Is the Groove Dress the new black?

The Groove Dress may well be the new black of sewing patterns. It’s comfortable, it’s stylish and it looks good on everyone. You really can’t go wrong.

Five reasons why you will fall in love with a ‘Big’ Black Dress

Never mind the Little Black Dress, right here, right now it’s all about the BIG BLACK DRESS. Nothing fancy, just a big black dress that you can chuck on and exude a laconic nonchalance.

We all know everyone needs a little black dress in their life, but sometimes a big black dress is more suitable for that ‘artfully undone’ look. And I have just the pattern for you to make your very own BIG BLACK DRESS in the time it would take to choose your accessories for a big night out. And it’s FREE. You’re welcome.

How to make an ‘Easy Peasy Poncho’ without a pattern

What’s the difference between a poncho and cape? This is what my daughter asked me when I told her I had made her a poncho. Errr! A poncho is a rectangular shape and a cape has a curved hem. This is what I told her, but I wasn’t quite sure. Well, do you know?

Battle of the Stitches: Round 1

East London vs South London Jagger Jeans Sew-Off

Needle and Ted vs Made by Toya. Two sewing bloggers who have much in common. I have an allergy to sickly sweet, cute things. Toya has a distaste for pink, glitter and appliqué butterflies. This is what drove us screaming hysterically to our sewing machines to take matters into our own hands. Now we both make clothes for our 2 girls and don’t rely on ready-to-wear. We are both self confessed sewing addicts who love a little challenge.

Clockwise from top left: Bloomers with braces self drafted and Made by Toya. Bubble dress, pattern from Heidi & Finn, made by Needle and Ted. Florence blouse pattern by Madeit Patterns, adapted to a dress by Needle and Ted. Autumn smock dress, self drafted and Made by Toya.

Oh yes! and we both love grey.

Making this dress was like having a baby

Some of the process was rather painful and I felt I needed a long break before I could continue, but in the end I was left with something beautiful and really special.