Latest make!

I’ve been wanting to make the Steele Pinafore for a while and I intially had hoped I had enough of the check Merchant and Mills fabric but ended up being a bit short. So I prewashed a cotton/viscose material ready for the SewConfident reatreat and thought I was good to go…. But then I visited Arkdefo in their new store in Glasgow and fell in love with their dry waxed fabric and all the beautiful colours! Came away with 3 dry waxed and a lining and decided I’d make the pinafore with these instead of the viscose. I loved the idea of a contrast pocket and straps and then realised some Pigeon Wishes buttons I had in my stash were a perfect match!

Was really impressed with the Arkdefo store- I’ve been following them on Instagram for a while and love their mission- they’ve been reclaiming deadstock fabric and pick up van loads to sort, cut into 3m bundles and sell on. The fabrics are fantastic quality and the colours are stunning! I bought a mixed bundle from them over a year ago but they are the wet waxed so keeping them for bags or projects that need a heavier fabric.

I saw that they moved into a shared space in Glasgow with Nomad SLT and paid a visit. Nomad are another company who rescue excess/deadstock fabric (this time mostly wools and cashmeres from Scottish textile mills). Anyway, a thoroughly worthwhile visit- bring a bag and have a good rummage through whats on offer if you’re local!

I made the pinafore during the Sew Confident Retreat and the material was great to sew with. It has a slightly heavier, crisper feel to it but handles really well and I didn’t have to use interfacing or stabiliser as per the pattern. I also didn’t need to press seams which is a big yes from me and i just folded and used my fingers to crease the fabric.

The pattern was great with easy to follow instructions. I will definitely make again but will size down. The skirt was quite wide when I finished so i took a good few inches away and I feel the bodice could also be smaller for a more flattering fit. I think in a lighter fabric it wouldn’t be as noticeable as it would drape a bit more but will still size down.

I love the dry wax and it’s perfect for pinafores and dresses. It has a nice weight to the fabric and doesn’t need ironing, just a quick shake or brush down. As it’s waxed it’s also easy to clean/wipe down so was a great choice for our recent trip to Blair Drummond Safari park with a muddy toddler! (mud mark on skirt was wiped off with a damp cloth and looked good as new again!)

Pattern: Steele pinafore @elbe_textiles
Fabric: Dry waxed cottons @arkdefo
Buttons: @pigeonwishes.shops
Sewing retreat and help: @sewconfident