I was lucky enough to be chosen to be a part of Twig and Tales group of the newly released Scenic Top.

The Scenic Top

I received the Scenic Top pattern and another pattern of my choice in return for my photos and feedback of the pattern.

It’s a new simple woven top for every-day wear.

With a relaxed fit that is comfortable but not boxy, the Scenic is a versatile multi-season wardrobe-builder. Not just available in adults size but children’s too!

According to my measurements, I made size I for shoulders, graded to size J for bust then Size K for waist then size L for hips. Bust darts were spot on for me. I used the flutter sleeve option and straight hem.

I had this beauty of a cotton lawn from Pigeon wishes that has been in my stash for far too long and glad I used it as it suits this pattern to the ‘T’.

I love the clean finish of the neckline too and so easy to wip up. Think I’ve finally found the woven top pattern for me.

Happy Sewing!

Sal xx

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Well 2021 was a strange year, right? It didn’t start out well for me with a huge Fibromyalgia flare up but halfway through, I landed a new job and actually finished the year at home with family for the first time in 13 years so it ended quite well even with Covid. We’ve had a nice Christmas just us 4 playing games , eating far too much naughty food but had a fab time together.

2022 started off nice with a sewing stay over with my pal Laura aka MissMadeItMyself but then the Kendall household was stricken with a sickness bug… so it’s been quite eventful already

This year I am determined to complete a make nine at long last even though last year I did vow to do the same! Here are my definite makes that I want to sew this year.

Eden Coat by Tilly And The Buttons

I’ve always wanted to make a proper coat with a hood and fully lined. I’ve seen so many nice versions made by sewing pals, so I thought it’s finally time to tackle my own. I’m opting for the toggle version and I’ve already have the pattern cut out ready to cut into the good stuff!

Honeybourne Dress from Cashmerette

With being blessed with curves I do have issues with getting dresses to fit me right. With the help of Jennys book ahead of the curve, I may have found the perfect dress! Where I have made the pattern to have elbow length sleeves and made a bicep adjustment according to her instructions along with making a 14 E/F cup grading to 16 for waist and 20 for where the hem hits on the hip. So time will see how this pattern fits. I best toile to be on the safe side!

Marlo Cardi by True Bias

This has been on my to make list for well over a year now and it definitely needs to be made at longs last!

Bijou Beret pattern by Untitled Thoughts

I have always wanted a beret of my own and why not make my own?!! It is the new year after all isn’t it? Plus it’s free to download too.

It doesn’t take much fabric and perfect to use left over fabric from my coat.

Nora T-Shirt by Tilly And The Buttons

I’m afraid to say I’ve not made the top version and seriously why not?! I’ve even made the cardi version which I love. It’s definitely an easy wear top.

Gable Dress by Jennifer Lauren Handmade

I do love a Jennifer Lauren Handmade pattern vintage style with a modern take which ticks all the boxes for me. I’ve made the Gable top (couple of years ago post) and love it. The top definitely deserves a gathered skirt with pockets to make it a dress.

The Florence Blouse by Size Me

I’ve been after making this since I bought it from Donna and her husband when I attended the Knitting and Stitching Show at Harrogate last year. I also bought this khaki doodle tattoo print viscose from Emporia Fabrics which would work really well for this and truly stand out from the crowd.

Bobbi Skirt by Tilly And The Buttons

I’ve made the Bobbi pinafore before and just loved it and now was the time to make the skirt so then I can show more of me made tops. I’ll be using this beautiful fine corduroy in the teal colourway from Felicity Fabrics.

Square neck top by the Friday Pattern Company

A girl can’t have enough tops right?! I’ve had this pattern for ages now and after seeing Em aka Sewdoitemma with her version. It has made my make my nine list! You can make this in either woven or knit fabrics and in A/B, C/D cups, which is a winner in my . My have to toile this one too as I do have narrow shoulders. Plus, I don’t want the neckline to be too wide or too low lol.

Do you have any firm sewing plans for this new year or is it just a wing approach? Let me know in the comments below or on my social media channels.

Happy sewing

Sal

xx

The post My #MakeNine2022 plans appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

So what I have been up to I hear you ask? Not a lot really as I’ve been resting up but I have managed to complete a few garments and challenges.

March Frugal Frocks 2021

As I previously wrote in my Sewing Goals 2021, I wanted to take part more in the Instagram Community. When I saw that Sam and Ruan hosting this March challenge of making a dress pattern that was free and to use material from your stash, I had to say yes!

I finally used this beaut black jersey crepe with white spots on from Textile 9 and the pattern I used was Little Lizard King Galena dress pattern which has different sleeve options and of course I had to go for the cute puff sleeve.

Here I am enjoying the sunshine at my local park.

Sew Yellow For Endo

I took part in Jess’s challenge of making something yellow. If you want to read more about it, it’s on my previous post here.

Mother’s Day

I made my mum a keyring and card using my Cricut Explorer Air 2.

Of course I had to wrap everything in tissue paper and make it bit more glamourous. Plus I made her a new facemask.

That’s about it really, not a lot but my first article for The Pattern Pages has been published too on ways to use up your fabric scraps!

So what have you been up to for the month of March?

Happy Sewing!

The post March Makes 2021 appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

Look at me go at the moment with the blog posts eh? Pacing myself and setting tasks for both being creative and everyday living I think is working. Don’t get me wrong, I still have bad days but I’m off back to work next week on a phased return. Now for some Valentine’s creations! If you are easily offended by swear words and rude prints then don’t read any further!!

If you check out my January 2021 creations post, I use Trello for breaking down tasks and I can check them off as I go. Set myself an hour at most to be sat at my machine sewing each day if I can. If not, to beat myself up if I have to miss a day or so.

Since I’ve been at home recovering and in between home schooling, the creative juices have been flowing freely. So I thought I would make the Hubby some nice sewn gifts for Valentine’s day.

I had offered to make him a T-shirt for a long while now, you know how it is when you just wanna make stuff yourself.

Wendy Ward Felix T-shirt

I am ashamed to say I’ve had Wendy’s Sewing basics for everybody book for over a year with good intentions of making things out of it but never got round to it.

The book itself is great as it’s based on five core basic patterns with full variations and instructions to make twenty different designs in both woven and knitted fabrics for any gender, age or body shape.

So I decided to make the hubby his long awaited T-shirt using the Felix pattern. I used Bamboo Jersey in Charcoal from Pound A Metre at a steal for £10 for 3m. Unfortunately, It is no longer available. It is of superb quality and just what I wanted without it being too thin and drapy.

Tracing out the pattern was ok as it was only 4 pattern pieces. I managed to get the last of my tracing paper used out of it. So that’s another thing to add to my shopping list. Yeah, I even taped together the off cuts!

As with T-shirts the construction is quick and easy when using my overlocker. Yet, for some strange reason my knife decided not to trim anymore, It was squishing the fabric! So I ended trimming down the seam before hand and then overlocking.

I used Wendy’s technique of basting the neckband in before securing it with my overlocker and was in perfectly.

Mr Singer came out to play for twin needle hems where I used black thread for a bit of contrast and worked really well.

I had to use an quite apt garment label by Kylie and The Machine and use as it as bit of a feature. The hubby quite liked that.

Here is the Tee. It’s a great fit with the raglan sleeves and made a size 43″ chest which fits his broad shoulders nicely.

Thread Theory Comox Trunks

This has been on my sewing list for a few years now but never managed to master the fly bit till now! Hurrah!

Tamlyn shared this jersey in our Felicity Fabrics Blogger chat. It was meant to be the perfect under crackers for the hubby. It is from Little Legs Fabrics, where they have a varied range of fabrics.

To be on the safe side i went for the size 39″ and made the front fly option. The hubby has informed me that he doesn’t use the fly so I could of saved a load of head scratching!

Thankfully, there is a fabulous tutorial on Thread Theory’s Blog showing different options. Next time round, I’ll size down and leave out the fly.

They were a pretty good sew to make and will be making them for him again. Maybe, I’ll use the jersey band option rather than plush elastic for a cleaner finish inside. I will lengthen the leg too so they are more like trunk length. Who doesn’t love a cheeky Kylie and the Machine garment label?! Yeah, there was a lot of threads to tidy up too.

Memade Card

I used my Cricut explorer Air 2 to make the hubby’s valentine’s day card. I used a simple heart and kisses SVG and cut out on glitter and plain cardstock.

Rather than going to overboard, I kept it simple and the hubby liked it also.

I am really cuffed that I was able to make my hubby all Valentine’s day gifts and think he really appreciated the time and effort I put into them which want counts.

Received goodies

The lovely Caroline and Fliss of Felicity fabrics sent us ladies a lovely bit of shortbread biscuit with the cutest icing ever. It was lovely with a cuppa of tea.

No valentine’s day breakie is complete without croissants in the Kendall household. Had a Chinese takeaway for tea followed by making a start on this book that Mr K bought me for Valentine’s day. I even made my own bookmark with my Cricut machine too.

Did you manage to make your loved ones any gifts this year so far, even if you don’t celebrate Valentines day.

Happy Sewing

Sal

xx

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I’m trying my hardest to put some plans in place for Autumn/Winter wardrobe and definitely found a few gaps!

I don’t have many Cardigans, I’ve recently made Pattern Scout Lulu Cardi which is fab to wear with dresses but it’s more a Spring/Summer accessories and then i have my Wendy Ward Kinder Cardi that i use for work. So i am in need of a snuggly cardi for everyday wear.

So after having a lovely little chat with Aimee of Sew Anonymous I’ve bought this beaut Pink Melange Jersey it will be perfect for the Ellie and Mac Chapman Cardigan or Cardigan Love, but still can’t decide which one but I have both patterns in my stash!

Then I bought this luscious Candy Pink Dalmatian print viscose when Sew Anonymous first opened as it was an absolute steal at £5 a metre and with it being 142cm wide too you can definitely get a dress out of 2.5m. So I’ll be making either Tilly and The Buttons Stevie Dress with the Add on Pack or Lotta.

Also not forgetting my bargain from Samantha Claridge Studio of Ruby Star Society Add it up which will be a Long Sleeved Stevie Top. Unfortunately, that colourway is out of stock but she has many more bargains left to be had, so please check out her Sale section.

Then finally getting some winter coloured pinafores in my memade wardobe! I’ll be using this Fabulous Taupe Corduroy from Sew Anonymous to make a Bobbi Pinafore for my 1st Fabric Addict Post for Aimee at Sew Anonymous.

Then Finally for my upcoming Blogger make for Felcity Fabrics an memade combo that will be perfect for the chilly weather!

A Freya from Tilly’s Book Stretch using this delicious Rose Pink splashed dots.

Then a Tilly and The Buttons Cleo to go with the Boudeaux Corduroy.

Phew! Have you noticed that I’m going towards colours i wouldn’t normally go for? Thinking I’m living dangerously for a change!

So what have you got planned for your memamde wardrobe?

A big Thank you to Felicity Fabrics and Sew Anonymous for providing me with these beautiful fabrics for an exchange of a blog post of what I make with the fabrics provided.

Happy Sewing!

Sal xx

The post Autumn/Winter Sewing Plans 2020! appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

Happy Bank Holiday to those of you in the UK!!

Now I’m not sure about you guys but I normally tend to stick to indie pattern companies as they tend to fit me better with little adjustments compared to the big 4 where in previous attempts of using them, I’ve not had much success with them and end up being in the unfinished project pile like forever!

A few weeks ago it was Mr K’s birthday where we attend the Great Northern Shooting Show at Harrogate, where in all fairness we all enjoyed it and I did feel a bit out of place of wearing my Colette Patterns Hawthorn dress as the other ladies attended wore jeans and boots but hey I am unique after all ?

Gem has recently opened up her shop Bobbins and Bolts in Harrogate too so it would be rather rude not to pop in and say hello whilst we was at Harrogate anyways!

Gem’s shop is just gorgeous and my youngest found the den and was quite happy to be sat there whilst we chatted and of course picked up so lovely fabrics!

I thought I was quite restraint really… must of been the presence of the hubby and boys ?

I’ve always wanted to have an off the shoulder top but for some reason never got round to making one.. thinking it’d be too complicated but nope I was wrong!

This sewn up so well and the instructions were quite clear.

The only adjustments were needed was taking 4″ off the sleeves, 4″ off the shoulder straps and taking another couple of inches off the elastic round the back.

I really love the tie details of the sleeves as they are soo pretty inside too.

Now you can’t have a handmade garment without adding a cute label in right?

Thankfully we decided to go to Scarborough for the day before the notorious bank holiday weather hitted, so here is moi in the gardens on South Beach, how beautiful does the garden look!

Of course we all had a fab time there, making a croc out of sand! Also you can’t go the seaside without having a go at the 2p machines where the boys actually won a prize a piece from a pound worth of 2ps! Now that never normally happens does it!?

So happy bank holiday to you all and hope it’s not raining somewhere and if it is blame me as Ive done some summer sewing!

Sal

Xx

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But i thought i’d share my thoughts around Sew Up North

As always, i like to have a new me made outfit ready so i decided on to make myself a Tilly and The Buttons Cleo Dungaree at last using the bargain piece of Denim from my trip to Dewsbury back in July and team it with my Frankie Top and of course not forgetting a selection of pins!

Apologies to the people that had issues with eventbrite’s emails/links, not sure why it decided to play silly buggers as it worked perfectly for Last year. But hey ho got there in the end!

We would of had more people attending if it wasn’t for the current round of rail strikes meant that lots of people had to make quite late changes to their plans, which was obviously outside anyone’s control. People were kind enough to let me know about their changed plans in the hope that others could use their tickets, which was lovely of them, but has Becca mentioned that the Eventbrite site is not the easiest to use when it comes to managing wait lists! 

For the first time whilst organising this meet up I was actually looking forward to the event, I’m normally a nervous wreck! That was thanks to all the lovely people who’d signed up in advance to help out with the running of things of the day. I cannot thank you guys enough, it made such a massive difference to how smoothly the day ran and for not Becca and I to be a flap all day!

Lorraine (My Friend who is relatively new to sewing and savour of getting myself to Leeds!) and my Myself got to John Lewis by about 9:20, and found Charlotte aka Englishgirlathome which travelled all the way from Birmingham!!! Now that is dedication! Also to find a group of eager sewists already in the cafe! Not sure why i didn’t buy myself a drink whilst I was there thunk i was buzzing from my pumpkin spice latte from starbucks at junction 32!

There was a somewhat awkward moment when Becca and I had to bellow for attention across the John Lewis cafe (which did have some non sewing people in it; apologies to them!) and then the huge crowd of people set off around Leeds.

I made myself a list of what fabric I needed so I only needed fabric to make a snuggly hoody dress and freya dress both from Tilly’s Book Stretch. Which i did buy from B & M as they kindly offered us all 10% off purchases of £15… a girl can’t say no to that!! The Bambi Print is going to be used the Stella and Spot Print for the Freya!  

I had to laugh in B&M; there was very rapidly an ever expanding queue of excited people cuddling bolts of fabric wrapped all the way around the shop, with others queuing to get inside. But everyone was in good spirits and led to lots of random conversations and comparisons of planned purchases, which is one of the things I love the best about the event.

Still can’t believe there is a sneaky staircase to the bottom of the shop where Sue and Mike are to offer sewing classes in the future with tea making and toilet facilities of course we had to try it out.

You can’t take simona anywhere ?

After a fairly brief stroll around the market, I headed over to the Boathouse with Lorraine, Gemma and Simona. The time escaped me, failed miserably to be the first there!

Hahaha Becca got a photo of me grabbing fabric but anyone else did…. I don’t take prisoners! Not sure what the lady thought behind me!! ?

It’s a true testament to the benefits of asking for help that I actually got chance for not just a drink but an actual lunch this year; definitely didn’t happen last year! I hope everyone’s lunch was as good as mine! Still can’t believe that we had free pizza too, can’t say no to freebies ?

I actually had time to rummage for fabric and patterns on the swap table; I actually managed to 3 decent sized pieces of black stretch lace, grey striped jersey and this cute cherry print jersey from Beth aka madcouser. I came away with a few patterns that Gemma and Simona found for me to make a 1920 themed dress for my works ball – But i didn’t make it in the end though!!, but thank you ladies for your help.

When it came time to draw the raffle, it all got a bit complicated. We’d been promised a PA system but that didn’t materialise and we also struggled to get the background music turned down. Add to that the fact that we were spread across two floors…. well. Thank goodness for extra volunteers to hand out physical prizes and take email addresses (thanks Heather and Simona) and to incredible sponsors who were willing to be downstairs on the receiving end of a WhatsApp call being shown pictures of winning raffle tickets! Laura, thank you!

49 prizes later and we were done (in more ways than one mind you!) A lot of people had to head off early to face the joy of the rail replacement bus service (myself included) so things did wind up a little earlier than normal, and all that remained was to cash up.

Thank you to our ad hoc helpers dived in and helped Beccaa to count the cash, which, after a couple of last minute donations to get us over the £1k mark, came to an outstanding £1,012!!! Wowsers!!

This really is astonishing! It’s a fabulous amount of money to raise for a truly deserving cause and I cannot thank you all for your generosity enough.

I think the only slight shadow on both Becca and my day was my first experience of someone in the sewing community really taking advantage.

I won’t name names, but there was someone who, despite having been told (politely and repeatedly) over the preceding weeks that there was a wait list, that you did need a ticket and that we didn’t advertise non-charity events either on our Facebook or on the day, turned up anyway with a big smile on their face and proceeded to push their own business. You know who you are and we were not impressed.

An event like this takes a massive amount of work and effort behind the scenes; Becca and I have poured countless hours over the last 3 years into this willingly, both because we’re firm believers in the charity itself and for the benefit of the local sewing community. I think it takes some big balls to turn up at something like that and brazenly use it entirely to your own advantage and I’m pretty disgusted.

Bu anyways!!

As always, I spoke to so many people on the day and, as usual, i’ve failed miserably to remember names or details because my brain was in total overload! So i do apologise if i have forgotten to mention anyone! Please let me know!

Oh yes not forgetting my fabric twinnie Charlotte aka Englishgirl! 

Also a big thank you to Jane who made a apron for Becca and I as a Thank you, it’s very much appreciated as you didn’t have to go to the trouble of making us a gift! I am really grateful as it such a thoughtful gift!

So from the bottom of my heart thank you for everyone’s support either in  the way of of our lovely Sponsors for the Charity Raffle, You kind hearted lot that offered to help out as our Sewcial Squad, to everyone attended too and not forgetting my Sewing Partner in Crme Becca as we couldn’t of made it as such as a success with you!

Sal xx

The post Sew Up North 2018 appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

Now onto introducing more of our lovely Raffle Prize Sponsors!! Without further a do!

By Hand London – 3 PDF’s of winner’s choice . Becca has made the wonderful Anna Dress using African Wax Print and one of these days i will be brave enough to take on the Anna too but for some reason i haven’t got round to it which is daft!

The Lovely Laura of Cotton Reel Studio has kindly donated £30 voucher plus bag of haberdashery items! Laura has a fantastic online shop with a vast array of gorgeous fabrics, i tell you its hard to resist! Thank you Laura for your continued support!

Nina Lee – I’ve got the ever so beautiful Kew Dress on my to do list but Becca had been pattern testing her latest Pattern the Mayfair Dress which is also just as as beautiful! Nina has kindly donated to the Raffle One Sewing Paper Pattern of winner’s choice! Also there is an array of new summer patterns too!

Sew Over It – 5 pdf’s of the winner’s choice. Say what?! That’s a fabulous prize indeed as there is a lovely array of sewing patterns available with a nice vintage twist! Thank you for your continued support!

Sewisfaction – £30 voucher for winner plus a cheeky 10% discount for attendees only!

I’ve made The Franki Top from Wearable Studios using a beautiful floral viscose from Sheona but unfortunately its no longer available but her fabrics are spot on and speedy delivery too! Thank you Sheona for your continued support!

So here is the 2nd lot of thank you so much to our lovely Raffle prize Sponsors! You are all awesome!

Keep your eyes on our feeds as we will be posting more details of the (many more) other sponsors of our amazing raffle!

Sally & Becca xx

The post 2nd round of Sponsers for Sew Up North 2018 appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

Can you remember back in February for Sew My Style that it was either the beautiful Rumana By Hand London Coat or Style Arcs Estelle Cardigan… I didn’t have the patience at the time to tackle such a big project so I decided to go for the cardigan!

My product review of the Pattern is now live over the Minervacrafts Blog.

So click on the link to find out just how easy it is to make your own!

Happy Sewing!

Sal

Xx

The post Style Arc Estelle Cardigan – Minervacrafts Product Review appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

Hi All! I’m back for my 2nd year with The Sew Crafty Design Team and kicking off my 1st Project for 2018 showing you how to make your own Passport Cover! Honestly, It is really easy as i say it is!

List of Supplies:

• Pattern Ruler
• Pins
• Medium weight fabric for the outer and the inner – I’ve used the ever so gorgeous Blend Faraway Forest Dream a Little Dream in Grey
• Medium weight woven fusible interfacing
• Chop stick/Skewer! I ain’t that fancy to own a point turner but if you have one then use it.
• Tailors Chalk
• Scissors
• Gutterman Thread and Full Bobbin
• Sewing machine Needles 80/12

Let’s make your Cover!

Fold the Fabric Right Sides Together.

I calculated for a UK Passport that i needed a rectangle of 31cm wide and 16cm high and includes a seam allowance of 1/4″ (o.6cm). It’s all written down in my Sew Crafty Journal, which is a fab tool as it had plenty of room to add my notes and calculations instead on a scrap piece of paper which i would end up losing!

I drew on the fabric using my tailors chalk and my Pattern ruler and tried my best to get it straight with the aid of the Ruler and my mat but i am only human after all!

Cut all the way around the fabric, following the outline we just drew.

Lay one piece of the Cover onto lightweight woven fusible interfacing. Pin and cut out one piece. I cheated a little, i folded my piece in half and then did the same for interfacing and pinned in place and cut out which meant less cutting! So now you should have 2 pieces of the fabric for your cover and 1 piece of interfacing

Sewing it all together!

Fuse the interfacing to the outer layer of the fabric with the glue side of the interfacing facing the wrong side of the fabric.

Place the two layers of fabric right sides together. Pin around the entire piece leaving a section about 2″ wide marked to be left unsewn for turning the piece right sides out.

Sew around the perimeter of the pieces using 1/4″ seam allowance starting at one side of the opening and remembering to Pivot (That word always reminds me of the episode of Friends with Ross and Chandler are moving the sofa to Ross’s apartment!!) when you reach each corner. Then back tacking at the otherside of the opening.

Trim the corners to reduce bulk. I trimmed at a 45-degree angle and also shaved off a little bit on either side of the corner to create nice corners.
Carefully turn the entire piece right sides out through the opening left in the bottom. Use a point turner or chopstick like i have to form nice corners after turning right side out.

Fold the seam allowance into the opening left in the bottom of the fabric and press the entire piece.

Now to finish the Cover!

Measure and fold each end of the fabric 2.1″ (6cm) into the inside. Pin in place all the way around the entire piece, and press.

Edge stitch the hole closed and the flaps in place all at the same time by stitching the perimeter of the cover at 1/4″ (0.6cm) seam allowance. Be sure to pivot at each corner. Press the entire piece after sewing.

Slip each end of your passport into the end flaps (hahaha!) sorry i am crude at times, and you’re ready to go!

So here is my lovely cover with 2 other covers!

Of course the boys needed one a piece doing! Ethan went for Star Wars Darth Vadar Fabric and Rhys went for Spiderman Comic Fabric – which are both are currently on sale for £3 per half metre, bargain!!

Mr K had already bought himself one from Amazon so it saved me a job! So my fist lot of Holiday Sewing! Can’t believe it’s only 10 weeks away till we go away to Florida!! Best get a wiggle on on sewing my holiday wardrobe then!

Happy Sewing!

Sal xx

The post Sew Crafty Design Team Project #001 for 2018! Passport Holder Tutorial appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.