Posts by lizhaywood
I’m 5, I’m 5, I’m a big girl now I’m 5!
Last week the 5th birthday of the Craft of Clothes blog slipped by (with title apologies to Barbara Streisand). It’s been 5 years, 240 posts, over 1000 comments, 17 free patterns and 35 reviews. I wondered when I started if I’d be stuck for things to write about, but that never happened. I’ve written every…
Read MoreMaking Holly McQuillan’s zero waste spiral trousers
In the world of zero waste pattern cutting, Holly McQuillan’s spiral trousers are considered a must-do/bucket list pattern. These unusual trousers have been on my mind for some time, but I didn’t feel brave enough to try them until I saw Sue Stoney’s blog post on them and saw Holly demonstrate how they’re constructed at…
Read MoreNew pattern: The Compact Backpack (zero waste)
Hi Everyone, I have a new zero waste pattern: The Compact Backpack. It’s in my little Etsy shop now; please enjoy 25% off during February. The Compact Backpack is compact in two ways: Firstly, the pattern pieces fit exactly into a 105cm/41⅜” x 64cm/25¼” rectangle with zero waste. And, if you make the backpack in…
Read MoreBook recommendation: Mend it, Wear it, Love it!
Mend it, Wear it, Love it! – Stitch your way to a sustainable wardrobe is a new, highly-beginner-friendly “mending + more” book. It’s a nuggetty little hardback book. The author is Zoe Edwards, who will be familiar to those who have participated in Me-Made-May. Zoe blogs at Sozowhatdoyouknow. This is her first book. So…you might…
Read MoreLast post for 2020
Hi Everyone, Summer’s started, school’s out and and this blog is taking its annual holiday until January. Thank you All for reading this blog, commenting and sharing. Your comments mean so much to me. Thank you to everyone who has bought my books and patterns – your purchase directly helps support my family and I’m…
Read MoreNew pattern: the zero waste Ursa Dress
Hi Everyone, I have another new zero waste pattern: introducing the Ursa Dress. It’s in my little Etsy shop now; please enjoy 25% off during November. Ursa is an easy-to-wear dress that slips on over the head. The dress has minimal seams and is designed to show off beautiful fabric while wasting none of it.…
Read MoreSewing a pork chop
I imagine you’ve heard of a tailor’s ham, the cushion-like pressing tool – maybe you own one or have even made one. But a tailor’s pork chop? It’s a pressing tool I happened across by Daniela of @doctorstitches on Instagram. You can get a copy of the free pattern by joining her facebook group here;…
Read MoreAussie woolgrower Allen Kelly talks mulesing, the pandemic and sustainability
In the world of fashion, Allen Kelly & family’s farm is a the very beginning of the supply chain. Their farm, Glen Holme, in South Australia breeds Dohne (pronounced doo-nee) merino sheep as well as growing mixed crops. In Australia, most farms are owned by families and Allen is the third generation to farm at…
Read MoreThe Cendre Top blooper reel
It’s not often that I misjudge a fabric/pattern/thread combo, but it happens! Please take a look and enjoy a giggle. How can it look so wrong? On reflection, the babycord looks a little like velvet, the taupe thread looks like old-gold trim and probably the puffed sleeves add to combination. So the message is: match…
Read MoreNew pattern: the zero waste Cendre Top
Hello Everyone, I have a new zero waste pattern: introducing the Cendre Top. It’s in my little Etsy shop now; please enjoy 25% off during November. This pattern comes in 12 sizes, from an 87cm/34″ bust to a 142cm/56″ and can be made in bigger sizes if needed. The pattern pieces are drawn straight onto…
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