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-the home of Simple, Speedy Sewing.

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Meri Blouse is a traditional dress worn in the Pacific Islands, originally introduced by missionaries I've heard. I made these four for a concert at church for some New Guinean ladies. The pattern cutting is very simple with little fabric wasted. And
To finish Me Made May, here's my favourite make of all time, worn by the lovely Emily. It's 5 metres of Ikea upholstery fabric, patternmaking uses subtraction cutting methods (google Julian Roberts, he has lots of free resources). As you can see from
What can I say? I'm in no danger of running out of handmade clothes for Me Made May (last count- more than 50 items in my wardrobe) but they are getting more...unusual. This flatpack shawl (it is a flat shape with armholes) was a college design proje
I made three of these dresses, because they look more complicated to make than they really are. This is black linen with a bit of sashiko stitching - cool to wear in summer or over a tee shirt when the temperatures go down. #memadewardrobe #sewers of

Unaccustomed as I am...

Loved these retro undies found on Etsy.

Loved these retro undies found on Etsy.

Four year old Hazel speaks the truth.  While helping hang out the washing, she asks -  "Are these your undies?  They're so big!!!"  Afraid it's true,  I like big knickers, I cannot lie.  Inspired by these retro swimmers on Etsy, I set out to make my own version. 

 

Ancient patterns, (this one circa 1990) ...the source of great sewing wisdom...

Ancient patterns, (this one circa 1990) ...the source of great sewing wisdom...

Surely a vintage pattern will be a good start.  They ended up a little toooo big. Having them stretch up to my armpits wasn't a great look, so I scaled them back. 

 

 

DIY Retro undies!

DIY Retro undies!

Making knickers is pretty easy (compared with, say, making a bra) and requires little fabric. Unaccustomed as I am to displaying my knickers on the internet, here is what I ended up sewing... and photographing in a bunched up way, to make them appear slightly smaller...