Dress was beautifully made. Unfortunatly it doesnt fit me so will have to be returned
This sweater has an interesting design. I liked the pockets and the seamed front. I made it in sweat shirt fabric from Pound Fabrics. (It cost more than a pound!)
The shapes of the pieces mean it is quite fabric hungry. I did my own layout for size 14 but still only had enough left from 200x150mm to make, perhaps, a hat. The pattern could be a stash buster if you had enough offcuts of compatible fabric.
Sewing stretch is easy and rewarding. You just need the right needle, optional twin needle and a zig zag stitch. I haven't tried that stretchy thread. I find the seams need more tacking than recommended. Stitching lines, especially at the crossovers, need careful matching. The construction of the front is clever and clearly explained. I marked middles of all pieces, top and bottom.
The pattern invites you to change the order of work if you wish. I attached the neckband before sewing the sleeves.
The body is shortish. Length could be added at the bottom.
Once again, I forgot that I am beginning to need a high round back adjustment and the higher collar of Version A cuts across my throat slightly. I will have to wear it a lot before I get much older!
I was impressed with the instructions here and the final garment measurements are clearly stated. I should have checked the overall length as it's a bit longer than I would like, but that's user error! The sleeves are particularly successful. I made it in a brushed cotton and that seems cozy for this time of year.
So good I made it twice, and I will probably make it again next summer. I used viscose fabric for one version, which is more comfortable but doesn't hold the puffed sleeve as well. I made up the second blouse in a more structured cotton lawn which holds the puffed sleeve better. It depends what look your after, but I agree with another review that lightweight fabric with a bit of structure is a good choice to make the most of the sleeve shape.
The way this pattern went together was an absolute delight. The neck facing and button placket are neat and very satisfying. I left off the darts and I am still pleased with the fit around my bust. I would happily recommend this pattern.
Having bought a beautiful piece of stretch velvet (velveteen?) as a spontaneous purchase at the Knitting and Stitching show I was not sure what to make with it. The search filters on Foldline patterns came to my rescue by searching for "stretch fabric". I made it up as a dress using this pattern to get ready for the party season. This is a no fuss pattern with easy to follow instructions. There are no zips or buttonholes to worry about so it could be suitable for a beginner. Quick to make, easy to fit.
I used the search filters in Foldline to find a dress pattern suitable for jersey fabric and chose this one. This pattern is lovely because of the fit and drape of the finished dress. There are no fussy details so it's quick and easy to make. I used an overlooker on the seams to get a nice finish inside. My other tip is to mark the wrong side with chalk before you start making because it's hard to tell which side of the fabric is right side. The instructions are clear and detailed with plenty of illustrations.
The pattern is versatile with different sleeve variations / lengths. I liked it so much I am onto my third garment. In the photo am showing a shirt that I made in a bamboo lightweight jersey with wooden buttons. I simply took the bodice and made it about 10cms longer, leaving out the waist darts. You might want to make it slightly wider for your hips.
A brilliant children’s sweatshirt pattern. I’m up to 5 of these now and counting. A very quick and easy pattern for a quick hoody or sweatshirt. I have enjoyed using contrasting colours for a colourblock style jumper. I use a maraflex thread and a straight stitch for this – which I find simpler than a zigzag.
Nice easy to follow instructions and a helpful online tutorial to attach the neck and armhole binding. I made a toile to check the position of the back darts & found I didn’t need to make any adjustments. I bought the Tessuti Vilene recommended for the neck binding, which was stiffer than the version I bought off amazon & slightly harder to tear away. I used a washed linen fabric which worked nicely for this pattern & was pleased with the results. A very simple pattern & potentially quick to sew – although as a beginner I did spend ages applying the binding very carefully to make sure I got it right.
This has been one of my favourite patterns to follow and it makes me want to sew lots more things from Helen’s Closet. Really nicely laid out instructions which are simple to follow and full of good tips which I really appreciated as a beginner sewer.
I didn’t make a toile but did lengthen the body and the leg length to suit my 6 foot height. On reflection the length in the body is too much, and on my next version I will stick to the pattern length. I added belt loops instead of the waist tie channel, as I wanted to wear it with a belt. This worked well, although next time I would add 7 loops instead of 5 to help distribute the fabric better. Made with soft canvas from Merchant and Mills.
Overall a really nice pattern to follow.
A nice pattern for trousers which are comfortable and easy to wear. I lengthened the straight version to full length and added an inch to the rise (which on reflection wasn’t needed). Very quick to sew and a nice simple pattern to follow. I made them in a Tencel/Lyocell linen mix from Merchant and Mills which has a nice drape to it.
I have just finished my second Geneva blouse in an ivory crepe fabric. I still like the pattern a lot - other than the neck binding. This did not work any better on this one than it did on my first attempt. What I have ended up with again is a very narrow strip used like a facing with the raw edge overlocked. It will do but next time I shall try a narrow commercial bias binding - or maybe even cut proper facings. I shall use it once more - perhaps with straight sleeves.
I feel Merchant and Mills should issue little rosettes for customers who sew this pattern and live to tell the tale. What an experience this was!
I feel fairly familiar with the M&M pattern range, but somehow the Cawley had passed me by. It was not until I saw a version made by a friend, that I realised what a nice pattern this is. I decided to crop this into a shirt as I felt that the dress might be too much volume and I made my version in a light-ish weight vintage cotton with some drape.
This is by some distance the most challenging pattern that I have sewn so far. The welt pockets on the front, the short button placket and the gathering into the collar are all quite tricky, plus there are the more classic shirt details in the yoke, sleeve placket and cuffs. There are 17 pattern pieces and 60 individual steps in the instructions - it is quite the undertaking! That said, I am really glad I had a go at this pattern because the resulting garment is really quite special. I've not seen another pattern quite like this one, it really is unique. The instructions are confusing at times but slowing down and taking it one step at a time this pattern is manageable and definitely worth the effort.
Made the dress with the bow, with Liberty Fabric: Neon Lord Thorpe.
Would highly recommend anyone make this dress, it is very flattering.
I got so many compliments.
I'm 5ft and made no alterations, i wanted it long anyway, fitted me perfectly.
A smaller version of the ever-popular Bestie bag, what's not to love?
I had a few simple projects behind me when I attempted this for the first time and it was a great pattern to gain experience in a simple lapel, pleat, yokes, and the burrito method. I used less than 1m of fabric for a size small with no alterations. It would be very easy to lengthen if you don't want such a cropped look, and there are many modifications and hacks out there. I have made a second version and will soon be using the long sleeve extension pack for another.
This is a great bag! It's a good size and has optional inner pockets which you can of course modify to suit your preferences. I used a simple cotton with H640 for the main fabric so it holds a bit of shape but has a soft squishy appearance and feel. I opted for a self fabric tie strap and managed to use only 0.5m of main fabric for the medium size. I really enjoyed making my first one and there will definitely be more.
Lovely pattern with good instructions. I really like the shape of the jacket and the nice big pockets. I made this in a double sided pre-quilted fabric and bound the inside seams with bias binding so it is unlined and reversible. It is quite roomy which I wanted for layering but I might size down for my next version.
A beautiful blouse. I made my first version in a cotton poplin without button holes as a trial and I love it. I used french seams for the most part, but bound the cuff seams and I'm very happy with the result.The pattern pieces and instructions aren't 100%, I needed help with a few bits so watched the tutorial by Andrea from Beyond the Pink Door which gave me more confidence. I will very soon be making another version in a drapier viscose and will brave the buttons. It's a lovely blouse with sweet features.
I love this top. A quick and easy make, I have made multiple versions, with long and short sleeves. I’ve also hacked butterfly and shirred sleeves. French seams give a lovely, high end finish, and being rather narrower in the shoulders than I am elsewhere, I find the raglan shape fits me well and feels very comfortable. I will no doubt be making many more of these.
