SewMamaBear – Craft Blog

Me Made May

June 9, 2021

Me Made May (for those of you who haven’t come across it before) was created by Zoe Edwards (or sozoblog as she’s known on Instagram) and it’s become a huge movement in the sewing community… the aim being to encourage

Do you ever feel like a Paper Bag?

May 23, 2021

Megan Nielsen’s Opal pants/shorts pattern contains a paper bag waistband option and I had always wanted to try this look so off I went… Now at the moment I am working really hard to try and sew my stash, I

Dandelion Denim Jumpsuit

May 9, 2021

Blowing a dandelion seems to be one of those things we grow out of… watching my children get so much joy from such a simple place is probably what drew me to this fabric.

A Pop Art inspired Quilt

April 9, 2021

Although I would label myself to be a dressmaker I spend a huge amount of my time these days crafting and quilting. I just absolutely love to create, it doesn’t matter the medium its all about the process. Quilting is

Noodlehead in Polkadots

March 31, 2021

This is my new changing bag, perfect for chasing after toddlers with. The Range by Noodlehead in a navy polka canvas with a water resistant base and contrast red and white stripe lining.

Llama’s are the best… fact!

October 27, 2020

I couldn’t even tell you why but llamas just make me laugh, I can’t resist them. This knit llama print jersey panel works so well in the Peek-a-boo pattern shop Grandslam Tee.

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_KF-skfU-qoU

There are so many sewing tools, gadgets and gizmos around but which ones are actually any good and what do they do?
In this video I go through my favourite tools from my studio and explain what they do and why I think they're so useful.
This video is not sponsored, its just my opinion on what tools I find to be great and use all the time.

Products featured:
Stitch Unpicker, Bobbin Ring, Thread Snips, Tracing Wheel, Sewing Gauge, Chalk Wheel, Vario Pliers and EZ Point and Turner (available in the UK from https://www.lordsewing.co.uk/).

There are so many sewing tools, gadgets and gizmos around but which ones are actually any good and what do they do?
In this video I go through my favourite tools from my studio and explain what they do and why I think they're so useful.
This video is not sponsored, its just my opinion on what tools I find to be great and use all the time.

Products featured:
Stitch Unpicker, Bobbin Ring, Thread Snips, Tracing Wheel, Sewing Gauge, Chalk Wheel, Vario Pliers and EZ Point and Turner (available in the UK from https://www.lordsewing.co.uk/).

Sewing Gadgets and Gizmos - Tools I Can't Live Without

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_KF-skfU-qoU

Clothes not fitting properly is extremely annoying, whether they are shop bought or home made. Knowing how to complete a fitting on yourself in the mirror is really key to being able to make simple adjustments to improve the fit.
This video will show you how to do the fitting and how to then translate that information into sewing the changes. Here I specifically show you how to take in the side seams and raise the hem line.
There is so much power in being able to make your clothes fit you rather than trying to make your body work for the clothes... it's something I feel really passionately about.

Simple Adjustments - A Tutorial for Altering your Clothes.

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_AkRYI_5oMtE

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba6lOwETrd0

This video covers vertical diamond shape darts... the all important information on how best to sew them but also how to manipulate them to fit your body and how to add them to a pattern/garment that doesn't already have them.
These darts are so crucial for pulling in the waist and obtaining a really good fit on a garment. Everyone's bodies are different so its time to accept that the pattern doesn't always know best and get the confidence you need to adapt it to fit you!
Sewing darts well is something that can really elevate the finish on your handmade garments, and hopefully both the first video and this one can help you achieve that really polished finish.

Tackling Darts - Part 2, A tutorial for diamond shape darts

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_NpTh3FmKeBo

Darts are used in clothing to provide fit around curves, but stitching them can be tricky. In this video I will show you how to get really crisp and beautifully sewn darts AND a really easy adjustment for moving them to the right location.
Everyones body is different so don't always trust that the pattern has them in the right spot, with this simple adaptation you can really up your sewing game and get your handmade clothing fitting your body so much better.

Tackling Darts - A tutorial for Sewing and Placing them Correctly

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_Ba6lOwETrd0

Patchwork is a really fun thing to experiment with and there are so many different designs/ideas out there.
If you're new to patchworking use this block to transition to more complex patchwork. If you've been patchworking a while, you may find the way this is done makes things much easier so take a look.
The Triangles are sewn in a way that is so easy, and removes the need for cutting out and sewing fiddly triangles, the cutting list is entirely made up of squares and rectangles.

Tools I use for this are a quarter inch foot, rotary cutter, ruler (I use a pattern master) and cutting board with 3 colours of fabric cut as below.

Cutting list in Inches
Background Colour:
2 2x11
3 3.5x3.5
2 2x2
1 2.5x4
Stem/Leaves:
1 3.5x3.5
2 2x2
1 2.5x4
Flower:
2 3.5x3.5
2 2x2
1 6.5x3.5

Cutting list in CM
Background Colour:
2 5x28
3 9x9
2 5x5
1 6.5x10
Stem/Leaves:
1 9x9
2 5x5
1 6.5x10
Flower:
2 9x9
2 5x5
1 16.5x9

If you're wondering about scaling this block up or down, you'll need to use the size of your square as half of the hypotenuse of your triangle.

Tulip Block - Sewing Patchwork Triangles the Easiest way!

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_ofQJnGOXO7M

Drawstring bags are quick and simple to make... but of course only when you know how. I use them for so many things; organising my pens, storing things in, but mostly as packaging for gifts... it adds such a lovely touch and people love it!
In this video I'll talk you through all the elements so you can whip loads up really easily and event bust through that scrap pile.
All you'll need is a piece of fabric big enough for the bag you want to make, something to cut with, some thread and a length of ribbon. A sewing machine helps but of course this could totally be done by hand.

How to Sew a Drawstring Bag - a full tutorial

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_RzzSwN-bZPM

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It's been over a week since it ended for another y

It's been over a week since it ended for another year and I've been reflecting a lot upon my Me Made May...
I've written up a blog (link in bio) with my thoughts on how I found it and have included a list (with links) of all the patterns I used and a list of patterns I've been inspired by others to make.

Thank you @sozoblog for creating the Me Made May challenge, it has been incredibly cool taking part this year for the first time and has massively changed the way I view my wardrobe as a whole but also how I view myself and how much what I choose to wear is an extension of my personality and affects my mood.

I've some exciting new makes already in progress that I can't wait to share with you very soon!

#memademay #memademay2021 #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #dressmaking #dressmaker #dressmakersofinstagram #memade #sewist #sewcialistsofinstagram #sewcialists #sewcialist #makeitsewcial #sewaholic #sewityourself #handmadewardrobe #makersgonnamake #sewersgonnasew #handmadefashion #millenialsewing #sewingforme

Phew... the final day! What an amazing and yet tot

Phew... the final day! What an amazing and yet totally exhausting month it's been of #memademay

I hadn't planned to end with a new make but I couldn't get comfortable in any of the remaining choices in my wardrobe... So rather than ending on a bit of a meh moment I quickly whipped this @tillybuttons
#stevietop up this morning in @clothandcandy Vintage Parisienne mid weight cotton.

I've only ever made a Stevie for a friend so was great to try it on my body and I was really surprised by how much I love this style on me. The tie detail at the back is such a cute finish. This fabric is nice and wide so I only needed a meter so I think I see a few more of these being made!

So 31 days, 32 different me mades (I wore 2 together on one day) and somehow no repeats. This has been an incredible month... give me a few days off and I'll post a round up of how it's all been. But for now a BBQ and a cider are calling my name!

#memademay2021 #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #dressmaking #dressmaker #dressmakersofinstagram #memade #sewist #sewcialistsofinstagram #sewcialists #sewcialist #makeitsewcial #sewaholic #sewityourself #handmadewardrobe #makersgonnamake #sewersgonnasew #handmadefashion #millenialsewing #sewingforme #tillyandthebuttons #tillyandthebuttonsstevie #sewingwithcotton #vintageparisienne #clothandcandy

The penultimate day of #memademay and the sun is s

The penultimate day of #memademay and the sun is shining which has (fortunately) made it the perfect weather for my #kielowrapdress

This was made as a working toile, and what I mean by that is when I'm not sure about a new pattern in regards to things like size/style I will make it up in a cheap fabric but one that I can still wear so it isn't wasted... So this dress cost me just £6!

I'm glad I did the working toile, I definately need to size down (I went by my bust measurement but it's made it a little big on the waist as I feel like it wraps too far around. I think it also needs a jersey with a better retraction on it, this has an incredible drape but I'd love it in a more structured jersey.

This was full length when I first made it, but I find maxi dresses very hard to wear from a practical point of view these days and so popped into the studio and altered it to be tea length and it's made it so much more wearable for me.

This pattern comes with a sleeve option and in a jumpsuit... which is on my list to try next so watch this space.

There is a blog on my website about this dress so do head there for any more info on my experience with the pattern.

@namedclothing
#memademay2021 #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe
#minervamakers #minervamakes #dressmaking #dressmaker #dressmakersofinstagram #memade #sewist #sewcialistsofinstagram #sewcialists #sewcialist #makeitsewcial #sewaholic #sewityourself #handmadewardrobe #makersgonnamake #sewersgonnasew #handmadefashion #millenialsewing #sewingforme #sewingwithstretch #cottonjersey #kielo #namedclothing #namedclothingpatterns

I have a thing for llamas... Can you tell? Day 2

I have a thing for llamas... Can you tell?

Day 29 of #memademay and this a new one to the wardrobe after I realised last night I had nothing left suitable for chasing 2 children around a softplay in.

I cut this out using some fabric I had leftover from making something for the children. So the sleeves are as long as I could get them and the top is cropped for the same reason... If you're not into wearing them cropped (I've got into it recently as paired with some high waisted jeans I feel pretty powerful in them) consider that it would work really well under a dungaree or as an extra layer under a sleeveless dress in the winter. It's a great way of using up small quantities of jersey.

This cotton jersey was from @sewcreative_petersfield and the pattern would you believe is McCalls 6886... Confused? I love how it fits so I crop the pattern to the length I need it and use it to make tops too. For this one I lowered the neckline a little then added a t-shirt binding on the neck for a flash of colour and taa daa, a super speedy top made in under an hour.

And the llama toy here is also a me made! It's a hobby llama using a pattern from @rustichorseshoe
And yes you do need one too... they do loads of different animals and they're really fun to make.

#memademay2021 #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe
#minervamakers #minervamakes #dressmaking #dressmaker #dressmakersofinstagram #memade #sewist #sewcialistsofinstagram #sewcialists #sewcialist #makeitsewcial #sewaholic #sewityourself #handmadewardrobe #makersgonnamake #sewersgonnasew #handmadefashion #millenialsewing #sewingforme #m6886 #patternhack #patternhacking #sewingwithstretch #cottonjersey #sewyourstash #stashbusting

As we head into the last few days of #memademay I

As we head into the last few days of #memademay I am getting low on choices. I have enough pieces to see me through but they're the memades I find myself unsure about.

My son loves parrots, he thinks they're hilarious. So this dress made him smile this morning. It's one I've had for a fair few years and yet this morning I found myself trying to figure it out...
What about it doesn't feel right now? I used to love it but now maybe it feels a little understated for how I like to dress... maybe it's too short for how I like to wear dresses now? how could I change it? I hate giving up on clothes (especially the ones I've made).

Is anyone else finding a similar internal monologue as they work through the last few me mades in the wardrobe?

This pattern is a self draft I created for a workshop that I teach. It's a jersey wrap dress, and the pattern has been tweaked a little since I made this to improve how it wears. Of course the biggest improvement it needs is pockets! (I know I keep harping on about them but I just think everything should have at least a pocket or two)

And incase you're wondering... Yes thats a tennis racket clock in the background.

#memademay2021 #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe
#minervamakers #minervamakes #dressmaking #dressmaker #dressmakersofinstagram #memade #sewist #sewcialistsofinstagram #sewcialists #sewcialist #makeitsewcial #sewaholic #sewityourself #handmadewardrobe #makersgonnamake #sewersgonnasew #handmadefashion #millenialsewing #sewingforme #selfdraftedpattern #selfdrafted #sewingwithstretch #cottonjersey #parrotfabric

Day 27 of #memademay and boy do I feel fabulous to

Day 27 of #memademay and boy do I feel fabulous today... the sun is out and this dress is giving me life! (So much so I actually hopped onto a table to take this picture like the true diva I feel right now)

I am so obsessed with this floral fabric... you may recognise it from a previous post as I managed to make both a top and a dress from the 2 meters of fabric I brought. (I am super frugal with my fabric when I cut out so managing that gave me a lot of joy).

This is McCalls 6886 again, I just love how easy this dress is to wear and because I've already done all the fit work and made the changes to my pattern I know I can whip it up in no time at all with confidence that it'll be right.

Don't disregard this pattern if you don't like your dresses tight like this, I sized down significantly in places as this is how I like to wear them but we're all different and this starts in a really great place to work from.

@mccallpatterncompany
#memademay2021 #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #dressmaking #dressmaker #dressmakersofinstagram #memade #sewist #sewcialistsofinstagram #sewcialists #sewcialist #makeitsewcial #sewaholic #sewityourself #handmadewardrobe #makersgonnamake #sewersgonnasew #handmadefashion #millenialsewing #sewingforme #sewingwithstretch #cottonjersey #sewfrosting

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YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_KF-skfU-qoU

There are so many sewing tools, gadgets and gizmos around but which ones are actually any good and what do they do?
In this video I go through my favourite tools from my studio and explain what they do and why I think they're so useful.
This video is not sponsored, its just my opinion on what tools I find to be great and use all the time.

Products featured:
Stitch Unpicker, Bobbin Ring, Thread Snips, Tracing Wheel, Sewing Gauge, Chalk Wheel, Vario Pliers and EZ Point and Turner (available in the UK from https://www.lordsewing.co.uk/).

There are so many sewing tools, gadgets and gizmos around but which ones are actually any good and what do they do?
In this video I go through my favourite tools from my studio and explain what they do and why I think they're so useful.
This video is not sponsored, its just my opinion on what tools I find to be great and use all the time.

Products featured:
Stitch Unpicker, Bobbin Ring, Thread Snips, Tracing Wheel, Sewing Gauge, Chalk Wheel, Vario Pliers and EZ Point and Turner (available in the UK from https://www.lordsewing.co.uk/).

Sewing Gadgets and Gizmos - Tools I Can't Live Without

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_KF-skfU-qoU

Clothes not fitting properly is extremely annoying, whether they are shop bought or home made. Knowing how to complete a fitting on yourself in the mirror is really key to being able to make simple adjustments to improve the fit.
This video will show you how to do the fitting and how to then translate that information into sewing the changes. Here I specifically show you how to take in the side seams and raise the hem line.
There is so much power in being able to make your clothes fit you rather than trying to make your body work for the clothes... it's something I feel really passionately about.

Simple Adjustments - A Tutorial for Altering your Clothes.

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_AkRYI_5oMtE

Part 1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ba6lOwETrd0

This video covers vertical diamond shape darts... the all important information on how best to sew them but also how to manipulate them to fit your body and how to add them to a pattern/garment that doesn't already have them.
These darts are so crucial for pulling in the waist and obtaining a really good fit on a garment. Everyone's bodies are different so its time to accept that the pattern doesn't always know best and get the confidence you need to adapt it to fit you!
Sewing darts well is something that can really elevate the finish on your handmade garments, and hopefully both the first video and this one can help you achieve that really polished finish.

Tackling Darts - Part 2, A tutorial for diamond shape darts

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_NpTh3FmKeBo

Darts are used in clothing to provide fit around curves, but stitching them can be tricky. In this video I will show you how to get really crisp and beautifully sewn darts AND a really easy adjustment for moving them to the right location.
Everyones body is different so don't always trust that the pattern has them in the right spot, with this simple adaptation you can really up your sewing game and get your handmade clothing fitting your body so much better.

Tackling Darts - A tutorial for Sewing and Placing them Correctly

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_Ba6lOwETrd0

Patchwork is a really fun thing to experiment with and there are so many different designs/ideas out there.
If you're new to patchworking use this block to transition to more complex patchwork. If you've been patchworking a while, you may find the way this is done makes things much easier so take a look.
The Triangles are sewn in a way that is so easy, and removes the need for cutting out and sewing fiddly triangles, the cutting list is entirely made up of squares and rectangles.

Tools I use for this are a quarter inch foot, rotary cutter, ruler (I use a pattern master) and cutting board with 3 colours of fabric cut as below.

Cutting list in Inches
Background Colour:
2 2x11
3 3.5x3.5
2 2x2
1 2.5x4
Stem/Leaves:
1 3.5x3.5
2 2x2
1 2.5x4
Flower:
2 3.5x3.5
2 2x2
1 6.5x3.5

Cutting list in CM
Background Colour:
2 5x28
3 9x9
2 5x5
1 6.5x10
Stem/Leaves:
1 9x9
2 5x5
1 6.5x10
Flower:
2 9x9
2 5x5
1 16.5x9

If you're wondering about scaling this block up or down, you'll need to use the size of your square as half of the hypotenuse of your triangle.

Tulip Block - Sewing Patchwork Triangles the Easiest way!

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_ofQJnGOXO7M

Drawstring bags are quick and simple to make... but of course only when you know how. I use them for so many things; organising my pens, storing things in, but mostly as packaging for gifts... it adds such a lovely touch and people love it!
In this video I'll talk you through all the elements so you can whip loads up really easily and event bust through that scrap pile.
All you'll need is a piece of fabric big enough for the bag you want to make, something to cut with, some thread and a length of ribbon. A sewing machine helps but of course this could totally be done by hand.

How to Sew a Drawstring Bag - a full tutorial

YouTube Video UCb_WFYkIdFY_j1NyHr6Qbsg_RzzSwN-bZPM

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