Here is my second shift dress made from some African fabric using New Look 6095. I’m quite pleased how it turned out. The fabric the same on both sides and so I reversed the left back piece in order to match up the pattern along the zipper. I think I need a hook and eye at the top of the zipper. I might make the bag to go with it or would that be overdoing it with such a bold pattern!
Garment Makers Question Time
Members Gallery
Members Gallery - Further Submissions (3)
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:
- Class 1: The Shift Dress
- Class 2: A-Line skirt
- Class 3: The Blouse
- Class 4: The Trousers
- Further Submissions (1)
- Further Submissions (2)
- Further Submissions (3)
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.
Debra Baines
Pattern - Simplicity 8056
Really pleased with them and the fit is good although after measuring I added 2 inches to the waist which I then had to remove when sewing up the side seams. Used the same pattern that Philippa used for the class and made them in a lovely forest green gaberchino fabric with a bit of stretch.
Rosemary Lowney
Pattern - New Look 6407
The saga of the blouse. The only pattern I fancied on the Lesson was the Burda which I couldn't get so I opted for new look 6407 which actually is more of a shirt, collar does have a band but I managed to figure it out. Didn't like the body darts so took them out, this meant I had to straighten the sides, the open cuffs are the wrong way round so I just stitched them up. My first attempt at pattern matching and I forgot about the seam allowance (too much for my elderly brain to remember) I have never really been a bright red flower sort of person BUT I really like it. I will make it again. Love the French seams. My Son and Hubby are very impressed with the sewing which is a huge compliment.
Susan Jenkins
Pattern - Burda 6573
You know that feeling when something goes soooo right - Capri pants ready for Italy with pockets (Phillipa Naylor)and invisible zip and you let out an involuntary squeak?
Alison Mair
Pattern - Tilly and the Buttons Stella
So this is my first foray into working with knit fabric. Wouldn’t have tried it without Philippa’s guidance. The section on overlockers was really helpful. The pattern is “Tilly and the Buttons” Stella Hoodie. These patterns come with really good instructions and I added ribbing cuffs and bottom band. Really pleased with how it turned out. Want to try something a little more adventurous now 
Ann Geddes
Pattern - Style 1925Esther
Size 14 1/2 according to pattern, was what I needed. It was miles too big. The darts are slashed and so I tried to resize it by taking a pinch in both sides between dart and centre seam, back and front. I think the skirt is a good fit but not delighted with the top. I am narrow in the upper body.
I was, however, very pleased with the invisible zip.
Ann Horton
Pattern - TBA
Cut out a few months ago and finally finished. Soo pretty
Debra Baines
Pattern - New Look N6394
My blouse is finished …… almost 
I think it definitely needs some shoulder pads and the sleeve bands are much too loose so I think I’ll thread some elastic through them. On the whole I’m really pleased with it. Loved doing the French seams and they make it look so neat. I top stitched in red thread and used shiny cream quilting thread for the buttonholes.
Pattern New Look N6394, view C but with the gathered sleeves. Fabric is a viscose so not as easy to work with as cotton.
Rosemary Lowney
Pattern - New Look 6163
Finished the skirt, Navy pencil cord. Pattern is new look 6163. love the Hong Kong seams. Not my usual style as I'm the wrong shape. Colour is actually dark navy. I'm going to take the zip out and re do that side seam as I have a bit of an odd bulge on zipper side. Everything else fits after all those size adjustments as it was much too big (toile fit ok). Absolutely adore the feel of the lining (Navy Jacquard from Minerva ) thanks for lining advice Philippa feels positively luxurious.
Susan Jenkins
Pattern - TBA
Loving my silk gown - however my friends have all been told that if I ever mention using silk again - they have my permission to take my shears away 
Beth Winsett
Pattern - Simplicity 9239
While working through jeans videos, sewed this jacket made of cotton twill. Applied some of the jeans techniques, e.g., faux flat felled seams. Added facing to yoke and hong kong seams. Size large with no back adjustment needed for once since it is a loose style. Should have made the sleeve toile- they were too long even though i am tall and the cuffs are very loose so i cant just push them up. So added tucks to sleeves-- hehehe no one will know they aren't supposed to be there. Will be fun to wear when it gets cool
On to the jeans!
Bren Holmes
Pattern - Love Notions Tessa
At last, my knit dress, the beginning of my autumn wardrobe. It's the Tessa Sheath Dress from Love Notions, size medium, graded to small for the hips. I may not grade in quite so much next time, but I am happy with it and it's very comfortable. Sorry for the terrible photo, I am hopeless at selfies 
I am sorry for the unmade bed, too. I want to change the bedding and have been waiting for one of my cats to vacate it, lol
I am sorry for the unmade bed, too. I want to change the bedding and have been waiting for one of my cats to vacate it, lol
Candace West
Pattern - New Look 6483
Only had 1 and 1/2 yards of this cotton print, so I searched my pattern stash for a top I could cut out of that. Found this New Look 6483 and made it work. I modified the neckline to lower it a bit. I used Phillipa's facing method and that turned out so pretty! I am pleased with the fit, but I probably should lower the bust dart about 1/2" the next time I make it.
Rosemary Lowney
Pattern - New Look 6500
#shiftdress finished at last. I used the new look 6500 pattern, lowered the neck, dropped darts by 1 inch, added 3" to length and chopped an inch off sleeves (should have made it 2" at least). Phew! Material is cotton canvas which I chose because I liked it - Bad Move, creases like crazy and quite thick....thrilled with the finish though so will have to make another one in a better fabric choice.
Beth Winsett
Pattern - McCalls 7864
Went on a knits tear. Made a couple of tshirts and a jumpsuit with fabrics from my stash (no photos). This was my official project. Liked it better than i thought i would. But honestly, i dont think it needs the zipper (though my fabric is quite stretchy). On to jeans!
Candace West
Pattern - Butterick 6483
Just finished this 1947 Dior inspired dress for my daughter using this whimsical rainbow unicorn cotton fabric. Although I have been making garments since I was a teen, (long time ago! 
), I did use some of my new knowledge for this dress. Her puppy, Brandy, always gets a matching bandana for every outfit I make for Brooke.
Caroline Tebbutt
Pattern - New Look 6163
This is another holiday outfit just finished. I used New Look 9163 and just made a few changes. I shortened the sleeves and lengthened the sides of the overshirt and the camisole is a lot shorter too because I was very tight on fabric. This is made from a fabulous soft cotton that I fell in love with which is from Fabric Heaven (FB only) and on the whole was pretty easy to sew. I used French seams because it will waft open and the seams will show. The frog fasteners were from Etsy. I slightly struggled with bagging out the camisole because I didn’t read the pattern properly (sorry Philippa) and had sewn the side seams before I realised my mistake. I am all ready and raring to go and have even managed to thread my overlocker and got the tension right!
Carolyn Tiley
Pattern - Sew Over It Ava
Finished my A line skirt. Ava pattern by Sew Over It. Once again lots of firsts. It’s not the most exciting looking garment, but I have wanted a nice winter skirt to go with my boots for ages, and now I have one, so I am chuffed !
I made it in a brown needlecord remnant from Plush Addict and the lining fabric was deadstock from Amothreads. I didn’t have enough to do Hong Kong seams so finished with an over edge throughout. I increased the length by about four inches because I usually go out in a wheelchair or mobility scooter and a longer skirt tends to be a better look. Button from goodness knows when … I have inherited a lot of buttons. I loved the whole process of making this, thanks Philippa for another excellent class
CJ Coop
Pattern - New Look 6394
Finally finished my blouse. Used New Look 6394 view C. Lengthened the sleeves. Made it to go with the skirt from the previous lesson using small version of the same buttons.
Adjusted bust darts, reduced width, used shift dress lesson for the bound sleeves and hem.
Overall pretty happy and particularly with the inside this time!
Beth Winsett
Pattern - TBA
Finished the day dress. Pattern and fabric in previous post. This viscose is buttery soft. The red strip lies straighter than it looks here. Different style than I normally buy but i will wear it.
I am skipping robe class but will come back to it. On to knits!
Bren Holmes
Pattern - Itch to Stitch Soller
Not made a knit dress yet, but made two tops, both the Soller, by Itch to Stitch. This is the second one and is very comfortable to wear. I have a dress in the pipeline, but am on to jeans next. I wish I could source denim with 25% stretch, but it's proving tricky, I may have to choose a different pattern. Many suppliers don't provide the stretch percentage in their descriptions, sadly.
Carolyn Tily
Pattern - McCalls 8211
This dress for my 17 year old granddaughter is finished. First woven fabric dress I have ever made. Thank you everyone for your encouraging words last week after I completed my invisible zip with incredible smugness, then found I had made two left sleeves. I also had a bit of a struggle with lining the bodice which doesn’t bear too much scrutiny … my hand sewing is not the best and I didn’t really know what I was aiming for. Once she has tried it the hem might need adjustment. Given my total lack of experience and no shoulder seam, I can’t be absolutely sure on a hanger whether the hem is really level. She lives a few hours drive away so it’s been a long project because of fitting the toile etc. so I hope we have a few warm days when she can wear it. pattern is McCall’s M8211 view B, size 6. Fabric was a polycotton print for £3.50 pm from Pound Fabrics. It was nice to sew with, frayed a bit with too much handling. Lining was a remnant of cotton lawn.
Fiona Jack
Pattern - Burda
Amended a Burda sweatshirt pattern to make a fleece lined hoodie. I wanted a cross over front to the hood and trying to work out how to sew it together nearly made my head explode!
I repurposed a slightly felted cashmere sweater fabric for the pockets and they are extremely cosy!! I liked the fabric and didn’t want the kangaroo pocket that came with the pattern
Thanks Philippa for developing my confidence to go slightly off piste
Caroline Tebbutt
Pattern - Vogue 9292
This dress has kept me away from starting my jeans! I started with some great fabric and Vogue 9292 pattern which I think is a great shape for me. I wanted a bit more body to the fabric so instead of facings I decided to fully line the dress in black poly cotton. I had to do a bit of research how to do that but having found it was quite simple really, just by bagging it but not sewing the shoulder seams until after bagging.
It worked a treat and I was happy but then my mind started wandering. I had got some lovely trim I wanted on a black skirt and now I had one, albeit on the inside of a dress. So I decided to try and make it reversible! I had originally put the zip in beautifully so now I had to take it out and put a reversible one in. To cut a long story short I managed to get the reversible zip between the two fabrics. I tacked them very carefully and in fact used back stitching one fabric layer at a time to make sure they were in the right place. I am really pleased with the end result. All ready for my Caribbean cruise! Now to the jeans!!!
Grace Nicholls
Pattern - Simplicity S9266
Finished my jeans just in time to go away for our 2 week break on Saturday. Really pleased and they will go brilliantly with my quilted jackey and or scrappy recycled jacket already made during the quilted jacket class.
Thank all - amazing class Phillipa I never would have attempted jeans before. 
Fiona Jack
Pattern - TBA
THese are really comfortable and I’m delighted with the fit at my curvy back. Had a trouser fire (one for the Count Arthur Strong fans there!) when my first reclaimed zip burst on fitting! Put in a metal one and learned how to make metal zips shorter. Also goes with the blouse I made
Gwen Malone
Pattern - TBA
This is my daughter's dress for my son's wedding. Started with a PDF straight dress with short sleeves and a round neck. It was quite a process. Downloaded and print the pattern, then stick it together. Changed the pattern so that it is the correct fit and style. Make a toile and adjust where necessary. Make the dress. It fits well and looks good on her.
Jill Taylor
Pattern - New Look 6095
Judith Locker
Pattern - Simplicity 8803
I made pyjamas instead of a gown but I followed Philippa Naylor and found the class very useful when adding cuffs and piping. Very pleased with the results. I’m still honing my piping skills and messing around with which machine foot to use. I will make these again. I used cotton lawn for the piping and you can see the rope like piping cord through it. Not that I expect anyone to be checking this in wear! So next time I will get a smoother cord, cotton poplin and stick to my adjustable zipper foot. Also I overlocked or double seamed the edges for speed but maybe I would French seam next time. It’s all been done in fits and starts but I got there.
Julie Jarvis
Pattern - Jalie 2908
Ta dah! Jeans all finished, they are so comfortable I will definitely wear them. I still feel I have ‘cheated’ a bit by using lightweight denim, but I shall make another pair using medium weight. Thank you Philippa Naylor for your expert guidance.
Karen Hanson
Pattern - TBA
My blazer is finished! Philippa told me to “go for it” concerning interfacing the hems and I am so glad I took her encouragement ! I also used several of the techniques I learned from the classes while sewing this and am really pleased with how this turned out ! I never thought I could make a lined blazer that turned out so well. I love blazers and see a whole new section in my closet in the future. Thanks Philippa
Karen Pruzansky
Pattern - Style Arc Marilyn
This is the dress I made for the shift dress class. The Style Arc pattern Marilyn was simple, but their sizing is generous for the size/body measurements, so I had to make the pattern smaller and it was still a little too big. I narrowed the shoulders, moved the bust dart, made tons of adjustments, and added side pockets. It was an amazing learning experience. It fits really nice, although still a bit too much fabric in front part of dress below the bust. The pattern itself shows a straighter cut, but this flared a bit creating too much fabric. Will be a bit of work to narrow it as I will have to remove the pockets and cut down the side seams before putting all back together.
I wore it out to a party before any alterations are done.
Kerry Byrne
Pattern - McCalls 7908
Jumpsuite finished taken zip out so many times but happy with zip now, this is so out of my comfort zone, used to plainer material.
Judith Locker
Pattern - TBA
I’ve considered a couple of patterns for my dress. I made 2 toiles and don’t like either of them. Second one pictured below - Yuk. I Watched the class to pick up tips but I am going to try a jersey wrap over dress using the classes for the jumpsuit (which I also won’t be making). I’ve learned so much, thank you Philippa Naylor. Hopefully I will be saying hello at FOQ if you are there on Sunday xx
Judith Lockrer
Pattern - Sew Over It Ultimate Jeans
I really enjoyed the class and sewing along. My top stitching isn’t perfect yet but greatly improved. I struggled with the pattern and the overall fitting because the legs are too wide for me. I took a lot off but I think I will try a different straight leg pattern next time. I’m now converted to making my own jeans, thanks Philippa Naylor.
Karen Hanson
Pattern - Vogue V1644
Love the way these turned out. I turned the waistband into a inside facing instead of the band the pattern called for as high waisted bands dont work well for me. I never would have attempted this without the classes!
Kerry Byrne
Pattern - Butterick 6602
My first attempt at a lined Jacket, sleeves perfect length, few little hiccups but easily fixed, it’s a Japanese Cotton version A, very happy with Fit, have to say I’m a little proud of myself, early lessons with Phillippa with lining helped greatly
Kim Brinnen
Pattern - New Look 6721
At last shift dress mk1 is finished! Based on lengthened NewLook 6721. Altered shoulders, scooped out neck & armholes with wide self binding, raised bust & added back darts & patch pockets, no zip. Much toile/ pattern pain. Mk2 will be .ore like the pattern with facings.
Linda Landwehr
Pattern -TBA
Finally! I started the shift dress class a few months ago. Had so much trouble getting a slopper to fit. LOL. Although I have been sewing for 70 years, I learned so many things I have never done. I think I will enjoy wearing this dress. It is the only dress I own! I think the main thing I learned from Phillipa is to take my time and enjoy the process.
Karen Hanson
Pattern - Vogue 7273
This time I made the jacket in lightweight denim and added a pocket! What a fun easy pattern. It runs several sizes too big I made this in a size 12 and fits great!
Sally-Ann Farquhar
Pattern - New Look 6500
I finished my shift dress today. According to pattern measurements I needed Size 18 graded to 20 at the waist and hips. 2 toiles before using my final fabric and I had to take the toiles in a fair bit. I had to narrow the shoulder width and the front neckline. The dress shape didn’t look great on me so I took it in slightly more at the waist and also added waist ties. The invisible zip went in really well - although I wonder why the pattern called for it to be so long? I don’t like the way the zip ends at the top the plastic stoppers mean the zip top is slightly apart. I will look at a better quality zip next time.
Sarah George
Pattern - Experimental Space The Hailey and True Bias Emerson Pants
. Off on holiday very soon so taking the opportunity to have my machine serviced. Shift dress construction on my return. I've had The Maven French Dart pattern for ages, just need some fabric.
Karen Hanson
Pattern - Morgan Boyfriend Jeans
My jeans are finished! Pretty good fit and really comfy! Thank you Philippa for the great class I sure learned a lot again!
Karen Pruzansky
Pattern - Simplicity 1717
Finally finished my a-line skirt!!!!! I don’t think I have ever had a skirt fit so well! The pattern is Simplicity 1717. The fabric for the skirt was from my stash and I purchased the lining from Etsy (from someone else’s stash!). The skirt feels so luxurious with a lining. I even lined the pockets. The fabic turned out is a 100% polyester light weight imitation suede. I figured that out when looking for fabric to make a jacket out of. It was pricy but goes perfectly with the skirt. I also purchased this navy liner fabric which is actually opaque enough for a blouse. I may use it for making hong kong seams for the jacket and perhaps partially lined? Still thinking about it. The pattern I am going to use for the jacket/coat is Style Arc Loren Jacket….which I may shorten.
I have some blue tights and camel ankle boots to make it a fall outfit. I liked this skirt pattern as it had a generous 1” seam allowance along the 4 vertical seams. It allowed me to adjust the skirt accordingly to get a great fit. I matched the fabric down the center seam. There is nothing I didn’t like about this pattern. I’ll be making more of these skirts to add to my wardrobe every season. My next one may be in denim, without a lining.
I have some blue tights and camel ankle boots to make it a fall outfit. I liked this skirt pattern as it had a generous 1” seam allowance along the 4 vertical seams. It allowed me to adjust the skirt accordingly to get a great fit. I matched the fabric down the center seam. There is nothing I didn’t like about this pattern. I’ll be making more of these skirts to add to my wardrobe every season. My next one may be in denim, without a lining.
Victoria Chisnall
Pattern - Simplicity S8841
Made my first ever pair of trousers following Phillipas trouser class. It wasn't the same pattern but overall really pleased. onto the quilted jacket... im quite a few classes behind due to work commitments getting in the way.....
Alison Ashworth
Pattern - Butterick B4386
I picked (the pattern) as it had so many variations ! It had ‘easy’ on the pattern which was a draw as I had not made any clothes for 30+ years !! Watching Phillippa 2/3 times before starting helped and I altered each version (I made 3 in total … so far lol) with the aim being making a dress for my sons wedding in the USA . Found the pattern needed alterations for my shape which Phillippa explained and demonstrated so well I was able to make a dress that fitted me and was comfy!!!
Kathy Barnikel
Pattern - Simplicity 1537
I chose this as it offered different bust sizes up to a d-cup. I am a dd-cup. But the finished measurements on the pattern for the size I used matched my actual measurement. I used the download on bust measurements to work out where the bust point needed to be and lowered the bust. I also took some material out of the centre front to get the bust separation correct. 4 toile adjustments later I had a fit I was happy with. Followed the shift dress videos to get the techniques right as I have never sewn before. I changed the front neckline as I prefer the neck lower and as it was planned for ascot I made a much fuller skirt. After all that work and now that I have the fit I plan to use the bodice again for different dress looks e.g. fitted skirt, new neckline, different sleeves etc. I think that’s about it. I never would have done this without finding GMQT. 
Maureen Wray
Pattern - New Look 6095
I picked it because I wanted to work along with Philippa’s teaching. I tried to do some of the alterations that she showed in the ‘what Philippa did next’ section but didn’t quite have enough material. No cons-it was great to learn from the same pattern that Philippa based the class on. The dress has been much admired.
Jane Davies
Pattern - McCalls M7132
My patchwork quilted Kimono style jacket finished at last! To wear when temperature outside is cooler definitely. So grateful to Philippa and all at HQ for encouragement, guidance and tuition. It takes me a while admittedly but get there in the end. Loving this learning journey and love seeing everyone’s inspiring photos and comments
Janis Smith
Pattern - Butterick B6496
I promised to send photos of the 3 quilted jackets I made so here they are together with the pattern I used. As you can see I altered the pattern slightly by making the front, back and sleeves in one piece rather than using a different material. In the dark one I used piping along the seam where the different material would have been from the underarm to the neck front and back.
Janis Smith
Pattern - Butterick B6496
Jacket 2
Janis Smith
Pattern - Butterick B6496
Jacket 3
Gail Silverman
Pattern - Style Arc Adelaide
I am really happy with my jacket
Rosemary Soper
Pattern - Newlook 6163
Soft cotton fine needlecord and jacquard lining. Love the Hong Kong seams and forever sold on good lining fabric. Thank you Philippa for another wonderful lesson.
Lynne Sear
Pattern - TBA
Pretty happy with my skirt, lining and Hong Kong seams!
Eileen Thornton
Pattern - McCall M6958
A shift dress with tucks! The pattern was an excellent fit and Philippa's instructions were fantastic. It's very comfortable to wear. I'm thinking of trying trousers next. It's very helpful to be able to replay the videos at any time.
Andrea Lee
Pattern - TBA
I couldn’t believe Agnes choose this pattern. My daughter, when she knew I was taking Philippa ‘s classes couldn’t wait to ask me to make this dress for her graduation. I must say I found it a great challenge, as she wanted a cowl neck , which the assistant in my local fabric store showed me how to do. I can’t wait to see it made by Philippa - properly.
Wendy Goodlass
Pattern -TBA
Thank you for all your help. I’ve muddled through with my sewing for a long time. This year after problems with my left hand, I’d lost my sewing mojo. As a result of your class and your unique take on dressmaking and it’s structure. I feel happy sewing once again.
Samanthi Hills
Pattern - Simplicity 8056
Here are the pictures of my finished trousers. They were almost relegated to the bin until I asked Philippa for some fitting advice on one of the live shows. Thanks to her help, the fit is much improved and although not perfect, I will be happy to wear them in the autumn. (The pattern is the same one that Philippa used in the trouser class.)
Kate Ferris
Pattern - New Look 6095
Shift dress New Look 6095. 1st attempt at sewing and made sleeves longer. Have lost weight unintentionally since toile
Lynne Sear
Pattern -New Look 6447
