Sinclair Patterns S1015 - Elle classic panel pencil skirt with a simple kick pleat

This week I tested the Sinclair Patterns S1015 - Elle classic panel pencil skirt.  I guess what I liked about this panel skirt pattern when I saw it was the possibilities of the different fabrics you could use to make it. This pattern is on sale this week.

Some testers of this skirt used suede, knit and lace.  In most versions that were made, people chose to make the pull on version of this skirt.

I decided, after looking at my scraps from other projects, that I would make the skirt using some of my stretch denim leftovers.  In doing that I chose to make it in the zip on version of the skirt.  In the end I used three different types of denim for the skirt.  It's lucky that I hung onto these, it proves that I'm not going mad because all I can find in stores these days is denim in black, blue and white!   Frustrating.

The only adjustment to the pattern was in the waistband, this was because I was running out of fabric, so I narrowed it to fit onto the fabric.  Besides this, as I said, no other adjustments were made. 

I like the look of the skirt, it fits well, easy to make.

This pattern is released this week and is currently on special.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

#vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; @sandraadee.a; #CSCMakes; #Melbournesews, @sinclairpatterns  #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew,  #sewinglove, #sewingproject,

 #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes,

 #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing, #CSCMakes, #RTW2018, #sinclairpatterns,

Sinclair Patterns - S1070 Penny Classic Leggings

I know why I stopped making pants/leggings and anything in this genre, I'II share this with you in my next blog post.

This week I pattern tested the Sinclair Patterns - Penny Classic Leggings. 

There was a gap in my wardrobe for a pair of leggings, I usually like wearing a pair either around the house or under a dress, preferably under a dress when I'm out during winter.

I am acutely aware of my fuller figure.  Having said this I am fortunate as my legs aren't fat.

From this pattern I made two pairs of leggings, one that was full length and the other the cropped length.

The leggings come with a comfort band or classic waistband.  I decided to make both pairs with a comfort band. I used a stretch jersey.

What I liked about this pattern is it's ease in sewing.  One pair whipped up within an hour.  So, one gap in the wardrobe has been filled.

I would highly recommend this pattern, the instructions are easy to follow and the pattern so easy to sew.  Besides, the pattern is on sale this week at an introductory price of $6.99.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

#vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; @sandraadee.a; #CSCMakes; #Melbournesews, @sinclairpatterns  #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew,  #sewinglove, #sewingproject, #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes, #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing, #CSCMakes, #RTW2018, #sinclairpatterns

Sandra Loves Sewing: Women's Adalynn Dress - Mamma Can Do It

Sandra Loves Sewing: Women's Adalynn Dress - Mamma Can Do It: I was selected to test the Mamma Can Do It - Women's Adalynn Dress.  This dress comes in US sizes 00 - 20 and the fabric require...

Women's Adalynn Dress - Mamma Can Do It

I was selected to test the Mamma Can Do It - Women's Adalynn Dress. 

This dress comes in US sizes 00 - 20 and the fabric required is a 50%  stretch fabric.

I have worn the dress a few times since making it last week.  It is quick and easy to sew and the instructions are easy to follow. 

I like the look and fit of it, I would probably be reluctant to go into a larger size.  The sleeves look a little tight on this version of the dress on ME, but I can fix that next time around.  Or, I could use a fabric with more stretch in it.  However, these are me issues not the pattern.

Worn with a belt

Back view with a belt

Without a belt

My preference is to wear the dress with a belt.  I love the pockets.

This is a quick and easy dress to make.  The pattern also comes with the option of adding a ruffle to the hemline and long sleeves.  It's summer here at the moment, hence the reason that I've gone with the short sleeve version at the moment and I haven't added ruffles, because I'm not a ruffles sort of a girl!

I added some detail around the hems by using a red thread to finish the dress on my coverstitch machine.

The fabric has that denim look but is a stretch non woven fabric.  A nice look and feel.

This dress pattern is to be released on

If you are looking for a comfortable dress, this is it. Head on over to their page: https://mammacandoit.com/collections/women/products/the-adalynn-dress-women-00-20/?aff=132  This pattern is on sale on Wednesday.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

#vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; @sandraadee.a; #CSCMakes; #Melbournesews, @sinclairpatterns  #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew,  #sewinglove, #sewingproject, #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes, #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing, #CSCMakes, #RTW2018

#mammacandoit, @mammacandoit

Sinclair Patterns - S9002 Tao semi fitted classic raglan sleeve t-shirt for men

I am grateful that I was chosen to patten test the Sinclair Patterns S9002 Tao classic raglan sleeve t'shirt for men.

My husband doesn't get much sewn for him, from me.  So, when the opportunity arose, I went with it.

This top is made from a light weight wool blend knit.  If you look closely at the fabric, you will notice faint horizontal stripes.

I felt that it fitted him pretty well, he really likes the fit as well.

This is my husband Stan modelling the top:

We had just come out of a very hot few days and took the photos on a more cool day.

I did love sewing the pattern, again, a quick and easy top to sew, I had no fit issues with it and would recommend it as a pattern to sew. I look forward to making it again for him (particularly after I throw out some tops that he's been hanging on for way too long).

Sizing begins at  US32 short and progress right the way through to US52 Tall.

The pattern is currently on sale for $6.99 as a digital download.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

#vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; @sandraadee.a;  #Melbournesews, @sinclairpatterns  #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew,  #sewinglove, #sewingproject, #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes, #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing, #menssewing, #taoraglan

2018 Ready To Wear Challenge

I have decided to take part in two sewing challenges this year.

Today I will talk about one of those, the Goodbye Valentino RTW 2018 challenge.  (I am number 971 on the list provided on this web site).

I have made a pledge not to buy Ready to Wear clothing for the entirity of 2018.

I sew about 80% of my wardrobe, my aim is to sew 100% of my wardrobe in 2018 and for this commitment to continue beyond the end of this calendar year.

What does this exactly mean that I can and can't do?

Here are some frequently asked questions (taken from Goodbye Valentino's blog):

1.May I buy sweaters since I don't knit?
No, you may not buy sweaters.

2. What about bathing suits?
No, you may not buy a bathing suit.

3. I'm attending a ball this year. May I buy a ball gown?
No you may not buy a ball gown.

4. Do I have to make my wedding dress?
Please buy the wedding dress of your dreams. A wedding dress or bridesmaid's dress is the only exception.

5. What about scarves?
No

6. What can we buy during 2018?
You many buy underwear, socks, jewelry, handbags and belts.

7. Can we buy shoes on a Ready to Wear Fast?
Y E S !!  Shoes are allowed - Enjoy 

8. Can I wear the Ready to Wear clothes I bought before the Fast?
Yes, absolutely.

9. May we accept gifts of clothing?
Of course.

10. Can we buy thrift shop clothes to refashion?
No. I encourage you to refashion clothes from your closet.

So, these are some of the rules, in my head I'm sorting through the things I'd like to make this year and tying this in with another challenge I've signed up for.

Watch this space, there's more to come, I look forward to it's challenges.

I have just pattern tested another pattern for Sinclair Patterns, and will release the pictures and details as soon as the pattern is released.  This time, it's a men's pattern.

Happy sewing everyone.

Sandra

#vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; @sandraadee.a; #CSCMakes; #Melbournesews,  #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew,  #sewinglove, #sewingproject, #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes, #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing, #CSCMakes, #RTW2018, #curvyyearofsewing

Cross Body Bag Pattern - So Sew Easy

Twelve months ago I applied for the final three weeks to the school year as Long Service Leave (LSL).  I felt I needed a longer break (usually 5 weeks), plus I wanted to visit a friend in Singapore.

I wanted to carry with me a handbag that was light, but that would carry everything I needed everyday, including some water bottles.

I came across the Cross Body Bag Pattern from So Sew Easy   There are a few things that attracted me to this pattern:

• my experience with patterns from the So Sew Easy site always lived up to expectations of being easy to sew and construct
• were asthetically pleasing
• had lots of pockets, some very secure (useful for travelling)
• I could fit important documents/passports and water bottles into the bag

So many pockets:

Since the pattern appeared to tick all of these criteria, I went ahead and made the bag.  Besides the written instructions, the designers of this bag also have a link to a youTube clip that can help you through the process.

I took this bag with me to Singapore and it was the right bag to carry around.  It met all my criteria.

As promised, the bag is easy to make.  I would like to try and make this bag again in a cork.  Watch this space, that version could be coming in the future.

On a side note, Singapore is quite a Sewing Mecca.  I did not realise until I got there how many fabric/haberdashery shops there were.  Good quality fabric at extremely reasonable prices.  Arab Street, Little India, Chinatown.  WOW.  Here's some bark cloth I purchased for $6 a yard:

And there was more fabric, more fabric than I could have imagined .....

Happy sewing everyone, and happy new year.

Sandra

#vintagesewing;  #vintageinspired; #handmadewardrobe; #memade; #memadeeveryday; #isew; #ilovetosew; #lovetosew; #handmadewardrobe;  #handmadeeveryday #sewcialist #letsmakethings #letssew #handmadeclothing #sewinglove #sewingproject #sewing #sewingpattern #handmadewithlove #imakemyownclothes #isewclothes #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizefashion; @sandraadee.a; #CSCMakes; #Melbournesews,  #handmadewardrobe, #memade, #memadeeveryday, #sewcialist, #letsmakethings, #letssew, #handmadeclothing, #sewinglove, #sewingproject, #sewing, #sewingpattern, #handmadewithlove, #lmakemyownclothes, #lsewclothes, #justkeepsewing, #plussize, #plussizesewing, #CSCMakes