Heading to the Bronx Zoo today in a head-to-toe #memade @modern_sewing_co outfit, hand selected by my 4-year old 😆 He’s a man with taste. #msfridashirt with short sleeves and #msdaphnetrousers ❤️

I’ve missed about a week because of life, but I wanted to share this #MSFridaShirt by @modern_sewing_co that I made recently. I got this navy fabric in the @merchantandmills yard sale a couple of years ago. It’s some sort of heavy drapey twill, maybe cotton but it hangs so nicely I think it’s probably lyocell? I used a contrast thread and took my time with the top stitching. I’ve had lots of compliments on this shirt and we all know how good that feels when you can follow up with “thanks I made it!” #MeMadeMay #MeMadeMay2025 #ModernSewingCo #MerchantAndMills

A few #memademay moments. Remembering how to dress for autumn… wool but still iced coffee? 1 #msovershirt #msclassicshirt 2 #msdarcycoat #msfridashirt #mssundaytrackies 3 #ilfordjacket #vestno1 4 #msdarcycoat #stockholmslipover #mssundaytrackies 5 #msovershirt #vestno1 #mssundaytrackies

For #memademay I’m showing off the prettiest thing I’ve ever worn, let alone sewn. Frida shirt from @modern_sewing_co with the Frill color hack. I bought this Japanese cotton lawn fabric plus the pink shell buttons from @stonemountainfabric in Berkeley before I quit my dumb job. I had to redo the arms twice, haven’t quite got the Full Bicep adjustment (which—who didn’t think to call it the Great Guns Adjustment?) right yet. Making a toile out of some old curtains helped me nail the FBustA this time. Very happy with the fit. Collar’s a little floppy but it will work for its intended function—keeping itchy Icelandic wool off my neck (last slide is my Felix cardigan I finished last month.) I didn’t get the full spring suit finished for the class, but I love this shirt so much and don’t mind sharing it as my first public post on this account. #msfridashirt #memademay2025 #felixcardigan

The #MSFridaShirt by @modern_sewing_co. I loved making it – the pattern was so clear that I wasn’t confused for a moment (a rare occasion for me). The fabric is a light brushed cotton drill from @missmaudenz. It’s soft on the inside yet smart on the outside (work appropriate pjs?). The stability made it a dream to sew. The agoya shell buttons are from @drapersfabrics. Made in a size 14 based on bust measurement, although I’d think about grading to an 18 hip in future. Omitted the pocket because I usually tuck shirts and the fusing because the fabric is already 174gsm (and I never enjoy the fuss). I also French seamed the armholes, and swapped the back gathers for a box pleat due to the fabric weight.

(Almost) finished my #msfridashirt (Had trouble with the top buttonhole so will come back to that.) Really enjoyed the process, including these firsts for me: French seams Back yoke Bias binding to neckline Sleeve insertion Button stand & Buttonholes The fit is mostly great but I will need to learn how to do a full bust adjustment (FBA). Next up... Classic Shirt

Well hello!! I’ve been drawn to sewing clothing the last few months and thought it would be a good time to dip my toe back into Instagram with a post. I really love so many of the patterns that have been put out by small businesses in the last few years. I’m drawn to simple, boxy, and classic designs and a few of my favorite patterns of late are by @fabricsstorecom , @frenchnavynow_ , @fridaypatterncompany , @greenstyle_patterns , @matchymatchysewingclub , @modern_sewing_co , @stylearc , and @wardrobebymepatterns . I have a healthy pdf library from each of these designers and look forward to many more makes. @modern_sewing_co as been one of my happiest finds. They offer lovely designs and teach high end finishes in their patterns. Also, they offer capsule courses which focus on just a few of their patterns in the course, and how to finish them beautifully. I’ll be taking their capsule course that starts Feb 1, and I’m excited for it. Photos 1-4- @modern_sewing_co Overshirt. This is my muslin, made out of quilting cotton. #msovershirt Photos 5-6 @modern_sewing_co Frida Shirt out of a Kona solid. #msfridashirt Photo 7- @fabricsstorecom Cara blouse out of their IL019 linen. This is a free pattern on their website! #carablouse Photo 8- @merchantandmills Sidney out of triple gauze and Art Gallery knit for the cuffs and neckline. I made the smallest size in the pattern as I’m not fond of the overly oversized look. I also altered the neckline, making it larger. This triple gauze is dreamy soft. #mmsidney Photos 9-12- @merchantandmills Sidney out of a quilt. (@buffnstuf does it look familiar?!) I used linen for the cuffs and to bind the neckband. #mmsidney Photo 13- @paper_theory LB Pullover out of @fabricsstorecom IL019 linen. #lbpullover

First up in my winter capsule: a @modern_sewing_co Frida shirt in this white vintage tablecloth I thrifted. Tried to preserve as much of the embroidery and scalloped edges as possible. The details were very satisfying to pin down, particularly with matching the embroidery to align on the front of the shirt and with my front pocket. The scallops on the sleeve edges are an added bonus. I paired it with this @petiteknit vest that I made last year. #msfridashirt #homesewing #capsulewardrobe #memade

2024 was the year I became obsessed with sewing. I thought I’d post my makes on here to keep track of what I make and share them with family and friends! This shirt was one of the first things I made. The pattern is the #msfridashirt by @modern_sewing_co. Hetty’s patterns have become go-tos for me. Fabric is from @clothhouse_studiolondon (my favourite place ever) #sewing #sew #sewyourselfsustainable #handmadewardrobe

FRIDA SHIRT// Made my first shirt. #msfridashirt by The Modern Sewing Co. @modern_sewing_co Very happy with how it turned out, instructions were nice and clear to follow, will definitely make this one again. Fabric from a stall in Bromley. #sew #sewing #sewsewsew #sewistsofinstagram #happyplace

My third @modern_sewing_co #fridashirt, this time short sleeved with a bit of green top stitching. Very straightforward to sew with lovely finishing details - French seams throughout, even on the sleeve head! Made a size 10 with no modifications (apart from shortening the sleeves) This will definitely be a wardrobe staple but now I’m in the mood to make something more fun, colourful and frivolous! 🎨💃 #msfridashirt #topstitching #slowfashion #handmadewardrobe

#memademay2025 Day 29 Managed to fall off the #memademay bandwagon for the last few days. Mostly due to a failure to take photos rather from any lack of commitment to wear my me mades. Today though I actually managed to remember to take some. So here I am again. Please excuse the slightly crumpled end of the day look. It’s been a busy one. Top is the #msfridashirt made in a lightweight mini check Indian cotton from @merchantandmills. Very light and breezy. It’s paired with my perfectly imperfect, but much loved #closetcoremorgan jeans. Crazy how I managed to mess up that button fly! Two more days to go! Will I make it?🤞🏻🪡🧵💙 #memademay @sewover50 #merchantandmillsfabric #merchantandmillspatterns @merchantandmills @closetcorepatterns#sewover50may25 #MeMade #ImakeMyClothes #indiepatterns #MeMadeWardrobe #SewOverAgeism #stillsewingstories

Frida shirt for Me Made May Day 11 💚 Pattern #MSfridashirt from @modern_sewing_co Fabric from @blackbirdfabrics

This was the wearable toile for the #msfridashirt. Made out of beloved old cafe curtains (in 2001, Martha Stewart had a line at Kmart!) Fit issues, helped by the community @modern_sewing_co: I had used the size for my regular bust measurement, not my high bust, then added the FBA (Full Bust Adjustment). This created a lot of extra volume on the sides. Also the darts were too low. On the message board for the class, sewists told me to go down two sizes (using the high bust measurement), then add the FBA. Also recommended the bicep adjustment— you can see how tight it is here. I was so worried the final would be too small, but the math mathed. I learned so much from taking the Modern Sewing Spring Suit capsule course, even though I didn’t finish the actual suit. I’m thinking I will skip the trousers for now and skip to a jacket. I’m still losing weight and I prefer big jackets (talking heads) to big pants (clowns).

Wearable toile #2 & a mash-up of 4 patterns with my favourite features. Fabric: Sand/Black Viscose Micro Crepe from Cutters & Cloth Patterns: - #fsgardenblouse bodice & hem facing (size 12 with previous mods & 0.625" high round back adjustment) - #lnrhapsody sleeves (lengthened 2") - #msfridashirt button band & neckline binding method - #helensclosetashtontop neckline #SewAprilBlouse25 @sewn_on_the_tyne @cloth_edit #PGSews #BCSews #TallSewing

I made a wearable toile for my Garden Dress/Blouse class with @christinehaynes Fabric: Serpent Crown Cotton from @fabcyclevan Pattern: #fruxstudio #fsgardenblouse Size: 12 Mods: - added 0.375" across back - reduced shoulder slope 4 degrees - lowered armhole position 1.375" - added 2" to body length - used sleeves from #lnrhapsody & button front from #msfridashirt #SewAprilBlouse25 @sewn_on_the_tyne @cloth_edit #PGSews #BCSews #TallSewing #SewingTall #sewingactivewear #sewingmenswear

@modern_sewing_co creations so far. Loving the learning and gaining new skills with each item 🧵pockets and sleeves today! #mscarotop #msfridashirt #modernsewingco

[discount below] The Frida Shirt by @modern_sewing_co I signed up for The Modern Sewing Co's new capsule course, to make a 🌷🌱 spring suit 🌱🌷 Frida is included as a warm-up project. The number one reason I was drawn to this course (besides the gorgeous photos) is the finishes. I'm so excited to learn how to insert a sleeve with a French seam. This skill is promised along with other tailoring techniques, like a jet pocket, a stitch-free waistband and binding finishing on a fly and welt pockets. If you want to enroll, you can use the code MAYANNE10 for 10% off~ As for the Frida workshop, it's a sewalong, but it could pass as a complete sewing 102 course. Hetty explains so much--pinning, pressing, interfacing, why armholes don't match up when laid flat, what ease is and why it's needed... I was continually wishing I had seen this when I first started! I chose a lightweight cotton remnant for this project. (The bright chartreuse color in the print is hard to capture in photos, but it's a favorite of mine.) Inspired by a version of Hetty's, I omitted the pocket, added topstitching details, and sewed the neckline binding to the outside. I took a risk by making my true size according to my bust and waist, because the shoulder seemed fitted and mine are wide; but the garment measurement chart indicated I'd be OK, and it was right. (I almost never find a finished shoulder-to-shoulder measurement on a pattern, so hugely appreciated this.) My intention this year is to use techniques that I'm proud of to sew things that I'll wear again and again. Feels good to slow down and start simple. Fabric: @chicfabric Buttons: @pacifictrimming Label: @kylieandthemachine #msfridashirt #modernsewingco #capsulewardrobe #beginnersewing #tailoring #slowsewing #springsewing #sewistsofinstagram

I never wait for an occasion to dress up...but I sure do love an occasion to dress up. I'm really excited to be attending the WAG crafted fashion show tonight! If there's one thing I love more than dressing up, it's seeing other people dressed up! My skirt is self drafted and I made it up in a gorgeous velvet #deadstock from @corefabrics My bouse is the #msfridashirt by @modern_sewing_co in a beautiful block print cotton from #merchantandmillsfabric My coat is vintage, I bought it for $5 at a Salvation Army 20+ years ago and I get stoped everytime I take her out. My shoes are #momashoes a poshmark score! #melaniewesleystudio #handmadewardrobe #slowfashion #isewmyownclothes #indiepatterns #sewover50november24 #sustainablefashion #sewyourown #sewistsofinstagram #vintagecoat

I'd been wanting to sew the #msfridashirt by @modern_sewing_co for such a long time and when I saw this #merchantandmills block print I felt inspired! It's such a beautifully drafted pattern and I can see many more versions in my wardrobe. Swipe to see the gorgeous vintage wool jacket I paired it with for my morning dog walk. I'm also wearing my #bastioncullottes and a recent knit, the #edgewatertam #melaniewesleystudio #handmadewardrobe #isewmyownclothes #imakemyownclothes #slowfashion #sustainablefashion #sewistsofinstagram #sewist #knittingaddict #sewover50october24

I’m one of those sewists who 𝘭𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘴 clean, neatly finished seams insides, so when a pattern calls for French seams, it’s an instant winner in my book. This is Frida from @modern_sewing_co #msfridashirt #msfrida #frenchseams

June’s Inspo Board was a delight! Loving seeing your makes, keep them coming and remember to tag us in the photos 💙 1 - @rachelsalenius #MSfridashirt 2 - @sewquietly #msjaimejacket 3 - @sewquietly #msjaimejacket 4 - @bethanylynne_makes #mssiennadress 5 - @flomaa #MSUnisexShirt 6 - @handmade_woman #MSceliadress 7 - @lempobee #MSworkertrousers 8 - @made.by.michl #mssiennadress 9 - @olivewils #MSclassicshirt 10 - @anzymillblenk #msclassicshirt

During Aotearoa’s summer I joined the @modern_sewing_co winter capsule course. It was full of excellent tutorials and advice/inspiration from other makers! Here is my full outfit (coat details below but other garments are in recent posts). Happy to share the comfiest coat ever: the #MSdarcycoat. I thought this make would be really challenging and because of that, I worked slowly and carefully and only had to unpick once(!!). The pattern and extra course tutorials were so clear that it felt surprisingly straightforward to make a lined coat – highly recommend! Made in a beautiful wool twill with a cotton/silk lining (a bit noisy with so much cotton tbh) and corozo buttons. It’s the short version in size 14 (following my bust measurement) which is nice and roomy for chunky knits underneath. I’d maybe size down for a more refined long coat. I love how customisable the pattern is – I chose the pointed collar, no sleeve tab, and two welt pockets. (Could not for the life of me get weave direction on the welts to correspond with the coat, but c’est la vie.) Worn with the #MSovershirt #MSfridashirt & #MSsundaytrackies.

Here we have another #msfridashirt from @modern_sewing_co I really enjoy sewing this pattern but I think I need to put it away for a while and move onto something else!! 🤔 😂 I was very lucky to be given a gift voucher for my birthday to spend @makefabricboutique- what a treat. I chose this Robert Kaufman brushed cotton fabric which is so luxurious. The buttons were also from @makefabricboutique - one side was a plain colour and the other was more ‘mottled’ which I think picked up the flecks in the fabric. I did run and fell seams and used cotton poplin bias binding on the neck instead of the fabric ( to reduce bulk) #msfridashirt #sewover50march #sewover50 #sewerofinstagram #jeportecequejecouds

Last week, I signed up for the Spring Suit Capsule Course by @modern_sewing_co and today I cut the pieces for the #msfridashirt and completed the pre sewing prep. Tomorrow, I'll start putting it together!

I should have been a librarian, or a lady detective in a 1940s English village. Wearing my #cleoskirt by @madebyrae in the "sea of trees" #merchantandmillslinen paired with my beloved #msfridashirt by @modern_sewing_co in the block print cotton "huckleberry" by Merchant and Mills. To stay cozy I topped it with my #bonniecardigan by @tete_beche in #briggsandlittle sport. #melaniewesleystudio #handmadewardrobe ##sewover50december24 #sewyourown #indiepatterns

I started Modern Sewing Co's 3 Month Capsule Course at the beginning of October. The first official garment is a lined overshirt, but I wanted to start with the prep month project. I really enjoy pattern matching button up shirts! Fabric: Bordeaux Sakura Viscose from @fabricanastore & 10mm Coconut Shell Buttons from @kylieandthemachine Pattern: #modernsewingco #msfridashirt Size: 20 Mods: - changed high neckline to scoop neck - added bust dart, side shaping & curved hem - shortened sleeves & added cuffs for a nicer look when turned up #PGSews #BCSews #TallSewing #SewingTall #sewingactivewear

Här är en #msfridashirt som jag gjorde före sommaren men inte orkat fota. Jag har blivit superlat med att fota! Den blev hur som helst till av en gullig viskos-stuv från @tygverket. Jag gillar verkligen modellen men tycker den gör sig ännu bättre i typ poplin. Så det får det bli nästa gång.

Took a short but extremely sweet trip to Paris with my BFF of 15 years, to celebrate her getting married very soon! I got this cute striped cotton fabric in the New Craft House remnant sale recently and made a #MSFridaShirt and #PomonaShorts matching set. Instead of the gathers on the back of the shirt, I did an inverted box pleat. I also lengthened the arms but made no other mods. For the Pomonas, I used the slash and spread method to make them a little more full but tbh I’m not sure it made much difference! I also added patch pockets on the front. I loved mooching around Paris in this, eating cheese and sipping wine on repeat, and of course spending quality time catching up with my bestie 🥹 #PomonaShortsHack #NewCraftHouseFabric #MeMade #MeMadeWardrobe #Sewist #Sewcialist #IMakeMyOwnClothes #SewistsOfInstagram #DIYWardrobe #ModernSewists #MillenialSewist #MillenialSewing #SewQueer #SewingTall

#msfridashirt in woolsey- a linen/wool blend- from @merchantandmills. Such a simple but thoughtfully designed shirt which I feel will become a wardrobe staple. @modern_sewing_co @merchantandmills #memade #handmade #sewover50tops #sewover60

One last make for 2024, to wear for New Year’s Eve tonight 🎉 The Frida Shirt by @modern_sewing_co #msfridashirt in Nani Iro linen from @coocool_mercerie last summer in France Happy New Year to everyone - I’m looking forward to a more slow and steady sewing rhythm in the months ahead after a year of change and travel and moving 😘

009 Next up in The Wardrobe Workshop from The Modern Sewing Co. was the Frida Shirt. I knew I wouldn’t get a lot of wear out of this if I made it by the book but I wanted to learn the techniques (i.e. Baby’s First Bias Binding), so mods were made. If you’ve also wondered what it would be like to severely shorten and give reeeal thick hem to this shirt, then this is a safe space for you. I see you, I accept you, I chop and crop with you. Humbled by my first foray into using The Good Fabric, this project marked a sheepish return to thrifted bedsheets (in this instance, the plain white half of a colourfully striped doona cover, because there’s only so much excitement I can handle in a project without losing focus so those stupid sexy stripes will have to wait their turn). I was worried this wouldn’t fit across my shoulders (I was wrong) so I sized up. It’s a wee bit billowy and a 14 would have been fine but I quite like the drama and extra ventilation so we’ll pretend it was intentional. Will I resize it at some point just for the practice? Probably. Did I not really vibe it that much until I took these photos and realised I actually love it? That’s between me and God. DETAILS The #MSFridaShirt from @modern_sewing_co in a thrifted bedsheet from @salvosstores. Size 16, cropped 16cm, increased both sleeve and bottom hem to 6cm. Finished 7 July 2024.

In the lead up to travel, there’s a flurry of activity that I like to think is planned and organized. That may or may not be entirely true 🫣 In retrospect, I’m giving myself a pat on the back and feel excited about what I’m going to tackle next. #wikstenharempants #msfridashirt #m6044 #crozonsweater #huntervest & vest designed by me. Cloth napkins to round things out. 🧵🪡🧶🥳 #sewover50august2024

Last one of the weekend @modern_sewing_co #msfridashirt in a lightweight linen from @corefabrics. UK size 18 w a forward shoulder adjustment- would reduce this a bit and probably size down for future versions. I love having a button up shirt without a collar- it’s a little more feminine, but still work ish- the perfect combo of casual and classy which is all of modern sewing company’s patterns honestly! Worn with my @closetcorepatterns #fioreskirt that I lengthened about 6 inches. Details in another post I made a workwear capsule that these two items are part of- I have schemes of making a whole post on the pieces I made, if I ever get around to it. I love sage green and navy together Also please note my lack of ankle socks, I am growing #sewistsofinstagram #canadiansewist

#memademay2024 it became really hot and was time to break out the linen. This #msfridashirt is part of my summer workwear capsule for this year. I like having a button up shirt without a collar. I shortened the sleeves by 2 inches and did my standard forward shoulder adjustment. Size 18, but I wish I had sized down so might take in the side seams a little. Recommend staystitchjng the neckline before adding bias tape as it got a little stretched out. I used to be so proud of my bias binding but I struggled hard with this one! Who knows Made with linen from @corefabrics Worn with my #mmevetrousers in navy bull denim from blackbird which I still love and are very comfortable work pants Love these colors together 🌱🌱green is my summer color

My Modern Sewing Co 6 month plans. I may change a few things or add a few things, we will see. I am heading to NYC soon, so buttons are on the list. So excited about this. I have already made one top and will show in a later post. Thank you @modern_sewing_co for the inspiration and workshop! #mscaratop #msworkertrousers #msovershirt #mspottersjacket #msleilashirt #msfridashirt #msboatnecktop #sewersofinstagram #sewingplans

If you didn't already know, each month I do a round-up of some lovely makes in our Monthly Inspiration Board newsletter. This months makes were a particularly beautiful bunch of homemade garments and I couldn't help but share them here on Instagram too. I absolutely love seeing how you use our patterns, the colours and fabrics you use and also how you style them. I often get ideas from seeing what you guys make so I hope these monthly inspo boards give you all some ideas too! If you missed this months one don't worry, you can catch up on the blog. But make sure you subscribe to get next months one! 💫 . 1 - One of my own makes of the #MSworkertrousers with pin-tucks down the front legs. I'm wearing it with a vintage waistcoat and the Belle Shirt which is the next piece lined up for release in the next 2 months..! 2 - @applique.te | #msFridaShirt 3 - @eleni_sews | #SpringTrousers 4 - @lj_sews | #ribsweater 5 - @fabricocolien | #MSworkertrousers 6 - @laura.wolfgang | #MSworkertrousers 7 - @katilulemakes | #MSovershirt 8 - @yaro_by_janatcheque | #msceliadress 9 - @threadbitchbrighton | #msSundayTrackies 10 - @the.social.fabric | #msJesseJumpsuit