Cold Shoulders Serpent Dress

Summer’s here and it’s time to bring the shoulders out. I was going to draft up a pattern from a tee shirt I but I found a Kwik Sew top pattern on sale at Spotlight. It’s Kwik Sew K3880 which I lengthened into a dress and added 2 side slits. The fabric is a cotton jersey in a really cool coloured snake print which I picked up last year .

For more pics and full story you can visit my blog Nine Stitches

Annie A-line Free Skirt Pattern

I’m very excited to offer the Annie A-line skirt pattern to you for free! I wanted to provide a simple PDF pattern for beginner sewers that is wearable, versatile and you can sew in a few hours to give you a confidence boost with your sewing skills. When you make one, you are going to want to make another one!  For full story please visit my new website Sew This Pattern.

Birdie Bomber Jacket Sewing Pattern

Bombers are da bomb! I love them. I made one a few years ago in a Zebra print which I love and it has been one of my most worn items from my homemade wardrobe so far. I thought maybe bombers might have gone out of fashion but according to a few articles I’ve read in fashion mags and blogs lately they are still up there in the fashion trends. If fact this post from Bloglovin was what inspired me. So, after reading all of these fashion reviews I got a bit excited and drafted up a simple bomber jacket – the Birdie Bomber.

Full story on my new website Sew This Pattern

Venus Kimono Sewing Competition.

To celebrate a year (and a bit) since the release of the Venus Kimono sewing patterns we are holding a sewing competition where you can win Mood Fabrics gift vouchers.

$100 First prize and $50 runner up!

How to enter the sewing competition.

It's so simple, all you have to do is make your Venus Kimono,  take a photo of yourself (or someone) wearing it and share it with us on Instagram (hashtag #venussewingcomp and tag @sewthispattern), Facebook  or by emailing us your entry at sewthispattern@gmail.com.

Be creative, choose a great fabric, and even alter the pattern if you like. You can shorten it, lengthen it, add fringing, use lace, add a collar like this one from Vernoica Darling. I've also got a pinterest board you can have a peak at to help you with some inspiration.

If you've already made one up you can enter it and you can enter as many times as you like. So, get sewing! We are really excited to see all of your amazing creations. Good luck!

The following Terms and Conditions apply to enter the Venus Kimono Sewing Competition:

• Your creation will be judged on creativity, fabric choice, final composition and presentation.
• By entering the competition you agree that you sewed the garment and the Venus Kimono relaxed pattern (available here) or oversized pattern (available here) is used in the creation of your final garment.
• All entrants give permission for Sew This Pattern to use submitted images of your entry on the STP website, Blog, Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest and other social media sites if required. You will be credited wherever possible and links will be provided.
• The decision of the judges is final and no correspondence will be entered into.
• Vouchers will be to the value of $AUD at the current exchange rate.
• Competition ends 11:59pm AEST Sunday July 31st and is open to entries worldwide.

If you have any questions please contact me.

I’m loving all of the lingerie sets I’ve seen made up lately. I especially love the Watson Bra pattern by Cloth Habit. It has a real 70’s vibe to it. Nice and natural with no pads or underwire. Being a very small 34A cup (AA when I lose weight) this pattern is perfect for me. I love padding to give me a boost for a “fake” boob job look but I love the Kate Moss/Twiggy a la natural look much more.

Full story and images on my new website Sew This Pattern.

How to assemble a PDF Pattern.

In this post, I’ll show you how to print and assemble a PDF Pattern. PDF sewing patterns are becoming increasingly popular as they are affordable and instant. There is so much more choice out there these days with so many fabulous independent designers offering this option. However, for a lot of newbie sewers and “old school” sewists sometimes the thought of printing and assembling a PDF pattern can seem like too much work. With a few simple tips printing and assembling is not as hard as it seems. I have used the Venus Kimono for this tutorial to provide a few simple tips and instructions that will have you sewing in no time. 

Full story and images on my new website Sew This Pattern.

One hour easy shell top!

If you are after a quick and easy project New Look have a lot of these “1 hour” sewing patterns.  I thought I’d test it out and see if I could really sew one up in one hour. I chose New Look 6483 shell top version E for this sewing project. The fabric I chose is a cotton broderie anglaise. I love the colour!

Full story and images on my new website Sew This Pattern

Pin Pegs Leather Mini

I’ve made the Pin Pegs mini skirt up in a lot of different fabrics but this leather version is my favorite so far. Leather is a very forgiving fabric with  a nice natural stretch which works perfectly for the asymmetric zipper closure and wrap design of the Pin Pegs mini skirt.
Full story and images on my new website Sew This Pattern

Girls gone fishin' wrap blouse

This sewing project is a cropped wrapped blouse which is very easy pattern to sew. Its a great beginner project with only the buttonholes requiring intermediate skills.  For this reason I’ve included a few quick tips on how to sew buttonholes.

Pin up 40’s and 50’s style is one of my favourite looks. I love the buxom ladies with red lips, pin curls and (these days) full sleeve tattoos but I’m not courageous enough to go all out and pull it off.  I’ll settle for full skirts and blouses and pop my hair up in a pseudo quiff occasionally. Sewing was a big part of this era also, so this style seems to fit perfectly into today’s sewing pop culture. This little wrap blouse definitely falls into wannabe pin up style. Especially when you add some high waisted denim shorts and a fishing rod.  I even found a painting of a girls from the 50’s with a similar outfit on!

Full story and images on my new website Sewthispattern

Country wrap dress

Happy New Year! My first project for the new year is this wrap dress which I made while I was in Tasmania at my parents house for Christmas with my family.

The pattern is Butterick wrap dress 5030 and I made version F with the flared cap sleeve.  The pattern is described as easy probably because there are no button holes or zippers involved and it is fairly easy but it’s not a one hour quick whip up. It took me the best part of a day.

Full story and images on my new blog sewthispattern

Velo Culottes Pattern

I have combined my love of cycling and fashion in a new pattern the Velo Culottes.

I’ve always loved culottes and when I noticed they were trending I couldn’t wait to draft up a pattern. Culottes were first created to provide women with a piece of clothing that allowed more freedom to do activities such as horse riding and cycling but still looked like a skirt, retaining their femininity. Totally fits in with my lifestyle!

Full story and images are on my new blog sewthispattern

Flamingo Play Suit

Summer is almost upon us in Aussie so a good time to start sewing some quick fun little outfits.
Spotlight had a sale on recently (they always have a sale on) where I picked up this cute flamingo printed rayon for a steal. I already had a playsuit in mind so thought this fabric would be perfect to give a fun 70’s type feel to it. Can’t be too serious with a playsuit.....

Full story and images are on my new blog Sewthispattern

Venus Kimono 2

I’ve made another Venus Kimono in a lightweight cotton voile I picked up from Darn Cheap Fabrics. I thought I’d sew up another one up to show how you can style it. Kimonos can look very funky and stylish if they are styled the right way.....
Full story and images on the blog on my new website Sew This Pattern.

Patchwork Pullover Top

This top was literally made from scrap fabric. Usually when I go away for a weekend to my in-laws who live in a beachside town, I pack a few sewing supplies just incase the weather is bad....

Full story and images on the blog on my new website at Sew This Pattern

Venus Kimono pattern release

Last month I blogged about the Venus Kimono which I had drafted and sewn. I had a lot of requests for a pattern  for it so voila here it is.
The pattern is only $6 AUD as a PDF download and is yours for a lifetime!

Buy Venus Kimono Relaxed

Buy Venus Kimono Oversize

My original pattern is a relaxed fit with pleats at the shoulder and a nicely shaped curved hem. It has French seams and a rolled hem which are both really easy sewing techniques and give your Kimono a professional finish. I also drafted up an oversize pattern for those wishing to have a little more  "swish" and  is designed to hang generously over the body.

I made the oversize Kimono up in a camouflage printed lightweight cotton. I whipped it up in about 3 hours total from start to finish. Kimono's are a great addition to any girls wardrobe. Great for covering up when the evenings get a little cooler or if you just want to cover your shoulders when the sun is beating. They look super stylish too!

You can download your pattern at our pattern shop. Don't forget to hashtag #sewthispattern so we can see your awesome creation and share it on our website.

Annie x

Venus Kimono

Kimono's have been trending for a while and I've probably missed the boat but I still love them and had the perfect silk blend fabric to make one with so why not?

Last weekend was my birthday weekend so we headed down to Venus Bay to celebrate. Of course I had to pack a few sewing bibs and bobs just incase I had time! As it turned out I had about an hour free and I quickly drafted up a pattern using an old kimono I bought a few years ago as a rough guide. I added some pleats in the shoulder area for a bit of interest. 

The fabric is "Three sided tears" from Tessuti and is a cotton/silk blend voile. It's a beautiful fabric and fairly easy to work with although I made sure I trace threaded all of my seam lines and tailor tacked the pleats for accuracy. The fabric also frayed a little and I didn't want to add bulky serging to the seams as it just wouldn't do it justice so I chose french seams which worked perfectly.

Here is a great article from Threads on how to finish seams on silk fabrics.

It worked out pretty well although I think a higher percentage of silk would have been better as the higher percentage of cotton probably doesn't let it hang as well as I'd like.

Sayonara! 

How to shorten a metal zipper.

If you want to add some interesting details to a design one of the easiest ways is to add an interesting zip. I love metal zippers, they just instantly change your garment from dull to fabulous! 

The Pin Pegs mini skirt looks fabulous with a metal zipper.

The only problem is they are very hard to find in the right size or colour, unless you want to go online and buy about 50 in a bulk lot!  Also, unlike nylon zippers you can't just sew over the teeth without breaking your needles. I have found the best way to get the correct length is to shorten a longer zipper. The longer metal teeth zippers seem to be more readily available.

Metal zippers can be shortened by removing the metal teeth so that you can cut the extra length before sewing into your garment. Once you get the length right you don't have to worry about breaking needles when sewing across the zipper. All you really need to do this is a set of pliers and some patience, but totally worth it to get that funky look.

Here is how I shorten a metal zipper.

Measure the zipper to the length you require and mark the zipper tape. It is tempting to cut the zipper to this point so you don't have to remove so many teeth but believe me it will be a lot more work. I tried it once and ended up with the tape fraying and a compete mess!!

Remove  the zipper stops with your pliers. 

Be very careful not to cut through them completely as you will be putting these back on. You just want to slightly open the stops and then gently remove from the zipper.

Now remove the zipper teeth one tooth at a time. Don't be too rough otherwise you'll end up with a frayed zipper tape. Remove one or two teeth just below your marked line.

Using your pliers, put your stops back on just above the teeth. If you are having difficulty putting the stops back on you may have to pry them apart a little bit more. Just be careful here you don't want to cut through them completely otherwise you'll be off to the shops to buys some stops. You will squeeze gently to crimp them back on.

There you go!  Pretty easy really and you can make the length exactly as short or long as you want and be much more flexible with your design.

Free Pattern to celebrate the launch of Sew This Pattern

Sew This Pattern is now one week old! It's been so exciting to see my first pattern release sewn up by so many talented sewists.  I particularly love the different fabric choices. It is amazing how much of your personality shows through with fabric choice. Keep the photo's coming in and I'll add them to our website.

To celebrate the launch of Sew This Pattern you can get a free download of the Pin Pegs mini skirt this weekend. So, get on it!

I really want to see your finished Pin Pegs, so don't forget to email sewthispattern@gmail.com or hashtag #sewthispattern  #pinpegsmini 

Get the pattern here for Free! 

Launch of Sew This Pattern and Pin Pegs Mini Skirt.

How exciting! My new years resolution has actually come to fruition. I have released a new sewing pattern called Pin Pegs Mini and started a new venture called Sew This Pattern

After studying Fashion Design many moons ago and working in the rag trade for most of my working career, last year I decided to develop a sewing pattern in the hopes I could start up my own line of sewing patterns.

Having two school age boys and working part time as a fitness instructor (not to mention training and racing my bike) didn't leave me a lot of time for sewing let alone making this dream come true.

I am more of a pencil and paper type designer so when it comes to computer design, I need a lot of help. Luckily my partner is a guru in this field and has helped me with photography, website design and illustrator. Thanks Tone!

The vision for  Sew This Pattern is to offer patterns that are not only on trend, but a bit of fun and give the sewer plenty of inspiration to add some of their own personality.  Most of the patterns will be for the advanced beginner to intermediate sewer, perhaps a little challenging at times for some but helping you improve your skills and techniques. 

So here it is the Pin Pegs Mini Skirt.

The Pin Pegs Mini skirt is a pattern that you will love sewing and love wearing. It’s all about showing off those Pin Pegs, Bacon and Eggs, Mystic Megs, Legs!

It’s a mini skirt but how short depends on how tall you are. Make it a micro mini by shortening it or lengthen it to make it a more conservative knee length. For those of you who want a longer skirt in this style but don't think your skills are up to lengthening it yet, don't worry I will include a tutorial shortly on how to lengthen it on my blog.  Also, I will have a Pin Pegs long skirt pattern coming soon to take all of the work out for you.

The Pin Pegs downloadable sewing pattern is perfect for an advanced beginner or intermediate sewer as the design has a zipper which is easy to insert and a buttonhole which could be replaced by a snap. You can dress it up for evening with a pair of pumps or grunged down with a cool pair of boots for day.

It’s asymmetric hem design and zipper closure give it an edgy look that really stands out in the crowd. Choose a fabulous floral, a bold digital print or a bright solid to add your own personality. Add extra interest by using a contrast colour, metal or chunky zipper. Make this skirt yours!

Here are some pics of the skirts I have made so far and some pics from some fabulous ladies who have kindly tested the pattern for me. Thankyou ladies!

Thanks to Kate for the modelling. Those pin pegs are looking great.

Big shout out to these amazing ladies. Thank you for  testing the pattern for me. You're Pin Pegs look incredible!

Madalena

www.veronicadarling.com

Sarah

Lisa

Angela

You can purchase the pattern at www.sewthispattern.com

Please feel free to hastag on your instagram feed #sewthispattern @sewthispattern so I can see all of your amazing designs.

Annie x

Me Made May '15 Week One

Day 1. Made this blouse for the Burdastyle competition

Day 2. Girls night out! Had to rock the Stop Staring knock off

Day 3. Chillin' on a Sunday in my Staple Dress

Day 4. One of my favourites this week. Ready for School drop off in my Zebra Bomber

Day 5. Mixing it up in my red pleather jacket with self drafted Petal Pushers 

Day 6. Rugged up in my Summer Rose skirt. 

Day 7. Worked on some UFO's. 

Me-Made-May'15  is a challenge to encourage crafty folk who sew, knit, refashion and create stuff to actually wear their beautiful creations during the month of May instead of letting them pile up in a draw or wardrobe. It's fantastic as it forces you to look at your diy wardrobe and be a bit creative with it. I have dresses I love but think that they are too "nice" to wear during the day. But since starting the challenge I have thrown a dress on , layered it up with a jacket and scarf and voila an evening dress turns to day! Have had a few compliments at the School gate too!

Participants can come up with their own challenge pledge so that it is appropriate and also challenging for them. One of the most common pledges is to try and wear one diy or refashioned garment each day for the duration of May 2015. It's purely up to you as to what your challenge is. For example, a challenge might be to finish some of your UFO's (unfinished objects). I particularly like this challenge as I have a few projects on the go including a couture jacket (must get on it).


Check out Instagram #mmmay15 for some inspiration it is unbelievable how many talented diy fashionistas and crafty people are out there. I also love pinterest.

Here is my pledge

 'I, Annie, www.sewninestitches.blogspot.com.au sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '15. I endeavour to wear a diy garment at least 5 days of every week and work on UFO's on the other 2 days for the duration of May 2015'