What I've Been Loving in January

Wearing a jumper my mum knitted me this month!

I've been thinking of putting together some sort of monthly blog post series for a little while now and I've finally settled on this topic - what I've been loving each month. I wanted to create a series which would feature my sewing picks of the month and things I've been obsessing over. Much like an email newsletter. I always enjoy these types of posts myself so I thought I would create my own to share with you.

January can be a pretty gloomy month all round and it can be hard to stay motivated and creative when the weather is so grey. But there's been lots still to lust after this month which has certainly spurred me on!



This month I selected and received my next 3 month batch of Minerva Craft Blogger Network projects, it feels like my birthday every time I get my supplies in the post. I used the opportunity to tick off some of my 2018 Make Nine projects, so it feels super productive too. This spotty viscose called my name instantly and I can't wait to use it next month for a sassy Valentine's Day dress. I also finished another from my make nine selection, the Kyoto Sweater, which I'll be sharing with you very soon!

Some big sewing news dropped as the amazing Tilly and the Buttons has released her second book for pre-order, I can't wait to get my paws on this. I loved her first book 'Love at First Stitch' so much and this looks even better. More sewing news comes as my pal Oh Sew Quaint reopened her shop, I've got to get one of the magnetic doughnut pincushions!

I hope you guys have enjoyed a look at what I've been loving this January! I sure spent a lot of it on ... I'm aiming to put these posts up on the last weekend of the month, but we'll see! What have you been loving this month?

Thanks for reading, pinups!
Abi xo

Minerva Craft Blogger Network: Tilly and the Buttons - Fifi Babydoll Hack

--

Thanks for reading, pinups!
Abi xo

If you want to pick up any of the gorgeous fabrics for yourself, here are all the links you need:


--

I hope you enjoyed my impulsive fabric haul! Did you treat yourself to some new fabric this January? It sure is a fun way to start the year and get that sewing inspiration flowing!

Thanks for reading, pinups.
Abi xo

Simplicity 8454 - Ruffle Blouse + Sew Along Video!

Hi pinups! It's a brand new year and with that comes a brand new batch of Simplicity Stitch by Stitch videos. I'm really excited to be continuing my work with Simplicity UK as their ambassador, sewing a selection of their gorgeous patterns for you to follow along with on my YouTube channel.

Last year you saw me sewing the decades for Simplicity's big 90th birthday, but this time around I wanted to try my hand at some more modern and fashion forward sewing patterns. I'm starting 2018 with the reasonably new 8454 ruffle blouse.

Here's a peek at the pattern:


This pattern caught my eye straight away and whilst I don't particularly pay much attention to high street fashion trends, this ruffle blouse really appealed to me. In my I discuss how reflecting on my 2017 sewing made me think about items in my handmade wardrobe and the clothes I actually wear. I'm in desperate need on smart casual tops to throw on and the 8454 pattern ticked all my boxes.



You can see in the video just how quickly this blouse comes together. I really enjoyed sewing this pattern and whilst viscose fabric does tend to get on my nerves, I love the end result.


I love everything about this blouse and I'm so happy that this is how my 2018 sewing kick is starting! I enjoyed sewing it (which I can't say about everything I make!), the fit is spot on for me and it was surprisingly simple to sew. The small struggles I had were due to my fabric rather than the pattern but I'm glad I persevered as I am in love with the end result.

Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Simplicity Pattern 8454 Women’s Tops with Sleeve and Flounce Variations

Fabric: Leopard Print Viscose

Notions: Elastic loop & button

Sewing time: An afternoon.

Modifications: Omitted the long sleeve ruffle.

Fit: Surprisingly good for my larger bust!

Difficulty: Simple.

Watch out for: A tidy neck edge, and over handling/fraying if you're sewing with viscose.

Make Again?: Yes!


Overall, the 8454 blouse pattern is one of my new favourite sewing patterns. Besides the sewing, this blouse suits my style and my shape, is easy to wear, looks smart and was exactly what my wardrobe needed. I look forward to sewing this pattern again and trying out the other gorgeous variations.

--

I'm really excited to be continuing to work with Simplicity UK to create a brand new selection of videos. This time around I've chosen a wide range of sewing pattern styles so hopefully there'll be something for everyone in this upcoming series.


Thanks for reading, pinups!
xo

Hi pinups, it's time for #2018makenine! I thought I would share my plans with you on my blog and YouTube channel instead of just sharing on my Instagram page as I can talk a little more about my sewing plans, fabric options and tempt you with my choices too of course.

In the video below, I go through all the patterns I've selected and why I've tried to stay clear of the big name sewing pattern brands. Some are patterns I already own and have plans for, and some are only a dream! I also show you some of the fabrics in my stash and decide on some options for my chosen nine. Watch below:




Are you taking part in the 2018 Make Nine? Hopefully this year I'll smash my sewing plans! Are any of these patterns on your to-sew list?

Thanks for reading & watching, pinups!
xo