French seams are a rather fancy way of creating a lovely, neat finish on the inside of your handmade garments. What they do is enclose the unsightly raw edges of the fabric within a neatly stitched secret cavity, never to be seen again… or that’s how I like to think of them!
They work really nicely on light- to medium-weight fabric, but not so great on heavier fabrics where they'd create bulky seams. They’re particularly useful on sheer fabrics as they look less conspicuous than overlocked seams. The strength of the seam also makes them practical for clothing that’s going to go through the laundry a lot.
Just before lockdown kicked in, Jenny and I made you a video demonstrating how to sew French seams. The pattern I'm sewing is coming soon...
Inspired by the simplicity of the black version we made for our gorgeous real gal model Selena (as seen on the shop page - linked above), I was originally going to make exactly the same jumpsuit, but at last minute I pivoted and settled on navy instead.
The fabric is a linen viscose blend that I bought from Lamazi Fabrics. I found the gold buttons in my stash - they are flat-topped with little shanks, and were perfect for the look I had in mind.
Making the Alexa jumpsuit or playsuit and want some extra tips on how to get a good fit? Well, look no further. This blog post is going to cover some of the most common fitting adjustments you might want to make to this sewing pattern.
Please don't feel like you need to do many of these adjustments, or even any at all! Our bodies are wonderfully unique and you'll probably find that only a few (or none) of the following adjustments will apply to you. We've covered the most common adjustments so they're there to help you if you need it.
Do you want to join the jumpsuit trend but haven't quite found the right one to stitch up yet? Say hello to Alexa, a jumpsuit or playsuit (romper) with utility-inspired details that is easy to fit and wear!
If you haven't already been introduced to Alexa, then make sure you read all the juicy deets, including the fabric requirements in our previous post.
The beauty of this pattern is that you can make a jumpsuit or a playsuit, so it will see you through spring, summer and early Autumn. As with so many of our patterns, the fabric really changes the look and feel of the finished garment. You can pick a linen that will give it a lovely summery feel, a Tencel that's packed with drape which will look oh so smart and chic, or a crisp chambray that is perfect for picnics.
Alexa is a stylish pattern that will have you as feeling as cool as a cucumber when you wear it. We have a LOT of inspiration for you to kick start your project planning.
We have not seen these gorgeous fabrics up close, so it's worth requesting a sample from the lovely independent fabrics shops we have been window shopping at.
Grab a cocktail or mocktail and enjoy this fun selection!
Nothing makes you feel fresher in summer than a bright white. A pretty white playsuit in a linen, lyocell (Tencel), or even lined eyelet would be so nice and breezy for the hottest summer days. The great think about such a stark colour is you can have fun with accessories to accentuate your look, or keep it clean for a modern look.
We're so excited for you to meet our latest sewing pattern - and it's a goodie! Photographed before lockdown and available as an instant digital download, we're delighted to introduce the Alexa jumpsuit or playsuit.
With modern details and a flattering shape, you'll feel cool as a cucumber in the Alexa jumpsuit or playsuit. We've had our sights on releasing a new jumpsuit pattern for a while now because they're fuss-free and super stylish at the same time. And we think Alexa is no exception!
With optional flap pockets, two different sleeve finishes and leg lengths, there are loads of options available for you to make the jumpsuit or playsuit of your dreams.
We know you're going to love her just as much as we do. Read on to find out more...
Update: The UK government currently recommends that adults wear face coverings when in enclosed public spaces, such as on public transport or at the supermarket.
In anticipation of such an announcement, I made a video tutorial on how to sew your own reusable fabric face mask. I hope it is helpful.
This mask fastens with ties since elastic is in short supply at the time of making, plus it has a pocket for a disposable filter and optional nose wire for a closer fit. Please be sure to wash the mask at a high temperature between uses.
PLEASE NOTE: This is NOT designed to be a medical grade mask, it is for personal use, and is not intended to replace social distancing or hand washing. Advice about wearing masks and their possible effectiveness in helping to prevent the spread of Covid-19 is changing all the time and is different from country to country, so please check current guidelines where you are and make up your own mind.
You will need:
22cm x 40cm (8 1/2in x 16in) rectangle of fabric for the mask - preferably a tightly woven cotton - I’m using a quilting cotton bought from
the Village Haberdashery
4 strips of fabric for the ties – mine are 45cm x 4cm (18in x 1 1/2in)
Optional wire – I’m using a folded out paper clip, you could also use a pipe cleaner or a twisty sandwich bag tie.
Plus a sewing machine, thread, scissors, pins, tape measure or ruler and an iron.
This is designed to be a unisex adult face covering. If you'd like to make it for a child, you could either try making the main dimensions about 6cm (2 1/4in) smaller, or try this mask on the child to work out how much smaller to make it to fit their particular face. Please note that UK guidelines don't recommend face coverings for young children, and it would be a good idea to replace the ties with elastic if you can find it to avoid the ties getting trapped in something.
If you would like to attach elastic instead of ties, measure the area you would like the elastic to go around (your ears, or back of your head), then take off 10-15% for stretch.
I made this video on my phone at home during lockdown, without my usual trusty filmmaker Jenny, so apologies for the shakey cam and tatty ironing board ;)
