#memademay2025 wedding guest edition! I made #m7789 in black dupioni silk. I am not often a careful, slow sewist. I’m chasing the dopamine and running from boredom-aka project being banished to the UFO pile-but I knew I wanted to get this one RIGHT! I did a full toile of the bodice, and I’m so glad I did! I made two adjustments to the bodice to address underarm gaping that really improved the fit. However, I was also rather overconfident and preemptively shortened about 1” thru the rise, which is a fairly standard adjustment for me…turns out…maybe not with jumpsuits. I didn’t do a baste fit either, and just went for it and French seamed both crotch curves (which was so fun and easy to deal with when I realized I still had to, y’know, install the zipper.) I was able to reclaim some length by adding ½” thru the middle of the cummerbund part and reducing the waist seam from ⅝ to ⅜”. *I* can tell that this impacted the proportions negatively, but I don’t know that anyone else would look at me and think, “OMIGOD. her waist seam is, like, ½-⅝” too low! BIG YIKES!” I French seamed everything that wasn’t fully lined…even HAND STITCHED the lining to the waist seam bc I didn’t want any visible topstitching and didn’t trust that I could pristinely stitch in the ditch. …AND after all that…the pockets are serged bc I was worried about bulk? Haha. I should not have been. I could take in a few families as tenants, and no one would know! My phone doesn’t even change how the pants hang. Magic! I skipped a bra and wore my @cakesbody covers, which I really do like, but they don’t stick to me well enough to reliably stay on without clothing covering them, so going to the bathroom was a bit of a palaver every time. Overall, I am 💯 convert on pants for special occasions. I love looking at dresses, but I do not ever actually love wearing them. I think a mashup of this bodice and the #mntaniaculottes would make a really cute 50s jumpfrock? Frocksuit? Cocktail romper? What would we call that?

As the seasons change, we're looking forward to wearing our favorite spring clothes and, of course, planning a few new sewing projects! One of the best things about sewing for yourself is getting to choose fabrics and patterns that you'll love wearing now, as well as in upcoming seasons. We're thinking of fibers like linen, cotton, and tencel, and textures like canvas and twill to create everyday garments you can wear at any time of year with the right styling. Whether you're in the midst of winter or settling into springtime, we think you'll love the versatility and value of the pattern and fabric pairings we're sharing this week! When we found this tencel canvas, we knew it was a perfect match for the #CortlandTrench! It has great texture, a bit of weight, and a gorgeous drape—and in a super-wearable color, too. We're going to pair it with the #MNTaniaCulottes in a favorite bold linen/viscose—this is something we can wear with a cozy sweater and leggings now, or with a lighter top for spring and summer. #SewistsOfInstagram #MeMadeEveryday #HandmadeStyle #sewist #ILoveSewing #FabricLove #SewingLove #HandmadeWardrobe #instasew #StonemountainFabric #sewcialists

This weeks shop my stash chosen by you gorgeous people!! The Tania culottes by @megannielsenpatterns in this gorgeous linen I found in my stash. 😍 #mntania #mntaniaculottes I am so glad you picked this pattern, As i absolutely adore how they have turned out. I made the size 12 with no adjustments, had a little a little panic the first evening I tried them on ( see YouTube for more details😂🤦‍♀️) but they fit perfectly and I couldn’t be happier. The Tania culottes are a Modern take on culottes combining the practicality of shorts with the appearance of a skirt. Pattern features a fitted waistband, deep pockets, wonderful drape, invisible side seam zipper and hidden centre front and back pleats to create the illusion of a skirt.

And today for #memademay, it’s heavyweight linen #mntaniaculottes. This really is one of my all-time fav patterns, I’ve loved every pair I’ve ever made. I sewed these all the way back in 2019 and have worn them less than 10 times but only cuz my weight fluctuates constantly and I couldn’t fit into them for the majority of the last five years! They are still a firm favourite regardless of the lack of wears! #memademay2024 #mmmay #mntania #taniaculottes #isew #instasew #instasewing #sewistsofinstagram #sewersofinstagram #sewersgonnasew #imakemyownclothes #handmadewardrobe

This is my second pair of #mntania culottes (my first pair was a shorts version and this is the longest version, version C). They’re pretty easy to make and I love that they look like a skirt but have the practicality of pants. I also love that with the billowy-ness of the legs, I don’t have to grade the hips. Nothing to complain about with this pattern, only good things to say. Definitely plan to make more! . Fabric from @joann_stores . . . . . #mntaniaculottes #taniaculottes #memadeculottes #culottes #itsnotaskirt #megannielsenpatterns #floralfabric #memade #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #memade2023 #handmade #imakemyownclothes #imakemyclothes #isew #isewmyownclothes #fabric

Sharing a very old photo for #TFSStitchStories wearing two of my very early makes. The #HinterlandDress bodice and #MNTaniaCulottes both in linen. The top eventually ripped clean in half right across the back (I took out all the ease so it looked really cute but I couldn’t move) and the culottes needed an extra few inches in the rise so they took quite a lot of adjusting and adding a gusset after the fact. I still have them though! @wearethefabricstore is asking where our sewing journeys began and mine began in Brisbane when my mom bought me a sewing machine from my local @spotlightstores as a gift. I had just had my second baby and really wanted some breezy linen tops that I could breastfeed in, but I didn’t want to spend $100 a top! Turns out my neighbour Chantal was an expert seamstress who took me under her wing and taught me how to use my machine, often supplying me with all the notions, tools and advice a #BabySewist could need. Many nights were spent laughing in her garage sewing studio at 1am while she helped me decipher a pattern, fix my mistakes, demonstrate a technique, or even print the rest of my pattern for me when I inevitably ran out of ink for my late night sewing adventures. Those early sewing days were totally magical, I felt like I could achieve anything, I realized that linen is my favourite to wear and sew, and I finally felt smart - I was able to tackle a totally new skill and I truly thought I could make any pattern as long as the instructions were clear enough. I’m so grateful to my mom for getting me a sewing machine, to Chantal for her generosity and friendship, to my partner for encouraging my new hobby and even bringing me home antique Singers he would find. And now here we are 3 years into my sewing journey, and while I’m certainly not as prolific as I was once, I still adore sewing with all my heart! Thanks for asking @wearethefabricstore it’s been fun to reflect! 🥰

Found another oldie but goldie in the camera roll. I’ve got a few new makes to photograph and catch up on which I’m hoping to finally do next more - more free range slacks and roscoe blouses - same same but different 😂. I will make something different this month I promise! Just planning towards winter makes - I love to wear short trousers, like these @megannielsenpatterns #mntania and the free range slacks because in winter, I hate getting wet trouser bottoms, which happens a lot in the snow!! Do you have a favourite winter pattern or garment? 🥰😍🧣 #sewing #megannielsenpatterns #mntaniaculottes #megannielsentania #sewinginswitzerland #sewingforever #sewinginzug #sewingproject #sewinginspiration #sewingismysuperpower

Wearing an oldie but goodie, my second #MNTaniaCulottes and thrifted jumper. I've been binging Project Runway and just watched the ep with Coco Rocha and now I think I am her so please enjoy my demonstration of "It's not a skirt!!" #sewistsofinstagram #lovetosew #confidentbeginner #sewsewsew #sewhappy #slowfashion #b34w29h39 #b34w29h40

I decided to cut the size 14 (!!!) for a number of reasons: 1️⃣ The hip (butt) measurement is 42” and will definitely fit me - I am between 40-41” 2️⃣ The waist measurement is 32” - so the high hip measurement should be 33” (where the waistband attaches to the shorts). This will best fit my Custom waistband high hip measurements. 3️⃣ If anything else is ill fitting sizing up will hopefully give me enough wiggle room to fix it 4️⃣ I’m too lazy and impatient to make a full mock up I HIGHLY recommend using highlighters when dressmaking - it helps HIGHLIGHT which size you’re cutting amongst multiple other confusingly similar markings. I also colour code seam allowances when pattern drafting - the blue highlighter here shows I added a 5/8” seam allowance to my Custom waistband (to match the other pattern pieces and make my life easier when sewing). #mntania #mntaniaculottes

I forgot to flip the pattern piece over for this one and I don’t have enough width to cut another piece! I don’t think this will hang right if I cut against the grain either 😡#wiawot #sewover50 #mntaniaculottes #sewingmistakes

Je vous disais que j’étais en manque de projets menés à terme... arrive @christijay dans mes recommandations YouTube, avec son travail autour du textile. Et surtout, son T-shirt rectangle. Oui, un rectangle, un trou au milieu, on coud les côtés... bref un projet rapide, quasi zéro déchet (je me tâte à rajouter un col Claudine avec ́la partie que j'ai enlevé pour passer la tête) et qui cerise sur le gâteau, permet d’utiliser des coupons @libertyfabrics (dégottés en soldes chez @rougierple ) trop petits pour réaliser d’autres vêtements... J’en profite pour vous montrer une de mes versions de la #mntaniaculottes de @megannielsenpatterns. J’en ai fait une autre que je ne vous ai même pas montrée ! Celle ci est réalisée avec un draps en Métis (ce mélange traditionnel coton lin du début du siècle dernier, souvent monogrammé du nom de la propriétaire) que j'ai teint avec les noix du jardin. Ça fait du bien de finir et utiliser qqch que j'ai fini... . #memademay #jecoudscequejeporte #jeportecequejecouds #jecoudsmagarderobe #jecoudspourmoi #ywanacoud #sewista #cousumain #cousette #diyootd #passioncouture #passioncreative #jecoudsdoncjesuis #projetcouture #thanksithaspockets #ywanamadeootd #ootd #outfitoftheday #diyootd #garderobemaison #taniaculottes #sewmystyle #makeyourownclothes #isewmyownclothes #mmm #memademay2025 #zerowastesewing #récup

Lightweight rayon is breezy, breathable, and cool to the touch, so it's the perfect way to look great and feel comfortable when the heat of summer arrives. We love this super-sheer crinkle rayon for a dreamy #SauvieSundress (best lined with cotton lawn), a solid or striped challis for a smart #DonnyShirt, and a fantastic floral for a pretty pair of #MNTaniaCulottes. Fabric roll call: Amour Vert Cupro Crinkle, Designer Deadstock Rayon Clip Dot in Lemony, Atelier Brunette 100% Viscose Wide Stripe, and Rayon Challis Windflowers. #sewcialists #sewist #FabricLove #ILoveSewing #StonemountainFabric #HandmadeWardrobe #HandmadeStyle #SewistsOfInstagram #instasew #MeMadeEveryday #SewingLove

Je profite du #memademay pour prendre quelques photos de cousettes non encore publiées… J’avais posté cette robe #maevasuperbison en story Aglaé a choisi lors de soldes un jersey 💜 avec des 🌈 multicolores Dans les chutes j’ai pu coudre un tee shirt à Daphné à partir d’un patron de body d’un magazine ottobre Et moi je porte une de mes versions de #mntaniaculottes que j’adore #matchymatchy

|Memademay23| Day14. Memade today was this #seamworktacara that i omit the sleeves for a summery vibe,the #expressoleggings , these #mntaniaculottes i have sewn for my little girl and th #zadiejumpsuit i wore to see my daughter's singing performance. I had a lovely day! #memademay2023 #handmadewardrobe #memadeeveryday #sewistsofinstagram #sewing #coutureaddict #cousumain #couture #jecoudsdoncjesuis #makersgonnamake

Visiting my in-laws this weekend, so I’m trying my luck with awkward lewks via the self-timer instead of my usual lazy mirror selfies. #memademay2022 outfit today: the same @megannielsenpatterns #taniaculottes I posted the other day, this time with an @everlane top, @rothys flats made from recycled water bottles, vintage necklace from my stepmom. #sewing #sewistsofinstagram #sewersofinstagram #memademay #imakemyclothes #imakemyownclothes #megannielsenpatterns #mntania #mntaniaculottes #megannielsentania #everlane #rothys #rothysinthewild #rothysflats #taniaculottes

As the pieces were too large to be cut doubled on the fold I had to be mindful about flipping each pattern piece to cut its mirror image out of the fabric. Always cut your largest pieces out first, then use that’s left over for the smaller pieces, paying careful attention to the grainlines (especially as this fabric has a pattern that can only be oriented one way). I find it helpful to flatten any minor folds out of the fabric and weigh down the paper pattern as you pin using a heavy acrylic ruler. I am so DONE with cutting, and prep work - I can’t wait to actually start sewing tomorrow 🪡🧵 #mntania #mntaniaculottes

A quick comparison of the Tania waistband (top) to my newly drafted Custom one (behind). Both have a 28” waist, but Tania has a 29” high hip and Custom has a 32” high hip. I have also added a steep curve to the waistband (retained from closing the darts on my bodice/skirt block). I find this curve helps waistbands sit more naturally on the body. Ignore the green zipper area - I cut this off just after taking the picture as I realised it wasn’t necessary. Tania culottes have a side zipper which is built into the side seam allowances already. #mntania #mntaniaculottes

Midi culottes pants 📍 in progress. I love everything about this make, the soft corduroy paisley print was easy to work with, its thick and chic enough to wear in winter and at the same time also drapey and soft. Swipe to see more of the step-by-step process ➡️ I use #taniaculottes pattern from @megannielsenpatterns and chose view C - the fit is prefect for me, just like I've imagined it would be. My inspiration came from Celine's fall/winter 2018 and 2019 ready-to-wear as the designer Hedi Slimane made so many looks with culottes pants - which I liked so much 🖤 #culottes #pants #mntania #mntaniaculottes #tjandracreations #sewingforwinter

Another pair of @megannielsenpatterns Tania culottes in a gorgeous viscose challis from my stash. 😍😍 I made a size 12 again with no adjustments. I absolutely adore them. Warning there will definitely be more of these being made 👌🙌 #mntania #mntaniaculottes

One last travel journal post—my packing list, for my own future reference as much as anything. I wear jeans a lot at home but half the time I go on vacation I end up not wearing them at all, or getting sick of how heavy and dirty they feel after rewearing too many days in a row. I also always struggle with layering. My favorite sweaters at home tend to be huge and chunky knits or thin hoodies that aren’t great if it gets actually cold. Jackets/sweaters/etc always take up so much room, too. I packed an overshirt/shacket thing in my bag at first and then took it out, but regretted not having it later. I’m a huge evangelist for these Kiziks sneakers, especially for travel—amazing for easy recombobulation at the airport, but also clutch when we were in Japan and taking off our shoes constantly to go into temples etc #dailydrawing #traveljournal #watercolor #watercolorpainting #lineandwash #mntaniaculottes #taniaculottes #cottonandsteelcloset #cottonandsteelfabric

Two outfits from the last weekend of Me Made May. 〰️ Day 27: @megannielsenpatterns #mntaniaculottes and @namedclothing #ruskaknottee Day 28: @sewhouse7 #toastersweater worn over a @helens__closet #yorkpinafore #sewing #sewcialists #knitting #meMade #meMadeWardrobe #meMadeEveryday #IMakeMyOwnClothes #slowFashion #meMadeMay #meMadeMay2023

J’aime ce moment où l’on prend un peu de recul sur l’année écoulée avant de se plonger dans la nouvelle qui commence à 12000 à l’heure ! Cette année mon #topnine2022 est plutôt représentatif de mon année et de mes coups de cœur ♥️ avec beaucoup de couture, pour moi mais aussi pour la puce et surtout des robes ; et un peu de tricot. 👗 #mandydress en jersey #minerva 👗 #fringedresspattern en viscose #minerva 👗 #mandydress en Milano #mondialtissus 👚 #liseronpattern en crêpe de viscose #atelier27france 👧 #alinedress en sweat #minerva 🧶 #whitmoorcardigan en fils #knittingforolive ⚪️ #mntaniaculottes en viscose #lescouponsdesaintpierre 👗 #soibettydress en coton #lescouponsdesaintpierre Pour 2023 il y aura forcément de la déco pour la chambre de bébé, un peu de couture pour la miss et monsieur et puis j’aimerais refaire du patch et du macramé ! Je vous souhaite une joyeuse année créative à tous 🎨🪡📿

I bought this mushroom print t-shirt at a street fair without trying it on and it turned out to be waaaay more cropped than I anticipated so there’s not much I can wear it with and feel comfortable really. I don’t want to perpetuate weird vanity/modesty ideas or negative body image self-talk, all tummies are god tummies, but my stomach just feels cold and exposed if my shirt is too short! I like having my torso fully covered unless it’s super hot out. So for #memademay2022 today I paired this t-shirt with my high-waisted @megannielsenpatterns #taniaculottes made from a nice sandwashed poly-modal jersey from @joann_stores. They have a simple waistband of 2” elastic serged onto the upper edge and NO HEM!!! because this pattern has an absolutely massive amount of circular hem to do if you finish it properly. @ledgerdesigns “Brain Food” t-shirt, @matissefootwear Billie cheetah print calf hair ankle boots, @kayeblegvad necklace. Proof of status as secret shorts in the second picture. I love it because I usually wear bike shorts under my dresses/skirts to prevent thigh chafing and this lets me skip that extra step. #memademay #sewing #sewersofinstagram #sewistsofinstagram #imakemyownclothes #imakemyclothes #sewcialists #megannielsenpatterns #mntania #mntaniaculottes #ledgerdesigns #shoplocalmadisonwi #matissefootwear #kayeblegvad #datterindustries @datterindustries #culottes #thanksithaspockets

FINALLY cutting fabric ✂️ I aspire to one day own a pair of Ernest Wright Tailor’s Scissors; until then these Fiskars Amplify 24cm fabric scissors are the next best thing, and at less than 10% the price! I am LOVING how big these pockets are 🦦 #mntania #mntaniaculottes #ithaspockets #ernestwrightscissors #fiskars

As a lazy, yet perfectionistic, seamstresses I have decided that I only need to make a mock up of the most fitted part of these shorts: the waistband. I have a 26-27” waist so chose the Size 8 pattern (finished waist measurement 28”). As these culottes are basically made of a circle skirt sewn together between the legs the hip (butt) size is mostly irrelevant. It does worry me slightly that the corresponding hip measurement for a size 8 is only 38” - my butt measures 40-41”. BUTT (get it?!) it’s a risk I’m willing to take (or I may just decide to grade between the sizes that fit my waist and my butt) 🍑 Mock-up fabric is 100% cotton calico, I paid £3 per meter for a 15m bolt, and prewash/iron about 2-3m at a time as needed. As it is 194gsm it’s pretty stiff - so works well for these types of mock-ups, but horribly for anything that requires drape. I’m considering using it to interface the waistband on the final version of these shorts, rather than something fusible like Pellon. #mntania #mntaniaculottes

Perfect travel outfit! When I bought this material I didn't know what I was going to make with it. Luckly I bought 2.5 metres and squeezed these full circle #mntaniaculottes out. With an error in cutting at 10pm at night, I have a flounce extension on the back pieces. The tencel linen had a huge amount of drape, making it look amazing BUT I did have to hang these for 24 hours before hemming. They creased in the suitcase and after a night hanging you couldn't even tell! For the train ride I managed to stash a drink in one pocket and a packet of chips in the other. The #perfectmumoutifit! 🧵 @neridahansenfabrics tencel linin 🪡 @hollysanders_art medicine on country 🏷️ @kylieandthemachine labels ✂️ @ @megannielsenpatterns Tania culottes size 16, view B knee length #memade #travelwear #homesewn #sewingforme #hollysanders #mumclothes

Had the best day with new sewing friends arranged by @theonearmedsewist ❤️Wore new linen #antheablouse by @annaallenclothing, with epic sleeves, and old faithful #mntaniaculottes by @megannielsenpatterns in a tangerine crepe as I loved the image on the pattern cover so much. #slowfashion #sewingismysuperpower #sewingwestyorkshire #sewistsofinstagram #memademay #sewist #maker #sewcialistsofinstagram #yorkshiresews #imakemyownclothes

Day 24 of #MeMadeMay2023 Back in my #MNTania culottes for a day in the office today. This is such a comfy, spring outfit for me. It's one I go back to time and time again. In fact the very first outfit I ever posted on my Instagram is this exact outfit. Doing my best for sustainable fashion by being an #outfitrepeater Pattern: Tania Culottes @megannielsenpatterns Fabric: Linen blend from @abakhanfabrics #culottes #MNTaniaCulottes #megannielsenpatterns

Thank you for this lovely polyester crepe @minervadotcom ! Sewed up the Tania culottes using this gorgeous drapey fabric. Pattern @megannielsenpatterns Tania For more detail on this make see my Minerva profile -link in bio #minervamakers #minervabrandambassador #minervamakes #taniaculottes #mntania #mntaniaculottes #culottes #isewmyownclothes

Tu le vois le projet rapide, hyper gratifiant, qui te comble de joie !? Cette jupe à pois blancs je l’ai rêvé et je l’adore … C’est ma 4ème version je crois du patron #taniaculottes et le tissu vient de chez #lescouponsdesaintpierre 💙💜💛💛🧡💚❤️🤍🤎💗💖 #sewing #sewingblog #couture #instagood #mntaniaculottes

More swishy secret pants! 😍 This version is the #mntaniaculottes made with merchant and mills tencel twill from @thedrapery #memadewardrobe #sewistsofinstagram #sewing #craftingismytherapy ETA Dec 22: this pattern is no good for me. This was the third pair I've made, in a variety of materials, and every single one has torn at the back box pleat. 😞

Well this is a hot mess 🚮 As you can see I can barely pin the top part of the waistband together (red lines indicate the 28” waist size sewing lines). At first I just assumed I’d put on a significant amount of weight without realising it (lol). But after cracking out the tape measure I realised my waist is still a perfectly average 27” - so why is this 28” waistband not fitting? The problem actually isn’t with the waist size (28”) but with the high hip size (the measurement around the top of your iliac crest - about 2-3 inches below your waistline). As this is a 2” wide waistband the top edge should fit your waist measurement; and the bottom edge should fit your high hip measurement. I checked and the bottom edge of this waistband (high hip) measures 29”. My high hip measurement is 32” so it is unsurprising (and clear to see) it is much too small. This pattern assumes that your high hip is a scant 1” wider than your waist 🍌- mine is 4” wider⏳and therefore will never fit into any of these waistbands - even if I size up. Honestly, I’m annoyed. It’s lazy patterning to only include two measurements for your size charts (waist & hip). Moreover I’ve gone back and checked and @megannielsenpatterns didn’t even bother to include height sizing either, so now I’m worried I’ll have to drop the crotch as well if they’ve sized for anyone shorter than 5’6” (I’m 5’7.5”). This is exactly why I rarely buy/use patterns - once you’ve drafted a well fitting block it’s so much quicker, easier and more reliably well fitting to just draft your own patterns. Rather than having to mock up, edit and change mass produced - expensive - patterns that fit almost no one without significant alterations. If you have the skill to fit and edit existing patterns, you have more than enough skill to make your own patterns. Looks like these shorts won’t be the lazy short cut to pattern drafting my own trouser block I was hoping for ✂️ #mntania #mntaniaculottes

Here’s the second version of the #mntania culottes on the blog this week #linkinbio. Did anyone say “classic”? This version is made from lovely squishy wool crepe from @thefabricsales and I’m really hoping these last me a decade because I love these culottes!! . @megannielsenpatterns #mntaniaculottes #taniaculottes #isew #instasew #instasewing #sewistsofinstagram #sewersofinstgram #sewersgonnasew #imakemyownclothes #handmadewardrobe #sewingwithwool #garmentsewing #jeportecequejecouds #jecoudsdoncjesuis #naaien

Another comparison of the boxy, ill fitting and unflattering Tania waistband (below) and my Custom waistband (above). You can really see the difference in curve when all the pieces are put together. NB I slightly edited my Custom waistband after this mock-up to get rid of the slight ‘hump’ you can see here where the side seams meet 🐳 Both mocked up in 194gsm 100% cotton calico - a stiff fabric great for testing structured components like this. #mntania #mntaniaculottes

Here are my #mntaniaculottes. I had this #libertytanalawn for over year and couldn't decide what to sew, but suddenly inspiration struck.