Scrap Pipit Lounge Shorts

Wednesday, August 18, 2021

Hi Everyone, 


I hope you're all well. Have you been sewing much lately? 


So if you follow us on Instagram (Sew Jessalli) you may have seen me sharing a photo of Mum's Sydney Dress on our story. It's made in our Black Stripe Linen Viscose. Mum had a small amount left so she gave it to me to maybe add to my linen scraps for another scrap busting project. BUT it was the exact amount I needed to make a pair of Pipit Loungewear Shorts!



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Free Range Scraps

Monday, August 2, 2021

 

Hi Everyone, 

How are you all? So something crazy happened. I took some time off!! Yes a whole week off work. My other half and I couldn't remember the last time we took a full week off work. Apart from the first lockdown haha. In three years!! So this last week we've been pottering around at home, relaxing, walking, gardening and just switching off. It was heavenly. 

As you know I've talked about having low Sew-jo the past year or so, the pandemic is obviously a contributing factor, but I honestly think I was just mentally exhausted. All of you self-employed peeps will know exactly what I'm talking about. Time-off is 50% relax 50% thinking of everything work related. So taking time off is so important as you need a few days just to work out how to relax again haha. 


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Shelby Dress

Thursday, June 24, 2021

 Hi Everyone, 


So I want to share with you my new favourite dress. It's the Shelby Dress by True Bias and I have no idea why it's taken me so long to make one. It's always been on my list but I think I just bypassed it so many times when I couldn't decide on the fabric. BUT then I got this Viscose Blend Linen in the shop and totally fell in love with it. I even included this combination on my Summer Wardrobe Inspiration post. Sadly this fabric is all sold out because you all loved it too! Haha. But I do have an alternative which you can buy HERE.  






I am totally in love with the shape and style and I just think it suits my body shape. I made the short, dress style Shelby and I know I want to make another one. But maybe I'll try a romper next as I think that would be super cute for summer. It comes in a full length style as well for both romper and dress, so don't worry if you're not a fan of the mini style.
I love how the dress is made up of shaped panels which are sewn together to create the curves. It's just so flattering. 
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The Marlo Cardigan

Tuesday, June 22, 2021

Hi Everyone, 


I wanted to share my two Marlo Cardigans with you all. I've been wearing them so much lately. If you follow me on Instagram you would have seen me wearing them both a lot. The Pattern is by True Bias. It's only pdf at the moment but you can buy it HERE.


So the first one I made was this Grey Sweatshirt Cropped version. The Sweat-shirting was actually from my stash but I bought some for the shop as a few people wanted to make a similar version (Shop HERE). I teamed it with our ribbed grey ribbing - that's a mouthful - which worked so well (Shop Ribbing HERE). And I had the grey buttons in my stash too WIN WIN! So for me, a true stash buster here. 





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Summer Wardrobe Inspiration

Thursday, June 10, 2021

 Hi Everyone, 


Hope you're all well. I just thought I'd do another inspiration post. Just incase you were stuck for ideas on your next sewing project. A lot of you loved the spring one I did and as the weather is improving, I thought it would be fun!


First up the Lyra Dress. I love this pattern, although I haven't made it yet. You know I love a ruffle hem and the floaty style is so perfect for summer. This leaf print viscose would be a perfect light, drapey fabric and it's such a bargain!




Now I feel bad about sharing this one as we are actually out of this fabric, and I cut this for myself as I loved it so much. The Shelby Dress is a wonderful staple for spring/summer and when I made this mood board I instantly added it to my list. But I have got a slightly different patterned version which would be just as beautiful. 





Next up is the Opal Trousers. The perfect paper-bag waistline and easy to style garment. We think a linen pair will take you through the summer in style.  




Lastly the Cedar Dolman Tee by Cashmerette. A great summer staple and I love this version with the tie front. We think our stripe ribbed jersey would be amazing for this, and super soft too. 


I hope I might have sparked some ideas for you all and if you do make something with our fabric, do send us a picture. We love seeing your makes. 

Happy Handmade!

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5 Etsy Faves | Summer 2021

Saturday, May 8, 2021

 Hi Everyone, 


Time for another Etsy faves post. So here's 5 items I'm loving on Etsy at the moment. 


1. Banner Paper Piece Pattern 


I've been dreaming about paper piecing lately and I'm going to have a go at it soon. It was a little premature of me but I bought this pattern from Happy Sew Lucky for when I master it. I just instantly fell in love with it. Better get cracking!



2. Risograph Prints

I've haven't seen Risographs since GCSE art, but I'm totally falling in love with them all over again. This print from Abby Sumner Design is so fun and great to get for a personalised gift. 


3. Beautiful Mugs

I'm a sucker for some good ceramics and mugs are my absolute favourite. My partner says I "do not need anymore mugs!" but sometimes they just call to you. This mug by Utopia Life Studio is just the perfect shape and colour for a cosy brew on the sofa. I've saved it to my Etsy Faves and might pass the link onto a family member for my birthday. 


4. Clay Earrings

Yes another set from Sarah at Delicious Bits but I just can't stop staring at them. I lover all her monochrome styles at the moment. A perfect all season accessory. 


5. More Paper Piecing

I told you I can't get enough! This one is a little ambitious so I haven't actually bought this one yet. Another gorgeous design by Happy Sew Lucky, but this time a giant quilt. I just love the style and playfulness. I can't wait to have the time to master it. Watch this space!


Well I hope I pointed you towards some new items you might not have seen yet. I love finding new things on Etsy, even those that are a little out of reach at the moment. Happy shopping!

Happy Handmade!

*affiliate links
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Ice Lolly Hallon Dress

Wednesday, May 5, 2021
Hi Everyone, 

So I wanted to share my latest creation with you all. I finally finished my Hallon Dress. It's a beautiful pattern by Paradise Patterns. I saw a fabulous block colour dress on instagram a year or so ago of a beachy dress which I later found out was from Pitusa. I've always dreamed about creating a stripey, block 'ice lolly' dress and thought I could have a play with this pattern. 




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Stash Busting - Use up your scraps

Saturday, April 10, 2021

 Hi Everyone, 


So I've been sharing a few recent makes on my Instagram lately which I made using fabrics in my stash. I'm trying to use up all the 'bits' of fabric I have. I don't want to keep buying more and more fabric if I'm not going to use it, so for the last year I've only bought fabric with a definite project in mind, rather than buying fabric as it's nice. 

(Side Note; I used to buy 'nice' fabrics a lot and then would never use them as they were 'too nice' to cut. Does anyone else do that?)

I think a lot of us can relate to this issue. But there's loads of ways to use up small amounts of fabric you might have left over.  And in the process become more aware of our buying habits. Which should lead to better shopping, a better wardrobe and more appreciation for your handmade items. 


So here is my run down on some great projects to lessen that stash: 

Knickers

Yup, knickers. Such a great way of using up scraps of nice fabric. For jersey scraps I've used the Megan Nielsen Acacia Pattern loads. It's so easy to make as well. Plus they make cute gifts for girlfriends, nieces, daughters....

Then there's the Noelle knickers by Madalynne if you prefer a high-waisted lacey version. There are so many great (and free) knicker patterns online to try. Why not give it a go. 


Scrunchies

My favourite way of using up small amounts of woven fabrics. And I have a full video tutorial on how to make them HERE. It's a project the girls in my After School Club love to do at the end of term as well. I taught them how to make patchwork versions using tiny amounts of fabric. It's a win win for your hair as well. And we all love a 90s vibe don't we?


Closet Core Pouffe

This was shown to me by a follower. And it's such a great idea. Making a super useful item for the home, plus you fill it with the scraps too! YAY! Head to the Closet Core website for the full tutorial. 


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Tropical Blomma Tank Top

Tuesday, March 30, 2021
Hi Everyone, 

Thought I'd pop on here and share a new make with you all. I've been on a stash-busting mission lately, going through my fabric stash and actually finding useful and practical ways of using them up. (Another Blog post coming soon!)

One item I managed to squeeze out of some scrap cotton jersey was this Blomma Tank Top (Previously Pua Tank). The pattern is by Hawaii based Paradise Patterns and was a recent discovery of mine on instagram. Sanna's patterns are amazing and I've since bought her new dress pattern too. 

You can actually get this tank top pattern for free by signing up to her mailing list. Win win! And my bestie has already chosen fabric from my stash for me to make her one too. It's a great, quick, easy pattern to get stuck into. 
So here is my Blomma Tank, made from left over jersey. I'm pretty pleased with it actually. Let me know what you think. 




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5 Etsy Faves | Spring 2021

Sunday, March 14, 2021

 Hi Everyone, 


So as I said in my Etsy Mother's Day Gift Guide, I wanted to start up my '5 Etsy Faves' posts again. I've been turning to Etsy for a lot of gifts recently and I think it's a fantastic platform for so many small and independent shops and brands to sell on. As part of my Campaign Shop Independent with the Holly & Co Team, I think it's important to highlight some brands you may not have heard of yet. Add them to your Etsy Favourites and then find them easily again and again. Please note this post does contain affiliate links, so I may earn a little commission if you use them. 


Right! Let's get to it!


1. Punch Needle Heart Wall Hanging


This leopard print punch needle piece was in my favourites after discovering Saphia in a Mollie Makes magazine. This piece called 'Gemma' instantly caught my eye and I knew I had to have her. This is her hung up on my spare room gallery wall. Saphia also makes gorgeous crochet jewellery, so definitely check her out.


Shop 'Gemma' Heart Wallhanging HERE*. 


2. Handmade Clay Earrings


I have a couple of Delicious Bits jewellery now and they're so beautifully made. Sarah is also very local to me so I've seen her at many a craft fair over the years. This pair of spotty earrings are to die for and will be a selfish purchase very soon. 


Shop Earrings HERE*.


3. Knot Hairband


If you follow me on Instagram, you will be very used to my knotted hairband obsession. The one hairband I wear a lot is my Anna Spurling Orange and Pink one. Anna's items are GORGEOUS and she always picks the perfect colours. This new summery range caught my eye and the 'Eleanor' is a definite favourite. I mean, come on, it's orange and pink!


Shop Hairband HERE*.


4. Ceramic Lady


I'm obsessed with these figurines. They make me smile so much. I bought one for my cousin's 30th and I really hope she loves it as much as me. What I loved is that each one can be personalised, so you can have so much fun ordering these as gifts for your girl friends. I just think they're fab!


Shop Lady Figurine HERE*.


5. Frill Collar Blouse


Well I've been searching for a blouse pattern for ages and when I saw this one by Isa - I knew I had to get it. It's next on my to-make list and I cannot wait for all the frills. A great pdf pattern with video instructions. Definitely a designer to watch!


Shop Blouse pdf pattern HERE*.


Well, there we have it. I hope I might have introduced you to some new Etsy gems. Let me know if you do get anything I recommended. Mostly my message is, try and look for an independent seller next time you need to buy something. You'd be surprised how many things you can find on Etsy. 


Happy Handmade!


*affiliate links.
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Spring Wardrobe Inspiration

Thursday, March 11, 2021

 Hi Everyone!

I hope you're all well and if you're in the UK - Yay for our first week towards normality!! Some of you online have expressed to me how you're so uninspired at the moment and how you find yourself lacking when choosing fabrics and patterns. So, I've created some splashes of inspiration to get you thinking of Spring wardrobe make lists.





First up, the Shelby Dress by True Bias. It's a fantastic staple for your spring/summer wardrobe. And after creating the image above, I'm now planning one myself in the same fabric haha. The fabric is a viscose floral print, fantastic value for money and in two pretty spring shades. 




The Billie Sweater dress by Tilly and the Buttons. If you follow me on Instagram, you already know how much I rave about this dress and how easy it is to wear. It's the perfect transitional piece. It looks chic, whilst also being extremely comfortable. And as the weather warms up we can loose the tights! The fabric is a fleece back jersey, like sweat-shirting, but a little lighter. Team is with Navy ribbing for the perfect combination. 




The Marlo Cardigan by True Bias. This new pdf pattern is a great transitional piece, cropped and normal versions included and we have the perfect fabric for it. Our knitted jersey is super soft and snuggly. I thought a cropped version with big wooden buttons would look so good. Yet another piece I've added to my to-do list!




The Nora. Another great Tilly and the Buttons Pattern. I've told myself I am not allowed the make another Nora, but this combination is just the absolute dream! To make it worse, I used the same fabric but in Grey to make a festive Nora a couple years ago and it's just perfect. I can't tell you how fab the quality of this jersey is. It's a little on the weightier side, so great for sweaters and jumpers, rather than t-shirts as it holds it shape beautifully. 




The Rowan Tee by Megan Nielsen. 6 tops in one pattern and a great staple for all future makes. I thought that a 'V' neck version in our striped ribbed jersey would look great with a pair of jeans this spring. With three colour-ways to choose from and 3 neckline versions, you'll be sure to get some great staple tops with this combination. 



I hope I've sparked your imagination and got your creative juices flowing. Let me know if you do make any of the above. I would love to see! 

Happy Handmade!
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