Bit of a random one for you 😄
So our Christmas tree topper is a ken doll who's had a few outfits over the years. It was time for something new so this year he's wearing a sequin kaftan I dubiously hand sewed in a sample strip of this fabulous reversible flip sequin fabric.
His old wig also got a bit chewed by the cats, so I needle felted him a new one for the season too.
My sewing has been very slow and steady in 2024, but the things I have made I have really tried to make fit well, and fit into my wardrobe well. Instead of making lots of things and trying out lots of different patterns, I have made only a handful of things this year, but I hope that they are items which will stick around in my wardrobe for years to come and fit with my lifestyle.
Todays make I am sharing is a shirtdress made with the Tabula Rosa EcoVero Viscose Twill from the Minerva Exclusive range. It’s a gorgeous fabric that is soft and silky, has a clearly visible twill, and washes and wears superbly well. I chose the Burda style pattern 6520 for this make. It’s a shirtdress with buttons only up the bodice, and an invisible side zip. The pattern comes with 2 different hem lengths, and 2 different sleeve lengths. For this make I chose the longer dress length, and the longer sleeve length. The sleeves are still quite short, but this is the longer option. There is also an option for a matching belt, but I chose to leave that out this time.
This pattern was a fairly involved make, I made self covered buttons (which along with the fabric print I think give it a touch of vintage). The most time consuming part of this make was the skirt sections, it has really large full pleats, and there is a lot of folding of very large pattern pieces, making sure that all the pleats are going the right way, and are the same size across both sides. I used a whole heap of pins to help keep everything in place, and then sewed very very slowly making sure to catch all the fabric, but not to catch any extra unwanted tucks.
This dress came together on several sewing sessions, and I took my time to perfect the little details, I really hope this means that it will be in regular rotation in my wardrobe, and I’ll be able to wear it to lots of different events over the years.
I think that the finished dress is really wearable, it fits nicely, and makes me feel like I’ve made an effort without feeling uncomfortable in the dress itself. The fact that the fabric is a viscose twill I think means that it is also really breathable, I have worn it out a couple of times in warmer weather and haven’t felt too hot and sticky in it, which is great. I’m going to go and have a look at all of the different prints that Minerva have in this fabric base, because I think my wardrobe could do with a little bit more of this EcoVero twill in. It would be perfect for a pair of summer trousers, wide legged and flowy. Maybe I’ll have to add that to my list of to make items for 2025!
Looking for the next projectI really must give this fabric a try. You've inspired me
15 hours ago
Hey Hey CrochetHow lovely. It definitely has that vintage vibe
3 hours ago
I'm not typically one to follow trends or pieces that are popular, but I was reintroduced with suede fabric this fall and I knew I needed to make something for my wardrobe. Suede skirts, jackets, trench coats, all of the above was calling my name. How on earth was I supposed to decide what to make?
Starting with the fabric, I love the combination of the softness from the suede and the structure of the scuba. The brown tobacco color is also a perfect medium brown. With it being a knit, that the fabric didn't fray or have a need for the inside seams to be finished. I wouldn't necessarily consider this to be a summer fabric due to its weight and breathability. But for cute and cozy fall, winters and even chilly springs, you have the ability to create a staple piece to mix and match with in your wardrobe.
As I'm more of a dresses and skirts kind of girl, I thought a solid skirt would be a great addition to my wardrobe, in a color I didn't have a lot of. For the skirt, I didn't want something too gathered. Ultimately instead of spending my time trying to figure out the right pattern, I self drafted my skirt by my measurements instead. Alternatively, you could use Simplicity 1110 and make adjustments as you'd like.
I went back and forth about the waistband, do I want a flat band with a zipper? Do I want a flat band in the front and elastic in the back? I decided to go with a full elastic waistband for comfort, and since my tiers weren't going to have a lot of gathering, I didn't think the gathering would be too thick. One thing I would have done differently is to use a different elastic because mine kept folding and twisting in the casing.
Each of my panels were 8.75" in length, not including seam allowance. Typically when I sew paneled skirts or dresses, one or two of my tiers has a vertical seam going down the front or to the side, as the width of my fabric isn't wide enough. To prevent this distracting seam, instead I sewed all of my front pieces together in two separate panels, and attached them with side seams. For the overall length, I'm not usually one to wear full length garments, as I feel like it makes my petite size look even smaller. However, with this being a chilly weather garment, the length allows me to layer underneath it with tights or leggings, without being seen!
Three Stories HighLoving the texture of this fabric for a solid colour skirt. x
3 hours ago
A few more of Gertie’s patreon 'Drama club cape ' in minerva core range boiled wool
#MinervaBrandAmbassador #MinervaMakes #MinervaMaker
#FabricLove #FabricShop #FabricShopping #LoveFabric #FabricDetails #FabricInspo #FabricInspiration #FabricsUpClose #ForTheLoveOfFabric #SewingInspo #MinervaExclusiveFabric #MinervaExclusiveFabrics #gertiesworld #charmpatterns #dramaclubcape
what will wendy sewBeautiful, such a gorgeous colour 💜💜💜
17 hours ago
1 Like
Three Stories HighFantastic as always my friend.
15 hours ago
1 Like
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Finished up the repair pile this weekend by immediately altering my #remyraglan dress hack. I wore it for a day and something wasn't right 🤔
Because I am short in the body the sleeve length was 'using up' too much of my body length. It was quite a square basic shape too and I wanted to change it in some way. I rolled up the chambray to reveal the lighter reverse tone. I could have left it there... but I had two more of those gorgeous shanked spotty buttons left over which matched the one on the front so I added sleeve tabs.
I much prefer the shorter styled sleeve in terms of proportion. Everyday is a school day so in hindsight I could have put the button position more towards the arrow point and lined up the tabs a little more evenly but , as an experiment, I am happy with the change.
Could sleeve tabs save any of your previous makes? You can use them to shape waists, alter the hemline on tops or add a roll up sleeve feature to a shirt.
#sleevetabs #tabs #sleeve #sleeves #hack #hacks #hacking #threestorieshigh #remyraglan #sewhousesevenremyraglan #shownseated #remyraglantopshownseated
casual comfy clothingAnd you could have some fun with sample fabric for little job's
17 minutes ago
I’m on fire at the moment !!!
Another make I finished recently and was waiting on the light to improve before I could take any photos. This cotton sateen is one of minervas latests to hit their website. An abstract geometric print of random blue /indigo lines that resembles tiles. To me it looks rather Japanese and reminds me of block printed materials.
Cotton sateen has a wonderful sheen which gives the material a soft luxurious feel. It’s soft against the skin and sews up like a dream. This particular one doesn’t have any stretch so be aware of that when making your design choice.
Well we all know the ganni bow blouse has been everywhere lately. Like 90% of the world, I fell in love with it as well. I did feel it would date quickly so I made a variation of that style.
I found the perfect pattern in burdastyle magazine February issue 117/02/2024
I loved its asymmetrical shape and the side ribbon fastenings.
I changed out the sleeves and added a cuff and placket to give it a more elevated look that the pattern and material deserves.
Construction.
I prepped my material by firstly pre washing it . I always do that. Just in case there’s any shrinkage.
It’s non slippy so it’s easy to cut out. I used a new sharp 80 needle as I didn’t want to snag it and it always sews up a lot easier as a result.
I have to say everything about this make was enjoyable. Going back to a stable cotton felt like fun. It presses so well and it gives a nice sharp finish to angles. I did add a cuff to my sleeve as I personally like a cuffed sleeve. I added neutral wood buttons to finish the sleeve.Facings are used on the inside. I added a few snap fasteners to at the neckline side to stop it from falling as they overlap.
This blouse looks great and I like the asymmetrical shape and it works really well with lots of my jeans.
I hope you enjoyed reading my post and give this unique designed cotton sateen a go.
#SewnShownSeated #isewmyownclothes
#sewers #slowfashion #burdastylepattern #burdapatterns
This is my first time posting. I have been with Minerva craft for over a year and have been following all your lovely makes and how fab you all look in them. So I have decided that I'm going to take the plunge this year, in the deep end and post my makes.
I have been collecting patterns, especially when Minerva have there fab sales. And most people shop for clothes, I shop for Fabric. I have quite a few different finds that I can use for my patterns.
So, I thought that I would ease myself and I have picked the Burda style 6573. I am quite a funny shape and have always wanted a pair of high waisted trousers.
Let's get sewing. Watch this space. x
Hey Hey CrochetWelcome to the community 🤗 You've picked a super pattern for your first make on site - it's such a lovely style. Best of luck sewing it up
an hour ago
The sewing process for this pajama set has been an absolute joy so far! The fabric, a soft cotton flannel with its stunning artistic face print, is beginner-friendly and such a pleasure to work with. It stays in place perfectly while cutting and sewing, doesn’t crease too much, and only frays minimally. It’s soft to the touch, which makes handling it even more enjoyable. For anyone new to sewing or just wanting a stress-free project, I can’t recommend this flannel enough.
After prewashing the fabric to account for any shrinkage, I managed to cut out all the pieces I needed for a short-sleeve shirt and long trousers. No fabric left for shorts, but I’m happy with what I got! Pattern placement was a bit tricky since I couldn’t align the faces exactly where I wanted, but I think the overall look works really well.
For construction, I’ve been finishing the seam allowances with my overlocker for a neat and durable finish. I used universal needles in my sewing machine, and they worked fine with this fabric. Since I didn’t have any pre-made piping, I made my own using lavender precut rib knit binding and cotton yarn. It added such a lovely detail to the shirt, and I’m thrilled with how it looks!
At this point, the shirt is almost complete—only the buttons and buttonholes are left. I’m so excited to see the full set come together. It’s already looking stylish and cozy, and I can’t wait to wear it!
Minervamakes #Minervamakers #Minervabrandambassador #cottonflannel #pajamas #pjs #sewingismyjam #pattern
Three Stories HighTheh fabric is wonderful isn't it? I made the Carolyn top but lengthened it to a shirt style nightdress in flannel. Love your make.
3 hours ago