Stitchin’ away at those zero waste jeans

Zero waste jeans front knee patches sewn

Work is part way through the zero waste jeans project (last week I cut them out and the week before I did research and procrastinated). I’m happy with how things are going so far and I’m enjoying putting them together. I forgot to buy a zip so I’ve done everything possible before the fly front…

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Zero waste jeans: The Quest continues….

Zero waste jeans The Quest continues on

I’ve just cut out my first pair of zero waste jeans and the pieces are sitting here waiting to be sewn. Read my first post on this here. The jeans have all the details of regular jeans: 5 pockets, fly front, waistband and back yoke. The aim was to make a zero waste layout so…

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On a quest for zero waste jeans

Zero waste jeans fabric

An item which isn’t on my sewing bucket list (but should be) is to make a pair of zero waste jeans. What do I mean by zero waste jeans? I mean a pair of jeans cut using 100% of the fabric, with no scraps, offcuts or waste. The layout needs to fit neatly within the…

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Free pattern: 3-gore wrap maxi skirt

Free pattern 3 gore wrap maxi skirt

Welcome! The Craft of Clothes is back from holidays. While on holidays, a reader named Ella commented on my 6-gore wrap skirt post, asking if it could be made as a 3-gore (the wrap skirt is a free pattern on this website). I hadn’t ever considered making it with three gores, but sure! I suddenly…

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Holiday projects

Holiday projects

It’s that exciting/busy/festive/reflective time of the year again, where we either wind down and relax or just get busier! The Craft of Clothes Blog will be on holidays until the end of January.  I thank you all very much for reading, and many thanks to those who commented. While the blog’s on holidays (I know,…

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Introducing the Double Fold Waistband

Introducing the Double Fold Waistband

Hello sewing tech enthusiasts, Introducing the double fold waistband, one of the sewing techniques I’m using in my next sewing book (does that make it sound dry and boring?  I hope not!) Undoubtedly this is no new idea; I make no bold claims to be the inventor.  Although I’ve never seen this type of waistband…

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Free pattern: Crafting some Christmas deccys

Free Pattern Crafting Christmas deccys

Fresh from last weekend’s handsewn Christmas ornament workshop: here are the decorations we made. There’s a tree, dove, love heart and baby Jesus.  All are crafted from felt using running stitch. They are very simply made, since the workshop was only 90 minutes long.  Everyone finished one or two things (all beautifully and creatively) and…

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Visible mending workshop: review

visible mending workshop review 1

On the weekend I did a visible mending workshop hosted by Marion library in Adelaide. First was a short book talk on The Dressmaker’s Companion, then we got stuck into visible mending.  You may remember I was making samples for this workshop.  You can also view these on Instagram (you’ll have to scroll down a…

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How to do a Small Bust Adjustment (SBA), my way

Small Bust Adjustment Front and back finished with trued dart

Hi Folks, I’m writing today as an SBA veteran.  As an owner/occupier of an Small Bust, I have a certain authority and years of experience on the subject. As you may (or may not) know, it doesn’t matter if you have a small bust, a large one, you’re tall, short, have big thighs, skinny calves,…

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Built by Wendy, FINALLY Sewn by Lizzy

Built by Wendy FINALLY Sewn by Lizzy

It’s been a while coming, but the Built by Wendy sheath dress is….finished?  I wish I could write that it is, and it very nearly is finished.  I had hoped to wear it on the weekend since the weather was hot, but I got stuck on the buttons (more about this below; please keep reading).…

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