It’s that time of year when we all look forward to the year ahead and the sewing community look to their plans for what they are going to make in the year ahead. Having compiled my plans it’s interesting to see that I have included 3 pairs of trousers and one of my aims this year is to make some well fitting trousers. I haven’t necessarily decided on the fabric that I will use yet but I have plenty of choice in my stash so that shouldn’t be a problem! I have compiled my make nine in 2023 which is the first year I have participated although I think the challenge has been running for 6 years. Patterns are: 1- #colettemoneta @seamwork 2-#ddmyosotis @deer_and_doe_patterns 3- #soiultimateculottes @sewoveritlondon 4- #lisboncardigan @itchtostitch 5- #katmmuletote @kylieandthemachine 6- #emelevatedblazer @ellieandmac_patterns 7- palazzo pants - not necessarily this pattern though 8- #soicigarettepants @sewoveritlondon 9- #sakenniewovenshirt @stylearc #memadeeveryday #isewmyownclothes #memadewardrobe #curvysewing #curvysewist #sewingismytherapy #sewingismysuperpower #sewingismyhappyplace #sewover50 #makenine2023

Party season is fast approaching and although we do love a dress, there is something very special about a me-made suit 🤩 Our Francine Jacket and Cigarette Pants patterns work beautifully together, and if you use a fancy fabric like a brocade, it's the perfect outfit for any party ✨ #soifrancinejacket #soicigarettepants #soipatterns #sewoverit #partyseason #memadewardrobe #sewistsofinstagram

Who's dressing up in a me-made costume for Halloween this week? 👻 Our Francine Jacket and Cigarette Pants would make an excellent Beetlejuice suit wouldn't you say?! #memadehalloween #soipatterns #soifrancinejacket #soicigarettepants #sewoverit #sewistsofinstagram

A very special wedding deserves a very special me-made outfit! My best friend in the whole world got married yesterday and it was absolutely beautiful ❤️ I wore my best suit made in a gorgeous @maccullochw brocade with pineapples on 🍍and was fully representing @sewoveritlondon with 5 different patterns: #soifrancinejacket #soicigarettepants #soipussybowblouse #soibowbag and a matching #soitie for Pat 😍 #sewing #almitamade #sewistsofinstagram #memadeeveryday

Yesterday’s #memademay outfit and one I’ve realised I haven’t shared before 😮 Probably my most complex make ever, I adore this suit but the temperature needs to be just right for me to wear it and last night was perfect: not too cold, not too warm. I used the @sewoveritlondon #soifrancinejacket and #soicigarettepants patterns and the most gorgeous brocade from @maccullochw with pineapples all over it 😍 I might have been slightly overdressed for my local pub but this suit makes me feel amazing, so who cares?! Swipe ⬅️ for more 📸 #sewing #almitamade #sewistsofinstagram #sewoverit #memadesuit #memadeeveryday

Trying to take toile adjustments and transfer them to the pattern for v2. No idea if I'm doing this right. Pattern is Cigarette Pants from @sewoveritlondon. The toile was size 10 graded to 12 at the waist. I had to take a good 1.5cm off over the hip area and I wanted a more boot cut bottom so .... Graded from size 10 to 20 from the knee down and had to draw my own line in over the hip at what wouldbe about 4 (?). Too hard to go back to a 12 at the waist so gone to 10 🤞 #soicigarettepants #patternadjustments

After 2 wearable toiles (see previous posts) and many alterations for my #sewover50 body - the final version of #soicigarettepants. 12 waist, 10 hips, flat bottom adjustment, added 3 cm to the rise as they sat a bit low for my liking (lots of alterations to the pocket pieces!). I’m quite happy with the results although the pockets gape a little - any suggestions gratefully received. Fabric is a very shiny stretch polyester gifted to me. Zip from #zipperstation. @sewover50 @sewoveritlondon @zipperstation

Let's do the time warp! One of the things we really love about sewing our own wardrobes is drawing on fashions from decades and icons gone by 💗 Take a walk through time with these three vintage-inspired patterns – which is your style? 🎀 Straight out of the 1950s the Betty Dress is one of our most popular patterns. With its fitted bodice, voluminous skirt, and boat neckline, it truly transports us to the era. ✨ Inspired by the wardrobe of Audrey Hepburn, these Cigarette Pants are a timeless classic. The gently tapered trousers finish at the ankle and are a great make for anyone looking to take their trouser making skills to the next level – we're picturing them with an Edie (or Audrey 😉) Top to finish the look, Audrey-style. 🥰 The Lois Dress just happens to be what Lisa will be sewing up in Monday's YouTube Sewalong, and this pattern has just the right combination of modern-meets-vintage for a contemporary office or special occasion look. With a slight 70s flair and faux-wrap, it's a lovely lightweight dress to see you through spring and into summer. [Image One: Hildy has her arms out wide as she twirls in a purple Betty Dress with large cream flowers. Image Two: Salma is standing casually wearing a white Bilberry Top and navy Cigarette Trousers with white trainers. Image Three: Lisa is standing with her hands on her hips wearing a black Lois Dress with red detailing. She has styled it with black tights and boots.]

Aaaand my third and last half term project is complete! Well, it still needs the lining slip stitching to the zip but I will call it done... So during this loooong term I planned and cut out a little capsule wardrobe of a Liberty #GilbertTop & a pair of navy hacked #soicigarettepants (swipe for the trousers, plus blouse and trousers are on the grid). The last item is a @grainlinestudio #reedskirt #grainlinereed I was inspired by @fabric_scraps beautiful winter versions of the Reed. The fabric is a very heavy rust cotton corduroy from @rainbowfabrickilburn - it shed like mad and my sewing machine was not happy with up to 4 layers of the stuff, but it is a lovely fabric and at £9 a bargain. I didn't have quite enough so pieced the cb panels, I figured with the number of seams it wouldn't show too much. I fully lined it and bias bound the waistband facing to stitch in the ditch and reduce bulk (swipe for pic of neat guts). Paired with @snagtights this will get a lot of wear! I like the 70s vibe of the skirt and Gilbert top, and those pockets in the Reed are just ace. I sewed a sz16 as per my measurements and the fit is good. With a less bulky and/or unlined fabric I might go down to a 14 at least in the waist; this version sits an inch below my waist. Lastly I added a label from @craftivists , 'use head, heart and hands' ... could not resist a bit of Pestalozzi.

Here’s what happened to my #makenine2020 ! I didn’t make everything (swipe to see my original plans): no skirt this year, the Sasha Trousers became the Cigarette Pants, Plantain tee got swapped for Ruska and Frankie for Luna (though I did also sew a Rowan turtleneck that I haven’t taken any photos of yet). I did make the Pona jacket (and wore it to a wedding back in February), Cielo top, Saraste shirt, Cottesloe bra (times 2!) and River Dress though! • 1. @helens__closet #PonaJacket 2. @closetcorepatterns #CieloTop 3. @sewoveritlondon #soiCigarettePants 4. @namedclothing #SarasteShirt 5. @megannielsenpatterns #mnCottesloe 6. @megannielsenpatterns #RiverDress 7. @namedclothing #RuskaTee 8. @helens__closet #LunaTank 9. Another Cottesloe bra • [photo id: Collage of nine photos of Amy wearing her makes]

Finally got round to cutting fabric. Fabric is lightweight melange suiting from @dalston.mill.fabrics. #soicigarettepants #dalstonmillfabrics #sewoverit

Last two makes of 2021 🎉 The @sewoveritlondon #soicigarettepants made in an amazing brocade from @maccullochw (it’s pineapples, swipe to see it up close!). I made a size 10 with zero alterations because I forgot to make them before cutting, and by some kind of miracle they fit perfectly 🤩 I then whipped up a @tillybuttons #sewingfreya in this sparkly jersey my friend @chiara.carretti gave me that goes so well with it ✨ I plan to make a matching jacket to the trousers to make a full 🍍suit but I’m going to take my time with it, it’s going to be my first big project of 2022. Tonight we’re staying home, but even a low-key celebration deserves a great outfit 🍾Happy new year everyone! . . #sewing #almitamade #memadeeveryday #handmadewardrobe #sewoverit #sewistsofinstagram #cucito #costura #jecouds

Wearable toile 2. This time as a crop and with back patch pockets. #soicigarettepants downsized to 10 waist and 8 hips. This time they are snug but I’m getting there. Next pair will be 12 waist and 10 hips and I think I’ll extend upwards so that the rise is higher. @sewoveritlondon #cigarettepants fabric is stretch cotton from @fabricsgalorelondon

Jeans are getting a big no from us at the moment, but when it comes to our Cigarette Pants, that's another story! They are an excellent make for feeling chic at home especially when paired with a jumper, a nice blouse, or the Bilberry T-Shirt like Salma. Just what we need to raise a smile ✨ [Image Description: Salma is walking with a smile on her face, wearing a pair of navy Cigarette Pants, a white Bilberry T-Shirt and matching white trousers.] #SOICigarettePants #SOIBilberryTShirt #SewOverIt

Ad. New on the @minervadotcom blog Trousers: @sewoveritlondon #soicigarettepants Fabric : cotton sateen from @minervadotcom in exchange for a blog post and photos. Top: @fibremood #fibremoodparis Fabric: black viscose @minervadotcom (bought by me)

MeMade garment this Monday (that feels very much like a literal Monday): Pants: Sew Over It Cigarette Pants #memade #memadeeveryday #handmade #iwearwhatimake #iwearwhatisew #nähen #nähenistwiezaubernkönnen #soicigarettepants

A review of my #makenine2021. I made 7 of the 9 last year - not 100% successful but better than the previous year when I only managed to make 5 of my choices. . 1. Evans Blazer by @heyjunehandmade. I didn’t even start this one but then I haven’t had much need for a blazer this year. 2. #gingerjeans by @closetcorepatterns. I got as far as buying the pattern but wasn’t brave enough to try making these yet. I’m going to give it a go this year. 3. #soibettydress by @sewoveritlondon . 4. Butterick #B6285 wrap cardigan. 5. #closetcorepouf by @closetcorepatterns. 6. #s3964 by @simplicity_creative_group . 7. #sewingzadie dress by @tillybuttons. 8. #soicigarettepants by @sewoveritlondon. 9. #fringedresspattern by @chalkandnotch. . . . . #sewing #memade #sewingaddict #sewistsofinstagram #memadeeveryday #sewist #lovetosew #imakemyclothes #memadewardrobe #diyfashion #sewingchallenge #sewover40

#memademay2021 Day 6: Yet another rainy day. Top from an old issue of #ottobredesign in a jersey I bought at one of those sewing fairs that I loved visiting. I love this top, love the fabric, love the waterfall neckline. Trousers, one of my favourites, the #soicigarettepants in a lovely light wool. I have used them so much during this year of working from home, very comfortable since they are a bit too big. #swedensews #sewover50 #mmm2021

I sewed a zip fly. No waist band yet and I'm certain I'm going to have to make some pattern adjustments but the bit I was scared of is done #soicigarettepants

I actually did it, I actually made trousers!! 👏 👏 Anyone who follows me knows I only really sew dresses and skirts, but #isewlation has pushed me to try something new. Things I ACTUALLY did to make these: ✔️Prewashed my Fabric ✔️Followed the instructions ✔️Hand sewed, yep, hand sewed the hems. Swipe to see pockets, including flippin' welt pockets! 👈 🌟 Trousers: @sewoverit #soicigarettepants Fabric: satin backed crepe from @creativecraftshows #lilacloversclub

Finally finished the toile of my #soicigarettepants. Had to take off some leg length and some baggies round the hips. Impressed that I did a fly zipper

#memademay2021 Day 27: this constant raining is killing me! Today I'm actually going to have an in person meeting in the city! So, from the inside to the outside: #soipussybowblouse in the lovely eco viscose from #atelierbrunette , the black #soicigarettepants, the black Everyday basic jersey jacket from #ottobredesign 2/2014 - and on top - the tried and true Penelope jacket from #ottobredesign 5/2009, in a lovely vintage blue and black cotton/wool/linen, that I got from a former colleague, whose mother was cleaning out her fabric stash💕. Now I just need an umbrella, then I'm good to go. #mmm2021 #sewover50 #swedensews #sewoveritlondon

Wearable toile 1. #soicigarettepants My measurements indicated a 14 waist and 12 hips. They were enormous hence the altered side seam. Long time since I’ve sewn a fly zip and first go at welt back pockets. @sewoveritlondon #cigarettepants. Fabric was stretch cotton from @fabricsgalorelondon

These are my choices for the #makenine2021 challenge. I thought about ‘rolling over’ the ones from last year that I didn’t make but then I thought there’s probably a reason that I didn’t make them. Plus it’s so much fun choosing new ones! Last year I learnt loads of new sewing skills and also a lot about what clothes suit me and what I am likely to wear. So I’ve tried to choose patterns that are more wearable or that will develop my skills further. Let’s see how this goes... . . Patterns are: 1. Evans Blazer by @heyjunehandmade. I love the idea of making something more tailored but this is made from knit fabric so hopefully not too difficult 2. #gingerjeans by @closetcorepatterns. I’m really scared about trying to make my own jeans but I live in them so want to give it a go. Any tips welcomed! 3. #soibettydress by @sewoveritlondon . I’ve had this pattern for ages and not made it yet. I love the style - I was originally planning to make a dressy version for a special occasion however given the year we’ve had I’m thinking of starting with a less formal one that I can wear to work. 4. Butterick #B6285 wrap cardigan (and maybe the skirt too). I’ve also had this pattern for a while and it seems like a really wearable cardigan to go over dresses. 5. #closetcorepouf by @closetcorepatterns. This is a free pattern and I need it to use up all of my scraps. 6. #s3964 by @simplicity_creative_group . I’ve been looking for this pattern for a while and found it on @etsyuk recently. It looks like a lovely easy summer top. 7. #sewingzadie dress by @tillybuttons. This is another pattern I’ve had for a while and not made yet. Jersey dresses are something I wear a lot and I like the colour block options with this one. 8. #soicigarettepants by @sewoveritlondon. Yet another pattern I already have. I struggle to find trousers that fit me so really want to learn to make my own. So far I’ve only made trousers with an elastic waist so this will be a challenge for me. 9. Finally the #fringedresspattern by @chalkandnotch. I love the look of this dress, it’s definitely something I would wear often. . . . #sewistsofinstagram #imakemyownclothes #diyfashion #sewingchallenge #isewlation

Nothing like a bit of hidden pretty. Pocket bags on my @sewoveritlondon Cigarette pants. Didn't put pockets on my toile so I'm going step by step through Stitch School lessons. #soicigarettepants #sewoverit #slowsewing

Our Cigarette Pants are a great pattern to pair with so many of our blouses and knit tops. A chic pair of trousers, they feature a zip fly, slanted pockets at the front and optional welt pockets at the back. Sitting on the high hip, they have a curved waistband and darts at the back. They are the perfect smart trousers all year round. [Video Description: A quick succession of pictures of Salma wearing a pair of navy Cigarette Pants with a white long-sleeved top and white trainers.]

Looking for the perfect weekend sewing project? We have a range of Classic Courses on our Stitch School that are ideal for learning new skills and trying something new 🙌 From getting to grips with making these Cigarette Pants to a pattern drafting masterclass, there are lots of weekend-perfect courses for you to discover! Find your match by visiting our Stitch School through the link in our bio. [Image Description: Salma is standing casually with her hand in her pocket, wearing a pair of navy Cigarette Pants and a white t-shirt.]

More questionable photography but just to quickly document my 2nd make of half term... a much needed plain pair of trousers. Very stretchy navy brushed cotton twill from @rainbowfabrickilburn in a heavily hacked version of the @sewoverit #soicigarettepants Pic 1- trousers on hanger Pic 2- tidy guts, pocket stays and (huge- hacked a lot from original soi pattern) pockets made from pretty fabric scraps, bottom of waistband neatly bias bound and stitched down in the ditch, random purple zip from stash. Pic three- blurry worn picture showing off the pockets. Bonus blurry child. I took plenty of notes for future tweaks to the pattern (flat pubis adjustment 😂) but lost patience after a while- done is better than perfect for the time-poor sewist. I have to remind myself that no matter how imperfect, this garment beats squeezing into a small stuffy changing room to find that, yet again, the trousers I can pull up over my hips gape hugely in the waist. Ah the joys of sewing!

Here it is on! Perfect for the cool weather we've been having this month. Next time I will knit the yoke in twisted rib I think, I like the definition of it (as seen on the cuffs and bottom ribbing). About to cast on a mini me version for the littlest guy... @petiteknit #ankerssweater #petiteknit (worn with #soicigarettepants)

As a pattern insider for @sewoveritlondon I got a temporary premium access to their Stitch school. I have taken advantage of this opportunity to make a second pair of cigarette trousers. I had made my first pair in a London class and have wanted to make another one ever since but I was a bit scared of tackling the front fly on my own. The online class was the push I needed. I has got very detailed explanations (both written and in video) for this tricky step. It also gives you the option to add welt back pockets (which I did not have when I took the class). Welt pockets are my sewing nemesis but the tutorial really helped and I'm very proud of how neat they look. I really recommend this pattern, it's a real wardrobe staple! The online class also comes with a second trousers pattern 👌 Fabric is a stretch cotton bought from @sewoveritlondon 2 years ago. My blouse is the top version of the Lulu dress (also by Sew Over It) with elasticated hem and cuffs - my 3rd and last make out of this tropical viscose. #sewoverit #soicigarettepants #soistitchschool #soipatterninsiders #soiluludress #soilulutop #soishowoff

Here’s my #topnine2019 My ongoing plans to make blue a less dominant colour in my wardrobe don’t seem to be doing that well 🤨🔵 Top row L-R: @montoyamayo Tory Wrap Dress @ninaleelondon Mayfair Dress @sewoverit Bonnie Blouse . Middle row L-R: @sewoverit Isla Dress @tillybuttons Eden Coat @sewoverit Bonnie Blouse (again!) . Bottom row L-R: @sewoverit Kitty Dress @sewoverit Pussy Bow Blouse @sewoverit Cigarette Pants #sewoverit #sewoveritlondon #montoyamayo #tillyandthebuttons #ninaleepatterns #torywrapcoat #mayfairdress #soibonnieblouse #soiisladress #edencoat #soikittydress #soipussybowblouse #soicigarettepants