My Inspiriation How do you bring new life to an old pair of jeans? As a surprise anniversary gift, my husband gave me a book on Boro textiles. Boro is Japan’s art of reusing and repairing fabrics and garments through patching and repairing. Traditionally boro layered and patched sometimes many layers of fabrics from vintage …
Why You Should Make The Sienna Maker Jacket
Following the the success of making the long belted Closet Core Sienna Maker jacket, I decided that I just had to make the short chore version. Why should you make the Sienna Maker Jacket? It is the perfect boxy shape for wearing over T-shirts in the spring and sweaters in the autumn months. It is a …
Do You Need A Retro Style 70’s Trouser Pattern?
Do you need a retro style 70’s trouser pattern? Then maybe Burda Style 6484 is the perfect pattern for you. The Pattern I was looking for a trouser pattern with some 70’s attitude and flare! Burda style 6484, although not immediately obvious, did actually fit the criteria. The trouser pattern has a drop waist, with a …
My Insider Tips On Making The Sienna Maker Jacket
My insider tips on making the Sienna Maker Jacket. All the jackets and coats in my wardrobe seemed so formal: I was lacking a casual jacket / coat to wear with jeans t-shirts and sweaters. The Sienna Maker jacket by Closet Core seemed like the perfect solution. I had this pattern on my wish list …
Is New Look 6341 The Perfect Party Dress
Is New Look 6341 the perfect party dress? Like many, I have had this pattern in my stash for a while. It reminds me of dresses that I wore in the 1980’s. Not my favourite fashion period for sure, but a drop waist is generally flattering. The Pattern The pattern is a full-skirted, drop-waisted dress, …
Why I Think Vogue 9123 Is An Overlooked Pattern
Why is Vogue 9123 a overlooked coat pattern?
Falling In Love With Cotton Silk Aran
Falling in love with cotton silk Aran
Vogue 1435, Is This The Perfect Dress Suit?
THE PATTERN I made this suit using Vogue 1435 for a friend’s wedding, as the English weather is often so unreliable. However, the day turned out to be too hot, and so I never actually wore it! Even so, this is a timeless outfit and the dress can be worn at any time of day …
Where And How To Buy The Best Fabrics in Marrakech.
For those of you who do not know, I run a traditional guest house in Marrakech (called Riad Assakina), where I have lived for the past 15 years. I am often asked by my guests about buying fabrics in the souks – sometimes for furnishing but more often for fashion purposes – and I am always …
My Headband Inspired By Debbie Bliss, With Free Knitting Pattern!
MY HEADBAND INSPIRED BY DEBBIE BLISS I have never knitted small projects, always preferring the bigger, more satisfying stuff, like sweaters and cardigans. However, after sewing so much recently, I was inclined to indulge in some small and fast projects, for some instant gratification. Upon completing my Debbie Bliss Taking A Break sweater (see previous knitting …