• Why Your Handmade Clothes Aren’t Getting Worn (And What to Do About It)

    26 January, 2026 - By 

    Have you ever finished sewing a beautiful garment — only for it to quietly collect dust in your wardrobe? If so, you’re not alone and I’ve been there too more frequently than I’d like to admit. Many sewists find themselves with clothes they love making but never actually wear. In today’s blog post (and in my latest YouTube video), I’m breaking down the real reasons this happens — and, most importantly, what you can do to fix it.

    In my opinion, there are five reasons why your handmade garments aren’t getting worn and these are as follows:

    1. You’re sewing for the ‘idea’ and not your lifestyle

    Those vintage style dresses might look beautiful and be fun to sew, but if you’re a busy mum running around after small children and spending most of your time at home or out in the park, those dresses might not be practical for the season of life you’re currently in (I speak highly from experience here as this was me in the early days of my sewing).

    2. Ignoring or rushing through fit issues

    This is a tricky one isn’t it because, lets face it, getting the right fit is hard and it can be tempting to just brush over the fact that the shoulders feel a little tight in that dress or that top is pulling over the bust. We – and I very much include myself in this – would much rather rush through to the end and get the satisfaction of sewing and finishing a garment. Unfortunately though, it doesn’t take long for that garment to also start to gather dust in the wardrobe when after a couple of wears we really actually we feel completely uncomfortable and would rather change into something ready to wear!

    SOI Vintage Shirt Dress
    Emery Dress which I loved but barely wore!

    3. The wrong fabric choice

    I’ve spoken a lot recently about how I’m trying to change my relationship with buying fabric. Learning about the types of fabric that I love to wear has been a real game changer for me. I have thrown out, passed on or donated far too many handmade garments that I have not wanted to wear because I don’t like the fabric on me. I’ve learned over time that I hate to feel restricted in any way so crisp cotton shirts and dresses, most often aren’t for me. Instead I’ll opt for viscoses, rayons and twills which are softer and have more movement and likewise when it comes to jersey and knits, I’ll spend a little more on good quality fibres, knowing that in the long term the cost per wear will work out better.

    4. Sewing too quickly or skipping steps

    Please don’t judge me when I tell you that as a beginner, I would actively skips the steps of a pattern because I didn’t understand the purpose of the technique or the longevity that just taking that little bit longer to sew something would give a garment. Some embarrassing examples might be, skipping understitching resulting in a facing that just would not stay to the inside of a garment or not taking the time to wait for a hem to drop overnight and rushing to finish. Please let me know in the comments if you were the same – I don’t want to feel alone here!

    5. You’re missing the intention

    Intention for me looks like asking myself why do I want to sew this garment? Is it because it will teach me a new skill or technique, is it a garment or garment type that is currently lacking in my wardrobe and by making it I’m going to open up a whole range of other outfits I can put together. Is it because it will keep me warm on my dog walks or comfortable but put together on my work at home days when at the moment I’m just working in my scruffs (also me).  And just so that you don’t think I’m trying to rip all the fun out of your sewing, is it just because you love the look of the pattern, or the garment or you want to make use of a particular fabric and that’s ok too (as long as the fabric fits in with point three and you’re actually going to wear it of course!)

    So, how do we change this potential cycle that we might find ourselves in of having a handmade wardrobe full to bursting but not actually wearing any of it??

    Here are some things that have helped me to intentionally sew a handmade wardrobe that I love to wear:

    Sewing with wardrobe gaps in mind…

    Regularly take stock of your wardrobe, see what you’re wearing and what you’re not (I do this with my ready to wear and handmade clothing). While you’re sorting, experiment with putting a few outfits together and taking photos of them on your phone so that you can refer back to them when you feel uninspired. If there’s a make or a garment that isn’t being worn, ask yourself why. Is it because you have nothing to wear it with (and that’s where the wardrobe gap sewing comes in). Is it because it feels uncomfortable to wear – a fit problem. Is it because you hate the fabric or the colour or the pattern and completely regret choosing it, I know I’ve had a few of those. If the reason for not wearing is the latter – remove it from your wardrobe and pass on to someone who can benefit from it or reuse the fabric if you can. One of the most uninspiring things in my opinion is having a wardrobe that you’re not only not wearing but that makes you feel guilty every time you open the doors.

    Sewing fewer projects but with better outcomes…

    This is also something I’ve taken on in my own sewing life over the past couple of years and it’s worked wonders for creating a wardrobe I love. I’m really thinking quality over quantity where fabric is concerned. I would much rather these days, invest in a quality fabric that I know I’ll love to wear than buy lots of sub standard fabrics resulting in more garments but less that I’ll actually get the wear out of.  Likewise slowing down and enjoying the process of sewing the garment, particularly if you’re using a beautiful fabric, making sure to be present and enjoy the techniques, even the ones that feel more boring than others. Slow down and enjoy all the parts of sewing yourself something well fitting and beautiful and that will last rather than rushing to churn out garment after garment. In my experience too, the garments that I’ve really taken my time over and put my best into are often again the ones I most love to wear and feel good in.

    Letting each project inform the next…

    Every time we sew something, we’re given really useful information. We learn about fit — where we like ease, where we don’t, and how much shaping we enjoy. We discover which necklines we actually like wearing. Each make also teaches us about fabric: what feels comfortable, what creases too much and makes us dread ironing, or what feels too stiff to enjoy.

    Our garments even teach us about how we like to sew — the techniques we enjoy most, and whether we prefer quick, simple projects or slower, more thoughtful sewing that challenges us. When we ignore all of this information, we often end up repeating the same frustrations.

    So, to close…

    All of what I’ve said today is intended as a growth mindset for sewing an intentional handmade wardrobe. When you’re starting out in sewing it’s normal, and educational, to want to sew all of the things and actually that’s fine because that’s how you learn not only in terms of learning sewing techniques and skills but also about what does and doesn’t work for you.

    Head over to my Patreon to download by ’Handmade Capsule Wardrobe Planner‘ plus more behind the scenes videos, sew-alongs and tutorials and stay tuned because I’ll have more coming up on YouTube on this topic over the next few weeks!

    Thanks you for reading and happy sewing!

    Sally xxx

    Want to save this for later?
    Pin this guide to your sewing or handmade wardrobe board on Pinterest so you can come back to it when planning your next project.

    Why your handmade clothes don't get worn and what to do about it

  • My 2025 Sewing Makes – Everything I Sewed, Loved & Learned

    12 January, 2026 - By 

    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 here and 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.

    Nephaline Blouse
    Pointelle Agnes Top
    Gingham Patina Blouse

    Dresses I Actually Wear

    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 Dress
    Taika Blouse Dress
    Pippa 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 Suit
    Stripe 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.

    Wool Tyra Trousers
    Gingham Tyra Shorts
    Check Winnie Trousers

    Cosy Knits & Lounge Wear

    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 Jarrah
    Waffle Lounge Set
    Toaster/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 Jacket
    Xenta Tote
    Self 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?

    Happy sewing,
    Sally x

    Ps. Don’t forget to subscribe to my mailing list for more sewing tips!!

  • The One Thing That Helps Me Sew Great-Fitting Clothes

    18 November, 2025 - By 

    And why most beginners overlook it (I did too)…

    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 shirt
    You might want to size down on the sleeve with a balloon style
    Used 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 blouse
    Boxy 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 Pattern
    I 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 👇

    Happy sewing!!

    Sally xx