Hello..... it's me 🌻 Wow it's been a while. I am sorry for the radio silence..... Full-time work got a little cray cray. To be honest, it's about to go next level. To add to this craziness, we pick up a sister for our border terrier ted in just over 7 days 🤯 Pixieanddot is still here, just not as present as I would like to be. That will get better, i promise 🤞 Just to keep my hand in, i finished my dress today. It's taken a while. It's hurt my head, but I love it. Excuse the last picture. Yes, that's me in leggings and slippers with a dress over the top. #britainsnexttopmodel #m8553 #mccalls #memade #cherries #cherryprint #denimdress

Me Made May day 9 wearing one of recent makes from a Mccalls pattern m8553. This pattern came out quite big so added waist and back darts. Fabric is a brushed cotton that I had for years in my stash. #memademay #memademay2025 #mccallssewingpatterns #m8553 #sewingover40 #sewing #mccalls8553

I recently tried out a kit from @minervadotcom to make the @simplicitymccallsuk M8553 dress in red denim. I have seen so many exposed zip dresses everywhere and I was really excited to try the trend myself. I chose to make the long sleeved version with the shorter skirt as I thought it was a bit different to other ones I’ve seen. I’m so pleased with how this turned out. It’s a looser style than I would normally go for and I think I might size down next time. But it was easy to fit due to being a relaxed style and super comfortable to wear. The kit including pattern, fabric and all notions was gifted to me as part of the Minerva brand ambassador programme. See link in my bio for more details and pictures of this project.   #sewingaddict #sewover40 #M8553  #minervamakes  #mccallspatterns  #slowfashion #mccalls8553 #minervabrandambassador #minervamakers #denimdress #janomemakes

Minerva released a new set of sewing kits for the McCalls 8553 dress. I love this classic denim look! I sized down one size, and I think two would probably be fine in this roomy silhouette. Digging into the kit is so much fun, all the necessary bits are right there, and the included zipper pull is a charming bonus. 🩵 I don't think using one has ever crossed my mind, but now it's like a built-in necklace. New Maker posts up with loads of details and photos, see link in bio. @mccallpatterncompany 8553 Dress @minervadotcom 280gsm Stretch Washed Denim in Navy Blue #minervabrandambassador #minervamaker #minervamakes #denim #mmcalls8553 #handmadewardrobe #isewmyownclothes #memadeeveryday #sewinglove #denimdress #sewnwithdenim #gathers #wovendress #m8553 #washeddenim #stretchdenim #minervasewingkit #sewingkit

The sewing table is chaotic but happy with my progress. I changed my needle and got some fancy denim topstitching thread, I am serious. I have also decided to bias bind the seams. I don't have enough of the rainbow but it will make a cute pop on the facing 😍🪡 #m8553

💙 LEOPARD M8553 💙 How many leopard print items can I make? Turns out quite a lot! This version went a lot smoother than my first - turns out you need to ignore the finished measurements and just do your normal size … unless you’re a stick bean and can get away with lots of extra fabric 🤷🏼‍♀️ ✂️Pattern: @simplicitymccallsuk #m8553 ✂️Fabric: Leopard print denim bought from Ilkley @boyesstores last month 💙 #mccallspatterns #memade #memadewardrobe #memadeeveryday #leedssews #yorkshiresews #sewemiesew

Getting myself summer ready with this new make. McCall’s 8553 is a zip fronted shirt style dress with patch pockets and cute puffed sleeves. Fabric was from Birmingham Rag Market (I love this place) bought to try out the pattern before making it again in something more expensive. It’s worked a treat!! #m8553 #minervamakes #summervibesdress #birminghamragmarket #diydressmaking #sewingforfun #redandwhitedress #summersewing

When I find nice patterns I usually make more than one garment so I feel I've got money's worth. #butterickpatterns #butterickbB784 #mccallspatterns #M8553 #sewover50 #handmadeclothing

Finally made the zip-front denim dress! This is McCall’s 8553 sewn up using @minervadotcom sewing kit, featuring their Cornflower stretch denim—and yes, it comes with everything you need. ⠀ I’ve seen similar styles in ready-to-wear, but I wanted one that actually fits me. I LOVE the dramatic sleeves, hidden pockets, and sharp collar. ⠀ Also… how cute is that Prym zipper pull? It’s the little details that make me smile. ⠀ Pattern: #m8553 Fabric: 280gsm Stretch Washed Denim #McCalls8553 #MinervaMakers #minervabrandambassador #minervamakers #simplicitycreativegroup @simplicity_creative_group #SewOver50APR

Blossom time at Kew Gardens 🌸🌸 Look away now if you don’t care for gratuitous shots of glorious flora, a woman in a self-made frock and hat, the Mister also in a lovingly handmade shirt, large fish, a huge greenhouse and a very tall pagoda. The sun was shining and I’ve never seen Kew so busy but luckily there’s plenty of space for everyone Dress @simplicitymccallsuk #M8553 Fabric @bornellafabrics Hat @elbe_textiles #SerpentineHat Shirt @emporia_patterns #TonyShirt #KewGardens #SewOver50 #SewOver50Apr #So50Dresses #IMadeThis #SewingBlogger #DontTellMeWhatToWear #SewOverAgeism #PinkHairDontCare #MidSizeSewing #SusanYoungSewing #IMakeMyOwnClothes #PfaffUk #PfaffAmbassador

I’m joining the #M8553 parade with this chambray version 😎. Love this print, but I felt like it needed to be broken up a bit. I’ve added some red gingham details; cuffs, underside of collar, and an added waist decoration thingy. I’ve also finished the hem with some red bias binding, that matches the zipper. This dress is unlined and fairly easy to put together, depending on how comfortable you are with the rather dense instructions that are common for this pattern company. I’ve skipped the bodice pockets, I don’t think they would have added much more than bulk, since the print is quite distinct, and I didn’t want to distort it. Thank you to @mountain16_textiling and also @tailoring_and_stuff, for helping me fit the toile for the bodice ☺️ 🌸 Fabric: Cotton chambray, plus zipper, gingham fabric and bias binding, all from @ohlssonstyger 🌸 Pattern: McCall’s #M8553 🌸 Size: 20 🌸 Adjustments: Quite a few. The bodice has been taken in at the back and I have added front waist darts as well. The shoulders are taken in a few cm and the skirt is the short version, but with about 5 cm added. ✅ This is in the New Patterns category for #Sew25in25 Number 19. @SewVintageGlam #madebyme #memade #slowfashion #diy #diyfashion #sewing #hemsytt #sewsewsew #sewistsofinstagram #capsulewardrobe #ilovesewing #maker #sysysy #isewmyownclothes #memadewardrobe #thanksimadeit #sewwhatihave #stashhub #virtualsewingroom #MyMakesForTheMonthMarch25

How cute is this denim #M8553 by @joannaflorencemakes?!⁠ ⁠ Joanna made the spring friendly view C which has sweet puff sleeves and swishy skirt that sits just above the knee. M8553 is has been flying out of our warehouse since its release. Have you got your copy yet? ⁠ ⁠ Now is the perfect time to shop M8553, it's half price in our huge McCall's sale!⁠ https://www.sewdirect.com/product/mccalls-m8553/⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #Sewist #SewistsofInstagram #MakersGonnaMake #McCalls8553 #McCallsPatterns #McCalls #McCallsSewingPatterns

The McCall's and Know Me Half Price Pattern Sale starts today!⁠ ⁠ All patterns in these two ranges are now 50% off on site - there's no code required - and Minerva Craft Club members save an extra 10% off sale prices! It's the perfect time to try some new styles or take that loaded basket to the checkout. What will you try?⁠ ⁠ Shop the sale at Minerva⁠ ⁠ Featured McCall's makes:⁠ 2 @joannaflorencemakes - McCall's #M8553⁠ 3 @katjasews - McCalls #M6696⁠ 4 @knottygnome - McCall's #M8139⁠ 5 @happyhandmadehobbies - McCall's #M6548⁠ ⁠ Featured Know Me makes:⁠ 7 @sew_lorina - Know Me #ME2016⁠ 8 @shoeandsew - Know Me #ME2007⁠ 9 @sinsofmany - Know Me #ME2010⁠ 10 @gwengheng_ - Know Me #ME2021⁠ ⁠ #Minerva #MinervaMakes #MinervaMakers #SewingForever #Dressmaker #Pattern #DressmakingPattern #SewingPattern #SewingPatterns

#minervabrandambassador #minervakits #minervafabric #imakemyownclothes #imakemyclothes #imakefashion #memade #memadeeveryday #handmadewardobe #handmadewithlove #sewcialist #sewcialists #sewer #maker #makersmovement #stillsewingstories #sewover50 #sewover50apr #sewoverageism #mccallspatterns #m8553 New kit from @minervadotcom , this is good!! On trend, pattern style if the summer. A fun make with so many cute details. Gifted kit for blog post, follow link in bio for all the details.

This was meant to be a wearable toile, and it's exactly that. I made a whole list of modifications I want to make next time, including: - lengthen the bodice - change the sleeves (too restrictive for me) - ignore the zipper instructions - add back darts But I do like how it looks. It's in a really nice mossy green cotton with a nice weight. 🌿 The instructions were definitely not easy and I don't get why they don't explain some major steps (how am I supposed to attach a skirt to a metal zipper?!), but in the end it came together pretty well. #m8553 #8553 #mccalls #sewing #memade

This is Alice's third version of of #M8553 and they just keep getting better 🍓🍓⁠ ⁠ @sew_alice made her latest M8553 in this adorable embroidered chambray fabric with the cutest jumbo ric rac trim! The perfect fruity spring dress 😍⁠ ⁠ Now one of our bestsellers, M8553 is bang on trend with it's zip front bodice, laid back fit and lovely design details. Have you got your copy yet?https://www.sewdirect.com/product/mccalls-m8553/⁠ ⁠ ⁠ #Sewist #SewistsofInstagram #MakersGonnaMake #McCalls8553 #McCallsPatterns #McCalls #McCallsSewingPatterns

Denim has a new vibe for 2025; zip details, barrel legs, cool co-ords, patchwork, frayed edges and more. ⁠ ⁠ Patterns featured: #S3065 #M8553 #S3070 #V2051 #S3102 #B6482 plus #S3115 & #S9957⁠ ⁠ (Don't forget! You can enter "denim" in the search bar of the site to see all our suitable patterns!)⁠ ⁠ #sewingpattern #springstyle #diystyle #denim #denimstyle #McCallsPatterns #McCalls #McCallsSewingPatterns #SimplicityPatterns #SimplicitySewingPatterns #ModernSewingPatterns⁠ #VogueSewing #VogueSewingPatterns #CoutureSewing #VogueDesignerSewingPatterns #PDFPatterns #DownloadPatterns #PDFSewingPatterns

March makes I tried the new mccalls m8553 the toile was a bit big so I set myself a challenge to make more but hack each one a little bit as I am using my stash up I really like this pattern I also decided I want more Barry's as I wear the style happily and thought As I had red twill that would be a good pairing I am buzzing with ideas and have a lot of fabric so I trying to match to best patterns, SewOver50 recently posted about why we sew an interesting read , I'd be lost with out it now , My entry for this monthly comp #mymakesforthemonthmarch2025 #mymakesforthemonth @sewmuchtodesign #sewover50mar #memade#sewing#m8553 #sabarrywovenpant #dowhatmakesyouhappy❤️

This is my entry for #sewskinsummer25 which is kindly being run by @the_sewing_gardener to highlight the importance of protecting your skin from the sun. I'm probably the last person to sit out in the sun and if I have to go out I'm nearly always wearing a wide brimmed hat and maxi dress. It could be said that I dread the hot and dry summers 😕🥵🌞 I fell in love with this pattern McCalls 8553 the first time I saw it and so it seems have a lot of other people. I made a size 6 and it is still very roomy. The only part I would change is the arm band as it's slightly snug round my chubby arms and I might also add a half belt at the back to make it slightly more fitted. I bought a cheap multipack of different coloured zips and so one of them dictated which fabric from my stash I'd use. I'm really pleased that the zip and cotton lawn fabric match so well I can definitely see myself making more of these in the future 💕 #sewover50May #sewist #fabricaddict #sewingchallenge #singeroutlet #m8553

💚MCCALL’S M8553 💚 A trip to the hairdressers this morning for my leopard print denim @simplicitymccallsuk #M8553 ✂️ #memade #memadewardrobe #memadeeveryday #leedssews #yorkshiresews #sewemiesew

She's finished! I really like it even though it's a very different look for me. Actually not the most difficult sew but I made some silly mistakes which needed more than usual corrections and troubleshooting. But these are the best God damn set in sleeves I've ever seen and I am fuckin proud of them. 🪡 Pattern is #m8553. I don't even know why I got so inspired to make this, not my usual style at all, but I was locked in! 🪡 Stretch denim from @spotlightstores in dark indigo. I washed it once and had blue fingers for most of this project, I'd wash it a few times next time. I didn't mean to buy stretch but I was so focused on colour I didn't notice! It's not very stretchy and should be fine. 🪡 I made a 20. Took 1 inch off shoulders and 1/2 inch off underarm from armscye. Took 1/2 inch off the sleeve head to reduce puff (I also ironed that sucker down to reduce the poof). Took 6 inches off the length. Changed the sleeves,cut around at the lengthen line for the long sleeve and widened out the taper so my guns weren't restricted. 🪡 Added a 1 inch adjustable strap at the back (idea stolen from @otepotisews) to cinch in some fullness at discretion 🪡 Bias bound all the seams! First time doing this and it's so cute! I used about 10m of blue and 5m of rainbow.

Fancy sewing your own on-trend zip-up denim dress? Pick up everything you need with our new McCall's #M8553 kits⁠ ⁠ Our brand-new kits bring you everything you need to sew this gorgeous style, including our Minerva Core Range 280gsm Stretch Washed Denim, coordinating notions and a chic heart-shaped zipper pull. There are five colourways to choose from too:⁠ ⁠ 🩵 @yogabyrdsews picked our Cornflower option⁠ 💚 @joannaflorencemakes sewed our Khaki kit⁠ 🖤 @charlottepb42 chose our Black denim⁠ ❤️ @sewcial_worker made up our Bordeaux kit⁠ 💙 @kak513 opted for our Navy Blue denim⁠ ⁠ Find out more about our brand-new @SimplicityMcCallsUK M8553 sewing kits and pick up everything you need to sew your next outfit at Minerva 👉🏼 follow the link in our bio⁠ ⁠ #SewingKit #SewingKits #DressmakingKit #DressmakingKits #ZipUpDress #DenimDress

Omg the struggle with this collar and zip. I accidentally clipped where I shouldn't have with the collar and it went sideways from there. I really should have cut a new collar but after 3 rounds of unpicking I got it here. It's ok I think. The instructions are very unclear how to finish the back of the collar so wish me luck with that 🪡🍀#m8553 #sewingishard

Woo! She’s finished and isn’t she lovely! Although, my photography skills are shocking 😬 look at those sleeves! Poofy perfection. Now I’ve finished my #sagebrushtop it’s time to turn my attention to my next project which is my bicycle dress #m8553 that is waiting patiently for me to toile and pattern trace #sewing #sewersofinstagram #sewingismytherapy #seamstress #seamstresslife #fridaypatterncompany #sewersofinstagram #sewersgonnasew

🖤 LEOPARD DENIM M8553 🖤 This dress took a while but it was worth it! The puffy sleeves and zip are a cracking combo! The instructions were really easy to follow but I had trouble with the sizing of the skirt - my first attempt ended up HUGE with the pockets completely in the wrong place! I ended up shaving off about 4” off each side and then sized the bodice down. Really pleased with the result and have already worn this loads 💕 ✂️ #sewingpattern : @simplicitymccallsuk #M8553 and @newcrafthouse #everydaywaistcoat ✂️ #dressfabric : leopard denim bought from @rainbowfabrickilburn at the K&S Show Harrogate ✂️ #zip: ordered online from @zipperstation 🖤 #mccallspatterns #newcrafthouse #rainbowfabricskilburn #memade #memadewardrobe #memadeeveryday #leedssews #yorkshiresews #sewemiesew

#memademaybutmakeitweird day 23 @sewaliche Todays prompt is “ I see for the plot”. Had to think carefully about this one, but these two makes are the ones which have caused the most drama this year. #mmpaynterjacket in which I found the perfect shade of blue denim @wearethefabricstore and made a toile in a different fabric which was perfect then did lots wrong in my real version! Anyone rise think they know exactly what to on number two version but clearly still to follow the instructions? Turned out okay I the end I think:) #m8553 dress in gifted fabric @longancraft …no toile and straight in with the pdf pattern version. Was going to add a collar frill, caught it in the seam, trimmed seam before realising =no frill, zip dramas, fitting dramas, pocket pattern matching dramas, unpicking everything dramas…but I love it 😍 #happyending #fortheplot #memademay #mccalls #longancraft

50% Off McCall's & Know Me!⁠ ⁠ The sale is now on at sewdirect.com and your favourite sewing shops.⁠ Pick up the bestselling #M8553 with zip front detail, collar and puff sleeves.⁠ ⁠ Find your next project at www.sewdirect.com⁠ ⁠ #McCalls8553 #McCallsPatterns #McCalls #McCallsSewingPatterns ⁠ #KnowMe2016 #KnowMePatterns #KnowMeSewingPatterns #McCallsPDFPatterns #KnowMePDFPatterns ⁠ #PDFPatterns #DownloadPatterns #PDFSewingPatterns #curvysewing #plusSizeFashions #plusSizeSewing #PlusSizeSewingPatterns #M8557 #M8358 #ME2016 #M7969 #M8325 #naehen #coudre #naiien #jecoudsdoncjesuis #sysysy #Schnittmuster #symønster #syerske

@susanyoungsewing has made another version of #M8553 and we are loving this colour combination 💚🧡⁠ ⁠ Susan used a viscose linen fabric for a swishy, drapey feel. Perfect for spring and summer! She altered the sleeves to be shorter and with a straighter fit but kept the gathering at the shoulder. The bright orange zip is such a fun detail!⁠ ⁠ Have you made M8553 yet? Pick up a copy here...⁠ https://www.sewdirect.com/product/mccalls-m8553/⁠ ⁠ #Sewist #SewistsofInstagram #MakersGonnaMake #McCalls8553 #McCallsPatterns #McCalls #McCallsSewingPatterns

I can see the finish line! More rainbow bias. I only have the skirt to do and a few finishing touches! I'm very excited to wear this one! 🪡 #m8553 #sewingisfun

I'm on holiday wooo! Another staycation and aiming for just one finished garment,#m8553 in denim. I hate this part!! 🪡

🍓🍓McCalls 8553 for the third round 🍓🍓 I'm so in love with this strawberry dream dress 😍 The fabric is embroidered chambray form @minervadotcom with a jumbo ric rac trim 🍓 I made the same adjustments to the pattern, adding a #bakerloodress skirt and back darts to the bodice. The sleeves are the long sleeve piece cut just above the elbow ✂️ #minervamakers #big4patterns #m8553 #sewfruity

You are all loving the new McCall's Spring collection 🩷⁠ ⁠ It is full of adorable design with bow details, quilting and cut collars. There are dresses, jackets, tops and more! Let us know in the comments which is your favourite...⁠ ⁠ Shop the new collection now with a Sew Today VIP membership or wait for general sale later on in the Spring ⁠ https://www.sewdirect.com/product-category/preview-patterns/⁠ ⁠ #M8560 #M8553 #M8556 #M8554 #M8557 #M8565 ⁠ #McCallsPatterns #McCalls #McCallsSewingPatterns ⁠ #naehen #coudre #naiien #jecoudsdoncjesuis #sysysy #Schnittmuster #symønster #syerske

Spring blues from the new McCall's collection 💙⁠ ⁠ With denim trending everywhere we have a feeling blue is going to be the colour of the season! We've put together our favourite new patterns from the McCall's spring collection to get you inspired. Which is your favourite, tell us in the comments 👇⁠ ⁠ All of these patterns are available to shop now on Sew Direct, choose from paper or PDF. ⁠ https://www.sewdirect.com/brand/mccalls/⁠ ⁠ #M8557 #M8552 #M8559 #M8553 #M8565 #M8554 #McCallsPatterns #McCalls #McCallsSewingPatterns

Skip the doom scrolling and start va-va-voom scrolling at Minerva. Here's what our makers have been sewing this week⁠ ⁠ It's free to sign up to Minerva and share your own makes - we'd love to see them and they don't need to be in Minerva fabrics.⁠ ⁠ Join the world's friendliest sewing community at Minerva 👉🏻 https://www.minerva.com/register⁠ ⁠ Featured makes:⁠ 1 @sew_alice - @SimpliciMcCallsUK #M8553⁠ 2 @jessicawaldegar - @megannielsenpatterns Protea Skirt⁠ 3 @sewingreenlady - @atelierjupe Olivia Dress⁠ 4 StitchWitch - @stylearc Zalia Top⁠ 5 @Stitchinggizmos - Vogue 8817⁠ 6 @stef.it.seams - @cinnamondaisystudio Poppy Dress⁠ 7 @teridodds1 - @merchantandmills Sanda Coat⁠ 8 Sue Sewing - Simplicity 9117⁠ 9 @laraours - @swimstylepatterns Tamarama Pants⁠ 10 @flowers_and_frolics - @tillybuttons Billie⁠ ⁠ #MinervaMaker #Dressmaking #SewCreative #SewingBlogger #SewYourWardrobe #Dressmaker⁠

Front zip dresses are having a moment—and we’re here for it. Easy to wear, fun to sew, and full of options: short or long, dramatic sleeves, pockets (yes please), and that bold front zipper. Two popular patterns leading the way: @fabricgodmother #FGAspenDress McCalls #M8553 Zoom in for the details—each make tells its own story. A few fit tweaks along the way: some raised the pockets almost to the waist, and others took an inch off the back bodice for a better fit. Makers (in order): 1. @melaniekeane #FGAspen 2. @makingprettypatterns #FGAspen 3. @jo_justsewing mashup of #FGAspen and #ME2016 4. @sarahbritner #FGAspen 5. @beckybsewandtell #M8553 6. @susanyoungsewing #M8553 7. @claire.alden #M8553 8. @thatlenaking #FGAspen 9. @rachel_makes_ #FGAspen 10. @jeancosgrove5840 #FGAspen 11. @whatnaomimade #FGAspen #SimplicityCreativeGroup #SimplicityUK #FabricGodmother #SewOver50APR #So50Dresses #SewOver50 #SewOver50Ageism #WearWhatYouWant @simplicitymccallsuk @simplicity_creative_group @fabricgodmother

🐣 Easter 🐣 It’s no shock I’m a sucker for a fun print and when I saw this Easter Egg Hunt print by @teggunashleigh I added it straight to cart. I paired it with the new @simplicitymccallsaustralia #m8553 dress and I ADORE the outcome. I made only minor adjustments - shortening the bodice by 1.5” and dropping the patch pockets to the skirt rather than the bodice. I’m really happy with the fit but I know for some this may be too roomy so size down if you prefer a closer fit. I did have a little grumble about the construction of the collar and the facing but the lovely @almondrock_sews came through with some simple tips to ensure the insides were as neat as I like (essentially not folding back the end of the facing piece and snipping my collar edge a little further back). Oh, and the pockets are super low. Could be I somehow matched them to a wrong notch, but either way they’re going waaaay up next time. Anyway, I’m off to eat yet more chocolate (the reason Easter has always been my favourite time of year) with a happy Easter to those who celebrate. Pattern: #m8553 @simplicity_creative_group Size: 16 Fabric: Easter Egg Hunt in jumbo scale on cotton woven by @teggunashleigh Label: This was NOT easy peasy lemon squeezey from @clothcutsco #sewing #isew #colorfulwardrobe #isewmyownclothes #sewmyownwardrobe #brisbanesews #sewistsofinstagram #sewover40 #easter #mccallspatterns

I kept seeing these half-zip dresses cropping up on my Instagram feed so I thought I had to try one! 👗💚 This is McCall’s #M8553 and it came as part of the latest @minervadotcom kit release with their gorgeously soft core range denim 😍 It was a big step out of my comfort zone. I usually reach for fitted, waist-cinching styles, but this relaxed style has totally won me over! It’s comfy, easy to wear, and I’m obsessed with the little heart-shaped zipper pull 💖 Such a cute detail! I’m going to post an Instagram reel soon showing it a bit clearer 🫶 #MinervaMakers #SewingCommunity #McCallsPatterns #MeMadeWardrobe #SewingPattern #MemadeEveryday