The other day, I had a friend who has recently started learning how to sew ask me, "how easy is Very Easy Vogue?" to which I said, "no idea, let me find out". Vogue sewing patterns are notorious for being a little bit more complicated with many details and much finesse needed to finish a … Continue reading Is Sewing a ‘Very Easy Vogue’ Actually Very Easy? – Barbie Edition
If you're a vintage sewing enthusiast, you would probably already heard or know of the infamous 'walk away' dress or Butterick 4790. This pattern, a vintage reproduction of the true vintage pattern Butterick 6015 originally published in 1952, is an apron style dress which boasts being so quick to sew, you can "walk away" in … Continue reading The Vintage Walk-Away Dress and Other Similar Patterns
Vintage Sewing Adventures: Using Weigels 2089 from the 1950s On a recent trip to Singapore, I attended a High Tea at the Raffles hotel and my friend wore an absolutely gorgeous dress made up of multiple different colours of gingham. I have always loved gingham as it's a classic vintage staple, it's easy to style … Continue reading Sewing a Three Coloured Gingham Ruffle Dress
When getting into vintage sewing, you will eventually be faced with a decision of having to buy either vintage reproduction patterns or true vintage patterns. Although some true vintage patterns have been reproduced, you may not be sure which is better to purchase. Both have pros and cons so I thought I'd share with you … Continue reading Should I buy True Vintage or Vintage Reproduction Sewing Patterns?
If you sew, you will know how expensive sewing materials can be especially when it comes to fabric. I've written about sewing on a budget before and one point I will continue to share is that bedsheets make amazing cheap fabric alternatives if you find them at op shops. Thrifted bedsheets are one of my … Continue reading Sewing a Dress Using 1970s Bedsheets and Blackmore 8673
Even though it's not quite autumn yet, I'm already thinking about my winter wardrobe. I suffer from seasonal depression no matter how much I try to convince myself I don't. I tend to become a true homebody in winter and barely leave the house so although I dream of a cute vintage winter wardrobe, I … Continue reading Vintage and Retro Style Sewing Patterns for A Dapper Wardrobe
Most people know the Easter bunny as a magical bunny that delivers chocolate eggs this time of year, but here in Australia, we have a magical marsupial known as the Easter Bilby. A bilby is a desert dwelling marsupial with long bunny-like ears that's nocturnal, adorable and very much loved by all Aussies. Come Easter … Continue reading Sewing an Aussie Easter Bilby Dress
A lady's High Tea is a wonderful occasion to get all dressed up and spend time with friends whilst sipping tea, chatting and enjoying deliciously delicate treats. On a recent girls trip to Singapore, I wanted to treat my friend and I to the ultimate High Tea experience at the Raffles Hotel, one of the … Continue reading Sewing a Vintage Dress for High Tea at The Raffles Hotel Singapore
I've always been an avid reader; it's a chance for me to just switch off, escape and self-care in a quiet corner, drink tea and be left alone (for the most part). As a working adult, it's not always easy to find time to read, especially something new where I really need to pay attention … Continue reading Sewing a Feyre / ACOTAR Inspired-Vintage Night Court Dress
Vintage Sewing Adventures; Recreating Chuck's Yellow Dress from Pushing Daisies Remember that crazy time when we were all trapped in our houses and couldn't embrace our friends or family? Yeah, wild times I know but it got me back into one of my favourite shows, Pushing Daisies as I found many of the themes in … Continue reading Sewing a ‘Pushing Daisies’ Inspired Dress
I always like to dress up around Valentine's day as it gives me a chance to embrace all the red and pink clothing colour combinations in my wardrobe. For those of us to love to sew, Valentine's day is a wonderful excuse to sew up some garments a little more romantic or heart inspired. If … Continue reading Vintage Valentine’s Inspired Sewing Patterns
For the past two years, I've sewn myself a new Valentine's Day dress which I love wearing no matter what the hubby and I have planned that year. So far we've drawn inspiration from vintage greeting cards and Katy Keene comic books but this year, Valentine's Day is a little different. This year I'm embracing … Continue reading Sewing a Valentine’s Dress using Vintage Simplicity 3845
It's the start of a new year, which means new and exciting swing projects! I always have delusions of all the sewing projects I will complete in time for a holiday and then become grossly stressed when I can't complete them all. In early January, I was heading to Bali and before I knew it, … Continue reading Sewing Pattern Review: Simplicity 8654 (and Butterick 6354)
Vintage Sewing Adventures Nothing haunts us like the vintage we didn't buy. For those that shop vintage, you know the sadness you feel when you find a stunning vintage piece only to realise it's too small, too expensive, far away or already sold. This is the vintage that haunts us and I am certainly haunted … Continue reading Sewing a Vintage Dress Replica – Recreating The Vintage That Got Away
Back in November, I went on a very impromptu week long trip to Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia. One of my favourite travel locations as I've been there many times, know my way around, love the food, have friends who live there and the shopping is great. As much as I normally like to meticulously plan … Continue reading Where to buy Fabric in Kuala Lumpur
I made 30 dresses in 2022 and although I definitely pushed myself in my sewing skills and learnt lots of new things, I'm ready to grow and learn even more in 2023. Although this is not a sewing blog exclusively, right now, my sewing is making me really happy. I feel like it keeps me … Continue reading Sewing Goals for 2023
During the original lockdown, I really struggled and although I wanted to take part in the #StayHomeAndSew movement, it was more #StayHomeAndStress on my end. When this year started, it had been a while since I had sewn for myself; not for a project or a video, but just for the joy of sewing. Last … Continue reading All The Dresses I Made in 2022
When you first start sewing with vintage sewing patterns, the pattern envelope may seem a little odd, confusing and pretty strange to read. Don't let vintage sewing envelopes put you off, once you learn the basics, they are informative and easy to understand. After sewing for a few years and learning how to read vintage … Continue reading How to Read a Vintage Sewing Pattern Envelope