Tutorial: Zero Waste Inseam Pockets

Easy zero waste inseam pockets can be yours! The pattern for these is in the (free) January instalment of A Year of Zero Waste Sewing. It was part of an idea for making a pocket matrix – a rectangular shape containing all the pocket pieces nested together, which can be moved around the fabric to…

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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…

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Bias 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.…

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New 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…

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Sewing 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…

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A 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…

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Indigo 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…

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Making 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…

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Book 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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Making Zen Online Retreat

Coming up later this month, I’m presenting a session at the Making Zen Online Retreat. This is a FREE online event that goes for 5 days, from Monday 15th – Friday 19th of May. It’s a 5 day happening where stitchers and crafters can learn new processes, improve their techniques and get inspired. If you’re…

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