THE DRAPERY BLOG

The kimono-inspired jacket trend has been around a few years, and we're the first to admit we are not always first aboard the trend-train. Bt slowly, slowly, these things can sneak up and then lo and behold, there's a kimono-shaped hole in our wardrobes we never noticed before. Papercut Kochi Jacket pattern line drawings Fiona first tried the Kochi Jacket by Papercut Patterns (released June 2017) in a 'wearable muslin' made from a variety of linen and light denim scraps. She decided the shape wasn't working for her and put it aside. (But she's currently working with another kimono-inspired pattern so stay tuned!) Then recently I needed to dress for a Japanese-themed dinner and borrowed Fiona's Kochi. What do you know, I loved it, and immediately wanted one of my own. There are several variations in the Kochi pattern: with or without neck band, lining, patch pockets and tie closure. I made the simplest, most pared-down version which has just four patt...

  Have you ever disregarded a pattern, thinking it's not for you, only to find it in your shopping cart some time later? For me, that's the Pattern Fantastique Aeolian Tee . A boxy tee-shirt or dress sewn with great success by many in the sewing blog world (most notably Anna , who has made many beautiful versions). I'd dismissed the Aeolian since its release because of its wide sleeves. While I loved them on others, I thought they would resemble wings when coupled with my broad shoulders. But when I saw the lovely Bombazine ladies rocking their Aeolians on Instagram again recently, I threw caution to the wind and was cutting & pasting that PDF print out before I could utter "never say never".   I'd been ogling this Nani Iro print, Pocho ( the grey/copper colourway now sold out, but others available here ), and wanted a simple top pattern for it, so I opted for the tee version of the Aeolian. Because I suspected I'd want to play...

The Melilot shirt, a drop-shouldered button-up, is one of the latest patterns from French designers Deer and Doe. We love both the style and the fit of their patterns - click on the tag 'Deer and Doe' to the right and you'll see posts about others we've made. (There should be an accent on the e of Melilot but I don't know how to type that, forgive me!) I made a combination of Views A and B: long sleeves with cuffs, but omitting the concealed button placket and collar (and no pockets). This fabric needs to speak for itself! However in a plain fabric these details would help make the garment special. This Melilot came about partly by accident... I cut the wrong length of this amazing Nani Iro double gauze 'Beautiful Life' for a customer. But it was the right length for a Melilot, so what's a girl to do? Like all Deer and Doe patterns I've tried, this came together very nicely. Their patterns are drafted for a C to D-cup bust which suits me v...

Today we have the delightful Pips (also on Instagram as magdalenesmuse ), sharing her Frocktober frock over at her blog Girl in a Teacup ! Not only did Pips sew up a dreamy version of the Christine Haynes Emery Dress in Nani Iro double gauze, she also held a morning tea to raise funds for the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation's Frocktober . We just love Pips' style and if you don't already follow her, you'll have a great time combing through her blog archives for sewing inspiration! Thanks Pips, for the Frocktober loveliness ( see more here ) and dedication to a wonderful cause. Don't forget to claim your Frocktober 10% discount on frock pattern + fabric purchases all this month, in store or online with the discount code FROCKTOBER. - Fiona & Jane xx

These pyjama pants were cut out across the width of the fabric, to make the most of the beautiful Nani Iro 'Painting Check' design ( available in store or online here ), which changes colours as it nears the selvedge.  The brushed cotton is extremely soft and supremely comfortable. And these didn't even need hemming because the bottom edge is the little fluffy selvedge itself. They were made for my husband, on his request. I unpicked an old pair of his PJs to use as a pattern. They're mostly a very simple design, being mass-produced cheapies from many moons ago, yet somewhat bizarrely they featured a full button fly. In elastic-waisted pyjama pants. Didn't think I'd copy that part. Yes, the Nani Iro is a slightly more sophisticated look for the grown man than these elephants Instead I opted for a faux fly opening and full elastic waistband, with functional self-fabric drawstrings in the front.  Adding patch pockets to the sides allowed more de...

We love Japanese sewing books here at The Drapery, and it seems you do too! We're thrilled to be stocking even more of these beautiful and inspiring pattern books. The styling shows just how effective it can be to take a simple pattern and make it in really beautiful fabric. This 'Sweet Dress Book' has a number of basic pattern shapes which are then altered to make different garments and styles, for example the shirt above and the dress below. The instructions and diagrams are clear and helpful. Patterns are included on full-size sheets at the back of most of the books and simply require tracing off in your size. Seam allowances are not included on the pattern but the instructions show you where to add these, and how much. Some people are very accurate with adding them but to be honest, we generally just eyeball it as we cut. We tried the shirt in a Nani Iro double gauze (sorry, this one's from the personal stash and no longer available!). ...

Whole cloth quilting is just what it sounds like - making a quilt without the fiddly piecing! It's a lovely way to showcase a single gorgeous fabric like our Nani Iro double gauzes. Firstly, credit must go to this tutorial at The Purl Bee , which is the blog of New York yarn and fabric store Purl Soho, and a treasure trove of inspiration. You can follow their tutorial if you like, or use ours for The Drapery's take on it, adding simple hand quilting to the loveliness. These small quilts are gorgeously light and soft, filled with the warmth of our 100% Australian wool batting. On the front is the beauty of Japanese Nani Iro double gauze featuring designer Naomi Ito's stunning hand-painted designs. On the back is silky, lightweight organic cotton. The finished size is around 105cm square, perfect for keeping your knees toasty on the couch, or as a cot quilt or baby playmat. A beautiful gift for a new baby or anyone who'd love a bit of warmth, colour ...