made by cathcraft

Creating a handmade wardrobe one garment at a time

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  • 2020 projects

    A Tale of Two Bikinis: The Cottesloe by Megan Nielsen patterns and the Vernazza Two Piece by Friday Pattern Company

    cath_craft / March 3, 2020 / 0 Comments

    When I first started sewing in November 2019, I never dreamed that sewing swimwear would be in my future. The idea of sewing with swim fabric seemed daunting (too slippery, too stretchy!). I…

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  • 2020 projects

    Sewing my Ginger jeans by Closet Core patterns

    cath_craft / February 22, 2020 / 4 Comments

    My first blog post is also my first handmade pair of jeans.  It’s taken over a year of sewing for me to work up the courage to attempt sewing jeans. I have wanted…

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New handmade trousers 🤩💙 I don’t tend to New handmade trousers 🤩💙 I don’t tend to sew a lot of trousers and definitely not fitted trousers. But I decided to give the Jalie Eleonore pull-on jeans a go, and I enjoyed the whole process of sewing them a lot more than I thought I would 🥰 I made my Eleonore trousers in a stretch cotton needlecord from Guthrie & Ghani. It’s got a lovely velvety feel to it and it’s super comfy and cosy too. I made a size R but I did make a few adjustments to get a good fit for me. I am talking all about these trousers and the adjustments I made in my latest YouTube video which is out today. There’s a link to my channel in my bio if you are interested. I really love how these trousers turned out and I can see myself getting lots of use out of them. With their straight leg fit, they’ll be a nice change from skinny jeans. I am definitely tempted to make another pair already! Pattern: @jalie_patterns #jalieeleonore Fabric: stretch cotton needlecord from @guthrieghani #guthrieghani #sewistsofinstagram #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #sewsewsew #makersgonnamake #sewersgonnasew #jaliepatterns #sewingvlogger #psimadethis
A new Cuff top styled for winter ❤️ I bought A new Cuff top styled for winter ❤️ I bought 1m of this lovely Fabric Godmother cotton lawn on sale a while back. I really love the crochet inspired print - I think it’s cool and a little bit different. I thought I might like to use this fabric for a Cuff top and I’m glad I finally have! I was hoping to be able to cut both the front and back pieces of this top on the fold (instead of with front and back centre seams as per the pattern) to minimise pattern matching. But 1m of fabric wasn’t enough to do this 😬 So I cut the front on the fold and then I had to do some very careful pattern matching for a back centre seam! In terms of sizing, for the Cuff top I always make a straight size XS, which is bang on my measurements. I like to bring in the neckline slightly at the sides and also dip it down a little more at the front. I’ve layered my new Cuff top over a Freya top so that I can wear it in the cold weather now and stay cosy in it. I really love how this styling has tuned out actually ❤️ Pattern: @theassemblylineshop #talcufftop Fabric: Pandora mini cotton lawn from @fabricgodmother #sewistsofinstagram #theassemblyline #fabricgodmother #imakemyownclothes #isewmyownclothes #sew #isew #sewersgonnasew #memadewardrobe
I finally tried the LB pullover! Such an indie cla I finally tried the LB pullover! Such an indie classic and I do love a slouchy, drop shoulder sweatshirt, so it was about time I gave it a go! I made my version in this lovely faux angora cable jersey from Higgs & Higgs. It’s quite a drapey knit and super soft with a lovely cable kit texture - perfect for a cosy winter jumper. In terms of sizing, my measurements would put me between 6&8 on the bust and 8&10 on the waist and hips. I chose to make a size 10 as I wanted a pretty oversized fit. However it ended up too oversized for my liking 😄🤦🏻‍♀️ so I did end up taking in both the sleeves and side seams a fair bit. It was worth the tweaking as I really like how it’s turned out and I think it’ll pair well with lots of garments in my wardrobe. You can’t go wrong with a slouchy comfy black sweatshirt, right? 😊 Pattern: @paper_theory #lbpullover Fabric: faux angora cable knit jersey from @higgsandhiggs #imadethis #papertheorypatterns #isewmyownclothes #higgsandhiggsfabric #isew #sewistsofinstagram #memadewardrobe #handmadeisbetter #imakemyclothes #dressmaking #cableknit #makersgonnamake #sewersgonnasew
One of my favourite simple makes with a twist 💓 One of my favourite simple makes with a twist 💓 I love hacking the Agnes top by Tilly and the Buttons to give it a boat neckline. I borrow the Tessuti Mandy boat tee neckline and I think it’s a really cute combination of patterns. I fancied making myself a bright pink jersey top to wear in the cooler months. I used a lovely quality Stof of Denmark cotton jersey from 1st for Fabrics. Although this should have been a simple make, I did manage to make a bit of a mess of this one along the way! I talked all about it on my most recent YouTube video, if you fancy hearing all about how it went rather wrong! I did manage to salvage it in the end however and the colour of this top will cheer me up whenever I wear it 🩷 Pattern: @tillybuttons #sewingagnes with @tessutifabrics #mandyboattee neckline Fabric: cotton jersey from @1stforfabrics #handmadewardrobe #sewistsofinstagram #tillyandthebuttons #patternhack #diyootd #sewingproject #sewsewsew #1stforfabrics #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #isewmyownclothes #imakemyownclothes
I made this top a few weeks ago and have finally g I made this top a few weeks ago and have finally got round to sharing it on here. It’s the first Cuff top by the Assembly Line that I’ve made in a viscose challis. I’ve always used crisper wovens for this pattern before and I wasn’t sure how well it would work with a more drapey fabric. But actually I really like it, it feels a bit more of a top that I would wear out on an evening. The fabric I used for this top was leftover from a Dovestone dress I made last year. I was really happy to be able to squeeze this top out of the amount I had left. It feels like quite a frugal make as I’ve used the pattern and fabric before 🥰 Pattern: @theassemblylineshop #talcufftop Fabric: viscose challis from my local fabric shop #theassemblyline #indiepatterns #handmadewardrobe #sewistsofinstagram #isewmyownclothes #imakemyownclothes #sewersgonnasew #makersgonnamake #sewing #dressmaking #isew
How many Jarrah sweaters is too many? 😬😄 I How many Jarrah sweaters is too many? 😬😄 I couldn’t resist making a new one in this beautiful embroidered deadstock french terry fabric from Simply Fabrics. I snapped this fabric up as soon as I saw it, as embroidered fabrics don’t seem to go by that often and I thought this one was really striking. I made the funnel neck version of the Jarrah sweater with the dipped hem. I didn’t add cuffs but just lengthened the sleeve pieces to avoid breaking up the embroidery. I always make a straight size 0 in the Jarrah, which is slightly down on my measurements but still plenty roomy as the Jarrah is designed with a relaxed fit. I love the hem detail and together with the funnel neck it makes for a nice cosy sweatshirt which I’ll really enjoy wearing this autumn/winter 🥰 Pattern: @megannielsenpatterns #mnjarrah Fabric: embroidered french terry from @simplyfabricsbrixton #megannielsenpatterns #handmadewardrobe #sewingpattern #sewistsofinstagram #makersofinstagram #indiepatterns #isewmyownclothes #sewsewsew #memadewardrobe #makersgonnamake #sewersgonnasew
Well this crochet vest took me quite a while! But Well this crochet vest took me quite a while! But I’m really happy with it now it’s finished 🌸🩷🌸🩷 I made this vest using the vest no. 25 crochet pattern by Daisy & Peace. I saw this pattern online and just loved the flower grid and I thought it would be really fun to crochet too. I made a size XS but had to size up on the hook size to get the right tension. The daisy granny squares were lots of fun to make but I found it got trickier when I got to the fitting around the neckline. I had to adapt the pattern a bit to get it to work for me. It took me a while but I’m really glad I took the time over it and I love the final result 😍 Pattern: @daisy.and.peace #vestno25 Yarn: @debbieblissknits rialto DK from @lovecraftscom #handmadewardrobe #memadeeveryday #memade #crochetersofinstagram #makersgonnamake #crochetvest #iloveyarn #indiepatterns #crochetlove #makersmovement #lovecrafts #debbieblissyarn #crochet #memadewardrobe
Sometimes you see a fabric and you know immediatel Sometimes you see a fabric and you know immediately what you want to make with it 😍🎀 I fell in love with this beautiful bow print cotton fabric by HeySewSister in collaboration with Pigeon Wishes but it took me a while to get hold of some as it kept selling out. But finally I managed to snap some up and I knew that I wanted to use it to make one of my favourite patterns - the Estuary skirt by Sew Liberated. So here is my finished skirt. It’s got the flat fronted waistband with an elasticated back (nice and comfy!). I’ve omitted the front button placket to keep it simple and showcase the print. And I’ve added French seamed inseam pockets so hopefully this skirt is built to last 💪 I’ve mostly made the Estuary skirt in drapier viscose type fabrics before. I like how this version is a bit different as the fabric is more crisp so it the skirt sticks out a bit more - in a good way 😄 I think it’s really cute and I want more bow print clothes in my life now 😁🎀🎀🎀 Fabric: viola lightweight cotton from heysewsister Pattern: @sewliberated #estuaryskirt #sewliberated #handmadewardrobe #heysewsister #memade #indiepatterns #sewistsofinstagram #sewersgonnasew #makersmovement #sewingproject #bowprint #miniskirts #memadeeveryday
It’s starting to cool down here in the South of It’s starting to cool down here in the South of England 🥶 I do love the change in the seasons though and the chance to get out all of my wintery handmade clothes. You may well know that one of my favourite sewing patterns for winter is the Freya top by Tilly and the Buttons. So cosy and versatile! And this is my latest version. I randomly made it midway through the summer as a bit of a palate cleanser. It seemed a bit unseasonal to share on here at the time, so I’m sharing it now instead 😊 I made this Freya top in viscose jersey leftover from a Kielo wrap dress. I’m so glad I had enough fabric leftover to squeeze out this top as I really like how it’s turned out. I do love a stripe 😄 I make a size 2 of the Freya top and always lengthen the sleeve and body to make it extra cosy. The skirt is a very very old rtw skirt in navy corduroy which I’d love to recreate at some point. So if you have any suggestions of suitable skirt patterns then I’d love to hear them. Pattern: @tillybuttons #sewingfreya Fabric: viscose jersey from @1stforfabrics #handmadewardrobe #sewingpattern #tillyandthebuttons #1stforfabrics #makersgonnamake #sewistsofinstagram #memade #memadeeveryday #ilovetosew #isewmyownclothes #diyootd #sewsewsew
I finished my summer holiday crochet project in ti I finished my summer holiday crochet project in time to wear it this autumn 🥳💙 I decided this summer to try a lace crochet project to stretch myself a bit. I love lace knitting but hadn’t ventured into lace crochet before. The pattern I used is a free pattern - the Yes Yes Shawl by Bernat. I loved the look of the lacework and thought it would be a nice portable project for travelling on holiday. It was really fun working on this shawl, following the diagram. I ended up sizing up on the hook - I used a 6mm hook to get closer to the pattern gauge. I also reduced the size of the shawl slightly as I decided that I loved it styled as a scarf 😍 Swipe for a photo of how it looks as a shawl and also for a photo which shows all the detail in the lacework. I’m so glad I gave this a try, it’s increased my confidence in working through a more complex crochet project diagram and I will enjoy wearing this shawl (/scarf) a lot too! Pattern: @bernatyarn #yesyesshawl Yarn: @paintboxyarns cotton mix DK in cobalt #handmadewardrobe #memadeeveryday #crochetersofinstagram #psimadethis #imakemyownclothes #crochetpattern #crochetproject #lacecrochet #crochetinspiration #memade #yarnlove #crochetlove #makersgonnamake
Here are some photos of my new Pietra pants so you Here are some photos of my new Pietra pants so you can see the full pants and the full fit 👖✂️ I made view B and I traced a straight size 6 based on my measurements. I did make a couple of adjustments: I increased the rise by 1cm and I also lengthened the legs by 5cm. (I am 5’6” for reference). I really like the fit on the hips and leg. However I found that the waist came up too big on me and I had to cut a shorter piece of elastic for the back, which has fixed the fit but has resulted in the front panels stretching round the back at the waist a bit (swipe to see this). So next time I think I will grade in at the waist. I made these Pietra pants in a beautiful linen-cotton blend that I was gifted by Minerva. It’s the perfect fabric for a summery pair of trousers and I think I could make them work for winter too. I would love to make a more wintery version too though so watch this space. Pattern: @closetcorepatterns #closetcorepietra Fabric: linen-cotton blend gifted to me by @minervadotcom as part of the #minervabrandambassador program #closetcorepatterns #minervamakers #minervamakes #sewistsofinstagram #isewmyownclothes #handmadewardrobe #imakemyownclothes #memade #indiepatterns #isew #dressmaking #sewingblogger #sewnshownseated #pietrapantsshownseated
Here’s a close up shot of my new make. A pair of Here’s a close up shot of my new make. A pair of trousers - not the norm for me! You may recognise them as the Pietra pants by Closet Core Patterns. My first time making this pattern. I love the pocket construction and panelled flat front of these Pietra pants - such lovely details! So I thought it would be nice to share a post showcasing those features. I have made my first version of the Pietra pants in a beautiful cotton-linen blend fabric from Minerva. It’s such pretty fabric, I really love the print. It also has a lovely linen texture but is soft from the cotton content. And I found the weight of the fabric to be perfect for the Pietra pants. I’ll share a full length photo of these trousers with all the sizing information very soon but if you would like all the details in the meanwhile, I’ve posted a full review on the Minerva website (there’s a link to my Minerva profile in my bio if you fancy a read). Pattern: @closetcorepatterns #closetcorepietra Fabric: cotton-linen blend fabric from @minervadotcom received in exchange for a post on the Minerva website #handmadewardrobe #closetcorepatterns #minervabrandambassador #minervamakers #indiepatterns #isewmyownclothes #memadewardrobe #sewistsofinstagram #imakemyownclothes #sewingmakesmehappy
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Recent Posts

  • A review of the Olya shirt sewing pattern by Paper Theory
  • A review of the Didi pullover sewing pattern by Fibre Mood – including some tips on sewing with Sherpa fleece fabric!
  • A review of the Saraste shirtdress sewing pattern by Named Clothing
  • A review of the Elodie wrap dress sewing pattern by Closet Core Patterns
  • Tutorial: How to bring in the boat neckline of the Cuff top by The Assembly Line | A quick and easy adjustment for increased bra strap coverage on a woven top sewing pattern with a boat neckline

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