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Pattern Tester Call / sizes 18-32

Illustration of 3 sewing patterns for tester call of new plus-sized sewing patterns

This tester call is now closed.

We are thrilled to announce that we have three marvellous patterns that are now ready for their final testing phase! These fabulous designs are available in our brand-new size range, catering to UK sizes 18-32, with a D cup. The French Dart, The Rochester Dress & Top, and The Somerset T-shirt – we cannot wait for you to try them out!

18-32 plus sized sewing pattern-maven-patterns

These patterns are practically finalised because I’ve already done thorough in-house testing on all of the patterns. This way, I can ensure that your time and fabric won’t go to waste!

  • Testing will run from 4th August – 20th August which includes 3 weekends.
  • If you would like to be considered, please complete the application. 
  • This testing call closes 31st July, 2023.

What’s involved in a pattern test?

  • Join the Facebook group
  • Print the pattern using Adobe Reader
  • Complete the pattern within the requested time frame
  • Provide clear, constructive feedback.
  • Take photos of a wearable toile, to show fit
  • Share a picture on social media of your final garment. This would be lovely but it is not a requirement of testing!
  • Please do share this post to anyone who you think would be interested!
  • We will compensate testers with a final copy of the tested PDF pattern and a £20 voucher for mavenpatterns.co.uk so you’ll be able to treat yourself to one of the other patterns or maybe some lovely haberdashery!
The French Dart-18-32 Shift dress sewing pattern-plus size dress sewing pattern with sleeves

The French Dart Pattern – our hero pattern!

  • VERSION A / short sleeve
  • VERSION B /  cap sleeve
  • VERSION C / long sleeve
  • French darts 
  • Roll collar
  • In-seam side pockets
  • NO ZIP!
  • Designed for woven fabrics

The Rochester Dress & Top sewing pattern

VERSION A / The Rochester Top is mid-hip length and great to wear with jeans.

VERSION B / The Rochester Dress is knee length with a self-tie belt and in-seam pockets

  • Elasticated and gathered front neckline
  • Elbow length sleeves
  • Curved hem and side split with feature topstitching
  • Centre back pleat
  • NO ZIP!
The Rochester 18-32 Dress and Top sewing pattern-plus sized sewing pattern with sleeves
The Somerset-18-32-sewing-pattern-plus size t-shirt pattern

The Somerset T-Shirt Pattern

This slim-fitting t-shirt, with its flattering bateau neckline, will soon become a wardrobe staple. It is effortlessly stylish and a useful foundation piece for any capsule wardrobe.

  • VERSION A  /  3/4 sleeve
  • VERSION B /  long sleeve
  • VERSION C / Bishop sleeve – 3/4 length with short cuff
  • VERSION D /  Bishop sleeve – full length with deep cuff
  • Designed for knit fabrics with 40% stretch (approx 5% elastane)

The Tester Application is closed now for this pattern.

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Open Studios – June 2023

photo of 3 people in the studio inviting you to the Open studio day

Open Studio – Come and see behind the scenes at Maven headquarters!

Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th June 2023 10am – 4pm

no appointments needed, just pop in!

We are holding an Open Studio this very weekend here in Warwickshire and you’ll be able to chat to me about sewing patterns and see all our samples as well as discovering lots of lovely treasures from Kleins Haberdashery. Many of these designer deadstock trimmings, vintage haberdashery & fastenings are not available on the website yet. Oh, come and see our zip wall – we have some VERY FANCY zips!

Richard will be on hand to talk about his Eco-sewing supplies; organic and recycled elastics, planet friendly sewing threads, milk and nut buttons, zips, organic fabrics.

We will be open between 10 – 4pm. There is no need to book just pop in, have a rummage, find some sewing treasures, meet the team, chat & shop. 

Where to find us –

85 Priory Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1LQ

We are very easy to find as we are right next to Kenilworth train station. There is some free on-street parking but plenty of parking in the train station car park (pay and display) which is behind our studio.

We had a great time at our last open day and cannot wait to meet you! 

Spread the word … tell your friends … and we’re a very friendly bunch so don’t worry if you are coming on your own! 


Be the first to know about our Open Days – Sign up for our Open Studio Newsletter!

They only happen every few months and we have lots of vintage and unusual haberdashery that is not available online – so don’t miss out!

Can’t visit us in person?

Head to our other websites to see our range of Eco and Deadstock Haberdashery;

Eco & Organic Haberdashery – JamesTailoring.co.uk

Designer & Deadstock Haberdashery – KleinsHaberdashery.co.uk

I’ll look forward to seeing you!

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Open Studio – February 2023

We have some exciting news!

Our first open studio was so much fun that we are holding another open weekend at our studio here in Warwickshire.

Pop along to meet the team, chat & shop!

The very important details: 

Saturday 4th & Sunday 5th February 2023

10am – 4pm (no appointments needed, just pop in!)

85 Priory Road, Kenilworth, Warwickshire, CV8 1LQ

What can you expect?

  • sewing chat!
  • Deadstock Haberdashery – lots of designer deadstock trimmings, haberdashery & fastenings, fancy elastic and trims, lingerie and dressmaking supplies
  • a bargain box (or 2!)
  • Zips – we have some very unusual zips & the usual ones too!
  • sewing patterns
  • sewing and pattern tools 
  • a small sample sale
  • eco-haberdashery
  • Threads – specialised, planet friendly eco-sewing threads – Tencel sewing thread, recycled sewing threads, organic cotton thread
  • Elastic – organic and natural rubber elastics, recycled elastics, bio elastics and picot elastics
  • Buttons – Corozo buttons, codelite dairy buttons, pearl and shell buttons & deadstock buttons
  • organic fabrics

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.

ARE YOU PART OF A SEWING GROUP ?

We have a few weekday slots available by appointment only for groups from 1st – 3rd February.

Email me to book your space!

Where to find us –

We are very easy to find as we are right next to Kenilworth train station. There is some free on-street parking but plenty of parking in the train station car park (pay and display) which is behind our studio.

We had a great time at our last open day and cannot wait to meet you!

Spread the word … tell your friends … and we’re a very friendly bunch so don’t worry if you are coming on your own!

See you Soon!

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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!