Making the Yanaka jacket in a snuggly fleece worked out very well as a post-Christmas make! It didn’t take long at all, as I missed out the additional elements I put on the other ones I made (the base pattern doesn’t include pockets or lining but I have put these into the others made). The gussets on the arms, plus the facings, work very well for colour blocking and I feel like I am wearing some very upmarket activewear, or perhaps some very cosy work wear.

My second version of this pattern is in a Merchant and Mills quilted jacquard (found on Marketplace for an absolute bargain price).
Sewn in a size 12, french seamed (necessary with this fabric. I extended the sleeve length again and then found it was too tight, so I removed the cuff (same fabric) and found just enough rib in my stash of a similar colour and added that instead. It was just the solution I needed and this has been regularly worn this winter.
A quick sew (when things go to plan).

I've made 2 pairs of these in a twill and this third pair in a stripe denim.
These are view B which has a flat front and patch pockets (rather than welt) in a size 10, I didn't make any adjustments and am really happy with the fit and feel of them.

Acquired the pattern during the 12 days of Christmas promo then the fabric in Madeira. It's a traditional design.

It's a great project. I placed the pockets differently to make use of the stripes with two crossways on the outside. As it's thick, lined, interfaced and piped, there was some bulk and I had to hand finish at the bottom corners.

Typical me, start with the most challenging fabric for a beginner, but I have really enjoyed making this as part of the shirt making course. Easy instructions to follow and with the video I could rewind as often as I required. Now onto the unisex shirt

This was my first attempt at shirring and the advice was really good, I'm delighted with how it turned out. I made size 20 and i was very worried that it would be too tight around the waist - something you really wouldn't be able to tell until very late in the make. However, it fits great, it is very true to size. I made it in navy suiting so it would do for work (with a top underneath). As the previous reviewer said, it stays up well, due to the tie at the back. The pattern instructions were good and it came together well.

I chose to make this out of faux fur which was probably a mistake cos I didn't realise how slippy the material would be so it meant a lot more pins than I'd normally use! The instructions were very clear apart from when you sandwich the zip between the lining and facing as it didn't say repeat on the other side - which I know is very obvious but couldn't work it out at first. Also I personally like a lining that's not flapping around so I sewed in the dip on the bottom of the bag to secure the lining to the facing. The bag is a great roomy size and plenty big enough for a weekend away. I will definitely be making more (but not with faux fur.....)

Just waiting to be hemmed! I made these from French Terry in a medium size.
The download from the Foldline includes a useful guide to which iterations of the pattern require seam allowances to be added. Seam allowances are included in the Foldline printout. The guide also specifies that they are 1cm. The pattern instructions did not include that information.
I like trousers to reach my waist. The rise was short. I added 5cm in the back and 3cm at the front, remembering to include the waistband and back yoke in the calculation.
It was an interesting make with the tucks in the side panels requiring careful measurement. The all elasticated waistband is easy.
I would only add that it is best to finish the straight pocket edges before sewing them on. I know it isn't actually necessary to finish jersey but it did stop the edges rolling up.
I feel very trendy.

For years I’ve been loving the Lucy and Yak style trousers and whilst I own a few pairs I am a sewist at heart and where is the fun if you can’t recreate the look yourself.

I have contemplated drafting my own over the years, but then this pattern came along and it is such a good dupe!

So far I have made myself 3 pairs and I’ve also made 2 pairs of the shorts version for my friend.

The instructions are great and the fit is perfect. I love the fitted front, elastic back view, it’s truly the best of both worlds. I have made a pair in linen, viscose linen and cotton and all the fabrics worked perfectly.

I also like that you can do just the elastic waist if you want so it’s adaptable for a range of skill sets.

I can’t recommend this pattern more, even if you’re a beginner wanting to get into sewing. I really hate sewing zips, any zips but the instructions for this were really clear and made it a painless experience. They are my go to trouser pattern when the season gets a little chillier.

One of my favourite ever patterns and no. 1 for shirt patterns featuring a boxy shape, square shaped short sleeves that are actually elbow length. A very versatile pattern that suits a multitude of fabrics and looks. I have made it up in polyester mix and linen wovens as well as jersey versions to wear all through the spring and summer months.

This is my first/trial pair. I opted to make shorts as I wanted to test out the fit and not waste fabric on something that might not fit.
I used fabric from Ikea (£3 for 3metres!) it's 230gsm so not denim weight but not far off.
The pattern instructions are clear and I followed them for this pair, I anticipate that I might seam them differently next time - just for a more authentic jeans finish.
These are a bit tight around the hips so I will size up for my next pair. I wasn't expecting to love the fabric in shorts but am quite taken by it.

I made the size 2, round neck, mini with a large hem of 3 inches.
Love wearing it.
Would defo recommend. If you make the dress with a heavy fabric. I would use a lighter fabric for the facings.

I made the dress from red satin polyester (very cheap at my local Boyes) with the bra cups made from some left over scraps of red velvet and voile pleated over the top.
I found the pattern easy to follow. Didn't make any adjustments, didn't even make a toile.
I made it to wear at a fancy restaurant on our honeymoon and it was perfect for that!
I'd love to make it again, but I'd probably want it to be a little less "raunchy" for every day use!! I'd make it longer, use some fabric with a bit of give in it or possibly lose the sleeves (it felt quite fitted and didn't feel I had full movement of my arms!). I'd also add pockets.
Overall, a really great pattern and quite unusual design.

I'm thrilled with my finished Paynter Jacket, and very proud of the finish I have achieved on what is the most advanced garment I have made to date. I made the size S with some adjustments for a women's fit, but didn't bother reversing the way the jacket buttons up. I would say the jacket is time-consuming to sew rather than difficult, and the video walking you through the pocket and placket construction was brilliant. I used an 8oz sanded twill and 11 wale corduroy for the collar and elbow patches, both from Merchant and Mills. There is a more in-depth review with additional photos on my blog here: https://mintbutton.co.uk/2025/11/16/paynter-jacket/

Another well drafted pattern from Tessuti. I ran mine up in a satin mix but could also be in a thicker fabric as the pattern photos. I like that the pattern can be made in different lengths as well as different fabrics and can see me making it again.