Roundup of roundups

Hello lovely ChCh sews makers! It’s the perfect time of the year for roundups of roundups!

Below are some links to my previous blog posts which feature giftable sewing projects- lots of inspiration and plenty of fodder for scrolling!

Free giftable pattern roundups

Other giftable pattern roundups

Some of the patterns in these roundups are free, some are not!

Giftable Projects

I’m on a sewing roundup kick and today I’ve got some more giftable sewing patterns… All of these would also make great self-gifts (that’s where you just make them for yourself…. my favourite kind of gifting)!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Apreon

This cross-back apron comes in Small Child (3-8yrs), Smaller Adult, and the usual Muna and Broad size range (up to 71.5″ hip)

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Roll Top Fanny Pack

This Roll Top Fanny Pack from Proper Fit Clothing has lots of thoughtful details. If I’d found it earlier, I might have included it in my Sewing for the outdoors pattern roundup.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

A dressing gown

Perfect in a variety of fabrics, and with free enough sizing that it’s possible to take a punt on a size that’s close enough for someone, a dressing gown in gorgeous fabric makes for a luxurious gift!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

** Both M&B and TFS will grade their patterns up if their size range is too small to include you.

Guro bag

The Guro back from Melilot Patterns looks like a bag that would start conversations on the street!

The gift of sleepwear

How much do you like this person? If it’s A LOT, or if it’s you, then perhaps some PJs?

Find the roundup of PJs here!

Napkins

A great use for leftover linen from projects, this tutorial steps you through fancy mitred corner napkins!

Sun hats

Perhaps at another time in the year there can be a roundup of hats to keep you warm, but for now, here’s some hats to keep you sun smart.

Remember- no hat, no play!

Pet hoodie

Who wouldn’t want a hoodie for their dog?

Want more roundups?

Check out the ‘Roundup of roundups‘ post that lists all the posts on the blog that include giftable projects!

Free simple zipper pouches

I’m love a cute little zipper bag, and this free tutorial steps you through sewing up a fully-lined zipper pouch

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet and A4 from $.15 per page

Free giftable projects

It’s that time of year where I feel a need to compile lists of projects that I’ll likely never sew… But maybe I will!

Here are 12 free sewing patterns or free sewing tutorials which will leave you with a giftable product at the end! You can even gift them to yourself…

Free bucket hat pattern from Liam by Ruby

Wine tote

Perfect for summer picnics, the ChCh sews wine tote!

Free tote bag from Mood Sewciety

Free Lil’ pouch sewing pattern from Liam by Ruby

This is part of their series of scrapbusting patterns which are perfect for your fabric leftovers.

Free tutorial for reusable makeup remover squares

Scrap busting and also a sustainably minded gift? What could be better or easier!

The free Pear Pouch from Sarah Kirsten

Free mini fabric basket tutorial

Free soup bowl cosy tutorial

I have 2 of these and I’m surprised by the amount of use that they get! Even if I’m eating at the table, I use my cosy to protect my fingers on the way to the table!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Free Storage Boxes

Store your fabric in fabric with this free storage boxes tutorial from The Fabric Store.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Felt bag organiser from Mood Sewciety

Pie carrier

Need to transport food this summer? The ChCh sews pie carrier bag could be for you!

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet and A4 from $.15 per page

Sewing for the outdoors

You can love an indoor pursuit like sewing and also enjoy the great outdoors. But, you can also be an inside cat and sew for the folks in your life who love the outdoors! Are there some goodies in here that are perfect for gifting? Absolutely!

There’s a mix of free and paid patterns in here- if they’re free, it’s specifically stated!

Downpour Drybags

This drybag pattern from Sew Outdoors comes with 10 different sizes of dry bags!

This relatively new sewing pattern company even makes some great suggestions here on what outdoor accoutrements will fit into each size bag.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Wood Carrier

This Wood Carrier Pattern from Noodlehead looks like a very straightforward pattern where you can sink your teeth into hefty fabrics and webbings.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Cycling Hat

This free tutorial steps you through sewing a cycling hat

Activewear?

Are you (or are they) the kind of outdoors person who appreciates activewear? Checkout the roundup of Activewear Sewing Patterns on the blog, which also includes a list of some places where you can buy activewear and outdoors fabric in NZ.

The Stitchback LP

The Stitchback LP looks super outdoorsy but also looks like the kind of pattern which is just asking to be made from primary colours!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Fanny Pack

This free fanny pack comes from Bike Packing comes with pattern pieces for easy cutting out!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Camping Hammock

Pretty high up on the things I’d never though one could sew for themselves… is this free tutorial for a DIY camping hammock

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Stitchback Chalk Bag

The Stitchback Chalk Bag is intended for climbing dust… but I see it and think ‘snacks’! Fill it full of dog treats for walkies, or snacks for yourself!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Running Armband Pocket

Grab the free running armband pocket from Fehr Trade!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Woodhaven Apron

The Woodhaven Apron from Thread Theory has lots of different options, including all the pocket shapes that bring the look of serious workwear.

Comfortable, yet rugged.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Helen’s Closet has a free apron pattern which you can access here.

Balaclava

This Balaclava pattern from Grasser (one of several different pattern options)

Camp Ditty Bag

This free Camp Ditty Bag Pattern gave such a goreous final product that it didn’t really matter that I had no idea what a ditty bag was for!

Apparently it’s a small bag for your personal effects and important bits (like if you’re a scout), and the idea is that you keep things in one place close at hand.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Trail wallet

This free trail wallet pattern is designed for carrying only the essentials!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet and A4 from $.15 per page

Bags to sew

It’s the time of the year where I start to think about sewing projects for other people! So, in honour of that, here’s 10 bag patterns or free tutorials for you!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Buckley Tote from Elbe Textiles

At $5, this bag is a bargain! Fully-lined with internal pockets, the great instructions make this perfect for a confident beginner.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Le Sac Banane

A riff on the classic bumbag,

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Portside Travel Set

Who can be mad at a matching travel set?

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Free wrap pocket tote tutorial

This simple tote pattern uses bias tape to add a colourful edge around the bag

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Sandhill Sling

This cute sling bag is perfect for the daily commute or as a tidy travel bag.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet and A4 from $.15 per page

Dupe this 4

Hello and welcome to Dupe This, episode 4, you can catch episode 3, episode 2 and episode 1 on the blog.

If you’ve read these Dupe posts before then you know they’re really just an excuse for me to dump a heap of info all in one place, and also a thing I use to justify how I’m always looking to find the exact fabric that has been used to make clothes!

In this episode, I also tell you where to find double gauze in NZ and drop some links to what might be new-to-you fabric stores!

Duplicate these looks

The Matilda Dress from Cool Stitches would be a lovely dupe for this summery dress.

Pair it with washer cotton from The Fine Cloth Company, or shirting from Fabric Box in Auckland.

Dupe this cornflower blue silk top with the Barons Dress from Daughter Judy Patterns or the LB Pullover from Paper Theory.

Cornflower silk from The Fine Cloth Company would be a great match but I also recommend Fab Fabrics, who frequently has 40% off their silk if you’re an email newsletter subscriber.

I love this dramatic sleeve on a simple shape (here’s evidence and here’s even more evidence)! You could use the Muna and Broad Torrens Box Top like I did or the ZW Soft Blouse from Birgitta Helmersson with a double gauze fabric (sometimes called double muslin).

Double gauze in NZ?

Here’s a little list of places that I’ve spotted with double gauze, ordered vaguely by price, from lowest to highest.

Replicate this pleated floral skirt with this fabric from Fab Fabrics and the free vintage-style skirt from Peppermint Magazine or the 3 Pleat Skirt from Assembly Line Patterns..

Or for a bright fabric, this palm leaf linen, this blush tropical linen or this bright blue daisy print on cotton lawn.

Use the Belemnite Dress from Marilla Walker and silk crepe de chine from Hawes and Freer in Auckland or the silk cdc from The Fine Cloth Company in Wellington to replicate this sage green dress.

For a cheaper fabric, a tencel twill from The Fabrics Shop in Otara could work.

Use the Bakerloo Blouse with added tiers with a cotton voile or lovely crisp cotton lawn.

This organic shirting or this organic voile from Hawes and Freer would be nice as would this Japanese shirting from Nick’s. Narrow down the poplin and lawn shirtings by colour at Miss Maude.

I definitely think the Muna and Broad Atrax Top is a great dupe for this but the StyleArc Esme, Forget-Me-Not Sylvie, and True Bias Nikko also have similarities.

The best fabric match would be one of the earthy shades from Fable Fabrics, but it would also look lovely in a merino from Nick’s or even in a brown striped knit from Morelands.

Joan’s Fabrics in Auckland has a similarly bright floral from Fabric Godmother to replicate this shirt on Rose Matafeo as does Harmer and Huff.

The pattern looks like a shirt with a set-in sleeve and a scarf tied like a pussy bow.

Want shirt sewing patterns?

You know I love to find an exact fabric for you!

Fab Fabrics has this exact print but in white and red and this fabric has similar monochromatic line drawing vibes if the monochrome is your deal.

The Lena Shift or the June Sheath, both from StyleArc, could be great fits.

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet and A4 from $.15 per page

Recent pattern printing

Some fun new patterns have come through the printer in the last wee while, so here’s a roundup of some goodies that looked particularly interesting! I’ve also included some recommendations for NZ-based places to shop for fabrics which would be a good fit for these projects.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Mitchell Trousers

The Mitchell Trousers is a new pattern from Closet Core in Canada. They’re available in 2 size ranges, the largest up to a 160cm (63″) hip.

Pleated trouser with a fly front, they have deep pleats and a tapered and wide-leg view.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Bottom weight fabric?

Check out my blogpost on ‘Shopping denim in NZ and check out the range of Canvas & Drills at The Fabric Box in Auckland and the canvas selection at Backstreet Bargains.

Millicent Dress

The Millicent Wrap Dress from Aussie-based StyleArc is available up to 154cm (61″) hip and comes with elbow length and bracelet length sleeve options.

Lightweight summery fabrics?

Check out my blogpost on ‘Seersucker in NZ and the range of lovely cottons from The Fine Cloth Company in Wellington (I the Washer Cotton would make a great dress)! As always, Miss Maude has a delightful selection of shirting weight fabrics.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Matilda Dress

The Matilda Dress from Cool Stitches is available up to 153.7cm (60.5″)

This new-to-me pattern company has some great fashion-forward sewing patterns.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Classic Shirt

The Classic Shirt from Modern Sewing Co is available up to 119cm (46.8″) hip, which is smaller than the size range available on some of their other patterns.

Not your size? More shirts!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Marlo Sweater

The Marlo Sweater from True Bias is available in a standard size range and larger size range (up to 151cm (59.5″) hip

I’ve printed quite a few of these recently, so it must be sweater weather here in NZ!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Alida Skirt

The Alida Skirt from Fibremood is available up to ??

Man, it’s hard to find info on the Fibremood website and life is short. Cool pattern though!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Ora Pinafore

The Ora Pinafore from Australian-based Soften Studio has a sadly small size range, going up to a Size 18 or 119cm (46.8″) hip

This relatively new pattern company has some great patterns so fingers crossed for a future size expansion

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Robin Dress

The Robin Dress from Liam by Ruby (NZ-based designer) is available up to 155cm (61″) hip.

This slim-fit bias dress has a few neckline options and length options and is designed for woven fabrics.

Want to get printing?

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

New-ish from NZ

PDF Sewing Patterns from NZ? A roundup of Indie Sewing Patterns from NZ? A collection of New Zealand Sewing Patterns? Yes- I’m back with more!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Sylvie Knit Top

The Sylvie Knit Top from Forget-me-not Patterns is a drapey design with options, including a cowl neck, flutter sleeves, and more understated sleeveless and round neck views.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Peggy Top

The Peggy Top and Dress pattern from My Keeper has a wrap top and a non-wrap dress both of which have butterfly sleeves.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Isobel Dress

The Isobel Dress from Paper Doll Patterns is one of the new-ish women’s patterns from a designer that’s already released quite a few children’s designs!

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Chloe Maxi

The Chloe Tiered Maxi Dress from Makyla Creates is a tiered maxi dress that screams of summer, but could also be layered under a turtleneck for ChCh summer.

For extra summer protection, RUBY has a free bucket hat pattern available!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Gracie Wrap

The Gracie Wrap Bundle from The Bold One comes with oodles of customisation options including different sleeves, different necklines, etc.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Luna Lounge Set

The Luna Lounge Set from Jennifer Lauren Handmade has heaps of pattern options for woven loungewear!

Want more local designs?

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Melba Dress

The Melba Dress from Muna and Broad is a simple, relaxed dress made with warm weather in mind

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Weiland Tank

The Weiland Tank from Elbe Textiles is a cropped tank with a built-in shelf bra

This has made the roundup becauseI’m counting Lauren from Elba Textiles as an honorary NZer, since she did live in Christchurch for a while.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Eadie Top

The Eadie Top from Hubba Ding has dropped shoulders and a ruffle between the bodice and sleeve.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

More warm weather sewing inspo?

Want to get printing?

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

Dupe This 3

Welcome to Dupe This episode 3, you can catch episode 2 and episode 1 on the blog.

The dupe in this means duplicate rather than to be tricked by. Although, I suppose if the pattern and fabric match I recommend is a good enough match then you might trick people into thinking you purchased this exact look, thereby duping them?

Maybe it works both ways!

Wrap or Faux Wrap Dress

This dress pairs a great printed woven fabric with a wrap (or faux wrap bodice that’s finished with a self-fabric bias binding. There’s a casing around the waist for ties (which seem to tie in the back or the side) and the sleeves are elbow length with a slight blouson that’s gentle gathered into cuffs.

Duplicate this look with:

Millicent Wrap Dress from StyleArc
Roseclair Dress from Cashmerette
Hannah Dress from By Hand London
Poppy Dress from Hubba Ding
June Dress from Hubba Ding
Noor Dress from Fabrics Store (free)

A crisp cotton will best replicate the look of this dress. Consider poplin, shirtings and even cotton sateen if you’d like a bit more structure.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Chore Jacket

Are you one of those inspirational people who both loves the look of and the act of sewing topstitching? I’m not but I have rounded up a selection of Chore Jackets on the blog.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

If what you love about the jackets above is the bold colours, check out the range of Canvas & Drills at The Fabric Box in Auckland. They have fabric in that bright Yves Klein blue!

V-neck Dress with ruffles

This dress has a v-neck, dropped shoulders with gathered sleeves. There’s 2 tiers of fabric gathered into the bodice. The fabric used brings a decent amount of structure which lets the sleeves sit out from the body rather having them drape down the arm.

Duplicate this look with:

Duplantier Dress from Elbe Textiles
Julia Dress from Hubba Ding
Faye Dress from Hubba Ding
Pixie Dress from StyleArc

A crisp cotton like a liberty lawn or cotton voile will replicate the look of this fabric.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Shirt with frill collar

The Honey Top from FibreMood is the closest match that I could find!
Also check out: TFS Bloom Shirt & Dress and The Daisy Shirt.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

A cotton shirting will be the best fabric to replicate the look of the shirt on the left (poplin, lawn, etc). A chambray or shirt-weight denim will replicate the shirt on the right.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Dupe the fabric

If you’ve been on the ChCh sews email newsletter you’ll know that I LOVE finding garments made from fabrics I’ve seen online. I spotted these dresses that are made with silk check from TFS! I love how this simple silhouette lets the fabric shine.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Quilted Jackets & Coats

I fell into the rabbit hole and ended up with a whole roundup of quilted jackets & coats!

I’d say that with the round neckline and welt pockets the closest pattern match would be the Tamarack Jacket from Grainline Studios. However, this jacket has a dropped shoulder and a much more relaxed fit than the Tamarack, and if that’s what you like then perhaps the M&B Grainger Coat is for you.

Shackets- shirt style jacket

If you’re loving the shacket look, checkout my roundup full of shacket patterns!

If you love the check/plaid look then The Fabrics Shop in Otara has a great range online (at a great price).

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet and A4 from $.15 per page

Quilted Jacket Sewing Patterns

Hello Friends! I know we recently pronounced that cool weather sewing was done with and that collectively we’d emotionally moved on to sewing for warmer weather. Well, I’ve fallen into a rabbit hole of quilts, quilting and quilted garments and the warm weather can be damned!

Here’s 10 great quilted jacket PDF sewing patterns which were designed specifically with quilted fabrics in mind!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Grainger Coat

The Grainger from Muna and Broad is available up to a 162cm (64″) bust and 182cm (71.5″) hip.

The pattern comes with 2 lengths and different size pockets to keep the look proportional.

The Tamarack Jacket

The OG Tamarack from Grainline Studio is available in 2 size ranges (purchased separately) up to a 142cm (56″) bust and 149cm (59″) hip

The Tamarack features fancy welt pockets and View B has buttons up the front (and I presume a bit of extra length across the front to give them space).

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Patchwork Chore Coat

This Patchwork Coat from Patchwork and Poodles was designed with quilting in mind! It’s available up to a 147cm (58″) bust and 152cm (60″) hip. The coat pattern can be combines with the quilt patterns from the same company.

Love a Chore Jacket?

I guess the Patchwork Chore Coat above could have been included with my roundup of chore jacket/workwear jacket sewing patterns.

Hovea Jacket

The Hovea from Megan Nielsen comes with 2 size ranges (purchased separately) and the largest size is 152cm (60″) bust and 157cm (62″) hip.

The Hovea has multiple views with different neck treatments, pockets and lengths

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Ayora Jacket

The Ayora from Pauline Alice Patterns is available up to 120cm (47″) bust and 102cm (40″) waist.

This reversible jacket has an interesting facing/button placket which wraps around the quilted section to form the collar, placket and hem.

Want outer layers?

If you want outer layer sewing patterns, but you don’t want to quilt then you might like

Beachcomber Jacket

The Beachcomber from Laundry Basket Quilts has no easy to find info on their size chart but the picture was so quilt-y that I included it anyway!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Juniper Quilted Jacket

The Juniper from Sarah Kirsten is available up to a 163cm (64″) bust and 142cm (56″) waist.

This jacket comes with 2 lengths and different shaped pockets.

Easton Jacket

The Easton from Seamwork is ‘free’ if you’re a Seamwork member and is available up to a 137cm (54″) bust and 147cm (58″) hip

This jacket has a shawl collar which I haven’t seen on other quilted jackets!

Snaps on your Jacket?

Although some quilted outers use regular buttons, quite a few seem to use snaps! If you’re thinking you’d like to get serious about adding snaps to your me-mades then you might want a snap press!

I bought mine from Minkylicious (and still haven’t used it yet), but shops which specialise in nappy fabrics will likely be selling snap tools (GreenBeans NZ is).

Molly Jacket

The Molly from Fibre Mood is available up to 146cm (57.5″) bust and 145cm (57″) hip.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Gibson Coat

The Gibson from It’s All In The Stitch is a reversible pattern that’s available up to 127cm (50″) bust and 132cm (52″) hip

Want to get printing?

Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started. A0 printing is $6 per sheet and A4 from $.15 per page