Category: Sewing Project

Minerva Kit Know Me 2016 in Brushstroke Blooms Cotton Sateen

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

Hello, Know Me 2016 kit! This is one of our favourite dress patterns! The shape bodice and details in the skirt make it is a simple design yet, is a design with impact. We have made this dress in a range of fabrics but the Minerva cotton sateen is a go-to for us.

Pattern: Know Me 2016

Know Me #me2016 is a design by Beaute’ J’adore, it is a dress with a shaped waistline sloping up slightly at the front and lovely design lines in the tiers with gathers. Let us not forget about the scoop pockets in the skirt. It has a high round neckline, bust darts from the sideseam and finished with an invisible back zipper.

Fabric: Minerva Exclusive Brushstroke Blooms Cotton Sateen Fabric

The cotton sateen creates a lovely finish on the fabric a rich finish for a fabric that is 100% Cotton making it comfortable to wear as a natural fibre and has some structure providing body to the make. It is non-stretch and at 115 grams per square metre, this fabric is a light to medium weight. See more about the fabric here.

Finished Dress

The fun of the Minerva sewing kits is perfect for a gift as it has everything you need or as a sewing project for yourself to make sure you have everything on hand. This kit includes everything you need to make your preferred view of the pattern and comes with the Know Me 2016 paper pattern, our high-quality 100% Cotton Sateen, lining fabric, interfacing, elastic, a pack of needles and a matching Gutermann thread! We cannot wait to see your me2016!

Get your Know Me Kit

Photo Credits

Photographer: James Christie Media
Pattern: Know Me 2016
Fabric:  Minerva Exclusive Brushstroke Blooms Cotton Sateen Fabric

Super Cheap Fabrics Canvas in V1900 and Linen in B6792

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

Super Cheap Fabrics invited us to explore their current collection of fabrics and select some projects to share with you.  When we are planning our projects it is a combination of elements, patterns we have in our collection, fabrics with interesting prints or that will showcase elements of the pattern design.  This outfit was a combination of both, bringing together Black Linen and Wonderland Printed Canvas from Super Cheap Fabrics. 

 

Butterick 6792 in Pure Linen in Black

Can you ever have enough black tops? In our wardrobes, the answer is no. So we were planning this outfit we wanted to create a classic piece for the collection.

We were drawn to view A of Butterick 6792 with a button front and tuxedo collar it has a swing line through the bodice and extra fullness in the back panel. The shape is created through bust darts and a side panel. We shorted the bodice to sit just below the waist to balance with the pants.

We created it in classic black linen, this is a lighter-weight linen from Super Cheap Fabrics and 145cm wide but this was perfect for the shaped and flowing back of the pattern.

The fabric responded well to being interfaced through the collar and pressed well to create the turn-back feature.

Vogue 1900 in Wonderland Printed Canvas

Hello, fun pants! A canvas is a great weight for a pair of tailored pants. When we spotted this Wonderful floral print with the aqua background and striking flower it became the hero for the outfit.

We have had plans to create Vogue 1900 for some time, and with the pattern already cut, we thought it would be the perfect pairing.

Vogue 1900 is a tapered leg pant that has a clever pocket construction and tuck in the front. The waist is finished with a facing, fly front and includes belt loops.

Finished Make

Photo Credits

Fabric:  Printed Canvas Wonderland and Pure Linen Black provided by Super Cheap Fabrics
Pattern:Vogue V1900 and Butterick B6792

John Kaldor Lizzano Cotton Sateen from Minerva in Simplicity S9780

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

We love making fun summer dresses, but we never seem to pick fabric or patterns for dresses with sleeves. This means we feel like we have nothing to wear when spring or autumn comes around! Our challenge in the next couple of months is to fix this before the weather gets cooler.

Fabric: John Kaldor Lizzano Cotton Sateen Fabric from Minerva

This is the John Kaldor Lizzano Cotton Sateen Fabric in the black colourway. It is 100% cotton but has a beautiful smooth finish. Some of the cotton sateens you find in Australia are heavy and have stretch in the fabric – this one is quite the opposite! It is light and soft, but still keeps its shape when gathered.

Pattern: Simplicity 9780

When picking the pattern we wanted to make, we wanted to choose one that showcased the lovely way the fabric looks when it is gathered. Simplicity 9780 is a smock type dress with three views, with different sleeve, length and ruffle variations. We love the way the yoke of the dress continues around the front, back and sleeves of the dress. The front tie provides a creative feature to otherwise very simple design lines.

Finished Make

See more about the make

Photo Credits

Photographer: James Christie Media
Pattern: Simplicity 9780
Fabric:  John Kaldor Lizzano Cotton Sateen Fabric provided by Minerva

Marimekko Unikko Fabric in Vogue 9237

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

It is the 60th anniversary of this iconic Unikko print by Marimekko. We came across this fabric while fabric shopping in Newcastle – we couldn’t help ourselves, and we had to bring home a piece!

Also… enter our new fabric pattern! We have claimed that Know Me 2016 is our favourite pattern for a couple of months. Only now we might have found a new favourite Vogue 9237! It is easy to wear and easy to sew – it also has limited pattern pieces, so the wonderful print of the fabric isn’t segmented between too many pattern pieces ✂️

Fabric: Marimekko Unikko Fabric

Mini Unikko, conceived by Kristina Isola, is a scaled-down rendition of the iconic Unikko print that has captivated global audiences. Originating in 1964, Unikko emerged in defiance of Marimekko founder Armi Ratia’s decree against floral motifs in the brand’s fabrics. Despite this prohibition, artist Maija Isola boldly crafted a collection of floral patterns, ultimately prompting Armi to incorporate eight of them.

Unikko has since become a symbol of exuberance and innovation, seamlessly woven into Marimekko’s design ethos. Maija’s work stands as a testament to the enduring power of creativity in spreading joy.

Pattern: Vogue v9237

Vogue 9237 is a Very Easy Vogue Dress pattern with a loose-fitting pullover style that has a round neck with a button and loop closing at the back neck. The main feature is the back ruffle panel create a playful design element.

Finished Make

Photo Credits

Photographer: James Christie Media
Pattern: Vogue 9237 provided by Sewdirect Australia
Fabric:  Marimekko Unikko Fabric

McCalls 8098 & McCalls 8161 in Inky Grove Cotton Sateen

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

Fabric: Inky Grove Cotton Sateen Fabric

The Inky Grove print on Cotton Sateen is a Minerva exclusive print that is fabulous and we loved the rich blue tone mix with the white background. The quality and weight of the cotton sateen is lovely, more a light to medium weight of the fabric. It gathers beautifully and at 142cm wide it has lots of options for cutting large pattern shapes to make the most of the print.

Pattern: McCall’s 8161 McCall’s 8098

We started with the pants as the hero we used, view B McCall’s 8098 a full-length pair of pants with a very comfortable elastic waist. For the top we wanted a classic shape and used McCall’s 8161 our go-to for this occasion.

Finished Make

See more about the make

Photo Credits

Photographer: James Christie Media
Pattern: McCalls 8098 & McCalls 8161
Fabric:  Inky Grove Cotton Sateen provided by Minerva

Burgundy Stretch Woven Suiting Fabric in Vogue Jumpsuit V1647

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

Ah jumpsuits!  The joy of pants but less drama to choose what to pair it with.  This lovely maroon crepe was the answer we were looking for when it came to Vogue Jumpsuit V647

Fabric: Burgundy Stretch Woven Suiting Fabric from Minerva

We were excited when this burgundy floral in Stretch Woven Suiting Fabric arrived from Minerva as we knew we had finally found the fabric for this jumpsuit!

This stretch-woven suiting feels more like a crepe with its drape and medium weight. The lovely white floral motif has a burgundy backing. It is 95% polyester and 5% spandex and is a great width at 145cm.

Pattern: Vogue Jumpsuit V1647

We have had this pattern sitting ready to be made for some time and this fabric was the perfect weight! This Vogue jumpsuit has a V feature bodice with wide leg pants.

We have used the pants part of this pattern before attaching it to another bodice for Lauren’s Cup Day outfit in 2022, see that make here.

Finished Jumpsuit

See more about the make

Photo Credits

Photographer: James Christie Media
Pattern: Vogue 1647
Fabric:  Burgundy Stretch Woven Suiting Fabric provided by Minerva

Sew Unsteady Junk in the Trunk Bag

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Pattern Testing, Sewing Project

We enjoy exploring new things in sewing so when Case from Sew Unsteady invited us to try out her first pattern Junk in the Trunk we loved the idea of exploring bag making.

Pattern: Sew Unsteady Junk in the Trunk Bag

This bag is designed with a side band and flat front that has an adjustable strap and can be worn around the waist, across the body or over the shoulder making it extremely versatile. There are two views included in the pattern with the strap attaching at different points to create a vertical or horizontal shape.

Fabric: Jungle Garden Multipurpose Cotton

We used an offcut of lightweight cotton we had and interfaced to give it some more support. This pattern could use a heavier woven fabric and even a leather so there are so many options to make it your own. A perfect scrap buster too!

This Jungle Garden Cotton was in the upholstery section in Spotlight. The fastenings we used white cotton tape and found the fabulous yellow clip at Super Cheap Fabrics in Fitzroy.

Making process

Finished Make

Get you Junk in the Trunk Bag Pattern here

Photo Credits

Pattern: Sew Unsteady Junk in the Trunk Bag
Fabric:  Jungle Garden Multipurpose Cotton from Spotlight
Fastenings: Yellow clip Darn Cheap Fabrics

Vogue 9237 in Emma Floral Linen from Drapers Fabrics

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

The last dress of summer 🌞 Okay… maybe it won’t be the last summer dress if Melbourne keeps up this hot weather! Our favourite thing about this dress is the cute back skirt ruffle. This pattern is simply to make, comfy to wear, and lets this super fun floral print shine 😍

Fabric: Emma Floral Cotton Linen from Drapers Fabrics

We picked up this lovely Summer fabric as a remnant at Drapers Fabrics in Fitzroy. The print is called Emma and is a lightweight linen with a cream background and vibrant multicoloured floral print. Made up of 20% Linen and 80% Cotton it was 145cm wide and made in Korea

Pattern: Vogue v9237

Vogue 9237 is a Very Easy Vogue Dress pattern with a loose-fitting pullover style that has a round neck with a button and loop closing at the back neck. The main feature is the back ruffle panel create a playful design element.

Finished Make

Photo Credits

Photographer: James Christie Media
Pattern: Vogue 9237 provided by Sewdirect Australia
Fabric:  Emma Floral Cotton Linen purchased from Drapers Fabrics

Burda 6736 in Magenta Coating from Super Cheap Fabrics

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

How do you decide what to pack when travelling?  Lauren was travelling in Europe in January and February in cold weather so took on the challenge to create a wardrobe centred around one piece.  What would that piece?  A coat made the most sense, you need it every day in the cold weather, it is also the bulkiest item to pack and heaviest to transport.  So a jacket it was!

Fabric: Magenta Coating from Super Cheap Fabrics

We spotted this magenta coating on sale at Super Cheap Fabrics and we were talking about statement coats after the coats we created when we went to New York and the magenta was just too good to pass up!

Pattern: Burda 6736

The Burda Coat pattern is a loose-fitting jacket with set-in sleeves and over sized wrap. It features two buttons and patch pockets.

Originally unlined I wanted to add a lining to it to make it easier to get on and off over thick dresses and tops. I copied the outside pattern pieces and attached the facing on top of the lining so it could be treated as one. The only downfall of this was I forgot to include a pleat at the center back and the lining was under stress and has pulled at the side seams. It is now on the fix pile to add an extra panel to resolve this.

Construction

Inserting a set of shoulder pads and sleeve head fillers to give shoulder shape to the coat
Checking the fit with the shoulder pad
Inside before lining
Ready for lining

Finished Make of Burda 6736

Photo Credits

Pattern: Burda 6736
Fabric: Magenta Coating from Super Cheap Fabrics
Buttons: Tessuti Fabrics

The coat in Paris

Melco Fabrics Dahlia Days in Moonlit Blooms by Rachel Parker

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

We got to create this dress from beautiful fabric from Melco Fabrics!

Melco Fabrics, founded in 2021 by Melanie Coultas, is on a mission to produce high-quality, ethical, and sustainable fabrics in Australia. The company has evolved from its humble beginnings to become a leader in the textiles industry, emphasizing a commitment to ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices. All knit fabrics are proudly milled in Australia and carry the Australian Made certification, reflecting their dedication to authenticity.

The company prioritizes sustainability by minimizing waste, conserving water, and using eco-friendly dyes and chemicals. Ethical Clothing Australia audits their manufacturing process, ensuring fair wages and safe working conditions. Melco Fabrics also stands out for its in-house printing of art design fabrics using a pigment printer, providing quality control and reducing environmental impact. The company’s unwavering commitment to sustainability, ethics, and quality positions them as a reliable choice for those seeking responsibly produced Australian fabrics.  Find out more about Melco Fabrics here. 

When this wonderful company invited us to create something from their fabric we leapt at the chance.  

Fabric: Dahlia Days – Rachel Parker

Rachel Parker is a print designer based in Northamptonshire countryside and created this lovely Dahlia Days design available on the Melco website here.

We chose this print in the navy colour way on a cotton sateen fabric.

This cotton sateen is on the lighter side (only 95 gsm) but holds its structure and was so EASY to work sew. The fabric is printed on demand by Melco Fabrics in their NSW studio.

Pattern: Vogue 9201 and Butterick 5951

For the pattern, we chose Vogue 9201 with short sleeves and a collar. We swapped the pleated skirt swapped for the a-line skirt of Butterick 5951 and added in-seam pockets.

To showcase the design lines of the bodice we included red piping around the front bodice placket.

Finished Make

Explore Melco Fabrics

Photo Credits

Photographer: James Christie Media
Pattern: Vogue 9201 and Butterick 5951
Fabric:  Dahlia Days designed by Rachel Parker on Cotton Sateen printed and gifted by Melco Fabrics.