I've always enjoyed crafts and I've lost count of the creative subjects I've dipped my toe into (with varying success). But recently I've found myself without a hobby and I'm craving something creative to focus on in the evenings instead of working at my computer or watching TV. 

In July I attended my first workshop, creating a simple macrame wallhanging. It was something I had never tried before but loved the look of. I really enjoyed the class and even though I found it tricky at first, I soon got into a rhythm and started to enjoy watching my knotted mess come together. I came away feeling accomplished and excited to go away an finish my project ASAP. The time I spent cosy on the sofa concentrating on creating felt far better for my mental health than working on my laptop. Whilst my first attempt at macrame is a little rough around the edges, it's sparked something in me and now I want to try all the crafts!

So when Skillshare approached me about become an ambassador, it was almost a little spooky. Since discovering the online world of Skillshare, I feel so excited to fill my evenings with creativity and learning instead of my usual practice of TV or my phone.



Skillshare is an online community of students and teachers where you can access over 18,000 classes. They're kind of like Netflix or Spotify but for creative learning with subjects from photography,  business and blogging to sewing and all the crafts you can ever imagine!

Usually when you sign up to Skillshare Premium you get 1 month free, but when you sign up through me you get 2 MONTHS FREE! That's 2 totally free months and 100% access to all the classes on offer.

GET 2 FREE MONTHS OF SKILLSHARE WITH MY LINK - CLICK HERE!

I have already spent hours on Skillshare browsing all the classes and dipping my toe into lessons. I have put together a list of subjects I want to research, along with compiling my 'Saved Classes'  on my profile for ones I want to join!

Here's some of the business-type subjects I'll be delving into:

• Photography & editing on Lightroom & Photoshop
• How to use Illustrator
• Email marketing & e-commerce
• Blogging & blog design

There's lots more, but I'm still looking!


So things are about to get real crafty around here and I'll be sharing all my projects with you. Once you're signed up, you can also follow my Skillshare profile too to see which classes I'm a part of.

You can cancel your membership at any time, so if you just want to snap up your 2 FREE MONTHS of Skillshare, there's no commitment. Or if you want to continue learning, it's only £10 a month. But what I love about Skillshare is that your membership fee supports the teachers to be able to continue to create professional and engaging content, and it helps fund students in need on Skillshare's scholarship program. Other perks include absolutely no adverts and you can download your classes & watch them offline at any time!

GET 2 FREE MONTHS OF SKILLSHARE WITH MY LINK - CLICK HERE!

This is a partnership I feel really excited about and I hope you will be too! Working from home my work hours can run up until bed time, and after a while that routine really takes it toll on my mental health and can effect my sleep pattern. I love having a craft project to work on, it takes me away from screens and thinking about all the work I have to do (small business owners can relate - there's always so many things that need doing). Feeling productive, learning new skills and focusing my brain on something other than work really helps my mood and I'm excited to learn some new creative skills to improve aspects of my blog, business and life! And you can do it all from the sofa - heaven.

What would you like to learn on Skillshare? I'm off to buy a loom!

Thanks for reading, pinups!
Abi xo

Minerva Craft Blogger Network: Sew Over It - 1940s Wrap Dress

Hi pinups! This vintage style Sew Over It pattern has been on my to-sew list for a while so once again I'm using the wonderful Minerva Craft Blogger Network as an excuse/reason to actually make it! I did wonder if the pattern might be a bit formal for me, or look to much like work wear, so I made sure to choose a bold, colourful fabric in hopes to make it a little more stylish and modern.

SMYLY 'Abi' Jumpsuit & An Honest Talk About Body Image

What an absolute honour to have a sewing pattern named after me! Before I get in to today's exciting new pattern release I wanted to start things slightly differently.

Everyone has their battles that they don't share online and I'm no different. So when the lovely ladies of new sewing magazine & pattern company 'Sewing Makes You Love Yourself' asked if they could use me as inspiration for their next pattern and name it after me, I didn't know if I was going to be a good fit for their brand.

Mental health and body image/confidence has been a big part of my entire life. Which I know may seem odd as I film YouTube videos and post pictures of myself online. But this is something I have control over, but come at me with a camera in any other situation and I'll be having an internal breakdown. I can't stand conversations about appearances or weight, as they bring up a whole lot of feelings I battle against every day and as I write this post I feel uncomfortable and find it near impossible to voice my feelings on the subject. Whilst I don't want to get into the nitty gritty of my own story, I hope you're getting the gist...

So initially this opportunity made me feel a little scared. Whilst sewing has brought a lot to my life and introduced me to a wonderful online community of creative women, its also forced to address some things about my body I would probably rather ignore. But I hope I can just spread the message that no matter what people are posting online or how confident they make look, everyone is battling something and you're never getting the whole picture. I'm not ashamed to say that I do share the best bits online. I have no intention of sharing anything else! But for me, I can look at my Instagram account for example and feel proud of myself and what I've achieved and that even though I have a world of insecurities about myself, I'm battling them, putting myself out there regardless and I couldn't have done that if it wasn't for sewing.


So with that being said, you guys know that no sewing pattern makes me happier than something easy, quick and comfy. The SMYLY 'Abi' jumpsuit is a dream! And I swear I'm not just saying that because my names on it!


Firstly the whole sewing process of this jumpsuit is so simple and straight forward which, the instructions the SMYLY girls have put together are easy to follow and well laid out. It also comes together pretty quickly too.


If you've watched my latest vlogs, you'll know I've been sewing jumpsuits all over the place, with varied success. Knowing this one is all jersey and nice & stretchy, I hoped fitting this style would be as simple and straight forward as the sewing. Luckily it was! I cut out the size 12 and made no alterations. The jersey fabrics allows for a comfortable fit across my bust and hips, but most importantly when it comes to jumpsuits, this is SO easy to get in and out of (I'm looking at you Simplicity 8608 grrrr).


Can we just take a moment to obsess over this fabric? I don't know what came over me, and even I can't tell you what my style and taste actually is, but I know I needed this fabric. I love prints with a darker background as I find them personally more wearable and I feel less self conscious in them. I love this fabric and sewing pattern together!


Sewing Summary:


Fabric: Icons Jersey Fabric

Sewing time: A couple of hours.

Modifications: None!

Fit: Spot on.

Difficulty: Easy, great for beginners! 

Watch out for: Finishing your jersey seams, I used an overlocker for mine.

Make Again?: Hell yes! I want to make a black & white polka dot one next.


Overall, the Abi jumpsuit (still so weird to type!) is everything I love in a sewing pattern, especially with my current changing style I'm certainly gravitating more towards comfortable, simple projects. I think this pattern would be great for beginners or those new to sewing jersey. I also think if you aren't confident sewing trousers, like me, something like this jersey jumpsuit is a great way to test the waters. The fit is pretty easy because of the stretch and the style, it's like wearing pjs!



Thank you so much to the lovely ladies Athina and Hattie for involving me in their venture, it's a honour to be a part of it. Whether you can say sewing makes you love yourself or whether you're on that journey like me,  we can surely agree that sewing is a wonderful creative hobby to have and no matter your age, ability or style, there's something for you.

Thanks for reading, pinups!
Abi xo

Minerva Crafts Blogger Network: Simplicity 8608 Ruffle Wrap Dress

Pattern: Simplicity 8608
Notions: Elastic for the waist (which I ended up skipping).

Sewing time: A day.

Modifications: No elasticated waist, plus a couple of mistakes...

Fit: Good!

Watch out for: A lot! Mentioned in my review.

Make Again?: Yes, but with some changes.
If you'd like to see everything I've made so far for the Minerva Craft Blogger Network, you can view my profile HERE.

What I've Been Loving in May

On my birthday wearing my Marigold jumpsuit!

Hi pinups! I'm a little late this time sharing my post for my monthly 'What I've Been Loving...' series. But better late than never! May was such a busy month for me, but I still found time to find some sewing inspiration.

It was my birthday in May (27 yay!), and as I get older my style is certainly changing. I'm finding myself moving away from vintage styles and instead sewing more modern, simple styles. I'm trying to be more conscious of what I'm actually wearing compared to what I've been sewing since I started my blog 2 years ago and I think I'm finally finding a balance. Perhaps I'll write a blog post soon on changing style.... but for now, here's what I've been loving in May...

I don't know what's come over me and it's something I certainly never thought I'd say but I flipping love jumpsuits! I seen to be gravitating towards them at the moment and I've got more than one to share with you! I loved wearing my new Tilly and the Buttons Marigold jumpsuit for my birthday day out to Ludlow. Hello secret pjs! See my pattern review HERE.

Back to my earlier point about sewing items for my changing style, I desperately needed some plain items in my wardrobe. I love a simple jeans and t-shirt combo for casual days, and sewing jeans is not on my agenda, after browsing ASOS for skirts, I realised the styles I was looking at were patterns in my stash. I've started with another Tilly pattern, Miette, for a cute and comfy chambray wrap skirt featuring a tulip decorative stitch.

After pondering long and hard about it I finally caved and treated myself to a MacBook Pro. Probably the most money I've ever spent on anything. But so far, totally worth it!

Since moving in together, me and my boyfriend have fallen in love with furniture restoration and mid century interiors. We started a new venture Side Piece DIY to post snaps from our home and to share the projects we're working on. Follow us !


Thanks for reading, pinups!
Abi xo

Simplicity 1459 - Sassy 1950s Shirt Dress + Sew Along

Hi pinups! I know I've said it a few times recently, but I'm really excited to share this make with you! It's the last in the series of my Stitch by Stitch with Simplicity projects and I'm finishing with an eye catching, super-sassy 1950s number!

Here's a peek at the pattern:



If you've been following my blog for a while, you may recognise this dress pattern already. I made the Simplicity 1459 pattern over a year ago. For my original, and full, sewing pattern review visit my first post HERE.



I hope you'll find my Stitch by Stitch video helpful for those looking to make the 1459 pattern or if you're curious about it's construction. Even though at first glance the pattern can look a little complicated, I think it's quite straightforward. As the collar pattern pieces are so large, it makes the sewing nice & clear and not fiddly like some shirt dresses can be.


In the video I say I'll be sewing a t-shirt sleeve, but when I tried the dress on just before the sleeve insertion, I decided to opt for the sleeveless option instead. I'm so happy I did as it makes it so much easier to get into and more comfortable to wear.



Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Simplicity 1459 

Fabric: Boufants & Broken Hearts Cotton

Notions: 3 buttons & 22" Concealed Nylon Zip

Sewing time: Half a day to a day.

Modifications: Added 3 buttons instead of 2, and I used a concealed zip instead of a lapped zipper. Made the skirt panels narrower.

Fit: Spot on!

Difficulty: I'd recommend this for adventurous beginners.

Watch out for: Don't forget to sew the collar points carefully.

Make again?: This is my second, but I see a 3rd in my life.



Overall the Simplicity 1459 dress pattern is becoming one of my favourites. I enjoy the whole sewing process of this pattern and it covers a lot of great techniques in it's construction. I can certainly see myself sewing a 3rd!

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Let me know if you'll be trying this pattern and be sure to tag me @craftypinup in your snaps so I can see them too!


Thanks for reading, pinups!
Abi xo

My First Dress & Why I Almost Gave Up Sewing

Hi pinups! I recently held a vote across my social media to see which vlog people would like to see next on my YouTube channel. It was between seeing my first ever handmade dress or having a peek inside my sewing journal. It was pretty even across my platforms, but my first dress edged ahead slightly!

In the video below I have a good laugh at my first dress, whilst talking about how after sewing at university I almost gave up on sewing for good. This dress, surprisingly, put me on the right track!

MY FIRST DRESS & Why I Almost Gave Up Sewing

Minerva Craft Blogger Network: Tilly and the Buttons - Marigold Jumpsuit

Hi pinups! Since I started my sewing blog a couple of years ago and became aware of #memademay I like to take part but in my own way. Working from home, snapping a handmade outfit every day is very unrealistic for me when I spend my time in comfy RTW clothes, but I do still like to make a pledge of sorts. For Me Made May I like to sew and wear a new outfit for my birthday, and it just so happens, that's my Tilly and the Buttons Marigold jumpsuit!


Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Tilly and the Buttons Ladies Sewing Pattern Marigold Jumpsuit & Trousers

Fabric: Floral Print Viscose Dress Fabric

Notions: 9" invisible zip

Sewing time: Half a day

Modifications: Tie shoulder hack.

Fit: Really good.

Difficulty: I had a couple of stumbles, so would say intermediate or advanced beginner.

Watch out for: Make sure your crotch seam is well stitched for longevity.

Make Again?: A surprise to me, but yes!

My Vintage Lemon Dream Dress - with Spoonflower Fabrics

Hi pinups! I'm so excited to be sharing this dress with you, for me this project is a dream come to life and it's all thanks to Spoonflower! Last summer lemon print fabric was all I could think about and at the time it just wasn't a print that was easily assessable in fabric shops. Lemon prints have since trickled into stores and this summer it looks like citrus patterns will be on a few people's sewing agendas.

When I got cracking shopping for prints on Spoonflower's extensive collections, "lemons" was the first word I typed into the search bar and I was absolutely spoilt for choice immediately. I was overwhelmed by the amount of gorgeous lemon pattern fabric, from delicate illustrations to sharp and bold digital patterns. I must have looked for hours! I finally settled on one stunning design and opted for a simple vintage style dress pattern as my base to create.

Here's a peek at the pattern:



For me the fit of the B6318 dress is spot on. This time I shortened the waist about an inch for my short torso but that was the only alteration I made. For my figure the loose bust and waist tie work in my favour as I have plenty of room in the bust whilst still being able to pull my waist in to define my shape. Setting in sleeves is also one of my least favourite sewing tasks, so the dolman sleeve design is fast becoming my new favourite.


Sewing Summary:


The Retro Butterick B6318 dress pattern has fast become one of my favourite ever patterns to sew. It's such a simple design but also easy to fit and to make. The simple pattern combined with this truly stunning Spoonflower fabric make for one show-stopping dress. Lemon fabric has been in my sight for such a long time and this design is certainly worth the wait.

Overall, my lemon dream dress is everything I wanted to create. I just need the sun to come back out so I can enjoy a few more summer days feeling like a citrus pinup!

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Don't forget to visit Spoonflower to make your own fabric dreams come true! What designs would you search for? Have you ever shopped with Spoonflower fabrics? I'd love to see your creations!

Thanks for reading, pinups!
Abi xo

Simplicity 8456 - 1950s Petticoat + Sew Along!

Hi pinups! Time for some weekend vintage sewing! When this pattern was released last year it caught my eye straight away. I've been toying with the idea of sewing a petticoat for a while, but was struggling to find a suitable pattern. I have previously drafted my own petticoat, but the tulle I used was cheap and scratchy, but Simplicity's 8456 pattern seemed like a great excuse to have a second go.


Whilst my first venture into petticoat making had the aim of creating something super frou frou and retro, this time around I wanted something more practical. After thinking long and hard about my wardrobe and the clothes I actually wear, I decided an underskirt in cotton would fit in nicely.

Here's a peek at the pattern:


Overall, I love the 8456 petticoat pattern. The underskirt I made is exactly what I wanted to wear under my retro dresses and I know I'll be getting a lot of wear out of this one. I think the pattern is so versatile and will suit so many different fabric types. Like I said I would love an outer-wear gingham version, whilst also maybe one day sewing a totally fluffy organza petticoat. But for now, this cotton eyelet style is just what I needed.

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Let me know if you'll be trying this pattern and be sure to tag me @craftypinup in your snaps so I can see them too!


Thanks for reading, pinups!
Abi xo

What I've Been Loving in April

Wearing my M7381 dress at Powis Castle

Hi pinups! I can't get my head around how fast these posts feel like they are coming round! When I type them, I always wonder what I'll be lusting after in the next few weeks that will keep my monthly series interesting. Yet new things keep catching my eye, especially with the seasons finally feeling like they may be changing.

In March's post, I talked about taking a step back and finding some inspiration to be creative again. Now April has passed I feel like I have somewhat achieved this, at least in some aspects. Here's what I've been lusting after in April...


Ruffle dresses are all over the high street and it's a trend that I'm ready to sign up to. Whilst the world of sewing patterns aren't always up to speed with these fast high street trends that pop up, Simplicity didn't let me down with their new 8601 pattern. After sharing a snap on my Instagram account, it seems I'm not alone with falling in love with this pattern. It's straight to the top of my must sew list.

With an influx of pretty Spring and Summer sewing patterns coming my way, of course some new fabric will follow (at least in my case). You guys know I can't resist a floral, which you'll surely know if you watched my latest fabric haul blog , and red florals get me every time. This one is following me online I swear!

Has anyone else noticed a wave of sewing pins hitting shops? I seem to have gone from 1 to 100 in the space of a month, but with a new denim jacket in my wardrobe, I'm not complaining. Have you snapped up your must have 'Seamstress' pin yet?

Working from home can quickly feel isolating and before you know it 5 days have passed and you haven't left the house. This is something I'm trying to make a conscious effort to change. I was recently gifted a lifetime National Trust membership and now the weather's starting to brighten up it's the perfect time to start planning some adventures! In April I visited the beautiful Powis Castle where I wore my new favourite dress (which I spoke about in my March post) and had such a lovely day.


Thanks for reading, pinups!
Abi xo