Drafting a Pattern the "Right" Way

Image Source - The Thrifty Stitcher After my first attempt at using my basic bodice block to draft a sleeveless top (inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee), I decided to have another go at doing it.  There were so many problems with the way the top looked.  When I learnt pattern drafting, our teacher suggested that we make a toile...

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The Great British Sewing Bee - Week Six Recap

It's the quarter finals this week!   There are five contestants left. After watching episode one I thought Heather was definitely headed to the final, but last week I was surprised to see her scrape through.  David, who showed little promise early on, now looks like a reasonably strong contender. I've got to say that this week genuinely...

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Sleeveless Top Inspired by the Great British Sewing Bee

As you've probably noticed, I've been really enjoying the Great British Sewing Bee.  I thought I would try to challenge myself to make a few items from the show, and see how I go against the time limit.  A sleeveless cotton top (the pattern challenge from week one) seemed like a good place to start. Here's the challenge - sew a sleeveless...

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My Very Own Coco

A couple of weeks ago I received something very exciting in the post … I was very excited to see Tilly's new Coco pattern, and couldn't resist ordering the printed copy.  It really has been beautifully put together.  The pattern has been printed on photocopy weight paper, and the instructions are in a lovely colour booklet, with great...

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The Great British Sewing Bee - Week Five Recap

We are halfway through the Great British Sewing Bee, and there are six contestants left. After four episodes I've really got to know everyone left.  There's a nice bunch of contestants here, and they all seem to be quite different. The Challenges  1. Sewing from a Pattern Sew a waterproof anorak (techniques include handling slippery...

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