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/
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.
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!
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.
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 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
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.”
“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.
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This week saw the release of the second of our MAVEN1832 sewing patterns – The Rochester1832
And today is all about the wonderful pattern testers that took the time to make and share their thoughts on the new extended size range for our new Rochester sewing pattern.
The Details
The Rochester pattern has some really nice details. Apart from the fact you can make a top or a dress, the neckline detail is interchangeable so you can make either with or without the frill depending on your fabric or preference. I designed The Rochester pattern with a deep back pleat because I wanted a garment that looks ‘tailored’ but I could move in and especially to drive in. And that curved hem is one of my favourite things I have made, it’s a pleasure to sew!
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.
And then it was time to ask for help with a wider testing group. With some difficulty I narrowed down to a few testers who were all wonderful! 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!
Maggie made this gorgeous Rochester top in a modal fabric from Cloud 9, the frill neckline looks fabulous!
“This is a fabulous pattern. Deceptively simple and unfussy in design but very classic. The pattern comes together beautifully, sizing is very accurate and the instructions are detailed and very clear even for a beginner sewer. I loved my finished dress even more than I was anticipating! ” Maggie
Hilary
Hilary made a wearable toile Rochester top in a cotton sheeting, which shows off the pleat brilliantly!
“I really enjoyed making this Rochester top – the pattern and instructions were clear, the fit was true and the finished blouse looks great!” Hilary
You may recognise Lawratu from The Sewing Bee – yes, I had an actual Bee as a tester!
But did you know she also has a lovely online shop Sea Me Sew Supplies that specialises in lingerie supplies? It’s full of delicious lace and pretty elastics!
“I found it a well drafted pattern to sew with thought that went into the instructions. A great pattern to sew with great details but not overly complex.” Lawratu
Hannah made her lovely Rochester top in a really pretty quilt weight cotton and chose to make the frill neckline.
“Brilliant instructions – both for the beginner – with pictures – and the more experienced sewer – and goes together very smoothly. The pdf is easy to assemble and the layers feature means that you can select just the size you need. The marked seam allowances are very useful as the seam allowance is varied through the garment to allow for frills and facings. I look forward to making more in other fabrics/lengths and wearing my Rochesters lots.” Hannah
Francesca
Francesca used a rayon blend with a nice heavy drape and made her Rochester top without the frill.
“This pattern is drafting perfection!!!!!! Never had an easier time setting in a sleeve. If you use a light linen, cotton lawn or chambray it is very easy to sew up. A little more challenging if you use slippery fabric. Sizing is perfect and I love it!!!!!!!” Francesca
Barbara
Barbara was kind enough to share quite a few of her toile pictures, like I said I do love a toile and a peek into a lovely workspace!
“I’ve been waiting for this pattern for such a long time and this pattern doesn’t disappoint. There aren’t many patterns with this neckline which is what I liked about it and the faced hem is a nice feature and makes the garment look high end. It’s one of those patterns that can be dressed up or dressed down depending on the fabric you choose. Comprehensive instructions make it a pleasure to sew up.” Barbara
And a final thank you to all my testers, including those that have chosen not to be included in the round-up but their contributions are equally valued!
