Handmade by Carolyn

Original Digby Julie tunic dress/ tops

05/11/2023 6:11 pm \ 1 Comment \ Carolyn

Hello!

Finally posting some other new things I’ve made this year…

Item 1; a love floaty top for summer. Actually to be specific, I think this is the dress version of the pattern! however it’s kinda short on me thus I am wearing it with a skirt here. And I will probably choose to wear it with shorts or a skirt over summer.

The pattern is the new pattern by Original Digby patterns, the Julie blouse and dress… it’s so pretty isn’t it? I absolutely love it! I kinda want to rush out and buy prettier fabric in like a softer colour, or even something printed, like a floral or something; but you know. Stash busting is still going on over here. Anyway.

So, this is the longest version of the pattern. I added inseam side pockets, just because I like to have them in everything nowadays and am not readily prepared to go without. My fabric is a very lightweight cotton, I think originally from a Morrison seconds sale. It’s quite good for the design, but maybe not strictly “flowy” enough for those lovely softly gathered panels. I think in a very lightweight chiffon or crepe the gathers would fall and flutter beautifully. However I am still very happy!

I hand-stitched the button loop as instructed, and think this looks really nice; however to be honest I’m able to just slip the dress straight over my head, with no need to unbutton. It’s ok thought, because I can appreciate the long slit and button makes the back yoke look more interesting. The instructions for constructing this bit was really good and I enjoyed the lovely clean finish both inside and out that you get at the end of it.

The sleeve pieces are absolutely massive and the result is lovely in my opinion! a very pretty, half pirate-y, half mediaeval sort of effect!

Just secretly, although I am putting this out on the internet, hehe, for the whole world to read should they so choose! but still; just secretly…. I have started doing some embroidery on the yoke. I saw this embroidery design on Etsy and got inspired enough to purchase, ahem. I’ve made a small start. Hmmm. This might take me a while.

Item 2; hehe, I just realised the skirt I’m wearing is as yet unblogged too! It’s just one of the test runs for our new skirt pattern, due to be released very soon, we hope! The Batman cotton drill is from Spotlight, and was leftover for a cushion I made for Theo when he was a tiny bub.

The skirt is fully lined and is a joy to wear. More on our new pattern in a very short space of time, I hope! I think it’s a terrific basic and one I’ve made and wear a lot.

I’m wearing it with a very old T-shirt made absolute yonks ago…

Finally, I made a second version of the Original Digby Julie blouse… hoo yes I managed to find some prettier and silkier and flowy-er fabric…. IN LE STASH what’s more! Whatup?! I knew I could dig up some more appropriate fabric if I really tried. One was just not trying hard enough, that’s all.

This is a silky stuff inherited from Mum’s stash. It’s absolutely gorgeous and feels beautiful against the skin but I have a sneaking suspicion it’s not precisely “pure” silk. Most likely spun from the sloughed off cocoons of the Plasticus Bottleus variety of silkworm, ahem. Anyway, how pretty is it? that’s all that counts really. I’m wearing it with yet another new skirt, white linen, fully lined; also our new pattern, hehe. To be revealed soon!

It’s hard to believe, but I STILL have as yet unblogged things to share here! Until then, mwaaah!

Posted in: sewing \ Tagged: blouse, Carolyn & Cassie Pattern Co, Julie blouse, Meelup, Original Digby patterns, Perth, shirt, skirt

pumpkin spice… plus some lovely sea-foamy green things

28/10/2023 5:19 pm \ 5 Comments \ Carolyn

Hello! I’ve finished making a few new things, both from deep deep stash. I can’t stress enough how happy it makes me feel to be methodically using up ye olde stash! I feel so virtuous. Particularly since such a lot of it was not even bought by me in the first place, but foisted upon me – and I must say here that I truly do appreciate everything that has been given to me, many many pieces have proved to be very lovely and beautiful quality, and very useful too when it comes to testing patterns and new designs! It is also true though that I am at a stage in my life when I want to whittle it down, for good. I have dreams of a more minimalist future, and I’m determined to see it through.

Firstly; a new dress for me, using a pattern that has become a favourite; the Deer and Doe Myosotis dress pattern. Such a pretty and feminine design; I think I might have to always have one hanging in my wardrobe. My blue and white gingham Myosotis is currently being worn by Cassie as a maternity dress, and quite successfully too! quite telling as to how comfortable it is.

The fabric is a quite nice, soft-pumpkin silk crepe, very lightweight and floaty, almost translucent. I’m definitely going to be wearing this with a slip, I think.

I honestly cannot remember where I bought this fabric, or even if I did buy it; and if not, who gave it to me? Honestly a complete mystery! Which makes me think it was most likely part of a stash that I inherited at some point. No matter! I do really like it and I think the colour suits me very well.

Item 2! a little knitted jacket and beanie set for Cassie’s new baby… the last time I went down to stay with my parents I bought this little pattern pamphlet from a yarn and quilting shop in Bridgetown; Naturally Yarns K679. I wanted to get something for the baby, and also to support a local business, but honestly felt very conflicted about buying a finished something when I SHOULD be using up my own supplies…. anyway I did achieve kind of both.

This set is the 6-9 month size. All yarns are from the very large yarn stash that I’ve inherited over time – and no; I am NOT accepting new submissions! I really think I could have a lifetime of knitting ahead of me, no purchase necessary… It was pretty fun though, to try to make the scraps that I had into some sort of design idea, and I’m very pleased with the outcome! I literally used up the entirety of ALL these yarns, with the exception of a small amount of the lime green yarn used for the beanie and collar. It’s the most thrilling thing to successfully use up yarn, and use it up even semi-aesthetically. I know, right?!! SO proud!!

Finally, item 3; and this is sadly not from my own stash, but from Cassie’s. I volunteered to make up one of the fabrics she had bought for her summer/autumn breast-feeding friendly wardrobe. What else to make but one of our own Yallingup designs?! We both believe in this design so thoroughly and it’s a little sad that it has not been as popular as we were hoping. I wonder if it’s not clear that the regular, and the breast-feeding friendly version are actually separate designs, even though they look the same from the outside?

Anyway, we both love it! and Cassie has made up quite a few more of the breast-feeding friendly versions herself for her time with this new baby. And this is one that I made for her.

The fabric is a Nano Iro Air Time design in colour way B.. it’s so beautiful it would make literally anything look absolutely amazing. Hey, I still believe that our Yallingup is independently beautiful too though! I could not fit the pattern pieces onto the small piece of fabric in the traditional way, so the front and back are top to toe, and the wrap piece is cut on the cross, with the tail ends of the tie cut and pieced from the scraps.

I had to cut the facing from a separate piece of plain white cotton, through lack of fabric. She’s modelling it here, 8+ months pregnant, sure it’s a little short but it’s not too bad for a non-maternity design! It’s going to be even better once she’s out of the pregnant stage, and into the breast-feeding stage which is what it’s designed for.

That’s it for now! I still have a few, unphotographed and yet to be blogged things up my sleeve! Until then… 🙂

Posted in: sewing \ Tagged: baby clothes, babywear, Carolyn & Cassie Pattern Co, daily outfit, deer and doe patterns, dress, knitting, Myosotis, naturally yarns K679, stash busting, Wardrobe Refashion, yallingup

Sunset Ocean check and Cornflower mini-check

21/10/2023 12:22 pm \ 2 Comments \ Carolyn

Hello! I made all four of these summery new things featured here during the depths of winter actually, and took a whole lot of photos whilst also wearing thick tights and boots… but obviously the vibe was strange! so here I am, the weather a little more appropriate. I was maybe a little too optimistic for warm weather at the time. Silly me.

These fabrics are both linens from Maai Design; in Sunset Ocean check and the co-ordinating blue is Cornflower mini check. With careful cutting I managed to get four items from my lengths of fabric and use up every single scrap! two tops, a hat and a skirt. I absolutely love it when I can have no leftovers.

Item 1; a Yallingup top in the Sunset Ocean check. This pattern is one of our own Carolyn & Cassie Pattern Co designs… I’m a big believer in this top, it’s truly a lovely design to wear in summer. So comfy and breezy.

Item 2; a matching skirt. This is a Burdastyle pattern, 03/2016; 101 (A-line skirt pattern). I thought this pattern would be perfect for the fabric but truthfully it really requires a slightly thicker and beefier fabric to hold up this welt pockets. It’s fine though, really; I’m very happy with this skirt and am excited to wear it! I really love how the checks look cut on the bias for the lower panels. I was lucky to find a perfect, pale blue invisible zip already in the stash.

Item 3; a blouse in the Cornflower mini-check. This is another of our own Carolyn & Cassie Pattern Co designs, with shortened sleeves due to not quite enough fabric, and a big patch pocket just for fun. Throughout I topstitched with a pink thread, also just for fun, although it barely shows up! Button also from stash.

Item 4; a hat. This is the Elbe Textiles Sorrento bucket hat, that I’ve made many many times before. I made it reversible, with the ocean sunset one side and the cornflower mini check on the other side. Now I just need bathers to match! This photo makes me smile, this is one of about 100 identical trips to and from the ocean with Theo to fill up that little watering can. He absolutely LOVES the beach and we spent hours there happily playing in the sand and wading in the shallows, Theo chortling like mad. Such a joyful day, I hope this photo helps me to remember this time.

I’m also wearing these bathers, made using my favourite vintage McCalls pattern, and my beach cover up, made using the Closet Core patterns Charlie caftan pattern.

I’ve still got more unblogged things to share soon! until then. 🙂

Posted in: sewing \ Tagged: burdastyle 03/2016-101, Carolyn & Cassie Pattern Co, elbe sewing patterns, hat, Perth, skirt, sorrento bucket hat, Theo, top, yallingup

black velvet hoodie jacket and matching skirt

12/10/2023 4:21 pm \ 3 Comments \ Carolyn

Hello! long time no blog… I’ve been having a few technological issues. Specifically, my lovely loyal computer started dying and then… did die *pause for a moment’s silence* Towards the end it was impossible to do anything without everything crashing …. life was becoming terribly frustrating. Traumatic times! Anyway, long story short; I have a lovely new computer now! Yes, that was the short version, thank goodness for that!

Anyway, time for me to blog some of the things I’ve been making… oh I noticed just today that my blog is just about exactly 14? years old now? Happy bloggiversary to me! I can hardly believe it, how time has zoomed by!

So, I made this skirt and hoodie jacket set a little while ago… this is exactly the sort of thing I love to wear during winter and I’m excited to wear it in autumn too. The fabric is quite warm but the sleeves of the jacket are short, so I can see it being pretty good during the seasonal change too.

Patterns: the jacket is Burdastyle 10/2009, 108; a pattern I have used once before, here. This time I fully lined the jacket, and did not put in any piping.

The skirt is the new Fibremood Marah pattern, available here. I cut the mini version, just bit longer. It’s a pretty cute pattern, like a jeans skirt with a front fly and slanted side pockets. Plus the usual back patch pockets, and for good measure two extra big pockets at the side too. These match the big patch pockets on my jacket, which is quite nice I think.

Fabrics; the mustard patterned black velvet is a fairly heavy upholstery fabric that was given to me years ago by a friend, who was cleaning out her mother-in-law’s stash. It’s almost got thrown out multiple times, but I’ve always saved it at the last minute because it’s really not too bad. I cut the pockets and hoodie from a mustard/caramel cotton corduroy, leftovers from a pair of jeans I made years ago. It matches the pattern on the velvet perfectly! like it was meant to be.

I lined both pieces with a deep olive green lining fabric, from old stash. Yes, actually both fabrics are from old old stash and even the zip was recycled. I’m still using my supplies up as much as I can! I haven’t bought any new fabric this year! although I might allow myself one new piece. My friends gave me a Fabulous Fabrics voucher for my birthday and I would like to use it before the year is out. That’s ok, because this year I have managed to get my stash right down to about a third of what it used to be. I’m so happy about that!

Also recently; I made a new pair of Fridgetown hand warmers for my daughter-in-law Kelly. I’d given her a pair a few years ago; when we first created the pattern, and she’s worn them threadbare! So thrilled that she loved them so much! and she requested a new pair for her birthday. Preferably they would go nicely with this navy and white striped hoodie that I made for her even more years ago, and that she still wears very regularly. I happened to have a just-big-enough length of cranberry merino, leftover from this T-shirt I made for myself a few years ago and ran up the handwarmers. It’s so nice to have family who likes to wear the things that I make for them; truly I do not take this for granted! The Fridgetown hand warmer pattern is available here.

Posted in: sewing \ Tagged: Burdastyle 10/2009-108, Carolyn & Cassie Pattern Co, fibremood, fridgetown, handwarmers, hoodie, jacket, marah skirt, skirt

the Pinjarra twinset

31/07/2023 8:00 pm \ 4 Comments \ Carolyn

At last! Cassie and I are thrilled to release our latest pattern in the Carolyn & Cassie Pattern Co oeuvre… please welcome the Pinjarra twinset!

A twinset? What on earth…?! you may be thinking/asking! Well, the Pinjarra twinset is specifically, a cardigan with a long necktie/collarline, and a long sleeved T-shirt/tee/skivvy with two collar options, one a higher loose turtleneck and the other a more scooped neckline with a skinny band to finish. A little wardrobe concept that once upon a time was called a twinset! This particular set of designs is a pattern I’ve used for myself over and over and over again and wear it very frequently; so I can confidently attest to its usefulness and versatility as a really good basic.

And as a special introductory offer we are offering the new pdf pattern with a 20% discount for the first week of its debut; that is until Monday 7th August! It is currently available in our Carolyn and Cassie Pattern Co Etsy store, here.

Although I have quite a few already I made a new Pinjarra cardigan to celebrate the pattern being finished and ready to release… I bought this very beautiful pink double merino jersey from the Fabric Store in Melbourne when we went there for Harry Potter. It’s so beautiful! Incidentally I’m wearing a new skirt with it too; this is once of my favourite patterns the Paprika Patterns Jade mini skirt. I’ve made this stacks of times too. This is a cotton jersey from Le Stash, of course… 🙂 The ivory tee underneath is another early Pinjarra, made a couple of years ago.

This turtleneck neckline is one I have been making the longest and I absolutely love it for winter.

I made a set for Mum too! using a black cotton jersey and some of the blue/grey cotton jersey for the neck tie… I think the contrasting necktie is very chic! A variation that gives it a slightly different look, even a little more formal looking, perhaps?

Cassie made a striped Pinjarra cardigan, with shorter sleeves, thanks to not quite enough fabric! This looks so cool, in my opinion! She is wearing it with the grey maternity skirt I made for her recently, using Burda 7023…

And here she is wearing my yellow Pinjarra cardigan, the pink Pinjarra tee I made for her last year, and the navy blue Burda 7023 maternity skirt that I made recently too. How lovely is this combination for work? I think she looks elegant and professional 🙂

The following is a little history of the Pinjarra evolution, which may or may not be interesting at all. But this is my blog which I think has all this documented over the years anyway, so why not summarise?

As I’ve long documented here; my original go-to T-shirt pattern was a Burda pattern that didn’t fit so I fine-tuned it to better fit me (blogged about here). Then I switched to the Closet Core Nettie pattern, that was pretty good but I eventually started improving the fit of that one too, until it ended up completely different from the pattern, with absolutely zero of the original seamlines left. At some point I rediscovered my modified Burda pattern and overlaid it with my modified Nettie and it was pretty interesting to me that my modifications were nearly identical! Anyway, long and short was that I now started to think of and use this as my personal custom fit T-shirt block and it became my basis for all stretch fit bodices.

the earliest iteration of the cardigan design, 2015

My first cardigan prototype appeared back here in 2015, although that one is of course quite different from this final, far more polished design. Every time I’ve made it I’ve twiddled with the design and I now feel like it’s a really nice robust cardigan with a good construction procedure.

I got the idea to make the two of them a twinset pattern back when I made the above marigold yellow, matching two piece set, blogged here. The tee’s final neckline is a little lower that this one as I thought this one a little high. Yes; I have thought long and hard about these little things! At this point I started working on the two necklines, grading the pattern, and writing instructions. And Cassie of course did her essential digital part. Et voila! the Pinjarra twinset is now here!

The name? Well, “twinset” has always sort of suggested to me, rightly or wrongly, the kind of thing a grandmother would have worn regularly once upon a time; since actually both of my own grandmothers did. And Cassie’s grandmother lives in Pinjarra. So it felt like a good fit. And having a pattern named Pinjarra seems fair since my mother, Cassie’s other grandmother, lives in Bridgetown and we’ve already used the name Bridgetown in our Fridgetown handwarmers pattern.

But I honestly think the Pinjarra is a pretty cool design and not particularly grandmother-ly one way or the other either. More like a really a good basic that absolutely anyone could wear!

another early iteration of the cardigan….

The pattern is currently available in our etsy shop, here. Remember that 20% discount for the next week! We hope you enjoy making and wearing either or all parts of the Pinjarra twinset as much as we have!

Posted in: sewing \ Tagged: cardigan, Carolyn & Cassie Pattern Co, Cassie, Jade, Mum, own design, Paprika Patterns, pinjarra twinset, skirt, top

some blue things because why not

21/07/2023 9:09 pm \ 1 Comment \ Carolyn

First up; some navy blue suedette shorts!

I actually like wearing shorts in winter; it’s kinda the same as wearing a mini, in my opinion, and personally I think minis are absolutely great in winter. So why not shorts in winter too?

Suedette is quite a wintery-feeling fabric too I think; this piece is actually leftover from when I made my Megan Nielsen Dove blouse, way back here. I KNOW! I surprise myself sometimes with my stashing capabilities. Too silly for words.

I had just enough fabric to squeeze out the pieces for these shorts, which is awesome sauce. The pattern is the FibreMood Dahlia shorts pattern, which is a beautifully feminine, roomy design, with a deep deep pleat at the top resulting in chic wide legs, also very deep and lovely cuffs. These are my favourite part of the shorts actually. It has pockets too, of course! Oh, and lastly the waist was a little baggy on me, so I also added belt loops and made a short tie belt. I really like how this looks on the shorts too! You can probably see that I used a silver press stud for the shorts closure, it stands out ike a sore thumb in these pictures unfortunately; after I noticed this I went back and added another belt look over the press stud, hiding it. Thus fixing the problem, yay.

I’m wearing them here with my ivory tee top, my handknitted hand warmers, and my black tights…

What else have I made… hmmm? Well another maternity skirt for Cassie. This is another Burda 7023, using navy blue cotton jersey. I was asked in the comments where this can be bought, I’m afraid if it’s not in your local pattern store then I don’t know, sorry. It’s kinda hard to get hold of older paper patterns nowadays, very sadly. I think this particular pattern was from about three or four years ago. I just gave it to her without taking a photo sorry; maybe I’ll get a photo and update here then 🙂 (later edit: Here ’tis!!)

And I finished another project, this beanie has been a veeeery long term one! In 2018 we went to Canada and Alaska, blogged about here; and here; and I bought some yarn while there; including this ball of locally handspun and hand-dyed wool in Talkeetna, Alaska. The label has Wild n’ Woolly on it, but they don’t seem to have an internet presence so I can’t link to them. The colour is Berry Picking, and the design is my own, but pretty plain. I started and unravelled it a few times, trying to get the perfect amount of head-hugging, which I think I got in the end. It’s beautifully cosy!

I’m wearing it here with my raspberry tee top, my raspberry Paprika Patterns Jade mini skirt, hand knit navy cardigan, navy corduroy jacket (originally made for Sam but he’s given it back to me) my yellow raincoat, black tights…

And that’s all for now! Our new pattern is going to be ready very very soon, we’ve been working so hard on it, so please look forward to that coming soon!

Posted in: sewing, Uncategorized \ Tagged: beanie, dahlia, daily outfit, fibremood, knitting, own design, shorts

white top… ghost horses jumper… patchwork underthingies

30/06/2023 6:11 pm \ Leave a Comment \ Carolyn

Perth dress/blouse

Hello! I have been so remiss in not posting this top, made months ago now… I wanted a new white shirt and if you’re feeling like a quick and easy shirt project then what better pattern to get out other than my own Perth pattern?! #shamelessplug

The back pleat goes “out”; I really prefer pleats to go “in, the fact that this one does not was not intentional but a boo boo. It’s, ok, I can live with it! I used some white linen/cotton from my stash; leftover from my Charlie caftan that I made *checks blog stats* goodness me, about six years ago now! And obviously made a few minor mods.

The length is about halfway between the top and the skirt cutting lines, and I lengthened the sleeves as much as I could to about three quarter length. I really love this sleeve length on a shirt! and for visual interest I added buttoned cuffs. I also added a little pointy-bottomed breast pocket, for almost the sole purpose of sporting a “circa 2023” label.

I also made the little black flecked white skirt.

Item 2; this (to my mind) absolutely beautiful jumper is also something I finished months ago, and have only just got around to wearing and photographing it for my blog here.

The pattern is Ghost Horses by Boyland knit works… I bought it through her blog site here but you can also get it through Ravelry…

The yarns are:

dark blue: Rowan felted tweed, col 170 Seafarer

variegated pink: Manos del Uruguay silk blend, col SB3317 Kilim

plain pink: Manos del Uruguay silk blend, col SB3236 Clafoutis

Le inside/backside

I bought the yarn from Morris and Sons in Melbourne, during our Harry Potter excursion over there, last March. Actually, March 2022, hehe; so embarrassed to admit that. I actually started knitting it straight away and got it to final ribbing stage within a few months. Then took like forever to decide on the finishing bands. I didn’t really like the slightly tight look of the finishing bands on the pattern envelope sample and tried multiple variations ie various k/P ribbing combos, stocking stitch, double yarn etc before finally settling on … well, these ones. Mine is same needle size as body, single yarn, 2K 2P rib, very loosely finished.

And at least it finally is finished!

yea haw! btw, I made my shirt, skirt and tights too…

Item 3:

I made a new underwear set… all from scraps and leftovers! this kind of project is super fun for me, mostly because it is so crazy and silly.

The pattern is my favourite, the Cloth Habit Watson, and the fabric is all from projects in my previous post; the T-shirt for Arthur, itself an old T-shirt of Tim’s; and the red and navy stripe from the skirt I made for Cassie. I had only small pieces, so it was fun to cut and join bits together to get enough for my set! I know I know, silly and crazy. But fun!

I’m belatedly a little annoyed that the white-fronted knickers are asymmetrically pieced so it looks a little lopsided, but at the time I was just happy to have enough to even cut a front! so I guess I can’t complain…

The strap elastic was also salvaged from an old, also me-made bra, the straps though were still in really good nick … the knicker elastic I had in the stash already too. In the last couple of years since we moved and I vowed to use entirely from the stash, I’m constantly amazed at HOW MUCH is in there…!

So that’s all for now.. until next time!

Posted in: knitting, sewing, Uncategorized \ Tagged: boyland knitworks, Carolyn & Cassie Pattern Co, cloth habit, daily outfit, ghost horses, jumper, knitting, lingerie, own design, Perth, shirt, Wardrobe Refashion, watson

some new sewn things….

24/06/2023 10:08 am \ 9 Comments \ Carolyn

Hello! I’ve been busy; making lots of things, but not so busy posting them!

Firstly; Cassie is expecting again, so I’ve whipped up a few new maternity outfits…

Items 1 and 2;

this is the Closet Core Ebony tee combined with the Burda 7023 maternity skirt pattern. This is such a great maternity combination; I’ve made it as a set for both Cassie and Kelly in the past and it’s worked so well. This set is made with navy blue merino and a navy blue/red striped cotton jersey; both have been in the stash for at least a year. I’d bought 2m of the merino from The Fabric Store and made one single tee; I’d been planning a cardi from the remainder but never got around to it… I’d bought the striped jersey to make baby things but again not got around to it yet… Right now I’m totally over saving things for that imagined planned project but am just of the mindset to use what I’ve got, when the mood for a project strikes … it’s a much healthier mindset in my opinion! After all, I can always buy more fabric if I don’t have something appropriate, right?

Items 3 and 4;

the same pattern combo as above, in a mossy green/grey stretch stuff. I have no memory of buying this, and I’m pretty sure it’s another from Mum’s stash. I didn’t have quite enough to cut the tee full length so it’s about 10cm or so shorter than the pattern. Still looks pretty nice imo! I think the sombre colour makes it look a bit more sophisticated and smart.

Item 5;

this is a Burda pattern; 2/2015;107… I’ve made it for her once previously and she absolutely loves that dress. Thus why she requested that I make this one, using fabric from her stash. I think she bought it from Tessuti? when we were in Melbourne, and yes I know I know; I’m trying to use my own stash, why on earth am I accepting commissions from other people’s stashes, hmmm?? Madness! But she’s my daughter so of course I acquiesced. She’s pretty busy, after all!

The fabric is a very lightweight silk? I think… so lightweight I deemed it necessary to underline totally with a creamy coloured, very drapey drill, also used for that visible tie. This was from the stash, yay! It was all finished and I was pretty happy; however when she tried it on it looked way too heavy. When I’d made the first one I’d simply lined it, not underlined; and I realised this was the problem… the simple fix was to cut away the underlining from the side seams and resew the underlining side seams separately to make it a lining. Sounds kinda slapdash but it worked pretty well. The silk hangs quite nicely now! This is not really a maternity pattern but Cassie has found it works just fine in early pregnancy.

Item 6; another self-drafted tee for Arthur. This was cut from one of the last of Tim’s old tees from my T-shirt bag! Feels good to have those all gone now!

bragging about careful stripe matching ahem, particularly on those very small sleeve bands!

Item 7; a kinda silly hat for Cassie. I cut this from the scraps from hers and Theo’s matching pj pants; blogged here. The fabric is of course her own design, from her Spoonflower shop. The hat is a little funny but you know, the fabric was too nice to throw out.

The pattern is the Elbe Textiles Sorrento bucket hat; this used to be a free pattern but now has a small price on it. Which is fine, imo. Designers should be paid for the work they do! Did I ever tell you the story about the sewist who sent us multiple emails trying to not only get our patterns for themselves for free, but also to donate them as prizes for her followers? All to “support us and help promote us”? No? One for another time, maybe!