Posts by lizhaywood
A Skirt for All Seasons: Ways to Wear a Bryer Skirt
This month I introduced a new pattern, the zero waste Bryer skirt. This pattern comes in 20 sizes, to fit an 86cm/34″ hips to a 183cm/72″. It has generous pockets, an option for back waist elastic, and the length can be changed. The pattern is in my shop now – please enjoy 25% off. I…
Read MoreBias cut failure
Friends, it’s only right on this blog to show you some of the things that don’t work out, lest you think I’m some sort of patternmaking genius who nails everything first time every time. Last week I started working on the September instalment of A Year of Zero Waste Sewing, which will discuss bias cut.…
Read MoreNew Pattern: Bryer Skirt
Hello Everyone! I have a new zero waste pattern. Introducing Bryer, a skirt for all seasons. The pattern is in my Etsy shop now – please enjoy 25% off for the next month. This pattern comes in 20 sizes, to fit an 86cm/34″ hips to a 183cm/72″. Bryer could well be my new favourite-ever zero…
Read More6 Things I didn’t predict with zero waste patterncutting
It’s been just over 7 years since I first encountered zero waste patterncutting and I’m still as enamored with it. At the beginning of 2020, I decided I would only make zero waste patterns from now on. Here are some things I didn’t predict… 1. Zero waste uses less fabric There are some who say…
Read MoreSewing success! A bigger bumbag
The larger size bumbag I started sewing last week is now finished (and my children’s predictable bum jokes continue…). I’m so thrilled with how this bag turned out! I took the zero waste waist bag pattern I made 2 years ago and simply got it printed it out at double the size, to make a…
Read MoreA Bigger Bumbag
(Or as my children said: it’s a bag for a bigger bum, Mum!) For some time I’ve been thinking about making a larger version of the zero waste waist bag to wear as a cross body bag. I saw a larger version on Instagram which inspired me, and then lately a friend said she’d just…
Read MoreIndigo Fabric meets Xanthea
Coming up this month, I’m presenting a course in collaboration with Kate Ward. The course combines learning how to create special fabrics using indigo with sewing a zero waste Xanthea top. Xanthea is a zero waste pattern I published in 2021 and is my most popular pattern. It comes in 19 sizes to fit up…
Read MoreWrapping Up Me-Made-May 2023
This year I participated in Me-Made-May, and I’ve been holding off on this post until we actually reached the 31st of May. Me-Made-May is a personal wardrobe challenge with the goal of wearing your handmade items more often or differently. Here’s what I decided to pledge: I, Liz Haywood, pledge to wear me-mades every day…
Read MoreMaking a Pink Nightie
Believe it or not, it’s very rare that I sew something with no considerations other than personal choice. Usually my sewing consists of fit and photography samples, where things like colour, print, proportion etc all have to be deliberated. As well, I have plenty of clothes and no need to make more, as I hardly…
Read MoreBook Review: Zero Waste Patterns by Birgitta Helmersson
It’s my pleasure to review Birgitta Helmersson’s new book, Zero Waste Patterns. Birgitta is a Swedish/Australian designer and pattern maker based in Malmo, Sweden, where she and partner Sam Grose run a shop and studio. She has been making zero waste patterns for over a decade. Take a look at Birgitta’s website, where you’ll find…
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