Day #5  | Made for others In #sewapril2023 challenge, hosted by @ryliss_sewinganddesignschool #ryliss_sewinganddesignschool Here's a random selection of memade gifts, made for special people. I realised a few things in compiling this mosaic. Firstly, I don't always photograph gifted makes, so not all special people are represented here!! Secondly, do my gifts tend to be either yellow or pink??!! Ryliss asked for deets of pattern & fabric, and a note re: sewing experience. So, from centre top, going clockwise: * hubby seems happy with his shirt #m6044 in batik cotton, from local quilting shop (sadly closed down now) -- added a Santa tummy adjustment * my son is camoflaged in minions, good for sneaking up on people: youth's hoodie #NL6803 in 2 cotton jerseys -- hacked to add lining to the hood. * cheered up a friend with #b5792 pyjamas in soft, drapey quilting cotton -- enjoyed experimenting with broderie anglaise trims * thanked a friend with Zombie crobot #nelliepailloux, for help when I broke my ankle -- inspired to try my first crochet project since primary school, which was a good distraction during initial recovery *  gifted #DogwoodApron to mum, the gardener in the family -- perfect first bag make as there are lots of closures! * just before covid visited mum, pampered her with #NL6803 in a soft cotton voile, which she later wore in hospital -- was still struggling to fit myself so this was intriguing! * lovely @JocelynProustDesigns fabric to cover Montey's new orthopedic bed -- used a "draping" technique to draft it! THANKS TO GENEROUS SPONSORS @fiberstofabric, #fiberstofabric  @ryliss_sewinganddesignschool

Summer time might be the best time for some remnant sewing. Between spending more time outside and wearing fewer layers, the warm months are made for small, uncomplicated projects that you can bang out on a rainy afternoon and enjoy the rest of the season. So now is an absolutely amazing time to stock up at our Remnant Sale! ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ While some fabrics might instantly get your creative mind turning, you might also want some help with what to do with all the remnant fabrics we have on offer. So here are some of our favorite uses of small cuts of fabric! 💥Accessories! #serpentinehat from @elbe_textiles, #stowebag from @grainlinestudio, #dogwoodapron from @helens__closet 💥Tops! #mneucalypt from @megannielsenpatterns, #zoeytank from @truebias, #squarenecktop from @fridaypatterncompany 💥Bottoms! #pomonashorts from @annaallenclothing, #mossskirt from @grainlinestudio, #closetcorepietra from @closetcorepatterns #SewNeedleSharp #SewingSubscriptionBox #MillennialSewing #SewingKit #Sewing #SewingLife #SewingIsFun #SewingLove #SewingProject #LoveToSew #Sewcialists #ISewMyOwnClothes #ISew #SewistsOfInstagram #SewersOfInstagram #DressMaking  #SewersGonnaSew #HandmadeClothes #MeMade #IndieSewing

Sponsored | @janomecanada challenged all the Janome Makers to an upcycling challenge - to repurpose old fabric masks and turn them into something new. I took 10 masks, initially weighing 95.5g, and unpicked everything. I used the front and lining of the masks as well as a remanent of cotton twill that was used to make myself a pair of pants, some secondhand broadcloth from a cousin that had been used to make a mockup, and some of the remaining trim from the Doctor Strange cape I made my husband (see my other account @kaitlyn.k.heaton ) to create a really functional apron for when I teach my bra making workshops. I used the Helen’s closet #dogwoodapron for the pattern. I ended with 32g of leftover material. I am looking forward to making some scrunchies with the leftover elastics! #refashion #upcycling

We know you guys are a multi talented bunch, so we've put together some sewing projects for your other hobbies. There's some perfect projects for using smaller remnants and you can personalize bags and craft cases to exactly you needs 👩‍🌾👩‍🍳👩‍🎨 The Gardener 👩‍🌾 @truebias Riley overalls in our ventana cotton twill @sewoveritlondon hobby bag in our ventana cotton twill @julianamartejevs_official bucket hat in our deadstock water repellent cotton twill coating The Cook 👩‍🍳 @helens__closet Sam apron in our washed linen cotton @thespruceofficial oven mitt tutorial in our cotton gingham @kylieandthemachine mule tote in our washed linen cotton The DIY Expert 👩‍🎨 @sewoveritlondon Farrah jumpsuit in our cotton twill @helens__closet dogwood apron in our Liberty Tana Lawn Cotton (currently reduced) The Knitter 🧶 @closetcorepatterns mile end sweatshirt + plateau joggers in our fleece backed sweatshirting @atelierscammit Buenos Aires bag in ventana cotton twill + deadstock Liberty cotton poplin @coolstitches craft case in ventana cotton twill + deadstock Liberty cotton poplin We hope this has inspired you to sew yourself something that you can wear or use when you are doing one of your other hobbies 🪡

Here's my answer to @sewlttltime #sewthoughtful ... her three questions for Week 23. Just in time!! Q1. LAST WEEK -- SEWING? I worked some more on my Boro/Sashiko project. Perfect for sewcial sewing. Today hope to finalise a maternity gift first mentioned during Week 19 (eek - time flies)🤰 Q2. NEXT WEEK -- PLANS? I've been thinking about making more pants (last 3 posts for #sewover50june theme). Some stash diving required! Aim to batch cut and sew 2 more pairs, at the same time as a purple pair, which was first planned in Week 4 #makenine2023 and Week 15 (before my bout with covid). !! 🤪 Q3. STAND-OUT SEWN GIFTS? I am a slooooow sewist, so ideas for gifts far exceed my output! Any sewn gift is a major accomplishment of snaffling time and energy, for me! I posted a selection during #SewApril2023 --- all standouts in their own way, each pushing me to learn new skills. This one is a standout as a possible gift for many people. Completed the #DogwoodApron over nearly six months, between other projects. It is a great teaching pattern, a @helens__closet X Dogwood denim collab. They introduce you to all sorts of closures: welt pocket with flap, patch pocket, large divided pocket, bartacks, scissor-holding tab with button, loop, D-ring and click-in adjustable buckle. Fabric by @jocelynproustdesigns It's a standout for a few reasons. 1. UNISEX 2. FLEXIBLE for allsorts of making, eg cooking, sewing, carpentry --- thought Mum would use it for gardening, but she thought it too pretty, so now it's her "inside" toolbelt. 3. TIMELESS design and concept. 4. SLOTS IN: Easy to do in spirts, like I did, focussing on one detail at a time. Suits a #slowsewist like myself 5. FRUGAL. Doesn't require heaps of fabric: half a metre each of drill fabric and of lining. HARDEST PARTS were * purchasing the buckle, * transferring markings - appreciated my tracing paper! * handing it over 😭 #ilovesewing #sewistsofinstagram #sewtheprecious #sewstash #sewingbags #sewfloral #sewinggifts #52weeksofthoughtfulsewing #sewover50 #so50invincible #so50flatlay #slowsewing

DAY 7 | MENDED #sewapril2023 Judo is a punishing sport: great for growing boys who like to wrestle, but hard on their clothes.🥋 Here's two details of recent mends on a judo gi. This mend turned out to be a real family affair, with both my son and husband weighing in with firm opinions. 👨‍👩‍👦 I made use of new bag-making skills 👝 and an old preference for hemming with lingerie stitch 🩲 that started with my first sewing machine, 40yo at the time PANTS HEM. Avoided fixing the ripped hem of the pants by taking them up. My son was very particular about length: too short and it would look silly; too long and the hems get dirty/ripped and pose a trip risk. I ended up using a lingerie wavy stitch as I wanted it to very strong hem. Also as my 15yo is still growing I was strongly advised by hubby not to cut any off. So the hem is about 6" deep, and not quite flat. The lingerie stitch hides the slight gathering required :) PANTS WAIST. The Japanese double drawstring waistband is truly amazing, and a great low-tech construction that doesn't rely on elastic. Has to be strong enough to stay up whilst wrestling! So the beltloops have to be functional and solid. Here I used a bag stitching technique learned from making a #DogwoodApron by stitching a square with diagonals. Thanks for mammoth coordination of this #sewapril2023 sharing, by #ryliss_sewinganddesignschool @ryliss_sewinganddesignschool, supported by sponsors @fiberstofabric #fiberstofabric @thebagmakingacademy #thebagmakingacademy

My #DogwoodApron (from @helens__closet) made with Robert Kaufman Essex Yarn Dye (linen cotton blend) and a sewing machine print from Dear Stella Fabrics. Love the way the large bottom pocket can be customized. (Ultimately got the snap loop stitched completely; this is a feature that I will probably omit the next time I make this, as I I don't need it? But I wanted it there for the first one because I wanted to be sure I knew what I was doing with it.)

My favourite makes of 2022. I got a bit worried when I got through to April without finding a single new make for the year. But thankfully made up for it eventually. 1 #HinterlandDress 2 #AshtonTopHack 3 and 4 #SculthorpePants for my me made may journey. My first time wearing pants in 10 years. 5, 6 and 7 quilted and crocheted blankets (can find details on my grid if actually keen) 8 #DogwoodApron 9 #FestiveFirsJumper and #OrchardDress It was a fairly rubbish year including months of hot water unit issues and a clothes moth infestation but I’m still here so thanks for all the support. #sewing #crochet #memade

Made two @helens__closet Dogwood Aprons recently as gifts. These were a fun project- fairly fast but very interesting to sew. Fabric: canvas and quilting cottons from @harts_fabric Rivets, snaps, and 1.5” buckles from @joann_stores Notes: - Use a new, heavy weight or denim needle for canvas - If lining fabric has directional print, cut the pocket flap lining and welt pocket lining “upside down” so print will be right side up after sewing (see pic 4, llamas are upside down but otters right side up) - Rivets and snaps were not that hard and so worth it! #helensclosetpatterns #dogwoodapron #hartsfabric #memademay2022 #mmmay2022 #millenialsewing #sewistsofinstagram

It’s finally gardening season. Start off the new year of outdoor planting and pruning with an apron designed to work with you as you plant, tend and harvest. Perfect for carrying gloves, small tools and a notepad. Alice (seen here wearing hers) is leading this class starting this Saturday, April 16. Have yours done before the last frost-free date! Click on the photo link for more information and registration. Psssst! Not just for gardening. Great for around the house, any shop setting, or whenever you need an extra set of hands to hold something. Dogwood Apron Saturdays April 16, 23 and 30 Time: 3:00 - 5:00pm #dogwoodapron #workapron #sewingclass #diy #sewingdiy #gardening #gardeningapron

Welt pockets⁠ 😍⁠ ⁠ Welt pockets are the most difficult type of pocket to sew, but there's no replacement for their neat and classic look.⁠ ⁠ If it's your first time sewing a welt pocket, make a practice version using scrap fabric! It's worth it to spend the time learning the knack of it before cutting into your main fabric. Plus, you can keep your practice welt pocket to use as a future reference - it can be handy when you're trying to remember how it goes together!⁠ ⁠ There are so many garments that look great with a welt pocket - vests, the back of dress pants, cool coats - even workwear like this #dogwoodapron! Paired with a flap, you get a different look. Or, do something we always love - make a secret pocket in a garment lining or waistband! 🤩 Is there anything cooler than a secret pocket?⁠ 🙅‍♀️🙅🙅‍♂️⁠ ⁠ Do you have any welt pocket tips?⁠ ⁠ [Image description: A person standing in a garden wearing a brown sweater, jeans, and a brown canvas workwear apron. It has a long patch pocket across the bottom of the apron, several patch pockets, loops at the waistband, and a long welt pocket with a flap at the top. The welt, flap underside, and patch pocket binding are in a contrasting black-and-white print fabric. The large patch pocket holds a notebook and a pencil, and the model takes a pair of pliers out of the welt pocket. End.]⁠ ⁠ #LoveToSewPodcast #WeLoveToSew #SewingPodcast #HandmadeWardrobe #MeMadeEveryday #MeMade #Sewing #HandmadeFashion #Handmade #Sew #Sewcialists #ISew #MakersGonnaMake #SewingLove #IndieSewing #MakersCommunity⁠

Happy belated birthday daddy plaid! This retired tradie has his own #toolbelt which isn’t (yet) covered in grease or hiding all the small components he’s spent the day looking for. This is the @helens__closet #dogwoodapron . Easy sew except for the bulky fabrics coinciding with the tragic loss of my #humpjumper 😭 Having said that I really love the heavy drill from @rathdownefabrics , comes in loads of colours and is great quality This also ticks off another #makenine (or 19 in my case) Fabric @rathdownefabrics (grey) @spotlightstores (lining) Hardware @prym.consumer using my #prymvariocreativetool and @spotlightstores for the buckle #nonno #workwear #sewover50 #helensclosetpatterns #indiepatterns #sewforsomeoneelse #sewgifts #sewing #sew #melbournesews #australiasews #utilitybelt #rathdownefabrics #spotlight #hcdogwoodapron #sewistsofinstagram #handmade #diy #makenine2025

I'm so excited to finally reveal my latest sewing project. A Helen's Closet Dogwood Apron using remnants from a previous Costa Tote and York Pinafore. Stuffed with Australian snacks and cute pair of earrings the recipient all the way in the UK has recieved them and is enamoured (phew). My first welt pocket and I'm really happy with it. They aren't as intimidating as I thought with great instructions. #handmade  #handemadewithlove #makeyourstash  #sewintooverlocking #coverlock4 #geelongsews  #makeonemendone  #brotherNS50 #sewwhatihave #dogwoodapron #fabricbymissyrose

Hear the Tigers Roar! Come by @sewsuitestudio with your item that you sewed for #sewyourschoolspirit and take a photo with any Sew Suite employee for an extra chance to win a $25 Sew Suite Studio gift card. Each week there is a random drawing of entries. It can be clothing, accessories like my #dogwoodapron by @helens__closet , bags, quilts, etc. if it has your school or favorite team colors it can be entered. Just use the hashtag #sewyourschoolspirit and tag @sewsuitestudio here or Sew Suite Quilt and Sew on Facebook to enter.

Did some sewing - the #DogwoodApron by #HelensCloset for gardening. Still have to attach the snap.

Finally a #toolbelt ! Great pattern by @helens__closet #dogwoodapron Simple directions - I made some modifications of course by adding leather hand stitched pieces on some details but other than that kept pretty original. #handmade #imadethat #everythinginitsplace #memade2023 #memade

It took me so long to find a rose gold buckle for this apron but in the end I’m really happy I did! 🥰 Pattern Notes: Dogwood Apron is live on my blog now 🔗bio #DogwoodApron #PatternNotes

tried this utility apron on and felt a sudden urge to hammer something 🔨😂 so pleased with the #dogwoodapron pattern by @helens__closet - it was so fun to make and I learned so much, including welt pockets and bar tacks 😀 three of these headed off to some of the handymen in my life for the holiday 🎄 #memadeeveryday #memade #imakemyownclothes #sustainablefashion #millenialsewing #isew #memadewardrobe

Day 16 of #memademay I wore these fun overalls for my first day on our film set at work. We filmed a western sketch and were out in the desert all morning, so swipe to see how I actually looked most of the day. It was so hot that I felt like I was melting, but I'd rather be a little too warm than sunburned, hence the jacket. Overalls: Yanta Overalls by @helens__closet Apron: Dogwood Apron also by @helens__closet #yantaoveralls #memademay2022 #dogwoodapron #helensclosetpatterns #wardrobecrew #handmadewardrobe #sewing

I’ve got some summer sewing plans but needed a low risk large reward project to get some sewjo flowing. The #dogwoodapron pattern fit the bill! What cute little aprons I whipped up!! They are headed off with my bestie @mitchellwoolco to their first fiber show!!! Eddie 🐑 is on the road with her. If you know you know. ❤️❤️ ✂️ pattern is the Dogwood Apron pattern by @helens__closet. Main twill fabric and lining are from @firecrackerfabrics. Buckle was an unexpected gem found on Amazon. #makersgonnamake #sewist #sewistofinstagram #helensclosetpatterns #madeinpgh #pghsewists #weltpocket #firecrackerfabrics #bernina #berninausa #bernina740

You might remember our Earth Day challenge where Janome Canada Makers were invited to repurpose leftover Janome masks. While Kaitlyn (@allbodies.customlingerie) was busy creating her stunning Padmé Amidala cosplay, she recently wrapped up her take on the challenge and it was worth the wait! Using Helen’s Closet (@helens__closet) Dogwood Apron pattern, Kaitlyn transformed 10 masks (starting at 95.5g) into a Janome-inspired apron. The fronts of the masks were used for the pockets, while the backs lined the inside. She stitched it all together on her Janome MC9410QC with a red zigzag to echo the Janome brand. She added red cotton twill, secondhand broadcloth, and even some leftover braid from a Doctor Strange cloak for a unique finishing touch. The result? A gorgeous, functional apron Kaitlyn plans to wear while teaching bra-making classes—plus she still has enough elastic left to make a few scrunchies! With 32g of material leftover, Kaitlyn used 66% of the masks in her project. #janomecanada #earthdaychallenge #sewingmachine #mc9410QC #apron #helenscloset #dogwoodapron

I recently made this apron to wear while gardening, and thought it deserved a spot on the grid! I needed a way to easily carry around my many gardening tools, and this is perfect. It’s made using leftover fabric from the Kelly Anorak that I made a few years ago, plus a cute little Spoonflower lining print designed by @thechicks914. Pattern Info: Dogwood Apron by @helens__closet. This pattern is available in one size, with adjustable belt length options. #memade #sewistsofinstagram #sewing #losangelessews #socalsews #dogwoodapron #stillsewingstories

It's Mend It If You Ever Want To Use It Again Day over here. First up my #dogwoodapron by #helensclosetpatterns

Another #DogwoodApron from @helens__closet with removable bib. Made with upholstery fabric in a denim look and some of the black cloud fabric from @pbsfabrics Moon Rabbit collection. Scissor tag is actually a piece of @tulapink ribbon, and the "Thanks I Made It" tag was a gift from a lovely friend and coworker. #Sewing #ActuallyAutistic #AutisticArtist

My new tool apron turned out gorgeous & I can’t wait to wear it in my classroom next month! I used the #DogwoodApron from @helens__closet, the Pattern Notes blog post for it is live on my website now! 🔗in bio #PatternNotes

Ok, how cool is this?! I made this for my dear FIL (@amaris.haley_ 🤫) for Christmas. He’s a bit of a crafty guy with wood and metals, so this @helens__closet #dogwoodapron seemed an appropriate gift to make him. Lots of pockets and loopy things. I didn’t have the snaps or pliers for the hammer loop so I just used a jeans button, which worked fine. Although my hammer fits the scissor loop better. He’ll work it out! 🤪 I made this entire apron from left over denim and a thrifted pillow case. Pretty pleased. Most expensive part was the buckle, which was about $2. Total monetary cost, $3. 👊🏻 Total amount of love poured in, immeasurable 💜 #sew #sewing #sewingforchristmas #sewingformen #sewinggifts #selflesssewing #upcycle #refashion #thriftedfabric #thriftysewing #thriftysewist #sustainablesewing #sewsustainable #sewersofinstagram #sewersgonnasew #maker #makersgonnamake #makersofinstagram

Working on this tool belt for my kiddo. I reduced the Dogwood apron pattern to 75% and I think it’s gonna work 👌🏼💚 . . #dogwoodapron #helensclosetpatterns #sewing #sewingfun #sewingforkids #isew #craftedbyjuju

#Dogwoodapron,@helens__closet from a scrap of leftover denim, #usingeverylittlebitoffabric

This is a big time #latergram from fall 2021, when I made a @helens__closet #dogwoodapron as a surprise for a dear friend. Feat. bb’s first welt pocket and bb’s first snap installation (both were very satisfying). This is 10oz raw denim from @blackbirdfabrics plus a dope 🌵quilting cotton remnant from @gather_here for the pocket lining and back. So many bar tacks, such a fun project! #bfdenim

I used the leftover denim from my #guthrieghani kit to make a lovely @helens__closet #dogwoodapron tool belt with plenty of #topstitchingjoy and a very satisfying #weltpocket

I think it’s super important to be transparent that a lot of projects don’t just happen over night. My new #DogwoodApron took me 14 hours & 19 minutes to complete! Here is a full breakdown of how much time was spent on the various parts of construction. #ProjectStats #PatternNotes . . . Ever wonder why custom made costs more? If I were to charge for my time alone on this project it would be a minimum of $103.80 (federal min wage is $7.25). Add in my 25 years sewing experience, custom fabric & hardware, this apron costs about 4x that minimum price.

This was my final make of 2022 - a tool belt for my husband! 💚juju . . #dogwoodapron #helensclosetpatterns #toolbelt @helens__closet #waxedcanvas #sewing #sewingformen #isew #craftedbyjuju

I did it!! I didn’t think I would finish today but here it is! (Minus the snap because I don’t appear to have any at the moment). My #DogwoodApron (by @helens__closet ) is done! I had the pieces all cut except the waistband interfacing and spent 3-4 hours or so of my pre-birthday day to myself on it ☺️. Label from @kylieandthemachine via @my_stache.ca where the bicycle fabric is also from 🥰. Pictured here as I intend to use it at work @ldnontbikecafe 😁. Very pleased with the matching thread I had (for another project but oh well!). #sewing (I swear I also have a knitty FO to show you but I haven’t had a chance to take nice photos!)

A trio of #helenscloset #dogwoodapron for the first day of #memademay2022 The gold and floral one I’ve had for a while—it’s my sewing apron. The denim one is new, destined for the garden, and the green one is also new, on its way to Michigan for a friend’s birthday. Mostly made of scraps from #evanstonstitchworks #scrapbusting #helensclosetpatterns #riflepapercofabric #robertkaufmanfabrics #conemillsdenim #sewistsofinstagram #handmadegifts

I made this #dogwoodapron for my husband. He loves it and I’m very happy about it too! 😊 The pattern is by #helenscloset It was pretty easy to make and as with all #helensclosetpatterns the instructions were very well written and easy to follow. #ilovetosew #sewing #sewingisfun #sewlove #sewingismyhappyplace

Happy belated birthday daddy plaid! This retired tradie has his own #toolbelt which isn’t (yet) covered in grease or hiding all the small components he’s spent the day looking for. This is the @helens__closet #dogwoodapron . Easy sew except for the bulky fabrics coinciding with the tragic loss of my #humpjumper 😭 Having said that I really love the heavy drill from @rathdownefabrics , comes in loads of colours and is great quality This also ticks off another #makenine (or 19 in my case) Fabric @rathdownefabrics (grey) @spotlightstores (lining) Hardware @prym.consumer using my #prymvariocreativetool and @spotlightstores for the buckle #nonno #workwear #sewover50 #helensclosetpatterns #indiepatterns #sewforsomeoneelse #sewgifts #sewing #sew #melbournesews #australiasews #utilitybelt #rathdownefabrics #spotlight #hcdogwoodapron #sewistsofinstagram #handmade #diy #makenine2025

I’m NOTHING if not ambitious so why do a #makenine2025 when you can do a #makenineteen2025 ?! My #styleicon this year is #mablemora from #onlymurdersinthebuilding @disneyplusau (see last slide 📸 @townandcountrymag ) Also I was gifted @closetcorepatterns #closetcorecrew so it’s going to be a heavy #closetcore year Slide one: ClosetCore makes 1. Jumping on the #crossbodybag bandwagon with the #corebeltbag 2. Everyday #workfromhome garb #closetcoretravertine 3. Next level elastic waist pants #closetcoresepia , I’ve already made a pair coming to the grid soon and have cut out another 4. A project to make with the sixteen year old #closetcorecarolyn 5. True Mabel Mora vibes #closetcoreslate which I might make in a mini version so I can look exactly like @selenagomez 6. I already have a couple and need another 20 pairs (kidding) (am I?) #closetcoreplateau 7. Already on the cutting table #closetcoreamy 8. New troos pattern should help me up my fitting game #closetcorerika 9. Mabel’s daily go to #closetcoreblanca Slide Two: Non Closet Core 1. Classic bias skirt #tessutievieskirt @tessutifabrics 2. I want to make a stretch mesh polo and will use my #papercutpatternsrise @papercutpatterns which I one of my most used patterns 3. A #fauxfur vest and have the @republiqueduchiffon #rdcbilly 4. A boxy short sleeve shirt @helens__closet #helensclosetcameron 5. A bucket hat @merchantandmills #mmbuckethat 6. Some jersey tops @sewlovepatterns #slpwhitcombtop Slide three: For other people 1. A #memorialquilt The Profs dad died over 20 years ago and we still have his ties so I would like to make this small quilt from @cedarquiltco #cqcplayfulplacemats 2. My retired tradie dad is getting a tool belt for his birthday @helens__closet #helensclosetdogwoodapron 3. @elbe_textiles #freemantlepants for The Prof 4. Cute letter cushions with the youngest three 🩷 #m7551 @simplicitymccallsaustralia Wish me luck 🍀