I’m sharing a video introduction to the Barberry Jacket over on the vlog. See the jacket in motion, and hear a bit more about design.
Category Archives: vlog
Festive Stitch Project Suggestions

I have finally made it back to my blog and vlog to share some suggestions of festive stitch projects (knitting, crochet, punch needle, bargello) you might enjoy in the run up to Christmas.
I’ve made a start on the bauble advent calendar mentioned. I’m really enjoying having a daily challenge and the variety of the different designs. Two baubles complete so far, and 22 left to go!
Access the vlog below or on my YouTube channel:
Things mentioned:
Arne & Carlos, Christmas Balls Advent Calendar
Whole Punching, Bauble Punch Needle Kit
Tina Francis, Bargello Banner – Festive Fun
March Sewing Zine Vlog

No new vlogs for two months and then two in one week!
I’ve just uploaded a new vlog about what I’ve been up to lately, including my plans for the Sewcialists Sew Your Birth Year mini-challenge, and attending a soft basketry workshop.
View it below or via my YouTube channel:
Things mentioned:
The Sewcialists Sew Your Birth Year Mini Challenge
Sugardale, Len Coveralls
SewOver50, #so50visible challenge
My The Maker’s Atelier Asymmetric Gather Dress
Paper Theory Patterns, Olya Shirt/Shirt Dress
Soft basketry workshop with Averil Otiv
The SewBrum Meet-up (Saturday 24th October 2020)
Little Black Duck, Spools of Thread Mini Quilt
Online Sewing Events Right Now

With in-person meet-ups impossible for most of us at the moment, I’ve compiled a list of some online sewing events. These are a chance to chat to others in the sewing community or to join in with a live sew-along.
I’m talking about these in my latest vlog, and I’ve also shared the list in the latest post on The Sewcialists blog.
My Favourite Sewing Pattern Releases in 2019

I’ve published my first vlog of 2020, which is a look back at my favourite sewing patterns released in 2019.
You can watch the vlog below or via my YouTube channel.
If you fancy revisiting some great previous pattern releases, see also my favourite patterns in 2018 and 2017.
Patterns mentioned:
Charm Patterns – Princess Coat
Helen’s Closet – Yanta Overalls
Carmen Bouchard – La Jupe en Jean
Sew Over It / Lisa Comfort Magazine – Amelia Jacket
Friday Pattern Company – Wilder Gown
Closet Case Patterns – Pietra Pants & Shorts
Closet Case Patterns – Sienna Maker Jacket
Gift Sewing Pattern Suggestions
Now that it’s November I’m sharing my recommendations for present making. You can see the full list of pattern suggestions on my vlog, and the full list with links is also copied below.
I’ve included lots of free patterns, plus some paid-for patterns which make ideal gifts. I’ve focused on sewing patterns, but have also recommended a few favourite sources of free knitting patterns.
Now I just need to start making some of these rather than leaving it until the last minute…
Sewing Patterns
Bombazine (oven) Mitt: https://www.bombazine.com.au/bombazine-mitt/
Noodlehead, Forage Bag: https://noodle-head.com/2018/10/forage-bag-free-pattern.html
Noodlehead, Tiny Treasures Basket & Tray: https://noodle-head.com/2016/07/tiny-treasures-basket-tray-free-pattern.html
Victory Patterns, Tailor’s Ham & Sausage: https://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2012/08/how-to-make-tailors-hams-and-sausages.html
Very Purple Person, Reversible Bag: http://verypurpleperson.com/2010/04/making-reversible-bag/
Thread Theory, Wallet Set: https://threadtheory.ca/collections/pdf-sewing-patterns/products/the-wallet-gift-giving-set-pdf
Milan AV-JC, Zero Waste Origami Bag: https://www.milanavjc.com/opensource-en-uamep-origami-bag
Very Sharron, Reversible Box Tote: https://www.veryshannon.com/patterns/reversibleboxtote
Wendy Ward / MIY Collection, various patterns: https://www.miycollection.com/collections/sewing-patterns-digital
Digital Pattern Library, House Tape Measure: https://digitalpatternlibrary.com/blog/2019/4/16/scrap-buster-zero-waste-house?rq=free%20pattern
Sew Over It, Tie: https://sewoverit.co.uk/product/tie-pdf-sewing-pattern/
Purl Soho, Tie: https://www.purlsoho.com/storage/fathersdaytie_FINAL.pdf
FreeSewing.org, Trayvon Tie: https://freesewing.org/patterns/trayvon
Grainline Studio, Stowe Bag: https://grainlinestudio.com/collections/accessories/products/stowe-bag?variant=22533587599442
Grainline Studio, Portside Travel Set: https://grainlinestudio.com/collections/accessories/products/portside-travel-set?variant=22533587501138
Grainline Studio, Hemlock Tee
Tilly & the Buttons, Eye Mask: https://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2015/07/how-to-make-eye-mask-free-pattern.html
Tilly & the Buttons, Slipper Boots: https://www.tillyandthebuttons.com/2017/11/free-pattern-make-your-own-snuggly.htmlnne,
FreeSewing.org, Bruce Boxer Shorts: https://freesewing.org/patterns/bruce
Thread Theory, Comox Trucks Boxer Shorts: https://threadtheory.ca/collections/sewing-patterns/products/comox-trunks-pdf
So Zo What Do You Know, Pants & Vest: http://sozowhatdoyouknow.blogspot.com/p/free-patterns.html
Madalynne, Lingerie Patterns: https://madalynne.com/product-category/lingerie-sewing-pattern/
Ohhh Lulu, Lingerie Patterns: https://www.ohhhlululingerie.com/product-category/free/
Purl Soho, Free Sewing Patterns: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/tag/free-sewing-pattern/
In the Folds / Peppermint Magazine, Free Patterns: https://peppermintmag.com/sewing-school/
Sarah Kirsten, Fennel Fanny Pack: https://sarkirsten.com/patterns/fennel-fanny-pack
Kylie & the Machine, Ida Clutch: https://kylieandthemachine.com/introducing-the-ida-clutch/
Pattern Scout, Luna Crossbody Bag: https://www.patternscoutstudio.com/shop/luna-crossbody-pdf-sewing-pattern
Aneela Hoey, Accessory Patterns: https://comfortstitching.bigcartel.com/ / https://shopbeyondmeasure.co.uk/collections/patterns
Knitting Patterns
Purl Soho, Free Knitting Patterns: https://www.purlsoho.com/create/tag/free-knitting-pattern/
Fringe Association, Free Knitting Patterns: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/fringe-association-on-ravelry/patterns
Loop London, Free Knitting Patterns: https://www.loopknitlounge.com/category/free-knitting-crochet-patterns/
Arne & Carlos: https://arnecarlos.com/
Tin Can Knits, Free Knitting Patterns: http://tincanknits.com/patterns-free.html
Brooklyn Tweed, Lavender Sachets: https://brooklyntweed.com/blogs/blog/lavender-sachets
October Sewing Zine Vlog
I’ve uploaded a new vlog about what I’ve been up to lately, including my Georgie Dress, Observatory Shawl and faux fur Tamarack Jacket.
View it below or via my YouTube channel:
Things mentioned:
Closet Case Patterns, Pietra Pants
Alice & Co Patterns Georgie Dress (free pattern)
Masson Mill in Matlock Bath
The Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers
SewBrum meet-up
The Little World of Fabric (‘The Liberty Man’)
Pink Coat Club & Adornments by Rosheen Headbands
Petershams Millinery Supplies Headbands
Untangling Knots Arachne pattern
Kate Davies Observatory pattern
Grainline Studio Tamarack Jacket
August Sewing Zine Vlog

I’ve uploaded a new vlog about what I’ve been up to this month, including the tweed and tartan weaving course I attended a few weeks ago.
View it below or via my YouTube channel:
Mentioned in the vlog:
The Association of Guilds of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers summer school
My weaving tutor, Jan Beadle Textiles
Closet Case Patterns, Ginger Jeans
Guthrie & Ghani shop opening in April 2013
April Sewing Zine Vlog
Favourite 2018 Pattern Releases
I’ve published a vlog of my personal favourite sewing patterns releases during 2018.
I’ve only sewn one of these so far, but I suspect I’ll get around to a fair few eventually. I have a couple in progress currently, including a Yates Coat.
In no particular order, my favourites are:
Night and Day Dress – Charm Patterns: https://charmpatterns.bygertie.com/shop/night-and-day-dress/
Yates Coat – Grainline Studio: https://grainlinestudio.com/shop/women/yates-coat-paper-pattern/
Myosotis Dress – Deer&Doe: https://shop.deer-and-doe.fr/en/sewing-patterns/65-myosotis-dress-pattern.html
Eloise Dress Sewing Pattern – By Hand London: https://byhandlondon.com/products/eloise-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern
Zelie Shirt – République du Chiffon: http://republiqueduchiffon.com/en/home/118-chemisier-zelie.html
Honeycomb Shirt & Dress – CocoWawa Crafts: https://www.cocowawacrafts.com/shop/sewing-patterns/honeycomb-shirt-dress-pdf-sewing-pattern-eng/
8605 – Simplicity Pattern: https://www.sewdirect.com/us8605a/
I AM Félicie – I AM Patterns: https://iampatterns.fr/en/sewing-patterns/116-felicie.html
Audrey – Seamwork: https://www.seamwork.com/catalog/audrey
Pinnacle Top/Sweater – Papercut Patterns: https://papercutpatterns.com/products/pinnacle-top-sweater
Justine (Free Pattern) – Ready to Sew: https://www.readytosew.fr/en/store/dresses-and-skirts/the-free-pattern-justine
Fika Tote – Noodlehead: https://noodle-head.com/product/fika-tote-pdf-pattern
TPC21//Drop Shoulder Coat – Trend Patterns: https://www.trendpatterns.co.uk/shop/tpc21drop-shoulder-coat-1
Len Coveralls – Sugardale: http://sugardale.net/sewing-patterns
“Karma” Trench – Milan AV-JC: https://www.milanavjc.com/zero-waste-karma-trench-en
Jarrah sweater – Megan Nielsen: https://megannielsen.com/products/jarrah
Floreat dress & top – Megan Nielsen: https://megannielsen.com/products/floreat