I'd liked the look of this blouse for some time, and finally decided to make it when I realised I had the perfect fabric and enough of it, to make this rather fabric-hungry model. I bought very fine white linen in April from a Dutch fabric market that tours Germany every 6 months. In the end I didn't need the 2.70 metres as I was able to get the front pieces from the folded linen (selvedge to selvedge) as I chose XS. I would normally not do this as French patterns tend to be sized quite small, but the advice was to size down if in doubt. I took a gamble and cut the sleeves on the fold twice which made handling much easier. The sleeves are not 100% square but with such a design, there's a lot of wiggle room! I unfolded them to add the notches correctly.
So if you have wider fabric than the yardage amounts are calculated for, you may need far less fabric. It would be good if the designers had also worked out yardage for 150cm Fabric.
I didn't follow the instructions to the letter, I just applied techniques I use, to the overall construction (such as the Burrito method - I never actually ate one!) A beginner would struggle without the confidence many sewing years conveys. However, because there is so much volume there is a lot of margin for error in some places.
I like the fabric and the pattern but fear I may resemble the 80s pop star Adam Ant wearing it (can't be a bad thing!). The design certainly does stand and deliver!
excellent quality. would order again. would like additional sizes and packs with one colour option instead of two.
I like this pattern a lot. I've made two tops from it, one in a lightweight linen and another from a heavier canvas. Both worked very well
loved this pattern … I made the barrel leg and only mod I did was to add about 1inch to the torso by creating a waistband - otherwise it was a straightforward sew with beautiful results - i’ll be making MANY more
I have made this skirt in jersey and stretchy velvet, fits well and is easily made in an hour or so.
Really like this sweater, but the pattern measurements seemed off. The sleeves ended up way too tight and too long. A shame, as it’s a cool design
I made the little jacket and trousers for a friend’s baby, the pattern went together well and was quick to make. So cute, hope to make more items from this pattern.
Lovely pattern once made up.
Just be aware if you are printing at home you may have to mess around quite a bit to get the tiles to fit together. Printing on A4 paper I found you should not remove any borders despite the instructions saying to do so. Use some of the tiles that have several pattern lines or other markers that overlap the edges to find the best fit for your printer. I have used loads of PDF patterns and this was the first time I encountered this problems.
Once I had done this it all fitted together and the pattern sewed up easily and fitted well.
The skirt is quite straight forward to make and the suggestion of a more heavy weight fabric (canvas/denim) is definitely a good choice.
The only thing that didn’t quite work for me was the sizing chart. I measured according to the instructions (and several times) and seemed to be between two sizes.
The designer kindly answered all my questions and how to deal with this kind of situation. To stay with the original shape I followed the designer’s suggestion of using the larger measurement and not combining the two. However, the skirt turned out way to large this way. Even the original hip measurement was too large.
Also to adjust the length, you need to do this on the pattern. It can not really be done on the finished skirt, as otherwise the shape is slightly off. This happened to me. I had to shortened it on the final garment now, as otherwise I wouldn’t have worn it.
I am quite happy with the result nevertheless. But it isn’t the ideal way to go about it with this pattern, as it changes the shape of the skirt a little. Still it is a great skirt. I will sew it again, in a smaller size and adjusting the length on the pattern first. The designer is very helpful and thoughtful about different ways of alternating to size.
The pattern is well written and easy to follow instructions. I struggled a bit at the placket but I don't have a lot of experience with those. My measurements put me in 2 size brackets. I chose the larger one which was fine for my pajama top toile. The smaller size will be fine for a more fitted shirt. I can see myself using this pattern time and time again
The good points are that it was a fairly easy make, however I would say that no matter how I tied it the dress was incredibly unflattering, Perhaps I choose the wrong size as I sized down one or the wrong pattern but its really not for me.
Really nice pattern & easy to convert to concealed seams throughout.
Managed to make a full length dress version with one side of a single duvet and 1 pillowcase (approximately 200cm x 140cm).
I liked the look of this dungaree dress and it looked simple to make but I thought that I would fully line bothe the front and back bib parts for a neater finish. This worked well as the fabric as I was using was relatively lightweight and not a heavier ticking type denim as per the pattern picture. When considering what size to make I erred on the size of generosity as I wanted to wear stuff underneath in the winter. HOWEVER when I came to try the dress on it was way too small around the waist even though theoretically I should have had plenty of room. I have remade with the front and back button plackets overlapping which has solved the problem but making with the front and back bib parts meeting at the side as shown in the pattern makes the waist smaller than the finished garment measurements. There were several places where I found the instructions unclear.
I did revisit the Rosie because I didn't want her to beat me and I feel I achieved a better result than the make I reviewed first. I used a polyester 'coupon' bought at Eurokangas in Helsinki and it was more stable than the linen I used to make this before. I was careful to cut accurately and transfer all the markings.
This time I managed to piece and attach the collar correctly (see pic). Although there are still some small tucks, they are inside so don't show.
I'm pleased with the pattern matching!
I still think it's a lot of work for a casual shirt. I have other patterns that achieve much the same result without the tailoring technique. And also, this time, I did notice that this might not suit wide hips or being worn loose.
Bella has a range of really thoughtful, professional level patterns. I have enjoyed making others.
I’ve made several dresses using this pattern, my favourites are both linen. I rounded the neckline as v-neck does not suit me and lengthened the bodice by an inch as I have a long body. I’ve also used corduroy and denim which were successful. A quick make as there are no zips or buttons. Very comfortable style to wear.
I made this waistcoat for my cousin to wear to his granddaughter’s wedding. I was so pleased with the result, the pattern went together perfectly and the instructions are very comprehensive.
Great pattern, can be made in an afternoon to wear in the evening. I’ve made a cotton jersey one, and a stretchy velvet one. Easy to modify for perfect fit/length.
I’ve made a few shirts for my adult son with this pattern, it goes together very well and my son has some shirts in his own choice of fabric which fit him perfectly.
Saw Helen's wedding dress and took inspiration to make an evening party outfit. I got so many compliments!
Instructions are clear and easy to follow.
This was actually the first garment I ever made and while that was a bit of a disaster it was down to me not reading the instructions properly not the design. I've since made 3 more in various fabrics and I wear them all the time. I like that it works with a range of fabrics for example I made a cotton version for PJs and I also have a really drapey viscose version which is great when you need a jeans and a nice top look.
I love Merchant & Mills designs and fabrics and simply bought the book for the patterns. I don't need the rest of the copious details about a few individual craftspeople. That aside, the patterns are usual, beautifully and clearly explained. I made the shirt and even the XS is enormous so it is important to measure before making. And it is possible to download the patterns via a QR code which I prefer to tracing.
This is a fabulous pattern for workwear/hiking. I loved the gusset and knee darts which made them really comfortable to wear. There are lots of useful design details with the pocket options, the knee facings and facings on the bottom back leg. I made a wearable toile in a stretch cotton twill, and a second pair in cotton drill no stretch. I did find they come up loose fit. To achieve a closer fit as per the pattern picture I will try sizing down. I also plan to make these as jeans. I didn't find any issues with pattern drafting.
Loved making this....really crystal clear instructions with video tutorials to match ! Love the attention to detail, it gives a really nice clean finish. I can't wait to make more!
