Smock dresses are having a serious fashion moment—and this sweet bow-front version is no exception! Inspired by a gorgeous black dress I spotted recently, I wanted to reimagine our Sage Smock Dress with a few clever tweaks to achieve the same soft, feminine feel. And the best part? It’s easier than you think!

As an experienced Sewing Instructor, I understand the overwhelming choices that beginners face when selecting their first sewing machine, and I’m here to offer some helpful advice to make your decision easier while ensuring you’re getting the best value for your budget.

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Are you feeling like a sew-sloth, lacking the motivation to get your sewing machine humming? I have some fun tips to help you get motivated and stitching up a storm in not time.

I realised after creating the Esther Bias Midi skirt pattern that to shorten or lengthen it is not as straight forward as a regular shorten/lengthen alteration as the front has an asymmetrical panel.

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Between lockdowns, teaching classes, managing teenage boys during home schooling and just life in general, I’ve managed to release another pattern, the “Twiggy Tank Top”.

Since lockdown measures in March I’ve had to close down my studio for sewing lessons but I have managed to release two new patterns which are now available in my pattern shop. The Soho Sweater and the Sangria Sundress.

Melbourne Frocktails is an annual cocktail party for anyone who loves to sew their own clothes. Once you score your ticket, (they sell out in minutes) it’s all about what the heck are you going to make this year… Continue reading →

I came across the Sorbetto top pattern by Colette Patterns after searching for a free pattern for a few of my beginner students. The pattern has been around for a while so there are plenty of versions online which is great if you are looking for a new pattern, you can really get an idea of the end result.

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A few months ago I ran a Zadie Jumspuit workshop and with all workshops, I like to test out the patterns before running the classes to make sure they are suitable and the instructions are clear.

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