Recent Sewing Makes 

You absolutely smashed your to-sew list - well done! Before you sew the Lyra again, it would be interesting to check your collar pattern pieces. Mark the stitching lines and then 'walk' the collar stand piece along the corresponding piece that it gets sewn to, matching at the stitchlines, to see if they are the same length. If the seamlines aren't the same length on the pattern pieces, and there isn't supposed to be easing, then it's a pattern cutting issue, and you can, as you say, fix the pattern pieces so they do align when you walk them. But then you'd know it wasn't your fault 😄 If the seamlines are the same length, and therefore it is a cutting or fabric problem, then your idea to block fusing the interfacing makes sense. Either way, it'd be useful for people to know, to keep an eye out for it in their own Lyras. I don't think it's at all old boring to make, and talk about, the same patterns again and again. One of my favourite things about sewing is how different patterns can look in different fabrics. If it works for your wardrobe, keep going!

Ruan you are not boring making patterns over and over. The Jarrah is also my go to sweater. I make the scooped hem version too. I love it. Super fast make and I know it will fit nice. I've made 1 for my daughter as well. My favourite 2 are in alpine fleece and I think your mum had a purple version of the same fabric but mine was navy 😊 your Lyra is gorgeous. The fabric is beautiful.

Hi, it’s just a suggestion but you could use freezer paper to preserve your patterns. Just iron it to the back of the pattern pieces. It could save you having to repurchase patterns. Also, Kate from Pattern emporium has a wonderful video tutorial on using elastic for gathering. I love all your makes this month and I really enjoy your energy and enthusiasm for sewing. Have a wonderful day.

Loved all your makes Ruan and how informative you are regarding whether you sized down your patterns. As a relatively 'newby' to sewing it was helpful to hear that some makes can, occasionally, turn out differently to what was imagined. It was a little bit of a lightbulb moment to be honest, that it can happen to the very best of us, even the Advanced, with the conclusion that it is all part of the sewers journey and I shouldn't take it a failing of mine. Thank you Ruan x

Can't believe the pearls of wisdom I'm spouting this morning 😂

An inspiration for scraps(you might know her already) is: Thoughtful Creativity . About patterns: If i like a pattern i will sew it again again and again . I enjoy seeing same pattern in different fabrics and hacks of same pattern so i am Team Repeat🍀😉

Awesome makes! I love BTPD box, it makes me a better sewist. I am using fabrics I would not have selected but love it once made up! I am now making items with less fabric too, less than recommended! I just returned from vacation and the beach was cold, as it is winter but such a nice break for my soul. I went with 25 girlfriends from college, it was amazing! We rented a huge house that had enough beds for all of us plus a heated pool. We are planning it to be annual. I plan to make each of them something for next time.

I don't make resolutions either. I used to, but it was like daring the rebel in me to break the resolutions.

Those colours really suit you - stunning

I believe we should embrace sewing our favourite patterns more😊 Gorgeous makes!

Ruan - I have three Serious Lights. I have just bought the same one as you but in a single floor style. It’s fabulous for reading, sewing and any other hobby. I love Serious Lights. XxLyn

The Marni looks beautiful x

all your fabrics are so pretty! And I wouldn't be able to pick a favorite from your makes either. 🤷‍♀

Great vlog Ryan. You should be well pleased with yourself . Thank you 🙏

Hi Ruan. I just learnt to gather on the overlocker with a gathering foot. So fast and even. It's a game changer. You'll never go back to the sew a d pull way. My favorite was the Lyra. Beautiful!

Super makes, lovely fabrics too especially the Marnie and the Lyra 😍. Don't have the Jarrah but have made 6 Toasters 😂

That mustard animal print looks so good on you - that is a fab color for you. 🌸 I love the fabric you used for your Lyra. I also usually shy away from fabrics with a lot of brown even though they suit me. But that one is lovely! I have a dress pattern that I've made a lot of as well - the Style Arc Nova Midi Dress. I just LOVE it! It's awesome when we find a pattern that we love that we can get to fit and make in our sleep LOL! 🌸

Perfect wardrobe. But my fav is your Lyra. 👏 for getting the pattern out off 2.5. ✅👍

Fabulous makes Ruan... that Lyra 👌👌💖💖💖

Instead of a fabric loop for a button, I use really thin elastic. It always fits, because it can stretch and because it's not wide, not very noticeable.

Ruan, such beautiful makes! There’s nothing wrong about sewing a TNT. I do it all the time. I like to get my moneys worth from each pattern. 😉❤

Top class as always 🎉. Beautiful makes. As ever a very enjoyable vlog 😅

Fab video Ruan, and lovely makes, I get loads of inspiration from your vlogs, thank you. Would you mind showing the inside of your project book on the next vlog so I can see what information is captured. There are loads to choose from on Amazon but sadly only a few show the inside. Look forward to the next one with your holiday makes, and the sewing room tour 😍.

I do love the jarrah and I've made multiple versions Ruan. I haven't tried the marnie or lyra though. I love that pattern emporium dress and the fabric is stunning. Let's face it, the patterns aren't cheap, so why not make multiple versions. I always enjoy watching your channel so thanks always for your content Ruan. 😊

I do repeat favourite pattern makes too but I honestly think in different fabrics you just don’t even notice……………and if you did, who cares 🤷🏻‍♀️. Love all of your makes, Ruan! ❤

I agree on the sleeve length on the split sleeve Jarrah. I lengthened mine as I would usually do but they came out really long.

The Lyra dress is the biggest hit for me, followed very closely by the Marnie…….both look amazing on you! I just think that the fabric choices for these were perfect.

Totally with you on the Marnie without sleeves with the frills. I decided the other day that I might do that. I line my yokes and double side my frill as I cannot stand the wrong side of the fabric showing

Lovely makes Ruan! They all look great on you but I think the Lyra is my favorite with the beautiful fabric from the TP box 💕 I am a big fan of the Jarrah and have quite a collection😃 I still haven’t made a Marnie but it is now definitely on my list after seeing all your lovely versions!

Great idea using pattern you love again.....great video as your advice re sizing is terrific.

Loved all your makes but I adore that Marnie. I wasn’t a fan when the pattern first came out but I may have to invest in it now. The Lyra… I cut my collar piece and the collar stand piece out of my woven interfacing first and then press that on my fabric and cut. It’s much more precise and has worked for me so far. X

Great vlog as always love the Lyra shirt will have to make one ❤❤

I've made the Lyra and the Jarrah love them both.

Great video. Have you seen Lifting Pins and Needle video about block fusing. Very interesting, she points out how pattern pieces can be changes.

How do I say THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THE SIZING INFORMATION!!❤❤❤ I apologize if you always do this and I am unaware, but this is Crazy Helpful. I lost a bunch of weight from surgery in late 2022 and it has been a sad struggle to replace almost all of my clothes. But the worst part is reprinting patterns. !!!!!! I am just about to the point of trusting my size measurements and watching for that EASE consistently. However, I still measure myself constantly. It's a crazy headgame and I don't want to make ANYMORE SUPER BIG CLOTHES. So, your videos are EXTREMELY helpful. Even tho I am in the US and shop for fabric without major shippingm Don't think I haven't ordered from the Pink Door!!! Irresistible ❤

Such beautiful makes! That Lyra dress is gorgeous on you. That’s my favorite but love all of them! Always enjoy your videos, so lively 🪡👗🧵🥰

love the Soraya Jumper, I haven't got the pattern but you've really inspired me to give it a go 😍

I love the Lyra ...looks amazing on you but all your choices are great..So happy to see your makes.. On to look at the Nova.. I have it ready to go

Hello Ruan, nice to see you again. Pretty pretty pretty makes. You got me with that Soraya Jumper. I will try it. Best Wishes.

Welcome back! Glad you and your family had a wonderful holiday. I’m thinking of going on a little holiday myself. I want some sun and warmer weather 😊. I love your makes. I think the Marnie is my favorite. The fabric is just beautiful and you look amazing in it. I really enjoy it when you go over your makes. You give a lot of insight and review on each pattern. I want to make the Lyra and the Marnie so I made some notes for each one. I love my Serious light. Ordered it last year and it’s great for doing knitting, needlework and coloring. Thank you for sharing! Your friend Diane ❤

I haven't been completing my project record book, either. At least, not properly. It would make life so much easier for me when I need to look back to see what I did, if I had recorded it all. I will try harder. Love that Lyra, really suits you. Why don't you do gathering on your overlocker? Turn the differential up to 2 and it gathers 2:1. Just work out the difference between your tiers to work out the ratio you need. There's nothing wrong with remaking a previously successful pattern. Yes, new patterns/designers patterns are scary!

I love pattern emporium patterns they offer so many options and instructions are great.

I love them all ❤ you have inspired me to get back to stitching xx

Your makes are all lovely, but my goodness.. that Lyra is just fab!

OMGOODNESS I love the Jarren sweater, and the fabric is BEAUTIFUL ❤️❤️❤️

Your Lyra dress looks gorgeous on you, that fabric is lush! I love the Jarrah pattern to just going to make my 3rd x

Top turned out fabulous!!!

Thank you for the QR code for serious reader ,just ordered mine, what a saving saved £100 plus £12.99 delivery charge ,and it arrives in 2 days 👍 love all your blogs and your new Lyra dress the fabric is to die for , cannot wait till beyond the pink door moves here .

Lovely vlog Ruan, inspiring as always. Side note, I shortened the collar stand depth by almost half an inch as found it far too deep. Worked much better and doesn't affect how it fits together ❤😊

My favourite has to be the marnie with the Lyra a close second. Beautiful fabrics from Andrea!

All your makes are fab but that Lyra is my favourite.. love the tweeks you made too ❤

Gorgeous makes Ruan! Your holiday outfits on IG were lovely by the way 🙂 With the Lyra I remember having to do a LOT of easing in for the collar. Pinching each piece to find the middle, matching them up and stretching the pattern piece to fit, several times and pinning loads. I don't know if it's meant to be like that but I did stay stitch so figured it couldn't have stretched out. Who knows, sewing is a mystery sometimes 😂

Loved the Marnie. Also like your selection of photos showing different views and details 💜.

lovely video Ruan!❤. You are the WOMAN to be able to get your Lyra out of that fabric! Amazing.

Thanks for the video Ruan, 'makes' videos are my favourite :) Lovely garments :)

What a treat to wake up to😍 love love your makes as always I’m the same with the Lyra collar never quite right🤨 can’t wait for your holiday makes🎉🎉🎉 Hope you’re having a wonderful day with your ladies well I know you will be! Enjoy xxxx🥰

Great makes Ruan. It’s always good when all your efforts are rewarded by the frequent wearing of the garments

You’re a Beyond the Pink Door fan girl! Great patterns and fabrics. They suit you to a tee!

The Marnie is my favourite as I love that fabric. I don’t have any of those patterns, but have definitely been tempted. Really look forward to your vlogs, love your makes and the way you are yourself on camera. 😊

Great video Ruan, love all your makes ❤ Just ordered a serious reader light, thank you 😊

I have a sewing vlog and I don't use it.😅😅😅 I use a composition notebook that works well for me!

Hi Ruan, I love the Lyra and Pattern Emporium dresses but my favourite make is the Marnie, the fabric is so beautiful. I have made a Jarrah sweatshirt and hated it as I made it true to my size and it’s so boxy it’s awful, I will try another one now though and downsize. I’ve just bought the pattern and fabric for a Lyra, I’m not going to lie I’m a bit scared to start it but I love the style of it. ❤😊

Some great makes Ruan. I keep looking at the Lyra I have been tempted but your recent make is the deciding factor to buy it, for me you version without loads of tiers made it. I really enjoy when sewers make repeat versions of their favourite patterns. Thanks again for the inspiration.

Great video as always and what terrific makes. Your Marnie in that gorgeous fabric is beautiful and I love your Lyra dress.I have both of those fabrics so I am feeling inspired. Have a great day out with Rachel and Tamlyn,I hope that the weather is kind.🌹🌹🌹

I have made 4 lyras and 2 jarrah sweaters. I love 3 of the lyras but one I made out of cotton poplin and I feel like a sailing ship in it so I don’t wear it. May turn it into a shirt. Viscose it my favourite by far for the Lyra. XxLyn

Wonderful makes! I love your Lyra especially! And on the repeating patterns, i can just agree with everyone: make it again and again and again :D

I always enjoy your videos and your makes are great! I find it very helpful that you talk about sizing and particularly about sizing down. Unfortunately for an XS-S lady these patterns are then too big:(

You are getting quite good at this sewing lark aren’t you🤪. You must be so pleased with all those makes. They are all fabulous.

Marnie 😊 thank you for going into detail about sizing, really useful x

Your makes are lovely and yes you need to make those garments you know you are going to wear and using different fabrics and different colors makes them all different in any case. I have only made the Marnie once and want to do that again - I am still thinking about the Jarrah though and whether or not to purchase the pattern.. x

You are a fabulous sewist, your makes are always beautiful. I love the sweater you are wearing.

Love all your makes! That Marnie though has to be my favourite as the pattern and fabric combo gives me proper heart eyes 😍…. I want it 😂 I think I will make it my mission to make one this year! X

Always such a pleasure to watch your vlogs Ruan 🤩

Love your Marnie, it's booootiful! 😂❤That fabric is to die for...

I might revisit the Lyra for my think pink fabric. I got the same colorway. I just thought I would not be able to get it out of 2.5 m.

Thanks for sharing Ruan. 💙🧶🌈🍓

Great makes!!!😊

What a lovely selection of makes Ruan. Thank you. I keep looking at the Marnie and the Lyra but on my size 16 and only being 5ft 1in i wonder if they would be too much.

What a clever bunny you are.

Another great vlog.☺️x

I love all your makes, that marnie fabric is gorgeous, I really want to make the lyra but I'm scared to get the pattern as the bodice block on the indigo just doesn't fit and worried the lyra will be the same xx

ooh fabulous makes vlog! you've got some absolutely beautiful colours there, I especially love the German fabric and the Lyra fabric, they are gorgeous on you. I really need to make the Jarrah, whenever you've mentioned it I think I must get it, this can't go on 😂 I need it! I also need a sewing journal as I can never remember anything once I've sewn it, but then I would probably forget to write in it 🙄. I also have a Lyra in waiting...... love yours!

Fantastic makes 😍

Great makes as always

Ooo you’ve got me thinking…my next make on the list is a Jarrah but the one I have I’m not keen on, I’m wondering if I need to size down. 🤔Thanks for sharing the size information! Lovely vlog and makes, you can’t beat a Lyra 😊

Great video Ruan & your hair looks really glossy. Thank you for your tips & thoughts on all the patterns you have made. I’m not a fan of the Lara, probably as I don’t tend to wear dresses that often, but you have inspired me with the other patters which I will get. I’m off house & dog sitting soon but will definitely look into getting that lamp. ❤

Your top is beautiful!😊

Lovely to see you back. I liked all your makes but especially the Lyra fabric. I was going to complement you on your fabric choices but as you said a lot were from btpd.😆 I’ve bought the Soyaya pattern after seeing yours. I’m on the fence about the Lyra although have seen some lovely versions. I may end up caving at the Stitch festival though! I cut into most of my patterns, which I regret but can’t be a**** with tracing. I wish I could though. 😊

❤❤❤

Loved your makes! I got the Jarrah sweater pattern recently and immediately made 3 😂 I love them but the first I made true to the sizing I should be on the pattern and also extended it a bit and it’s enormous but it’s ok because I kind of like it as a very loose jumper dress (I’m very short) 😅 the other two I sized down considerably and fit perfectly. I am also a Lyra addict, I’ve made 4 so far and will probably make more although I’ve got the Megan Nielsen Matilda shirt dress as well and keep imagining a mash up 🧐

All your makes are beautiful Ruan. The Lyra really stands out. I think I still have that fabric. Appreciate you sharing how you managed to squeeze so much out of the 2.5 meters. Also appreciate your discussion of the too long collar stand. I have had a couple Cashmerette makes now that have actually fit. Used exactly the same sizing on another of their patterns and it's too big :(. Had a think about gathering the neckband and the armbands to bring them in and then put bias binding over it. Reasonable strategy or bonkers? What do you think? The rest of the shirt fits well...aka over my mid section :). xx Karen

Christine from Christine Sews a Lot has a tutorial, I believe, on how,to gather with your serger. A couple of people have tried it and says it works well. Love the fabric in your Lyra. Is the Lyra on the waist or empire?😊

Really love the first top in mustard knit print…could you say what fibre that knit is made from? Wondering if it is a poly or a natural fibre. Thanks.

😍😍😍😍

Great video Ruan (as always). I'm so pleased you talked about the Lyra as I've got the pattern and have been putting it off because I was wondering about the fit. I'm only 5'4"/5" but I often find with RTW there's not enough length nape to waist (and I like stuff on my actual waist). I'm a 12 but have DD bust so it's hard sometimes getting stuff that doesn't gape RTW. How is the dress boobs wise? Do you think I'd be OK sizing down 2 sizes or maybe just the 1 for the top (I don't want it mahoosive on the shoulders , etc)? Thanks in advance xxxx

How do you ever know how far down in size??? Especially if no one has made before?😮

You could, if you have any scraps, make cuffs for the sleeves on your mustard jumper? Easy fix when sleeves aren't quite long enough 😊 Ask me how I know... Comment written before you said you'd mislaid your scraps 🤦‍♀️

What about putting a cuff on the soraya

Could you let us know how much fabric each pattern needs please. Just a rough estimate as I know size affects it.

Here’s an admission! I don’t have either the jarrah or the Lyra. Do I need treatment?