This weeks Crafty Bloggers Club post is from June, you can find more of her makes on Instagram @sew_tasty

I’m fairly new to sewing, having taken it up in the last couple of years. I love the feeling of having created something from scratch and started off making make-up bags as gifts for friends. Like most sewists I made a lot of masks during lockdown so was delighted to be given the chance to join the Crafty Bloggers Club and try something new.

I chose the MHW Cosy Jersey Dress because I liked the style and thought I would get a lot of wear out of it. Choosing the fabric took quite a while as there is such a wide range at Crafty Sew and So. I finally decided on the Sea-Foam Loop Backed French Terry – this was my first experience of this material but I found it a good weight and nice to sew with – and the teal colour is absolutely gorgeous.

I read and reread the pattern instructions before I started on the dress. I procrastinated a lot about cutting out – this is the bit that I find the hardest as I worry I will make a mistake and waste the fabric. I think I am what you call an Unconfident Beginner!

This dress has a front and back (obviously!) and two side panels – there is a ‘v’ in the panels and the neckline is a ‘v’ shape too. I got these mixed up a few times and actually sewed a stay stitch into the side panel thinking it was the front ‘v’ neck! (We'd recommend marking your pattern pieces to avoid getting pattern pieces mixed up!) I don’t think you would have this issue if you used contrasting colours of fabric. The panels all join up quite simply and I overlocked all my seams for a neat finish.

I decided not to add any pockets as I thought they might sag a bit with the weight of the material. I did add the belt – although I think the dress would look great without it too as it is a very flattering shape. I decided to tie my belt at the back – a nice feature and you have the ‘v’ neck for detail at the front.

I really struggled with the sleeves – I had opted for the cap sleeves but I couldn’t work out how these were inserted so I called in my Mum to help. Mum has years of experience and is delighted that I have taken up sewing. Two heads were definitely better than one and we worked out how to do it together.

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 Sizing wise – I went for the Small once I had measured myself and looked at the finished garment sizings. I generally wear a dress size 12 and I didn’t have to make any adjustments at all – apart from taking the hem up a bit shorter but that is just down to personal taste. I took my twin needle out of it’s shiny silver paper for the very first time – another thing I have been putting off – it was far easier than I thought and finishes the hem off really nicely.

I absolutely love the style and colour of this dress and the fabric is very comfortable to wear. I can see me getting a lot of wear out of it – especially as the weather turns colder.

Thanks for reading my blog. I’d encourage any of you to join the Crafty Bloggers Club – it’s a great way of trying something new, doing something out of your comfort zone and sharing your makes with the sewing community.

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“Crafty Bloggers Club Contributors are given products and materials to test from Crafty Sew&So. We hope you enjoy their honest and impartial reviews of the products. All opinions are their own.”