Angel Pooley

Old Make, Never Shared!

Created this dress from dark stretch crushed velvet, I won’t share the company I bought this fabric from because it has since started taking peoples money and not shipping it out!

This dress can actually be worn in multiple ways, you can see all the different ways on this video from my first go at this pattern in my signature LEOPARD PRINT.

This pattern is a very quick sew so perfect if you need to get something made QUICK for the weekend! I actually made it back in December but I forgot to share it!

Find the pattern here

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Wow, needle felting is a LONG process! First try, I went in “all guns blazing”, and it ended up like a rough flat blob. But I finally managed to create my little panda!

I got this little kit from The Works for only £1 in the sale, so I thought, “let’s give it a go”. Needless to say I’ve purchased a few more kits. Adding to my ever growing projects to start pile!

Angel xoxo

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Using my new glue gun with gold glitter glue! Using trim from Star Fabrics Deals and Destash Group on Facebook.

Angel xo

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A year ago my boyfriend bought me this kit!

I only finished it at the beginning of this month! But atlast I’ve completed my first embroidery project! Took me longer than it would have because I jumó from different projects and different books, keeps my attention span intact!

Here’s a pic with and without flash! It’s not clean, actually it’s very messy but I’m proud never the less.

Angel xo

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In knitting & crochet magazine (my fav craft mag) it gives you the options on some projects to chose to knit or crochet the same project. I chose to crochet!

Here’s my little “Rudolph the Reindeer”. Took me a bit longer than I’d like to complete it, because I seem to jump between multiple projects these days.

The pattern said to crochet/knit the nose but I had these cute pink safety noses so decided to save myself the work!

I especially like his cute little turtleneck collar and of course his dungarees! The yarn comes with the magazine and I love the fact the red has specks or glitter in!

Obviously this is a Christmas pattern and was in Knitting & Crochet Mag, issue 135. But I completed it in February, but let’s say I completed it EARLY for Christmas 2022! 🎅🏽

Feel free to follow or check out my social medias for more of my projects.

Angel xoxo

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I fancied a simple make. So I decided to do this tank. This tank has thicker straps with bands round the armscye, rather than a strappy top that would have binding. I chose this option because I find binding more fiddly, and would take me longer. I’ll make another strappy top when I feel like more of a brain exercise.

I was going to use my new cover stitch for this but I haven’t quite mastered using the machine so I’ll continue to practice before using it on any wearable garments! Turns out it’s actually much harder than I expected, so I will give it a go when I have more time aswell!!

I’m not 100% sure what this fabric is but it feels textured and bumpy on the printed side and smooth and fluffier on the other side. It is a knit but more stable and structured than something like a jersey, which gave it a bit more volume. I purchased it from Star Fabrics Deals & Destash Group on Facebook. Of course, it had to have my signature animal print!

I also used one of my naughty tags in this garment. I bought these from “Sew Me In Explicit Labels” and they have lots of different and unique options!!

Pattern is the lago tank from itch to stitch for FREE

Angel xoxo

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Instead of a New Years resolution; I’ve created 22 for 2022. A list of a mixture of things; fun and not so fun. I got this idea from the Happier with Gretchen Ruben podcast. (Which I 100% recommend btw, but that’s another discussion all together, I’ve posted the link below).

Here’s my list for this year; which I’ve set as my background on my phone to keep reminding me!

On my 22 for ‘22 list was “Finish my WIPs (works in progress), this one i’d had knocking about in my bag for a few months! It was probably an hour to complete the rest! And it’s so cute! This is only my second cross stitch project; and I think I didn’t do too badly.

I got this in a kit from hobby craft, it’s a cheap beginners kit but it was very relaxing to do! Even if it took me a while to complete.

Angel xo

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I believe it’s supposed to be a dragon but I think it’s more of a dinosaur as it’s doesn’t have wings!

The pattern was from issue 133 of knitting & crochet magazine!! It comes with the yarn and crochet hook (and knitting needles). You can chose from a selection of quick patterns to use the yarn for!!

I changed the pale pink to the darker pink, because I liked that colour and thought it fit in more. I also used safety eyes with an eye pattern on them rather than just the plain black! 🥰

Such a cute quick project! I love these magazines, great for inspiration and addictive!!

Angel xoxo

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Shirring is a Long Process…

but it’s Soooooo Worth It

About a month ago I started making 3 “quick” dresses! I thought, well I’ll just make a tube of fabric and shirr it into shape and make different variations. How wrong was i?! I’ve now completed one and having a little break before I get to the others!

The base was SUPER quick as expect but shirring took a long time. Stitching in circles on a wide piece of fabric, rewinding the bobbin 8 times, BY HAND, at the perfect tension = a long time. I’ll go through what I’ve done to create this look as I didn’t use a pattern, just in case someone else would like a go!

I took a piece of fabric (some kind of satin mix), using the whole width. I measured it into my body to see how long I wanted it (minus the frill, I’ll get to that!). Cut it to my desired length and sewed the 2 sides to create a back seam. I also made 4 straps(that were tucked in when I wore it). So they could tie up at my shoulders. I made these by using 8 strips, sewing them wrong sides together, trim the seams and turned inside out, pressed and top stitched.

For the frill, I made 2 strips same length as each other, the width of the fabric. I joined them at each short end (right sides together). Which made a circle of fabric double the length of my dress, this was then gathered equally onto the bottom of the dress and hemmed.

For shirring, for those that don’t know, I used shirring elastic in the bobbin. You have to hand wind, taut but not as tight as the machine would do it. When shirring a lot, this process is done many times, I done it about 8 times. REMEMBER TO TEST ON YOUR FABRIC BEFORE YOUR PROJECT! The settings on my machine was a 4mm straight stitch, but this may be different on your machine, but usually if it’s not working well, it’s the bobbin. With each line of stitches I left a 1/4 inch gap but this can be changed to suit your desired look!

I then put elastic round the top for added stability as well as attaching the straps! And WALLAH… done. It was a very satisfying process, even if it took me ages. The steps are simple, yet effective and I can’t wait to het these other two I’ve cut out completed so keep your eyes peeled for future posts containing a variation of this!!

I got to wear this to my cousins 30th, seeing all my family. My Nanny’s sister, my great auntie Jean, said my Nanny would be proud of me with my sewing, I only wish I got into sewing when she was still with us, to see what I can do now and to have helped me whilst teach myself. She was a real professional, and I’m pretty sure she helps me in some sort of way anyway!

Angel xoxo

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Nothing to Wear!!!!

I was asked what I’m wearing on Saturday, on Tuesday… I had nothing!! It was my friends surprise birthday Saturday so needed to think of something quick!

I had a few hours free to create something. I’ve previously created this pattern as a top in a red (pic below) , super soft cotton jersey and I’m constantly wearing it! I decided to do this pattern as it was a quick simple make and I wouldn’t need to refer back to the instructions as I’ve already made it.

TOP TIP: Making a simple pattern in a fancy fabric, takes your make from an every day outfit to a night out outfit 👏🥳

Pattern: T Shirt Dress ( mid- thigh, flared option) (also has multiple lengths, different sleeves, and necklines and straight option) Also comes in a kids pattern, or an adult and children bundle.

Fabric: Glitter Stretch by Star Fabrics Deals & Destash Group on Facebook

Time: 2 hours (cutting to hemming)

To shave off some time to this make; I decided to hem by folding the hem up as I was putting it through the machine. I used a narrow lightening bolt stitch. Then trimmed off the raw edge on the inside of the dress. Surprisingly, the hem was neater than many of my past hems, when I’ve tried to pin and iron. 🎉

The pattern is perfect for my preference at the moment, but the different options allow it to be a tried and true (T&T) basic pattern for anyone. Although, I didn’t use the instructions this time, they are super simple and I would recommend this pattern for beginners.

Angel xo

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Safe to say sewing has absolutely spoilt me, looking through everything... nothing is quite right, I’d like to change certain things, if I like it it doesn’t coming in my size, other things put me off because I’m no size 6, so I don’t know what it’ll look like on my body, plus the models have some really questionable poses.

How do people that don’t sew deal with this!? More to the point, how did I used to spend so much money on clothes online before a couple of years ago?! 😂

- Angel xo

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Time for some honesty. Recently, I’ve put on weight and extra inches on the waistline. I’ve heard all the replies; “you look fine”, “you don’t look like it”, “you’re still tiny”. But numbers don’t lie, my style in the past have been tight fitting. I’m not so comfortable going out like that now. By no means am I saying that anyone that is bigger shouldn’t wear tight clothes, I’ve seen some larger ladies absolutely rocking their curves and are confident and sassy with them.

For me... I don’t feel comfortable or confident enough wearing those for NOW. My body has changed and I want to dress in something that makes me feel confident. A couple of years ago you probably wouldn’t catch me in a long dress but this still feels me. With the extra added knot, and my signature animal print, I’ve kept true to myself in a new silhouette. It made me less self conscious and more confident. I will definitely be making more as it was quick to make and it looks more effort than it is!

Only issues with sewing... me trying to rush. I started pinning the knot the wrong way so make sure you read to instructions. Luckily, I only had it pinned before checking the instructions and it was only a 10 minute diversion but I should learn to read instructions before jumping in. Does anyone else not bother with instructions? 😂

Pattern- “Gene” by Seamwork

Get membership here. You’ll have access all their magazines and patterns, like me. It’s so worth it!! If you get it through my link I just get an extra month of membership at no added charge to you.

Time- 3 hours from cutting pattern to finished garment.

Fabric- Star Fabrics A knit fabric but I’m unsure of th content.

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New Pattern Release - Briar Pants (also available for children, men or bundle) (Discounted for the next 48 hours)

Fabric- Cotton Viscose from Star Fabrics

Time (pattern assembly- completed garment)- around 4 hours

This pattern is different to many I’ve seen and made, for starters: optional pockets applied ON THE OUTSIDE! They have enough room for my usually essentials: phone! 📱 Next time, I feel like I should do a contrasting pocket!

I chose to make the regular rise, elastic waist shorts and with pockets. I’ve obviously dressed them up into smasual (smart/ casual). But these could be used for anything from pj bottoms/ lounge pants in super soft French Terry to Dressy going out shorts or trousers, in some glittery fabric! Obviously everything in between!! Eg. Kids play shorts, swim shorts, beach wear etc.

Hoping this post has inspired you to get back behind that sewing machine and whip a lovely pair of shorts out. Enjoy, feel free to ask any questions. 🙏

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“I can copy that”

I was at work the other week and my friend was wearing a lovely top from GAP. Boxy, dropped loose sleeves with gathers at the cuff. Hers was plain black but it seemed simple enough to recreate my own. I mentioned this too her, she said I could borrow it to copy. That day she took the shirt off her own back and I started the process of “rubbing off”.

BODICE

I used gift wrapping paper to transfer my pattern onto. Firstly, I did the bodice, only difference with front and back was the neckline as it was a boxy fit. I folded the original garments front in half down the grain line (folding it in half makes my pattern piece, cut on fold). I traced round the garment then added 1/2 inch seam allowance, more than the usual 3/8 but I wanted room for mistakes. At this point, I didn’t include the neck band. I drew the line for the front neck line then another line for the back (copying the garment).

NECK BAND

For the neckband, I measure my patterns front and back neck line and added them together. So the neckband lays nice and flat I took away 2 inches of ease. Then added 1 inch seam allowance to the end 1/2 inch each side. I measured how wide it was, doubled and added the seam allowance to the top and bottom of the band as I folded this in half when sewing.

SLEEVES & CUFFS

This was the most simple part of drafting as it’s just rectangles. I laid the sleeve out flat and measured across the middle (widest part, without the gathers) and doubled to find out how wide I’d need the sleeve to be, added 1/2 inch seam allowance to each side. I then measured along the original garments sleeve seam and added 1/2 inch seam allowance to each end again. This created a rectangle which I was able to gather into the bodice and cuff. ( here’s a tutorial on how I gather with pins). For the cuff I laid the original garment cuff flat measured and doubled it both ways, adding half an inch seam allowance to each side.

This top looks super cute with the sleeves up or down. As I used a sheer light flowy fabric I chose to do a really small hem.

Fabric from Star Fabrics

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Angel 😇

I’m back on the sewing horse!

After quite a long hiatus (long for me anyway), I completed these trousers, I’ve downloaded this pattern months ago but I finally was inspired by the sew your view tutorial for a faux fly on Instagram!

Even though the pattern included a fully working fly, they actually didn’t need it, because of the draw string waist there is ample room to squeeze in.

I searched the #WatsoniaPants for inspiration when I decided to do this pattern, this is when I came across the faux fly tutorial. A lot of the feedback from those that made it recommended making a size smaller than recommended on the pattern chart, because they were an loose fitting garment anyway, I figured if it wasn’t right they’d still fit anyway. But it actually made them fit perfectly in my opinion.

I also done a little bit for the environment with this project, I got a draw string for another garment that wax falling apart and I upcycled it. Every little helps right?

Oh yeah, did I mention..: there’s POCKETS!!! The pocket choice on this pattern really accentuates, the “paper bag waist”. They also have the cutest faux pocket flaps too!! 

Fabric from Star Fabrics

Pattern is FREE Watsonia from Mood

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Now what shall I make next 🤔

I’ll be back hopefully sooner rather than later. ✌🏽

Pattern- https://rebecca-page.com/product/ladies-cocoon-cardigan-pattern/?affiliates=369 (copy and paste if you can’t access the link)

Fabric from Star Fabrics

People are scared of sewing with knits, there is NO NEED!! Using a ballpoint needle, zigzag stitch and an added bonus of a walking foot it’s a breeze!!! I used an overlocker (aka serger) but it’s really not essential.

I cut out 2 of this pattern, I haven’t photographed the plain black one but you can imagine what it looks like and it probably took me about 3 hours from cutting pattern to both finished garments!!

This pattern is using 3 pattern pieces, so it’s not overwhelming at all, even for a real beginner. As long as you read the instructions I’m a firm believer you can do anything with practice.

I made two of these because it’s easy and comfortable to chuck on when it gets chilly. But I was actually surprised how it made me feel!! It feels like I’m wrapping myself in a blanket but I look put together! I’ll defo have to make more but hopefully it won’t stay cold for much longer, so maybe I’ll make more coming in autumn!

Link to the pattern is under the first picture, if you’d like to give it a try.

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