//THE WARDROBE PROJECT//

 Aaaaaaand she's here!! I'm sure you all know by the title, what I'm talking about! You've seen hints and teasers of her for quite a long time and the time has finally come. Let me properly introduce you to the lovely Alix! She is the newest addition to the By Hand London squad.

A beautiful design, inspired by the dreamy glamour of the '70s, featuring some pretty interesting details(V-neck yoke, inset waistband, billowing raglan sleeves, tie back belt and a full skirt, pleated at centre front and back). And her best feature? No zipper!! No type of closure whatsoever, no fiddling with installing it just right, no nerve-wracking stage, no cursing! Just slide it on and peruse your way through the day or night!  


 I made Variation 2, the mini dress. As I'm not a standard size, I graded from a 8/12 bust to a 10/14 waist and hips and the fit was pretty spot on. Other than that, I didn't make any alterations to the pattern, which was pretty amazing! I mean, even the length didn't need any fiddling with! Oh By Hand London ladies, how you cease to amaze me every time!

The pattern came together flawlessly and it was a fairly easy sew, which demanded just a little focus to get the details right. The instructions were nicely illustrated and really clear and easy to follow.


I used a soft drapey viscose fabric and paired it with thigh-high boots for the ultimate 70s vibe! It's possibly one of the most comfortable dresses I own.

Hello lovely people! It's been quiet around here lately and the reason is that I've been Konmaring the s**t out of my apartment all month long. It's been a really tiring process, but with really satisfying results! A full blog post to come on this soon. But in all the mess that is currently my house I did manage to squeeze in a little sewing time.

So may I present to you, the Nita Wrap Skirt from SewDIY patterns. Another lovely pattern from Beth. I was a pattern tester for her Lou Box Top, so I already knew I was in for something good.

"The Nita Wrap Skirt is a fitted wrap skirt that sits at the natural waist with an angled front, three length options and three waistband closure options. The pattern features waist darts, a built in front facing and optional lining. Make the mini length in denim or corduroy for a versatile casual skirt. Combine a neutral twill with the midi-length for a sophisticated look that will take you from the office to happy hour in style."

 I decided to make the maxi length with the tie waist closure. I cut a size 10 for the waist and graded to a size 12 for the hips. I didn't make many modifications except from lengthening the front darts by 2cm. I'm really happy with the fit and I love that there are no fussy closures.

The pattern comes in two sleeve lengths (long and short) and two collar options (a rounded collar and a pointed collar).It has pleats on the shoulders, a back yoke, a center back pleat, and an overall flowy fit, which is flattering in almost every shape.

I sewed Variation 1(long sleeved version), but used the collar from Variation 2(pointed collar).

I cut a size 8/12 for the bust and graded up to a size 10/14 for the waist and hips. For reference my measurements are B:90cm,W:76cm,H99cm.

The fit is perfect, roomy, without the potato-sack effect. It makes you feel put together, without it being restrictive.

As always with By Hand London patterns, the drafting is exceptional and the instructions were really clear and easy to follow.

As for fabric, I used a viscose rayon for my version, which was a very smart choice, if I say so. Everything sewed really effortless and pressed really nicely. I used up 2 meters of fabric, 10 buttons and 4 small snaps for the sleeves.

*Disclaimer: I received this pattern from By Hand London patterns for free to test, but all opinions are my own. I sent feedback on the draft to the girls, which were included in the final pattern. I was not paid to test this pattern, and was given a free copy of the final pattern as compensation.*

Hello lovely readers! I've been thinking about sewing patterns and my wardrobe lately. What makes a sewing pattern, a good pattern? On my opinion, one of the things that make a sewing pattern stand out is its diversity. Countless versions could be made out of this pattern and multiple fabrics would be appropriate to use. One such pattern I'm here to talk to you about today!

This is the newest pattern from Paprika patterns, the Opal Cardigan.


This pattern is really versatile! It has a dropped shoulder, three different hem lengths, two sleeve lengths and two different pockets, designed to fit both the shorter and longer versions. The front openings are finished with bands, as well as the sleeves, so no fussy buttonholes are needed!

You could use really any type of knit fabric you'd like and that will determine the overall look of your cardigan. Lisa has a blog post on the recommended fabrics for this pattern, as well as a 20% off from Gorgeous Fabrics on their sweater knits until March 15th with the code PARPIKA20.


For my version, I went with View C for the hem (the longer option) and View A for the sleeves (the longer option) and omitted the pockets, since I'm not really a fan. I cut a size B, without any modifications and the fit is perfect. For this one, I used a more drapey knit, to achieve a more relaxed look. I love the final look. I could throw this over anything and it would make for an interesting extra layer.

I can't recommend this pattern enough! The drafting is exceptional, the instructions are really clear and the possibilities are endless! I already have two more versions planned!

Hello lovely readers! With the cold weather outside, nothing is better than a comfy, cozy sweater right? I love sweaters! I love sweatshirts, knit sweaters, monochromatic ones, printed ones, basic ones! But things in the wardrobe can get a little repetitive with sweaters. Same boxy sweater in different colors (rings a bell?? right?). Enter the Zircon sweater/dress pattern from Paprika patterns.

 "With its bold geometric yokes in contrasting fabric, the Zircon Sweater/Dress is sure to make you stand out. The yokes extend into the sleeve, creating an interesting shape and a softly rounded shoulder. The loose cocoon shape is comfortable to wear without feeling swamped. The relaxed fit is complemented by bracelet length tapered sleeves. The crew neck is finished with a neckband.|


The pattern comes with two versions: View A is a sweater, resting above the hips, and View B is a dress of mid-thigh length. They both have really interesting yokes and hem insets. The pattern can be sewed in a variety of stable stretch fabrics such as sweatshirt fleece, french terry or neoprene.
I chose to make View A (sweater) in size 4, without any alterations, in a sweatshirt fleece. I opted for the classic black & white color combination. The pattern is beautifully drafted, and the instruction are really clear! This turned out so comfy!

To be honest, it takes a little time to sew and I recommend sewing this with a clear mind! All the different yokes and pointy ends, require a little patience, and as you can see mine turned out a little more rounded at the corners than they were supposed to be. But the outcome is really rewarding!

*Disclaimer: Lisa sent me this pattern in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own. 

Hello everyone! I'm here to share an awesome project with you! A few weeks ago, Annie from Nine Stitches  contacted me and asked if I'd be interested in testing her first pattern, after seeing this post on my blog. At first I was a little hesitant because I didn't know if I really had the time for it, but after seeing some pictures of the pattern I knew I had to say yes! 

This is the Pin Pegs mini skirt. The pattern is a downloadable sewing pattern perfect for the advanced beginner or the intermediate sewer. This pattern is right up my alley. I'm know to love a good mini skirt and usually I have to shorten most skirt patterns. But not this one! This is THE perfect mini skirt. The perfect twist to the classic skirt, with modern, clean lines and an asymmetric hem design and zipper closure. The pattern fits me like a glove! I sewed a size 12 without any alteration. I used a cotton fabric with a bit of elastane for better movement. 

For those of you that aren't a mini lover, Annie will have a Pin Pegs long skirt pattern coming soon, as well as a tutorial on how to lengthen the Pin Pegs mini skirt. I definitely recommend buying this pattern! The final outcome is really satisfying and it's the perfect pattern to spice up your wardrobe. 

You can see more about the pattern here.

Hello guys! Boy February goes by fast! I've been sewing quite a lot these past couple weeks! Photographing and blogging though.....well, let's say that's another story! But digging through my laptop I realised I never shared with you my Phlox tester version!

Phlox is the second pattern from Lindsay Woodward patterns. It has two versions, a tee and a tunic and offers two neckline options (scoop-neck and V-neck), two sleeve options (short or long) and an optional hem band. I went for the tunic version with the scoop neck option, long sleeves and the hem band. I cut a size 10 with no alterations and used a soft, light-weight grey jersey.

Phlox is a lovely wardrobe basic you can transform many ways and it's perfect for everyday wear. I actually need to make another one, because this one was gifted to my mum, after her many hints about how much she loves it and how much she wants one exactly like this one! 

Who doesn't love a great wardrobe basic, right?