Blog - Page 6 of 9

Blazer-ish workwear

Workwear and blazers have been on my mind- not for me, but for you! If you’re thinking ‘hell yeah, I want to make a blazer’ then this is the roundup for you!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Auburn Blazer

The Auburn Blazer from Cashmerette comes in two lengths, has cup-size options and princess seams.

This blazer gives a close-fit, particularly for busty folks who’ll have trouble buying a blazer off the rack.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Barberry Jacket

The Barberry Jacket from Charlotte Emma Patterns is a slim-fitting jacket with a cinched waist and exaggerated hemline.

With an eight-panel bodice, notched collar, two-piece sleeves, and a full lining, the Barberry is designed to wear over a shirt rather than layered over a sweater.

This one has vintage vogue vibes for me, and seems like it would be a good fit for folks who veer vintage.

Knit blazers

Elevated Blazer from Ellie and Mac
Evans Blazer from Hey June Handmade
Estelle Ponte Jacket from StyleArc

Heather Blazer

The Heather Blazer from Friday Pattern Company is an unstructured blazer with an oversized fit.

This gives me 80s tv vibes with its relaxed fit and deep lapel.

La Paz Jacket

The La Paz Jacket from Itch to Stitch Patterns is designed to be made from structured knit fabrics, like ponte.

With cup-size options, La Pax has princess seams at the front and back for a close fit.

Full Moon

The Full Moon Blazer and Dress from I Am Patterns.. I mean, it’s the only blazer/dress combo I’ve spotted.

It has long and narrow lapels and is double-breasted and lined.

Unstructured blazers

Metra Blazer from Love Notions
Morris Blazer from Grainline Studios
Loren Jacket from StyleArc
Pona Jacket from Helen’s Closet
Suraya Jacket from Sew Over It

StyleArc

Of course, StyleArc has several options. I’m not really sure what the difference is between the McKenzie Woven Blazer (left) and Janie Blazer (right) other than an extra button set of buttons which aren’t functional…. but here you go!

Want to get printing?

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

Lovely NZ Sewing Patterns

Love shopping & supporting local? Here’s another installment of patterns from NZ Sewing Pattern Designers!

Want more?

The Bowen Dress

The Bowen Dress is a free pattern which is available through Peppermint Magazine, but which was designed by the NZ-based designer of Hubba Ding Patterns.

The Viola Knit Top

The Viola Knit Top from North-Island-based Forget Me Not Patterns is available up to a 143cm or 56.5″ hip.

The pattern comes with two neckline options: collarless (which is a simpler sew), or an asymmetric collar and the sleeves come in three length options: three-quarter length, full length, and past the wrist.

The Kinfolk Dress

The new Kinfolk Dress from Jennifer Lauren Handmade (based in Dunedin) comes in A to F cups, sizes 6 to 34 (up to hip 159.5cm or 62 3/4″).

The Dulcie Boxer Briefs

The Dulcie Boxer Briefs are the latest pattern from Leila and me through Muna and Broad.

Designed as underwear and chub rub shorts, this pattern is available from 41.5-71.5″ (105-182cm) Hip but if the sizes are too small to include you, we’ll grade them up at no extra cost.

Perfect for wearing under dresses or even over tights!

Gathered Top- Dress

The Gathered Top-Dress from Auckland-based Ford Wardrobe is a new-print sewing tutorial that steps you through drafting this dress or top for your own measurements.

Jess! Serious, what is this roundup? It’s winter and none of these are appropriate! All of these could be layered! Check out the Knit tops for winter layers blog.

Need more inspo?

An aerial view of waves crashing against a shore.

An aerial view of a field. A road runs through the upper right corner.

The Rossi Wrap + Fredy Wrap Pattern

From NZ-based The Bold One, The Rossi Wrap + Fredy Wrap Pattern is a 2-in-1 pattern comes with HEAPS of options including necklines, sleeves and different height patterns depending on your particular measurements.

The Harley Dress Pattern

The Harley Dress Pattern from My Keeper Clothing comes in 2 size ranges, 6-14 – bust 80-100cm and 16-20 – 100-120cm.

Want to get printing?

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

Rain wear

As it cools down and chilly rainy days increase it gets handier and handier to have something waterproof or hooded. Raincoat or Rain jacket sewing patterns can keep you dry this chilly season.

I’ve rounded up a few options, and some places to shop appropriate fabrics in NZ, but let me know if I’ve missed some!

Sirkka Hooded Jacket

The Sirkka from Named Clothing is a light, unlined jacket with a detachable hood, long sleeves, and a zipper closure. The jacket features a high collar and large patch pockets with a side pocket and another pocket underneath the flap. The top half of the zipper is covered with a zipper shield with snap button closure. The overlapping pocket flaps with snaps create a fun little detail. The hood, hemline and cuffs are gathered with elastic cords. All seams of the jacket are sewn using flat-felled seams for a neat and durable finish.

Storm flaps

This week I’m smitten with storm flaps, basically on anything. While they’re functional on jackets or on trench coats (they’re supposed to direct the rain water off you), they’re purely aesthetic on shirts and dresses… I suppose they’re also purely aesthetic on jackets that haven’t used water proof or water resistant fabric..

Either way, I’m obsessed with them, on trench coats but also on dresses and shirts! I like them aesthetic and functional!

The Helmi trench blouse & tunic dress from Named Patterns

The straight-cut blouse has elements from the classic trench coat, such as the cape and sleeve straps. The rounded collar and slightly curved hem with slits add a touch of soft femininity. The more streamlined tunic variation is also straight-cut and has a simple stand-up collar, half sleeves, and a curved hem. Both variations have a discreet and elegant hidden button placket.

Dupe this

Here’s a few pins from my collection which have captured my eye recently, and the fabric and patterns to duplicate them.

Duplicate this outer layer with TFS Poppy Coat, StyleArc Ingrid Coat, I AM Merlin, or Leisl & Co Chaval.

Chocolate houndstooth, carob plaid houndstooth, Miss Maude plaid, or this grandad check coating make a great choice for the jacket.

Bomber Jackets! Does everyone need one? Maybe.

Use these patterns from Seamwork, Grasser, Cashmerette Cashmerette, Trish Newberry, Jalie or the free pattern from Mood

Get your ribbing from Miss Maude, Fable Fabrics, Milky Fabrics, For Fabrics Sake, Backstreet Bargains, or Fabric Box.

Gingham, gathers and a puffy sleeve? Dupe this with the Faye Dress from NZ-based designer Hubba Ding.

The Fabric Store has so many options for gingham, that it’s gingham galore over there!

Find your perfect shacket pattern here on the blog.

Dupe these with purple check wool/alpaca coating, multi-coloured jumbo plaid, a pastel fleece from Mood Fabrics, or black and brown wool check, red and black buffalo plaid.

A yellow dream ensemble! Check out the winter layering roundup for turtleneck options.

Dupe the pants with Audrey Pants or Eddie Woven Pants from StyleArc, the free Sara Pleated Pants, the Inès High Waisted Trousers or the Tatjana Trousers from Just Patterns.

This great gathered dress heroes this excellent fabric which has a brush-stroke patterned fabric.

Dupe it with the Muna and Broad Huon Dress and this painterly pear-print rayon from Fab Fabrics in Auckland.

These patched jackets use repurposed fabric to create a unique jacket!

No fabric suggestions for this one since repurposing and scrap-busting seems to be the aim of the game!

Duplicate the pattern with the Muna and Broad Cobden Chore Jacket, Julien Chore Jacket, the over-shirt, or the free Paola Workwear Shirt.

These silk snakey PJs pair a slippery serpent with slinky silk.

See the ChCh sews roundup of sleepwear patterns.

For snake fabric see this Liberty Fabrics print from Maai Design or this snakey Melanie Macilwain print. The Fine Cloth Company has a great selection of coloured plain silks.

Want to get printing?

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

Shackets are back

Shackets are in for winter this year- I don’t make the rules, but it’s definitely official and I’ve stamped my approval on it!

I say shackets are back, but since there’s always so many folks asking ‘what exactly is a shacket’ I think maybe they’re actually in for the first time?

A shacket is a cross between a shirt and a jacket. Not as warm as a coat, they’re generally unlined wool button-up jackets with button plackets and big chest pockets. They come in a variety of length but they’re almost all oversized and feature a drop shoulder.

Shacket shacket

Looking for shacket sewing patterns? Or shirt jacket sewing patterns? Here’s a roundup of some of the shackets which can keep you warm this year!

The Savannah Shacket is a free pattern from Mood Sewciety

Big pocket patterns

It’s fruit gathering season. Urban scavenging season. Pear detritus time. Every time I’ve been out with the dog on our long evening walks I’ve regretted not being able to fit Even More Produce into my already ample pockets.

The Pocket Skirt from Peppermint Mag

This free skirt pattern was designed by Tara from Paper Theory and is available from 60-121cm (24-47.5″) waist and 86-146cm (34-57.5″) hip

The Jumpsuit from Rational Dress Society

This free pattern comes in a variety of styles and fits in order to cover a lot of bodies and genders.

Add more pockets. Add cargo pockets on the legs. Prepare to load yourself up!

Muna and Broad

The Belmore Jacket (left) and Sculthorpe Pants (right) both have generous pockets suitable for produce. The pockets on the Belmore are bonus pockets from the M&B Patreon.

The Akerfeldt Coat from Elbe Textiles is available 132cm (52″) chest. This unlined, boxy coat has great pockets and can have a hood or collar.

Those huge gusseted pockets look ideal for filling with goodies!

Stokx Patterns

Berlin-based Aussie pattern designer has The 7 Dress (left) and the Carla Rock skirt (right)

Rushcutter Dress

The Rushcutter Dress from Sydney-based In The Folds has pockets which run down to the bottom hem of the dress!

Lichen Duster

The Lichen Duster from Sew Liberated has pockets which could probably be made even deeper

Soline Shorts

The Soline Shorts from Staystitch Pattern Company

These gusseted pockets could be increased even further to give more room for fruit!

Georgie Pinafore

The Georgie Pinafore from Dunedin-based Jennifer Lauren Handmade

Sewing Patterns, made in Aotearoa

A lot of you expressed interest in hearing about NZ sewing pattern designers and first up in our roundup are sewing pattern businesses that are based in NZ or run by NZers!

Let me know in the comments if I’ve missed any NZ Based Dressmaking Pattern Companies

Below the Kōwhai
Christchurch-based BTK is a family business which makes gorgeous sewing patterns children and has recently expanded their offerings to include sewing patterns for women.

Ford Wardrobe
Auckland-based Ford Wardrobe currently has a pattern-less dress and a bucket hat pattern available for sale

Forget-me-not Patterns

Based in Wellington, FMN makes lovely feminine patterns for women. They have a free knit top pattern for those wanting to give the company a trial before purchasing.

Hubba Ding

Auckland-based Hubba Ding has a pretty impressive catalogue of patterns for women which seem to have popped up overnight. Not super size-inclusive, the designs are very fashion-trend forward.

Jennifer Lauren Handmade

This Dunedin-based business has a strong vintage vibe and has a wide variety of frocks, tops and even a couple of patterns for men. JLH has quite a few patterns in multiple cup-sizes

Liam Patterns
This new-comer to the sewing pattern market started producing sewing patterns based on their successful RTW garments during lockdown here in NZ. If their sizes are too small to include you, they will grade the pattern up for you at no additional cost.

Little Kiwis Closet
This NZ-based business makes sewing patterns for women, men, kids and babies too. If you and your family wear a lot of knit fabric- check out Little Kiwis Closet!

Make by The Fabric Store
The Fabric Store has recently started designing and selling PDF sewing patterns! So far they have 5 patterns, including the robe pictured above. If you fall outside their size range, they will grade the pattern for you at no additional cost.

Muna and Broad
Making patterns from basically Size 12+, M&B is a 1/2 NZ run business (I know this because I’m the 1/2)! If the size chart is too small to include you, Leila will grade the pattern up for you at no additional cost.

Muse Patterns
This Wellington-based pattern company makes PDF sewing patterns for adult women and has a strong vintage vibe.

My Keeper
If you don’t have time to sew their sewing patterns (size 6-22) then you can rent one of their finished garments.

Paper Doll Patterns
This pattern company specialises in cute clothes for children.

Papercut Patterns
Perhaps the most well-known NZ-based sewing pattern company, Papercut was one of the first Indie sewing pattern companies.

Paper Theory

Paper Theory is a UK-based sewing pattern company but owner Tara grew up in Dunedin! With a modern and simple silhouette, the Zadie Jumpsuit is one of their most well known patterns.

Scroop Patterns
This Wellington-based sewing pattern company has a strong historical-sewing vibe thanks to the historical sewing interest of owner & designer Leimomi of Dreamstress

Sewing Revival
Based at the top of the South Island, The Sewing Revival makes sewing patterns for women and children.

The Bold One
Slow-fashion patterns for women which have oodles of options (including height and various necklines)

Trish Newbery
This new-to-me sewing pattern company is NZ based and has a wide variety of sewing patterns for accessories and women’s clothes.

Twig and Tale

This NZ-based pattern company makes whimsical sewing patterns for kids and a variety of patterns for adult men and women.

Boiled Wool Patterns

It’s that chilly time of the year where boiled wool returns to shops!

Of course, boiled wool can be a bit confusing. It’s a knit, but it’s for jackets, but it doesn’t fray so you don’t have to overlock or finishes the edges? Many of the patterns below are specifically for boiled wool fabrics!

The Loden Sweater

Free Loden Sweater from Dressmakers’ Guild

Mallee Jacket

Designed specifically for boiled wool, the Muna and Broad Mallee Jacket highlights the non-fraying qualities of boiled wool in this easy-to-sew jacket

Flared Tunic and Top

The Flared Tunic and Top from Maker Atelier looks great sewn up in boiled wool!

Shoalhaven Shacket and Belmore Jacket

The Muna and Broad Shoalhaven Shacket and Belmore Jacket are pictured here in boiled wool

The Boxwood Hoodie

The free Boxwood Hoodie from Mood Fabrics

Jameela Jacket

The Jameela Jacket from Sewing Patterns by Masin looks excellently cosy in mustard boiled wool!

Xanthea Zero-waste t-shirt

The Craft of Cloths Xanthea looks great in boiled wool and there’s a great blog on the process.

The Foreman Jacket

This boiled wool jacket uses The Foreman Jacket from Merchant & Mills

This boiled wool jacket pattern from Tatyana Designs is described as boxy unlined jacket that requires shoulder pads!

The Tobin Sweater

The Tobin Sweater from Cashmerette is shown here in boiled wool!

The Big Easy Top

The Big Easy Top from The Maker’s Atelier

Harry

The I Am Harry cape

The French Dart Shift Tunic

The French Dart Shift tunic from Maven Patterns

The Eve Jacket

The Eve Jacket from Schnittchen Patterns

Ursula Coatigan

The Ursula Coatigan from SewgirlintheUK

Jocko pullover

The Jocko pullover from Ready To Sew

Ninot Jacket

The Ninot Jacket from Pauline Alice Design

Rye Jacket

The Rye Jacket from Sussex Seamstress looks great sewn up in boiled wool!

Boiled wool scraps?

I’ve been a bit obsessed with these boiled wool cushion covers, and I’m sure I have enough extra bits of boiled wool in my scrap stash to make myself a few throw cushion covers.

Here’s a tutorial from thehomesihavemade.com

Want to get printing?

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

Cosy Autumn Sewing

Summer sped by and it’s basically time for Autumn. I’ve already purchased my first wide-wale corduroy fabric of the season, so it seemed the perfect time to roundup some cosy projects for you!

Want more pattern ideas?

Belemnite Dress

The Belemnite Dress from Marilla Walker would look lovely with tights and a cosy coat for chilly weather!

One of the recommended fabrics for The Belemnite Dress is Double Gauze, which is sometimes called Double Muslin (the orange dress above uses this fabric)

Miss Maude has some with great patterned double gauze. For bargain prices, Backstreet Bargains has a lovely wedgewood blue double muslin, and The Fabric Shop in Otara has some lovely colours for $12 p/m. For Fabrics Sake also has some lovely colour options.

The Teddy Dress

From Make by TFS (Auckland)

A playful every-day knit dress pattern, designed to suit a variety of knit fabrics for all seasons, the skirt has subtle paneling to allow for maximised fabric yield.

Muna and Broad

The Hexham Dress and the quilted Grainger Coat from Muna and Broad

Quilted fabric in NZ

One way to make a super speedy quilted coat (like the ) is to purchase pre-quilted fabric! I’m not going to advocate for chopping into a heirloom quality blanket but purchasing quilted bed spreads is a great choice (and since they’re usually so wide, the per metre cost can be really great).

Spotlight & Lincraft have pre-quilted fabrics online (usually poly with poly batting), and many of the local Christchurch bricks-and-mortar stores stock pre-quilted fabrics in basic colours.

Jennifer Lauren Handmade is a Dunedin-based pattern designed who makes patterns with a vintage twist.

These two patterns, the Dulcie Pinafore and the Willa Wrap-Coat are available in her new Curve Size Range.

Twig & Tale

NZ-based Twig & Tale has a lot of outerwear for kids and outerwear for adults (including maternity and baby-carrying wear).

Hove Jacket

The Hove Jacket from Aussie-based In The Folds has a great look and a hood! If you love the hem and pockets, you might also like the Flynn Jacket.

Bottom-weight fabrics?

The two jackets from In The Folds call for bottom weight fabrics (think canvas, drill, etc).

Check out this blog post on shopping denim in NZ, the selection of ‘bottom weight’ fabrics at Auckland-based Fabric Box, the canvas selection at Backstreet Bargains.

The Kimball Bomber Jacket

from Cashmerette

Can’t find the right zip? Sometimes I’ve needed a zip which I just couldn’t find in stores- did you know that you can contact YKK in NZ and they’ll sell you zips?

I’ve heard that you can send them a swatch of fabric and they’ll even colour-match for you, if that’s your struggle!

The Cloud Set

The latest pattern offering from The Fabric Store is a cosy sweatsuit ensemble! The sweater has 3 views (including a hoodie and a classy funnel neck) and the pants have a jogger view (with gathered ankles) and a wide leg (right)

Thinking knits and sweaters?

Not usually one for Facebook, I’ve found quite a few bargains on french terry and t-shirt knit fabrics on the Fabric Stash From Factory (NZ only) | Facebook Facebook Group. Most things are pre-cut into metre bits but I just plan ahead for that!

Also check out this loopback sweatshirting from Nick’s Fabrics which is a bargain price! Fable Fabrics stocks a very cute selection of sweater knits (including some of those cute euro prints)! The Fabric Shop in Otara has a range of printed sweat fabrics (at toile prices).

As always, my list of NZ fabric shops is a good place to start.

The Adeline wrap dress and top

from Forget-Me-Not Patterns is a lovely option for cooler weather!

The Reznor Skirt

The Reznor Skirt from Elbe Textiles desperately wants to be layered over tights for chilly weather.

Want to get printing?

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