Oh, the versatility of a close-fitting waistcoat when your wardrobe sways towards ‘gentlewoman-style’. The Miller Waistcoat from Merchant & Mills is easy to make and such a versatile wardrobe edition.

If you’re looking for a casual, boxy, utilitarian jacket with some interesting details, then the Ottoline from Merchant & Mills could be a good choice. In spite of a few reservations regarding its construction, here are my thoughts on what makes it such a stylish, versatile option.

As sewists we are all designers, making decisions regarding style, colour, texture, cohesiveness, shape etc. So when a style doesn’t work out, not only can it be disappointing but it can also make us question our design capabilities, our style choices and consequently impact upon our self-esteem.

For a long time, a tulle skirt has been on my wishlist, but why did I wait so long? I love, love, love this skirt! It’s totally different from anything I normally wear – far more feminine – but every time I look at it, it just makes me feel joyful!

January 2021 was a surprisingly productive month, completing five garments. It was a month when I finally got my sewing mojo back and could focus on my craft - a very welcome diversion from other things…

The endless months of lockdown have finally led to me embracing the idea of making and wearing clothes for comfort, combining the Maker’s Atelier wide-legged trouser pattern with a luxurious heavyweight jersey.

Meet Miss Mannequin – my body double! I don’t know about you, but for me, one of the most frustrating elements of dressmaking is achieving the perfect fit. Here I’ll run through the trials and tribulations of making a custom-fit dressform cover.

I’d always liked the idea of designing my own personal clothing collection, combining a number of pieces which would all coordinate and work well together. Whilst not 100 percent successful, the project has taught me some valuable lessons

An introductory post in appreciation of ‘the feel of fabric, the beauty of textures, the precision of stitches, the smoothness of seams.’ In fact, my love of all things related to fashion and sewing