Blog - ChCh sews

Toasty sweaters

It’s that time of the year where NZ houses are often colder than the outside temperatures, and we start to pop on merino turtlenecks and seek out cosy sweaters- or is that just me? Regardless, here’s 11 sweaters to keep you toasty!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Toaster Sweater

What could be toastier than the Sew House Seven Toaster Sweater #1 and #2? In straight size and their curvy size range too. This pattern remains a popular one for printing!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Cosmos Sweater

Sew House Seven also has the Cosmos Sweater, which has funnelneck and crewneck views and two sleeve options.

Page Sweatshirt

The Page Sweatshirt from Chalk & Notch is a cropped hooded sweatshirt

Marlo Sweater

The Marlo Sweater from True Bias gives you a grandpa style cardigan sweater that you can sew up instead of knitting over the course of several months!

LB Pullover

The LB Pullover from Dunedin-based Paper Theory can be made in woven or low-stretch knit fabrics.

Geodesic Sweater

Do you remember when the Geodesic Sweatshirt from Blueprints for Sewing took over instagram? I certainly do! Ripe for colourblocking and scrap-busting thanks to the fun geodesic design!

The Stadium

Blueprints for Sewing also has the Stadium Sweatshirt which comes with all the lettering templates to make yourself a fun sporty-looking sweater!

Arlo Track Jacket

The Arlo Track Jacket from Friday Pattern Company adds the possibility of a zip to a cosy sweater. Are you as adventurous as this jacket would suggest?

Talvikki Sweater

I love how the Talvikki Sweater from Named Clothing is an elevated option which doesn’t immediately lean towards ‘casual sweatshirt vibes’

Ada Sweater

A sweater for the whole family? The Ada Sweater from Schnittchen Patterns has you literally covered.

Mile End Sweatshirt

Closet Core’s Mile End Sweatshirt comes with multiple views, and interesting design lines.

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started.

Sew in right now?

Here’s a roundup of patterns that are currently popular on the printer, and some which I think should be on the printer!

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started.

Ora Pinafore

The Ora Pinafore is back in season. Available up to 119cm (46.8″) hip, this pattern is the last one which hasn’t been expanded to her new, larger sizing.

Aims Shirt

The Aims from Seamwork is a romantic button up with lovely gathers and dramatic sleeves. It’s available up to a 162cm (64″) hip

Love some romantic drama

Check out this recent roundup of patterns that are full of gathers, ruffles and dramatic sleeves.

Sofia Dress & Top

The Sofia Dress & Top from Victory Patterns is available up to 152cm (60″) hip.

Love the shirred look?

But don’t want to sew shirring in?

Tie Dress

The Tie Dress from Sewing Therapy has been a popular pattern for printing recently! Available up to 137cm (54″) hip

Ormond Coat

The Ormond Coat is the latest pattern that’s part of the monthly In The Folds subscription and has been a popular print this month!

Looking for cosy outerwear?

Outer layer sewing roundup
Wet weather sewing patterns and an earlier roundup of rainwear
Cosy Outers and some jacket/coat options in this Dupe This post
Quilted Jacket roundup and a Chore Jacket roundup

Poppy Coat

The Poppy Coat from Make by TFS is cosy and dramatically oversized. Available up to 159.5cm (62.8″) hip

Kaia Coat

The Kaia Double-Faced Coat from Bella Loves Patterns is designed for use with double-faced coatings. Available up to 119 cm (46″) hip.

Double-faced coatings?

Double-faced camel and blue check from The Fine Cloth Company
Plaid and grey double-faced coating from Drapers Fabrics
Houndstooth double-faced coating from Miss Maude
Red & grey double-faced coating from Wellington Sewing Centre
Bright yellow double-faced coating from The Fabric Store

Celine Bralette

The Celine Bralette from Closet Core Patterns is available up to 152.5cm (62″) full bust. As always, grab your findings from Nellie Joans.

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.

Romantic drama?

Hello lovely makers, and apologies for the title on this one. If you come up with a better way to categorise this roundup, please let me know!

If you’re feeling gathers, ruffles, flounces, shirring, and quite romantic- this is the roundup for you!

Vali Dress & Top

The Vali Dress & Top from Pattern Fantastique is available up to 136cm (54″) hip

Nepheline Blouse

The Nepheline Blouse from Vivian Shao Chen has B & D cup sizes and is available up to 157cm (62″) hip

Rue Blouse

The Rue Blouse from Soften Studio is available up to 134cm (52″) hip

Meadowood

The Meadowood from Straight Stitch Designs is available up to 153cm (60″) hip and comes in B and D cup sizes

Take your pick

The Edith Top from Fibremood on the left and the Bloomsbury Blouse from Nina Lee on the right

Boleyn Top

The Boleyn Top from Stitch Witch Patterns is available up to 132cm (52″) hip

Madhu Top

The Madhu Top from Seamwork is available up to 137cm (54″) bust

Feeling Loopy

Feeling Loopy from Forest & Thread is available up to 146cm (57.5″) full bust and can be made into a dress, a top and the mini crop top pictured (right).

Anthea Blouse & Dress

The Anthea Blouse and Dress from Anna Allen is available up to a 129cm (51″) hip

Eleonora Dress

The Eleonora Dress from SilverSaga Patterns is available up to 126cm (49″) hip

Juniper Wrap Top

The Juniper Wrap Top from Sycamore Road Patterns is available up to 165cm (65″) hip

There are cup size differences between the smaller and larger sizes.

Sagebrush Top

The Sagebrush Top from Friday Pattern Company is available up to 160cm (63″) hip

Amalfi Blouse

The Amalfi Blouse from Sewing By Masin is available up to 142cm (56″) hip

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.

More blazers

This week I realised that there were some classic blazers missing from my original blazer roundup, Blazer-ish workwear. Of course, this meant there was an opportunity for a whole new blog post!

Jasika Blazer

A classic choice, the Jasika Blazer from Closet Core patterns is available up to a 122cm (48″) hip.

Want blazer supplies?

For local options for blazer supplies check out Hawes and Freer. They have all the canvas and interfacing but also sleeveheads and a great selection of buttons!

Fran Blazer

The Fran Blazer from Bella Loves Patterns is available up to 119cm (46.75″) hip

Blazer

The Blazer pattern from Assembly Line is available up to 139cm (54″) hip

Keaton Blazer

The Keaton Blazer from Seamwork Patterns positions itself as a beginner-friendly blazer that is available up to 147cm (58″) hip

Want more patterns?

Check out my original blazer roundup, Blazer-ish workwear!
Free blazer from Mood
Blazer pattern from Maria Denmark
Le Blazer from Atelier Brunette
Jorla Blazer from Fibremood
Joni Blazer from Fibremood
Evans Blazer (knit) from Hey June Handmade
Blazers from Viki sews

Aava Tailored Blazer

The Aava Tailored Blazer from Named Patterns is available up to 112cm (44″) hip

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.

Wet weather sewing patterns

Hello and welcome to this follow-up post to my Rain wear roundup from 2022. There’s been some great wet weather pattern releases since my last roundup, and I’ve included my faves here!

RAINCOAT №1097

This rain poncho coat from Grasser is available up to 132cm (52″) hip

Keneddy Hooded Top

The Kennedy Hooded Top from StyleArc has rain anorak vibes without actually being a rain anorak. I guess that makes it a bold inclusion for this post, but I just really like the big pocket.

Hoodie Poncho

The Hoodie Poncho pattern from Assembly Line is a 1-size pattern.

Check out this version and mini-review from a local maker

Free dog coat

With 3-times as many size options as the 1-size poncho above, the free pet coat pattern The Assembly

Waterproof fabrics in NZ?

I have a roll of deadstock taslon raincoating that was used for school uniforms. It’s a perfectly nice fabric that I’m selling at $4 per metre to make it a great price for toiling your waterproof patterns.

I suggest more places to find waterproof fabrics here.

Lou Jacket

The Lou Hooded Jacket from Seamwork is a fully-lined hooded jacket.

Available up to 162cm (64″) hip

Winterthur Jacket

The Winterthur Jacket from Itch to Stitch patterns is a princess-seamed jacket with cup-size options.

Available up to 157.5cm or 62″ hip

More patterns?

How to sew waterproof fabrics?

As always, Seamwork has a great how-to on sewing with different kinds of waterproof fabrics. Core Fabrics also has a thorough post about waterproof fabrics (which they also conveniently sell).

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.

Cosy outers

This isn’t really the right time of year for this, but I’ve decided to destash some wool coatings on my @chch_destash account. If you’re slow-sewing you could start now and be ready in time for the winter chill instead of only getting half a season out of your rushed warm outer layer (ask me how I know)!

Cashmerette

The Canton Moto Jacket (left) and the Auburn Blazer from Cashmerette are great projects for pairing with cosy fabrics like wool coating. 2

Hot tip: did you know you can contact zip manufacturer YKK in Auckland and buy zips in as many styles, lengths and colours as you can imagine?! I’ve even heard that they’ll colourmatch for you if you post them a swatch!

Mallee Jacket

Designed with boiled wool in mind, the Mallee Jacket is perfect for pairing with any non-fraying wool.

Jurassic Coat

The Jurassic Coat from Marilla Walkers is available up to 167cm (66″) hip but Marilla will grade up if needed.

Marilla has done a lovely job of matching the pattern on her coat- I always forget I need more fabric if I’m going to pattern match.

Shoalhaven Shacket

The Shoalhaven Shacket is surprisingly fabric thrifty requiring just 2.7m or 3m, depending on the size.

Cortland Trench

The Cortland Trench from Grainline Studios can be purchased in Sizes 0-18 and Sizes 14-30

I don’t know how cosy this pattern is, but there’s something about storm flaps that I love! If you feel the same, see more patterns with storm flaps here.

Want more cosy outers?

Grasser Patterns

I’m not 100% sure but it’s possible that plus-size No662 Coat (left) and straight-size No142 Coat (right) are equivalent patterns.

Grant Coat

The Grant Coat from Daughter Judy is available up to a 169cm (66.5″) hip and comes in a long length (pictured) and a shorter length.

Stadtmantel

The Stadtmantel from Stokx Patterns can be purchased in size-bands up to 148cm (58″) hip

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.

Popular recent pattern printing

It’s always interesting to me when I print a lot of the same pattern for folks who are all over NZ! Here are some of the patterns I’ve printed numerous times over the past few months. Not all of these are new patterns, so it’s interesting to see when patterns from a few years back surge in popularity once more.

Zadie Jumpsuit

The Zadie Jumpsuit which took the Instagram sewing world by storm when it was released.. maybe 5 years ago.. has been hitting my printer once more! If a jumpsuit isn’t for you, perhaps the recently released Zadie Dress is?

Clo Bias Skirt

A popular print that works great across the seasons, the Clo Bias Skirt from Aussie Soften Studio is a regular on the printer!

Medlow Robe

My theory is that folks are preparing to cosy up for winter and that’s why I’ve been printing so many M&B Medlow Robe. We purposefully gave this pattern hefty seam allowances so you could pair it with plush fabrics like waffle, or even towelling or fleece.

Toaster Sweater

The Toaster Sweater(s) from Sew House 7 return every year around this time as we try to get cosy but still look fancy

Speaking of cosy but fancy, what’s fancier than boiled wool? I’ve got some lovely pink boiled wool on @chch_destash and you could use it for sweaters or for the patterns included in this Boiled Wool Patterns roundup!

Rossi + Fredy Wrap

The Rossi + Fredy Wrap Dress bundle from ChCh-based The Bold One comes with so many options for different sleeves and necklines that you could really fill your wardrobe with these (and many NZ-makers are)!

Joanie Top Pattern

The Joanie Top Pattern from US-based Sew Liberated is a collared shirt with options!

Could be a great winter shirt in a brushed cotton.

Lea Bias Dress

Another popular print from Aus-based Soften Studio is the Lea Bias Dress. I’m pleased to note as I’ve been printing patterns from here, the size chart is slowly increasing! One day I might even get to test one out myself.

Tamarama Set

The matching Tamarama Set was perfectly timed to capture the European-summer-holiday-wearing-relaxed-PJs-as-daywear vibe!

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.

Destash inspo

You may have noticed that I’ve been working my way through my fabric collection and listing some things that no longer ‘spark joy’ on @chch_destash on instagram.

Unfortunately, I think this post will look best on your phone and on a computer you might need to click through to the instagram post to double-check how close I got to the inspo photo with my suggested fabric!

Pinstripe vintage deadstock

Duplicate this look with one of the many shirt patterns listed here and the Jackie Trousers from By Hand London

Blue with yellow pinstripe vintage fabric 112cm $15 per metre

I have a roll of blue mystery fabric with a yellow pinstripe from a local vintage shop that stopped selling vintage/deadstock fabrics. I believe the story with this is that it was shirting fabric from a Christchurch manufacturer that had closed down some time ago. Unknown fibre but a nice crisp shirting that’s opaque enough to make pants.

Heavyweight pink linen

Dupe this look with the free Peppermint Bardon designed by Elbe Textiles

Extra hefty hot pink linen 140 x 3m $100

This 200gsm hot pink A+R Linen is a delight but I’ve fallen out of love with pink for my wardrobe. . It’s for the heft of heavyweight linen but the lovely sheeny weave of a lighter weight linen. It’s the perfect shade of barbie hot pink and would work for tops, pants and even lightweight outer layers.

Striped cotton shirting

Duplicate this summery dress with Ella Dress from Silver Saga or the Vali Dress from Pattern Fantastique

Classic blue and white vertical stripe cotton shirting 150 x 3.4m $50

This fabric would be a great fit for shirts, especially oversized shirts (see a roundup here) or summery shirt dresses!

Chartreuse Tencel

Of course this fabric would make great pants, but would also be great as a dress. A pattern similar to this dress is The Cove Slip from Les Perlines

Tencel twill chartreuse 150 x 2.5 $80

Lenzing brand Tencel 195gsm this one is extra hefty, perfect as pants weight fabric. This is the nicest tencel I’m listing, I just don’t love the colour anymore.

Colour is most accurate in 1st pic of the fabric

Silk Organza

Double Gauze

Dupe the double gauze cardigan with the Esme Cardigan from Named Patterns or make a cute blouse like the Wren from Chalk and Notch

Suitings & winter pants

I’ve got a few wool suitings and cotton chino fabrics listed on @chch_destash which would all make great winter pants!

In the theme of winter pants

Don’t forget to follow along with @chch_destash on instagram as I’m still working through my fabrics, and have started listing bits that passed the initial cull!

Free Tees

Who doesn’t love something for free? Here’s 10 free knit tee sewing patterns all rounded up for you!

Hemlock Tee

The Hemlock Tee from Grainline goes up to 154.9cm (61″) hip

Plantain T-Shirt

The Plantain T-Shirt from Deer and Doe is a personal favourite of mine!

Available up to 152.4cm (60″) hip

Core T-Shirt

The Core T-shirt from Closet Core is free to email newsletter subscribers.

Available up to 160cm (63″) hip

Jesse Tee

The Jesse Tee from True Bias is a free pattern that you can access when you sign up for their email newsletter.

Available up to 156cm (61.5″) hip

Anything But Basic Tee

The ABBTee from Cooper Creek Patterns is available up to 170cm (67″) hip

Basic Instinct Tee

The Basic Instinct Tee from Secondo Piano is a free pattern that you can access when you sign up to her email newsletter.

Available up to a 42.5″ (108cm) bust and 45.5″ (115cm) hip

Vera Knit Top

The Vera Knit Top from NZ-based Forget Me Not Patterns is an elevated top for t-shirt fabrics.

This pay-what-you-can pattern is available up to 153cm (60.5″) hip

Daisy Top

Another elevated knit top, the Daisy Top from Mood Fabrics is available up to 160cm (63″) hip

Wanderlust Tee

The Wanderlust Tee from Fancy Tiger Crafts is available for free when you sign up to a free week-long trial for Craftsy.

Also grab the Shirt No 2 from Sonya Phillips from Craftsy if you sign up for a trial!

Monroe Turtleneck

The Monroe Turtleneck pattern is a free knit tshirt pattern from Tessuti available from XXS-XXL

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.

Loungeables

There’s something about this time of the year that makes me want new PJs- I’m not sure if it’s about presentable sleepwear for Christmas day, or if it’s so I can enter the new year fresh and crisp?

Whatever the reason, I’ve got a need for presentable loungeable sleepwear, and I’m clearly going to be sewing it!

The Fifey PJs

Named for the M&B greyhound mascot (and his favourite activity), the Fifey PJs are knit PJs.

To celebrate their launch there’s 15% off all M&B loungewear with code LOUNGETOWN

Gibson Loungewear

The Gibson Loungewear Set from In The Folds is a 2-piece set that can be made with an alternate dress view.

The Medlow Robe

Perfect for layering over your PJs or for layering over exactly nothing…. the Medlow Robe is perfect loungewear and perfect concert wear..?!

Save 15% on the Medlow Robe (and all M&B loungewear) with code LOUNGETOWN

Want more?

Sewing Sleepwear blog post
Giftable Projects roundup includes a list of robe patterns
Roundup of free patterns (including 1 PJs pattern)

Luna Lounge Set

The Luna Lounge Set from Jennifer Lauren Handmade is a two-piece matching set that can be made in varying lengths.

Cal Pajama Set

The Cal Pajama Set from Seamwork has a racerback and fitted shorts with a faux fly

The Fran Pajamas

The Fran Pajamas are a recent release from Closet Core Patterns which are designed to be nightware that fits the ‘Pajamas as daywear’ vibe!

Nocture Pajamas

The Nocturne Pajamas from Sew Liberated is a two-piece set for woven fabrics that has long and short-sleeve options.

Free Pattern

The free Harlow Pajamas from Gertie’s Charm Patterns has been previously included in a roundup of free patterns but not in a PJs roundup.. So, here you go!

Kids Classic Pajamas

The aptly named Kids Classic Pajamas from Made by me patterns are pretty classic pajamas for kids

Free PJs

The Devin Pajamas are a free pattern from Fabrics Shop

The Mulberry Pajamas

The Mulberry Pajamas from Sewing and the City comes with shorts and pants options

Lara Loungewear

The Lara Loungewear Set from Swim Style Patterns- they don’t only do things to swim in!

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet.

Want to get printing?

Want to get printing?

Love some romantic drama

Love the shirred look?

Looking for cosy outerwear?

Double-faced coatings?

Want to get printing?

Want to get printing?

Jasika Blazer

Want blazer supplies?

Blazer

Want more patterns?

Want to get printing?

RAINCOAT №1097

Other posts you might like

Hoodie Poncho

Free dog coat

Waterproof fabrics in NZ?

Lou Jacket

Winterthur Jacket

More patterns?

How to sew waterproof fabrics?

Want to get printing?

Want more cosy outers?

Want to get printing?

Clo Bias Skirt

Toaster Sweater

Joanie Top Pattern

Tamarama Set

Want to get printing?

Pinstripe vintage deadstock

Heavyweight pink linen

Striped cotton shirting

Chartreuse Tencel

Silk Organza

Double Gauze

Suitings & winter pants

Hemlock Tee

Core T-Shirt

Anything But Basic Tee

Daisy Top

Want to get printing?

Want more?

Want to get printing?