Minerva Crafts Blogger Network: I AM Patterns 'Cassiopee' Dress

I've been wanting to sew the I AM Patterns 'Cassiopee' dress for what feels like forever. I included it in my 2018 Make Nine sewing plans in attempt to finally sew it, then when I saw that Minerva Craft stock I AM Patterns I was over the moon as I could make it for one of my blogger network makes!



Pattern: I AM Patterns 'Cassiopee' Dress

Fabric: Roses Viscose Fabric

Notions: None

Sewing time: A hour or two.

Modifications: Nothing.

Fit: Too big.

Difficulty: Very easy!

Watch out for: Even gathers and getting the right size will make a big difference to this style.

Make Again?: Yes, but I need to go down a size or two.


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Abi xo

Tilly and the Buttons - Freya Dress with Spoonflower Fabrics

Hello sewing lovers! Today I am super excited to share with you the first post in my new Spoonflower series. I'll be sewing a selection of diverse garments showcasing the amazing quality and varied fabric designs that Spoonflower have to offer.

Now unless you live under rock, you'll probably know all about Tilly and the Button's new sewing book 'Stretch', all about sewing with jersey. It's been kicking up a storm online and I couldn't wait to get my gorgeous copy and get sewing! After seeing a peek of the 'Freya' dress on social media, I knew this would be my starting place.

Here's a peek at the pattern:

Simplicity 8425 - Choker Tee + Sew Along Video!

Whilst I enjoy sewing vintage and retro patterns, my style is very varied and sometimes I like to dip my toe into something modern or fashion forward. I like the look of the choker trend that's doing the rounds on the high-street but I haven't actually bought anything RTW. When I spotted this new Simplicity pattern I thought the 8425 would be a great way to try this trend as a sewist.

Here's a peek at the pattern:


The black dress caught my eye and I think it looks like a cool, modern outfit. But being curvy, I don't think the straight style of the dress would flatter me. So instead I opted to sew version B, the choker tee style.




For me this make was also a great scrap buster. I used the fabric for a previous dress last year and I was left with enough fabric to make a top (I thought), and with some stealthy cutting out, this top used up my left over fabric perfectly. I did tweak the sizing, but all of that is detailed in my video above.


Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Simplicity Pattern 8425 Choker Top Pattern

Fabric: sold out

Notions: 1 x 22" invisible zip

Sewing time: A couple of hours.

Modifications: I tweaked the sizing a little.

Fit: Really good!

Difficulty: Pretty easy.

Watch out for: Sewing the choker section with care as it will be the focus of the finished garment.

Make Again?: Absolutely.


Overall, I am so happy with my finished Simplicity 8425 choker tee. I was a little apprehensive about it but I'm so happy with the finished top. It's just the thing my wardrobe needed and was surprised at how good the fit is and how simple it was to make.

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Let me know if you'll be trying this pattern and be sure to tag me @craftypinup in your snaps so I can see them too!


Thanks for reading, pinups!
Abi xo

What I've Been Loving in February

Wearing my favourite make of the year so far - my Sew Over It 'Doris' dress!

I can't believe how quickly February went, I am so not ready to start March! I was really pleased with how well received my first post in this new blog series was, so I'm very happy to be back with another. If you missed my January's favourites, you can visit the post HERE.

Basically I'm just sharing with you some things I've been loving, usually from the sewing world, over the past month. February went by so quickly for me and then I ended up getting sick and had to spend nearly a week pretty much in bed, which was SO frustrating. But it didn't stop me from dreaming of Spring sewing and project planning, and here are some of my highlights...

This month, regardless of the snow falling outside right now, has made me look ahead to Spring, although this adorable stormy teacup pincushion better represents the weather! My sewing pattern review for the classic Butterick B6318 dress finally went up (see my post HERE) and it made me lust after pretty dresses and florals! But I don't want to repeat my old sewing habits and sew poorly timed makes.

With the release of Tilly and the Buttons new book 'Stretch' I've been planning some makes for that. I'm loving constellation prints right now and I couldn't resist THIS fabric in cosy jersey from the amazing Spoonflower (on that note I have some exciting new coming in March!). I'll certainly be using my beloved walking foot to make sure I'm sewing jersey like a pro.

Between working and being sick, my month took a downhill slide, but March is looking good and hopefully things will get back on track. Besides I have a nail appointment coming up and that always means choosing a fun design, I think I'll be embracing florals to try and tempt Spring to actually start! Here's my fave nail art account to follow right now.

Thanks for reading, pinups!
Abi xo