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Members Gallery - Further Submissions (1)

The following images have been submitted by members to show what they have been creating while taking the classes.

The submissions don't all fit on one page so you can find links to further galleries of members garments here:   

If you are a member of Garment Makers QuestionTime and would like to add your garment to the gallery - please send it to [email protected] with the name of the pattern and a short description, and Kelly will add it to the gallery.

Shift Dress | A-Line Skirt  |  Blouse

 
 

Sheila Broster

Pattern - New Look 6095

Cotton Poplin fabric
I enjoyed making this dress following Phillippa's lesson; altering the pattern around the neck, sleeves and hips - I think I must be a similar size to her!

Sheila Broster (cntd)

Pattern - New Look 6095

cntd.... I'm very pleased with the neckline and invisible zipper and sleeves. I had some navy bias binding and liked the effect on the sleeve edge so I only took it back halfway and picked up the stitches on the inside.

Ann Kingdon

Pattern - Simplicity 8056

Trousers made in a lightweight polyester fabric. I struggled a bit with the fit over my rounded tummy (!) but got there in the end. Although I’ve put on a bit of weight since I made them earlier in the year they still feel comfortable. Back to the gym next week!

Christine Mackinnon

Pattern - TBA

Really enjoyed making this jacket, it all went together beautifully. Great videos and instructions, Philippa is such a great teacher. It is so good to be able to rewind over and over again in my case! Thank you.

Wendy Searle

Pattern - Simplicity S8842

Just a couple of alterations to the pattern for me I added 3/4” to the top and used the slim-fit version although my measurement suggested curvy - which I’m not! Also I added 2” to the length - could add another inch next time! I used Polyester Cady which was awful to cut and sew and black was not a good colour for my eyes. But I am so pleased with them they hang beautifully and are lovely to wear and feel ‘quality’ so worth the agro

Sandra Humphries

Pattern - Kwik Sew K3614

I didn't want to do full trousers as I don't often wear them in the summer but I love the longer shorts. It's a Kwik Sew K3614 pattern but kwik sew it definitely wasn't.. There's a few places in the instructions where words are missing and I was so glad I could keep watching Philippa's videos to fathom out some of the sewing steps. - especially as the fly pattern pieces were slightly different too. I got there in the end though and I do like them. I will definitely make another pair.

Stephanie McCluskey

Pattern - New Look 6095

Having watched and studied class 1: The Shift Dress, Here is a photo of my finished dress. I used the same New Look pattern 6095 using the bias tape hem for the sleeves and hand stitched the hem. I used my overlocker to neaten the edges and feel confident wearing the dress.

Ann KIngdon

Pattern - Butterick B5997

Blouse made in a Liberty cotton. I altered the pattern to a front buttoning opening rather than a pull on. It’s had several outings with the trousers already!

Ann Kingdon

Pattern - Simplicity 2247

Day dress made in a fabric called Ramie, which looks and feels like a heavy linen but doesn’t crease as much. Really pleased with this and will wear it quite a lot.

Patricia Carroll

Pattern - McCall's M7875

I finished my pyjamas. I decided not to make the dressing gown, but I'm really pleased with the pyjamas. I used used two different fabrics, as I had received them in a present, so I mixed them. They are actually quilting fabrics, so they'll be nice and warm! I put in a button and buttonhole, but it doesn't really sit properly. I didn't fancy wearing a sash in bed.

Alison Hunt

Pattern - K6095

I used the same pattern as Phillipa did in the shift dress class K6095. I have made this pattern before but following the paper instructions within the pattern it turned out ok but the front above the bust/neckline was too big and top of the back was too baggy so decided to do again and the result was so much better.

Alison Hunt (cntd)

Pattern - K6095

cntd.... Putting the zip in first was much easier as was putting in the sleeves without the side seams being stitched. I learned how to adjust the pattern to correct errors on first attempt and made a toile as described I also made some bias binding with left over material to finish the sleeve.

Sarah Runnacles

Pattern - McCall's M6696

A shirt that turned into a dress, couldn’t get the sleeves in without puckering, so went sleeves( good move with the current weather) Lengthened the bodice and skirt, but forgot to add the length to the placket, hence the join. Oops! Still used skirt/ shirt/ dress techniques. Thanks, Team Philippa!

Clare Tosh

Pattern -TBA

My first attempt at the shift dress following the online classes. I had to make quite a few adjustments to the toile (this is a first for me as never done a toile before) I'm not a lover of the shift dress as I don't think I really suit them but wanted to follow the tutorial step by step. I've learned loads and the attention to detail in this dress is far better than anything I've done before. I'm not happy with the neck as it's still a bit wide and not sitting as it should....first time doing an invisible zip and quite chuffed with it. On the whole I'm reasonably happy with the dress but think my mannequin will be wearing it more than me.

Kerry Byrne

Pattern - N6698

Did version B added 4” in length, first for me, added darts to front hip perfect fit, enjoy sewing it but now not so sure if I like it, fabric Liberty with yellow cotton for contrast, made cover Buttons, collar not perfect but learnt from it, also not good at selfies

Julie Jarvis

Pattern -TBA

My first attempt at sewing with VERY stretchy fabric! Neck and hem both a bit wonky, definitely need a vest under it (although I didn’t know that from the pattern!) it’s quite comfortable to wear but I don’t think it would be a favourite! The good thing is I actually used my over locker for the seams.

Beth Winslett

Pattern -Decades of Style 4008

Finally done with cowboy shirt- it was a project! I bought the pattern before i saw Philippa's video about it because I have been craving some embroidery. It did require alterations! Not perfect but i am proud of it.
I will try cowboy long sleeves and some of the other techniques sometime in the future- my daughter wants one in a solid.

Beth Winslett

Pattern - Simplicity 8248

Got my fabric in the mail for the day dress- can't wait to start. I have been wanting to order from Blackbird fabrics in Canada so jumped at the chance when they had a sale (they are a little pricey). It's so soft and I love the cats and the label they sent with it. Toile is done but a few more adjustments are needed. Going to use an eyelet for the collar and maybe pick up some red cotton and try the ribbon Philippa showed. While I was waiting for the fabric, I made a blouse from the leftover cowboy shirt material so I could try the collar trick. (I really do need to get a full-length mirror.) This "obsession" with sewing is surprising to me because I didn't enjoy it when I was young!

Clare Roberts

Pattern - New Look 6439

New Look Tunic in cotton stretch jersey. Made the pale blue one first. Fairly pleased with the result but the shoulders were too wide. Used the shoulder adjustment from the shift dress and reduced the shoulder by nearly an inch. Fit a lot better on the navy. Ideal tops to wear with leggings to walk the dogs. Have to try making the leggings next! Loving the index to refer to.

Clare Roberts

Pattern -New Look 6439

 
Tunic #2

Antari Foster

Pattern -McCalls 8139

Finally finished my blouse project I started a few months ago (fulfils the brief of single collar). Colour is just right for the Platinum Jubilee street party on Sunday.
Adjustments: increased waste size and increased facing width. The collar was a bit of a challenge, unpicked a couple of times (don't ask!). Love the silk thread for buttonholes though. The question is which project to do next?!

Antari Foster

Pattern -McCalls 8139

Back view.

Antari Foster

Pattern - Butterick B6328

Finished my reversible quilted waistcoat. 
 
Fabrics: shibori dyed cotton/silk on 1 side, boiled wool on the other. Binding Liberty lawn I bought on sale.  First time working with boiled wool and liberty lawn and I love them!

Antari Foster

Pattern - Butterick B6328

Reversible quilted waistcoat #2

Sara Jones

Pattern - New Look 6095

Finally finished the shift dress! Ended up taking about an inch off the side seams to make it fit. 
Lengthened the sleeves quite a bit to cover up the chicken wings. Pleased with the zip just need to find a hook and eye for the top as it’s a bit too low.

Fiona Jack

Pattern - Butterick B5538 B

I finished the first blouse. Was going to be a toile but quite liked the material so made it up. I made a size up in the sleeve for my bingo wings but didn’t alter armscye which made for a bit of bodging but worked ok. I shortened the sleeve length as I don’t like cuffs trailing toward my thumbs. Would love to make it again in cotton lawn.  
 
Really loved the French seam instructions and feel much more confident doing them now

Fiona Jack

Pattern - Azara skirt pattern

So I have completed the skirt. Tried to ignore Philippa’s great advice on sway back adjustment- then had to slice up back and rejig waistband!
Didn’t Honk Kong seam as I used fabric described as crepe from my stash but it had some stretch in it. Zip not quite lapped at the top but not too bad and the lining was what I had got in a bundle and frayed horribly!

Karen Hanson

Pattern -Style Arc Adelaide

My jacket is finished.  I didn't have enough fabric to match the pattern but I'm really pleased with how it turned out! I sure learned a lot in this class

Bren Holmes

Pattern- Love Notions Summer Basics

My first knit garment while watching the class. Sorry about the terrible photo. My photographer is not at home, but truthfully, he's not much better. It's the Love Notions Summer Basics. I made a few pattern adjustments, an FBA, graded down a size at the hips, and lengthened the bodice 1" below the bust and above the waist. It's very comfortable to wear. My second dress is almost ready, a different pattern, but also a maxi.

Danita O'Keefe

Pattern - TBA 

Had an amazing day at my nephew’s wedding in Devon on Saturday, the weather, the venue, the company and seeing family were all just perfect! As well as a picture of me ‘dolled up’ I'm also attaching a picture of the groom’s beloved dog showing his approval of the bride during the groom’s speech.

CJ Coop

Pattern - New Look 6095

Truly delighted with my first project especially the invisible zip (my first). Really like the sleeve binding too. Realised I’d stretched the back neck slightly at the top of the zip so need to work out how to get the next zip flatter at the top - to do with the bulk of the zip pull I think? Any suggestions?
Also pattern matching didn’t occur to me…one for the next project.
I altered the neckline, sleeve length, bust darts and hip line. I’ve made up patterns before but not done pattern alterations.
I’ve watched each video a gazillion times - thoroughly enjoying myself!

Kerry Byrne

Pattern - Butterick B6483

Well, this has been the most challenging one yet, happy with the fit, did invisible zip instead of a flap zip, and damaged the front panel with an overlocker so had to replace it.

Kerry Byrne

Pattern - Butterick B6483

Back View.

Wendy Searle

Pattern - Simplicity 9325

Day dress is all finished. Simplicity 9325 - I love the fit - I may grade the shoulders down a size for the next one. No zip, a nice big sash tie on the back and hides my round tummy

Susan Jenkins

Pattern - Burda 6877

All I can say is that 12 months ago I wouldn’t have attempted this dress, not easy to see but there are 18 yes 18 pieces in it - and check out my invisible zip!

Sorry - you can’t see it? I know, good huh? So thank you Phillipa for your constant encouragement and all your friends in my phone who never think twice about supporting everyone. So here it is on! Just realised you can’t see the top yoke - rubbish at selfies I used Cady fabric and this is the pattern

 Julie Jarvis

Pattern - Prima Magasine

This is my latest make, a bargain dress for the heatwave (which lasted for two days!) The pattern was free with a magazine, and the fabric (viscose cotton lawn) was on sale for only £4.80 a metre! I didn’t bother with a toile as 1 the fabric was cheaper than my toile fabric and 2 it was meant to be a loose style. I have to say I am really pleased with it as it is very comfortable.

Angela York

Pattern - Burda 6680

I asked Philippa for advice as being well-rounded the shift dress doesn't do me any favours! She said to go for a Princess line style and I liked the longer length and short sleeves! I made 3 toiles and asked for help on the page - turns out I needed a smaller size with FBA - this worked well but I don't think I got the back adjusted quite as well as the front! The pattern is multi-sized but has very basic information - straight grain , cutting lines, dots for matching seams but no notches so next time I would add my own. Overall once the fitting is sorted it's very straightforward to make.

CJ Coop

Pattern - New Look 6016

Although this skirt is not beautiful on the inside, I managed to salvage a wearable skirt! Pleased that the blood, sweat and tears over the pattern matching was, I think, worth it. I’m going to make this again in an easier fabric I think.

Karen Hanson

Pattern - Simplicity 9122

 
I just love this pattern! Now on to the day dress!
 
 

Amy Day

Pattern - Ellie and Mac

I used the slow Sunday bodice and sleeve as a base… I changed the neck to wrapped in love … and I hand drafted the sweetheart line using the discoverer pattern as a rough guide… and I used the true beauty handkerchief skirt but only one half so there’s only one long point on either side of me… all patterns I’ve mentioned are by Ellie and Mac.
I really thought this was not going to turn out at all because I hand-drafted all the hits last night and made an educated guess as to where it should all go. And I thought there was no chance I could overlock and cover stitch around the sweetheart without totally chewing it up. Well, colour me surprised! I’m not sure if I could do it again but it turned out pretty well this time…

BMG

Pattern - Style Arc Adelaide

/FMy version of the quilted jacket. In hindsight, would change a few things, but overall, very happy. Thanks, Phillipa!

CJ Coop

Pattern - New Look 6016

Second A line skirt finished. I so love the lining and almost want to wear it inside out!
Found the Hong Kong seams very tricky to get the edges even width, slippery fabric is hard! Really pleased with the paisley needlecord, although the pattern is a lot more subtle in real life!

Corinne Curtis

Pattern -Meagan Nielson Hovea

Finished my jacket and have gone from very worried that it would look horribly bulky to loving it. It's the Hovea jacket pattern by Megan Nielsen, and the multicoloured fabric of the back and the front and sleeve patches is a recycled summer charity shop dress. I may try a small shoulder pad one side to try and balance my scoliosis.

Julie Jarvis

Pattern - Kwiksew 4070

Trousers mark one finished! Fairly pleased with the result although I had already bought the pattern and when I watched the lesson realised Philippa Naylor had rejected it as the pockets might gape. They do! I have now ordered the same pattern Philippa used ready for mark two! The main lesson learned is BE PATIENT, in future I shall wait until the lesson is available to me before I order my pattern. Apart from that, I am pleased that I have made a wearable pair of trousers for the first time since my flowered bell bottoms in 1967!

BMG

 Used the same Simplicity pattern as did Phillipa. Possibly the best-fitting pair of pants I've ever had. I made several adjustments to the center back seam and waistband to eliminate the "gap" at the small of my back but didn't need much alteration through the hips. This class is so worthwhile!

 

Denise Aspinall

Pattern -Maven French Dart

Finally made a shift dress that I’m really happy with.
 

Bren Holmes

Pattern - Tessuti Sophie Dress

This is my final take on the shift dress. It's the Sophie Dress by Tessuti. Fitting it has been tricky. I had to recut my toile two sizes smaller, grade between three sizes and still had to take it in a lot. I also cut the sleeves short. I wanted something loose and airy for the summer, but a little bit different. It's in linen with a very fine pinstripe through it.

Julie Jarvis

Pattern - Butterick 6586

Finally finished my day dress. In hindsight, I think I should have supported the sleeve head with organdie as Philippa does. My skinny arms make the sleeves look baggy! Apart from that, I am quite pleased with it. 

Karen Hanson

Pattern - Simplicity 8800A

I like this pattern so much! This time made it out of cotton knit !

Susan Jenkins

Pattern - Style Arc Adelaide

I used the same pattern as Phillipa, I chose it because I always like Phillips alterations and it’s easy to follow if using the same pattern. It was really straightforward - except for when you’re tired and round off the wrong end of the sleeve and then when you’ve put that right sew it in backwards! I gave up at that point, switched everything off and had some dinner

Julie Jarvis

Pattern - Simplicity 1544

Shirt completed! I made it for my husband who is happy to take my photos but doesn’t like being photographed. I cut the front band, pockets and cuffs on the bias to avoid pattern matching! The only thing I would change (and it’s not in the photo) is that I would cut the yoke on the bias too as a style feature, I think it would look smarter. My husband is pleased, and he wants me to make more! One day when I have time.

Denise Aspinall

Pattern -Maven French Dart

Version 2 with long sleeves.

Irene Mackie

Pattern - Burda 6614

Been a long time coming! Started the blouse pattern in March! I am taking it with me on holiday to Spain tomorrow. I love the fit - it’s generous but so comfortable. The collar points could be point-ier and the buttonholes need some practice but overall I am thrilled with the third ever garment I have made and overjoyed at my French seams and covered buttons.

Amy Day

Pattern - Nina Lew

Finally got there with the Nina Lee Kew dress hack, only took me like two weeks to get it made and fitting. This is snow white-inspired colours, I hope you like it!

BMG

Pattern -Gina Renee Button Down Dress

My version of the "Day Dress." One thing about going back to garment making after years of quilting is that I'm far more comfortable with combining fabric patterns than I ever used to be. Or maybe Phillipa's fashion sense is rubbing off on me! Fitting was tricky, and there are a couple of things that aren't quite right, but it will be fun to wear, I think. The embroidered gingham is from Blackbird Fabrics.

Irene Mackie

Pattern - Style Arc Adelaide

Pleased with my quilted jacket. Fitting is not quite right but difficult to do on my own. The shape of this jacket hides a lot! Taken today on the hottest day of the year hence all my blinds are closed! Buttonholes are still a problem for me. More practising and maybe try out silk thread as recommended by Philippa. Used the automatic foot.

Paula Shenton

Pattern - Kwik Sew 3531

The jacket is done very pleased with the Jacquard fabric and colour. Still got the 2 buttons to sew on only picked out today. Many GMQT class techniques were used including HK seams, front-facing edges like the Blouse and hand-sewed hems. Pattern Kwik Sew 3531 size S added 2ins to length at the indication point plus sleeves decided a bit longer too. Never would have attempted a jacket without Philippa's expert guidance

Bren Holmes

Pattern - Tessuti Lois Dress

I mocked up the bodice for the Lois Dress, Tessuti.com, which I planned to make for a wedding next month. An amazing sewist I follow on IG made this a month or two back and said it was a nightmare to fit due to the low neckline. As I had a lot of fitting adjustments to make according to the pattern sizing, and grading between 3 sizes, I opted to use Swedish tracing paper to start with rather than make a toile at this stage. It doesn't look too bad over my dress but without it, I'd have been indecent! I don't know how to fix it, as the bodice is not joined at the front just stitched to the inverted 'v' on the skirt with no gap between. The neckline is far too low, exposing almost all of the bridge of my bra and it will be wider as I have not taken off the 1/4" seam allowances and it gapes. Maybe I should simply choose another pattern, but I am loathe to give up and want to learn how to fix these things.

Julie Jarvis

Pattern - Simplicity 8056

Trousers mark 2! This time I used the same pattern as Philippa and the pockets definitely sit better. I used one size less than my measurements (after making the toile) and when I did final fit before sewing outside leg seams I trimmed about4 inches from each leg tapering to nothing at the hip. I used a contrast fabric for ‘catch’ to match the pockets and decided on a Hong Kong finish for the waistband to match too. All in all quite pleased and they are comfortable too.

Karen Hanson

Pattern - McCall 11420

My first attempt at sewing with a jersey knit, it went pretty well And it's really comfy! The pattern ran big, I didn't make a toile so had to adjust it. I had enough fabric for a long scarf.

Links to further galleries of members garments:   

If you are a member of Garment Makers QuestionTime and would like to add your garment to the gallery - please send it to [email protected] with the name of the pattern and a short description, and Kelly will add it to the gallery.