Hello and welcome to our monthly review blog post!

Each month we will be trying patterns from different independent pattern companies and working with different fabrics we stock here in the shop. We will make them up on our work bench, so you can see the finished garment sample. We have found having the samples made up in the shop really helps people decide on a pattern, so if you can’t pop in and browse the rails, hopefully this will help you decide.

We always make the garments up in our current fabric ranges so they match the season and this month we have chosen the lovely soft floaty fabrics by Fabric Godmother and patterns from The Assembly Line.

This months Patterns used are:

The A line midi skirt from @The Assembly Line £21

The Cuff top from @The Assembly Line £21

The  Minimalist Kaftan from @The Assembly Line £21

 

 

The Cuff top from @TheAssemblyline £21.00

The cuff top pattern is a simple beginners pattern. It was easy to follow. Very detailed and helpful tips along the way.  There is a small seam allowance (1cm) so just be careful with the markings and notches. An overlocker is really useful to edge the fabrics as the seam allowance is so small, but you could do this with a zigzag stitch on your machine.

This pattern is available in two size options.  XS-L has a straight fit and features a boat neck. XL-4XL has a more curved fit with more volume under the arm, bust darts and a round neck with keyhole opening at the back. They both feature cap sleeves with wide elastic cuffs.

Sized from XS-4XL (approx 6 to 22), but we always recommend you go by your measurements rather than dress size. Dress sizes vary so much between designers and none of us really fit in the same box do we? There are no zips or buttons. Great for beginners.

The lovely soft petula crepe Fabric by @FABRIC GODMOTHER  was perfect for this pattern (£20 per metre).  This would also be fabulous in a rayons, chambray or linen.

A Lovely pattern to get started with and one to make over and over again, a wardrobe staple. There is also a V Neck pattern which has a looser fit with full, gathered sleeves and a cuff dress pattern which has a keyhole opening, elastic waist and side pockets.

Level Beginner

Sizes  – 6-14 or 14-22

Total Cost £48.69

Buy here:

Pattern £21.00

Fabric £24.00 (1.2m)

Interfacing £1.45 (25cm)

Thread £2.15

Elastic £0.80

 

 

 

 

 

The midi skirt  from @The Assembly line £21.00

 

Another lovely pattern for a beginner to garment making. The A-line midi skirt has an A-Line fit and is detailed with an elasticated waist and and slant pockets. Alternative waistband  included in the pattern is a paper bag skirt with belt loops and a belt. There are also different hemlines included in the pattern with the option of an elasticated or rounded hemline.

The lovely soft cotton chambray Fabric was perfect for this pattern (£14per metre).  This would also be fabulous in a Linen or  midweight cotton. It might be ok with a light needlecord for autumn months, we will give it a try later in the year.

Available in sizes, XS-3XL (6-20), The fit was true to size , so the fabric requirement was good, with very little wastage. Again the seam-allowance is small so an overlocker is useful. The slant pockets are really simple to add. Everything is topstitched with gives a really professional finish.

Level – Beginner

Total Cost £49.30

Buy here:

Pattern £21.00

Fabric £23.80 (1.7m)

Thread £2.15

interfacing £1.45

elastic £.90

 

 

The minimalist kaftan by @TheAssemblyline £21

 

The minimalist kaftan dress has a wide, relaxed silhouette. It features a v-neck both from and back,  a box pleat in the back and front panels with slant pockets. This challenging dress pattern is available in 2 sizes. Small fits XS-L and XL fits XL-3XL. As with the others the seam allowance is small and an overlocker is useful.  Although it does require a lot of fabric (approx 3m) There is very little wastage.

It is suitable for Advanced beginners. It’s a fairly easy pattern but the origami style is a bit confusing when you first attempt it. Keep going! It will make sense.

The lovely soft Tobu crepe Fabric by @FABRIC GODMOTHER  was perfect for this pattern (£20 per metre). It would be a lovely dress of a wedding or a summer cover up for a holiday or maybe made in a soft bamboo jersey to lounge in at home. This would also be fabulous in a rayons, chambray or linen.

Level Advanced Beginner

Total Cost £80.15

Buy here:

Pattern £21.00

fabric £56.00 (2.8 metre)

Thread £2.15

Interfacing £1.00

 

 

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Hopefully these will have inspired you to have a go at one our patterns. If you still feel nervous why not book onto one of our workshops with Anna. Never used a sewing machine before but want to learn, book our beginners workshops. Just need a little help on specific project then maybe a 1-1 session would be better for you. Just take a look at our workshop pages with upcoming dates. You can book online or in store.

If you have made up one of the patterns, drop us an email with your review and we would love to see pictures! Info@milliemoonshop.co.uk

Happy sewing

Rachel and Becki x