Bloglovin instagram YouTube facebook twitter
  • Home
  • About
    • About me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Sewing
    • Modern
    • Vintage
  • Knitting
  • Crafts
  • Contact/Sponsor
  • Crafty Pinup

What Abi Makes

Something a little different for you today on the blog, in the form of vintage pjs in my natural habitat... I've been lusting after the Burda Style 7109 sleepwear pattern for quite some time and I finally picked it up last month during the summer sewing pattern sales.

See what other patterns I picked up in my HUGE sewing pattern haul video below:


Here's a peek at the pattern:

I opted to sew the babydoll style top (pattern: C) with the matching shorts (pattern: D).
Featuring indie sewing mag - Suzy Magazine
Between the pattern arriving on my doorstep and having a finished set of pjs, it took about 24 hours! It was during a point in my week where I was stressed out with work and feeling a bit overloaded. So I indulged in some self care in the form of sewing myself some quick, cute and comfy pjs. The 7109 pattern came at the perfect time! I rummaged through my fabric stash and found some gorgeous leopard print polycotton I had left over from a previous project, which lended itself perfectly to pjs. 
You might notice I've tweaked parts of the original pattern. Instead of the recommended lace neck frill, I opted to create ruffles out of my fabric and instead of binding the neckline as instructed in the pattern, I used some satin binding and turned it into a style feature. I just love leopard print and baby pink! 

For the shorts I used the 7109 pattern but I opted not to create the 'bloomer' effect with elasticated legs. I think for my figure it wouldn't be very flattering and I find the free fitting legs far more comfortable and modern. I made no changes to the pattern pieces, elasticated the waist as instructed, but for the leg hems I added more ruffles and topstitched them, to create cute frilly legs!

Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Burda Style 7109 Sleepwear

Fabric: Scruffy Leopard Print Polycotton - Adam Ross Fabrics

Notions: Satin binding, mini satin bow, wide waist elastic.

Sewing time: A hour or two!

Modifications: Changes mentioned above.

Fit: Spot on.

Difficulty: Nice and easy, especially with my added style changes.

Watch out for: Getting even frills.

Make Again?: Yes! I see many more of this style in my future!
Overall, the Burda 7109 pattern has gone straight to the top of my favourite sewing patterns. I've been living in the shorts for comfy summer evenings and the full set just feels so nice to wear and ticks all the boxes for me. It's practical and pretty and makes me happy! So if you're a lover of retro style or just super comfy pjs, this pattern is for you.

Will you be trying the 7109 pattern? What's your favourite nightwear sewing pattern?

Thanks for reading, pinups!
xo
8/27/2017 6 comments

Hi pinups! Time for another Minerva Craft Blogger Network make - I can't believe how quickly it's come around. And true to my retro summer style, it's yet another floral vintage inspired dress! I promise my next 3 makes will be different...

Like June, I also had a wedding in July, but this time around the wedding was more casual and took place in a beautiful farm setting. I thought this would be the perfect opportunity to try out the new Sew Over It Eve wrap dress!


Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Sew Over It Eve Dress

Fabric: Floral Print Cotton Poplin Fabric Silver

Notions: Satin ribbon/stay tape for the neck edge.

Sewing time: A day.

Modifications: None.

Fit: Pretty good.

Difficulty: I found finishing the centre front seams a little tricky, but otherwise straight forward.

Watch out for: Getting a tidy neck edge!

Make Again?: Yes! I think this is a great pattern and a flattering style.

You can see more of this dress in action in my July Sew & Tell YouTube video HERE.


For my full pattern review and images, CLICK HERE!


Thanks for reading, pinups.
xo
8/20/2017 No comments
It's time for a Sew & Tell! I'm a little late posting about in on my blog and it went up on my YouTube channel last week, but if you fancy have a peek at everything I made in July, then check out the video below...


>> Subscribe to my channel HERE! <<

July included mainly vintage inspired makes featuring Sew Over It, Simplicity & supplies from Minerva Crafts. 

Thanks for reading & watching, pinups! 
xo
8/17/2017 No comments
As part of my role of Simplicity's Vintage Ambassador I'll be giving my lovely followers a chance to win the vintage and retro patterns I sew too! This time around Simplicity have generously offered 3 copies of the 1940s 1590 top pattern for me to giveaway!



I decided to sew version A, the version without the tie or collar.
>> Read my full pattern review HERE <<

I'd recommend this pattern for beginners and beyond! This top pattern contains some great skills to expand your sewing knowledge, like facings, button holes and darts. But if you're not sure, don't forget I filmed a handy 'Stitch by Stitch' sew along video to help you along the way!

Click the below to view my tutorial video:
I'm really pleased with how my tops turned out. Especially as I made no adjustments to the pattern. They are the smart/casual tops my wardrobe needed! I especially love the super-simple sleeve, with no shoulder seam to sew, it's the easiest sleeve ever!
For your chance to win one of 3 copies of the Simplicity 1590 pattern, which includes 2 versions of this button up peplum top, here's what you need to do...
Head over to my Instagram page @craftypinup and find the above image on my profile, then follow these steps to enter:

- Repost this image to your profile (using a repost app or simply screen shot the image & post it)
- Tag me @craftypinup and Simplicity @simplicitynewlook in your post
- Use the hashtag #SimplicityThroughTheAges 
- Tell us about which garment you would make first! (I'm nosy!)

Terms:
- All the above instructions need to be completed for a valid entry.
- Your profile must be public for us to be able to see your entry.
- One entry profile.
- Open internationally.
- 3 winners will be selected at random on Friday 18th August and winners will be announced on my Instagram profile at 10am.
Thank you so much to everyone who tuned in to my Stitch by Stitch 1590 sew along video so far, it's turned into my most viewed video on my channel! Please do enter my Instagram giveaway, and good luck!

Thanks for reading, pinups!
xo

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Simplicity but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
8/14/2017 No comments

It's time for my next Stitch by Stitch video & pattern review blog post as Simplicity's Vintage Ambassador! After my struggles (and surprise) sewing the 1930s, I was super excited to start on my 1940s project. I feel much more at home in the 1940s as it's an era where pinup style was born and I can certainly see myself enjoying lots of the fashions.

For my 1940s Stitch by Stitch episode, I chose the 1590 top pattern.

Here's a peek at the pattern:

I chose this 1940s pattern rather than a dress as I've been eyeing this pattern up for a while and could really use some smart/casual blouses in my wardrobe to pair with jeans. I sew lots of dresses, so it certainly makes for a nice change!

Of course this isn't your usual sewing pattern review... In the video below you'll be able to follow along with me as I sew my take on the 1590 top, along with a close up look discussing the fit and details, along with an in depth pattern review.

Stitch by Stitch with Simplicity - 1590 Sew Along


If you have any questions about the blouse, please do leave a comment. I hope you find the video helpful and may even inspire someone to sew it!
I was really pleased to hear (from helpful Instagram commenters) that the 1590 top was a straightforward and speedy sew - certainly my favourite things! And I'm pleased to say I too found this pattern a joy to sew. There isn't anything particularly challenging in the construction of the top and it's a great pattern to learn new skills like button holes, facings and fit. 
I really enjoyed sewing the 1590 pattern and couldn't be happier with the outcome. I'm pleasantly surprised with how well it fits considering my... ahem... sizable bust. I did no full bust adjustment to the pattern which I thought I might have to do (hence sewing 2 versions/wearable toile). It fits really well around my waist, with the great fitting bust and flared hips, this blouse has me feeling all Joan Holloway.

Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Simplicity Ladies Sewing Pattern 1590 Vintage Style 1940's Blouse Tops 

Fabric: Cotton poplin from Birmingham Rag Market.

Notions: 5 x 1/2 inch buttons.

Sewing time: An hour and a half.

Modifications: None whatsoever.

Fit: Perfection! Weird I know.

Difficulty: Easy-peasy! Beginners should definitely add this pattern to their wishlists!

Watch out for: Clean finishing will make this simple garment look professional. Think neat button holes, under-stitched facing and beautiful hems.

Make Again?: I already did! See my video above for a peek at my second cherry version. Coming to the blog soon.

Overall, I'm really happy I got the chance to sew this 1940s blouse pattern. It's exactly what my wardrobe needed and I know I'll be getting a tonne of wear out of my two versions. 

Coming soon...
I really hope you've enjoyed my 1940s Stitch by Stitch post and video as much as I have. Will you be adding this gorgeous, simple blouse to their sewing list?

Catch up on my previous Stitch by Stitch posts:

- 1950s: Simplicity 8342 - Rockabilly Tie Front Top + Sew Along!
- 1930s: Simplicity 8247 - Sewing the 1930s (eeek!) + Sew Along Video!

Thanks for reading, pinups!
xo

P.S. Stay tuned for more about this 1590 pattern ;)

Disclaimer: This post is sponsored by Simplicity but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
8/05/2017 4 comments
Newer Posts
Older Posts

HI THERE!

HI THERE!
I'm Abi, welcome to What Abi Makes, a UK based sewing, knitting and crafts blog.

Follow Me

SUBSCRIBE NEWLETTER

SHOP MY SEWING SPACE

SHOP MY SEWING SPACE

NEW VLOG:

Trending Posts

  • The Bra That Cured Me: Emerald Erin - Black Beauty Bra
  • Making My Wedding Dress Part 1: Inspiration & Fabric
  • My 1960s Inspired, Retro Sewing Pattern Picks & A Mary Quant Mini Dress
  • Tilly and the Buttons - Bobbi Skirt
  • Black Friday & Cyber Weekend Sewing Sales!

Popular Posts

  • Retro Butterick '53 B5708 - Shoulder Tie Dress
  • Butterick Patterns by Gertie B6354 - Bustier to Skirt Pattern Hack! #RetroTikiCollab
  • The Cocktail Hour Sew-Along - V8943 - 1950s Inspired Prom Dress!
  • Tilly and the Buttons - Cleo Dungaree Dress - Button-up Pattern Hack!
  • Tilly and the Buttons - Cleo Dungaree Dress

What I'm pinning

LoveCrafts

Blog archive

  • ►  2021 (4)
    • ►  February (2)
    • ►  January (2)
  • ►  2020 (18)
    • ►  December (4)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  June (1)
    • ►  May (1)
    • ►  April (2)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  February (2)
    • ►  January (3)
  • ►  2019 (29)
    • ►  December (3)
    • ►  November (2)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  September (3)
    • ►  August (2)
    • ►  June (3)
    • ►  May (3)
    • ►  April (3)
    • ►  March (3)
    • ►  February (1)
    • ►  January (4)
  • ►  2018 (40)
    • ►  December (2)
    • ►  November (4)
    • ►  October (2)
    • ►  September (2)
    • ►  August (2)
    • ►  July (2)
    • ►  June (4)
    • ►  May (5)
    • ►  April (4)
    • ►  March (4)
    • ►  February (4)
    • ►  January (5)
  • ▼  2017 (65)
    • ►  December (3)
    • ►  November (4)
    • ►  October (3)
    • ►  September (3)
    • ▼  August (5)
      • Burda Style 7109 - 1960s Babydoll & Shorts Pj Set
      • Minerva Craft Blogger Network: Sew Over It - Eve D...
      • See Everything I Made in July!
      • Simplicity 1940s 1590 - Cherry Top & GIVEAWAY!
      • Simplicity 1590 - 1940s Vintage Top + Sew Along
    • ►  July (5)
    • ►  June (7)
    • ►  May (4)
    • ►  April (8)
    • ►  March (9)
    • ►  February (9)
    • ►  January (5)
  • ►  2016 (41)
    • ►  December (6)
    • ►  November (5)
    • ►  October (5)
    • ►  September (3)
    • ►  August (4)
    • ►  July (1)
    • ►  June (3)
    • ►  May (5)
    • ►  April (8)
    • ►  March (1)

Created with by ThemeXpose | Distributed By Gooyaabi Templates