Make Of The Month; Rachel

Now my children are older I find I have a bit more time to sew again which is a great way of relaxing whilst expanding my inner creativity and individual style.

Not knowing many people who sew their own clothes, I found YouTube vlogs like Hayley’s and now Instagram has opened up a whole new world and I have learned so much. Through YouTube I discovered independent pattern companies and their super patterns and now through Hayley’s fabric boxes I have discovered more. It was a wonderful surprise to discover I had won Make of the Month and would be featured in Hayley’s magazine during the month of my 50th birthday.

I would not have chosen the leopard print thinking it wouldn’t suit me, but when it arrived in the May subscription box, I held it up against me and changed my mind. After reading Hayley’s introduction in her magazine I took her advice and chose a simple design for this busy print, I also wanted a pattern that I was confident with as the fabric was outside of my comfort zone.

The Tilly And The Buttons Joni Dress (from the book Stretch) was the perfect choice as I had already made 3 and love this versatile pattern. The viscose jersey suited this pattern as it has a good amount of stretch and sewed up really well using my machine’s walking foot. I was careful not to stretch the neck when stitching the binding as the fabric is so stretchy.

There is enough weight in the fabric that it hangs nicely too, it is great for this changeable weather we are having (not too warm but can be layered). I have teamed it with beige wedge sandals when warm enough or tights and boots or yellow shoes when cooler. A long mustard cardigan finishes it off adding my personal style to the outfit.

I have had lots of complements on this super comfy dress so it was definitely worth trying something new.

The arrival of my subscription box each month is eagerly anticipated, they are always different and so beautifully and thoughtfully put together. Always containing useful additions to my sewing supplies, great patterns and the gorgeous fabrics are good quality.

I have never subscribed to a subscription box before but when I heard about this one on YouTube I was drawn to the varied content. Looking back at previous boxes I found that the fabrics were definitely my style. I chose the Luxury Box so I would be sure to have enough fabric to make a dress as I wear them frequently.

With patchwork and bag making my other passions, having the fat quarters are a great addition to my stash and I have plans to make sewing machine and overlocker covers soon. I have found that I am making and planning items outside of my comfort zone and have even mastered buttonholes so am no longer avoiding them.

I have already cut out the strawberry fabric from the June box and will be making up the Avid Seamstress Sun Dress without fear of the buttonholes in the front. The other thoughtful additions to the box have proven useful too, The Merchant and Mills beeswax has made such a difference in reducing knots when hand sewing.

I enjoy reading the magazine’s varied and informative content from expert advice and tips to the inspiring makes of other subscribers and Hayley’s links to podcasts, films, books and other vloggers. I will not be afraid to explore new fabrics now, thank you Hayley.