Making Fibr & Cloth’s ZW Iris blouse

It’s rare that I sew something for myself that’s not part of work, but I was a bit taken with Fibr & Cloth Studio’s Iris blouse. I liked the soft tie neck and the long sleeves. Iris is essentially a classic square-cut shirt, with a choice of cuff finishes. There are also instructions for turning…

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February and March: A Year of Zero Waste Sewing

Back in March I announced a new book project, A Year of Zero Waste Sewing, to be published in installments as a zine. The first one is complimentary – read about this project and download your free copy here. I’ve now finished the next two, which are in my shop for $AU5each (+ tax). Here’s…

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A zero waste Me-Made-May

MMM 2022

It’s May already and this year I’m participating in Me-Made-May again. The idea is to challenge yourself to wear your me-made clothes during the month of May. Here’s an excellent rundown of what Me-Made-May is, what it isn’t, who it’s for and how to take part. Me-Made-May, begun by Zoe Edwards, is now in its…

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5 Ways to Wear Culottes

The zero waste culottes have been working their way into my wardrobe, very easily in fact. They seem to go with everything. Want to make a pair? The culottes pattern is still 25% off in my shop until mid-April. Here are some ways to wear them… 1. T-shirt, bicycle and waist bag THE traditional activity…

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New Pattern: Zero Waste Culottes

Hi Everyone, I have a new pattern. Introducing zero waste culottes. The pattern is in my Etsy shop now – please enjoy 25% off for the next month. This pattern comes in twenty sizes, to fit a 66cm/26″ waist to a 163cm/64″. The culottes are A-line and have a waistband with a button fly. A…

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New pattern: Zero Waste Cloth Doll

Hi Everyone, I have a new zero waste pattern. It’s a cloth doll with a wardrobe of zero/low waste clothes. The pattern is in my shop now; please enjoy 25% off for the next month. The pattern pieces for the doll are nested in a zero waste layout which includes a coat and overalls. This…

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Zero Waste Toys

A short post of thoughts on toys… One of the nice things about having children in your life is going to toy shops to choose presents, or making toys at home. Or even showing children the toys from your own childhood that you kept. Some months ago I was challenged to try making a zero…

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New-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,…

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New 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…

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“Let the fabric inform the design direction”

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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