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@arol.lou

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Happy release day for the Teacher Top @yoannastudio

This fun woven top pattern was kindly gifted to me for being part of the tester team. Thanks Yoanna for having me as a tester again!

The Teacher Top is a quick make. There are two sleeve variations. I made the long sleeved version out of a cotton linen blend in this cute green and cream tiny gingham.
I have paired it with my Zamora Skirt @madswick_studio

Teachers have been a huge influence on my life and I like how Yoanna named this pattern for her Mum who was a fabulous teacher and sadly died recently. Hugs to Yoanna.

Please check out this great pattern and all the fabulous tester versions!!

#teachertop by @arol.lou

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8 days ago

The Hampton Dress and Shirt by Tash @nhpatterns is now live!!

I love this dress! I have been wanting to make a shirt dress for a long time.

Tash’s patterns are so clear and precise. Everything comes together just right. I lengthened my skirt by 10 inches for my personal preference. I love this burnt orange cotton poplin that used to be a sheet!

This is going to be so fun to wear and layer. Thanks Tash for gifting me this pattern to be part of your pattern preview team! Fabulous pattern!

#nhhampton
#mymakessept26 by @arol.lou

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17 days ago

Maar Dress @lottajansdotter from her book “Lotta Jansdotter Everyday Patterns”

Finally getting around to making this dress. And so glad I did!! Love love love this style. The square neckline is not too low, and the three-quarter sleeves are light and floaty. I made a tie to cinch in at the waist. I used this gorgeous viscose that feels so breezy and cool.

#lottajansdotter by @arol.lou

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22 days ago

Two new patterns!!
Sawyer Tee and the Mira Skirt both by @anna.zoe.sewing

The Sawyer Tee is one of Anya’s newest patterns. It is a fabulous “just right” tee that has 2 sleeve options.

I made my long sleeve version out of a gray rib knit cotton jersey that I purchased @gooddecadeco
I used a navy-gray stripe bamboo for a contrasting neckband! Anya provides 2 neckband pattern pieces: one for stretchier knits and one for stable knits. Genius!

I love the fit, it is relaxed but not over sized.

The Mira skirt is another new pattern.
This relaxed, comfortable, easy-to-wear skirt is perfect for every day.

I lengthened mine 9 inches for personal preference.

The pattern has lovely roomy pockets. I omitted the pockets on this version as it is a fine corduroy and I did not want to add too much bulk. Can’t wait to try the pockets on my next one. I used a the same navy-gray striped knit for contrast drawstring.

Anya kindly gifted me both of these patterns to try. Thanks so much Anya!🥰
I will be making more!!

I also made a pair of Jordan sweatpants @anna.zoe.sewing out of the matching gray rib knit.
This is my favourite knit pants pattern. They make up so fast and are so comfortable to wear.

Perfect outfits for morning walks!

#sawyertee
#miraskirt
#jordansweatpants by @arol.lou

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a month ago

This is the Crumpette Dress @singuliere.cousette for Cousette

I won this pattern from #sewaprilblouse26challenge from Cousette

I am in love with this dress! I made the short sleeved version. There is also a long sleeved version, which will be perfect for winter. I lengthened the skirt 5 inches. I love the gathers and the soft floaty sleeves. I found the perfect matching vintage buttons in my stash. Fabric is a super soft viscose from @fabricville that I’ve had in my stash.

#patronsinguliere #singulierecousette by @arol.lou

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a month ago

New Dress!

After reflecting on my dresses for Me Made May, I have decided I love the simplicity of putting on a dress and being ready to go! Although I still like the versatility of separates too.

This is the Aronia House Dress @mirandarileydesigns

It is lovely and comfortable, and has so many cute details. I love the crossover front neckline that is not too low or revealing, and the gathers at the front and back yoke. There are three sleeve versions and three length versions. Do check out this pattern!

I used a very soft cotton that has a slight satin finish. Yes, it used to be a sheet. I think this is the perfect summer dress!

#aroniahousedress #mirandarileydesigns
#curtainstocouture by @arol.lou

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2 months ago

Eyelet Skirt

I got this gorgeous Eyelet fabric from a friend’s destash! I love the colour so much and I knew I wanted to use this for a skirt. I decided to go super simple and make a rectangular elastic-waisted skirt and I just folded over the top edge so I could use both beautiful scalloped edges. I love how this turned out, and zero scraps! Yay! by @arol.lou

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2 months ago

Launch day for The Wren Top @charli.e.darwin

Thanks to Leah for having me as a tester and gifting me this pattern as part of the tester team. The hardest thing about this pattern is deciding how to make it, because there are so many options to choose from! There are three collars, I chose the bias bound, and nine sleeve choices, I did the three-quarter plain. I wanted to make this as more of a jacket, so I chose the two waist pockets and added vintage trim and bias tape. My fabric is a linen-cotton blend and it was a dream to sew. To keep my jacket casual, I stitched vintage buttons on the bodice to keep it open, so it shows the trim on my matching Bardon Dress @peppermintmagazine
The Wren is a great, versatile pattern with very clear instructions. Thrilled with how the outfit turned out!!! by @arol.lou

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2 months ago

Feel Good Dress @me_and_miss_moore

This dress lives up to its name! Super comfortable dress out of an IKEA duvet cover, and it is so lovely and floaty. I sized up on the skirt pieces and added pleats to the front and back for more swish. Definitely will be making more!

#feelgooddress
#mymakesaug26
#curtainstocouture by @arol.lou

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2 months ago

The Lilly Peak Dress by @the_sew_to_girl

I was a pattern tester for this pattern back in January 2026. My first version, I made out of flannel. I knew I wanted to make a summery version. Found this gorgeous viscose fabric at a huge garage sale I went to a while ago. Such a fun print. Big and bold for me! This is my entry into the #sewbold2026 challenge. Love the pleats of this dress. Different from gathers. I did add side ties to cinch in a bit. I do love a viscose dress in the summer as they are so floaty and light.

#thesewtogirllillypeakdress
#sewbold2026
#mymakesaug26 by @arol.lou

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2 months ago

Sewing Friends are the BEST!!
Got to meet up with Caroline @sweet_pea_sewing !!
We met for coffee/ tea and talked all things sewing!!
And she gifted me some fabulous patterns!!
Do check out Caroline’s YouTube channel,
Sweet Pea Sewing
Thanks Caroline for such a fun and inspiring visit!!🥰❤️🥰 by @arol.lou

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2 months ago

Chambray Skirt

Thrift flip!
I found this cute chambray pinafore but the top bodice was too small. I love the fabric so much, so I cut off the bodice and made an elastic waist skirt and kept the silver buttons going down the front. Love it!
Wearing with a RTW top. by @arol.lou

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3 months ago