Purl and Seam

handmade in Lancashire

DIY Men’s Henley T-shirt – Patterns for Pirates review

The next of Dave’s Christmas gift garments is a Patterns for Pirates men’s Henley T-shirt. This is actually a selfish sew because I love how good he looks in a Henley. Also, I’ve never sewn one so it seemed a good opportunity to learn a couple of new skills. Knit necklines are a mystery to me, and the placket neckline would, hopefully, be a fun challange.

Patterns for Pirates (P4P) is a new to me pattern company. I had heard of them but never tried them. Men’s patterns are thin on the ground. Men’s patterns to fit these shoulders even more so. I had planned on making Thread Theory’s Strathcona Henley, but it only fits up to a 44″ chest.

So, I did a quick Google search, and found P4P. This was the only men’s Henley I could find that was drafted for larger sizes, but which also had agreeable style proportions. I felt that $9 seemed a reasonable price to pay to explore this new brand.

Grab a beverage. This is a long one!

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DIY Men’s Lounge Pants – McCalls 2586

Dave has been dropping not so subtle hints about me making another pair of McCalls 2586 for a shamefully long time. So, for Christmas, I bought him 3 lengths of fabric to make him garments of his choice. I had a good idea what he’d want, but wanted get the fit exactly how he wanted it.

Although I’d made them previously I want to check the fit before sewing. I know I would fit a pattern from 12 years ago!

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DIY Dancewear – trousers and a modified Jalie 2803 stretch bodysuit

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.

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DIY Upcycled Tops

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!

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

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.

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

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.

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DIY Sweater and Shorts : Confetti and Vogue V9008

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!

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