I've always liked the look of the Orbit bag, and I'm glad that I finally got around to making one!
I used the plain fabric version, and embroidered the front of my bag with a cherry pattern (from Bloom and Floss on Etsy). I came up with the idea after realising that Orbit's circular shape would be perfect for showing off embroidery patterns, which are often designed for circular hoops.
The instructions are very thorough. If you've never done any patchwork or quilting before, they'll tell you everything you need to know.
My outer fabric was a lightweight denim – I think it looks great with the embroidery and as the finished bag, but it made the sewing process a bit tricky because some of my seams were quite bulky. If I make another Orbit, I'd stick to quilting cotton or similar weight fabrics to make life easier.
I'd definitely recommend the Orbit pattern, and I enjoyed sewing my bag!
There are more details and photos on my blog here: https://nightingaleanddolittle.blogspot.com/2026/06/embroidered-helens-closet-orbit-bag.html
...they all tear under the arm before too long. I thought it was a maker error the first time it happened, and was very careful not to cut notches too deep the second time around. But there's still a hole developing under the arm in my new one :-( So I am led to conclude that these grown-on sleeves just don't have the ease to deal with normal life stuff. Set-in sleeves seem to last better.
I bought this to make for my 11-year-old daughter, who is not large. This is good, because she was still apparently the *middle size* of the range. How it fits adults I have no idea. So do check carefully that you'll fit this pattern before buying.
There's an error on the first page of the instructions in English where there are some instructions missing, but once you realise this you can machine translate the page to get the missing instructions.
Otherwise you just have to trust the instructions (the pictures help a lot here) as sometimes what they're telling you to do seemed odd to me. But it worked out nicely and my daughter is happy with her skirt!
First the good bits: my daughter loves her new blouse. Sewing the pintucks on a rectangle of fabric *then* cutting out the fronts is genius and much easier and neater than it would otherwise have been!
The bad bits: there is no mention of interfacing anywhere, except at the point in the pattern where you are suddenly instructed to apply it! No indication it will be needed, no instructions on how big to cut it, bizarre! Obviously I had interfacing on hand so I could wing it, but it was very strange. Then when you need to set in the sleeves, there is no mention of sewing any gathering stitches! Well, I checked and of course you did need to ease the sleeve cap in so I sewed some gathering stitches as usual and eased it in. But if this had been my first time sewing set-in sleeves I would have been mystified about why it wasn't working!
A note: the "collar" and "cuffs" are binding. Once I realised this I could just apply them in the way I usually apply bias binding and it got much easier.
I made the Cloak length with a hood (naturally) in size 7-12 for my 11-year-old. It was just big enough for her, though the arm slits were a little small. That said, she loves it! As ever from Waves and Wild the instructions were great and this sewed up easily.
I've just finished my fourth pair of Bisque trousers. I've now made all the versions: shorts (not pictured), tapered and straight, all from linen or linen blends, and I have loved making and wearing all of them. With the shorts, I made a size 14 with no modifications, as a wearable toile and the fit was perfect, whereas I usually have to lengthen the crotch and/or grade sizes from waist to hip. It's the perfect trouser for me because the wide elastic waistband is secure and comfortable, but the pocket detail, back darts and front pleats add a sense of relaxed tailoring, which I like - they have a bit of style! Very enjoyable to sew - the instructions are crisp and clear, and the pocket construction is particularly satisfying (for heavier fabrics , you sew a pocket bearer from the main fabric and a lighter lining, which avoids excess bulk at the waist). The pockets are deep, roomy and neatly finished with a french seam. I can't recommend this pattern enough and am already looking forward to making a needle cord version for AW26!
I had high hopes for this pattern and it didn't disappoint! The instructions are excellent and very detailed. For me the bust is little bit roomy (I'm a B cup) so i would reduce the fabric in that area next time but other than that the fit is perfect.
This is a lovely top and on trend this summer with its short style. Instructions are easy to follow and professional, the finish is great giving it a shop-bought look. I used a yarn dyed cotton check fabric from Good Fabric.
I made the dress in a striped cotton shirting with some modifications. I lengthened it by 8 inches so it hit below the knee and omitted the sleeves and finished the armholes with binding instead. It took quite a long time to finish because of the french seams but the finish is really nice. The inseam pockets were also done it a way I've never seen before but weren't too hard to figure out. Overall I'm very pleased with my new dress and love the way it plays with striped pattern.
I love the flexability this pattern offers, great for me as i start getting back into sewing! I will say as a fuller busted woman I needed to size up to get the fit i really wanted
These were easy to make and I love the large front pocket design. Barrel leg pants are everywhere but the pockets on these keeps them interesting. I made them by patchworking a ton of scraps together to make fabric and I love how they turned out.
This went together in under an hour, it was very easy to make and easy to wear. I have fun switching the neckline up and tying it different ways, it doesn’t get boring.
I made this from a crisp chambray I had in my stash which was perfect for this pinafore. I will say tho, I made the fixed strap version and no amount of adjusting the length would keep the straps from falling off my shoulders. I shortened them twice and while they were nice and snug while I stood still as soon as I started moving, they would just pull the waist up, loosen and fall. I ended up lengthening them by a few inches and then crossing them in the back and stitching them at the intersection. It worked wonderfully and I like the look better. I’d consider it if you’re planning the fixed strap version.
But other than that hiccup it turned out beautifully and I’m really happy with the result.
I made this in rayon poplin shirting and the rayon gives this such a soft drape with the gathers, it’s perfect. I love the grown on sleeve/yoke combo, it’s so unique. It was a very straightforward construction but the sleeves are attached to the front and back pieces first so they can all be gathered at the same time before being sewn onto the yoke. And the generous ease in the body meant that I was gathering for days! Not difficult it just takes some patience. But the result is lovely.
I made this in an opaque stretch silk georgette I had leftover from another project. It was the perfect fabric for this shirt, which turned out very smooth and drapey. It would also look nice in a rayon twill. I like clothes that have interesting features and the cape on this is so cool.
I made this in a 150 gsm linen and I was worried it was going to be too rumply and lose it’s sophisticated edge but it turned out perfectly. I made the version with the pleated sleeve and exaggerated collar and the linen holds the pleat nice and crisply and it’s wonderfully breathable. It’s such a unique blouse, it’s my favorite thing I’ve made recently.
I've made this pattern 5 times now. It always turns out perfect. Instructions are clear and easy to follow.
I’m not a fan of the barrel leg style, just doesn’t suit me, but the straight leg version of this pattern is pretty cool. I’ve made 2 pairs now, denim and gabardine. I like the design of the front pocket, remember to understitch to stop the edge from rolling forward. My second pair I added some back pockets as I prefer to put my phone there. I love how comfortable they are to wear, will definitely be making more.
I chose the pattern as I knew it would be an easy make. The only part that I struggled with was the collar attachment and the sleeve lining. There is a Youtube video tutorial, but it is in French.
Easy to make and fit. Easy to follow directions. Quick sew. Definitely going to be a staple in my wardrobe.
Lovely pattern that didn’t need any alterations. Very easy to sew with clear instructions. Variations of this skirt will be a staple in my wardrobe including a corduroy a/w version and playing with the tiers.
The only adjustments I had to make was a full seat and the length. They are easy to make with detailed instructions. I’ve made them as full length too and they look great.
Lovely pattern that didn’t need any alterations. Very easy to sew with clear instructions. Variations of this blouse will be a staple in my wardrobe.
