What’s new in The Sewing Studio for this month?
Another new month, another selection of new sewing content! We thought it was about time to introduce a shirt pattern to our collection… Welcome Eleanor. Last month we spoke regularly about top and bottom pairings, so surely it was only fair to launch a new trouser pattern ideal to wear with the Eleanor, right?
I’m sure you agree that creating makes for yourself is thoroughly satisfying (when things go right, of course!), but completing a sewing project for someone else can be equally as enjoyable. That’s why this month, the new projects in our Sewing Studio are perfect makes for the kids or grandchildren.
Introducing The Eleanor Shirt

Eleanor is the latest addition to our In-Depth Online Sewing Courses featured in The Sewing Studio. It is a simple project but includes a few more sewing processes to help you extend your sewing knowledge including buttons, buttonholes and a neat shawl collar.
I’ve had the Penzance Fabric in my stash for a while now, knowing exactly what I wanted to make with it. Eleanor is a versatile pattern, that is designed and made for woven fabrics. You’ve probably heard me mention a few times, I absolutely have a soft spot for Double Gauze Fabric and yup, you guessed it… I’ve already got my eye on the Slate Blue Double Gauze ready for my next Eleanor. The tricky part is convincing Sharon, our Office Manager and Master of the Fabrics, to let me have some! If my cunning plan fails, I always have my all-time favourite fabric ready and waiting. Laundered Linen, dreamy fabric particularly for this shirt pattern. We made up one of our samples in the Laundered Linen Salt White, giving the shirt that crisp, clean and classic look.

I live in my jeans or Ariel Cargo Pants, it’s all about comfort these days, and the Eleanor Shirt compliments these bottoms perfectly. What’s more, I can’t resist but pop on my favourite pair of trainers and there you have it, outfit complete. The trapeze silhouette falls gently from the shoulders allowing ample room for comfort and easy. The neat shawl collar sits snugly into the neck and along with the yoke and inverted box pleat at the back provide all the detail you could need. Shop the Eleanor Shirt Pattern here.

The Eleanor Shirt makes a great addition to your wardrobe and is such a lovely top for a multitude of occasions. We can’t wait to see which fabric and button pairings you choose for your Eleanor and how you style yours. Don’t forget to share your photos with us on Social Media and tag @sewmesomething. Ready to make your Eleanor, get your hands on the pattern here.

Making your Eleanor Shirt Pattern can be broken down into nine easy to follow lessons including:
- A Little Bit Of Prep
- Making Up The Shirt Back
- Making Up The Shirt Front
- Attaching The Front And Back
- Attaching The Facing And Inner Yoke
- Finishing The Yoke
- Attaching The Sleeves
- Sewing Up The Side Seams
- Marking And Sewing The Buttons And Buttonholes
Ever tried the Burrito method? The Eleanor Online Sewing Course will show you how.
If you are already a Sewing Studio Silk Member, you can access the online video in the in-depth courses section of your account.
Ready to get started, learn to sew online and make your own Eleanor Shirt? Join us here.
Introducing The Nell Trousers
Say hello to the Nell Trousers, the latest addition to our ladieswear sewing pattern range. Available in UK Size 8-30. Purchase the pattern here.

Our Nell Trouser is a relaxed pull-on pair of slim legged trousers with a smooth flat fronted waistband that has the elastication hidden at the back. Cut-away front pockets are a must as are the patch pockets on the back, really you cannot have too many. The trouser length is aimed at ankle skimming with a turn up, but really the choice is yours.

The Nell Trousers and Eleanor Shirt look great together. An outfit not to be missed, especially for the summer. Which fabric will you choose? Linen, Chambray, Ramie, Viscose Rayon, Denim, Corduroy, or Cotton Drill.
Shirred Summer Dress For Children

A style that’s not only comfy to wear, it’s super cute too. This gorgeous dress makes a easy sewing project that your daughter, granddaughter or any little girl will just love to wear!
This cute little dress is made up of two rectangles for the dress and four rectangles for the straps. The shirring elastic provides the shape. It is important that you use a lightweight cotton lawn or something similar. We have used Blue Berry Cluster Cotton Lawn to make up our sample. You’ll be spoilt for choice, we have some lovely new cotton lawn fabrics available at the moment. Browse the full collection here.
The Step-By-Step lesson guides you through making up the Shirred Summer Dress from start to finish:
- To make the straps
- To hem the top of the dress using a pin hem method
- Attaching the straps to the top of the dress
- Draw in your shirring lines
- Shirring
- Joining the side seams
- Sewing the hem
- Finishing the strap ends
Ready to get started? Find the full tutorial in the Sewing Studio – Available for Wool and Silk Members.
Not yet a member? Sign up here.
Children’s Reversible Sun Hat

Last month we brought you the Bucket Hat, how about one for the kids? So adorable! Again, another super easy, quick make.
The children’s bucket hat is as practical as they are stylish too. This everyday accessory has been designed with maximum coverage and ultimate style in mind. A kid’s bucket hat provides the perfect finishing touch to any trendy outfit. Pair your little one’s hat easily regardless of the exciting outdoor activity you have in mind.
Like most of us, I’m sure you’ll have some left over fabric sitting in your stash that you’re not quite sure what to do with? The bucket hat makes a great project to use up your scrap fabrics.
Already a member of The Sewing Studio? Access the course here. If you’re not yet a member but want to get started on this sewing project, join us today.
Sewing Tutorial
Why grainlines are important?
This is one tip that will make all the difference. Grainlines Are The Signposts That Really Shouldn’t Be Ignored.

Our new article for this month explains what Grainlines are, why they are important, how to use the cross gain, how to use the bias grain, and how to use and check the Grainlines on patterns.
Cotton, Wool and Silk Members are all able to access our Online Sewing Hub. Thinking about becoming a member of our Sewing Studio? Join us today.
Fabric Focus
Many of you know me quite well now and if you tune into Textile Tuesdays Live on our Facebook and Instagram page on Tuesdays, you’ll certainly know that Linen is my favourite type of fabric. It works so beautifully with so many of our patterns and has come a long way in terms of its wrinkling effects that can put so many people off.
This month’s fabric focus takes a closer look at the wonder-fabric that is Linen. Cotton, Wool and Silk Members can access the article in the ‘Online Sewing Hub’. Want to become a Sewing Studio member? Sign up here.

With summer well and truly on it’s way and the warmer weather teasing us every now and again. You’ll certainly want a selection of Linen garments ready and waiting in your wardrobe. Take a look at the linens we have in stock here.
Still to come this month
The next episode in our Pattern Cutting Series, Drafting a Sleeve block.
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