Brother Sewing UK

I was incredibly excited about the Mayfair Dress  when it was released by Nina Lee  over a year ago and I snapped up a paper copy soon after release. For years I had this favourite style of French Connection dress that saw me through many summers; flattering, comfortable and seemingly suited for any occasion.   I owned versions in various prints, colours and lengths but may favourite by far was a maxi length version. The previous summer I'd been wearing it with too many holes to repair, hoping that the little purple, black and dusky pink print disguised them. It had been on its last legs for a while and sadly French Connection stopped making them a while before. I couldn't bear to throw it out so I couldn't believe my eyes when I spotted the Mayfair and realised it was almost an exact match – I could make my own replacement! Why, you may ask, has it taken me so long to make one? I had a really hard time finding fabric that was going to live up to my expectations...

Black Lace Watson Bra The garment I've got to share with you today has been a long time coming! Bra sewing has been on every one of my project lists for years now as well as goal-setting challenges like #makenine on Instagram . Sadly, other garments seemed to continually jump ahead in the queue, pushing back any plans to make Lingerie. I think my delay was partly due to the fact that this is a project out of my comfort zone, and when sewing time is limited and I'm tired, it always seems easier to sew something that feels familiar and that I can complete satisfactorily without too much thought. As well as this, I was initially really put off by the thought of gathering all the different supplies I needed for this project. The list seemed mammoth in size, and with numerous elastics, fabric, lining, hooks, eyes, straps and sliders on the list, I never felt like I had quite all the right matching bits and pieces for a bra. However, in the end I decided my first bra wa...

This project is the one thing from my handmade holiday wardrobe wish list that I regret not getting finished back in January. I had the pieces all cut out but sadly ran out of time before we flew to South Africa. The pattern is the basic bikini Well's Bay   from Halfmoon Atelier and I absolutely adore the clean and minimal aesthetic of it. The most exciting thing about the pattern is that it is completely reversible, so you are effectively getting two bikinis in one! There are no fiddly fastenings to contend with either, as it simply ties at the back. The minimalist design is perfect for showcasing a special swimwear print, which is exactly what I chose with this Argyll print swim fabric from the Liberty range at The Fabric Store . There are some amazing prints on their website, and I have at least one more squirrelled away! What I love about them is the quality of the fabric base, which is dense and matte, and that the print retains its vibrancy and clarity when stret...

I love sewing outerwear. I'm not sure if it is the challenge of a big sew and complex techniques or the thought that this garment will be the one I can get endless wear out of, but I just love it. I have loved every minute of sewing the Hampton Jean Jacket already know it is going to be one of the most worn items in my handmade wardrobe. The pattern is from Alina Sewing & Design Co   and it was my first time using a pattern from them. I cannot emphasise enough how impressed I was with both the instructions and pattern itself. Considering what a lengthy project this is, the instructions are packed with detail and advice without seeming overwhelming and the illustrations are all clear and helpful. There wasn't a single moment when I found myself scratching my head over the next step and the end result is beautiful. The pattern is well thought-out and packed with the detail needed to produce a truly classic denim jacket. I love that all four front pockets ...

The project I have to share with you today has been on quite the adventure with me over the last couple of months! The  Desmond Roll Top Backpack from Taylor Tailor and I have definitely tested my workmanship and the pattern to the full, using it almost every day when travelling around Southern Africa and the Philippines. The picture below is at Victoria Falls and further down is another of the pack in use at Blyde River Canyon in South Africa. It has also been with me on boat trips and hikes including to the top of the second highest waterfall in the world! Even now I am home, it is in daily use travelling around London for work, proving itself as a great backpack for all purposes. I chose a lovely warm red waxed cotton from Cloth House on Berwick Street and I bought all the hardware and webbing straps in a kit from Guthrie & Ghani . I'd spotted these kits at the Knitting & Stitching Show in October but had been too indecisive about it to buy on the day - luckil...