Posted on 30/08/202430/08/2024 by mavenpatterns

The Bloom Skirt

I have some exciting news to share with you today.

Meet The Bloom Skirt our latest pattern!

This is another pattern I’ve been wearing various incarnations of, well forever really, it’s the perfect pattern for so many fabrics as it showcases a gorgeous print.

25% off Bloom

Enjoy 25% off Bloom with our special introductory offer for The Bloom Skirt Sewing Pattern

no code needed / valid on our website & Etsy store until 11.59pm(GMT) Wednesday 4th September

The Bloom Skirt is a beautiful modern classic, with a full 1950s silhouette and gathering at the waist to create volume and drama. All the while being practical and comfortable so you can enjoy your day whether you are wandering in the Riviera, toasting gin at a glamorous event or quickly popping to Sainsburys for more bread. And, yes, she has pockets.

Version A features a contrasting hem band with a gently scalloped edge for an unexpected detail.
Version B is a classic full skirt with straight hem.

The Bloom Skirt is a satisfying make with lots of versatility and sleek, unfussy details & perfect if you lean towards minimalist styling or are working with a large print that you don’t want to interrupt with unnecessary seams.

Skill level

Bloom is an excellent skill-building sewing pattern with minimal fitting so you can concentrate on learning sewing techniques. I’ll guide you through how to sew in-seam pockets, insert an invisible zip, understitching, stitch in the ditch technique and gathering with our excellent instructions and our extra free photo tutorials for even more support.

And just take a look at that scallop hem!

Yes, you will need a little patience but I’ve purposely designed her with wave shaped scallops as they are much more enjoyable to sew than the traditional ‘clam shell’ shaped scallops because there are no sharp points to worry about!

Suggested fabrics

Any light to medium weight woven fabric will work. Keep in mind the scallop hem detail will benefit from, and be easier to sew, in a stable fabric, such as a cotton poplin.

Look for fabrics that gather nicely such as cotton poplin, cotton lawn, linen, chambray and lighter weight denims, satin & taffeta. Keep an eye out for a future tutorial and I’ll show you how to change the gathers to pleats.

The handle of your fabric will dictate how your Bloom Skirt looks. A stiffer fabric such as brocades and satins will create a statement skirt that will hold its shape. Drapey and floaty fabrics such as viscose and crepes will give a softer looking silhouette.

My fabrics

Green skirt – Version B Lengthened by 2″ and made in an Ikea tablecloth (cotton but quite firm)

Blue /white – Version A / no mods and made in Organic Cotton Poplin from James Tailoring that I hand painted

Black and white – Version A / no mods and made in an Ikea curtain Panel (lightweight cotton but looks like linen) and linen scallop band.

Denim – from the deep stash but I’d guess around 8oz weight but with a nice soft handle.

THE DETAILS

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

Version A – Scallop shaped hem band.
Version B – classic full skirt with straight hem.
Signature Maven in-seam pockets
Centre back invisible (concealed) zip
Deep waistband sits at the natural waistline to define the fit & flare silhouette, but easy to adjust to your perfect width.
Fastens with snap fasteners for an unobtrusive finish.
Designed for woven fabrics.
Really easy to lengthen or shorten the pattern – The Bloom Skirt would look incredible as a full length maxi skirt in a brocade for a fancy night out!
✂️ This is an excellent skill-building sewing pattern with minimal fitting so you can concentrate on learning sewing techniques.
See the Bloom Skirt Tutorials
Share your makes by tagging them @mavenpatterns #BloomMaven

PDF PATTERN

Prints on A4 and Us letter paper
Print at home pattern with layers to print just the size(s) you need
Illustrated Maker Instructions with clickable links to tutorials
Includes a measurement chart for the large skirt pattern pieces giving you the option to save paper and not print all of the pattern
A0 Copy shop file (with layers)
A0 printing – we recommend Orbit Imaging – Simon prints all my paper patterns.

SHOP The Bloom Skirt Sewing Pattern

Posted on 14/03/202414/05/2024 by mavenpatterns

The Ludo Capelet

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 cha rts 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

Posted on 16/12/202302/02/2024 by mavenpatterns

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

More MAVEN1832 …

Product on sale

MAVEN1832 / French Dart + Rochester – 2 PDF bundle

Original price was: £30.00.Current price is: £24.00.

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Product on sale

Graphics – Printable Sewing Pattern Envelope Covers

Original price was: £3.60.Current price is: £2.88.

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Product on sale

The Complete MAVEN1832 Collection – 3 PDF Sewing Pattern Bundle

Original price was: £45.00.Current price is: £38.25.

Add to basket
Product on sale

The Somerset PDF Sewing Pattern Collection

Original price was: £30.00.Current price is: £24.00.

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Posted on 24/11/202302/02/2024 by mavenpatterns

MAVEN1832 – meet The Rochester1832 testers!

Hello Sewing Friends!

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!

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.

Shop Maven1832 – The Rochester sewing pattern 18-32

Meet the testers!

Emma / @theFabricBoutiqueUK

Emma is the owner of loveliest fabric shop – The Fabric Boutique in Ashby de la Zouch and for her Rochester Dress she used a perfect designer deadstock viscose called “Tiger Tiger” which is available from HERE from her shop.

Maggie / @peacockmaggie

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

Lawratu / @seamesew

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 / @buffythesage1

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!