Pattern Review: Bertha Cardigan

Recently, I received the latest Tilly and the Buttons book - Make it Simple - as a gift.  here is my first make from it! Details Pattern Details: Name: Bertha Variation: Original without additions/hacks Pattern House: Tilly and the Buttons Size I made: 4 Fabric This red drapey single knit fabric is from my stash and was meant for my nan's Kinder cardigna, but I cut into the wrong fabric for that.  It has a clear right and wrong side.  It was tricky to cut out as it was hard to lay out on the table to cut.  I had to cut a couple of pieces twice as I hadn't laid the fabric out straight first time.  However, the fabric feels nice and looks smart. Difficulty The pattern is straight forward and simple.  It's suitable for a beginner but has a few pattern pieces and is in knit fabric.  I made mine completely on the overlocker - minus the final stage where you secure the neckband hem to the hem band.  I followed the batching checklist which is designed to be a faster method of working but looked at the more detailed instructions when I needed clarification on any point. Clarity I didn't struggle with any aspect of the instructions and found the checklist worked well with how I like to work. Design and Fit As intended, Bertha is loose fit in style to avoid excessive time on adjusting it to fit.  I would consider lengthening the sleeves next time as I'm only just comfortable with this length on me - but this is personal preference (technically they are long enough!) I chose to avoid pockets on this occasion as I felt this fabric would look nicer without and made it look smarter if used for work. Time Taken I was very interested to track the time it took as the book does give guidance on this. For cutting time it advises it will take around 40 minutes, but it took me about an hour - but I did go wrong and I am a slow cutter. For sewing/construction time, it advises 1 hour 35 minutes.  It look me 2 hours 20 minutes. The guide times are like those you get in a recipe book where it is just a guide and it may be that you are faster second time round.  I do think I may have been a bit speedier if I had been a bit more organised though! Conclusion A very fast make, and definitely possible to make in an afternoon.  I'm very happy with it and can't wait to try out more patterns from the book. You can watch my related video on this make below: https://youtu.be/NGnf7UOl5Bw

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Pattern Review: Butterick 5189 Dressing Gown

Recently I made another of my planned makes for #2020make nine - the dressing gown - as a gift. Details Pattern Name: 6232 Variation/style: Dressing Gown Design House: Butterick Size I made: L Fabric The main fabric is a polyester brocade and the lining is a red terry cloth.  The brocade is woven and the terry cloth is knit fabric.  Both are from Fabricland. Using a knit and woven was quite challenging as they act very differently to one another, and I would recommend to avoid using them together in a project like this if possible.  The terry cloth was happy to stretch away and the blocade was slippery.  However, I could not find a towelling fabric I liked and the terry cloth matched the brocade nicely. Difficulty I'd say this is good for a confident beginner pattern-wise but it does depend on the fabric choice.  If you use towelling, there is a nap to it to consider (direction of the fabric) and it can be quite thick to sew as well, which can create its own challenges. However, there are no challenging zips or fastenings.  The patch pocket and amount of top stitching may be tricky, but also may not show too much depending on your fabric choice. Clarity I found the instructions lovely and clear apart from on how to hem the garment.  I ended up leveling off the hem first, then pressing/tacking the hem allowance up, then tacking the lining and main sides together before slip stitching together and finishing off with top stitching. Design and Fit It is a relaxed fit so the fit was not too challenging.  The main issue has been the hem without the recipient to hand (as it is a gift).  I love the idea that it could be reversible.  The collar adds definition and the pockets are roomy.  It doesn't have tabs to secure the tie which is a shame, but fairly easy to rectify.  It is also difficult to position until you try it on as well to get the position correct.  If I ever come across this pattern in my own size, I would be very tempted to make one for myself. (my copy is only L/XL). Time Taken I made this over three weeks, but it could be done in a few days or quicker with easier fabrics. Conclusion I've definitely got my money's worth with this pattern now.  It was a charity shop find to begin with but I have made the PJ shorts a couple of times (which are great too) and this dressing gown was simple to follow and looks great.  I would recommend it, and would make it again. You can watch my video review below: https://youtu.be/Kq4bQNntzYk

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My 2020 plans

Here are my plans going into 2020... 2020 Make Nine Here are my make nine plans: Freya Sweater by Tilly and the Buttons Toucan t-shirt Shawl Mila Dungarees by Tilly and the Buttons Dressing Gown using Butterick 5189 A men's shirt (not decided on pattern yet) Slipper Boots (free pattern by Tilly and the Buttons) Trousers Art of Knitting throw Other plans Learn to draft a trouser block (going to a locally held class) Mend textile items at home which need fixing Successfully make any items for special birthdays coming up this year Keeping track of my progress and achievements I decided that this year my day job and hobbies would collide in the form of this spreadsheet - the my makes spreadsheet!  At the end of 2019, I realised that I couldn't remember a lot of the makes I had achieved, particularly gifts as I no longer had them, so this year I am keeping track. I am going to gather data on various aspects such as whether it's a gift or not, what type of project, how long it takes and the cost, if possible. Watch it on the vlog I discussed my plans in a bit more detail over on the vlog: https://youtu.be/Pxz1beeCKb4

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Review of the year: 2019

With the year drawing to a close, I thought I would reflect on my makes during 2019. Most challenging make - the black copley cardigan I've chosen the black copley cardigan as it is the make that took me the longest.  I have made this pattern before but in a yellow colour, which was a lot easier on the eye!  I can get quite impatient so the fact I persevered and finished it within a year is quite an achievement. I haven't worn it much yet - I think I have just got a bit exhausted from it.  I'm sure I will start wearing it more once I've recovered! Most fun make - the beach towel poncho It was easy to select the most fun make - it's the beach towel poncho!  My mum and I made this one weekend when she came to stay.  She wanted one for when she visits us as we live close to the beach. I enjoyed this make as it was a collaborative effort, we had to work out how to make it as we went along, and it came out better than I imagined. Most useful make - the Debbie Shore office bag The most useful make has been this Debbie Shore Office Bag.  I only made it in September but it is now my work bag.  I made a matching water bottle carrier and zip pouch as well which have proved to be invaluable as well. Favourite gift made - the bear pjs I am fond of practically all the gifts I made this year, but my last substantial make has to be my favourite.  I made Phill these bear PJs from pattern woven fabric from our trip to Hong Kong in 2018 and then made a top in a black knit fabric.  Once made, I couldn't resist making a little bear motif for the top.  I tried to replicate one of the bears on the patterned fabric and created the outline with chain stitch, using a french knot for the bear's eye. Favourite make - the Cleo upcycle The Cleo pinafore stands out in my mind as it is probably the make I wear the most.  As I made it from two pairs of jeans that were given to me, it feels so substantial and lovely to wear. My #2019makenine Molly Dress - completed Bibi Pinafore - completed Copley Cardigan - completed (see above) Kinder Cardigan - completed Toucan T-Shirt - did not start but will rollover to 2020 list Bag for swimming or yoga - no longer required (but I did make that office bag instead) Vinyl travel bag - did not make but may carry over to 2020 list Art of Knitting throw - Did not continue as the cardigan took so long Sew House 7 Dress - did not make Other key achievements and lessons learned I can survive on my fabric stash without buying more fabric - and I now appreciate my stash rather than feeling overwhelmed…

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5 Ideas for quick sewing gifts (all free patterns/tutorials)

I love to make a gift for my nearest and dearest, and while I start with huge ambitious plans, I'm normally grappling with time.  Here are a few ideas if you find yourself wanting to make gifts but needing some faster options. 1. Eye Mask (Tilly and the Buttons) A classic quick and fun make is the eye mask.  A great gift for frequent travelers or someone who likes to wear one in general!  This tutorial is a lovely simple yet effective gift which you could complement with some lavender spray for their pillow or include in a travel pack set. 2. Slippers (Tilly and the Buttons) I haven't made this one yet, but it is definitely on my list!  TATB also have this fabulous pattern for free on their website as well. This one might be a slightly longer make and you might need to make more 3. Hair towel turban This is a pattern I shared earlier in the year and it is free to download from this website here.  There is also a youtube video which guides you through how to make it.  You only need a small towel and a bit of elastic to make it and you only cut out two pattern pieces. 4. Tote bag The classic tote bag is a great gift.  There are so many free patterns out there, it's difficult to pin point one in particular.  You could also find a pattern in a library book.  It's a good universal gift that would suit a lot of people. The photo is from Mollie Makes which has a 20 minute bag tutorial.  I haven;t tried it but it looks like it could be a good one to try. 5. Zipper pouch This is another versatile option because you can make one for a variety of uses: Add money to complement the purse Add items to make it a vanity set Gift little haberdashery items to a sewing friend such as buttons or a mini sewing kit Make it longer to create a pencil case or crochet hook case You can read and watch my tutorial on how to make a simple lined zipper pouch. That's all my ideas for today.  If you do have any useful quick free sewing gift ideas to share, I'd love to hear them in the comments below, or feel free to contact me. Watch it on the Vlog I've linked my video on these ideas below: https://youtu.be/2lzs3iRW8iI

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