.
So why only a 4-star review you ask:-
1) the sizing is "off"
2) there are no shorten/lengthen lines either for the legs or below waist
3) some may find the instructions a little brief
4) I'm barely 5ft 2ins - I just did a plain hem at the ankles, no elastic gathering or split & they are just about the right length - someone taller &/or anyone who wanted to elasticate the ankles would be well-advised to check leg length measurements before cutting their fabric.
Made two pairs in linen and plan two more for next summer. May try a size smaller but very comfortable. Good instructions.
I have made two pairs of these now and plan another two in winter fabrics. I lengthened the rise by 1”.
What more can i say. After the foldline masterclass in uskmg labels i bought these to use with some matching little square labels. They look very cute cant wait to sew them in.
I really enjoyed learning to make pintucks and found the explanations of how to make the pattern very clear. However it was very boxy on me as is oversized with no waist shaping. As I have a big bust on a small frame (5 foot with 32F bust) it just hung like a tent over my chest. Thats just my personal taste i can see it looking fab on some one a bit less chesty!.
I love the dress that this makes. Very flattering, comfortable and practical. I made it in a dark indigo denim with black corduroy panels in the hope that it would give the illusion of a waistline (and it does somewhat). The first time I wore it out, I had a few compliments about it before I told anyone that it was homemade.
This was my third sewing project (after a tote bag and short sleeved top) and I found the pattern easy to follow (but do use the extra instructions on the Sew Different blog to understand the pockets) and the results to be professional looking and well fitted.
Skirt pattern goes together easily, and finished product is exceptionally flattering. I am already planning to make a second and third in other fabrics and colours as I can tell it is going to become a wardrobe staple.
Skirt pattern goes together easily, and finished product is exceptionally flattering. I am already planning to make a second and third in other fabrics and colours as I can tell it is going to become a wardrobe staple.
I am a very experienced sewist and have made many M and M patterns but this one was not at all enjoyable nor stress-free. I have made two, one in a wool blend and one in a linen, I am wearing the linen one at the moment. I will not be making another and for me it is because the waistband has no give at all, no elastic at the back. The pockets were puzzling too, you need to slow right down and read every word carefully
I had to move the top buttons today as I have lost a bit of weight in that area. Both look ok but have such a lot of fabric around the waist/hip. The linen skirt feels comfortable enough and the wool blend skirt will be nice and warm
I made the version with the elasticated sleeves.
The puffiness of the sleeves made them very voluminous. I used a cotton lawn fabric. I would definitely reduce the sleeve volume next time! Or, use a fabric with more drape. The waist ties allow you to adjust the fit easily.
The instructions are detailed and it is quite a quick, easy make.
I made the S size having tried the XS which was a bit snug!
I used a medium /heavy weight denim both for the main fabric and the lining. I did not use an interfacing and the brim was too large to support the shape as shown on the pattern.
On my second attempt I reduced the brim by 1.5” and I felt it looked better!
The instructions were very clear and the pieces were easy to assemble neatly making a lovely finish to the hat.
I enjoyed sewing this project.
I made the blouse version with a band collar, 3/4 length sleeves and button front.
The instructions are detailed with clear illustrations.
The trickiest part was trying to work out the pieces I needed from the many, many variations included in this pattern!
The fit is comfortable and roomy but not too oversized.
I would use this pattern again.
I've made more than 10 of these bags for myself and family and friends. I've used rip-stop and nylon for reusable shopping bags that are easily rolled up and kept in my handbag (a Bestie bag, of course!). Cotton oilskin with fancy webbing for the handles has given me a more stylish and sturdy bag. It's a really clever but simple design that creates 2 big compartments and a small middle pocket. The 4 panels used to make the bag offer multiple options for colour and/or pattern blocking. Highly recommended.
I've made a number of these for a variety of uses. The pattern is well written with just a few pattern pieces that can be printed on A4.
The key to a successful basket is in the interfacing that is used, worth checking the UK equivalent of what the pattern recommends.
I used webbing for the handles and stitched fabric onto them to add a bit of interest.
