It’s day 2 of enforced New Zealand Government lockdown so it’s a perfect time to get back to blogging! It took me a while to be interested in the Lander pants. It was only after I saw several versions on Instagram that I decided to make them. The Lander is a wide-leg high-waisted pant made…
Category: Makes
Grasser 693 skirt
This skirt is the result of an evening spent researching Russian sewing patterns. For a while I was starting to think I’d seen all the new sewing patterns and was feeling a little uninspired. Since falling down the Russian sewing patterns rabbit hole I’ve discovered lots of new companies and pattern designs which has me…
Deer and Doe Myosotis
I tend to follow my ‘guidelines’ of what suits my body shape. You can read more about this here and here. But there are times where I like to create over-sized garments or what I jokingly like to call man-repelling as inspired by the original man repeller Leandra M. Cohen. The Deer and Doe Myosotis dress…
Viki Sews Ivanna Dress
Lately, I’ve been obsessed with sewing Russian Sewing Patterns. After my success with these two patterns by Viki Sews, I have been experimenting with more garments from their pattern range. Their designs are what I love about sewing – the ability to make garments which fit your body and lifestyle. As someone that works an…
Roberts Collection Dungarees
A pair of dungarees has been on my to make list for a while. I was inspired to make this pair before our recent sewing retreat because of a dream. In the dream I was wearing dungarees at our retreat with a bumbag. These were all things on my too make list! My dream felt achievable so…
Silvia Coatigan – The Third
This is my third version of the Silvia Coatigan by Schnittchen Patterns. This coat was part of my winter sewing plans and my frocktails outfit. My other versions of this coat can be seen here and here. My skin gets so pale in winter so I’m try to warm it up by incorporating berry tones…
Breaking the Pattern – Utu Pinafore
In the last few years, I’ve become a fan of pinafore dresses. The York by Helen’s Closet showed me how good they are for work wear. The items underneath can be easily layered depending on the season. So far I’ve tried several different pinafore patterns- the York, Dani and now the Utu. I’ve made three versions…
Adrienne blouse
I‘ve been eyeing up the Adrienne blouse for a while. It’s a knit top pattern which is fitted through the body and has voluminous sleeves. It’s a look I’m really into at the moment. I knew once I found the perfect fabric I’d make it. We ended up finding the fabric in one of the…
Kalle Shirt
The Kalle shirt is a popular pattern within the sewing community. In my quest to find the perfect shirt pattern I thought I’d give it a try. My favourite version of the Kalle is the cropped style. It also comes in a tunic and a dress. I didn’t want the top to be too cropped…
Sapporo coat
I made the Papercut Patterns Sapporo coat at the beginning of winter this year. I’ve seen so many amazing versions on Instagram and thought it would be a great addition to my wardrobe. Coats which resemble giant blankets are ideal in my book! This garment has a lot of inbuilt ease. For reference, I’m 165cm tall and…
Frocks for Frocktails
Deciding on my outfit for Frocktails is always exciting but also fills me with worry. Is it fancy enough? Do I have enough time to make it? Do I have the materials to make it? It’s not just Frocktails – dressing up fancy has always filled me with dread. “Why spend heaps of money on…
Maya Tops
I love simple tops patterns! This love is well documented in my posts about the Salme Kimono Tee the Drop sleeve blouse and the Claudia top. I tried the Maya top pattern by Marilla Walker a while ago and found it a little too boxy. I recently decided to try the pattern again and realised what the…
Zadie Jumpsuit and tops
Since making the Jazz Jumpsuit last summer I’ve been really into wearing jumpsuits! Fellow Kiwi pattern designer Tara from Paper Theory designed this pattern which has been very popular amongst the sewing community – I can see why! The pattern is sized from 6 to 28. I made a straight size 14 for my wearable muslin below. The Zadie…
Sirocco Jumpsuit Take two
I purchased the Sirocco Jumpsuit pattern by Deer and Doe a couple of days after they released their recent collection. I made my first version of this jumpsuit for a recent European holiday. It was a fantastic garment in my capsule travel wardrobe – It’s so comfortable and stylish! I was worried that a tiny aeroplane toilet might be…
Sati and Lidi by Viki Sews
A few months ago, I discovered Viki Sews an online Russian pdf pattern company. They sell a mix of men’s, women’s and children’s patterns and are active on social media so there is lots of inspiration. I discovered Viki Sews through blogger Sleepless In Bavaria. She has completed a number of projects with Viki Sews patterns….
Sirocco Jumpsuit
I purchased the Sirocco Jumpsuit a few days after Deer and Doe released their recent collection. I have a rule that I only buy a new pattern if I’m going to make it immediately. Since Deer and Doe patterns are drafted with someone with my body shape and bust size I thought it would be…
Cashmerette Patterns Pembroke Dress
I’m in love with my new Pembroke dress! It’s the first time I’ve used a Cashmerette pattern and I’m really impressed. This pattern is nice and easy to construct – it’s as simple as a t-shirt with the addition of waist ties sewn into the side seam. I made a size 12 with a bust…
McCalls 7661
After a honeymoon period of discovering indie patterns, I’ve been embracing the Big 4 patterns more regularly. Especially McCalls. I find their designs wearable but still with fashion forward design elements. I’ve found that more people are adding big 4 patterns to Instagram. It’s great to be able to search to see other versions of…
Palisade Pants
Last year I decided I needed to improve my pant-making skills. My sewing has come a long way but fitting pants – especially with woven fabric – still feels really challenging. I was drawn to the Palisade Pants by Papercut Patterns as soon as the pattern was released. It looked like an easy yet comfortable sew and…
Lodo Dress Hack
I love the Lodo dress! It’s a perfect simple pattern for me. I have been trying to re-use and hack more patterns this year so I thought I’d hack the Lodo pattern into a button down dress like the Adelia. This dress is made in stretch denim (the Lodo is designed for stretch fabrics). The…
Emma's Atelier 