I finally got back into my sewing a few weeks ago, after being limited as to what I could do when I got my sciatic nerve trapped back in the summer. In addition to running up a few basics I decided to have a go at a more accurate Eighth Doctor shirt and waistcoat as there are some good photos of both on Steven Ricks’ Etsy shop so I could finally see what they look like (hooray!).
I had a look around for patterns, but couldn’t really find a suitable one for the shirt, which it turns out is a period cut with dropped shoulder seams, full sleeves and a collar without stand, but as period shirts were usually made of four rectangles I thought I could probably hack it from an existing blouse pattern. This was the first attempt, made from some cheap fabric:
I decided after this that I needed to lengthen the opening as I’d only left room for one button and the original has two, and also that I’d dropped the shoulder seams bit too far. The sleeves also needed widening and the front and back more gathering around the collar, which I reused from another shirt pattern minus its stand.
Very long sewing post continues behind the cut…
For the second version I chose some viscose linen (I don’t usually sew with viscose as I find it too shifty, and it shrinks upwards when washed and has to be stretched back into shape with the iron, but I took a punt as actual linen is too expensive to potentially waste) which is a nice weight and drape and a natural colour (not easy to see in the photos as the light is abysmal here today). This time I cut the sleeves a bit too wide and had to take them in after I’d put the cuffs on, something I wish I’d done first as there’s now a lot of gathering around the cuff but I can live with it. I also got one sleeve caught in the overlocker and ended up with a rather large hole but thankfully there’s so much fabric at the top that the resulting seam is pretty much hidden. Phew!
This one turned out looking much more like the one from the costume:
I should have made the binding flush with the collar but that’s my fault for not checking the photos before I stitched it. Otherwise the collar (which I reshaped slightly) looks pretty good. I don’t have self cover buttons so I had to use some ordinary ones recycled from the last shirt I made for the cosplay.
I can’t see what the sleeve opening is like so I just cut a slit and bound it. I also had a go at copying the cuffs, which rather than just being left undone as I’d assumed, are actually buttoned at the top:
All in all, though I’d make a couple of changes, I think it turned out well for something that was put together with bits from three different patterns. I prefer the collar style to those on the regular shirts i make, and sewing it’s much less of a faff!
My waistcoats don’t fit very well as I’ve put a bit of weight on through not being able to exercise for the last few months and as I can now see what Paul’s looks I like I was browsing for a suitable pattern to make a new one. I did find one from Folkwear that would have been ideal, but as I’m on a tight budget and didn’t really want to fork out for another pattern just now I decided to alter the one I already have instead. I’d changed it before but this time I raised the neckline a bit further, widened the shoulders and turned the notched collar into a shawl. I’m always on the lookout for fabric; Paul’s is silk, I believe, which even if I could have found a match would be far too expensive, and I’ve not really found anything similar in satin or brocade. I was looking at Etsy and saw a paisley Rose and Hubble cotton that I thought might work, but checking through the same company’s designs on my usual fabric shop I found one that was even better:
It’s not as geometric but it’s vaguely reminiscent of the original, in my mind at least. I changed the pockets from single to double welt which ended up taking me way too long to do, trying to match the pattern. I didn’t have enough fabric (or patience!) to match right across but I did my best to make the welts consistent:
Those are not the best-sewn welts in the world, sadly. One went in absolutely fine, the other had to be continually unpicked. Two welt pockets took me two and a half hours, about two hours longer than they should have done!
This is the result, with buttons taken from the second waistcoat I made a couple of years ago (I’m very envious of Steven’s mannequin with arms, btw):
Mine’s obviously shaped slightly differently because it’s a women’s pattern with princess seams but I’ve used a men’s pattern before and didn’t like the way it looked. I prefer the shaping. I could have sloped the opening a bit steeper but otherwise I’m pretty pleased with it.
You can see the width of the shirt sleeves there! I think I overcompensated for making them a bit too narrow the first time…
The back and lining of the waistcoat are satin charmeuse; after my first experience with continually disintegrating satin I’ve usually opted for lining fabric but I thought I’d try something else for a change. Unfortunately it moved all over the place when I was cutting it out which resulted in some misshapen pieces; I interfaced them all which helped and it thankfully all came together OK. The buckle was also recycled from a previous waistcoat.
And here it all is together (excuse my case of the wrong trousers, Gromit; the ones I made last year have faded in unfortunate places):
I also made another waistcoat, as a test run for the changes, from some Christmassy fabric:
Not sure now well it goes with the coat, as I was always told that blue and green should never been seen:
Yeah. Not sure I’d wear those two together! It goes nicely with the shirt, though. 🙂
I don’t envisage this being worn as a cosplay any time soon, if at all (if it was I’d need to make new trousers and gaiters as well) but it’s fun to play around and challenge myself. I’d not hacked a pattern to the extent I did to make the shirt before so I was really happy it turned out so well.
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currently trying to pattern hack a raglan by adding cables but im terrible at cables so i am attempting to make a chart to follow and i have no idea what i’m doing and i have truly spent entirely too much time fartin around on stitchfiddle
Looking for a beginner-friendly sewing project? Check out my latest blog post where I show you step-by-step how to sew a bralette crop top using fabric scraps and my free printable PDF pattern. The pattern comes in all sizes and is perfect for pattern hacking and resizing. Don't forget to subscribe to my channel for more sewing tutorials, and share your finished product with me on social media using the hashtag #sewingwithsparrowrefashion . Happy sewing!
I needed a reason to buy this pink and purple plaid fabric, and I thought the moment that pink is having because of the Barbie movie was reason enough. That said, I have had this bright pink on the brain since the 2022 Valentino all pink runway show at Paris fashion week.
I decided to make a matching set with this fabric. The top is TBD, but knew I wanted simple elastic waist shorts, buy I wanted them a little flared and flowy, almost veering into culottes. I decided to hack my favorite pajama shorts pattern.
They are very boxy and just have you fold over the top to make the elastic casing, which works because they are so straight up and down.
To make them more a-line, I used a slash and spread method to add volume at the bottom.
I also wanted to raise the waist, so I decided rather than try to add to this pattern piece and then fight with turning over the top to form the elastic casing now that the top is much more curved, I would just add a waistband.
✨ Unlock Your Sewing Magic: Milkmaid Top Pattern Hacks! ✨
Hey there! Today, I'm absolutely thrilled to share an incredible sewing adventure with you all. We're diving headfirst into the captivating world of milkmaid tops and exploring the art of pattern hacking. Get ready to unleash your creativity and bring forth an array of breathtaking styles, perfect for those who adore the whimsical cottagecore aesthetic.
In my latest video, I'll be your guide on this enchanting journey. Together, we'll learn how to transform my free PDF printable pattern into a multitude of charming tops, blouses, and even dreamy dresses, all with a touch of cottagecore elegance.
But that's not all—I have a delightful surprise for you! As an added bonus, I've included a free printable pattern for puff sleeves. These ethereal sleeves will add a touch of romance and whimsy to your creations, making them truly one-of-a-kind.
No need to worry if you're new to pattern hacking—I've got you covered. This tutorial is designed to be beginner-friendly, providing detailed step-by-step instructions that will help you bring your sewing vision to life with ease and confidence.
So, head over to my YouTube channel and watch the full video tutorial. Immerse yourself in the magic of pattern hacking as I guide you through each step, revealing the secrets to creating unique and captivating garments. Don't forget to show your support by hitting the like button, subscribing to my channel, and sharing the video with your sewing friends.
Grab your favorite fabric, download the milkmaid top pattern, and let the magic begin!
Anya is live and ready to show you everything. Watch her strip, dance, and perform exclusive shows just for you. Interact in real-time and make your fantasies come true.
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Anya is LIVE right now
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Free to watch • No registration required • HD streaming
📣 Which PDF pattern would you like the next week ? ! 🧵✨
I want to make sure I'm delivering content that you're excited about, so I need your help in deciding which pattern and hacking video to feature next week. Here are the options:
1️⃣ Midi Skirt: A versatile and stylish skirt that's perfect for any occasion. It can be customized to your desired length and can be made in a slim or A-line silhouette. Let me know if you'd like a tutorial on this!
2️⃣ Basic Bodice Pattern with Sleeve: A foundational pattern that will serve as a building block for various tops and dresses. With different sleeve options, you'll have endless possibilities for creating your own unique garments.
3️⃣ Bustier (2 Cup Style): A trendy and feminine top that accentuates the bust. It's a fun and challenging project that will take your sewing skills to the next level.
Please comment below and let me know which option you'd like to see next. Your feedback and input are invaluable to me, and I want to create content that you're excited to watch and sew along with. Can't wait to hear your thoughts! 💭🤗
How to Make a Half Circle Skirt with Pockets and Zipper- beginner friendly (Free Pattern Included)
In this post, you’ll learn how to sew a half circle | skater skirt.
Do you love sewing and want to make your own skirt? Are you looking for a simple and flattering skirt pattern that is perfect for any occasion? If yes, then you will love this tutorial on how to make a half circle skirt with pockets and zipper.
A half circle skirt is a classic and versatile skirt that can suit any body type and…
Hey ! Today's post is all about my free PDF sewing pattern for a versatile bralette top. In my latest video, I show you how to resize the pattern to fit your body perfectly and how to hack it to create a variety of different clothes, including dresses, bras, crop tops, and long tops. I also share some of my favorite tips and tricks for sewing with this pattern.
If you haven't seen the video yet, head on over to my YouTube channel to check it out. And be sure to download the free pattern so you can start sewing your own fantastic creations! Don't forget to give the video a like and subscribe to my channel for more sewing content.
