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Crafting ideas

Crafting ideas, DIYs, Dressmaking & sewing, Featured

Let’s talk about the new McCalls pattern collection

March 17, 2018
McCalls spring 2018 sewing patterns

With a huge selection of indie pattern companies out there nowadays, offering so much in the way of sewing, it’s easy to forget the big four. Yesterday, while scrolling Instagram, I noticed that McCalls had released their new pattern collection – and it’s as excellent as you might think.

McCalls have really upped their game with this collection. The lookbook is full of inspirational summer makes and I can imagine it’ll be popular in the sewing world.

From sweet summer tops to a pair of jeans you’ll want to make straightaway, here are my top picks from the collection:

The summer dress:

McCalls spring 2018 sewing patterns

This one has all that you’ll need for a summer dress. A simple, yet flattering shape, the M7740 has hidden details and flowing sleeves. Plus, who doesn’t love a cut-out back? With two options to choose from, this would be perfect in a lilac or periwinkle blue. Or perhaps all the colours of the rainbow?

McCalls spring 2018 sewing patterns

And this version’s back details are so on-trend for the summer. Making the bows in contrasting colours could be fun too, don’t you think?

The babydoll top:

McCalls spring 2018 sewing patterns

What a summery babydoll-esque feel this top (the M7752) has? A sweet floral print cotton lawn would really make this pattern stand out and I can imagine this paired with jeans for those days where you just want to go casual.

The hidden detail playsuit:

McCalls spring 2018 sewing patterns

This playsuit combines everything I love about summer – a floral print, culotte trousers and cut-out detail perfect for balmy days.

The M7756 is flowy and the perfect vibe for a festival, plus one option even comes with bell sleeves if you want more detailing. I’m imagining this in a large print floral viscose fabric.

The Mom jeans:

McCalls spring 2018 sewing patterns

When I first saw these pop up on my feed, I knew that this pattern (the M7754) was my jeans pattern. I love the shape of these (it’s the perfect Mom jeans shape) and they’re cropped too. And I am definitely loving that scallop waist detail! I’d love to make a classic pair in indigo denim but I’m thinking a lilac or pale pink cotton would make an ideal second pair.

What do you think of the new McCalls patterns? See more of the collection here.

 

Crafting ideas, DIYs, Featured

A cosy blanket

March 9, 2018

I’m amazed to say that I actually finished knitting something that isn’t just a scarf. Can you believe it? Alright, technically, this knitted blanket is made up of three long pieces sewn together, much like a scarf, but it’s absolutely not a scarf!

This all started with a trip to John Lewis Oxford Street. About a year and a half ago, I went to the haberdashery section as I often do in a lunch hour and thought, I could make a blanket. I’m not the best knitter in the world and I’m certainly not the fastest but I wanted to challenge myself with something bigger and a blanket seemed challenging enough but not overwhelming.

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Crafting ideas, Dressmaking & sewing, Featured

Sewing plans for spring

March 3, 2018
And She Made spring sewing plans

I know it doesn’t quite feel like it’ll soon be spring when there is still snow on the ground and it’s been a bit of a trek getting into work each day, but the new season is coming and I’m so excited for it.

I just love this time of year. There’s still a freshness in the air and the daffodils are beginning to bloom (albeit later with all the snow). So what better way to celebrate the changing seasons than by planning my spring makes?

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Crafting ideas, DIYs

A knitting update

October 30, 2017

Although I spend most of my spare time sewing, it’s not my only love. I began knitting around five years ago and after a few false starts, finally picked it up at a stitch and bitch class when I lived in Cardiff. Now that I live in London (and away from my sewing machine), I’ve started to pick it up again in the evenings. It’s definitely something creative I can get on board with in front of the TV or a box set. There always seems to be one thing stopping me though. The thing I don’t enjoy about knitting is the time it takes to finish one thing and I have grand plans for things to make. If you follow me over on Pinterest you’ll see that.

Knitting And She Made

Currently, I have a nearly finished blanket, an almost-at-the-halfway-point cropped maroon jumper, have started some socks and am attempting another jumper in self-striping wool. The last two projects have only been started in the past month so it’s really not too bad, but it just takes so long!

Knitting And She Made

Knitting a jumper while watching The Killing

Knitting And She Made

The blanket in progress

Knitting And She Made

Working on the huge knitted blanket

Knitting And She Made

I’m always on the lookout for ways to pick up the pace on my knitting. Two of the projects I’m currently working on are knitted on chunky wool but I also love the look of thinner wool – it just takes so much longer. If you have any failsafe techniques for quick knitting then hit me up!

I have, however, managed to finish a few projects. I wear my favourite ever lilac snood all the time in winter and I’ve made at least two others much the same, plus a knitted striped scarf in some wool I bought from Sincerely Louise at last year’s Handmade Fair. Hopefully one day soon, I’ll be able to show you some other finished projects!

Here’s me wearing it with my siblings last Christmas:

And She Made lilac snood

And here’s one from early 2014 when I must have just finished it:

And She Made lilac snood

It gets a lot of wear and it’s still holding up pretty well!

Do you follow me over on Instagram? I post my makes and updates over there!

Crafting ideas, DIYs, Featured

Autumn sewing plans

October 22, 2017

The title of this post could alternatively be ‘A Pinterest wishlist’. I’m seriously on that site most days, coveting the many beautiful clothing and crafting ideas. I’ve got plenty of sewing ideas of what to make in the upcoming months. The only problem is whittling them down to what I’m actually going to make and wear.

Here’s a list of things I’m (hopefully) planning to make fairly soon.

Tartan dresses

Autumn sewing plans And She Made

(Image here)

My love for tartan is reignited around mid September and I’m like a woman obsessed with tracking down all that the high street has to offer. I already have a plan to make a tartan smock dress like the Sudley, having seen the best fabric (that I sadly didn’t pick up) at the GBSB Live a few weeks ago. I can imagine quite a few in varying colours!

Autumnal florals

Autumn sewing plans And She Made

(Image here)

Autumn sewing plans And She Made

(Image here)

There’s something special about wearing warming florals in the colder weather. Never one to give up my florals whether or not it’s sunny, I’m planning on a fair few midi skirts in burgundy and navy floral fabric, next to a few dresses of course. I love wearing florals with brogues and thick black tights at this time of year. I’ve already blogged about one here.

Pretty lacy tops

Autumn sewing plans And She Made

(Image here)

I’ve been on the lookout for the perfect lacy top to wear with thicker cord skirts and denim pinafores this coming season but so far, I haven’t found it. The one above is a simple yet stunning wear and I’m thinking of making something similar but still need to hunt down the perfect sewing pattern. Any ideas?

Cute collars

Autumn sewing plans And She Made

(Image here)

I just love the idea of pairing a shirt with a sweet embroidered collar with the thickest of jumpers this autumn. I’ve found a number of tutorials and inspiration online so this is one I’ll probably personalise. Perhaps I’ll even make a Rosa shirt to embroider?

What are your seasonal sewing plans? I’d love to hear your thoughts!