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