✉ josie@itisjosie.com 📍 Yorkshire, UK
A bright and airy sewing workspace with a flowing floral sundress on a dress form, soft natural light, warm cream and blush tones, calm creative atmosphere.

Sewing & Crafts, Made with Love

Indie pattern reviews, DIY garment projects, and sewing tips from Josephine's creative corner in Yorkshire.

Insights

  1. How to Create a Custom Neckline on a Pullover TopChanging a neckline is one of the simplest ways to give a familiar pullover pattern a completely different character. A high crew neck feels sporty and…
  2. Sewing a Hem with a Rolled Hem Foot: A TutorialA narrow, neat hem can give a handmade garment the polished finish of ready-to-wear clothing. A rolled hem foot makes this possible by folding the raw fabric…
  3. Best indie patterns for sewing dresses for pear shapesPear-shaped figures typically have a narrower shoulder and bust line with more room needed through the hips, seat and upper thighs. That difference can make…
  4. Love Notions Classic Polo Shirt Pattern ReviewA well-drafted polo shirt pattern can earn a permanent place in a handmade wardrobe. It bridges the gap between a casual T-shirt and a smarter woven blouse,…
  5. A Practical Guide To Sewing With LinenLinen is one of those fabrics that rewards a thoughtful approach. It feels cool and breathable in warm weather, softens beautifully with washing, and brings an…
  6. How To Sew A Continuous Bias BindingContinuous bias binding is a useful way to turn one square of woven fabric into a long, uninterrupted strip. The method avoids lots of separate joins, keeps…
  7. Stretch velvet for festive sewing projectsStretch velvet brings instant occasion appeal to handmade clothes. Its soft pile catches the light, while the knitted base gives a little movement and comfort…
  8. Love Notions Blossom Cardigan: A Layering StapleA useful cardigan can quietly become the hardest-working garment in a handmade wardrobe. It bridges the gap between a T-shirt and a coat, softens a dress for…
  9. Sewing with velvet without the usual frustrationsVelvet brings instant richness to a handmade wardrobe. Its soft pile catches the light, adds warmth to simple silhouettes, and makes an ordinary top, skirt, or…
  10. How to shorten a sewing pattern that’s too longA sewing pattern can be the right size around your body and still finish several centimetres too long. This is especially common when your height, torso,…

Popular Pattern Reviews

Pattern Designer Type Highlight
Compose Robe (Kids) Love Notions Robe / Loungewear Sizes 2T–16, cosy & practical
Tempo Sundress Love Notions Sundress No closures, shirred back panel
Arlington Sweater Love Notions Sweater Cold-weather staple
Sybil Illusion Skirt Love Notions Skirt (knit) 7 variations, optional pockets
Camden Pinafore Nina Lee Patterns Pinafore dress Year-round layering piece
Ogden Cami (dress hack) True Bias Cami / Dress Versatile wardrobe builder
Burda 6829 Burda Dress Multi-sized, special-occasion

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