This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.
Handmade Clothes
Many of the clothes I have made are sewn. However, I have knitted much longer than I have sewn – it’s particularly good for traveling! Despite this, I have only made the odd knitted garment. Naturally, due to the speed of using a sewing machine, my sewn clothes outnumber the hand knitted ones dramatically!
Dressmaking
I began dressmaking when I was 16. I was gifted a sewing machine, and my mum and I inexpertly bought the wrong size of a commercial sewing pattern. I then proceeded to stretch the fabric on the bias at which point my mum had to swoop in, unpick it all and then tack a line of stitches for me to follow as I couldn’t stitch in a straight line!
Fortunately, my sewing ability has evolved since then! Over the last few years, I have sewn consistently and have made some garments I’m really pleased with. For example, the Poppy Playsuit by Sew Over It was made in a challenging fabric, but I wear it every time the weather is hot enough here in the UK!! Away from following patterns, my mum and I mocked up a Beach Towel Poncho from two bath sheets by working it out as we went along.
Knitting and Crochet
As I mentioned earlier, I began knitting before sewing. I first learned to knit when I was 10, after nagging my mum to teach me how to do it! I’d watched my mum knit for years, whipping up cardigans for school (she’s a super fast knitter!) and I used to mimic by tying my skipping rope into knots. I have not made many garments from knitting as they are much more time consuming than sewing, but as it’s portable, I’m able to take it wherever I go.
Pattern reviews:
I produce pattern review videos of the handmade clothes I make, whether they are recent releases or older charity shop finds. Sewing patterns can vary greatly in quality and clarity so I feel that it is important to share my experiences making a garment in case it helps someone else (and to remind myself in case I forget). Below is the review of the Safiya by Tilly and the Buttons. You can see more of my pattern reviews here.