On the cutting table…. Aka the kitchen bench… Whenthecatsawaythemicewillplay…. Fabric a combo of @themakersocietyaustralia Manning Cartel deadstock (which I would kill for more of) and remnant from @minervasbower which likewise is a lovely fabric and one of my favourite colours & could do with some more of… @megannielsenpatterns #mnriverdress. no toile just jumping straight in and hoping for the best… there is a bit of stretch in the manningcartel abstract so I should be right .. 🤞🫣✂️🪡

I’ve done a lot of sewing this year. My wardrobe is over-flowing and many items don’t get worn at all. I’m clearly drawn to colourful and patterned fabrics. I also tend to sew repeats when I’m happy with the fit of a garment. I’m also trying to use up more of my extensive fabric collection while resisting the lure of fabric sales at this time of year. #mnriverdress hack and #saellepants #newlook6035 #tessutievadress #saanitatop #sablaireshirt #mnriverdress #salaceydress #pfcelestial and #samillicentwrapdress hack #mccalls7093 and #mnflintculottes #sewover50 #sewover50december #memadeeveryday #memadewardrobe #isewmyownclothes #sewmelbourne #sewaustralia

The River Dress comes together so quickly! Pattern: #mnriver #mnriverdress by @megannielsenpatterns #megannielsenpatterns from @junekoegel Fabric: Arietta Ponte -burgundy #robertkaufman #robertkaufmanfabrics from @stitchsewshop #stitchsewshop Lesson learned: test fray check before using #madisonsews

Pattern: @megannielsenpatterns river dress Fabric: a dark blue jersey from my stash paired with floral scraps from @spotlight. I love this kind of dress. No ironing, wear at home and feel lovely + neat enough for a trip to the shops. Made a second with french terry and @cloud9fabrics left over from other projects. #megannielsenpatterns #mnriver #mnriverdress #megannielsenriverdress

After all I did get out of the sewing slump and ended up making these three things. . I am happy to post #mymakesforthemonth organized by @sewmuchtodesign ~ thank you! ~ to showcase independent pattern designers which in my case are: @truebias #roscoeblouse @megannielsenpatterns #mnriverdress @caramiyamaui #caladiumjumpsuit . . #sewover50 #imakemyclothes #iwearwhatisew #sewing #independentpatterns

Today on our stories we are showing off some of our NEW patterns that have arrived!⁠ ⁠ To make it even easier for you, we've picked the perfect fabric to go with each one! ⁠ ⁠ This one is the @meganneilsen #mnriverdress, teamed with this beautiful Art Gallery Fabrics Rayon, called Boho Fusion - Both are available on our website.⁠ ⁠ We've got lots of new patterns arriving this week, so keep your eyes peeled on our website if you're looking to stitch up something lovely for Spring.⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #thestudioatnumber30shop #thestudioatnumber30 #thestudioatnumber30makes #hitchin #haberdashery #fabricshop #sewingstudio #sewingpatterns #newpatterns #megannielsen #patternmatching #lockdownsewing #springsewing #summersewing #artgalleryfabrics #rayon #sewsewsew #instasew #ilovetosew

As 2020 continues with its sometimes normal sometimes new-normal lifestyle, I decided I wanted to up my athleisure game. I’m spending some days working from home and lots of time outside with my boys. Both require soft stretchy fabrics as far as I’m concerned! We recently took our pandemic version of a vacation in the form of enjoying empty off-season Lake Michigan beaches, so I sewed up a few things to add to my comfy wardrobe. • I’ve been wanting to try hacking the @megannielsenpatterns #mnriver top into a sleeveless tank for a while, so I made what is my 3rd version of this pattern! I love the reversible crew/v-neck and the fit in general. I added a few inches of length for more of a tunic look. I initially traced a new pattern piece for the shoulder, estimating the line of the armscye, but realized it was too wide after I had the pieces sewn together. I carved it out further and it worked perfectly! I added bands around the arms as well. • This floral fabric is a double brushed poly remnant I got from @lafinchfabrics a while back. The colors are so vibrant that I’m a little sad there wasn’t more than a yard! I used some scraps from another project of a lightweight French terry for the contrast. • I love this piece! I’m already throwing it under cardigans to keep wearing it as the last warm days of fall disappear. I’m inspired lately by finding comfortable makes that fit my lifestyle at the moment. That doesn’t mean they’ll all be leisure clothes, but I think they’ll play a strong role. • #sew #sewing #sewitbetter #meganneilsenpatterns #mnrivertop #mnriverdress #lafinchfabrics #sewistsofinstagram #diyfashion #floralfabric #athleisurestyle #wisconsinsews #millenialsewing

When you’re a teacher, you can go to the prom every year. It’s an excuse to make another “prom (chaperone) dress” to wear on a boat and then you have a fun dress for other events. I’d been saving this fabric from @ladymcelroyfabrics from quite awhile ago. I love it because it reminds me of how I used to draw faces with ink in my college years. The pattern is the #mnriverdress from @megannielsenpatterns and it came together so quickly (no set in sleeves!) that I plan to make many more!

There's something about being creative that's soothing. I made this river dress pattern by Megan Neilsen a few weeks ago. I was going to wear it to the sew Ankara picnic, but the weather had other ideas. So I have worn it to work, it has had some lovely compliments. I then proudly say I made it. #AnkaraFabric #MNRiver #MNRiverDress #SewingSavesLives #SewAnkaraFabric #IMakeMyOwnClothes

Pattern: #mnriver #mnriverdress by #megannielsenpatterns @megannielsenpatterns from @stitchsewshop from @junekoegel Fabric: Ponte de Roma knit from @blackbirdfabrics #bfponte #blackbirdfabrics Skills learned: Working with ponte, knit v neck band #madisonsews

This is my entry to @fivespicepower 's giveway! And yes, this is my @megannielsenpatterns #mnriverdress again! :) #sorrynotsorry This is the comfiest dress I have sewn so far, and it has pockets! Some brick coloured double gauze is already lined up to be my next #riverdress 😍😍 #givemestuffspicey #notdyingofoverexposuretoday #pleasespiceyireallywantstuff

New dress! I picked out this gorgeous Japanese fabric at @donnaandtoots at the beginning of 2020 with a gift certificate I got for Xmas 2019 and envisioned it as a simple dress as soon as I spotted it in the store… but I put off making it immediately because it was winter… and then covid hit. I lost all motivation to sew it because I wanted to wear it to work and that wouldn’t be happening anytime soon, so I officially put it aside and made a deal with myself: as soon as going in to the office with other people is going to start happening, I’ll make the mushroom dress. Well, I went in for my first post-wfh in-person meeting two weeks ago and the following weekend I made the dress! Today was the first day in the office for a large chunk of time with several people so I wore it and it was a really fun day, so great to see a lot of awesome coworkers that I’ve missed, and meet some new ones in person who’ve been hired in the past year. It’s a bit stressful since I’m not fully vaxxed (second shot on Friday!) but it’s a really nice change of scenery to go be around other people for a half-day. I’m glad I have such great coworkers I’m excited to get to be around again soon!! 🪡 But hey, dress! It’s the @megannielsenpatterns River pattern #mnriver which was one of the very first patterns I used when I first learned garment sewing and one of my most-used patterns (this is my third #mnriverdress and I’ve made four River tops too). It’s easy and versatile and perfect if you want a simple dress to really show off a fun fabric! I modified mine to flare out a bit in the skirt to better fit my hips/thighs, and I skipped the belt loops. I think that’s all. 🪡 I had a bit too much fun with this photo shoot in the little walking park loop by my office that I used to walk around every day. No one was around so I tried propping up the phone on all kinds of trees, rocks, posts, and roots to take timer selfies. Some got a bit weird! 😝 #memademay2021 day 26!

My finished #mnriver dress! I used a cheap fabric that I don’t love love to make the first one and test it out, but it’s totally wearable, fits great, and I really like it! Yay! Now I can make another in a fabric I really love! #sewing #megannielsenpatterns

River dress by Megan Neilson patterns. I used rayon from good ol spotlight - it’s been in my stash for a while and I actually purchased the fabric with this dress in mind. When I picked the fabric I thought that it was probably not right for my colouration (pasty and blonde), but I actually don’t mind it on 🤷‍♀️ I didn’t change much about the pattern either - except I didn’t add in pockets. P.s. I hate having my photo taken I’m such an awkward turtle - never know what to do with my damn hands and feet and hips and argh 😅 . . . . . #riverdress #mnriverdress #meganneilsenpatterns #rayon #sewersofinstagram #sewnz #sewsewsew #sewingismytherapy

Curtains, duvet covers, sheets, tablecloths, don’t they make perfect fabric source? This is MNRiver again. I chose it to be able to show off the fabric in one simple surface. I took some time to figure out the placement of the lovely flora but I think it worked out well. This duvet cover back panel was black and so is the back of the dress. #sewover50aug #sewsustainable #sewingismysuperpower #sewingismytherapy #ithaspockets

Today I’m wearing my first ever @megannielsenpatterns #mnriverdress possibly sewn in 2018. I have made this dress at least 7 times and have also made various top versions with different sleeves. My favourite fabric to make it in is rayon and I love the silk version on the pattern photo. This fabric is a viscose from #wearethefabricstore. It’s a straight-forward sack style dress with a ‘V’ and round neckline and can be worn either way. I really like wearing and sewing raglan sleeves too. 💙💙💙 #mnriverdress #megannielsenpatterns #sewover50 #sewover50january #memade #memadewardrobe #memadeeveryday #ilovetosew #sewmelbourne #sewaustralia

Me made outfit today. Top is a modified @megannielsenpatterns River dress with modified sleeves in rayon. Linen pants are the fantastic @closetcase.patterns Pietra pants with pockets! Excuse the wrinkles but we are on holidays here. Both fabrics from @spotlightstores and both items sewn a while ago. Loving the cooler weather today and off to explore the city. 🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃. #memade #memadeeveryday #sewmelbourne #imakemyclothes #imakemyownclothes #sewover50 #megannielsenpatterns #mnriverdress #mnriver #closetcasepatterns #pietrapants #spotlightfabric

Me made March 💁 Me wearing a @megannielsenpatterns #mnriver dress in jersey from @neridahansenfabrics. Wore it a lot in the warmer weather but missed having pockets. #memademay2022 #megannielsenpatterns #mnriverdress #sewover40 #mumswhosew #mumswhosewaustralia #sewmelbourne #speechiestudent #speechieintraining #procrastinationpost #getoffinstagramandgostudy

Friday came way too soon and with it the time to say goodbye to lake Huron. . . I am yet to find any mushrooms while wearing this dress but in the meantime I get to enjoy the comfortable organic jersey #mnriverdress I made earlier this year. . . . . #fashiononthesofafriday #sewover50 #so50reworn #wearwhatyouown #imakemyownclothes #summerslowfashion

I am usually all about the v-neck but recently I have been really leaning towards a round neck line. I was happy 😃 to turn around the reversible #meganneilsenpatterns #mnriverdress t-shirt. I have made the dress and t in both jersey and linen. Deep cuffs so you can turn them up. So versatile. The pants were kind of a disaster that I made before the pandemic (I got a lot more sewing practice over the last year). Turns out I really like them. The rise through the crotch was way too long, which I will change in advance next time. I had never done a lap zipper and I didn’t really do it that well. This is when I learned my lesson about cheap zippers from Amazon, that don’t always stay up. #closetcorepatterns #ccjennyoveralls #memademay2021

4 months ago I unpicked this neckline. I measured it up against the pattern pieces and it had grown an inch or more. I resized it and interfaced it and then put it back in the naughty corner for 4 months 😆 When I got it back out again it only took half an hour to finish 💪 Looking forward to wearing my newly complete @megannielsenpatterns River dress in rainbow spot linen from @doopsdesigns It was my first time sewing linen and it was trickier than I thought, it moved and grew more than I imagined! 🌈 It’s not perfect but I can’t wait to wear it now, just need to work out how to style it ☺️ Rainbow necklace is from @marybobbin #mnriver #doopsdesignsfabric #mnriverdress

Birthday Girl in the middle. Happy Birthday @marta_pawlowski All three dresses by me. I am so happy when I can share my sewing with friends. 1. #cielodress by @closetcorepatterns @ladymcelroyfabrics 2. #mnriverdress by @megannielsenpatterns @spoonflower fabric 3. #mccalls6696 #closetcorefabrics version B Fall is in the air so this is probably my last summer dress. The pretty colourful cotton voile is from @closetcorepatterns and it’s a dream to make and wear. #sewover50 #sewover50august24 #sewingsummerdresses #sewoverageism #wearhappycolor2024 #makersgonnamake #cherishfriendship

Sewing is meditative for me. So this weekend, I gave myself space to sew. As a neurodiverse empathetic human, I can struggle with information overload, which turns into anxiety, so I need to take care of myself. Sewing helps with those feelings, and I finished these two dresses. The patterns are #LaRobe by #DeerAndDoeDressed Then, River by #MeganNielsenPatterns I did pop into the SewBrum meetup for a little while. #MNRiver #MNRiverDress

The real motivation i had to start sewing is the endless opportunities to make custom clothes in curated ocean themed prints! I used this amazing #kelp fabric by @forest_and_sea from @spoonflower to make the @megannielsenpatterns #mnriverdress. It was my third time making that pattern and I feel like I finally got the hang of it fit wise. #memade #sewistsofinstagram #imademyclothes (Thanks @peppermintmagazine for tipping me off to #spoonflower and the inspo to dig out my long lost creativity!) This photo was taken on a beach In western Canada where I spent summers growing up. This island was (and still is) hugely important to me and influenced my career choice to be a marine scientist. I now specialise in #marinerestorationecology & #naturebasedsolutions. Why? There used to be vast kelp beds fringing these islands. But a combination of overharvesting of predators, like sea otters, warming temperatures, and other environmental changes caused the kelp to disappear practically overnight in the early 1990s. Environmental changes can cause sea urchin populations to boom, which in turn can mow down entire kelp forests. This phenomena has happened in many places worldwide, and losing kelp results in lost fisheries, biodiversity, and other 'ecosystem services' (things we care about and value which come from nature). What can we do about it? There is a huge and exciting shift now happening whereby scientists, indigenous groups, governments, international organisations, non-governmental organisations, communities and the private sector are interested, investing and working hard to restore degraded ecosystems. The time is now - with 2021-2030 the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration #generationrestoration. Restoring lost and degraded ecosystems isn't easy, especially in the ocean. But it can be done, and when restoration succeeds the scientific evidence shows that both nature and people benefit.

Belated post - my Christmas dress! #Seamwork #DesignYourWardrobe2021 S/S Christmas Bonus dress - River Dress by Megan Neilsen I did that thing where you go to Spotlight to buy some notions during a sale and see a stand of absolutely adorable fabric in one of my favourite themes, Australiana. While this garment was technically not in my “official” DYW collection, it was a “would like to have” that was intended but didn’t make the final cut (pun intended). However, my sewing confidence was growing and this fabric was irresistible so I went to work over a week of morning coffees finding a truly “quick sew” dress. As the days were closing in on a Christmas Picnic at the beach I was running out of time and it became a new goal to complete a dress that I could make in half a day. No changes to the pattern, just sew and go. Graded 12 bust to 14 hip using my new french curve ruler for first time instead of by hand and OMG what a difference! Turning out the belt was a real bugger and this final step made me about half an hour late to the party. I relied heavily on the MN Blog Tutorial for this dress and the instructions (except for the waist tie) were fantastic. During the make I had some issues with my bobbin tension so hopefully the dress doesn’t unravel anytime soon. I wore it again for christmas lunch which we hosted and was a great success. It was probably 35 degrees celcius that day and the fabric and the dress held up nicely and remained comfortable. #sewsydney #australiasews #thanksimadeit #memade #mnriver @megannielsenpatterns @spotlightstores #jocelynproustchristmas #sewjo

This is my entry in the #tshirt4summer2021 challenge. . This fun summer challenge by @sewjoei pulled me out of the sewing slumber and I went for the raglan sleeves #mnriverdress the versatile pattern I have sewn already both in woven and knit fabrics. . This time I have used organic cotton jersey which I find perfect in hot humid weather. This cute #mushroomfabric is designed by @writtenbykristen for @spoonflower and completely reflects my slight obsession. . . . 🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄🍄 . . #sewover50 #so50dresses #so50casual #tshirtdress #jerseydress #sewingknits #sewingchallenges #mnriverdress #summerdress #iwearwhatisew #imakemyownclothes #sewingisfun

Level 5: Formal Wear is on the blog today! I took these pictures in March and didn’t bother to retake them because nothing about this look has changed. I made this dress for a gala when I was newly pregnant with my son in very early 2019 and it has been my “cold weather” formal reserve outfit since then. As a rule, I keep one (and only one) full, fancy outfit at the ready for last-minute invites and to just take the pressure off dressing for fancy occasions. This frees up more time and brain space to be my most charming self when getting ready for a special event. My motto is always “feel confident in any situation, in any weather” and I feel like Level 5 sums it up best. We wear these clothes the least, so it’s natural to feel uncomfortable in them. But you don’t have to! Head to the blog for my best tips on looking and feeling your best in your Level 5 Formal Wear. Ps this dress is a hack of my ever-favourite @megannielsenpatterns #mnriverdress and the purse is the #springsling pattern by @emmalinebags #canadiancapsule #formalwear #levelsofformality #specialoccasion #specialevent #fancydress #clutch #highheels #imadeit #sewingismysuperpower #sewingmakesmehappy #confidence #handmade #handmadewardrobe #memade #memadeeveryday #patternhack #youcanhackit #capsulewardrobe #oldiebutagoodie #sewing

Hot off the sewing machine! It's the @megannielsenpatterns River dress! I made a version of this for my sister, and it must be one of the fastest things I ever made. ⁣so of course I had to make one too. ⁣ I'd bought this beautiful sandwashed knit from @theremnantwarehouse to make a leotard, but when it turned up it was drapier than I'd expected. Good thing I always buy too much, so I had plenty for this dress. ⁣ ⁣ And a bonus, it's reversible, two dresses for the price of one!! ⁣ ⁣ #sewing #mnriverdress #imakemyownclothes #millennialsewing

After a long day of hiking through the beautiful costal trails, olive groves and many hill, well earned cocktails at the rooftop, by the hiking friends. I am wearing my #mnriverdress #so50reworn #memademay2024 #sewover50 #sewover60

Had a lovely time at the @stitchandinkfabrics #springfling this evening which was held in @sewconfident lovely shop. Met lots of lovely folk and it was great chatting all things sewing. Obviously I forgot to take any photos (even with going out for dinner with @mrskingsews to the Ivy before hand so plenty of opportunity!) So took a quick one when I got home since I had makeup on 😂 Dress is a @megannielsenpatterns river dress, fabric is a viscose purchased in the pandemic #mnriver #MNRiverDress #SewScottish #frocktails

Make your summer vacay wardrobe! ⛱⁠ ⁠ These fabric picks are perfect for packing because you'll never need to iron them post-suitcase 😉 ⁠ ⁠ 1. Create the #calvinwrapdress from @truebias⁠ with our Sateen-Backed Crepe Constellation Dots 🧵🪡⁠ ⁠ 2. Our Rose Quartz Stretch Pucker Check would work perfectly for the #squarenecktop from @fridaypatterncompany 🎀⁠ ⁠ 3. We'd love to see you make #mnriverdress from @megannielsenpatterns⁠ using our Floral Bouquet Embroidered Mesh 💐⁠ ⁠ Shop the collection using our Linkin.bio or the link below 🛍⁠ https://measurefabric.com/collections/packing-perfect-fabrics⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ ⁠ / : / www.measurefabric.com ⁠ #measurefabric #MFdesignerdeadstock #fabriclover #MFmileycollection #fabricshopping #designerdeadstock #fabricjunkie #imademyclothes #ilovesewing #indiepatterns #fabricshop #sustainablefabric #indiefabricstore #sustainablesewcialists #whomademyfabric #imadeyourfabric #smallbatch #sewistsofinstagram #newcollection #textiledesigners #sewsewsew #newarrivals #vacay #packing #nowrinkles #wrinklefree #wrinklefreefabric

Day 3 #memademay2022 #mnriverdress

This is the @megannielsenpatterns river dress, which I bought last Christmas for this fabric which I had gotten in a @sewhayleyjane box about a year ago now. I am actually in love with this dress, it was such an easy and enjoyable make, and the fabric (a crepe) goes perfectly. I did make a few fit adjustments on this pattern, I decided not to make it reversible, so I did a high back adjustment, and did a FBA and left the darts in place. I also added a little dart at the top of the shoulders as I had some excess fabric there. . #mnriver #mnriverdress #sewinguk #memadeeveryday #handmadewardrobe #summerholidays2021 #inlovewiththisdress #sewhayleyjanemakes #memadewardrobe #uksewing #sewing #sewingdresses #polkadotsdress

Another mother daughter #memademay2021 ft. unintentional matching in our white shorts, sneakers, and linen tops. Mine is a @megannielsenpatterns #mnrivertop and @diananopeanut’s is a @shopwiksten #wikstenshift. We took the girls on a walk around my parents’ new neighborhood and the grown-ups had some Vinho Verde in the sunshine... 🥂🥂🥂 This spring weather is so perfect I’m trying to soak up every second I can outside before it is 90 degrees and 90% humidity 🥵🥵🥵 Do you say sneakers, tennis shoes, gym shoes, something different? Apparently this is a strongly regional thing—I always get Philadelphia on those quizzes because my parents are from the area... even though I’ve never lived there! #memademay2021 #memademay #mnriverdress @closetcorepatterns #gingerjeans #gingerjeanshorts #sewing #Sewingblogger #ncsews #isew #sewcialists #jecouds #jeportecequejecouds #handmadewardrobe #handmade #fashionsewing #memadeeveryday #millennialsewing #durhamblogger #ncblogger

A joyful River dress from @megannielsenpatterns in polka dot linen from @doopsdesigns It took a bit of work on the neckline but it was worth the effort! I started this aaaaaages ago and there’s a particular satisfaction in completing something that’s been a WiP for so long ☺️ #mnriver #mnriverdress #sewhappycolor #sewperth #sewistsofinstagram #memadewardrobe #sewhappycolor2020 #jeportecequejecouds #perthsewcialists #memade #imakemyownclothes #isew #diywardrobe #megannielsenpatterns #doopsdesignsfabric

Made this top in February as i realised i don't have many tops that go with my frankie trousers. This is the River top by @megannielsenpatterns. It's a reversible top so can be worn with the v-neck or round neck at the front. Love this concept ❤️ my preference is the v-neck but I will wear it both ways. I used a viscose remnant i bought from @beyond.thepinkdoor. Love the purple and green together. #mnriver #mnrivertop #meganneilsenpatterns #pinkdoormakers #imadethis #imakemyownclothes #handmadewardrobe #sewersgonnasew #sewistsofinstagram

My finished self portrait. I am really proud of this! It was quite a challenge. (Also, that is a @megannielsenpatterns River top in @artgalleryfabrics Yuma Lemon cotton knit. I guess I’ve technically created that top twice now). #acrylicpainting #acryliconcanvas #selfportrait #portraiture #portraitpainting #painting #art #mnrivertop #mnriver

Yesterday I showed you these garments in a stack, but today I’m going to lay them out like I would in my 3 x 3 grid to really see what I’m missing. Right away it’s clear that I don’t need anymore tops and I am lean on completer pieces. I’ve got one spot for another bottom and I think I’m gonna fill it with a pair of light wash denim in a slightly new style (more on this later). As for the completer pieces, it’s the winter, so I know I need something warm to layer. I’m going to start looking at cardigan patterns and shopping sweater knits. I know my jeans are skinny and my tops all graze the top of my thigh, so I want third pieces that are long and have some volume to balance out the proportions. I know that I’m going for a light, neutral colour palette, so I’m only going to consider white, cream, light grey, beige and maybe a bit of pink or light blue. I’ve got a pretty clear idea of what I need so I can start looking around! #fultonsweaterblazer by @alinadesignco #mnrivertop by @megannielsenpatterns #tiablouse by @michellesews_patterns #monroeturtleneck by @tessutifabrics #canadiancapsulechallenge #indiesewing #handmadecapsulewardrobe #memade #memadecapsule #wardrobeplanning #oggpom #ottawasews #canadasews #sewottawa #otyawaiscreative

Sew nine plans 2021 This is the first time I actually put this list together cos I usually don’t plan for these things nor very good with sticking to plans...but we’ll see.... Actually, to put 9 on the list is an ambitious one. Since I’m quite stubborn when it comes to getting that perfect fit, I usually do at least one toile before the cutting into good fabric. So to sew 9 means to sew at least sew 18. I’ve already completed a #mnrivertop, and a #soipennydresshack this year...does it count? Another goal I have this year is to sew from my fabrics I already have. Better for the environment and my wallet. 😊 So I’ve already paired these patterns with fabrics to save me from buying new fabrics for these projects. 1- #ddazara #ddazaraskirt from @deer_and_doe_patterns in the beautiful linen from @wearethefabricstore 2- #peppermintvintagestyleskirt from @peppermintmagazine + #mnolive top from @megannielsenpatterns 3- #v9253 #v1735 maxi dress- done 3 toiles already and finally good to go with fit. 4- #meridiandress from @papercutpatterns 5- #mayfairdress from @ninaleelondon 7- #soipussybowblouse in silk fabric from @tessutifabrics 8- #rowanbodysuit in merino jersey from @wearethefabricstore 8- #v9357 in the beautiful linen from @tessutifabrics 9- #soipennydress Made 3 of these and given 2 away. First one (which I’ve kept) was in rayon and a size too big) 2nd & 3rd in cotton and in my actual size but bust fitting was a nightmare. But I do love the style of this dress enough to persevere. #makenine2021 #sewnine2021 #sewersofinstagram #sewistofinstagram #imadethis #sewersgonnasew #memadewardrobe #handmadewardrobe

My first #mnrivertop in some long cherished #alisonglassbotanyexlibris fabric. What a lovely way to spend a stormy Sunday afternoon. Sew with fabric you love - it looks better on than in a box and now I can see it everyday

#MeMadeMay day 4. Jeans and nice top day. This top is very pretty and yet it only seems to come out during me made May! Do you have items in your wardrobe like that? I think leopard print love is something that has slowly crept upon me. Also, this top is viscose, and I don't love viscose, the creases every time you move! But I'm thinking this year could be the year for this blouse, no more languishing in the wardrobe for you, my pretty 🐆 I'm looking forward to hanging out with my favourite toddler later... and his family and a few friends 😁 #MNRiverTop #SewistsOfInstagram #SewingCommunity #SewInColour #SewOver50 #SewOver50May #MeMadeWardrobe #ISew #LoveToSew

You all know what time it is 🤣 #memademay2022 and today is a comfy Friday top! #mnrivertop in repurposed fabric from #fabscrap Happy Friday Friends! As we sign in my classroom - put your hands in the air and wave them like you just don’t care BECAUSEEEEE today is Friday! No school tomorrow! 🙌

Another mother daughter #memademay2021 ft. unintentional matching in our white shorts, sneakers, and linen tops. Mine is a @megannielsenpatterns #mnrivertop and @diananopeanut’s is a @shopwiksten #wikstenshift. We took the girls on a walk around my parents’ new neighborhood and the grown-ups had some Vinho Verde in the sunshine... 🥂🥂🥂 This spring weather is so perfect I’m trying to soak up every second I can outside before it is 90 degrees and 90% humidity 🥵🥵🥵 Do you say sneakers, tennis shoes, gym shoes, something different? Apparently this is a strongly regional thing—I always get Philadelphia on those quizzes because my parents are from the area... even though I’ve never lived there! #memademay2021 #memademay #mnriverdress @closetcorepatterns #gingerjeans #gingerjeanshorts #sewing #Sewingblogger #ncsews #isew #sewcialists #jecouds #jeportecequejecouds #handmadewardrobe #handmade #fashionsewing #memadeeveryday #millennialsewing #durhamblogger #ncblogger

“PPE. But make it fashion.” Thanks to @pippiannshirley for the *perfect* caption to this photo. I was worried this new @megannielsenpatterns #mnrivertop looked too much like scrubs in this fabric, but multiple people reminded me that scrubs are in so I might as well just lean in. #elementaryteacher #elementaryschool #teachingduringcovid19 #ppe #ppebutmakeitfashion #imakemyclothes #teqcherswhosew #memade #memadeeveryday #diyootd

It’s May 1st, the first day of #memademay2020 — I know I’m not alone here with fighting a lack of motivation to both make and wear cute new clothes. For the first couple of weeks of stay-at-home I didn’t sew anything, then I mustered the energy to make this sweatshirt with a mystery knit fabric (maybe from @scrapportland or maybe from a free pile at city liquidators a few years ago) and @megannielsenpatterns ‘s River pattern. It was the perfect thing, being suuuuper comfy for around the house; it’s gotten a ton of wear since I made it. I love the fabric, I wish it wasn’t a mystery! It can look super bright yellow in some light, and sometimes more green and sometimes more mustardy, and the wrong side looks nice too so I roll up the sleeves most of the time. 🧵 So this is a typical outfit I’m wearing these days: a comfy top/sweater/flannel kinda thing and comfy pants like these Free Range Slacks to go for a walk; often just leggings or pj pants in the house all day. As we get warmer days I’ll mix it up with some comfy dresses. I’ll try to wear different me-made things each day and maybe post a story each day and then roundups or something, we’ll see! 🧵 As for making new things, a week or two after I made the sweatshirt I had a burst of sewing motivation and over the course of like ten days I sewed five new items! Then it just kinda left. I haven’t really wanted to make anything the last two weeks. I am knitting a lot! I find that knitting is more my comfort craft when I’m not feeling great and then when I’m feeling better hopefully I’ll have some sewing energy again. I’m fine, just, you know, up and down these days. So happy #memademay and I hope you are well and I’m looking forward to seeing outfits! Maybe that’ll give me the energy I need to make more things for myself!

Day 2 of #memademay2025, I have recently been trying to wear more woven tops. This is a river top by @megannielsenpatterns. This is one of my favourite tees. I love that i can sling it on and not worry which way is the back or front. It works both ways. I'd like to make another version soon as i enjoy wearing this one. From memory it doesn't take up much fabric either 🤔 #mnrivertop #mnriver #meganneilsenpatterns #memadeeveryday #handmadewardrobe #isewmyownclothes #imakemyownclothes

While I love making pretty dresses, in reality I live in jeans and t-shirts when I'm at home so I wanted to make a simple t-shirt. I used the River Top/Dress pattern by @megannielsenpatterns which is a raglan dress or top that can be made in knit or woven fabrics. I made it from this melange cotton lycra jersey. I really like the v-neck and sewing this type of neckband was a new skill for me. I wanted to make my t-shirt more unusual so I hand embroidered flowers and bees for decoration. This was another first as I have never embroidered on clothing before but I like how it turned out.

Another tee shirt to go under sweaters and cardigans. The last of this polka dot cotton jersey. Reversible neckline #megannielsenpatterns #mnrivertop with #larktee sleeves. #sewover40 #sewingover40 #memade #sew #sewing

Day 7 of #sewyourselfsustainable by @newcrafthouse and the prompt is: Facts. Years ago my husband did some consultancy work for a fashion brand of jeans, which is funny because he isn't the least bit interested in fashion! He worked for a sustainable solutions company back then. The thing he kept coming across was whilst textiles and the care of them was becoming more durable with longevity and sustainability in view, the actual fashion industry was working on encouraging people to be bored with their purchases after a year or two at the most. When I make my own clothes, after spending so much time and money on them I want to wear and love them till they are worn through! I made these @megannielsenpatterns Ash jeans last May. Swipe to see them new. I wear them a lot. They are faded a bit but are comfy and soft. The denim came from @minervadotcom , gifted in exchange for a blog. I'm really pleased with the quality of the fabric and the pattern. I'm expecting to be wearing them for quite some time. For me, sustainability in my sewing is about making wearable clothes which are not faddy. I want timeless pieces that are both lovely and comfortable to wear. I hope though that my wardrobe isn't boring, what I lack in outrageous cuts, I make up in vibrant fabrics 🌞😎 Top: #mnrivertop, fabric from @fabricgodmother Jeans: #mnashjeans #sewsustainable #sewistsofinstagram #sewingcommunity #rewearresharecare #lovetosew #lovefabric #lovemyclothes #isewmyownwardrobe #memadewardrobe #memadeeveryday

Spent half the train ride from La Spezia to Florence trying to spot the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the other half doing some #handsewing. Both endeavors were moderately successful but there’s only photographic evidence of one. #sewingonthetrain #mnrivertop

#memademay2025 Day 19 i wore repeats, my #mnrivertop and my #oxbowpants. Don't think I've paired these two together before. Again, more woven tops are needed. #ootd #memade #memadeeveryday #handmadewardrobe #meganneilsenpatterns #sewhouse7patterns

The self-portrait is officially done! I think it is the most ambitious project I’ve ever completed. It’s been approximately 30-40 hours of work. Having this as an assignment helped me reflect on myself as an artist and to grow as a person. (Also enshrined forever in this painting is my @megannielsenpatterns River top in @artgalleryfabrics Yuma Lemon cotton knit). #selfportrait #acryliconcanvas #acrylicpainting #realism #realist #realistpainting #acrylic #portraitpainting #portrait #art #artwork #painting #colorful #pinkhair #hairstick #mnriver #mnrivertop #neurodivergentartist #autisticartist #actuallyautistic #autisticjoy #specialinterest #alaskanartist #alaskaartist #colorfulpainting #goldenacrylics #artist #femaleartist #artistsoninstagram #artistsofinstagram

Here’s where I’ve gotten in my capsule journey so far this winter: -I’m a Level 3 (every day nice/work wear) capsule -my season is “deep winter” (ie -10 to -30C) -my inspiration is “Pastel Après-ski” -my colours are light neutrals like beige, cream and grey, with some pink and light denim mixed in You might be thinking, “Sam, how on earth does Pastel Après-ski fit into workwear?” I’m going to use colours, textures and silhouettes that remind me of a cozy cabin, but keep it somewhat professional. Here’s what I’ve pulled so far: - my colour-blocked #fultonsweaterblazer by @alinadesignco - light grey twill #mnrivertop by @megannielsenpatterns - A #tiablouse by @michellesews patterns in a gorgeous crepe I got from @prettymercerie - A #monroeturtleneck by @tessutifabrics in a basic white jersey I got at @fabricationsott - Two pairs of skinny jeans from @americaneagle because their fabric is so good and their sizing is even better #canadiancapsulechallenge #capsulewardrobe #indiesewing #imadeit #pastels #apresski #workwear #whattheteacherwore #teacherstyle #wintervibes #winterstyle #canadianstyle #canadianweather #ottawasews #sewottawa #canadasews #cabin #chalet #diyootd #flatlay #handmadefashion

As 2020 continues with its sometimes normal sometimes new-normal lifestyle, I decided I wanted to up my athleisure game. I’m spending some days working from home and lots of time outside with my boys. Both require soft stretchy fabrics as far as I’m concerned! We recently took our pandemic version of a vacation in the form of enjoying empty off-season Lake Michigan beaches, so I sewed up a few things to add to my comfy wardrobe. • I’ve been wanting to try hacking the @megannielsenpatterns #mnriver top into a sleeveless tank for a while, so I made what is my 3rd version of this pattern! I love the reversible crew/v-neck and the fit in general. I added a few inches of length for more of a tunic look. I initially traced a new pattern piece for the shoulder, estimating the line of the armscye, but realized it was too wide after I had the pieces sewn together. I carved it out further and it worked perfectly! I added bands around the arms as well. • This floral fabric is a double brushed poly remnant I got from @lafinchfabrics a while back. The colors are so vibrant that I’m a little sad there wasn’t more than a yard! I used some scraps from another project of a lightweight French terry for the contrast. • I love this piece! I’m already throwing it under cardigans to keep wearing it as the last warm days of fall disappear. I’m inspired lately by finding comfortable makes that fit my lifestyle at the moment. That doesn’t mean they’ll all be leisure clothes, but I think they’ll play a strong role. • #sew #sewing #sewitbetter #meganneilsenpatterns #mnrivertop #mnriverdress #lafinchfabrics #sewistsofinstagram #diyfashion #floralfabric #athleisurestyle #wisconsinsews #millenialsewing

This is a post about balance (and a little bit about my new @megannielsenpatterns #mnrivertop). I remember having panic attacks about not having the time to do all of the things I needed to in order to relax. Isn’t that wild? I had panic attacks about not being able to relax. I had this whole checklist in my head of things I needed to do to feel “balanced” and if I didn’t get enough of one of those things I was a complete wreck. You can imagine how often I achieved my “perfect” week and actually finished my weekend feeling relaxed and ready for Monday. (Spoiler alert: it was rare). I had an unreasonable list of conditions that were necessary to actually be able to decompress (Fitness. Meal prep. Creativity. Time with my partner. A clean house.) I would get the Saturday morning scaries because I already felt defeated because I knew I wouldn’t get my list of “wellness” activities done. And this was before we had kids. We do yoga almost every night and most of the time it’s a @fwfglife video. Something Adriene said in one of them really clicked for me a while ago. It was something to the effect of, balance isn’t a check box or list, it’s recognizing in that moment what you need to do to feel balanced. I’ve been trying lately to take time away from sewing to work on fitness because I know that working out makes me feel better. I’ve been taking time away from sewing to make sure I have quality time to connect to my husband. I’ve been trying to go to bed earlier because I’m trying to get those eight magic hours. But last week, all those other things weren’t working for me. I realized by Friday what I really needed was a quick and easy win to feel like I was making progress on something. I’m so glad I did! I kind of ignored my husband. I stayed up too late. I didn’t do my Friday night workout. I sewed a top from beginning to end and now I’m ready to do all those other things. I think my two takeaways are: 1) don’t relaxing stress you out; and 2) really listen to what your body and soul need in the moment. #mindfulness #balance #momlife #parentlife #momswithhobbies #momswhosew #handmade #imakemyclothes #imadeit #memade #memadeeveryday #sewingismytherapy

Day 2 #memademay2019 #mnrivertop

After it languishing in the WIP pile, finally finished my @megannielsenpatterns River tee! It’s more of a wearable toile as I wanted to try out the pattern to see how I liked it as a raglan tee, so I used some cute jersey from the stash. It languished in the project pile cause I got a bit stuck working out how to attach the neckband. But I was able to work it out when I picked it back up. Sometimes you have your step away from patterns for them to make sense. 🤷‍♀️ Overall fit came out pretty good though I might be able to size down for a more fitted tee (maybe with some bust adjustment grading). The sleeves were a bit baggy for my liking but shortening them about an inch helped fix that. #sewing #megannielsenpatterns #MNriver #MNrivertop #finishedsewing

For the last day of #memademay2022 (ok, a day late, but who is counting?) This is #MNriver #MNrivertop made with beautiful fabric from @warlu_art Adrianna Nangala Egan Yarla Jukurrpa (bush potato dreaming) from spotlight. I love this pattern and the colours so so much! This make/post are just in time for national #reconciliationweek in Australia. #bebravemakechange #sewistsofinstagram

#memademay2021 day 9 My #winslowculottes and #mnrivertop are getting some wearing again. I used the beautiful rayon from @seeyouatsixfabric and an emerald Tencel jersey from @meetmilk_fabric We are finally having a nice spring day in Holland ☀️yah! . #megannielsenpatterns #seeyouatsixfabrics #meetmilkfabric #sewista #sewing #memade #sewingaddict #memadeeveryday #nahen #sew #diyfashion #nahenverbindet #sewinglove #handmade #instasewing #isew #nahenmachtglucklich #imadethat #instasew #naehenisttoll #cousumain #ilovetosew #imakemyclothes #coudre #sewingtall #sewover50 #naaienisleuk

So I’ve made a bunch of new things in the past six weeks but I just haven’t felt up to posing for photos or posting photos of myself… it’s starting to stack up so I decided to just force it today with this River top I sewed yesterday. A couple months ago I went on a shopping spree to help support some fabric shops (swipe to second image) and this was my first make from that stack. I only bought a yard so it wasn’t enough for the whole garment, but I happened to have a cotton sheet in my stash that’s the EXACT same shade of blue! I made the @megannielsenpatterns pattern with only the slight mods of the different fabric cuffs and I did the neck binding & v-neck differently than the pattern instructs. This is my sixth time making this pattern! #mnriver #rivertop #mnrivertop

We’re packing super light for our upcoming trip, but I can’t be expected to go a whole week and a half without sewing, so I’m going to try my hand at hand-sewing (and embroidering!) a chambray top on the go. It might be a complete and utter failure, but if nothing else, I have a super cute mini sewing kit to show for it. #sewing #mnrivertop @megannielsenpatterns #handsewing #travelsewingkit #sewingkit #handmadewardrobe . . . My kit includes: blue sewing thread, white embroidery thread, hand sewing needles, embroidery needles, sewing pins, seam ripper, water soluble pencil (and now also a pencil sharpener, which I realized I needed post-photo), ruler, and a 1.5”x1.5” piece of paper to help me mark the placement of the embroidery. The fabric pieces are already cut out and pinked so i should be good to start the minute we get on the plane!