The Shirt Dress by Merchant and Mills

This is probably my favourite thing I’ve made – it’s The Shirt Dress by Merchant and Mills. I made it years ago, in fact it was one of the first things I made following a pattern that was for people who can sew. It’s started falling apart now, I’ve worn it that much but I love it.

I made it up using a cotton/linen mix, the one that’s shown on the pattern page on the M&M website. I’ve been on the look out for a similar fabric to make another, but not found any as of yet. I didn’t add ...

sewing round up 2023

I know, it’s a lazy way to do it and this year I’ll try and post individual items but here’s what I sewed last year – not too much but all right. The face is my concentrating face.

Sew DIY – Lou Box Top (Scoop neck, curved hem)
I love these patterns because they are drafted for a height of 5’10” and I’m 5’9″ so no need to add any length.

I made it in a Japanese, gingham linen from Miss Matatabi. Trousers from Zara, bought about 13 years ago (aargh!) and shoes are Converse Ballet which are so ...

colourful


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have four main outfits that I have been wearing this winter. I tend to wear a grey jumper (unpictured) with the skirt. As I was thinking about my tendency to not vary in my dress, I couldn’t help but ponder on why I’ve bought so much fabric to make new clothes.  I’ll tell you something though, you can be assured it’s following a similar colour palette! ...

i can’t believe you’re not an artist

They’re too good, aren’t they?  For someone not in the creative industry.  I know.   Anyway, these are my plans for my sewing extravaganza for this summer. All Tilly and the Buttons patterns which I am very drawn to. We will just have to see how they go.  I have already made two of the items which I will be posting about soon!!

Coco doesn’t have a second arm because I couldn’t get it right

Emily ...

no hobby no life

A thing you get asked over and over and over and over again in Japan is (and this is no matter on the age), ‘What are your hobbies?’.  To me, this is an odd question to ask an adult but maybe I’m the odd one?  My usual boring answer is, ‘reading’.  And watching TV and Netflix and YouTube AND of course, eating.  This actually annoys me because my hobby is reading.  I like to read and I do read.  I am under the impression that lots of people say reading is their hobby but then they never do it.   ...