A0 printing in Christchurch, NZ
Workwear Jackets, Chore Jackets, Artist Jackets! Hard-wearing jackets for working hard in (and not working hard in)! It’s handy to have big pockets to fill full of things (who doesn’t need a dedicated mask pocket), which will make up for the lack of pockets in so many of the clothes you don’t sew for yourself.
Without further rambling, a selection of Chore Jacket Sewing Patterns!
Cobden Chore Jacket
The Cobden from Muna and Broad is available up to a 162cm (64″) bust and 182cm (71.5″) hip
Over on the ChCh Sews instagram this weekend I asked if you were sewing for winter or if you’ve emotionally moved forward to planning your makes for warmer weather- summer and spring it was! Of course, my mind jumps to swimsuits, so here we are!
Nobody asked but I’ve also included my favourite local-to-Christchurch pools! Scroll down to check them out.
Faye Swimsuit
The Faye Swimsuit from Closet Core Patterns has multiple views and is available up to a 63″ hip
Make a rash vest!
Leila used the Muna and Broad Tarlee T-Shirt with the funnelneck to make a sun-smart rash vest!
Most t-shirt patterns will be suitable for converting to a rash vest, but I especially like long sleeves and a high neck for the sun protection! Check out this round up of knit tees for more ideas if the Tarlee isn’t for you!
Check out the swimsuit roundup from last year if you want more inspiration!
Bethenny One-Piece
This ruched halter neck swimsuit from Gigi Patterns is available up to a 61″ hip
This free pattern from Mood Sewciety is available up to a 63.5″
Swim Style Patterns
The Rashi Grace Suit (left) and High Waist Bikini (right) is available up to a 46″ hip
I love a little dip, but I also love to float about in warm water. Here’s some of my favourite dips to take my me-made togs in order of distance from Chch
Special mention to Te Pou Toetoe: Linwood Pool in Chch which has Women’s only swimming on Wednesdays!
Oasis Swimsuit
This swimsuit pattern from Ellie & Mac comes with multiple views and is available up to 63″ hip
Opian Patterns
The Pilatus Swimsuit (right) and Säntis Swimsuit (left) from Opian Patterns are available up to a 48″ hip
Email your PDF pattern files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started.
Everyone loves a bargain and sometimes there’s some real winners! Here’s a roundup of free PDF sewing patterns, just for you.
Harlow Pajamas
The Harlow Pajamas from Charm Patterns x Gertie is a free PJs sewing pattern that comes in sizes 2-20 with A-H cup sizes
Want more PJs? Check out my sleepwear roundup!
The Lago Tank
The Lago Tank from Itch to Stitch is a free pattern which is available from sizes 00-20
Mariana Jacket
The Mariana Jacket is a free pattern from The Fabrics Store (different to NZ-based The Fabric Store).
Want more blazers? Check out my blazer roundup!
Frances Shirt
The Frances Shirt from Fibremood is a free pattern which is available from sizes XS-XXXL
Peppermint Jumpsuit
Do you remember when the free Peppermint Jumpsuit from In The Folds took over sewing instagram? I sure do!
It’s always a good idea to research patterns before cutting into your good fabric, but especially free patterns! Sometimes you get exactly what you pay for! Check out the hashtags on instagram and do a quick google search (or check out a website like pattern review .com). Most of what I’ve included here are from established pattern designers, so it’s likely that you’ll be getting something that’s consistent with their paid releases.
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
Wren Shirt
The free Wren Shirt Pattern from Mood Sewciety is just 1 of SO MANY free patterns on their website.
Want more shirts? You might want these blogs: ‘Shirts, shirts, shirts‘, ‘More shirts‘ and ‘shirts revisited‘
Monroe Turtleneck
The Monroe Turtleneck pattern is a free knit tshirt pattern from Tessuti available from XXS-XXL
If the sizing of the Monroe doesn’t include you, you might like this roundup up knit tops for winter layering!
Elemental Skirt
The Elemental Skirt from Sew House 7 is a free sewing pattern for a simple knit skirt.
Mary Quant Dress
This free pattern from the V&A museum is available up to a 53″ hip
Email your files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started!
Hello lovely readers- here’s a quick roundup of some ready-to-wear clothes and patterns that you could use to ‘steal that look’ and sew yourself a version!
Dupe this linen top with The Rātā Top from Chch-based Below the Kōwhai
This linen was in stock at Draper Fabrics a few years ago and you might spot it in your local bricks and mortar store. I feel like it came as both a linen print and a rayon- you can see other patterned rayons at Drapers Fabrics.
For patterned linens, check out Backstreet Bargains and Drapers Fabrics.. or many of the online shops listed here once the weather warms up!
Dupe this bow blouse top with the Tie Bow Blouse from Assembly Line Patterns
A crisp cotton will show the structure of the top, like this black self-gingham, small Japanese check, or micro gingham shirting.
Dupe this woven tee with the Lou Box Top from Sew DIY
Devoré velvet would be a great choice as it has sheer sections, but viscose/silk velvet would also be lush. If sheer is the point, this oak burn out fabric would be a good choice, and if good drape and flowers is the point then maybe a rayon print (or these ones) is what you’re after.
Dupe this with the Roscoe Blouse from True bias but with chunkier neck ties!
This cotton lawn is a similar colour mood, but this daisy and brown rayon gives an autumnal floral mood.
Dupe this gathered-neck top from Kowtow with the Daisy Top from NZ-based sewing pattern designer Hubba Ding
Washer finish cotton from The Fine Cloth Company, or organic cotton poplin from Miss Maude would be great choices for crisp gathers!
Email your files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started!
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!
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.
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.
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.
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!
Email your files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started!
Love shopping & supporting local? Here’s another installment of patterns from NZ Sewing Pattern Designers!
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.
The Dua Dress
The Dua Dress from Christchurch-based Makyla Creates has a stand collar which buttons closed at the left shoulder.
The pattern is available up to a 131cm or 51.5″ hip
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.
Email your files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started!
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.
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.
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.
Email your files through to hello@chchsews.com to get started!
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.
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
