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Leona

@leoandstitchstudio

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a sewing diary ˙ᵕ˙ 🪡🌸
sharing makes, learnings and reminding you (&me) that enjoying the process is the whole point

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When you make a dress that feels 100% you 🩷🩷🩷 it deserves a sunset photoshoot! 🌅✨️

Made another Lowen Dress by @sewingwithliliya 🌸 with this baby pink linen I've had for over a year knowing that one day I would make something from it 🥹

I absolutely reccommend this pattern; the detail, instructions and tutorial are immaculate. I've learnt to neatly sew an invisible zip and add lining, which gave the dress a very clean finish. There are so many ways to make this as well, and if you enjoy using linen/cotton fabric, this is for you!

#lowendress #memadedress by @leoandstitchstudio

Made the most darling top with its statement lace trimmed bows!! 💙🎀 Perfect to wear on a day to the local Show! 🎠🎡

I had so much fun making this, and love how playful and summery it turned out! I already want to make matching shorts and a red version!! ❤️

Inspired by a photo on Pinterest, I wanted to recreate it when I saw the exact colour gingham at Spotlight. Gingham is such a timeless wardrobe staple and the delicate lace trim adds such a sweet, romantic flair! 😍

It took 3 mail deliveries to get enough lace as I kept running out..almost 10 metres, who knew a little top needed so much?! 😳

I've made a similar top before from watching a few self draft tutorials and figured the rest out along the way. The toile was essential as on the first try it didn't fit and I had to extend the front and back bodice.

The process wasn’t without its hiccups. I was so close to sewing in the zip when I realised I forgot to add lace to the top of the bodice! Some of you mentioned it would be extra special to add it and you were right!! I ended up unpicking the entire top section which was suuper fiddly, but worth it for that perfect finishing touch. The zip was tricky as the lace started fraying on the edges, but I did some chaotic zig-zag stitches to close it up and that somehow worked. Nobody is looking on the inside 🙈 Then as I was cutting the threads off, I accidentally snipped a hole in the main top 🥴🩹 I quickly ironed on a patch of interfacing and fingers crossed it will hold.

It's true that the best things take time, patience, and a little bit of creative chaos! 👏😌 by @leoandstitchstudio

Golden hour shoot in my freshly made shorts! 🌅

I have been trying to minimise buying any new fabric until I have used most of my left over fabric from other projects, and these shorts were a perfect way to finish this yellow gingham.

These are the Avenue Shorts by @hisydgraham 💛
I love the subtle a-line silhouette, which suits me more than the boxy style of shorts. Definitely a pattern I will be making on REPEAT!

Shoutout @aimee__renee for coming down to take these fun pics on a whim!! 📸🥹

#avenueshorts #ginghamshorts #butteryellow #shortspattern by @leoandstitchstudio

Need to transfer pattern markings without actually marking your fabric? Take note of this easy trick ✍️🪡

This cotton fabric was super soft and light, and easy to fray, I didn't want to make a mark or poke a large hole. Instead I took a piece of contrasting thread to hand sew through the pattern paper and fabric where the pockets go. The thread then is left exactly where they're meant to go!

Really enjoyed making these shorts and watching the YouTube tutorial was so easy to follow with each variation demonstrated step by step. Being able to see all the different options makes me excited to make more versions 😍 definitely a pattern I'll be making on repeat!!

The Avenue Shorts Pattern by Sydney Graham @hisydgraham 🌼 by @leoandstitchstudio

Yes this is proof you can still wear your imperfect makes!! 🙂‍↕️😂

I tried my best to line up the seams with the zip, but still 🙃.. then my tripod fell over and broke while trying to take photos, so I had to tape my phone on the stand for it to work 🫠

Oh well, yes to making something pretty with my own hands! Show me in the comments your imperfect makes that you proudly wear! 💕 by @leoandstitchstudio

The Sakura Dress 🌸 this dress is a special make. I got this beautiful fabric on holiday in Singapore with my Dad and cherry blossoms are one of my favourite flowers, also known as Sakura 桜 in Japanese.

Japan has a unique place in my heart. 🇯🇵🍡🍵
I studied in Nagoya for a short while and fell in love with both the culture and language, then later graduated with Japanese as part of my double major. One day I hope to go back again and wear this dress during the sakura season!

It just so happened that I finished making this just as the cherry blossom trees had bloomed here! So it was the perfect photo opportunity. 💕

This pattern is the Scoop Neck Dress from @siiriistudio. The instructions and video tutorial were well written and easy to follow. I loved the different variations that you could make as well!

I made a toile from a bedsheet first to get the fit and it was perfect. The only thing I would personally alter is the straps, as they kept falling off my shoulders so they were a bit too long. I also didn't use a lining and used purple bias binding for the armholes.

With this soft, flowy fabric I would choose not to use interfacing next time as the front neckline was stiff and created a large gap, so I had to use fashion tape to keep it sitting flush against my skin. Such a pretty dress, I will definitely be making this again!! by @leoandstitchstudio

Aaaand she's finished! 🙌

Finally got around to taking photos of this twist top that I made my own pattern for. It certainly was challenging. I mean why go the easy route when the hard way is stressful and satisfying 🫠😂

It seems like such a simple design but through making 6 toiles, I had many moments where I thought I fixed one issue but it only led to another. Right to the very end trying to take photos of the final top when I tripped and my favourite shoes broke apart 😮‍💨

This piece really tested my patience and at times made me feel like I couldn't sew well. I took a break from it to make a completely different garment which was really helpful in bringing my confidence back.

I didn't capture any video for the final piece because I wanted to really focus on getting everything right. The scrap fabric I wanted to use was just enough for the main, but had to use a different fabric for the lining and straps. In the end I give it an 7/10 but 11/10 for effort and learning! by @leoandstitchstudio

A moment for the lace cuff! 🖤🌹

Had some fun making this lace jacket while taking a small break from pattern making. Typical me got distracted at the opshop; found the whole pattern for $3, fabric $5 and lace $5 from a nightie that all fit perfectly together!

This was relatively easy to make with the seams lining up so well, but it definitely forced me to slooww right down 🐌 the floral fabric was stretchy and delicate, so the amount of pinning involved was next level. The best part, it doesn't fray!

A little boost of confidence, proving to myself I can actually sew... now I can get back to pattern making 😂 by @leoandstitchstudio

Part 2! Pattern making is no easy feat for an absolute beginner 😮‍💨

Content creating at the same time is also a work in progress! I kept stumbling over my words whilst recording, trying to keep it it short n sweet. I even posted and deleted an earlier video that felt too rushed. Who else is going through this and when does it get easier? 🙋‍♀️😅

Sharing my sewing process has become one of the best ways I’ve found to connect with other sewists, get real help when I’m stuck, and feel less alone in the slow journey of making clothes!

So thank you for being here ❤️ and please keep sending me good vibes! I'm currently working on the final piece 👀... see you soon! by @leoandstitchstudio

You don't need perfect knowledge to begin, you only need the courage to start! Remember every expert was once a beginner.

I am documenting my first pattern making process as I go because I want to be able to look back and see how each version improves on the last. ✍️

I don't want to just show the finished version and pretend I knew exactly what I was doing. I want to remember the crooked pieces, the wrong measurements, and the moments where I have absolutely no idea if something is going to work. I don't even know if I am pronouncing toile right..😅 Twirl? Toyol? Toi-elle?🤷‍♀️

If you're thinking about starting something but you're worried about making mistakes, this is your little reminder that it's okay to just go forth and give it a go!

Thank you for watching, pls let me know if you liked it and want more of these voiceover videos🥺👉👈🩷 by @leoandstitchstudio

Just having some fun over here! 🤸‍♀️🥳
But for real, this took me a couple hours and I thought it looked wild from the inside until it was turned the right way. Sewing is magic like that! 🪄 by @leoandstitchstudio

Freshly made butter yellow skirt 🧈💛 hii it's good to be back!!

This skirt is a gift for a special someone who is growing a little babe 👶 so I wanted to be sure it sat comfortably around the waist. It has double elastic and drawstring which is perfect for a growing Mum!

I drafted this with waist and length measurements, and watched the video tutorial on YouTube by @seamwork and highly recommend!🌟 The instructions were clear and detailed, and no pattern needed!! I added a ruffle hem to give it a little extra detail ☺️ by @leoandstitchstudio