Two new projects that have me really loving my new sewing machine aren’t actually quilts, but shirts. The first, in a lovely Liberty lawn, is from Christine Haynes’ Chic and Simple Sewing. This was actually the first time in my life that I made a muslin (or in regular-speak, a practice shirt to check the fit) simply because I love the liberty lawn fabric far too much to cut into it without a lot of thought. The first draft was in left-over quilting cotton and is therefore far too smock-like. With the lawn it’s a lovely floaty shirt that I’m wearing regularly to work. (Pattern for the Back to School Shift dress shortened to low-hip).

The next shirt is a Scout Woven Tee from Grainline Studios. This is actually the muslin, made from left-over fabric from Fraser’s quilt (men’s shirting). It’s a 6, but I graded down to the size 4 under the armholes (I had to take in my French seams for a more flattering fit). I also added two inches in length to make sure there’s never a gap between it and my jeans – the pattern is on the short side for anyone with a long torso. But aside from the length which is easily adjusted, it’s a brilliant pattern and I love the bias used to finish the neckline. This version is a bit too boxy, although improved by the cardi I think, but I suspect that a version in the Liberty Lawn will have a more flattering drape.

I’ve also made a few more pairs of the Liberty knickers, similar to these (photo not supplied for obvious reasons). One pair was shipped off to Jen – I can take requests but only if your hip measurements are the same as mine. I love these, although now that I’ve put the word knickers on the site I’m waiting for the avalanche of soft-porn spam…

And my iron is broken – not able to produce steam. The lawn irons like a dream even without steam but the shirting is really struggling. I’ve a £50 gift certificate for John Lewis that was earmarked for more exciting things but a new iron it is… Any recommendations?