In a world that moves faster every day, slow sewing feels like a breath of fresh air.
Just before Christmas, I noticed something; I felt like I’d lost the joy I used to find in my sewing and I knew something needed to change. It’s so easy to rush through projects just to tick them off our to-do lists — but what happens when we slow down? When we take time to enjoy the feel of the fabric, focus on each stitch, and savour the rhythm of the process?
Whenever I feel like my sewing joy is slipping away, I always return to smaller, easier, more mindful projects made with beautiful fabrics. A cute toy with pretty accessories, some simple patchwork, a quilted makeup bag, or even a cushion. Projects that don’t ask too much of me, but give a lot back in return.
This week, I deliberately blocked out time in my diary just to sew whatever I fancied making. No big clothing goals. No skill challenges. Just sewing I could sit with and enjoy, without stress or pressure about the end result.
I thoroughly enjoyed this time. It really filled my cup and helped me realise that it wasn’t the sewing process I’d fallen out of love with — it was the pressure of what I thought I should be making.
If you fancy joining me for a couple of afternoons of slow sewing, I share the process in this week’s YouTube video. I sew up a pretty quilted zip pouch and work on my half square triangle quilt, chatting as I go. I’d love to have you sewing along with me on a slow, mindful project.
Let me know in the comments what you love most about slow stitching — or what you’re thinking of sewing next, I’d love to know!
At the end of every year, I love looking back through what I’ve made — not just to admire the pretty things (although let’s be honest, that’s part of it 👀), but to notice patterns in what I actually wear, what worked well, and what I’d do differently next time.
So here it is: everything I made in 2025. There’s a lot of viscose, a lot of stripes, and more Tyra Trousers than any one person strictly needs… but I regret nothing.
Grab a cup of tea and let’s get into it. 🧵☕
Note: You can find links to all of the pattern and fabrics I mention in my ‘Reviewing 2025’ YouTube video hereand if you love reviewing and planning as much as I do, you can download my FREE printable ‘Sewing year in Review’ checklist over on Patreon (you will need to sign up as a free member to access).
The Tops (because I clearly love sewing tops)
I kicked things off with two Agnes Tops by Tilly and the Buttons — one in a brown rib knit jersey and another in a cream pointelle. The Agnes is such a solid wardrobe basic, and both of these get worn all the time. The pointelle version feels especially lovely and delicate, and it pairs beautifully with high-waisted trousers and as a layering piece underneath shirts and knits.
I also made:
A hacked Sagebrush Top (Friday Pattern Company) in embroidered cotton – floaty, pretty, and perfect with jeans on warm early spring days. (You can watch the full sew-along video for this hack over on my Patreon by the way).
Almy Blouse (Style Arc) in floral viscose lawn – I absolutely love this Lady McElroy floral print!
Nephaline Blouse (Viviene Chen) in floral viscose crepe – a new pattern to me that I think will become a firm favourite.
Patina Blouse (Friday Pattern Co.) in gingham cotton gauze – A High Street inspired top. I’ve had my eye on this Atelier Brunette gingham for ages so it was good to have a reason to finally buy it.
Ashton Top (Helen’s Closet) as part of a matching set (more on that later 👀).
I’m noticing a theme here: breathable fabrics, relaxed silhouettes, and things I can throw on without thinking too hard.
I made a lot of dresses this year — and honestly, I wore most of them regularly in summer time, which feels like a win.
Some highlights:
Annabelle Dress (Style Arc) in floral viscose – who doesn’t love a pretty wrap dress
Darling Ranges Dress v.3 (Megan Nielsen) in floral viscose linen. The Darling Ranges Dress is one of my most used sewing patterns but before last year I had never sewn version 3!
Pippa Dress (Sew Over It) in floral viscose another firm favourite dress pattern of mine
Taika Blouse Dress (Named) in stripe cotton. Another High Street inspired sew
Tess T-Shirt Dress (Closet Core) — an easy everyday staple – great for layering
I’m definitely noticing a shift towards more simple silhouettes in my sewing where dresses are concerned. There’s not a gathered or fit and flare dress is sight! I always find the way our styles change over the years super interesting…!
Annabelle DressTaika Blouse DressPippa Dress
Playsuits, Shorts & Summer Sewing
Summer sewing was very much about comfort and ease.
I made two Safiya playsuits from Tilly and the Buttons’ Make It Simple book using viscoses from my stash — practical, wearable, and great for hot days. These were perfect on our dream family holiday to Florida!
I also hacked:
The Blanca Flight Suit (Closet Core) into a playsuit with shorts in viscose twill — one of my favourite hacks of the year (see Patreon for the full sew along video).
Other summer makes:
Ashton Top + Safiya Trousers shorts in floral broderie anglaise — dreamy fabric, lovely set.
Safiya Shorts + Logan Shacket (Style Arc) as a co-ord in stripe cotton lawn. I do love a co-ord.
Tyra Trousers hacked into shorts in gingham washed linen — because I love the Tyra’s, clearly!
Blanca Flight SuitStripe Co-ord Set
The Reign of the Tyra Trousers
Let’s address the elephant in the room. I sewed a LOT of Tyra Trousers by Ploen Patterns this year (what’s new):
Beige linen
Grey wool
Gingham washed linen (shorts hack)
They fit, they suit my style, and I reach for them constantly — which is exactly what you want from a pattern. If a pattern earns repeat use, it’s doing something right. I also find this pattern great for tweaking and changing the waistband into either flat or drawstring and it works so well as shorts too (as I discovered this year!).
I also made Winnie Trousers (Tilly and the Buttons) in brown check, which were a really nice change of silhouette from my usual wide leg while still fitting into my wardrobe and working well with a lot of what I already own.
Autumn and winter sewing leaned heavily into comfort.
I made:
Jarrah Sweater (Megan Nielsen) in green stripe sweatshirt fabric by Meet Milk
Jarrah Sweater again as part of a crochet lace knit set with the Lana Skirt (Sew Over It) — a fun experiment and something a bit different
Toaster Sweater (Sew House 7) in stripe French terry
Toaster Sweater in cream Lima knit
Toaster Sweater / Coco Top mash-up in stripe French terry
I also sewed a lounge set using the Jarrah Sweater + Tyra Trousers in cream waffle knit, which has quickly become my “I’m at home but still want to feel put-together” outfit.
Stripe JarrahWaffle Lounge SetToaster/Coco Hack
Bags, Skirts & Outerwear
Not everything was clothing (but most was)!
Amelia Bomber Jacket (Wardrobe by Me) — a slightly braver make, and one I’m really proud of. I loved sewing this up with my Patreon members.
Xenta Tote (Forget Me Not Patterns) in cream cotton canvas – practical and sturdy
White gathered skirt with pockets in broderie anglaise – self-drafted and probably one of the best fitting skirts I own!
Amelia Bomber JacketXenta ToteSelf Drafter Skirt
What I Learned From Sewing All This
Looking back, a few things really stand out:
I wear simple shapes in beautiful fabrics far more than complicated designs.
Repeat patterns are a good thing — they save on fitting time and deliver predictable results.
Matching sets make getting dressed easier (and feel intentional).
Sewing for my real life — not a fantasy wardrobe — leads to far fewer regrets.
Looking Ahead
I’m heading into the new year with a clearer idea of what I actually love wearing and sewing. Expect more wardrobe workhorses, fewer “just because” projects, and lots of thoughtful fabric choices.
If you’d like to hear me chat through these makes in more detail (including a photo of every single make), you can watch the full video over on YouTube, where I share my favourites, flops, and plans for the year ahead (and also get a bit more personal about what went a bit wrong at the end of the year!).
And I’d love to know — what was your favourite make this year?
If you’ve ever finished a sewing project only to feel as though it looks nothing like it does on the pattern model, you’re not alone! It was one of the most frustrating things I found as a sewing beginner – until something clicked! Now, I use one simple process that (for the most part) leads to clothes that fit well, feel great, and look how I want them to look.
And the best part? I’m not a fitting expert and this method doesn’t require fancy tools, expensive courses, or advanced sewing skills.
The One Thing: I Always Check the Finished Garment Measurements
Yes — that’s it.
It sounds basic, but it has absolutely transformed my sewing.
As a beginner, I only looked at the body measurement chart, and chose the size that most closely matched my bust/waist/hip and cut the pattern. I then pretty much hoped for the best!!
But the finished garment measurements tell you the real story.
They reveal:
How the garment will actually fit once sewn
How much ease (extra room for movement and style) the designer added
Whether the final piece will be fitted, relaxed, oversized, or boxy
Whether you should size up, size down, or blend sizes. And if you’re in between sizes this can sometimes save you some work!
And, most importantly, whether the garment will feel like YOU when you wear it.
Bonus point: They also give you an insight as to whether you can play around with sizing for a completely different look and feel when you get really confident 👀
Sized down for this boxy fit shirtYou might want to size down on the sleeve with a balloon styleUsed FGM to determine the grading for this flight suit
Why Finished Garment Measurements Matter So Much
Think of finished measurements as a little sneak peek of what your future garment will look like.
Let’s say your bust is 96 cm. The pattern’s size chart tells you Size 12 is drafted for 96 cm — so naturally, you might choose that.
But when you check the finished bust measurement, you notice the garment measures:
104 cm (relaxed fit)
or 120 cm (oversized)
or 96 cm (zero ease!)
Each one creates a totally different garment. Same size, same body… but completely different look and feel.
Once you start comparing your own preferred fit and how YOU like to wear your clothes with the finished garment measurements, your sewing becomes more intentional — and the fit improves dramatically.
Low cut blouseBoxy fit jacket
It Also Helps You Predict the Style (Before You Sew It!)
This is where things get exciting – and where there is the most room to play around with look and feel!
Checking finished measurements tells you whether the pattern will give:
a fitted silhouette
a slim fit
a boxy shape
a swishy, floaty outline
or a dramatic oversized look
YOU get to decide whether that style is something you’ll actually wear and love or whether you want to change it to be more YOU.
This is how you avoid those “it looks great on the model, but terrible on me” moments.
Remember, pattern designers don’t tell you which size the model is wearing on the pattern image or what amendments to fit they may or may not have made to get the finished look. For the most part, it’s down to you to make those tweaks and changes yourself in order to get a fit you’re happy with.
I used this method with my most recent trouser make Winnie Trousers PatternI love how they turned out
If I chose sizes based on the body measurement chart alone, half the clothes I make wouldn’t fit me well and I wouldn’t feel comfortable wearing them because the designer’s idea of “relaxed” or “fitted” often isn’t my idea — and it might not be yours either.
Learning this changed everything about how I sew, and it’s genuinely been the difference between sewing a wardrobe of clothes I’m ‘meh’ about and a wardrobe of clothes I love to wear.
Want to Learn Exactly How I Choose My Size?
In this blog post, I’m sharing with you one of the most important mindset shifts I’ve had in my sewing — the thing that truly changed my thought process when it came to achieving better fit.
I’d love to share with you the step-by-step method I personally use every time I come to sew something new, including:
how I take accurate measurements
how I evaluate ease
how I decide between two sizes
how I use finished garment measurements and line drawings to create a garment that suits my personal style
and the printable cheat sheet I use myself…
…if you’d like that full breakdown you can access it all over on my Patreon community.
Patreon members get: ✔ The full “Exactly how I choose my size” video ✔ A printable two-page cheat sheet checklist ✔ Bonus sewing resources and an extra monthly video
✔ Ad free early access to my weekly YouTube videos ✔ Access to a private sewing community (ask questions and get answers to all of your sewing queries)
If you’d like to feel more confident choosing pattern sizes — and finally sew pieces that fit beautifully — you can join us here!
Final Thoughts
If you remember just one thing from this post, I hope it will be this:
Finished garment measurements are your best friend. They help you predict the fit, shape, comfort, and style of a garment before you cut a single piece of fabric.
Start checking them with every project, and your sewing will change — I promise.
I hope this has been helpful! I’d love to hear your experience with fitting your handmade garments in the comments below 👇
If you’re just starting your sewing journey—or you’ve been sewing for a while but want reliable, enjoyable projects—today’s post is for you! In the video below, I’m sharing the five sewing patterns I reached for constantly as a beginner. These patterns helped me grow my skills, fill my wardrobe with pieces I actually wear, and build confidence one project at a time.
Watch the video here:
Why Simple, Repeatable Patterns Matter for Beginners
When I first learned to sew, I found that picking the right patterns made all the difference. The perfect beginner pattern is:
✅ Simple enough to finish without frustration but teaches you something new along the way ✅ Versatile so you can sew it again and again in different ways ✅ Easy to personalise to your style ✅ A garment you’ll actually wear and that suits your lifestyle
These five patterns ticked all those boxes for me (and still do).
If your goal is to create a capsule wardrobe full of pieces that fit beautifully, suit your colour palette, and reflect your personal style, choosing dependable base patterns that you can build upon is the best place to start.
The 5 Easy Sewing Patterns I Used Most as a Beginner
I share examples of my versions of all of these patterns in my YouTube video by the way 😊
Great for developing confidence in sewing sleeves and gathered skirts
Lots of room for customisation (there is an add on pack with sleeve and skirt variations)
My very first versionLine drawings
How to Choose the Best Beginner Pattern for You
Before you pick your next project, ask yourself:
Does this fit my daily lifestyle?
Is it in one of my preferred colours or fabrics?
Will it coordinate with pieces I already own?
Do I feel excited (not overwhelmed) to sew it?
Patterns are more enjoyable—and more wearable—when they align with your personal style and wardrobe goals.
Tips for Sewing Success with These Patterns
✅ Start with fabric you feel comfortable handling. Cotton blends are great to start with! ✅ Sew slowly, take your time and press every step as you go ✅ Make notes of fit adjustments or alterations as you go along (I’m terrible at this and still need to do it more!) ✅ Repeat the pattern again (and again!!). This is how you really get to practice and improve. ✅ Try the same pattern in a different fabric or texture for a whole new look
Plan Your Makes With My Capsule Wardrobe Sewing Planner
If you’re inside my Patreon community, you’ll already have access to the printable Capsule Wardrobe Sewing Planner. Use it to choose patterns intentionally, plan colour palettes, and avoid sewing pieces that stay unworn.
Want More Guided Help? Join My 4-Week Intro to Dressmaking Course
If you’re a confident beginner or brand new to dressmaking, my Introduction to Dressmaking course walks you step-by-step through:
Reading a pattern
Cutting fabric
Sewing techniques
Finishing one easy garment you’ll be proud to wear
It’s perfect if you want structure, support, and confidence-building guidance.
Sign up to my mailing list here to be the first to hear about new dates. Or check out my ‘Events’ page on the website to see upcoming course and workshop dates.
Final Thoughts
These five patterns shaped the early days of my sewing journey, and I hope they help shape yours too. The more you practise, the more confident you’ll become—and soon you’ll be sewing pieces that just feel like you.
If you make any of the patterns mentioned, I’d love to see your version sewn up! Tag me on Instagram @madebysally so I can cheer you on.
I don’t know about you, but I’ve been feeling so inspired by all the lovely gingham blouses popping up on the High Street this autumn. There are so many gorgeous variations — from ruffled sleeves to collars trimmed with ric rac or delicate frills. They’re just too cute to resist, so of course, I had to have a go at sewing my own take on the trend!
ZaraNew LookOlive
Blouses are one of my absolute favourite things to sew, so I already had a few pattern options in my stash. But the one that really stood out to me for this gingham trend was the Patina Blouse by Friday Pattern Co. — it just had the perfect mix of classic and feminine details I was after!
Patina Blouse Line Drawings
I’ve made this blouse a few times before, and I absolutely love its vintage-style V-neck and flat collar. It also features some really beautiful details and finishes, like the gathered back yoke sewn using the burrito method (one of my all-time favourite techniques!) and the gathered sleeves finished with a button placket and cuff.
Gingham is quite a different fabric choice for me — it’s not something I’ve worn much in the past — so I wanted to keep it fairly understated and subtle. I’d had my eye on this gorgeous double gauze cotton gingham from Atelier Brunette for quite a while, and I thought it would be perfect for the look I had in mind. It’s definitely on the more premium side, but in my experience, Atelier Brunette fabrics are well worth the investment for their quality. This one is beautifully soft with a lovely warmth to it, and I couldn’t have been happier when it arrived. I chose the colour Rust, which ties in perfectly with the autumn theme.
As you can see from the photo above, this fabric is reversible — it features a different sized gingham check on each side. I really wanted to make the most of this fun detail, so I decided to mix and match the two sides across different parts of the blouse.
At first, I considered using the larger check for the main body and the smaller check for the collar, yoke, and cuffs. But after laying everything out on the table, I realised the larger check felt a bit too bold for the look I was going for. In the end, I preferred the subtlety of the smaller check for the main body, with the larger check used as a gentle accent for the collar and other details — and I’m so glad I made that choice!
Once everything was cut out, I set to work sewing the blouse together — and, as always, it was such a pleasure to sew. I absolutely love Friday Pattern Co. patterns; their instructions are always so clear, and they often include helpful sew-along videos on their YouTube channel.
If you’d like to see more of my sewing process and join me for a cosy couple of days making this blouse, you can watch my sewing vlog over on YouTubehere.
I couldn’t be happier with how this blouse came together — it turned out even better than I imagined! There’s something about the mix of the Patina’s vintage-inspired shape and the rustic charm of the gingham that feels both timeless and fun. It’s a perfect piece for the colder months ahead, and I know it’s going to be one of my most-worn makes this season.
I hope you like how my blouse turned out? Is a gingham blouse on your ‘to-sew’ list for autumn and if so, what sewing pattern will you be using?
