SewFrugal is an annual sewing challenge requiring the use of a free pattern and fabric from stash and is hosted by @frugalisama on IG. There is a fabulous lineup of sponsors too.

Mine all came together so quickly that I had no time at all to take WIP photos. I chose the Closet Core free tee shirt, which I downloaded a while ago and am so pleased with it. It’s beautifully drafted for a free pattern, and I enjoyed making it enormously. I used fabric that came from my mother via my sister and it’s a lovely vintage cotton knit. It didn’t have a lot of stretch but it had enough, but I did worry about the recovery.

That neckline is perfect and I love that it’s a bit higher. I didn’t have enough fabric for the sleeves, so I shortened them and added cuffs to make up the difference, however, they are now three quarter length sleeves, which aren’t my favourite but they are perfect for early autumn.

I decided to team them with a new pair of trousers, and I needed some cream fabric. I found some calico in my stash which I felt was the perfect colour so made The Milan ACT zero waste trousers, of which I’ve made several pairs, and which I obtained when the pattern was free (not sure it still is, so not sure that they qualify now).

I didn’t know how calico would work as trouser fabric, but it’s terrific, it even has a small amount of drape, but zero give, which is a bit of a worry!

I then teamed the top with some old self drafted bengaline trousers and like them too.

and a couple of seated shots.

I am loving my new outfit and as the weather continues to cool I’m sure I’ll wear it often.

I thought you might like a little video of my son and Miss G learning to sew together – I love the fact that she’s pressing a button thinking this is what drives the machine, but she learned about the presser foot from the previous video. This is the first half, there will be another on the next post!