Make of the Month; Lorna

I am so excited to finally be able to start sharing more on the blog again, especially all the amazing things my lovely subscribers have been making and sharing recently and we’re kicking back of with our Make Of The Month!
Growing up, I remember my Mum making clothes for me and have fond memories of party dresses and knitted jumpers. My Mum would cut out patterns and fabric on the living room floor and I was very excited when I was allowed to help.
My first sewing project was a patchwork cushion cover at senior school which I still have now. After leaving school and university I began a career in Physiotherapy and so my creativity was held relatively at bay and although I loved crafts, sewing just wasn’t on my radar. 2013 was when my life changed and sewing became a passion (or should I say obsession) of mine!! My Mum inspired me to sew and helped me to make my daughter a dress. She gave me her old Singer machine to use and I realised not only that I could do it but that I absolutely loved it. I went on to make myself my first top and so on….the rest they say is history!! Although it is dressmaking that I love, I get immense satisfaction through sewing absolutely anything – no matter how simple or complex.

This year for my birthday, we were in the middle of lockdown and I just really didn’t have any wishes (except for Covid-19 being over!!). I thought about something that would be a real treat and SewHayleyJane’s subscription boxes came to mind. My family kindly clubbed together and signed me up to a few months worth of the classic boxes. I have had 4 boxes now and I love, love, love the anticipation of the box arriving and opening up to see what delights are inside.
The Secret Garden box was pure joy – not only the fabric and thread but also the fat quarters, the beeswax thread conditioner and of course the sweets! When I first saw the gorgeous coral viscose twill I have to admit, I wasn’t sure it was really ‘me’- I wasn’t sure the coral colour would suit me. I was determined to embrace it though and that is what I love about the boxes – you sew with fabrics you wouldn’t necessarily choose yourself. It opens up a whole new world! I had recently made a Named patterns Kielo wrap dress in a jersey and I knew straight away that this fabric would be PERFECT for another version. It had the right weight and beautiful drape for the large pattern pieces and wrap feature. It feels casual yet elegant at the same time and is so comfortable to wear. I also needn’t have worried about the colour on me – I love it and it really makes me feel happy wearing it.

The fabric was really lovely to sew with but did fray quite a bit so I was glad to put my overlocker to good use to keep those raw edges at bay. The dress doesn’t use facings so I used a cream bias binding to finish off the neckline and arm hole edges for a neat, clean finish. I made sure I extended the slit at the back bottom hem to avoid the awkward penguin walk!!
I can’t wait to see what is in the next box and am certain I need to keep treating myself once my birthday present is over! Thank you Hayley.
You can find Lorna on Instagram @allaboutthesew
The Make Of The Month is chosen by Hayley from those who post their makes to Instagram, Facebook or via email and they are then gifted their next box.