Posts by lizhaywood
The jeans waist expansion project
My waist measurement fluctuates wildly these days, growing by up to 10cm/4″ (ie 2 sizes). I don’t think I can conveniently blame the pandemic – I think it would have happened regardless. My tummy muscles are shot to pieces, post-partum and beyond, and I’m becoming a woman of a certain age. Those blog photos where…
Read MoreNew-ish pattern: zero waste tie front top
The tie front top is one of the most popular patterns in Zero Waste Sewing. It was the first pattern I made for the book; I made all the patterns just over 3 years ago now. The pattern in the book only comes in 5 sizes, to fit a 34″/86cm bust to a 42″/106cm. However,…
Read MoreInternet down
Hi Friends, since Tuesday there’s been an Internet outage here. I’m hurriedly writing this in the library before they close. It’s now Friday afternoon with no news on when things will be back up. If you’ve sent an email, left a comment or a DM, please know I’ll reply when we have the Internet back.…
Read MoreFashion in a dystopian world
As my children grow older, their tastes in reading have naturally changed, from picture books to Pony Pals to girl detective novels. Suddenly, almost overnight, the jump has been made to post-apocalyptic teen fiction, for example Mortal Engines, The Hunger Games, Divergent, Maze Runner…and movies The Matrix, Oblivion, After Earth, to name a few. Which…
Read MoreThat old army coat
Early next year I’m planning to make a zero waste coat. I plan these things ahead: a few zero waste layouts are rolling around in my head, I’ve found/bought fabric for samples (despite the number of sheep here, it’s not easy to buy wool coating in Australia in January) and I’m considering the garment details….and…
Read MoreStyling the Simone Overalls
The overalls I finished last week have been working their way into my wardrobe. I realised I haven’t worn overalls since I was a preschooler – all those years missing out on such a comfortable garment! I had a fun time trying the overalls on with different things to see what looks best. (Do you…
Read MoreMaking the Simone low-waste overalls
The Simone Overalls are a low-waste pattern developed by Emily of Goldfinch Limited, a sustainable textile studio. We met on Instagram, and she was writing the overalls pattern as I was doing the Xanthea top. I suggested we do a pattern swap, since overalls and t-shirts go well together. Xanthea was ready first and Emily…
Read MoreThe scrubs hat challenge
My friend Belinda, a health care worker in Victoria, has been making scrubs hats for her co-workers. She wondered if it was possible to make a no-waste scrubs hat? Preferably one that’s quick and easy! Zero waste hats are tricky because our heads are round, curves take a bit more thinking to work out, and…
Read MoreNew pattern: zero waste bag duo
Hi Everyone, I have a new zero waste pattern. Actually it’s two patterns, both bags. It’s in my Etsy shop now; please enjoy 25% off for the next month. Both patterns are together in the same listing. They’re very suitable for walking, cycling….or making as presents for the walker or cyclist in your life! Both…
Read More“Let the fabric inform the design direction”
Let the fabric inform the design direction. What does that really mean, practically? It sounds a little nebulous and mysterious, like a departed guru appearing in a dream and bestowing wisdom in that echo-y voice they use in the movies, something like: You must listen to your inner voice, or Use the Force Luke, or…
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