Highlights of last week
We’re getting some miles up in preparation for our biking holiday to Spain in June. last weekend we did the caha pass, glengariff , Bantry and back home via the healy pass. What a day !! Stunning scenery bright skys and delicious pit stop for pizza in glengariff. Can’t beat it ! #biking #bikingadventures #bikingireland #motorcyclelife #irishscenery#bmwrt #bmwrt1250
This has got to be the dress pattern for this summer !!
I was delighted to get the opportunity to make up this fabulous kit from Minerva using Minerva Exclusiv Minerva Exclusive Crouching Cheetah Stretch Woven Cotton Poplin POD material amd the poppy pattern from minervas exclusive pattern range.
Both pattern and material were a delight to use. The poppy pattern is Minervas latest tea dress. I think it’s an extremely flattering shape for all body shapes and it works well with a variety of different materials.
My kit included cheetahs hiding in the jungle in a safari style pattern with shades of greens and beige It’s in the stretch cotton sateen base material range. There’s a lovely soft sheen off this material and the addition of the 3% spandex makes it super comfortable. It’s a very manageable material and it cuts like a dream. I stay stitched around the neckline to prevent and stretching out. I also top stitched down the sleeves to make the seam allowance sit into the shoulder better. I’m partial to a bit of top stitching !! 😉
The dress is finished with a little tie belt to keep it casual and relaxed.
The poppy pattern is an easy to follow pattern that I feel all levels of sewists would enjoy sewing up. There’s some really lovely details in it. The button up centre front , the flutter sleeves and the yoke details with the front gathers. All lovely details and lend it self to a satisfying sew.
The instructions as in all of minervas pattern collection are extremely detailed and give you step by step instructions. My kit included the correct amount of material ,the poppy pattern ,needles ,threads ,interfacing and buttons. They were divine by the way !! Cute tortoise shell style ones.
I finished my dress with my overlocker to give the insides a nice neat finish.
I’m delighted with how this turned out and I’m looking forward to wearing it again and again over the summer months.
Kits are great they include everything you need and you can just start without all the stress of gathering everything up.
I’d definitely recommend this one ! #MinervaSewingKits #MinervaSewingKitsExclusive #minervabrandambassador #minervapoppydress
☀️ Summer sewing is officially underway and I love how these turned out.
I used the Minerva Exclusive Cheetah Unmasked Soft Washed 100% Linen and paired it with the Alba Pants pattern—and honestly, they’re a perfect match 🤍
This linen is just gorgeous. The cheetah print is subtle, but those soft pastel tones give it such a fresh, summery feel. And the texture? Exactly what you’d hope for from a soft-washed linen—beautifully soft and only going to get better over time. I pre-washed it before cutting (highly recommend!) and it handled it perfectly.
For the pattern, I went with the Alba Pants and I knew straight away it was the one. The wide cropped leg and gently curved shape make them feel modern but still super wearable. The flat front keeps everything looking neat, while the elasticated back adds that all-important comfort.
Details I love:
✨ Clean, flattering fit through the waist and hips
✨ Curved front pockets (topstitched so they stay put 🙌)
✨ A single back pocket for a bit of fun
✨ That perfect ankle-length finish
Confession: I did mess up the zip the first time 🤦♀️ Totally my fault for not reading the instructions properly! But the pattern is so well written—it was easy to fix once I slowed down and followed it step by step.
Linen really shines in a project like this—it presses like a dream and gives such a polished finish. I loved these so much I’ve already cut another pair in light grey denim… coming soon 👀
Overall: such a satisfying make and a brilliant addition to my summer wardrobe 💛
#minervabrandambassador
#minervamakers
#SewingPlans
#albapants
Minervas latest sewing kit
Sew Different Paper Sewing Pattern Artists Smock is just great for beginners and experienced alike. . It consists of just 5 pieces and can be made up in an afternoon.
I was lucky enough to be gifted a kit which includes everything you need to make this Artists Smock. The material in the kit is Minerva Exclusive Enchanted Vision Linen Viscose Blend POD Fabric Bewitched. It’s a bright colourful print on demand 100% linen fabric. The linen /viscose range is just wonderful to work with and it feels so good on. It’s breathable and 100% natural. A perfect cloth for the summer sunshine.
The kit included the pattern from Sew Different ,enough material to make the smock , matching thread and a pack of universal needles.
They would make a really lovely gift.
And that’s it.
I think it’s such a pretty top. I definitely wouldn’t wear it painting !! It’s just too cute.
I think it would look great made up in a variety of fabrics. Denim,cord , Cotton and twill weaves would all look great made up in this pattern. I even think it would look great using old jeans. A great way to recycle.
A very big thank you to Minerva for gifting me this very cute kit in exchange for this post. 😊
#minervabrandambassador
#minervamakers
#minervasewingkits #sharesewover50 #sewingisfun
✨ New make ✨
When my latest fabric from Minerva arrived, I knew exactly what I wanted — something casual for everyday wear but still elevated and a little different… and it turned out exactly how I imagined 🤍
I used the gorgeous Gingham Glory Four Way Stretch Suiting by What Abi Makes — the stretch, the vibrant colours, the versatility… just stunning. I even have some left and I’m tempted to make a skirt 👀
I went for a fully lined bomber jacket using @NewLook6545 Sewing Pattern and @minervadotcom for the glorious fabric.
It’s such a classic shape without being too puffy. Perfect if you’re stepping into jacket making!
I decided to cut the fabric on the bias for a more interesting look (horizontal just wasn’t it 😅). Matching the front seams took time, but totally worth it for that clean finish 🙌
✨ Details
– Fully lined (bias cut lining for matching stretch)
– Satin poly lining from stash ✔️
– Ribbing from a previous make ✔️
– Comfy, striking & super wearable
Honestly, I’m so happy with how this turned out. It’s perfect for spring and works with jeans or dressed up for evening 💫
Huge thanks to Minerva for gifting this incredible fabric as part of their ambassador program 💕
#minervabrandambassador #sewover50april #minervamakers
@sharesewover50
I ve been quiet here on instagram these past few months. I wasn’t feeling it and the whole posting regularly thing. It sort of flies in the face if your into slow fashion. I had been sewing away though during my free time and evenings so I’ve made a good few things that I haven’t shared here on instagram. Finally there was a dry day to photograph one of my latest makes — and it feels like a true step into spring 🌿
I had a clear vision for this one: a structured blouse with presence, but softened into something relaxed and wearable. This linen-look cotton blend was a dream to sew — buttery soft, vibrant, and it pressed beautifully for all that pleat shaping.
The pattern (BurdaStyle, Dec 2025) had great bones, but I reworked the pleats, extended the hem, and added deeper cuffs to get the silhouette just right. Eight pleats later, it’s tailored without feeling rigid — exactly what I was after.
Finished with the perfect red buttons (after a last-minute delay hunting them down!), and I can already see this paired with a crisp white skirt as the weather warms up.
#minervabrandambassador #minervamakers #dressmaking #memadeeveryday #isewmyownclothes fabricinspo springsewing
@sharesewover50
Here is my #BestOf2025 Challenge entries. I made a lot this year but these three stand out for me. I love their originality. They’re quirkiness and the fact that they sum up my personality.
The first is the fantastic Closet Core Jo Dress and Jumpsuit pattern using the amazing silky Minerva Exclusive Waikiki Wanderlust Crepe Back Satin POD Fabric. It’s a Matt satin with a very good weight and is completely opaque. it’s all just sublime.
This is very special and I’m saving this for a special occasion.
Next is the fun wide leg overalls #up1058from unfettered pattern the dungarees I made using Minerva Exclusive Zentangle Jungle Stonewashed Textured Cotton . It’s just fun and I love it finally my last big make of 2025 has got to be my Chanel style jacket. There’s a lot of work and hand stitching in this one and I am extremely proud of how it turned out. The lines are lovely and sharp and I will get years and years of wear from this. It’s a true classic.
Material is the Minerva Core Range Viscose Tweed Coating Fabric in Black & White. I used a burdastyle pattern. I lined it in a very fun lining and makes it !!
All of these materials were supplied by Minerva for the Brand Ambassador program.
I have truly enjoyed my year Sewing all of these beautiful fabrics and many more and I look forward to 2026 and what it holds.
#2025 #BestOf2025#MyTop3
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minervamakers minervamakes
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BestOf2025 Challenge
Sewing one of my favourite things: a crisp linen shirt 🤍
There’s nothing I love more than sewing a classic shirt, especially in a beautiful linen/cotton blend. This fabric from @minervadotcom — Planning Permission — has the perfect mix of crisp linen texture and cotton comfort, with the sweetest little buildings on a monochrome base. Breathable, press-friendly, and only getting better with wear ✨
I used the Kaia shirt pattern by Viki Sews, a semi-fitted style with a clean, modern silhouette. Their patterns are always beautifully drafted and such a joy to sew.
From the neatly pressed collar to my favourite detail — the cuffs — every step felt satisfying. Finished with black buttons for a timeless look and a final crisp press (my favourite moment!).
The result is a shirt that feels polished yet relaxed, easy to wear with jeans, linen trousers or layered under a blazer. Projects like this are exactly why I love sewing 🪡🤍
#minervabrandambassador #minervamakers #minervamakes
#dressmaking #memadeeveryday isewmyownclothes
fabricinspo linencotton planningpermissionlinencotton
I love it when a sewing plan actually comes together 😍🧵
I’m genuinely proud of this coordinating set in Minerva’s exclusive chartreuse. It’s from there Minerva Exclusive range. It’s called Domino Rally in Recycled Charmeuse Silky Satin POD. It reminds me of road tracks and motor biking !!🏍️🏍️🏍️
The drape is chef’s kiss… but let’s be real it can be a slippery little diva 😂I used extra pattern weights ,lots slow stitching, and tried not to let it snag. Was it worth it …..100%.
For the blouse I used a free pattern from #unfetteredpatterns. I’ve used them before and they’re really well made patterns . Did I mention that there free !! Nice and up to date and beginner friendly.
The Unfettered Patterns tie blouse + Vikisews bias skirt sati skirt combo. It feels relaxed, chic, and totally “me.” I love how versatile both pieces are — separate or together, summer or winter, casual or dressed up.
I finishing everything with French seams as it just makes it feel that bit more special inside and out ✨
Huge thank you to @minerva for gifting this gorgeous fabric 💚 Already dreaming up my next chartreuse make…
#minervabrandambassador #minervamakers #minervamakes #dressmaking #memadeeveryday #makers #isewmyownclothes #fabricinspo #SewingPlans2025 #vikisews #vikisewssati #biascutskirt #unfetteredpatterns #chartreuse #sewistsofinstagram #coordinatedset
Hi all my wardrobe is bursting at the seams so to free up some room I’ve decided to start selling some of my makes I no longer wear or use. Some have never even been worn which is a bit mad. !! So check out my Vinted account in my linkt above. I’ll be updating it regularly updating it so do drop in and out. #vinted #vintedireland #recycleyourstyle #sewmystyle #sewmywardrobe #memade
Here a few more photos of my latest make ! I did some binge sewing last week and made these in about 6 hours. That’s going full throttle !!
I used a tried and tested pattern the #serapants patternfrom#papercutpatterns. The barrel leg version. The material is a fab non stretch canvas from #minerva fabrics it’s a cotton denim twill called snug Savannah. Animal print is the new basic ….
It has the ideal balance of structure and softness, making it easy to sew, press, and topstitch. The fabric really holds the barrel shape beautifully while still being comfortable enough for everyday wear.
I love them and I’m contemplating another one soon. #MinervaMakes #BarrelLegJeans #DenimSewing #MeMadeJeans #Sewist #MeMadeWardrobe #SewingAddict #sewinginspiration
#MinervaBrandAmbassador #MinervaMakers #MinervaMakes #Dressmaking #MeMadeEveryday #Makers #SewnShownSeated #ISewMyOwnClothes #FabricInspo #SewingPlans2025#sewover50 #sewover50november
