Learn how to make a custom-fit, multi-way wrap around dress with Portia Lawrie’s DIY wrap dress pattern tutorial
Author: Portia Lawrie
Portia Lawrie
Essex maker, blogger and creator of The Refashioners, Portia sews, knits and has been a regular contributor to Simply Sewing magazine since it launched in 20015. She’s been writing her blog Makery (formerly Miss P) since 2009 and founded The Refashioners challenge, calling on bloggers to refashion a garment to highlight how cool, creative and ecologically sound refashioning old garments actually is. Portia’s sewing super power is creating easy-to-sew, accessible-for-all garments for Simply Sewing magazine, often with no pattern needed so the maker can draft them to their own measurements. She lists family, hazelnut lattes, Indian food and singing into hairbrushes as her loves. Find her on Instagram @portialawrie.
Make a stylish button-up midi skirt with this guide from Portia Lawrie – no pattern required!
In a world where the sustainability of our clothes is becoming an increasingly urgent issue we need practical solutions
Remember those ‘jeans and a nice top’ events? Meet your new fave go-to for easy style with Portia Lawrie’s patternless peplum top.
Twist it, drape it, tie it… make one infinity dress, then enjoy countless ways to wear it! Portia Lawrie shows you how to sew a convertible infinity dress
Make beautiful gatherings in your clothing with shirring! Learn how to sew shirring and make your own gorgeous shirred dress.
Stitch up your own swishy circle cape with this tweed cape tutorial by Portia Lawrie.
Looking for a new winter coat pattern to make? This beautiful long coat pattern designed by Portia Lawrie has a stylish waterfall shape. This is a great garment to sew when the weather starts to turn colder! You can make it in your favourite colour too. There are also lots of ways that you can adapt this pattern to suit your personal style. Add patch pockets, in-seam pockets or a long tie belt so you can cinch in the waist of your jacket if desired. You can also vary the depth of the waterfall by changing the 45cm point marked…
The pencil skirt pattern is a real winter wardrobe staple – and this free project is also great for the environment because it doesn’t use new fabric. In this tutorial, you’ll learn how to make your own unique garment using Portia Lawrie’s pencil skirt pattern – and it’s free! “Ahh, the ubiquitous man’s jumper, readily available from the wardrobes of your menfolk or the rails of charity shops,” says designer Portia Lawrie. “Often in luxury yarns like cashmere. Oh yes! Who wouldn’t want to get cosy in a stretchy cashmere pencil skirt now that the temperature is dropping?” she adds.…
Feeling inspired by the creative transformations on the Great British Sewing Bee? This beautiful sun top pattern is a great way to turn an old sarong into a summery top! It fits loosely, so it’ll help you to stay cool and comfortable on hot summer days. Designer Portia says: “What’s great about sarongs in refashioning terms is that they are flat panels of fabric – no seams, darts, collars or such like to work around. This project combines a beach staple with a grown-up take on that children’s classic, the pillowcase dress. It’s quick and straightforward to make, and, thanks…