Sewing Archives - Purl and Seam

DIY Dancewear – trousers and a modified Jalie 2803 stretch bodysuit

January 29, 2021

I’ve spoken before about the cost of specialist dancewear and shoes for a tiny dancer, so my drive to perfect my skills in this area is not only creative but financial too.

When we (hopefully) return to dance competitions following the pandemic, Dylan will be in Juniors, which will eventually need a tailsuit for ballroom and a slinky, sparkly top paired with plain black trousers for Latin.

I’ll buy the tailsuit (possibly secondhand….they cost upwards of £500 preloved, considerably more new). But there’s no reason I can’t sew and stone a latin shirt and whip up competition ready trousers for him with a bit of practice.

DIY Upcycled Tops

January 9, 2021

Let’s start a new year of sewing with some simple upcycled tops that I completed towards the end of last year.

I had 3 jersey dresses that I had bought probably a year earlier and not worn even once! I don’t know what I was thinking when I bought them. They’re not really my colours. They’re not particularly flattering. Honestly…this is why I don’t go clothes shopping! I’m so very bad at it!

DIY Print Sweater – Helen’s Closet Elliot Sweater V3.0

November 10, 2020

Please excuse slightly grainy pictures. Lancashire is gloomy at the moment. We need some crisp bright days, please!

My love affair with the Helen’s Closet Elliot Sweater continues.

My blue and black striped sweaters are in almost constant rotation as the weather is so much cooler here. So when I saw this beautiful printed ponte di roma on the Patterns and Plains website, it was a given that it would be another Elliot Sweater.

DIY Cocoon T-shirt – Hot Patterns Blouse-Back Tee

November 3, 2020

I’ve had the Blouse-Back Tee from Hot Patterns in my stash for sooooooo long and never got around to making it. When I made the Blackwood Cardigans for Beth and myself, I had some of the lovely jersey left over. It seemed a good idea to use that up to trial this pattern.

I’ve spoken recently about trying new styles, and this definitely falls into that category. I have never in my life worn a cocoon style but the financial investment here was so low, again it felt like nothing to lose.

DIY Black Striped Sweater – Helen’s Closet Elliot Sweater V2.0

October 15, 2020

My love for the Helen’s Closet Blackwood cardigan is being extended to her Elliot Sweater pattern too.

DIY Sweater and Shorts : Confetti and Vogue V9008

September 23, 2020

Before I start talking about Confetti and V9008, I just wanted to have a bit of a ramble about style and sewing and shopping. If that’s of no interest, then please just scroll down to the pictures and the reviews. I won’t be offended.

Sometimes I find it really useful to park thoughts and ideas here. Mainly for me, but also because you never know who might be having the same stuff rattling around in their noggin.

My sewing is so hit and miss at the moment. The difference between the Crystal Cove and Ogden Camis in recent posts only serves to highlight that.

I’ve been pondering on this topic this week. I think there are a couple of factors at play. Grab a cuppa, I have thoughts!

DIY Cardigan and Cami : Helen’s Closet Blackwood and True Bias Ogden

September 20, 2020

The Helen’s Closet Blackwood cardigan is a staple in my wardrobe, and paired with a new Ogden Cami, I’ve got the perfect outfit for coffee dates with friends….although we’re back in local lockdown next week which isn’t encouraging.

Style Arc Fifi Woven Pant

September 9, 2020

2020 is the year that just keeps on giving!

Not long after my last post I slipped on a wet floor and took a nasty fall. I broke a big toe and have done something quite unpleasant to my knee. I was in bed for several days, followed by time on crutches. It’s only this week that I’ve been able to get an actual shoe onto my foot. The toe is still buddy taped and the knee is still strapped, and I may need surgery.

But today…..I can wear a shoe and take blog photos. And the sun is shining. So let’s go for it!

Itch to Stitch Crystal Cove Cami review

August 12, 2020

It’s been a minute since my last post. Just as we thought 2020 couldn’t get any worse…..it did.

Dave had a cardiac event (high blood pressure causing heart attack symptoms) a few weeks ago. I’m recovering from a bout of labyrinthitis. Thankfully we’re both on the mend, though I’ll admit its been tough recently.

Mini Ogden Cami and Heidi & Finn Cadin Knit Blazer

July 17, 2020

I don’t know about you but I’ve found it hard to come into this space recently. I’ve been on Insta a bit, but have struggled to find words to do justice to everything that is happening in, and to, the world.

Other people have been far more eloquent than I. Suffice to say that I’ve been sitting with significant discomfort and distress, and working to educate myself and my family to enable us to be actively anti-racist going forwards. We hadn’t been doing enough. We are changing that.