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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

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.

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More MAVEN1832 …


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Open Studio

We have some exciting news!

We’re holding our very first open day at our studio here in Warwickshire.

Come along to meet the team, chat & shop!

The very important details: 

Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th November

10am – 4pm

85 Priory Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1LQ

What can I expect?

  • sewing chat!
  • lots of designer deadstock trimmings, haberdashery & fastenings
  • a bargain box (or 2!)
  • very unusual zips & usual ones!
  • sewing patterns
  • sewing and pattern tools 
  • a small sample sale
  • eco-haberdashery; organic and recycled elastics, planet friendly sewing threads, buttons, zips, organic fabric

And a free gift with every purchase!

Maven Patterns Our studio is where I create Maven Patterns and I’ll be here to chat all things sewing and patterns. My sewing patterns and sewing fancies will be available and there might even be a little sample sale!

Kleins Haberdashery in all its glory! Find incredible pieces that haven’t been listed online. We have gorgeous trims and accessories from high end designers, costumiers and film production deadstock, as well as some of the most unique haberdashery items available. We will have our vintage trims, badges, ribbons, buckles and buttons available for you, as well as all the couture accessories one could imagine! And there will be some great bargains too!

James Tailoring Richard from James Tailoring will be around to chat all things sewing sustainably. As the first fully eco-haberdashery James Tailoring was founded in 2019 as a one stop shop for tailors who wanted to be completely sustainable with their sewing. Since then, James Tailoring has grown into a brand serving every side of the fashion industry, paving the way for a better future with biodegradable elastics, threads and buttons. Come and see us to experience the innovative sustainable sewing movement.

We are easy to find as we are right next to Kenilworth train station with plenty of parking in the train station car park (pay and display) which is behind our studio.

I’m so excited to share this with you all and cannot wait to meet you! And don’t worry if you are coming on your own … we’re a very friendly bunch!

See you Soon!

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The Mrs M. Gift Guide Edit!

The MAVEN GIFT EDIT, BY MRS M

Christmas is my favourite time of year, it’s hard not to be merry with so many fairy lights around. As it is the season of giving I have pulled together some of my all-time favourite Maven pieces in the form of a gift guide!

Kicking off our gift guide is our French Dart Shift! I would recommend any one of our delightful patterns for any seamstress as they are easy to follow with detailed instructions. However, given that this particular pattern is a forever favourite of our customers the French Dart Shift is straight to the top of our gift guide! She is a delightful shift dress with flattering french darts, a staple for all seasons. Check out the full listing here to see her in all her glory.. and don’t forget to check out the tutorials that are available so you can see the versatility for yourself and see why it is such a customer favourite! Shop the French Dart Shift… 

 

Next up on my edit, is another great gift for any creative friends or family… the beautifully detailed glass-headed pins by Tulip Hiroshima. Tulip Hiroshima needles and pins are produced in Hiroshima, Japan where needle-making has long been one of its major industries. These high-quality needles are a blend of traditional techniques that have been handed down through generations and modern cutting-edge technology, resulting in the perfect needle. They pierce fabric smoothly and are beautifully flexible. Each delightfully boxed phial contains 20 fine pins with a glass head in shades of lilac and soft green, representing cherry blossoms. These pins are a good choice for thin fabric and for detailed work. The glass heads are heat resistant. A fine present for friends and family – or you! Take a look at these beautiful pins here

 

This next item is one of my all-time favourite tools, it’s my trusty clapper – that’s why it’s next up on my Maven gift guide! What is a clapper you ask?! Pressing your garments properly is an essential part of sewing to achieve a professional finish. These traditional Tailor’s Clapper, point & seam pressers are hand made in the UK by a local craftsperson from Tulipwood and are the perfect addition to your pressing tools. Especially useful for the making of jeans, tailoring, coats, quilting to aid with the flattening of a bulky seam or lumpy collar as well as for general dressmaking when a sharp, crisp edge is desired. For more information the clapper, click here!

 

Next up on my gift edit, has to be some fabric! I’ve chosen the lovely Nani Iro Jardin II double gauze, perfect for a Wendy smock which whilst is toasty layered over roll neck t-shirts, I can’t help but lust over summer days wafting around in a joy dress. However you end up wearing this gorgeous print, I can wholeheartedly recommend this print for friends, family (and yourself of course!)

Next on my gift guide, is another pattern! With the Christmas season approaching cosiness is obviously of the highest importance… which is why the next gift in my edit is the Simone Set. A comfy two-piece pyjama set for those nights you manage to snuggle in at home or create a faux jumpsuit in a bold matching print for those festive nights out.  Click to shop our wonderful Simone and how incredibly versatile she can be! 

 

Coming to the end of our edit now, this next one has been added based on the sheer joy we see this tool bring to our customers at the show when they discover it for the first time. Pattern Notchers! Pattern notchers are the professional way to mark notches on your pattern and my goodness, they do look good. I promise. With a smooth action clipping motion, notch your pattern neatly and accurately. Keeping your pattern paper tidy so that you can keep on making your pattern for many years to come! Check out our pattern notchers here… 

 

And finally on my merry Maven gift guide is our brand new kit! Our delightful tie kit contains all the notions needed to create a beautiful handmade tie. We have used the traditional making methods to ensure your tie will be of premium quality and be a stand-out present of 2021! Either by giving the gift of creativity for someone to make their own tie or lovingly creating one for them, the choice is yours! The Warwick Tie Kit and Pattern is now available for pre-order to be delivered in time for Christmas. Check out the Warwick Tie Kit here… 

I can’t wait to see who has some Maven under the tree this year!

Best Wishes,  

 

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MAVEN MAKERS | Kitty in the snow

MAVENMAKERS | KITTY IN THE SNOW

 

 

Sew Mariefleur Kitty Dress peter pan collar

#MAVEN MAKERS | Kitty in the snow

I’m so pleased to be able to share with you Marie-Fleurine’s Kitty dress. As soon as I saw these pictures of Fleurine, wearing her Kitty dress with that contrasting peter pan collar in the snow, I was totally smitten!

She has used a beautiful handwoven cotton from Karlotta Pink, a company with strong ethical views that works closely with weavers in India (and across the world).

These handwoven fabrics are two toned, having used a different colour thread for the warp and weft threads. Fleurine has made the most of these gorgeous fabrics by selecting a blue/mustard for the body of her Kitty dress and a contrasting gold/brown for the peter pan collar and covered button. I have just purchased 3 metres of the green/black colourway, to use for my next pattern. You have no idea how long I have been looking for the perfect green cloth! (only about 2 years….)

I don’t really need to say anything else…I’m going to let Fleurine’s beautiful pictures and the magical Norwegian light do the talking.

Sew Mariefleur Kitty Dress Karlotta Pink

Sew Mariefleur Kitty Dress peter pan collar

MARIE-FLEURINE KITTY DRESS MAVEN PATTERNS

Sew Mariefleur Kitty Dress Karlotta Pink

A huge thank you to Fleurine for allowing me to share her pictures. You can read Fleurine’s thoughts on The Kitty Dress and sewing her handmade wardrobe on her blog Sew MarieFleur. Impressively she only started sewing in 2015!

I urge you to go and take a peek at Karlotta Pink. Their fabrics are beautiful. Their beliefs are firmly rooted in sustainability, fair trade and empowering women.

And you can buy your own Kitty Dress pattern here!

BUY THE MAVEN PATTERN