Blog 2026

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Online Fashion and Design since 1995! - See About Angela Kane

All Sewing Patterns Included with Sewing Pattern Membership

I'm Not a Great Knitter!

I joined a local sewing and craft group recently and the easiest thing to take along is knitting. So I searched through my ancient collection of knitting wools and came across this fabulous sock yarn. I can't remember buying it but it looked inviting -

This is the yarn - Regia Cotton India Color 4307 Rajastan - 41% wool, 34% cotton, 25% polyamide - but unfortunatly it has been discontinued. This is very similar though - Regia Cotton Sock Yarn 4 ply

The Scarf - Method

Using 4mm needles, cast on 45 stitches. This size of needle gives a relatively loose stitch. Slip the first stitch of every row knit-wise for a firm edge. Continue in garter stitch (knit every row) until long enough and cast off - so simple.

The Shawl/Scarf - Method

Again using 4mm needles, cast on 3 stitches. On every row, slip the first stitch knit-wise, then increase by kniting the next stitch knit-wise first and then knit again into the back of the same stitch before you slip the stitch off the needle. Knit to the second to last stitch and increase in the same way, knit the last stitch. Keep repeating the increase on both ends of every row. Once you have too many stitches for comfort on your needles, knit the next row on to a circular needle. Continue until you think it is wide or deep enough. It is difficult to judge. I stopped at about 85 rows with 170 or so stitches. Cast off.

Crochet edging - Do a simple crochet stitch all the way around. First round - Start with a slip stitch on your hook then hook a loop through the knitted edge, then take a slip stitch through the two stitches on your hook. Do this on every each stitch and each row of your knitting.

Second round - Take a chain through then make three chain and back through the original stitch, then move to the next stitch, all the way around.

You will find this gives quite a frilly edge and the shawl takes on a rather intereting curved shape.

Many of you will be much more experienced with knitting and crochet. I hope I have explained the method well enough!

 

Knitting Basics for Beginners

October 2026

I'm looking forward to sewing this combination for autumn.

*If you make up 801 in winter fabrics, lower the armhole a little to allow for wearing over a shirt - Add a lining just by duplicating the main pieces - I will be adding this option to the pattern. I will also be working on a sew along soon.

Sew a Waistband with Petersham Stiffening

Easy Method

Easy Fit Casual Trousers

The perfect combination with the Sleeveless Button Through Waistcoat Style. This comfortable twosome will work well for autummn dressing. I am planning to make both patterns in corduroy or needlecord soon. That may be two more sew alongs if I get myself organised!

September 2026

Sleeveless Button Through Waistcoat Style

I have been so busy making versions of this for myself, I've only just got around to getting the pattern ready for publication. Linen is my favourite fabric at the moment, of course because of the extreme weather we have all been experiencing, but this pattern will make up in a variety of cloth for your all year round easy everyday style.

I used up fabric left over from the Shirtwaister Dress. This is cotton chambray - tropical leaves - from Croftmill - see my Sewing Supplies Page.

Watch the Easy to Make Walk-Through

August 2026

Jersey Sewing Patterns
*these are 1st phase heritage patterns
hence the £2 price tag!

Sewing jersey is easy because fit is not such a problem and the fabric moulds around the body so you don't have to rely on darts for your shaping. Many sewers think they will only achieve success if they use an overlocker (serger). I will show you in my videos that in many ways it is better to use a regular sewing machine.

You will find a host of useful videos showing you how best to sew jersey. As well as the patterns featured here, I have designed a comprehensive range of jersey designs for you to try, many of them still priced at £2 - Visit my Sewing Jersey page.

Shirft Dress - Flare Dress - Ra Ra Dress - Leggings - Vests - Sweatshirt

Coats for Summer
Only £2 for the Roll Collar Coat and the Yoked and Gathered Coat!

Roll Collar Coat - Shawl Collar Coat - Yoked and Gathered Coat - Summer Coat

This collection includes two from my First Phase range of Heritage Patterns. Why are they priced at only £2? When I started out with publishing my PDF patterns, they were 'net' patterns which means no seam allowance. Most designers work with net patterns. Also I was not offering cutting out layouts or fabric recommendations at that time. I was overwhelmed with requests for a more commercial style of pattern so after a couple of years I changed the format. My intention is to update these early patterns but while I'm busy creating new designs, these original designs are still available for £2. They are great simple classics at a bargain price. All my patterns are of course available to you if you pay as a Full Member.

Frock Coat - Raglan Sleeve Jacket - Panel Jacket - Boxy Jacket - Soft Tailored Jacket

These five jacket patterns give you the basis for so many different designs - raglan sleeves, set-in sleeves, welt pockets, patch pockets, in-seam pockets, classic rever collar, high collar, collarless rever, just collarless, classic cut, panel princess line cut, one piece sleeve, two piece sleeve. Use your imagination with different fabrics and your wardrobe options are endless. Who needs more jacket patterns?

May 2026

Pencil Skirts are Big News

I am currently busy making Pencil Skirts - They are so great for every day. Make them a little longer I think for an up to date look

April 2026

January 2026

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