I discovered The Assembly Line Oversized Shirt through a few of my favourite sewists on Instagram. I love wearing shirts, and shirt dresses that don’t feel cutesy. This design is the perfect blend of relaxed and professional. My ideal garment! I bought this beautiful woven cotton from a fabric destash event I had a stall…
Tag: Dress
Lara dress
I recently rediscovered the Lara dress by Schnittchen patterns. I loved this pattern when it was released in our winter a few years back. It never managed to get onto my ‘to sew’ list until I found it again recently. I love un-fussy designs with unique details similar to the garments seen at COS. It’s…
Viki Sews Sheron
Some people are drawn in by a pattern, for me, it’s the fabric. I bought this lovely textured viscose polyester fabric a couple of years ago from Fabric Box without a project in mind. To make this dress I used every inch of the 2m piece. For the internal facings I used smooth black cotton….
Viki Sews Maureen’s dress
Earlier this year I was reflecting on life and my values, work, community etc… as you do! I decided that if I could find the right space in Wellington, I would organise a Frocktails event under my ‘brand’, Wellington Sewcialists. When I discovered the Naumi Hotel and its beautiful bar area I knew this was…
Viki Sews Stacy & Mood Gambit pinafore
I’m a fan of making garments that allow for easy layering. I have always cared about sustainability and making garments that I can wear over and over again. Garments that are loved and get lots of wear are better for the planet and my wallet! Pinafores take me back to Primary School which isn’t a…
Viki Sews Vivienne’s dress
New Zealanders are quite casual in the way that they dress. I’m used to being too dressed-up at most occasions unless it’s a ball and then I feel very uncomfortable as I never feel dressed up enough! Initially this pattern didn’t interest me as the stitching lines threw off my eye. The photos above shows…
Passiflore dress
When the Passiflore dress pattern by Deer and Doe was released I was excited! I don’t often race to buy a pattern on the day it’s been released as I try to be mindful of my purchases. I had this purchased and printed within 24 hours and planned to sew it up that weekend. I’m…
Agate Pencil Dress
There are some patterns which sit on my ‘to make’ list for a while. The Named Agate pencil dress is one of these. The pattern came out a few years ago and I have been following the hashtag on Instagram since then. Often if I am unsure about a pattern I follow the hashtag until…
Viki Sews Ivanna dress
I love wearing my first version of the Viki Sews Ivanna dress that I knew I needed another one! This pattern is uniquely shaped – it looks complicated but in reality, the pattern has very few pieces. The dress has pleats across the front and back section of the skirt which is one pattern piece….
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…
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…
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…
Lodo Dress
This year I’ve been on a roll this year making lots of separates. However I love a simple dress – it makes dressing easy. I’ve been looking for a knit dress pattern which could become a wardrobe workhorse. I thought I would try the Lodo dress pattern by True Bias in my search for the holy…
York, York, York!
I have been a serial pattern sewist lately. It’s nice to make a garment which I know I’ll get a lot of wear from. The York Pinafore by Helen’s Closet is one of my current favourite garments. I have made two other versions previously and knew I needed at least another one for my rotation. This…
Nettie Dress
Paul has been encouraging me to make more clothes which celebrate my curves something I’m always slightly nervous about doing. I thought the Nettie Dress by Closet Case Patterns would be an ideal style to try. Nettie is a quick and easy to make knit garment. Nettie is a close fitting pattern with high cut…
York Pinafore
I recently tested the York Pinafore for Helen from Helen’s Closet. This pattern is a winner! This pinafore is a modern take on a classic pinafore dress with a cocoon shape and two views. View A features large scoop pockets, a dipped neckline, and comes to the knee. View B is a shorter length with…
McCalls Shirtdress 6696
Earlier in this year, I decided to enrol myself in a class at my local sewing and craft store Made Marion Craft. The class was to make the popular shirtdress pattern McCalls 6696. I took this class to improve my confidence with collars. I hoped the teacher Zara (who has mad skills) would pass on her hint…
Highlands Wrap Dress
I fell in love and purchased the Highlands Wrap Dress pattern on the day of its release. The pattern by Allie Olson, is an easy-fitting garment for spring and summer. This pattern is for woven fabrics and features a faced V-neckline and waist ties that are secured at the side of the waist. Allie has an option…
Dresses for coffee and cocktails
A couple of weeks ago I came across The Day and Night dress challenge organised by Elizabeth Made This. I thought that is a challenge I can do! The challenge asks you to create two looks: A dress with a day look: This should be a casual dress appropriate for your everyday life. This dress should…
Celestial Dress
I came across the pattern designer Pattern Fantastique through my friend Blogless Anna. Nita-Jane the pattern designer of Pattern Fantastique stocks a range of beautifully drafted patterns and kits in her store. I have been admiring the Celestial Dress pattern for a while. It is a simple pattern that allows a number of options depending on the…
Emma's Atelier 