Tag: sewing australia

Know Me 2001 in Blue Wool Cashmere from Super Cheap Fabrics

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

Super Cheap Fabrics invited us to explore their collection of fabrics and select some projects to share with you.  This was an exciting opportunity to create a coat for Lauren’s trip to Europe and become the hero to build her travel wardrobe around. One of the key events Lauren travels to is Pitti Umo a men’s fashion trade show so the pattern picks needed to have some strong tailoring elements.  

Blue Wool Cashmere from Super Cheap Fabrics

Last year you might recall the pink coat but this year Lauren wanted to go with a cooler colour that would also be suitable for the trade shows. When we spotted this Mykonos Blue in Wool Cashmere we knew it was the one.
The fabric is 150cm wide and created with 70% Wool, 27% Cashmere, and 3% Polyester meaning it is dry clean only. It is a heavy-weight material at 540 GSM, which is perfect for outer coats and jackets.

Know Me 2001

Know Me ME2001 is a coat designed Beaute’ J’adore. This is one of the first patterns in the Know Me collection so it has been on our list for a while and was perfect for the fabric. It is an oversized style that is one line from shoulder to hem, it has a set-in sleeve, lapel notched collar and a belt. It is a lined coat and side seam pockets.

We made a few changes removing the armbands as it was not sitting well in the thick fabric and a split in the centre back as it needed more movement due to the length. 

Finished Know Me 2001

Explore Super Cheap Fabrics

Photo Credits

Fabric:  Wool Cashmere – Mykonos Blue – 150cm provided by Super Cheap Fabrics
Pattern: Know Me 2001 provided by Sewdirect Australia

Simplicity 8560 and Simiplicity 8561 in Minerva Exclusive Buddleia Bower Glossy Activewear Lycra Stretch Knit

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

Activewear is often in the “too hard” or “not worth it” category for us, but we decided to take on the challenge!

Fabric: Minerva Exclusive Buddleia Bower Glossy Activewear Lycra Stretch Knit

First, knit fabrics can be tricky. Luckily, the Minerva Exclusive Buddleia Bower Glossy Activewear Lycra Stretch Knit was a dream to sew. With 85% polyester and 15% elastane, it’s stretchy, comfortable, and forgiving. Its 60% stretch in both directions and 150 cm width made cutting and sewing simple, even leaving us with extra fabric. 

Pattern: Simplicity 8560 (sports bra) and 8561 (leggings)

Second, finding the right patterns for activewear was daunting, but Simplicity 8560 (sports bra) and 8561 (leggings) worked perfectly. The sports bra, available in band sizes 30–44 and cup sizes A–G, allowed for a customised fit. We extended the top slightly for added support. The leggings, offered in sizes XS–5X, include optional features like side pockets and stirrups.

We primarily used an overlocker, but topstitching required a domestic sewing machine with Gutermann Maraflex elastic thread. This thread’s 80% stretch made sewing straight stitches on knits a breeze without risking breakage.

Though we enjoyed this project, we’re not rushing to make another set. Australia boasts excellent activewear brands, and for now, we’re happy supporting them rather than adding activewear to our regular sewing list.

Finished Activewear

Find out more here

Photo Credits

Pattern: Simplicity 8560 (sports bra) and 8561 (leggings) provided by Sewdirect Australia
Fabrics: Minerva Exclusive Buddleia Bower Glossy Activewear Lycra Stretch Knit provided by Minerva

Christmas Me Made Outfits 2024

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

This year, we took our Christmas outfit game to a whole new level — well, more accurately, Audrey did. Every year, our family Christmas dinner is a chance to channel our Nan’s tradition of creating festive outfits for the whole family. It’s a nod to her legacy, and we’ve kept the tradition alive with something handmade for the occasion.

But this September, Audrey threw down the ultimate challenge. She casually said, “You know how you all wear matching outfits? What if ALL of us matched this year?” Game. On.

We dove into fabric hunting mode, shared a few options in the family group chat, and the clear winner emerged: a cheerful red and white gingham from Birch. Next up, everyone shared their vision for their Christmas ensemble, and we hunted down the perfect patterns on the Sewdirect Australia website.

What followed was a marathon of stitching: 10 garments, a mix of our tried-and-true patterns and some exciting new styles. By the time we were done, the sewing machines deserved a rest as much as we did!
Wishing you a Christmas as merry and love-filled as our matching outfits!🎅🎁✨

The Full Family Lineup

The full family line up of Nathan in McCall’s 6044, Audrey in Simplicity 9597, Tracy in McCall’s 8030, Lauren in Know Me 2076, Fergus in Two Sewing Sisters Bandana, David in McCall’s 6044, Robyn in Vogue 9237, Austin in McCall’s 6044, Amahli in Simplicity 9848, Erin in Know Me 2091 and James in McCall’s 6044

Ritchie line up

James in McCall’s 6044, Erin in Know Me 2091, Lauren in Know Me 2076, Fergus in Two Sewing Sisters Bandana, Robyn in Vogue 9237 and David in McCall’s 6044,

Taylors line up

Audrey in Simplicity 9597, Tracy in McCall’s 8030, Nathan in McCall’s 6044, Amahli in Simplicity 9848 and Austin in McCall’s 6044

The creative team

Audrey in Simplicity 9597, Erin in Know Me 2091, Amahli in Simplicity 9848, Lauren in Know Me 2076 and Fergus in Two Sewing Sisters Bandana.

Two Sewing Sisters

Erin in Know Me 2091 and Lauren in Know Me 2076

Photo Credits

Photographer: James Christie Media
Fabric: Red and white cotton gingham from Birch
Patterns supplied by Sewdirect Australia:
Nathan – McCall’s 6044
Audrey – Simplicity 9597
Tracy – McCall’s 8030
Lauren – Know Me 2076
Fergus – Two Sewing Sisters Bandana
David – McCall’s 6044
Robyn – Vogue 9237
Austin – McCall’s 6044
Amahli – Simplicity 9848
Erin – Know Me 2091
James – McCall’s 6044

Higgs and Higgs Sewing Kit Merchant and Mills Peg Trouser

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

Higgs & Higgs is a family-run fabric store based in the UK, you can buy online or visit the fabric shop in Gloucester.  They have launched an exciting set of sewing kits and they invited use to give one a test run and we loved it!  We have spoken about how fabulous a kit is, there is no running out of anything, no worry if you had the right thing or enough of anything it is all at your fingertips.  

Patterns: Peg Trousers by Merchant & Mills

This is our first Merchant & Mills pattern and these Peg Pants were a great fit for us, we are already planning more. The ‘Peg’ pants/ trousers feature a fly front with generous pleats, angled pockets and turn-up cuffs at the hem. The pattern includes a lining piece for a half-lined finish for wool fabrics. Find the pattern on the Higgs and Higgs website here.

Fabric: Cotton Gabardine Fabric in Rust

If you asked us about what fabric we would recommend for a pair of pants, this is it! This gabardine is 100% cotton and 250gsm in weight which is perfect for trousers. We chose the rust colour but equally could have picked any from the range – check out the full-colour selection here.

Even as experienced makers with quite a stash it is such a joy and relief to know that we have everything we need to complete a project. This kit fits this brief so well and even included a fun satin for lining the pockets.

Finished Sewing Kit of Peg Pants

Fabric: Cotton Dotted Swiss Lawn in Rustic Orange Floral on White

The trouble with pants? Matching tops. So when the Higgs & Higgs team invited us to showcase their pants kit we knew it would be a two-garment project. We set about finding a matching fabric from their website to create a top that would compliment the colour tones of the rust. We found the adorable Cotton Dotted Swiss Lawn in Rustic Orange Floral on White and it was meant to be. Check it out here.

Wilder Gown by Friday Pattern Company

Once we found the matching fabric the last piece of the puzzle was selecting a pattern for the top. It was important that this was an all Higgs & Higgs project so we jumped onto their pattern pages and spied The Wilder Gown. We have made this pattern a few times and love the neck details and the loose, flowy bodice.

We did alter the sleeve to make it longer and placed an elastic in the hem to taper it into the wrists.  This is our personal style preference that we felt balances the lightweight top by having full-length sleeves with the weight of the pants fabric. 

Photo Credits

Pants Pattern: Peg Pants by Merchant and Mills provided as part of kit by Higgs and Higgs
Pants Fabric: Rust Cotton Gabardine Fabric provided as part of the kit by Higgs and Higgs
Top Pattern: Wilder Gown by Friday Company
Top Pattern: Cotton Dotted Swiss Lawn Rustic Orange Floral on White provided by Higgs and Higgs
Photos: James Christie Media

Peg Pants Kit

White Christmas McCall’s Outfits

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

We hosted a Christmas Party this year that had a theme of white and by accident McCall’s!  We were excited about the idea of creating some new cotton outfits in a colour that we don’t make a whole heap of.  We headed to the Sewdirect website to see what latest patterns we wanted to create. Then we went to Spotlight to the cotton section to see what textured fabrics they had available.  

McCall’s 8482 in white seersucker

Erin loved the idea of a set and had seen some fabulous versions of McCall’s 8482. She had created the top for her trip to Europe and we loved that is had a soft gathered neck but still a set-in sleeve which many of these peasant-style tops miss out. The skirt was LONG! So we had to adjust the length and bring it up which also allowed for a little bit more gathering in the top panel.

McCall’s 8385 in white Broderie Anglais

Lauren had been eyeing off this dress pattern for some time, so when the chance to make it came she had to go for it. She had a vision for it in Broderie Anglais which meant was also had to line it with a poplin to make it more opaque. With many buttons later the vision was fulfilled!

McCall’s 6044 in Quilting Cotton

It was a full matching set with James getting a new white shirt in his favourite McCall’s 6044. White he initially was planning a linen, our in house photographer and lighting designer ended up with a texture white quilting cotton in the long sleeve view.

Mr Fergus Banadana

Last but certainly not least, our slightly scruffy-looking host got a new bandana for the occasion. We also like to create him bowties but for this occasion, he went for a more casual look that you could more easily see amongst his fluff.

Best wishes for 2025 from Two Sewing Sisters

We hope you are having a wonderful festive season. May your 2025 be filled with creativity, joy and happiness

Melbourne Frocktails McCall’s 8282 Hand Painted Fabric

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Events, Sewing Project

We’ve had a vision of painting fabric for a couple of years now, and Melbourne Frocktails was the perfect excuse to embrace our creative vision!

Pattern: McCall’s 8282

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Erin wanted to create an off-the-shoulder look with a full skirt for this fabric.  We landed on McCall’s 8282 as our base using view B. This pattern was provided by Sewdirect Australia and is available here. 

Fabric: Hand Painted

For this vision, we started with a white cotton drill which we purchased from Spotlight.  We selected our colour pallette of fabric paints and combined some colours to give a vibrant tone.  To make sure we didn’t paint extra fabric and waste painted fabric we cut the fabric first.  This also allowed us to consider the placement of the paint and colour balance.  We nervously set about stamping the fabric.  Check out the video. 

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Finished McCall’s 8282

Photo Credits

Pattern: McCall’s 8282 provided by Sewdirect Australia
Fabrics: White Cotton Canvas purchased at Spotlight hand painted by Two Sewing Sisters

Melbourne Frocktails Vogue 1723 Injalak Arts Linen

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Events, Sewing Project

Melbourne Frocktails upped the game again this year, with a change of venues they had space for more makers to come. It was a wonderful night with a sea of fabulous me-made outfits!  At every turn, you could see a great fabric, design or skill.  We each wanted to create some new for the occasion.  Lauren turned to our stash and came across a beautiful linen that Mum and Dad had purchased when they were visiting Darwin from Injalak Arts.  

Pattern: Vogue 1723

We have made this dress a number of times and love that it offers a full silhouette but is a great showcase for fabric that has a strong print. It does not have many design lines or darts that break up the fabric so it was perfect of this fabric which we wanted to be the hero.

Vogue 17233 is a very loose-fitting pull-on dress that has a stand collar that extends into ties at back, with a slit opening at the neck. Imporantly it has side seam pockets and the balloon sleeves are held in shape with a stay. 

We were limited in fabric so had to cut economically with the priority of placing the centre on the fold.  So we finished the neck with a internal bias. 

This pattern is available on Sewdirect Australia here. 

Fabric: Linen from Injalak Arts

Injalak Arts is based in remote Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory, with over 200 active members – artists, weavers and craftspeople from Gunbalanya and surrounding homelands.

This linen is a hand-printed design created by three talented women, Priscilla Badari, Katra Nganjmirra and Sylvia Badari.

Finished Injalak Arts Linen Dress

Photo Credits

Pattern: Vogue 1723 available at Sewdirect Australia
Fabrics: Linen from Injalak Arts 
Headpiece: Lauren J Ritchie Millinery

Flying Fox Fabrics at Oaks Day

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Events, Sewing Project

Last year we took part in Sew Gorgeous which is a special collaboration between Songlines Art, Flying Fox Fabrics & Papulankutja Artists.  You can see our make for this project here.  We loved the beautiful fabric designs from Songlines Art so selected a piece to create something for ourselves. 

Patterns: Know Me 2016, McCalls 8161 and Simplicity 8669

This was an absolute mash-up of patterns that started with the bodice of Know Me 2016 with a lengthen waist, the sleeves of McCalls 8161 and then the skirt of Simplicity 8669.

Fabric: Flyer Fox Fabrics

The cotton we selected from Flying Fox Fabrics was a beautiful blue and orange print by artist Jennifer Ngunyaka Mitchell called Kapi Tjukula meaning water and holes in rock.

The placement of this print was important, we only had limited fabric but wanted to ensure that there was a strong visual line down the center front of the dress. 

Finished Dress of Flying Fox Fabric

Photo Credits

Photographer: James Christie Media
Pattern: Bodice of Know Me 2016, sleeves of McCalls 8161 and skirt of Simplicity 8669
Fabric:  Kapi Tjukula Jennifer Ngunyaka Mitchell from Flying Fox Fabrics
Black Pillbox: Lauren J Ritchie Millinery

Vogue 1902 with Butterick 5951 in Cotton from Tessuti Valli at Oaks Day

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Events, Sewing Project

The theme of purple floral continued for Lauren on Oaks Day at Flemington Racecourse this year.  The hero and starting point for this dress was the beautiful floral cotton she found when travelling in Florence earlier this year. 

Pattern: Vogue 1902 with Butterick 5951

We mostly have a me made wardrobe but recently we were looking through Myer and wanted to check out what Cue had in their latest collection. Lauren spied a few dresses with drape detail and knew this was a detail she wanted as part of her Cup Week looks. With the neck detail of Vogue 1902 in mind, she transformed it into a dress by added the A-line skirt of Butterick 5951 to it. This pattern was supplied by Sewdirect Australia.

Fabric: Purple and yellow Floral Cotton from Tessuti Valli

This fabric caught Lauren’s eye when she was in Florence and visited Tessuti Valli for the first time. The print was quite large and had vibrant yellow centres in the flowers. We had spoken quite a bit about what we wanted to create for the Melbourne Cup this year, focusing on natural fibres and styles we would wear repeatedly throughout the year. Due to how light this cotton was we lined it with a light pink cotton poplin weight to help support the fabric and make it more opaque.

Finished Vogue 1902

Photo Credits

Photographer: James Christie Media
Pattern: Vogue 1902 provided by Sewdirect Australia with Butterick 5951
Fabric:  Purple and yellow Floral Cotton from Tessuti Valli
Yellow Beret: Lauren J Ritchie Millinery

Vogue 1708 in Minerva Exclusive Electric Blooms Double Georgette Crepe

by two.sewing.sisters, posted in Sewing Project

When we saw the Electric Blooms printed fabric we knew it was the perfect party fabric for us.

Fabric: Minerva Exclusive Electric Blooms Double Georgette Crepe

This is a Minerva Exclusive fabric that comes in a few different types. This one is the double georgette crepe fabric in the Electric Blooms, it is a woven non-stretch fabric made of 100% polyester. We don’t usually work with this type of fabric —we tend to pick cotton fabrics over polyester fabrics. We were planning our outfits for the Oaks Day Luncheon, so it was the perfect opportunity to try something new!

Pattern: Vogue 1708

We had to hunt through the Sew Direct patterns to find the perfect pattern and landed on Vogue 1708. It is a jumpsuit pattern with v-neck, wide leg pants and a wrap top that extends to a cross over back and tie ends (which could be tied in either a knot or a bow).

Finished Activewear

Find out more here

Photo Credits

Pattern: Vogue 1708 provided by Sewdirect and is available on Minerva here. 
Fabrics: Minerva Exclusive Electric Blooms Double Georgette Crepe provided by Minerva

At the Oaks Day Luncheon at Crown in Melbourne both wearing Minerva, Lauren wore her purple Vogue 1723