Tutorial: curving flat bias binding with an iron

Bias binding is a trim I’m very fond of using. Since I’ve been making zero waste patterns, I’ve found myself using it more, and in ways which I hadn’t previously. One of these is as a curved trim. I use 1.2cm/½” bias binding (not 2.5cm/1″ which is too wide) and pre-curve it with a steam…

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April and May: A Year of Zero Waste Sewing

Earlier this year I started 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. April and May are now ready, and in my shop. They’re $AU5 each (+ tax). Here’s…

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The Quest for the Perfect Oven Mitt

Kitchen harmony took a dive on the weekend, when it was declared that the two (mis-matched) oven mitts currently in service were “unfit for purpose”. Maybe yours are in the same sad state as ours? I’ve been meaning to make some new ones for ages. Sure, I could buy some, but I could make some…

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6 Ways to Wear a Tartan Skirt

Hi Everyone, I’m back on this blog after 4+ weeks of “sick leave” with covid. Feeling tired but a lot brighter now. Sue Stoney’s blog post on her tartan skirt has given me the nudge I needed to think about tops for my own tartan skirt. The zero waste Clair skirt is my favourite-ever zero…

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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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