So I posted a big post about my mock up of this flight suit and I loved it so much i really regretted not making it in a better fabric for the mock up.

So I used a Lurex Woven Jacquard Fabric Green I got from Minerva in the last sale. It's poly and woven and dead-stock so they consider it 'earth friendly' but I'm on the fence about that.

I made a single alteration to the patter, which was to lengthen the 'crotch' seam by an inch. Although the fit was good in the mock up, I wanted to completely remove the chance of this riding up and pulling on the neck.

This worked amazingly and I can sit like a pretzel without choking.

I also added short sleeves.

I love this pattern so much. It's so easy to sew up and the end results have really blown me away! I'd really like to get better pictures of this one, as the flowers are actually gold metallic, it's just really hard to see.

I need to make a proper belt to go with this, as I'm using the belt I made with the mock up. I think this would look so good with any belt.

I'd give this pattern a solid 10/10 - It's easy to follow, looks just like the image, and gives you options for sleeves and length of the trousers.

This fabric is a little softer than the cotton I used for the mock up and shifted a little when sewing, but the pattern is forgiving and I think you can't really make a few mistakes without it showing.

Th drape on this fabric means this is softer and less structured, but it would also look amazing in denim or something!

(just less flattering pics on the cut)

New Dog, New Dog Coat: Or, Yes, We Share Fabrics

My first dog wore a coat that matched mine because making dog coats out of outerwear remnants makes perfect sense. The fact that we appeared to be wearing similar coats charmed children and made many adults think I was nuts. It wasn’t a plan. The dog needed a coat, and I had the fabric on hand.

I drafted that first coat myself, but I did a muslin of Closet Core Patterns Dog Coat and liked the design so much that I used it for our new dog and his coat. A muslin is worth while. I realized I needed to move the Velcro several inches to make this fit my dog well. I also shortened the ends of the straps that go over the top. Next time, I would turn the curves at the end of the straps into square corners, and miter the trim; I used a microfiber for the pale trim and even cut on the bias, it had almost no give at all. That is a blue waterproof fabric plus reflective tape across the shoulders and haunches. It is lined in a dark grey Polar Fleece. He took to it immediately.

You can get this pattern for free by signing up for email newsletters from Closet Core Patterns which gives you access to the free pattern library. They make women’s garments patterns usually, but branched out for this dog coat. Go here to learn more and for a step-by-step lesson in making the coat: https://www.closetcorepatterns.com/keep-your-pup-warm-with-our-free-dog-coat-pattern/

The materials are all from the Rain Shed. I have been making outwear for myself for years now with their help. I have also used their hardware and polypropylene webbing for long dog leads--the fiber is stronger than nylon--and I have learned not to sew 30′ leads, but to knot them for both the lead grip and the hardware. Turns out my home-sewing-machine stitching cannot withstand the strain of a 70-pound dog. You can purchase swatch samples for the fabrics you are interested in to make sure you like the colors. To see what they have to offer, go here:  https://www.therainshed.com/

Annnnnd.... I'm done!

This was my test fit for the Blanka Flight Suit by Closet Core Patterns and I'm in love. I really look my time with these as I really find myself cutting corners a lot - esp with finishing and top-stitching and things. The material is a poly cotton from Ikea and is really thin and low quality and I have LOADS so I'm using it as muslin. The zipper is white, I know - but I didn't have anything else this size when I started (typical, they arrived today).

However, as I new I'd not be getting a lot of wear out of this I wasn't precious about the zip. I might take it out at a later date if I feel like it.

So - first thing - the pattern was FANTASTIC. Instructions were clear, complete, matched the pictures shown and were very beginner friendly. I cut this in a size 18UK and it's a perfect fit for me. It's also very flattering. It does come with two sleeve options which I was going to do, but ended up realizing that I'm def a bit partial to sleeveless, and I feel hardcore.

This took two weekends to sew, I'm a slow sewer and worked on this pretty sporadically - if you were sitting and WORKING, I'd say 2 days.

The actual jumpsuit is... fantastically comfortable. There is enough ease that I can sit criss cross without cutting myself in half, and I'm currently wearing it sitting in my chair with both legs tucked up with zero crotch issues. I do have to put the zipper down a LITTLE so it's not RIGHT at my throat but I'm a long person and I have to do that with EVERYTHING.

I can't belive its taken me so long to try these 'indie' patterns and each one of them so far has been a total delight. Although this isn't the best fabric and it attracts fluff and cat hair like a magnet, I'm keeping this on. I'm sooooo happy with how this turned out.

The actual pattern has different options and layouts, zipped pockets and sleeves to pick from. There is a LOT of topstitching so this is a thread hungry fabric, but who cares when it looks this good at the end?

The PDF version of the pattern is £14.25, printed it is £17.25 + postage.

The total cost to me was: 5 yards of DITTE fabric at £3 a yard, a zipper from an old bedspread, and the pattern. I didn't bother with interfacing because this is just a tester, but it holds up okay without. I used almost two bobbins (which is how I measure thread).

The finished result of my homemade #gingerjeans! This proves I am still a work in progress.

Take two for 2022! This year's theme is "the do-over" which means I'll be focusing on re-making some of my older styles to see if I can improve them.