THE DRAPERY BLOG

The beautiful Hawthorn shirt dress pattern was released by Colette Patterns earlier this year. It has a slightly 1950s vibe with a flattering semi-circle skirt that flares out from (rather than gathers into) the seam at the natural waist. Make it 3/4 sleeve, short sleeve or sleeveless to suit any spring or summer day. If you're into the peplum thing, you can even make it as a shirt. The sweetly elegant collar reveals just a nice amount of neck & shoulder (or a short necklace), without being low-cut. Colette patterns are renowned for their excellent instructions and finishing detail and this pattern is no exception. There is also a step-by-step sewalong on the Colette website with many helpful photographs of the process. This version is made in a Liberty Tana Lawn (from personal stash - but we have beautiful options in store). Aside from the Liberty we also have some lovely Japanese cotton lawns, and other suitable fabrics including organic cotton shirting, hemp/tenc...

Something we hear a lot from our customers is how hard it is to find interesting, yet age appropriate ready-made clothes for kids. Sewing clothes for the smallest members of the household is the perfect way to solve that problem (not to mention it's a great stash-buster with the small amount of fabric sewing for kids requires!). Oliver + S patterns have built a great reputation for easy-to follow instructions, timeless style and a polished finish. We have been giving the Sketchbook Pattern a bit of a run lately. A simple pair of shorts and a button-up shirt with a collar for boys, it's one of those versatile patterns that can be made up both 'for best' or otherwise. We made the shorts in a size 5 - first up in our recycled polyester/organic cotton : smart! Next, in Japanese baby-seal print double gauze for pajama pants: cozy! The fit was perfect for our 5-and-a-half year old animal lover. We also made a version of the shirt in luxurious house-print...