For my next Minerva’s Maker project I chose this beautiful Italian wool blend. I actually received this fabric over a year ago but have only just finished making it now. Usually the exchange turn around is for 6 weeks, but if you work on something quite extensive like a coat then you can ask to extend that deadline. I sat on my fabric for that long because of the pandemic and Minerva was revamping their site. They had asked makers to hold on to their posts whilst they changed everything. To be honest last year was tough, and I barely did any sewing, only pulling back my sewjo when I started my monthly newsletter, Noteworthy, where my friend and I had started these monthly sewing sessions. 

Originally I had wanted to do McCall’s M7513 peplum jacket version B, I had even done a draft in calico only to find that my front pieces didn’t quite meet. There were quite a few pieces to the pattern, and I just couldn’t work out which specific pattern lines I could grade that wouldn’t affect other parts, like the collar or the armhole. I would love to go back to this draft as it would be quite an eye-catching piece in my wardrobe. 

Skipping back to the present, a lost summer and a new year has rolled in. I’m finally pleased to present my first make of 2021, the Utu Pinafore by Named Patterns in this Italian wool blend. The pinafore is fully lined with bust and waist darts at the front and back, giving a more cinched look. A stylish and close-fitting garment that will upgrade any work wardrobe pairing well over a shirt or a turtleneck. 

As this fabric was part of Minerva’s Maker Program, you can find my review of the pattern over on their site. I’ve never really given a thought about sewing workwear before and in this current situation, as many people work from home, I find myself wanting to dress up more for work than I’ve ever done before. There isn’t much to say in addition to my review on Minerva but I am thrilled to be able to tick off my first project from my Make 9 so early in the year.

Here are a few extra photos from when I photographed my make.