FREE Pattern - pole shorts (finally!)

3 years after my initial draft, I am ready to share my tried and tested, then improved, pole shorts pattern with the world! These have seen me through 2 photoshoots, a performance, and countless classes. These are what I keep coming to time and time again, because, well, they are literally custom made for me in every way and my absolute favourite. 

Download your copy here for FREE. 

Style lines

I would describe these as low cut, slightly cheeky with a scrunch bum. The crotch coverage is pretty wide and it's never let me down :) The legs and waist are both finished by fabric bands with no elastic added. The shorts are not compressive (but also not lose), but don't dig into your skin. Here are a few photos (please note that these beautiful beach pics by Artistry Photography are unedited): 

As swim bottoms (see below) and also my separate post

Flat lay of latest pair front and back view, teamed with a hacked Power Sports Bra

This one below is actually my OG pair, which I still proudly wear (photo below was from August this year). The pattern that I am sharing has a slightly higher back (so that it's more balanced compared to the front) and slightly cheekier coverage.  

Sizing

These are just for my personal use, so unfortunately I'm only sharing it in my own size. For reference, I am almost always an XS, size (UK and Aus) 6. Typical measurements for my hip and waist tend to be around 34-34.5' and the 25-26' mark. Note that these shorts aren't high waisted, so the hip measurement is going to be more important. To an extent, you could adjust the sizing slightly by lengthening/shortening the fabric leg and waist bands but there will be a limit to it. 

Fabric requirements

I have made these using quite a number of stretch lycra fabrics, from printed nylon lycra, activewear marl, stretch velvet to Tactel. I would suggest fabrics with at least 50% stretch both length and width wise. Depending on the fabric, I do sometimes make small adjustments to the length of the bands to ensure a snug and secure yet comfortable fit, so please use the measurements included as a guide only. 

You will need some elastic for the scrunch bum. 

Quick construction steps on a page

1. Sew elastic along the centre back from top to crotch seam on your sewing machine, using a stretch stitch - my favourite is a long straight triple stitch, stretching the elastic evenly as you sew.  
2. Sew back to front piece at the crotch seam, using a 6mm seam allowance (throughout). I do this on my overlocker. 
3. Sew up the side seams. 
4. Sew up the waist and leg bands into loops (i.e. closing the short ends with right sides together). Fold with wrong side together lengthwise. 
5. Pin/clip the folded bands to the shorts at quarter points (and more as necessary, ensuring an even distribution), with right sides together. Overlock. 
6. Optional topstitching (which I only like to do on plain pairs). 

Other options

I have often made these as bikini bottoms, by adding a swim lining to them and using swim elastic for the scrunch bum. I'd also recommend adding swim elastic into the waistband in that option, to ensure that when wet (and heavier), the shorts will swim with you (!)

If you prefer hemmed leg openings, you can remove the bands and add the hem allowance (as well as account for the width of the sewn bands and seam allowance). I prefer the security the bands offer, however. 

There they are! I hope you enjoy these as much as I do! 

Download your copy here. 

Greetings from the Sunshine State!

Hello my dear readers, it's been a long while! If you follow me on Instagram, you will know that sooo much has changed since my last blog post. We have moved from Surrey to Brisbane, Australia! Needless to say, relocating almost as far as humanly possible in the middle of a global pandemic was full of ups and downs, and I think we are only breathing a sigh of relief now that all our household belongs have finally arrived. On the one hand, we are so traumatised from the whole process that we can't imagine moving ever again; on the other, though, having worked as a team to pack up the house and rent it out, sell the car and getting on a plane (not being 100% sure that they'd let us on it!) with 2 weeks' notice, and then arriving in Sydney without knowing when we would actually be able to get to Queensland with a toddler in tow, living without our own stuff for about 5 months, and surviving it all has also made us feel quite empowered in other ways. 

We moved to Brisbane with my work for an opportunity of a lifetime, but also for all the lifestyle that comes with living in the Sunshine state! We don't know what the future holds, but for now, are pinching ourselves that we live in such a great city with so much on our doorstep. We are now accustomed to our weekend getaways to really experience what is on offer in South East Queensland. 

Last weekend we drive about an hour north to Caloundra on the Sunshine coast, and had an absolute blast! There were so much for us all to enjoy, and the weather was absolutely perfect (considering it is now winter). 

Sun safe rash guard set

Other people: hey, weather forecast looks great, so let's book a last minute trip to the beach this weekend!

Me: the above, plus, must sew a rash guard set for my daughter to wear in the next 24 hours! 

I'm not someone who usually enjoys speed sewing at all, but this time I relished the challenge.

Sew your own period underwear - a comprehensive introduction

This is the first of a series of posts that I will be sharing on sewing your own period underwear. It’s a bit of a whopper!

Warning: this post contains frank and personal discussions about periods. Please feel free to scroll away if this you are not a fan of TMI.

TMI intro – what has led me to make my own period underwear

Periods and I have had a difficult relationship, even though we’ve muddled through together for nearly two decades. I used to absolutely dread it, because I would be curled up into a ball and drugged up for a day or two each month due to deliberating cramps. It was always an embarrassing thing to explain to my managers and colleagues as well. Now, after baby, my cramps have eased (thanks Freya!) but I’ve swapped them for hormonal migraines. The joy!

I could never get on with tampons at all, so have been a pad user for the majority of the time. I started using a menstrual cup a few years ago, and after a dodgy start (think – late arrival at work due to lengthy retrieval of cup😅), I’ve grown really fond of it. It has transformed my sleep (no more waking up at 5am fearing a leak), my exercise (it gave met the confidence to show up at pole classes in my little pole shorts) and made me feel a lot better about sending less disposable products to landfill. I also enjoyed learning about my “flow” as well. However, on most days (when I'm out and about) and at night time, I still used a pad as back-up for fear of leakage (even though this hardly ever happens).

A few years ago, I became aware of Thinx, and as a result, period underwear as a new concept. However, the price tag and the international shipping from the US put me off. When ASOS UK started stocking them, I invested in a pair but wasn’t happy with the fit. However, a seed was sewn in my head from then that perhaps one day, I will make my own.

Fast forward a few years, I've gone all out and made 6 pairs in one go! This entire project was finally prompted by potty training my toddler, which made me look into making reusable training underwear for her, a project that would require similar materials. By now, not one pair of toddler training underwear has been made, but mummy has 6 pairs of period pants prototypes 😉 The truth is, once I got started, and my juices flowing (no pun intended), I couldn't stop (and could barely sleep). There were so many options and so many ideas! 

More activewear - Greenstyle Cavallo & Elevate (including Fit Capsule Part 2)

2018 was when I started dabbling in sewing activewear, and 2021 is the year it finally took off! Considering that I'm quite a bit less active right now (thanks multiple lockdowns!), it's quite surprising that I find myself rather addicted to making sporty outfits! 

But it's not all plain sailing. These Greenstyle Cavallo leggings jammed my beloved coverstitch machine so much that I had to take it back to the dealer for repair/un-jamming. Worse still, I was mid reverse coverstitching inside the left trouser leg when the machine halted to a stop with a louse noise, and it was so jammed that I could not get the leg back out for the life of me! To my huge relief, both the machine and the fabric came back good as new. 

Matching Camo Joggers

Remember those leopard print matching joggers? These have been such wardrobe staples for lockdown life! They have served us so well, and may just be the most worn items for the last year or so! 

Although we still both fit into those pairs, I was itching to make some more in anticipation of any growth spurts (for Freya, I should add) :)

What better fabric to use than this amazing camo print French Terry? It's perfect for hiding dirt and stains, and are (just about) trendy enough to wear outside the house as well.  

#Frugalfrocks2021 French Navy Orla Dress

Ta-dah! It is reveal time for #Frugalfrocks2021, where you sew something using fabric from your stash and a free sewing pattern. 

Since I'm a big fan of freebies, and, let's face it, there's not a lot else to do other than sewing during lockdown, I had to participate. 

The French Navy Orla Dress has been on my list to sew for ages, and the challenge was the perfect excuse for me to finally have a go at it. This pattern is totally free to download (no subscription or checkout required), and even comes in A0 for copyshop printing! 

Can you tell that I added pockets? I can't seem to get my hands out of them! Speaking of which, let me share my favourite in-seam pocket tutorial with you - I just love the clean finish this provides! 

I had high hopes of this pattern, and it didn't disappoint. It's such a classic shape, and could look so different depending on the fabric you choose. I also liked the slightly high waistline, and the above-knee length. It's rare for me, but I decided not to make any adjustments to the pattern, and just cut a straight XS. Note though that I'm rather petite, so you might want to adjust accordingly if you are on the tall side. 

The other thing to mention is that the instructions are pretty basic - it contains narrative only, with no illustration or photos. I didn't actually use it, but I'm pretty familiar with sewing this type of dresses. For this reason, I probably wouldn't recommend this to a complete beginner, as tempting as a free dress pattern may be! 

I love how simple this dress is, and how it's turned out. The only slight issue that I have is that the neckline doesn't always lie flat. This was something that I was aware of, so I did pull out all the tricks during the construction process, but still didn't manage to get it to lie totally flat. 

The fabric is a lovely nautical seersucker, which I picked up from C&H Guildford a few years ago. I knew that I had to have it, but for all this time, did not know exactly what to make with it. I had 1.5 metres of it (which has quite a narrow width), and I managed to squeeze out this dress without too much trouble. Neither did I end up with too much in the way of scrap, mind you! 

And there you have it, my little nautical summer dress, just in time for the beautiful weather! 

Now I'm off to see all the reveals today! 

Fit capsule 2021 Part 1 - Power Bra + Tempo leggings

Wow, I'm so pleased to be participating in the Greenstyle Fit Capsule challenge this year! I've been trying to make more activewear for some time, and this challenge was just what I needed to kick my arse into gear, whilst thinking about building that capsule wardrobe.  

Here is my first post on the Fit Capsule, showing off my new pair of Tempo tights, with a matching Power Sports Bra. I had bought this floral jungle fabric from Funki Fabrics, and matched it with this navy technical legging fabric from Frumble. 

Getting active - Super G + Jalie 3247

Do you know how long I've been planning on sewing a set like this? 

Since June 2019, to be precise. Too long, in other words! I had sewn up the sports bra with some pole shorts then, and carefully put away the remnant of this amazing marl activewear fabric back in my stash, until the day I was ready to make matching leggings. 

Sure,  thought about those leggings in between other projects, but couldn't quite settle on the exact project. I really love the marl fabric, for its softness, sketchiness and recovery, but was worried that using only this fabric for an entire pair of leggings would be "too much". It's pretty jazzy in its own right, and make your eyes struggle to focus sometimes. 

Finally, last autumn, Tia Knight emailed about the new medium weight (280gsm) supplex that it started stocking (in addition to its lightweight supplex), and I jumped on the opportunity to buy some as soon as the newletter landed in my inbox. The navy and this marl worked beautifully together. 

After a lot of deliberation, I went with the Super G tights by Greenstyle Creations. As someone that enjoys yoga and aerial workouts (pole, sling etc), that huge "Lulu" gusset which allows for all sorts of ranges of motion sold the pattern to me. 

Matching cross-back aprons

Twinning with Freya is always awesome. 

I've been needing a new apron for some time, and given Freya's recent addiction to "baking", I saw an opportunity to be matchy matchy on a regular basis. 

I was so happy to get my hands on this beautiful Art Gallery Fabrics chambray, which was just what I had in mind for this project! I used the brand spanking new FREE AllSpice apron pattern by Hey June Handmade for my version, and you can read all about how I've crafted Freya's, and how I added those oh-so-important grow-with-me options, on the Minerva website here!

New workout/casual set - merino low back top and Brassie joggers

Do you do new year resolutions? Personally, I don't (mainly because I know I won't stick with it!), but I do believe in making new workout clothes for the new year. Anything for a bit of motivation, am I right? 

I've been trying my hand at sewing activewear for some time. I may not have featured a lot on my blog yet, but you may have seen a few projects on my instagram grid. So far, they've mainly been pole fitness-related, even including a couple of sets for a photoshoot, so it is definitely time to sew something sporty with more coverage! 

Introducing my new set for yoga, pole fitness warm-up/cool down, stretching and just generally lounging about. At a push, I'd be pretty pleased to wear these as PJs, too, I'm sure. 

It comprises a super colourful pair of Brassie Joggers by Greenstyle Creations (one of the best places to go for activewear patterns, in my humble opinion), teamed with a low back top that I eked out of a rather tiny remnant of merino jersey which I picked up from the Fabric Store in Melbourne a few years ago (cos, you know, what else would you buy from a trip to Oz?). 

The Present Dress

"Why has Mummy turned into a present?" Exclaimed my 2 year-old daughter as I emerged with my newly sewn Ruska Knot Dress.

I'm not sure which way to take this really. Perhaps I should be pleased that the knot, which is the great design feature of this dress, was exactly that, a great feature, and one that's instantly noticeable. Or could this be that Freya had too many presents to open at Christmas, so much so that everything looks like a present now?

Anyway, Happy New Year, my dear readers. I do hope that 2021 turns out to be a better year for everyone! 

I'm starting 2021 with my very own Ruska Knot dress, from the Breaking Pattern book by Named Clothing. Read how I downloaded the pattern for free (hint, check out Love Sewing Magazine website), and how I altered and constructed it without instructions on Minerva :)

Manly joggers - True Bias Hudson

It's pretty well documented that I very rarely sew for anyone other than myself. I mean, as a full-time working mum with a toddler, I struggle to find the time to sew as it is. My rationale for being so "selfish" (in quotation marks, because I don't think it really is selfish) is that sewing is there to help me unwind from my busy job, rather than adding to my list of tasks as some kind of chore. 

But the lockdown and the pandemic is doing crazy things to the brain, in mysterious ways! I voluntarily decided to make a pair of joggers for my husband, and for no special occasion! I was feeling a bit sorry for his lack of lounge wear for his new work from home routine, plus (the real reason) I already had grey threads in my overlocker 😅 Anyone else relate to this? 

Sleep hair don't care

New PJs you say, mummy? 

With a face like this, who wouldn't want to sew more for little Freya? 

This Minerva Maker project has come just in time for a growth spurt, and I'm so grateful for the super funky fabric! The pattern combo is the Elm T-shirt by Poppy & Jazz, and the (FREE) Lightning Leggings by Made by Jack's Mum. Find out more on the Minerva blog! 

Time for another Grand'ourse

Hello, my name is Alice, and I'm addicted to sewing the Grand'ourse jacket by Ikatee. Even though Freya is only 2 years and 2 months old, this is the 5th time I've made this pattern. How is this even possible?! I promise that I don't have too much time on my hands. Previous blogged versions are here, here and here, and I also made a cosy version for one of Freya's friends. 

The problem is, when I get my hands on a lovely fabric, this amazing pattern pops straight to mind. I guess that's what an addiction feels like! 

And this is exactly what happened when I managed to grab this cute Native Arrows brushed back sweatshirt fabric from a recent sale from Guthrie and Ghani.

I told myself, Freya is just about growing out of her other Grand'ourse jackets. Could I really cope with her not having one of those?

Colour blocked Sapporo, and has the update addressed all the issues?

You'll have to take my words for it when I say that I finished this project in July, ahead of the crazy heat wave we had in August, and certainly ahead of Autumn, the season for which this is intended. My dad's reaction said it all: "Why have you sewn a jacket? It's too hot to wear it right now!" 

The thing is, I hardly ever sew ahead of the season, especially for Autumn. Sewing summer clothes has just been more tempting. Oh wait - I've even confessed this 5 years ago here!

Unfortunately, the heat wave, and the swollen eyes and other allergic reactions that have been bothering me since then have made photographing this quite challenging. So you can probably imagine my joy when my eyes improved somewhat (as mysteriously as they deteriorate) this week, which gave me a short window to snap a few pics. I know that my eyes still look tired, and probably add a few decades to my face, but I just couldn't wait any longer!

Ta Dah!

I've always liked the design of the Sapporo. It's no surprise - I've enjoyed using a couple of Papercut patterns before, and like their modern style. I won't lie - their beautiful packaging may have something to do with my affection, too. 

Leopard print matching joggers

There are few things in life that make me happier than twinning with Freya with me-made outfits. Naturally, lockdown called for more lounge wear, so a few pairs of leopard print joggers are in order. 

Guys, these are some of my favourite makes to date. The only thing that I kind of regret is not adding knee patches to my pair, because they are so adorable! 

I used the tried and tested Papercut Anima (tweaking for a couple of things) for my pair, and the amazing Mini Modern Joggers by Brindille & Twig for Freya. In fact, I enjoyed making Freya's pair so much so that I made another contrast pair from the remnant! 3 pairs of joggers in 1 metre each of the plain maroon and leopard French Terry, plus 0.5m of matching ribbing. Can you get more efficient than that! Warning - DO not try this at home, at least without lots of time spent planning first! In all honestly, I ended up with absolutely zero remnant of the French Terry, and just a bit of the ribbing. So much to love about this project! 

There are lots more details over on the Flamingo Fabrics blog - pop over to find out my review of the Mini Modern Joggers pattern, the changes I made to my second pair of Anima, and alternative patterns to consider. Enjoy! 

A little update and a tutorial (easy hacks for a FREE T-shirt pattern)

It’s been a while, my dear readers. I’ve been sewing (colour-blocked Sapporo jacket anyone?), but not quite blogging about them just yet. Truth be told, I’ve been struggling health wise since Aug, where my eyes are swollen and red all day long due to a suspected allergy to an unknown allergen. Sigh. It’s uncomfortable to say the least, and not very photogenic at all! Initially I thought that it would pass within a few days, then a couple of weeks, and now over 2 months have passed… you know how it is! On the plus side, I am seeing specialists and trying all sorts of things to put this frustrating chapter behind me.

That’s enough doom and gloom for now! We are all otherwise doing fine during these crazy times, and consider ourselves very lucky to be staying safe, and enjoying quality family time together.

This brings me to my next point – I have a little tutorial to share with you today, which features cute photos of Freya. She is over on the Flamingo Fabrics blog today, modelling some easy hacks that you can make to their FREE kids T-shirt pattern. Yep, you read that right – there is a FREE (via newsletter sign-up) T-shirt pattern in town! It’s lovely (though to be fair, any T-shirt pattern with a seam cover detail gets my vote), and I’ve shared a few ways and ideas of jazzing it up.

Enjoy and stay well!

What a Pocket dress

The sew-jo is still in full swing, and I've got another project to share with you. Would you look at the size of that pocket?!

Just posing to show off my pocket...

This is another Ellie & Mac pattern, the Be Independent dress. You'd be forgiven to think that I had become some kind of brand ambassador for Ellie & Mac. It seems to be all I sew at the moment! The truth it, I'm hooked with their Wacky week promotion (a silver lining of the current situation), and the opportunity to pick up fantastic patterns for $1 is just too hard to resist. But no, I'm not affiliated, and actually don't do any affiliate links (at the moment anyway - perhaps one day I will give it more thought). 

Toddler harems

Harems are a must for babies and toddlers. They are comfy, easy to slip on and off, and have the added benefit of being the easiest sewing project ever! 

I am by no means a fast sewer (in fact, the thought of speed sewing makes me break out in cold sweats), but I can knock these out in less than a hour. Side seams, cuffs, and waistband, and you are done!  

So when Freya had her little growth spurt recently, naturally I decided to have a go at making some harems. Actually, I was really surprised by the realisation that I hadn't already made these for her! Having bought the Snowflake Jumper from Ellie and Mac for the grand total of $1 on their Wacky Wednesday offer a few weeks ago (see my discovery and love for WW here), I knew I had the perfect base. 

I made 2 pairs making slightly different modifications, and actually love how they both turned out!