How to

Let’s sew a ricrac trim

It is well documented that I love a bit of ricrac, and it would seem I’m not the only one. It’s the perfect trim to add a fun design flourish to your makes, and there are so many ways it can be used (I shared 3 ways in this Instagram post).

One of my favourite ways to use ricrac is to insert it within the seam to create a mini scallop-style edging. I saw this on the incredibly talented Megan of dinigooseandbird, who saw it on someone else, so the circle of sewists’ inspiration is well and truly in effect here. Inserting the trim involved a bit of trial and error to get it correct, so I thought I’d share how I got there to save you time (and dreaded unpicking).

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Let’s sew a button up skirt

How to, Sewing ideas

The flat front skirt (FFS) tutorial went down a storm (thanks, everyone!), but if you’ve been following my sewing journey for a while, you’ll know I love a button. Shirts, dresses, skirts…add some buttons and you have my heart. So how to level up the FFS? Making a button-up version of course! This has all the comfort of the elastic at the back, but with a flat front waistband so it’s super flattering. The gathered skirt gives this added oomph, you can add some gorgeous buttons, and this will work with more structured cottons and drapey viscose, so you can make it to suit your style. Let’s sew a button up skirt (BUS!).

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Criss cross bag: sewing pattern and tutorial

Free patterns, How to, Sewing ideas

This cross-over bag style has been around for a while now; it’s quirky yet simple and really versatile. I decided to draft my own and it’s turned out to be so useful, so I thought why not share it*?

I’ve used these bags for all sorts, from the finishing touch for a wedding outfit through to holding the basics for everyday use. This is also a great scrap buster as it’s made up of 8 small(ish) pieces. So let’s get sewing…

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Sleeves be gone: A sleeveless Wilder Gown pattern hack

How to

The Wilder Gown from Friday Pattern Company is iconic in sewing circles. That gathered neckline is so recognisable, and it’s a style that suits everyone. Although the pattern has been around for a few years, I only got round to making it last year for my friend’s birthday present. I loved the project and the dress turned out gorgeous (I used a black viscose from Minerva which worked a treat), but it was only this month that I made one for myself. Well, I actually made three; the Wilder really is as good as everyone says. I started with a sleeveless hack of the design, so here’s a quick how-to so you can try one too!

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How to: Make a scallop edge cushion

How to, Sewing ideas

This cushion is the perfect little refresh for your sofa. I love using bold prints for my homeware, but this works just as well in a plain fabric to let the shape do the talking. Also, as each scallop piece is made individually, this is a great scrap buster and you could clash a number of fabrics.

You may have seen other tutorials that show how to do a scallop edge on e.g. a skirt hem, and they will generally be a nice curve, but I wanted proper semi circles on this. Because of this, each ‘scallop’ is made individually. This may seem like a mammoth task but trust me, it’s a lovely methodical and easy project.

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