Traveler Top Pattern from Ellie and Mac

There is a reason why I love Ellie and Mac patterns, they are always updating their pattern to get an even better fit for everyone and have also extended their sizes. I've made the Traveler Top pattern which now you have 2 lengths for the front, loads of different options like cowl neck, oversized hood, 2 different sleeves lengths so if you like long sleeves this is the perfect pattern. Oh and not to forget you have inseam pockets and a kangaroo front pocket.

Traveler Top Pattern:
https://www.ellieandmac.com/products/adults-travelers-top-pattern...

Bazzle Top/Dress Pattern by Eunoia Designs

Have you seen the new Bazzle pattern from Eunoia Designs? I had to try the dress version with banded bottom, cowl neck and kangaroo pocket! I think the fit is everything on this pattern and it comes with loads of options what more can you ask for.

You may see in also wearing the half sleeve version as well. I have 4 now and I need loads more! Made a little fun video too!

Check out the Bazzle Top/Dress by Eunoia Design Group:
https://eunoiadesigngroup.com/shop/bazzle-sewing-pattern/...

The Valentina Dress from Designer Stitch

I wanted to share this pattern from Designer Stitch with you all, it's the Valentina dress! 😍

    

The Valentina Dress can have a pleated Cross Over Petal with short sleeves or bound sleeveless armhole, center Back Zipper, mock asymmetrical front bodice tie and mock asymmetrical cross over pleated front skirt.

It's a beautiful pattern that I've made using a lovely soft black print satin/silk and made one in blue cotton, I love how both have turned out.

The Valentina Dress:
https://designerstitch.com/shop/valentina-dress/...

    

Very Important Patterns VIP

After a few years sewing I have amassed gigabytes of PDF patterns but there is nothing quite like owning the professionally printed and packaged patterns. So far I have a collection of two packed boxes of official patterns, some of them acquired from pattern swaps or given free by amazing people in the many sewing groups I'm a member of on Facebook.

One of my all time favorite pattern makers is Tilly and the Buttons. I bought one of her books when I first began sewing, I loved it! The book has full size patterns printed in a pocket at the back of the book. These were some of my first handmade clothes, the book is full of different patterns with colourful photographic step by step guides.

I have a pattern for some lovely shorts from Deer & Doe's Botany Collection called Chataigne (French for Chestnut) #D0009. I love the beautiful black and gold expandable packet this pattern comes in, which makes it easy to store and pretty to look at. The pattern is of good quality and it comes with well documented instructions.

I have a wrap dress pattern from Named Patterns, it comes in a white card wraparound box with minimalist packaging design, handy for storage. The dress is a classic, the pattern is good quality and the packaging quite stylish. So this will join my VIP (Very Important Pattern) collection.

Ellie & Mac, Sageville Patterns, Ragamuffin Patterns, Annelaine Patterns, Thread Faction
Tilly and the Buttons, McCalls, Simplicity, Simply Sewing, New Look etc.

Cricut Heat Transfer Project

I thought I'd introduce my Cricut Explore Air 2 and show you how simple and fun it is to create custom designs and text to transfer to your makes. I purchased my Cricut after seeing the awesome creations others had made, the machine costs under £200 and supplies are not particularly expensive.

The Cricut Explore Air can cut paper, vinyl, fabric, craft foam, sticker paper, faux leather, fabric and more! In fact, if you want to use a Cricut like a printer, it can do that too, from drawing images to writing cards!

When you visit the cricut website you can download the software/app 'Cricut Design Space' to create your designs. It's a free cloud based application which means you'll need access to the internet to use it. Cricut Design Space allows you to enter text, design cut/draw shapes, upload SVG designs or choose from a library of free & priced designs you can include in your projects.

    

    

In my most recent Cricut project I used a glitter Heat Transfer Vinyl (HTV) to add some family members names to a pair of 'Grow With Me' pajamas I made from Ellie & Mac.

My Sewing Wife

I first met my sewing wife Molly through a Facebook sewing group, we have a similar sense of humor and many of the same interests, if she was a guy we'd probably get married. Molly makes handmade personalized gifts, keepsakes and textile products with a wide range of fabrics and designs. She lives far away from me in Hucknall, Nottingham I dream one day we might meet, wearing our makes and drinking sparkling wine from a fine public establishment.

Sewing Wife Pin from Pink Coat Club

We share tips on patterns, fabric and other crafts, we're generally encouraging and inspiring each other but mainly competing, like who has the best fabric or who made the sewing pattern best. She sends me small gifts like lapel pins with sewing slogans on and vinyl stickers for my sewing machine which is so sweet. I send her little gifts too and we message regularly, I consider her a best friend even though I never met her! Us girls have to stick together, not just for emotional support but also encouragement, motivation and for a laugh too!


Check out Molly Makes on Facebook:
www.facebook.com/mollymakesnotts

Follow Molly's Sewing on Instagram:
www.instagram.com/madeinhucknall

If you mention my name I'm sure she can do you a good deal.

Love you babe, Ashley x

The Waterfall Swimsuit Pattern from Ellie & Mac

Hi sewers, this is the Ellie & Mac Waterfall Swimsuit mix & match pattern. It has the option to make a bikini or tankini with high or mid-waist bottoms, you can add straps or leave them off.

I decided to make the bikini with a high waist and I changed the shoulder strap for a halter neck, personal preference. This is why mix and match patterns are so good, they're really versatile! So the PDF pattern comes with great step by step instructions with photos, there are some useful tips and suggestions too. Elle & Mac always do a good variety of sizes that are easy to grade and well explained. It's nice to see real people in the pattern photos, it gives a more realistic idea of how the swimsuit will look on.

  

For this swimsuit I used a four-way ITY fabric with an Aztec style print. I love the pattern and the fabric is soft, lightweight and holds its shape well, perfect for this swimsuit.

Ellie & Mac have a wide variety of quality PDF patterns which are good value for money, they sell bundles, do Wacky Wednesdays sales and have regular discounts.

Check out the Waterfall Swimsuit Pattern by Ellie & Mac:
www.ellieandmac.com/waterfall-swimsuit-pattern...

Ellie & Mac - Waterfall Swimsuit

Printing Patterns

Printing patterns can be tricky depending on the software you use, some programs tend to add a margin which effects the scale of the pattern. It's recommended to use a program called Adobe Acrobat Reader, which is free to download and has an important function to hide and reveal certain layers of the pattern pertaining to sizes.

Adobe Acrobat Reader DC website: www.get.adobe.com/uk/reader/

So once you've downloaded and installed the software, have your PDF pattern and your printer is plugged in, switched on and fully loaded with ink and paper.

Open the PDF in Adobe Acrobat, select the of size pattern you would like to print. Find the layers tab on the left hand side vertical menu, it looks like a stack of papers. Hide the layers you don't want to print by clicking on the eye symbols. Some patterns can often span up to 50 pages or more so get some paper!

Home Printed Pattern

If you can't be fussed with all that there are lots of printing shops that offer patterns size prints, although this can get quite pricey. I have a friend called Lizzy who runs 'In Stitches' on Facebook, she prints her own full size patterns and offers printing services, her prices are cheaper than the on the high street and from my experience much better quality!

Find In Stitches on Facebook: www.facebook.com/In-Stitches

Hope you found some of this info useful, if you have any questions let me know!

Thanks, Ashley x

Welcome to My Sewing Journey!

Welcome to My Sewing Journey!

A few years ago, I stumbled upon sewing, and it quickly became more than just a hobby. It all started when I needed to shorten a pair of jeans (being on the petite side) and reattach a pocket that my partner had removed to embroider a skull.

To save costs, I decided to invest in my very own sewing machine. I found a second-hand 'Brother LS14' locally on the Shpock boot sale app. Coincidentally, my partner had a Brother Innovis V3 embroidery machine, which fascinated me. Soon, I was hooked.

Pinterest became my go-to for patterns as I explored my newfound skills. I crafted tote bags, makeup pouches, shoulder bags, Christmas stockings, baby bibs, and even tops and dresses.

As my passion grew, I delved into sewing patterns and fabric, often sourcing them from local Facebook groups. Tilly and the Buttons' books, 'Love at First Stitch' and 'Stretch,' guided me through the process. Eventually, I began creating my own wardrobe, often losing track of time as I sewed late into the night.

  

A year later, I upgraded to a 'Brother FS40' sewing machine with an extension table. And for my birthday, I received a 'Brother 1034D' Overlocker – a lucky gift indeed! My custom clothing rail now groans under the weight of my creations, and friends and family encourage me to start selling them.

Social media has been a great source of encouragement, connecting me with fellow sewing enthusiasts. Those Facebook groups that supply fabric were my go-to for materials. Now I run my own fabric shop called ABC Fabric, we have a group on Facebook and a regularly updated website with everything related to sewing from haberdashery to fabrics.

But my setup doesn't end there. I've added a Cricut machine to my workspace, allowing me to explore card making, heat transfers, stickers, labels, and precise fabric cutting. In this blog, I'll share my pattern-finding adventures, discuss fabric choices, reveal my stash secrets, and walk you through my garment construction process.

 

Every day brings new learning opportunities, and I welcome feedback to improve. Join me on Facebook and Instagram to see my latest creations!

Much love,

Ashley ❤️

Here we go!

Hi everyone, my name is Ashley Riley, sewing is a recent hobby of mine. I am self-taught, I've learned everything I know from books, videos and Google. With lots of encouragement from friends after 3 years I've finally decided to start a blog.

I'll be posting about my handmade garments, show you the patterns I use, where I get my fabrics, the machines I prefer to use etc.

Follow me on Facebook & Instagram for more info and pics!