To make sure I keep up with sewing projects I took on dressmaking after finishing my degree. Working in a local fabric shop has made me look at commercial patterns such as Simplicity many times but when I had tried these in the past they never fit.

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I decided to give them a go and have made some garments after graduating, either drafted myself or by using a pattern. Below are some examples. For more dressmaking and general sewing please visit my Instagram page.

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From left to right:

1) Tailored Jacket (Simplicity). A request from my partner was a casual jacket he could wear to work. As I started this late November I opted for a pattern rather than drafting this to save time. He picked out a suiting fabric and funky lining and the jacket was made up using the pattern instructions. I had been taught some tailoring techniques so there were some things such as the collar that I would do different next time, but he was a happy customer!

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2) Zodiac dress (drafted). This dress pattern was copied off a dress I had hanging in my wardrobe and slightly adjusted in length. Using a cotton fabric I made this lovely elasticated dress with buttons down the front, this pattern will be used again for other dresses.

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3) 40s dress (Simplicity). This dress was the first 'trickier' patterns to follow which resulted in this 40s style dress. I ended up putting it up for sale, but it was a good introduction to dressmaking patterns.

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4) Bra making (Pattern). A bra making kit and pattern instructions were followed to create this classic band bra. Mistake was made with a misplacing of the channels but overall wearable and decent fit.

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5) Pinafore dress (drafted). Since I have trouble fitting store-bought pinafore dresses I made my own. Using a half circle skirt and front attached I created this mustard pinafore dress which includes pockets and is one of my favourite items to wear.

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6) Cardigan/top/skirt. An outfit that could match. This 'coatigan' was made using a soft grey knit but the pattern would work better with a sturdier fabric. The skirt was made using a checked fabric and Simplicity pattern. The top was my first time sewing a jersey garment and the pattern was adapted from one I had laying around.

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7) Combination of printed garments - two jumpsuits (both using a Simplicity/New Look pattern) and two dresses that I drafted the pattern for.