Get me I’m A Brand Ambassador!

I received a lovely message via my IG @jenlegg4 asking if I would be interested in being a ‘Brand Ambassador ‘ from The Fabric Guys. Free material for a blog post.

Hell Yeah I’m in !

I’m a North East creative girl who has a sewing addiction that has lead me to open a sewing school above my hair salon in Middlesbrough. I love jumpsuits & florals, I’m also a serial Sewist I will take a pattern push it with different fabrics, hack it, and of course wear it!

The Fabric Guys have a lovely selection of material and prints but strangely it’s hard to decide what to choose when you can have anything! Also what to make when you have extra pressure to do The Fabric Guys proud. 

I had my light bulb moment when @sewisfaction launched one week one pattern #owop19. Over the last 3 years I have made 6 versions or @pierplacementpatterns #sewingkempton. I’ve made them in scuba, re-fashioned a charity mans suit, pleather, stretched denim, curtain material and fur, I have have hacked each one but knew I had an idea for another.

I strike again making my life harder by choosing this amazing  Soft Spandex Pearl Faux Leatherette. I found matching it up with the lining Jacquard Dots in Cooper really easy from the pictures and descriptions, the website is easy to navigate. I coordinate the colours from inherited fabric of my late Aunties stash giving new life to the remnants of her living room curtains that became the binding.

It arrived in this lovely box that has made me change my sewing habits by keeping all the pieces neatly together. I sew at home and in-between hairdressing clients in the Sewing School I’ve created above my salon. How lucky am I?

This pattern involves a lot of preparation as you are basically attaching both the outer and lining pieces together using Hong Kong seams prior to making up the jacket. Even though I have had plenty of experience I did sew the binding incorrectly to the first pieces! You have to remember the binding is getting attached to the outer fabric then wrapped trapping the lining and secured with the ‘stitch in the ditch’ foot again along the outer fabric. Don’t make my mistake-pass me the seam ripper !

The one on the right is right!

I sized up and added 3 inches to each of the pattern pieces. Seeing all the pieces tougher can seem really daunting but just work through methodically. The thing about this make is the shoulder seems are the last to sew so you have to wait to try it on! It’s worth that wait I promise.

As I’m loving the frills that are currently trending I wanted to add one to the cuffs. I did a little story on IG and the gained a lot of love so I knew I was onto a winner. We all need a bit of reassurance don’t we?

The end process involves hand sewing which I love.

I absolutely love the end result. It looks so professional and ready for the festive season.

Tips for sewing with Leatherette. 

1. Use a tried and tested pattern, that you have no fitting issues with. You can unpick seams but it does leave slight needle marks so it’s best to avoid.

2. Use clips or pin in the margin areas to avoid the puncture holes.

3. Depending on the thickness cut pattern pieces separately. I didn’t with this project, but I used all purpose scissors So as not to blunt my dressmaking ones.

4. Many blogs say to use leather needles but with this fabric I found they were to thick so I used a 90 universal needle.

5. Again many blogs say to stick to basic seams, again I went against this using ‘Hong Kong Seams’ it was bulkier on some seams but using a cloth (don’t iron the right side) and a ‘Tailors Clapper Point’ to press out the beautiful insides. 

Thank you for the opportunity The Fabric Guys looking forward to the next one. 

Selvedge and Bolts

I’m Jen Legg aka @jenlegg4 in my post about The Muse I mention the fantastic new online fabric shop Selvedge and Bolts. I have bought some amazing fabric from Dibs so I was totally flattered when she asked me to be part of her blogger team! I’m hoping it was because of the beautiful clothes I’m making with it and not all the money I’ve spent on her amazing fabric since she’s opened. I cant resist she buys ‘dead stock fabric’ from Italy a lot of them are ex designer like Vivienne Westwood, Escada etc... I started to sew because I hate wearing the same as everyone else, since I started this sewing journey I found a lot of fabrics were repeated on many online places so this is why my obsession with Selvedge and Bolts began! 

I was so excited to be selected but my Leggylad didn’t believe that I was actually going to get fabric for free-I had to show him the message, this isn’t because he objects to my sewing addiction. It because I’m always saying I can stop buying fabric- not sure who I’m trying to kid!

Dibs did have a selection of fabric left on the website that I hadn't bought and I choose 3 metres Italian Wool Jersey 1 metre of each colour as I loved the colour combination on the IG page. 

Sometimes its obvious what you want to make but with this choice it made me have to really think about how I could make it work for me. The pressure as I didn’t want to let myself or Dibs down. I did change my mind a few times but once the fabric arrived I had my lightbulb moment. Sometime you have to have a feel and stroke don’t you? It is the best quality and felt great after the pre-wash. 

I found a recent purchase from my stash that matched perfectly and brought these three colours to work harmoniously. 

Ready to go!

I choose the #gemmasweater @namedclothing to enhance contrasting fabric colours. I had the pattern and tried and failed 2 years ago to make it. This time however I followed the instructions and it came together without any mishaps, with happy dances and clapping like a seal every time the seams where lining up and matching perfectly.

‘happy dances and clapping like a seal ‘

 It was a little tricky as the spots jersey is finer than the Italian Wool Jersey. My Leggylad is my biggest critique and he was totally on the fence with this one as I was making it. I’m not sure about you but I always like another opinion (as long as they love it) at the time of trying on I only had one sleeve sewn together with my pj bottoms on saying “it’s obviously not finished yet!” The whole outfit was a relatively quick sew with the majority on my 
Janome Air thread overlocker 

I have a fear of button holes as they never work for me, or should I say the test one always does! However the button hole gods were on my side and they worked. As we are limited in our area to haberdashery shops I bought the fastening cord in this beautiful saffron colour. I think it works perfectly. 

To match I choose  @namedclothing #ruripants they are the ultimate secret pyjamas with some beautiful design features they look great and they are so comfy. I have made these previously so Pattern was also ready to go. I used a contrast waistband and I took the elastic round further to the waist seams. I would like to tell you this was to add to the design feature but I simply mixed up the waist pattern pieces! I had been concentrating so hard on my seem matching I went into auto whilst making these. I was going to rectify but I honestly like how the sit, so it equalled a happy accident. They have a lovely button or snap fastening detail at the ankle area of the trousers. I choose to add a button hole here as I loved the jeans buttons I had left from Textile Garden Picture below. 

I have absolutely loved trying something new with this first blog for Selvedge and Bolts. Leggylad did love the final outcome and didn’t object when I was asking/ making him take the final pictures. For those of you old enough reading this it really reminds me of a ‘Dash’ lounge suit from the 80’s.

  

I know I’m going to get lots of wear out of these as a full outfit or as separates. This is something I am trying to be mindful about prior my recent makes as I’ve got to admit I do have a good few items in my wardrobe I’ve only worn a few times. I do think every make is a learning process so all isn’t lost and my family and friends love it if I have a good sort out. 

Thanks for asking me to do this Dibs I am totally privileged to be in great company. 

The Muse - Sew La Di La Vintage

Caroline of Sewladilavintage has done it again! 

Anyone who follows me knows my love of a great jumpsuit and I first discovered ‘Margo Playsuit’ early into my 4 year sewing journey. It has a vintage look and it’s so flattering to wear. It’s one of my all time favourites. I love to Pattern hack and I’ve used the trouser pattern lots on other jumpsuits I’ve made.

Back to the dress that is named ‘The Muse’. I have been given a PDF copy in return for my thoughts in this blog. It has two views basically with or with out the frills. It’s has a princess line bodice that you have the option to line or face. I choose the latter. I cut out a  size 12  as this match my measurements exactly. I am fortunate I never really need to adapt many patterns. 

 I have recently discovered a new online fabric shop called Selvedge and Bolts. Dibs is sourcing the most amazing fabrics a lot of it is ex designers such as Vivienne Westwood and Escada to name a few I may have purchased... for this pattern I love the intensity of the colours and of course the florals I have an addiction! I have selected this satin for  ‘My Muse’ it’s more suitable for a wedding or the races but I never feel you can be over dressed so I’m sure I it will get a lot of wear. 

The fabric was beautiful to sew but I tried to take a short cut with the zip and inserted it with reinforcement hence unpick interface and re apply the zip. 

The pattern pieces fitted together perfectly. I have a full cup size 32F so I needed to adjust slightly under the bust and I also have a sway back so again I took this in slightly to help the fit.

This dress pattern is a must for Sewist’s like myself who love the chance to play about and add your own creativity details that make it completely you! I posted a few options on insta stories to help me decide on the final length of the sleeves with the frill. I also opted to add the same width frill on the bottom of the dress. 

How lucky am I to have a super talented photographer friend Nikki who lives 2 mins away from me and captured how beautiful this dress and the details I have added.

I’m thrilled with the way it has worked out and will definitely be making another in an everyday type of fabric... so watch my grid @jenlegg4 

Thanks for reading my first ever personal blog post ! 

OGDEN IDA SWAP 2019

This swap has been organised by Jen @jenlegg4 and Samantha @purplesewingcloud

IT IS AN INTERNATIONAL STASH BUSTING SWAP FOR THE SUMMER, IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO GET INVOLVED HERE ARE ALL THE DETAILS

WHAT IS THE #OGDENIDASWAP2019 ?

You can make an Ogden Cami, Ida clutch or both items as a gift for someone. In exchange you will receive the same back. We’ve chosen the Ogden and Ida clutch for the swap as they use little fabric and are quite small to post out. We encourage you to use fabric from your stash and materials you already have at home to make your gift to help keep the cost low. Jen and Sam have organised this in their own time and is all meant to be a bit of fun and is designed to spread some joy and connect with new people this summer. Remember, it is a gesture of goodwill – sewing skills are not being judged so we encourage beginners to join in too.

The Ogden Cami is a pattern by True Bias and is available from their website here enter 'OGDENSWAP19' for a 15% discount
The Ida clutch is a free download by Kylie and the Machine. The pattern can be found here  and instructions here . Thank you Kalli and Kylie.

Sign ups open 9th June
Sign ups close 31st June
Your recipient’s swap details will be emailed to you in the first week of July
Your IG account needs to be public so your partner can look at your grid to help her decide colour choice etc..

PLEASE ONLY SIGN UP IF YOU CAN COMMIT TO THIS TIME SCALE.

We are aware unforeseen circumstances can arise if this happens please contact your partner directly to let them know.

THE BIG REVEAL DATE IS SUNDAY 4th AUGUST

SIGN UP HERE

The swap is open internationally – you will have the option to opt in or out of international postage, if you opt in to international postage please factor in plenty of time for delivery so the gift arrives by 3rd August.

Only Jen and Samantha  have access to the data you provide when you sign up. As per your agreement when you sign up, you are agreeing to allow us to pass your details to your ‘maker’ only so that they may send you your gift. After the exchange, your personal information will not be used for anything else at all and will be deleted.

We’d love to see what you’re making before the big reveal, so please feel free to share sneak previews using the hashtag #ogdenidaswap2019 on Instagram before that date.