[Pattern Test with Gifted fabric] By Hand London Jenna

So a very exciting thing happened, I applied to be a pattern tester for By Hand London and they picked me to be on their team of testers among some very talented sewists. This was my first time pattern testing and I fell in love as soon as I saw the pattern. She’s called Jenna and she is a little bit 90s, a little bit 60s and very classy. There are two versions and one has a high neck and Peter Pan collar – I’ll be honest that one is a bit of me. But I wanted to try something new this time so opted for the square neck, and was seduced by those tie sleeves. I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. I took the neckline up very slightly, maybe 1.5cm, because low necklines don’t look good on me, and I LOVE the result, way more flattering than I expected especially with the bias cut skirt.

And now to talk about THAT fabric. Yes you recognise it correctly it’s ex- Kate Moss for Topshop from my fave people at New Craft House. They ever so kindly gifted me this fabric for the pattern test. When I heard they were going to supply me with fabric I knew exactly what I wanted. The pairing of this fabric with the Jenna made all my teenage dreams come true as at the time I always lusted after the Kate Moss for Topshop dresses but couldn’t afford one. I also thought they were too short. And also heard they shrunk in the wash. So I was able to change all of those things, avoiding a bum-skimming hem and pre-washing my fabric.

So grateful to By Hand London and New Craft House for making this happen and essentially pushing me out of my high neck, Rifle Paper Co comfort zone! I can see more Jenna’s in my future, especially the Peter Pan version in Autumn.