C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : Aug 2014 & May 2015

Both of these patterns were given to me - both are separates to a make a whole outfit. May 2015 Prima Pattern on the left, makes up a squared necked dress and fitted jacket. White Aug. 2014 Prima pattern makes up a top and skirt pairing. Both patterns allow for matching sets or mixing fabrics or patterns.

These two patterns are of two very different styles of necklines and though the dress and top have similar dart placements - they can be fitted to be more boxy/loose, as the dress is photographed or more fitted as the top. It would also be possible to swap the necklines between them - as long as any sewer is aware of the changes it it bring. For my style - last year I would have likely sewn the dress - I try to wear less trousers when I'm out of work and its even a little warm. Make it out of floral cotton or a glittered black fabric with a heavier cotton. Lowering the neckline a by 2-4 cm. 

However, I would lean towards the jacket from May 2015 Pattern and the skirt from the Aug. 2014 pattern. Making them in matching small print. OR a floral skirt and soft great jacket. I'd do this to have more jackets that would fit me well and I enjoy sewing skirts a lot after making many sun dresses at the beginning of lockdown. The skirt would pair well with a lot more tops I own.  

The jacket - if care is taken- could even be made it cotton with sheer panels or lacey effects. Making a very unique piece.

The top is could become boxy and short on my body - due to my bust. I can make several adjusts to help the fit - however if I made the top and it wasn't a perfect fit I wouldn't wear it even with a matching skirt. Or amazing fabric I loved.

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C . W : Patterns

C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : Nov 2018 & Nov 2008

Left Nov.2018, Prima Blazer Pattern, Right Nov.2008, Prima Wrap/Loose Coat Pattern

Both of these patterns were given to me, passed on from a non-sewer, to add to my collection. Left is a blazer pattern from Nov.2018, with 3 options, 2 x for pockets, including a welt option and 1x without pockets. Though loose on the model, with the darts in the front this could be highly customisable for fabrics and fit. Also the options would allow for more advanced options e.g. welt pockets.

The pattern on the right is a loose coat with a tie, and simple, bagged pockets. Only a little longer in the body than the option pattern, and with looser fit, this could make a comfy wrap for going outside. This coat will allow for a quick project and 

Both of these patterns were brought while I was in Derby - but on separate visits to the market stall, about 2013-2015. This was one of my favourite stalls as they had a great collection of printed fabrics, patterns, and they often had swatches for pennies. Great for tests, mock up, illustrations, and research for sketchbooks. 

These two Butterwick patterns are of two very different styles of dresses in the construction and structure of them. 

The left pattern 5827 appears to be very simple with the option for contrasting fabrics and high keyhole opening.

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C . W : Patterns

C . W : Outfit

Changing Wardrobes : Black midi and Cardigan

This dress is a warm thicker material than some of the others, but stretchy. Without too much give,  so good for staying at home and still needing to run out. It's a more suitable length, but i actually like bunching up maxi's when I sew.
I love the high neck with the keyhole, which for more could be bigger. No sleeves, so better for warmer weather, but not the stifling heat we get every 3 days for the past month. The mustard cardigan is a great pop of colour, and my favourite addition to any outfit at the moment. Especially any black outfit. I'd say wear nude tight s and kitten heels, but I've been wear no tights/socks with my cheap-ie runabout shoes - black with a white sole. I can feel made up and still just throw my hair back or up as needed.

I actually liked this dress so much, I originally brought it in two sizes, from primark, 3 years ago. The fit was relaxed in the size 14 and loved the hug for the size 12. The cardigan is also from primark just from 2019. I really like to wear in my cardigans and either buy 1 or buy 3/4 at a time.

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C . W : Outfit

C . W : Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : 8127 Versus 5751

I have a desire or need to collect patterns for dresses above all other types of clothing. Dresses are my favourite to buy, to look through and what I also tend to sew. Both of these patterns have similar silhouettes, but achieved differently. Namely the number of panels and the pleating of Butterwick's 5751 pattern on the right. Which I think is my favourite of these two. I can see some great options for colour blocking and pairing fabrics. Then I see more adaptability in this pattern, as well -  increasing the bottom width of panels for volume, pleating them to hid more colour, piecing fabric together for the pleats and draping more (though for the volume, an underskirt would be needed). I love the rounded neckline and straps/cap sleeve. I feel these would be more flattering my figure. I also feel I can control the fit more over my waist and stomach - opening the pleats/panels  where it feels best for me. Rather than having  a fuller skirt down from the waist.


While Simplicity's 8127 is posed as a costume pattern for Lolita and Rockabilly. The designs pictured are very eye catching and what drew me to purchase this pattern in the first place. I love Lolita and the shape of these dresses. Though I do not own any Lolita dresses and outfits, nor have I had the chance to sew them just yet. I know the silhouette is flattering but I am picky about patterns for such dresses. Patterns lend themselves so much to the character of such dresses and I would want to be happy with the result, though this idea might be led by the cover image. So time will tell if I ever find a good fabric for my first try. Partially I think the pattern's cover stops me from being creative with the dress I want to make, putting it behind 5751. Imagination is a lot when it comes to being inspired and interesting in sewing a project for me. I do feel like the shape overall would be flattering, but for best results, an underskirt and some adaptions.

In the end, I'm happy to own both patterns, I even feel I could swap some features between the two once I'm better acquainted with the patterns. I just feel 8127 is more of a costume, while I can picture 5751 as a day dress or dressed up or a fun combination of coloured fabrics. Speaking of which I'd probably buy cotton, gingham, broadcloth or linen - so if I found a stunning patterned fabric I'd probably match it to the style I think would suit it best.

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C . W : Patterns

C . W : Outfit

Changing Wardrobes : 

Outfits : Dark Blue Maxi

Charity shop fabric from a week before the lock-down - got turned into a dress within 1 week of the lock-down. Not a bad choice of fabric - I don't tend to sew this blouse-y chiffon material, but I do love my floral shirts. Especially with a darker base colour. So this one while maybe not something I'd typically buy, was defiantly my first choice from the charity shop. i love the larger print and the autumn colours, perfect for me in March - when I had sewn this - and the follow me through summer. Even at home, its good for relaxing and I really enjoy sewing and driving in such loose dresses.

Spaghetti straps and bias tape took a bit of practice but I'm really happy with this look. Its my first try at making a maxi dress for myself. This colour might not be the most flattering, however I often prefer darker colours. I think adding bold block colours to wear with this dress would be perfect.
A mustard cardigan to brighten it up, a tan lather jacket to let the dress stand out or wear my pale blue scarf are all good options for cooler days.. For shoes - this dress is a little long so chunky shoes or wedges are good to wear. I have three pairs in white, all are good options. While bright they will add a nice pop, without drowning in colour or patterns. I have a sweet gold chained purse in white - that is a favourite for me every summer after my friends wedding - she encouraged all bridesmaids to have a white purse for necessities.


I still feel like I could have gone bigger on the frills but I was trying to manage my limited fabric. I had very little waste.


I should also note this maxi and the pale blue maxi were inspired by WithWendy- a sewing and diy youtuber. While my fit and look are very different she was a good inspiration and I could see her working this fabric/similar fabric. Seeing the fabric being handled was great, as I've always been warily of using chiffon and over handling raw edges.


I'd defiantly want to sew something similar again, but I first plan to wear this and the other maxi in a bit. 

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C . W : Pattern

Changing Wardrobes : 

Patterns : 1250 & 6433

Both of these patterns were brought while I was in Derby - but on separate visits to the market stall, about 2013-2015. This was one of my favourite stalls as they had a great collection of printed fabrics, patterns, and they often had swatches for pennies. Great for tests, mock up, illustrations, and research for sketchbooks. I really miss having these stalls to explore, but I do enjoy my local haberdasheries - but the best one is a quilting shop and knitting.

These two patterns are of two very different styles of dresses in the construction and structure of them. Simpliciity 1250 is a reprint of a structured bodice with a circular dress/skirt with a blouse - from the 1950s. It has a peplum trim with the suggestion to add lace and layering up over the bodice in elbow length and a short sleeve. This style really does appeal to me, however I often feel like strapless dresses make slip down on me. Making a dress like this for myself means I add as much construction I need and get the fit to the point I feel like the dress would't drop when going out for dinner - while dancing I think any strapless dress will need to be adjusted at some point. The fabrics would need to have some structure to them - tighter weaves to the fabric so more expensive cotton can be used - but satin and lace could make a very nice combination.

6433 from New Look Easy is a simple yet chic style for loose but flattering style dresses - I love the draped back. The option to do the back was my reason for buying this pattern as I don't often wear loose dresses - its been more recent I even have maxi dresses. I find them best for driving, hot days and doing my hobbies - sewing mostly. This style won't be the most flattering so I would go more towards a fun colour or print that I would relax in.  I might not get the fit I want on my hips and stomach but their are similar dresses which fit the bust and flow down the rest of the body. It will take some adjusting, same with making the back a bigger statement. I would always go maxi with a long sleeve I think.

I still want to try making both of these but I'd have to invest in making 1250 as I'd likely have an ideal in my head. But I have to take that ideal with a pinch of salt. I might not get the colour matches or perfect pattern. I might have to unpick the same few bits over and over.  6433 I would just need something with a good drape. A fun colour or print would be good but I'm more likely to be less picky. I feel like the silhouettes are very classic, however not the most flattering for everybody.

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C . W : Pattern

C . W : Outfit

Changing Wardrobes : Light Blue Maxi

I've recently sewn this dress from fabric I brought at a charity shop - right before lock-down and sewn it a week and half into the stay at home order. So, while I really like how the dress came out the fabric might not have been my first choice. I also have no garden to sit and wear it, but its good and flow-y for sewing and relaxing at home.

I really do like the shade of light blue. I can think of a lot of combinations with my current wardrobe, my first choice is my light tan faux leather jacket and plenty of silver jewellery. Adding some little boots till summer hits. The flower print, is a lot more varied than the other fabrics I picked up. I could also play off of these colours a lot more too.

This was my second try at a maxi frilly trimmed dress, with this type of fabric. I was greatly inspired by With Wendy to try this. I am a lot curvier than her so I knew the relaxed fit wouldn't be the same on my body, along with my limited amount of fabric. I  knew I wanted to have more of a play when making a second dress - I did a pleated back panel, and created my own cutout back for more fit and structure up top.
The end of the ties on the back, are finished with beads. These were the best fit from what i already own, I also didn't want anything too heavy. I think next time I would go for a contrasting softer fabric for the ties. The hem is also a gentle high/low hem, meaning the back does need a thick sole or heel to not touch the floor. 

This was just dress 2, out of 6 that I've made since the lock-down. So, I'm a little tired of sewing dresses already. But I'm looking forward to finding more inspiration to get me to knuckle back down.
Stay home and stay safe. Use your stashes and do what makes you happy.

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C . W : Outfit

C . W : Outfit

Changing Wardrobes : Skirt and lace top

My featured outfit is this skirt that  has a black lining and a ribbed fabric design to the over skirt. With a zip in the back and a wide elastic waistband. It pairs nicely as an all black outfit or with colourful top and cardigans. I wear a lot of yellow lately, especially that's rich deep toned yellow or mustard - so I would pair with this lace top.

Together, I would wear a black vest top, or longer sleeved with these two. Long sleeves in black would let the lace really stand out.  Tights or dark socks would be nice, but not necessary with the stay at home rules at the moment. I like loose clothing while staying at home for doing hobbies - sewing, baking and art. I often only have the ties on the top tied for hobbies only. Its not a flattering look for me to have these tied. As for shoes, I would wear my Disney low tops or all black slip-ons or even plimsolls. I could wear with my low boots, suede with a kitten heel.

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C . W : Outfit

C . W : Dress Patterns

Changing Wardrobes : 

Structured Dress Patterns : 5827 Versus 5853

Both of these patterns were brought while I was in Derby - but on separate visits to the market stall, about 2013-2015. This was one of my favourite stalls as they had a great collection of printed fabrics, patterns, and they often had swatches for pennies. Great for tests, mock up, illustrations, and research for sketchbooks. 

These two Butterwick patterns are of two very different styles of dresses in the construction and structure of them. 

The left pattern 5827 appears to be very simple with the option for contrasting fabrics and high keyhole opening. While its my favourite of the two the High neck and yoke  means this dress wouldn't be the most flattering for me. The length and fit with the dress could be very adaptable if you keep a lot of shape in the bodice. Depending on the intended outcome it would need to still look somewhat simple and modern still.

5853, on the right, is the pattern that would suit me better. A sweetheart neckline and defined waist  are much more flattering for me. I'd also feel more comfortable with picking more vibrant and patterned fabrics. While the bodice and skirt have more parts for the construction, as well as a sheer/stretch net neckline - I have sewn with more slippery blouse suitable fabrics. I feel  much more confident and don't feel this would stop me from creating something flattering and on a slightly higher difficulty level.

While I was a university student at the time of buying these two and its now that I'm more able to sew this style of dress with confidence and definitely needed - more space. I'd likely want to use my mint green sheer fabric (Leeds market stall) and use my white lace (brought from charity shop) for the body. The fabric for both would preferably be something with some body and structure to it, both could be made without a lining with fabrics that sit on the middle weight. However, you'd need to consider bias binding the edges, since no lining means the edges will need a tidy finish.

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C . W : Dress Patterns

C.W : Princess Bubblegum

My work space, whilst working - not as big I thought.

I took four to six days worth of my time for a friend. This was to make a dress for a costume party. She asked for princess bubble from adventure time. She really wanted to do this character, she looked at costumes to buy bit at silly prices for a basic dress. The crown alone was £20+ easy. Costumes adult or child are difficult to find. Even any cosplay versions are easily £40+.

After researching the character design, to see want I would make, even though we were sure of the basic dress she often wears was what we wanted - as bubblegum does have a collection of costumes - I took the friend shopping for the fabric. She picked the colours that she thought best for her ideas of the princess bubblegum. She wanted a shine light pink and a strong bold purple. We ended up also shopping for glitter and make up. Neither of use went for pale makeup despite our characters being very pale. The entire process wasn't photographed in full, so apologies to anyone interested in seeing that. I only have photos of the work space and the nearly finished dress and the completed dress.

I started with a pattern with the length wanted - in the bodice and skirt. however this was a fitted dress with panels, and a yoke with/without sleeves. So, I adapted the sleeve pattern and bodice pattern to be how I want it to be shaped. Partially based on the sequined dress in the photo above, which had a higher neckline, but wasn't right up to the neck - this was a night out costume party, meaning it could be very warm. Though the bodice pattern took time to make it, it also came together quickly. The waist was just right but the bust was a little large but again with this being for a night out it was preferable to be slightly loose.

For the skirt and sleeves we wanted extra material to gather so I used the size 16 from the pattern rather than the size 10, but when these pieces were compared to the size 10 this creates the amount I need to gather. The bodice pattern I made had the size 10 and dress measurements to base the sizing of the bodice on.
I also edited the sleeve pattern for more height in the arch to allow for more material to gather and also allow for more height in the gathering if needed for the space to create a puffy princess sleeve. On top of the size 16 pattern piece I also extended the sleeve as normal for a gathered sleeve.

I put together the bodice and skirts first, which allowed me work out sizing and measurements against the dress and my friend with the paper patterns. These seemed about right and allowed me to return the dress - as I had written down the measurements, to refer to later.

The next job was the sleeves and collar. Planning the zip placement - which I changed to the back of the dress. The waist band was final piece to be planned. I had a zip, elastic and interfacing, so my friend didn't have to worry about these pieces when we were shopping.

The bodice and skirt were the first pieces to be sewn, this includes a front bodice lining to avoid the light pink showing anything worn underneath. I also stitched to the point where the zip's length would end on the edges of the skirt. Once the skirt and bodice were sewing together. I next gathered, sewn the edge, hemmed the edge of the sleeve, sewn in the elastic and added the sleeves to the bodice.
The zip's placement had to be planned, before I could continue. However I had to back off from sewing it till I had the waist band ready - pattern piece cut, stitched, turned out, added interfacing and stitched the interfacing into position. Then it was ready to sew onto the dress, then I could add the zip, and finish that area of the bodice and skirt.
Finally the last piece was made, interfaced and added - the collar. This was quite fiddly due to the stitching and ironing, and repeated the process so it sat the right way - you must do the interfacing, then the whole collar the wrong way, then the right way and then add to the dress the wrong way before finally doing it the right way so it sits the right way, and neatly on the dress. Confusing but anyone out there having trouble there are YouTube videos out there - this wasn't meant as a tutorial on making a dress, else I would have explained the processes more clearly.

Finally the finishing was all that was left - this usually includes the hemming, the zip and so on.

I really enjoyed making this dress and would like to say its my full first dress - despite creating one in college, which I did do by myself. But it was a themed project and though wearable not designed with a wearer in mind - it was based on bacteria. I was really happy to have a project for a week and that a friend trusted me to make this and even more so to shop with her to select the fabrics.

Anyway thank you for reading x

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C.W : Princess Bubblegum