Ginger jeans and Waver jacket plans

Two patterns I've had my eye on for a while are the Ginger Jeans and Waver jacket.  And seeing Layla's version of the Waver jacket at the overlocker class she taught, it pretty much sealed the deal.  So when I picked both patterns up from Guthrie & Ghani recently, I knew I'd need to start looking at fabric choices.

For the jeans, I settled on two different stretch denims, both from Guthrie & Ghani.  The one on the left is an unusual bubble print, and is a dark indigo.  The denim on the right is a standard stretch denim in a more casual mid blue. 

Both denims are currently in stock, if you like the look of them.

As for the Waver jacket, I am considering making it out of the flamingo cotton I picked up last year on Goldhawk Road.  Would that be too much?  Maybe it would be better as a lining, and have the main coat in a plain fabric, to make the coat more wearable.  I've got some lovely plain fabrics in my stash, so maybe I should shop that for my first Waver.

Indie pattern love

We all know about the Big Four pattern producers.  But there are some really fantastic indie pattern creators that are definitely worth investigating!

Some of my favourite indie pattern designers include Tilly and the Buttons, Sewaholic, By Hand London, Colette, and Closet Case Patterns.  They are all great in different ways, for different tastes, and different body shapes.  Indie patterns are created by small designers, with the pattern development process being supported by many hobby sewists all around the world who pattern test, ensuring that the final version is perfect for you and me.

Which is your favourite small pattern house?  Any emerging talents that I might not have heard of yet? 

The perfect Valentine's gift

For Valentine's Day this year Mr Deravelled booked me on a one day course at Guthrie & Ghani, to help me finally get to grips with my overlocker that he bought me two Christmasses ago!  The course was led by Layla Totah, and it was fabulous.  I went in not even knowing how to thread an overlocker, and came out not only confident in my ability to thread my overlocker, but also able to create a wearable top!  If you have an overlocker that is gathering dust because you're too afraid to turn it on, then you're in luck!  They have another class coming up in July, and currently there are still some spaces left!  Go go go!

With Layla's excellent tuition, I now feel assured that I can use my overlocker with confidence - amazing!  It was also lovely to spend the day with a room of like-minded sewists, chatting about sewing-related stuff and drinking copious cups of tea.

Red velvet cake from the Persian cafe down the road - what else?!

I would highy recommend a Guthrie & Ghani sewing course to anyone who wants to learn a lot in a short space of time, and really push their knowledge to the next level.  I loved it so much, I've booked to go back for a two day course in the summer.  Watch this space!