Pie carrier bag

This pie carrier bag is a simple and quick project which will give you the perfect way to carry tasty treats to a picnic!

Will fit 15″x9″ rectangle dish, a 10″ square dish, a 10″ pie dish, a 10″ wide salad bowl with decently high sides, and a 10″ wide casserole dish with a lid (overall height of 6″)

Spring sewing with NZ designers

The weather is kind of warming up here (with a few diversions along the way), so what better time to have a roundup of spring-appropriate patterns from NZ designers?

Want more?

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Nullarbor Cami

from Muna and Broad (Christchurch)

The ultimate scrap buster, this cami and cami dress is bra-friendly, features bust darts and a facing for a high quality finish.

This cami was drafted for a D cup (4″ difference between over bust and full bust measurement).

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Ella Skirt

from Forget-Me-Not Patterns (Wellington)

Ella is a gathered skirt pattern designed for woven fabrics. It’s a step above basic, with a subtle high-low hem finished with a gathered tier.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Farris Jumpsuit

from Jennifer Lauren Handmade (Dunedin)

The Farris Jumpsuit & Playsuit is part of JLH’s Quincy+Mayberry mix’n’match sewing pattern set.

Switch out tops and bottoms between the three patterns in the range to create an almost endless mix of perfect dresses, jumpsuits and playsuits (rompers) to match your own taste and wardrobe needs.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Robin Dress

from Scroop Patterns (Wellington)

The Robin Dress is a princess seamed dress with a swishy skirt.

There are pattern pieces for Small (A-B), Medium (C-D) & Large (DD/E+) busts.

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.

The Camille Top

from Makyla Creates (Christchurch)

The Camille is a cropped, loose fitting top with a curved neck line. The front has two ties, and the shirred sleeves sit just above the elbow.

The Block Tee

from Paper Theory Patterns (previously of Dunedin)

A modern, oversized t-shirt, designed to look relaxed and feel easy to wear in a woven fabric.

The body is much wider than a regular t-shirt and the sleeves are longer than normal, sitting just above the elbow, with the angular square armholes being its hallmark feature. The neckline has a hidden binding to complement its minimalist design and the hem turn ups are extra deep to emphasise its boxy silhouette.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

The Tipa Dungarees

from Below the Kōwhai (Christchurch)

These dungarees have a relaxed fit with simple style lines, with shorts or trouser variations and a cuffed hem.

Get the matching kid-sized Tipa too!

“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

Sewing Sleepwear

Everyone has different needs with their sleepwear! Some folks like knits, some folks love a classic piped PJ, some folks want a nightgown (if this is you, I feel like you’re in the minority because no patterns turned up, sorry).

Sleepwear is a constant need throughout the year, but I inevitably think more about it as we get closer to Christmas (maybe because I always feel like you should have new and extra-presentable sleepwear for Christmas Day?)!

The Spinifex PJs and Medlow Robe from Muna and Broad

Available in the standard M&B range of 102-162cm bust and 105-182cm hip, these patterns bring ‘classic sleepwear’ and add comfort and functionality for plus-size bodies.

The aptly named Free Pyjamas Pattern from The Assembly Line is available from 80-138cm bust and 91-139cm hip

The Lucy Robe from Make by TFS is available from 79.5-149.5cm bust and 89.5-159.5cm hip and TFS will grade to your size if you fall outside of their size range.

The free Loungewear Set from Peppermint Sewing Magazine is available from 78-123cm bust and 87-132cm hip and can be downloaded in return for your email address on their website.

The Agnes PJs from Paper Theory

Available from 80-142 cm bust and 86-146cm hip, the Agnes come with short and pants-length options.

The Pine Cove Pajamas from Itch to Stitch are available from 79-152.5cm bust and 84-157.5cm hip

These unique PJs have a wrap-front!

Are you more vintage inspired and want more glamour in your home wear? Check out these PDF downloads of vintage loungewear patterns.

The Carolyn Pajama from Closet Core Patterns is available from 79-117cm bust and 84-122cm hip

These traditional-look PJs bring the notched collar, breast pocket and piped details that are synonymous with classic PJs!

The Compose Robe from Love Notions is available from 84-146cm bust and 90-151cm hip

With 2 length options, and an option for a hood, the pattern comes with a bonus hair wrap pattern

Not strictly sleepwear, the Dyadic Eyemask from Sophie Hines upgrades the usual eyemask patterns and gives you something with adjustable elastic!

Also check out the collection of sleepwear from StyleArc!

On the hunt for men?

PJ bottoms from Thread Theory
Knit PJs 2-piece from Sew A Little Seam (free)
Onesie from 5 out of 4 patterns
Unisex PJs bottoms from Wardrobe for Me
Unisex PJs bottoms from PfP (free)
Traditional PJs from Rebecca Page
Matching set of onesies for the family

Sewing activewear

If you’re interested in sewing some activewear (or active-looking loungewear), then this is the roundup for you! I’ve rounded up some pattern options and places in NZ and Aus that you can buy activewear fabrics!

If I’ve missed a favourite pattern of yours, leave a comment! If you’re ready to get printing, email your files to hello@chchsews.com!

Leggings

Sports Bras

Tops & Tanks

  • Spruce and Saybrook Tanks from Cashmerette,102-157cm (40-62″) bust
  • Dunbar Top from Sewaholic, 76-114cm (30-45″) bust
  • Cass Top from SieMacht (free pattern), 79-177cm (31-70″) bust
  • XYT Top from Fehr Trade, 84-114cm (33-45″) bust
  • Banksia Tank from Muna and Broad, 97-162cm (38-64″) bust
  • Pika Blouson from Jalie, 53-130cm (21-51″) bust

Outerlayers

Patterns for men

Patterns for kids

Where to buy activewear fabric in NZ and Aus

In NZ
http://.nelliejoans.co.nz (fabrics for leggings, sports bras, swimwear)
https://forfabricsake.com/ (a small selection of activewear fabric)
https://www.dancefabrics.co.nz/ (fabrics for swim, sports bras and spandex)
https://www.angelfabrics.co.nz/ (fabrics for swim, sports bras and spandex)
https://marblenzfabrics.co.nz (a small selection of activewear fabric)
https://thefabricstoreonline.com/ (a variety of general fabrics)
https://www.newzealandmerinoandfabrics.com/ (merino blend fabrics)
https://www.backstreetbargains.co.nz (some ripstop and waterproof shell fabric)

In Australia
https://sewactivefabrics.com.au/
https://theremnantwarehouse.nz/fabrics/active-wear.html
https://www.wickedfabrics.com.au/performance-fabrics/
https://boodesigns.com.au/

Outer-layer sewing

Today, I’ve put together a little roundup of outerlayers, inspired by the chilly and wet weather that we’ve had recently!

Want to know where to buy fabric in NZ?
Check out my list of online fabric shops in NZ here!

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.

The Muna and Broad Belmore Jacket
A hacked Belmore Jacket
“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Leila and I have released 4 outerwear patterns together through Muna and Broad!

Check out our Shoalhaven Shacket (left), quilted Grainger Coat (right)

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Chilton Trench from Cashmerette

Available from Size 12-28 or 102-157cm (40-62″) bust and 107-157cm (42-62″) hip with cup sizes from C – H

This lined trench can be used with wovens, wool and waterproof raincoat fabric.

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Below the Kōwhai

The Awhi Coat [pronounced ah-fee] includes hood, collar and pocket options and is fully-lined.

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

The Goldstream Peacoat from Thread Theory

This classic double-breasted peacoat works both buttoned and open.

With an optional hood, and options for pockets and pocket flaps, this would make a cosy winter option!

“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Grainline Studios

Both the Thayer Jacket and Cortland Trench are available in both Grainline’s standard sizing and extended sizing which goes up to a 142.2cm (56″) bust and 149.8cm (59″) hip

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot
“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Friday Pattern Co

Both the Ilford Jacket and Heather Blazer are available in FPC’s extended sizing, which goes up to a 152cm (60”) chest

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot
“The Garden at Bougival” by Berthe Morisot

Twig & Tale

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

“Villa with Orange Trees, Nice” by Berthe Morisot

Patterns to check out:

The Marsha Jacket from Liam
The Mallard Coat from Sewing Revival
The Willa Wrap Coat from Jennifer Lauren Handmade
All the Coats and Jackets from StyleArc

Want more pattern ideas?

Check out this roundup of cosy sewing patterns, get ready for warmer weather with swimsuit sewing patterns, or find NZ-based pattern designers too.