PATTERN REVIEW - The Fielder by Merchant & Mills

MADE by HARRIET  |  WRITTEN by HARRIET

Harriet is one of our lovely local customers who regularly pops in to browse our huge range of indy sewing patterns and fabric. She also happens to be a very talented seamstress who loves sharing her knowledge!

ABOUT HARRIET

I have been sewing since I was a small girl, taught by my Mum, with input from my aunt, who made me outfits from the original Clothkits. I still remember the thrill I felt the first time someone admired a skirt I had made and shopping trips with Mum to Liberty’s in London. I got my first sewing machine as a 21st birthday present.

Later, while my friends were studying hard, I was making ball dresses for the annual Medics Ball at University. For many years, a busy job as a GP combined with bringing up 3 sons meant that sewing took a back seat, but I am delighted to say that I now have more time and over the last few years my love of sewing has been re-ignited. I love the mindfulness of following a pattern and the creativity of choosing fabrics and altering patterns and garments. I sew at home, at a weekly sewing school and with friends one evening a week and love the challenge, satisfaction and fun that it brings. 

ABOUT THE FIELDER

The Fielder pattern includes a dress and top and is based on a traditional sweatshirt, featuring three quarter length raglan sleeves and inseam side pockets. It comes in sizes UK8-18 and UK20-28, and we also sell a complete dressmaking kit which includes everything you need to make the Fielder Top.

THE REVIEW

For the first version I used gorgeous Navy Stonewashed Linen from Clothkits, edged in Merchant and Mills Clementine Dip ribbing. I made the sleeves full length, rather than the 3/4 length in the pattern as the fabric is fairly heavy weight and I think has more of a sweatshirt look.

The pattern is easy to follow and straightforward to make, using either French seams or seams simply finished on the overlocker (or zig-zag). It came together well and the fabric is lovely and stable to sew.

The second version is made from linen, edged in Merchant and Mills Ice Cream ribbing and is lighter weight and more summery. I love them both!