Make Monday: Pattern Merging
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One of the things that i find with commercial patterns is that they have a standard fit, and in order to get the pattern to fit me, i have to make a large number of adjustments. This can take a long time and can be difficult to determine whether the proportions are right.
So to overcome these issues, im been spending a lot of time merging my bodice block pattern with some of the commercial pattern styles that i want to make. Hopefully this will mean less adjustments and will actually fit!
Fashion Revolution Week: Tip 7 - Make it Yourself
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It doesn't matter if its a commercial pattern, custom pattern drafted or freehand cut, sewing your own me made makes can be a fun way of creating something you will wear more than once, fit properly, and a nice handmade addition to your wardrobe.
Fashion Revolution Week: Tip 6 - Use the Remnants
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If excess is cut off to change the shape, or fabric it left behind after a pattern is cut out, once way to reuse them is to turn them in bias binding to neaten seams of garments or as a nice hem trim.
Cut any waste fabric on a 45 degree angle and join the strips together to create 1 long length. Make sure to check the bias tape width needed and cut it twice that amount. Using a bias binding maker, run the strip through it and iron it as it emerges. This will fold in the edges to allow it to be sewn.
Fashion Revolution Week: Tip 5 - Upcycle it
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Try turning garments into an item that you would wear more, or for some of the kidswear pieces, is going to save purchasing something else.
A little throwback to one of my classes at MAC Birmingham pre-lockdown.
Fashion Revolution Week: Tip 4 - Decorate it
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Bring the personality back into clothes to make them last a little longer.
These mix of samples show some of the many techniques that can be applied to clothes to give them a little lift; buttons as 'spots'; decorative bias binding; different embroidery stitches; hand-stitched handwriting, fabric pen drawings and words, rough appliques remnants with topstitching; over stitching to highlight fabric designs, hand-drawn graphics, beads and decorative rips.
Fashion Revolution Week: Tip 3 - Customisation
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I used a wide variety of art materials for this piece; embroidery thread, fabric paint, fabric pens, white posca pen and cotton applique shapes. The design wraps around the right side of the vest to the back.
As the vest is made of jersey, i had to be careful not to pull too tightly on the stitches as this would inhibit the stretch of the fabric and make it difficult to be worn.
Fashion Revolution Week: Tip 2 - Mend it
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Small patches can be sewn on to reinforce damaged areas, fusible interlining can be ironed on to repair rips, and this great make do and mend book from 1943 has great instructions for how to darn and fix holes.
Fashion Revolution Week: Tip 1 - The Refashion
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1st refashion: chiffon kimono into a cami top. 2nd refashion: a worn out coat into a bag.
Fashion Revolution Week begins
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Its Fashion Revolution week and i'm joining in with the BCU family to share some tips and tricks to upcycle, refashion and make clothes last longer.
Go and follow @shift_bcu and @bcu_createmakeparkside for more info and techniques to try.
(Pictures from Shiftbcu and ethicalfashion_review)
The Little Dictionary of Fashion: I is for ...
I is for Individuality and Interest in The Little Dictionary of Fashion.
We can happily report that we haven't turned into robots (yet!) and do agree that no elegant woman should follow fashion subserviently. Although his thoughts on Interest have strong parallels to the fashion weeks of today.
Vintage advice from 1954.
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Pre-Loved Sale!
For anyone who has been following me for a while, you will know that I'm big on being as eco as possible with my clothes.
I haven't purchased anything new in a very long time (even way before the first Covid lockdown) and have been trying to either work with my existing wardrobe by upcycling, mending or more recently, catching up with a lot of my me-made pieces.
But going through my wardrobe, I've noticed there are a number of things that I don't wear anymore, and rather than donate (which I do regularly anyway), I thought it would be nice to give some of the pieces a new life with a second home!
Therefore, Welcome to my Preloved Sale!
Take a look at the pieces and prices below. I have noted if anything has been mended or if there are minor issues with the garments as well. There is a mix of pieces below; jackets, tops, t-shirts, dresses, tunics, accessories...a number of them haven't been worn much or at all, so it would be nice to give them a new home.
All are available to buy on Facebook Marketplace; prices are nice and low (but I am open to offers and bundles!) and do include signed for postage in the UK! Due to the difficulties with deliveries outside of the UK at the moment, I'm afraid I'm only able to ship within the UK. Apologies for an inconvenience.
Pieces will be sold on a first come/ first serve basis.
If you would like more information/ photos or to purchase, please send me either a Direct Message through Facebook or Instagram, or an email via studio@sianriley.co.uk.
There are 2 options for receiving the pieces, if you're local, collection is available and can be paid for in cash, but if you would prefer for it to be posted, I will then send you a paypal link for payment, and the piece will be posted to you within 2-3 working days. I will send you a message/ email to let you know when its been sent.
Happy Pre-Loved Sale-ing!
Womenswear: (*Scroll down for the mens sportswear)
Jackets
Pink Betty Jackson Two Cropped Polycotton Jacket
Size 16 (*comes up a little small so would probably be ok for a Size 12-14)
Size 16 (*comes up a little small so would probably be ok for a Size 12-14)
*Please note; The edge of the sleeve lining has a visible row of hand-stitching on the inside. This was to repair the original lining which was twisted. This cannot be seen when worn.
Tops & Tees:
Ivory Pleated neck Zara Top
Fabric: 80% Acetate/ 20% Polyamide
Size: L (approx. size 12-14)
*Please note: the hem is condensed overlocked.
Black Double Layered Chiffon Top
Size: L (approx. size 12-14)
Karen Millen Woven Trim Detail Jersey Vest
(Jersey; cotton/ elastane; Decoration: polyester/ mixed fibres)
Size: 12 (*comes up small so would probably be ok for a Size 8-10)
Karen Millen Printed Chiffon Front T-ShirtSize 14 (*comes up a little small so would probably be ok for a Size 12)
*Please note; The left sleeve has had 3 small repairs to the fabric. This was done in white thread which can be seen up-close. However, it has no impact when worn.
*Bundle includes both vests in price*
Both Vests Size: L (approx. size 12-14)
Desigual Printed Long Sleeve Jersey Top
Size XL (*comes up a little small so would probably be ok for a Size 12)
Price: £9.00 (Free Postage)
People Tree Organic Certified Cotton T-Shirt
Size: 14
Vintage-Style Playboy Print T-Shirt
Size: 14 (*comes up a little small so would probably be ok for a Size 10-12)
Primark Number Applique T-Shirt
Size: 14
Long Line Tops & Dresses:
New Look Butterfly Print Dress
Size: 12
(*Is a little translucent so may need a slip underneath it)
Size: 14 (*Comes up a little small, so maybe more suitable/ comfortable for a size 12)
Religion Long-line Navy Vest with Built-in Chiffon Overlay
(Cotton/ silk)
*Says Size 3 on the care label; this translates to roughly a size 10-12
River Island Long-line Knitted Waistcoat
(*Wrap-over fastened with two press studs)
Size: 14 (*Maybe more suitable/ comfortable for a size 12)
Todd Lynn (Debenhams Edition) Printed Front Tunic
Size: 14
Jumpers:
Zara W&B Overlay Box Jumper
(The front of the jumper and the poly-organza overlay is printed with the same aerial print)
Size: L (approx. 12-14)
*Please note: The neck rib fabric has slightly dis-coloured over time. However, this should have no impact when worn.
Topshop Printed Trousers with pockets
(*The waistband and the backs of the leg hems are elasticated)
Size: 12
Shoes & Accessories:
DKNY Small Gym Bag
(Has one central zipped main compartment, and an additional space at the bottom for a small towel or shoes).
*Please note; the bag was temporarily stuffed for the photo to show its true size.
Next Black Ankle Boots
Size: 7/ 41 (Europe size)
*Please note: Although they haven't been worn very much, there is some minimal wear on the soles. However, the majority of tread is still intact.
The original box, although a little worn, is available.
Maker Monday: The ABC Me-Made Vest Top
Another me-made make using the ABC fabric from Une Peu de Ci, Un Peu de Ca in France.
Some creative seaming and pattern matching was needed as i only purchased half metre lengths; but its been another great opportunity to use a button (which i think is about 60 years old) from my Nan's button tin.
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Learn to Sew: Juniors - Part 2 . Mini Make Rabbit!
Introducing Part 2 of my Learn to Sew: Juniors Series!
Ready to boost your sewing skills with a mini make?
Why not make a mini make rabbit this Easter weekend? The perfect me-made project this Spring.
This make originated as a MAC mascot when i taught children's classes at MAC Birmingham, and wanted to share this project with you to make at home.
If you have a needle and thread, some fabric (this can be anything; leftover fabric, felt, any unused clothes or tablecloths...anything you have spare), you can practice your basic stitches and try making a mini stuffed rabbit.
You can follow the step by step instructions in the booklet available on issuu to make your own (*Click on the Issuu book picture below). The free pattern is available on the last but one page, or alternatively, available to download from the Learn to Sew: Juniors - Part 2 board on Pinterest. Part 1 of the series can be found here.
Ideal for ages 7-11+, but can be for younger children with help from an adult; as well as anyone looking for a fun sewing project.
Part 1 of the Learn to Sew: Juniors series, more instructions and things to make are available in the Learn to Sew: Instructions, Patterns and Projects page. You can also follow @sianrileystudio on Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest to follow new project updates.
Happy Sewing!
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