Author: mavenpatterns

Hi! I'm Sharon. I've always sewn and made stuff. My love of making led me to study fashion and pattern cutting, and I worked for many years as a pattern cutter in London. Now I am an independent Pattern Designer at Maven Patterns, creating my own glorious PDF sewing patterns that you can download and make at home! https://mavenpatterns.co.uk/shop/
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NEW! The Housecoat Workshop

The House Coat workshop with Maria Thomas

I’m so happy to share that we are finally having a workshop here at Maven HQ.

My amazing friend and glorious textile artist Maria Thomas is holding her incredible 2-day Housecoat Workshop here at The Maven Studio in Warwickshire. 

Maria is a long time friend of mine, and a partner in crime for many of my textile adventures. She’s such an inspiring textile artist you are in for a real treat! You’ll be full to the brim of inspiration, ideas and a new found way to view textiles.

THE HOUSECOAT WORKSHOP

Collaged Hanging Art Jacket Workshop with Maria Thomas

Saturday 20th & Sunday 21st July 2024

10am – 4pm

The Maven Studio, Kenilworth, Warwickshire

Book your Workshop space now

JOIN THE WAITING LIST  – sorry this workshop is now full. If you are interested in any workshops that are currently full please pop me an email and ask to be put on the waiting list. Places sometimes become available so it’s worth being on the list and we may run another one in the future! Email Us Here.

This is a 2 day artist-led workshop.

Learn how to create your own collaged textile-art jacket housecoat hanging using reclaimed household linens and paper wrappers mixed with quilted collage techniques.

During this workshop you will be exploring used cloth within a garment.

Under Maria’s expert guidance you will learn how to use a pre-prepared jacket pattern to create a cloth and paper collaged art garment. 

Along with pattern layout (using recycled papers and vintage fabrics) you will construct an original appliqué and quilted textile-art garment.

Maria is a textile artist and the primary purpose of this workshop is to explore and create an heirloom piece rather than a wearable ‘fashion’ jacket. 

Explore Maria’s Housecoat Series for some inspiration and to see how she uses found objects, papers & mementos in her work.

We only have a very limited number of spaces so please book your place early if you fancy joining us for a marvellous weekend of making! 

There will most definitely be a spot of tea + coffee + cake involved and also a 10% discount on Kleins Haberdashery for during the workshop if you fancy a rummage through my wares! 

Join the Workshop

The Textile Artist / More about Maria

Maria Thomas - the textile artist in her studio
Maria Thomas in her studio

Maria has over 30 years experience teaching embroidery, print and textile design, in further and adult education as well as delivering bespoke textile workshops to groups around the UK. She loves to share her passion for textiles and enjoys giving colourful talks about her career and work inspirations. Working with paper, cloth and found objects Maria’s workshops range from appliqué, quilting and stitched collage to hand dyeing techniques and processes.

Maria’s work focuses on rehousing everyday objects that have a specific association or meaning to her. Notions of motherhood, shopping lists, food wrappers and graphic packaging – offering assistance to domestic chores – are carefully sourced, cut out and stitched before being absorbed into the fabric by patchwork and quilting techniques. Shaping memories and experiences into her own visual language Maria’s work is a response to the events of her daily life.

Maria is the tutor and founder of the exhibiting group Together Textiles who meet for workshops in Warwickshire.

“Textile artist Maria Thomas is a master at finding and embedding found objects in ways that tell remarkable stories of life, love and loss. And her use of vintage textiles adds yet more meaning to the notion of treasured keepsakes and mementoes.”

Maria Thomas: Keepsakes in stitch – read the full article in Textile Artist here

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NEW – Limited Edition Sewing Pattern Collections

Last minute Christmas Gift Sewing?  

I knew it wasn’t just me!

In that case, have you seen our new sewing pattern collections?

I’ve had great fun creating bundles of my favourite pattern combos which will run for a limited time and I’ll swap them around as I get new inspirations!

The Sewing Pattern Collections will give you a saving of 10% on The Paper Pattern Collections & 15% saving on the PDF Pattern Collections.

The Christmas Collection - your favourite Indie Sewing patterns to make the best PJs and loungewear for gifts or yourself

I was very excited to create The Christmas PDF Collection featuring The Portland Shorts and The Simone Set because they make the best PJs and loungewear and so are the perfect pattern if you are stuck and want to make that last minute gift. And you could even make an Eye Mask with our free PDF Sewing Pattern for a cute set. In fact, that’s next on my list – ssshhh, don’t tell the kids.

A note to my UK sewing friends: I know it’s currently -4° at midday here (I do not joke!) and funnily enough, we may not be thinking of shorts right now but they don’t take too much fabric and it’s warmer elsewhere in the world and it will be here one day too!

And remember, I don’t like to make patterns that are one-trick wonders, longevity is my favourite way to be sustainable, so these patterns aren’t just for Christmas, these beauties will stand the test of time.

The Dress Collection - the ultimate collection of 5 of your favourite Indie Sewing patterns

With this in mind, I’ve also created The Ultimate Dress Pattern Collection – available in Paper Patterns or as a PDF Collection.

These are 5 very versatile dress sewing patterns which will pretty much cover every occasion from office wear, your favourite everyday casual dress to the stylish “we’re going out out” dress and of course they can transition with you through all the seasons. I like to layer my dresses over skinny thermal polo necks now it’s cold!

And then I kind of got carried away and created a few other sewing pattern collections that I think will be fun too!

Explore The Pattern Collections
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The Ludo Capelet

the Ludo Cape sewing pattern

I’m very excited to share my latest sewing pattern with you, as I’ve been wearing various incarnations of her for nearly a year now! So say hello to The Ludo Capelet!

25% off Ludo 

We have a special introductory offer for The Ludo Capelet – 25% off this weekend!

no code needed / valid on our website & Etsy store until 11.59pm Monday 18th March

The Ludo Capelet is a modern cape for the modern maker. With a strong sculpted, silhouette and minimalist styling, consider Ludo as your blank canvas. Striking in a plain cloth, at ease with a bold print, and is the perfect base to explore surface decoration and create a unique and iconic garment to reflect your personality.

The lovely Vintage Bamboo barkcloth is from OliveRoad.London / other fabrics from the deep stash

I wanted to create an easy to wear jacket. Dressing up without actually dressing up. You know the kind of thing that the cool people wear – throw it on and don’t really think about it. Minimal and transitional, Ludo is a lovely piece to add to your wardrobe for layering, wearing with trousers or, and this has been one of my constant go-to outfits, is to wear her with a matching full skirt.

I have all sorts planned in my head for this pattern; embroidery, screen printing, a VERY heavily beaded neckline, tulle and a ton of ruffles … watch this (very slow Maker) space!

THE DETAILS

PDF PATTERN – UK SIZES 8-22 (paper patterns will follow later in year) – View the size charts here

  • Version A – round neckline
  • Version B – deep V-neck
  • Designed for woven fabrics
  • Self waistband adds definition & shape.
  • Edge to edge style, with no fastenings or optional hook and eye closures. 
  • Fully lined: a great introduction to sewing outerwear.
  • Share your makes by tagging them @mavenpatterns #LudoMaven

PDF PATTERN

  • Print at home pattern with layers to print just the size(s) you need
  • Illustrated Maker Instruction Booklet with clickable links
  • A0 Copy shop file (with layers)
  • A0 printing – we recommend Orbit Imaging – Simon prints all my paper patterns, and he’s my brother so mentioning him guarantees a birthday card!

SHOP The Ludo Sewing Pattern
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MAVEN1832 – meet The Somerset1832 testers!

Hello Sewing Friends!

And we’re ending the year on a high the release of the third of our MAVEN1832 sewing patterns – The Somerset1832

To celebrate our latest release all The Somerset PDF patterns are 20% off until 17th December (*midnight GMT) and that includes the Somerset1832 in the new size band in sizes 18-32, the original Somerset pattern in sizes 8-20 and also The 2 PDF Somerset pattern Collection.

The Details

If you’re new to Maven let me tell you a few details about The Somerset T-shirt pattern. I designed her as I wanted a t-shirt to wear with The Good Times Skirt. I like a slim fitting t-shirt, that can tucked in or left out, but one that is definitely not clingy around my middle – I like my clothes (and sewing patterns) to cover a multitude of situations! I was having a terrible time trying to find a nice basic slash neck t-shirt on the High Street, so I started to make them. The joy of being able to make is always a bonus. I started with the 3/4 sleeve, which was a quick jump to a full length sleeve (or the sensible sleeve as I call her) and the bigger Bishop sleeve just seemed fun!

The Somerset t-shirt pattern is designed for Knits with about 40% stretch. There is a stretch guide included in the pattern so you can test fabric. If you’re a little nervous about sewing with knits, don’t be! Sew a few test seams first to get the hang of stitching with jersey. I’ve assumed in the Maker Instructions that you don’t have any special sewing machines, an ordinary sewing machine will do the job perfectly well. I like to use a twin needle to do the hem and an overlocker to neaten the seams but I talk you through a few alternatives. And I have extra photo tutorials HERE

Sizing

I developed a whole new size chart for MAVEN1832 with a dressmakers D cup rather than our usual B cup. We then worked closely with a professional pattern house who has a lot of experience in plus size patterns and had them re-drafted and graded. And we also worked with a professional fit model to for several fittings to ensure the new patterns were up to Maven standards. We have added a bust dart to The Somerset1832 as we all felt it gave a much superior fit with a dart.

View the Size Chart, Garment Measurement Chart  & Fabric Requirements here

Shop Maven1832 – The Somerset sewing pattern 18-32

MAVEN1832 – meet The Somerset1832 testers!

Our testers for the 3 MAVEN1832 patterns were wonderful and I’m very grateful to you all! Understandably, not everyone wanted to be public or share photos outside of the test (that wasn’t a requirement of testing) but I do have permission to share these beauties, some of which are toiles / wearable toiles / early versions but already much loved.

I LOVE toiles. I love the testing and changing and fiddling about with the fit so Toiles are actually often my favourite garments. Wearable toiles even more so as there is no need to be precious and it’s a chance to get stuck in and not overthink. So I shall take this opportunity to say MAKE A TOILE!

Belen / @btxesews

Belen made a couple of Somersets and I do love her spotty sleeve version!

If you are looking for some inspiration it’s a perfect top to make for Christmas and very wearable beyond!

“This is the kind of pattern that has the ability to be very useful and applicable to many styles of dress. A quick seam, with an incredible result!!! Highly recommended!!!”

Belen @btxesews (Instagram)

Phil

Phil made her first Somerset in this lovely ditzy flower print, which looks great with the Bishop sleeve and deep cuff.

Lorraine

One toile – 2 sleeves!

“I loved testing this pattern. It’s such a simple classic style and added bonus, quick to make! I can see it becoming a go to pattern for me. Having avoided using jersey up until now, I found the tips and tricks included in the instruction booklet really helped me get to grips with the fabric and I’m pretty chuffed with the result.” Lorraine

Maggie @PeacockMaggie

Maggie was a fab tester and kindly tested both The Somerset1832 and The Rochester1832!

Katy

One toile – 2 sleeves. Katy made one sleeve with the long straight sleeve and one Bishop sleeve. This is a good idea to test a pattern out for fit and one of the sleeves can always be changed if you decide it is a success and want to wear your toile.

“I’ve not seen a Maven pattern before. The instructions were very thorough.”

Katy

Abigail / @cutandalter

“This was the first time making a pattern from Maven Patterns and the first time using knit fabric to make a t-shirt.  The instructions were so detailed and contained lots of information for a sewer new to dressmaking and also great tips on working with knit fabrics.  I really like the links to tutorials on the website which were able to go into a subject with greater depth.  The neckline on this t-shirt is so nice and was easier achieve than I initially thought – I went slow and followed the instructions!  All in all a great make and one which I definitely recommend.” Abigail

Another huge thank you to all of my lovely testers of The MAVEN1832 Collection! Currently the 3 patterns are all available (HERE) in PDF but we are hoping to have them in print in the Spring.

SHARE

Share your makes by tagging us @mavenpatterns #SomersetMaven1832 #SomersetMaven

Shop The MAVEN1832 sewing pattern collection
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More MAVEN1832 …