Tops, blouses and shirts

Love Sewing and Lottie Blouses

Ooh so it’s probably time to say it. If you aren’t already aware, I’m the new Editor of Love Sewing magazine. EEK! It’s a UK-based magazine based in the North of the country, available from most major supermarkets and WHSmiths, plus it sells internationally via moremags.com and is even exported for sale in Australia.

Basically this is the culmination of 10 years of professional effort and 5 years of sewing experience. I never really mentioned work on the blog before but I’m happy to change that for a good reason.

LS18 cover

I’ve been in the role three months now and it’s still amazing to be able to be able to talk about sewing on a daily basis. I’ve produced two issues in that time and I’m slowly putting my stamp on the magazine: It’s always strange taking over a title from another Editor as they’ve lined things up for either a few weeks or a few months and you need to work around what’s already in motion. I’ve had an amazing amount of support and well wishes from everyone which has warmed my heart – so thank you to everyone who gave my magazine a chance and those of you sitting out there, sending me your best. It means a lot.

There are some people who have voiced concerned I haven’t been sewing long enough to manage a sewing magazine and if you fall into that category then I’m sorry you feel that way and I might not be able to convince you otherwise. But sewing experience is only one side of running a successful magazine and I honestly believe it’s better to have an Editor in charge who is experienced with both publishing and sewing. And to offset what I don’t know in sewing, I’m very fortunate to work with experienced and talented industry experts! I’d definitely be terrified by someone who claimed to know everything.

Either way, I hope you pick up a copy and like what you see, and it makes you want to pick up another!

Onto actual sewing now. In issue 18, my second issue, the lovely Charlie of This Blog Isn’t For You wrote a hack for turning the Simple Sew Lottie blouse into a button up pussy bow and I just had to try it out! I mean she is queen of the Lottie hack!! A pic of Charlie’s version is below:

lottie

First up I made this apple print crepe de chine version using fabric from Regency Rags (who reeeeeally need to get their webshop back up and running so I don’t have to use the eBay shop anymore). It’s only a little polyester feeling and a pretty nice weight, plus it’s only £2.99 a metre.

apples crepe de chine

DSCF8349

Then I thought I’d try the button up but without the bow tie! Crazy I know. But look at this pretty floral crepe from Abakhan Fabrics in Manchester. I think you all know about their crazy bins of fabric remnants where you pay by weight not length. This was £2.50 for a 1.2m piece. The flowers are so stunning and it’s actually navy blue not, black like it looks in the pics.

20150911_201419-1 DSCF8371

Side note. This photo was taken the day before I got poorly with a sinus infection! I felt like I looked weird somehow but couldn’t put my finger on it. Maybe that’s an early germ detection system?

It was a worthwhile experiment, though I think the button up either needs to be higher or lower for this version. I’ll wear it a lot though because of the print and it looks great with a cardigan which makes me wish I’d had enough fabric to add sleeves.

So there you go, short and sweet. What do you think of my tops? Did you see the hack in the latest issue? And I’d love to know if you vote that I use a lower or higher neckline if I make the button up with no bow version again? I love hearing from you!!

(31) Comments

  1. Swirlyicing says:

    Mmmm! Will have to give this a go. I like it x

  2. kpcsewing says:

    Congratulations on your new position. Sewing experience is important to edit a sewing magazine, you may not have the years, but you have the quality. I know sewers who have been sewing since before you were born, yet their skills are still at the advanced beginner stage.

    The blouses are lovely, I live in the US, but will look for the magazine online.

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks so much! It’s good to know that people can see the effort I’ve put in to improve my sewing skills over the short time I’ve been sewing. I may have plenty more to learn but I’m always ready for the challenge.
      We have an ipad version of the magazine but the pattern downloads aren’t currently available. That’s my plan for Jan! Help overseas readers get full access to everything!!

  3. These blouses are really pretty!
    Congratulations on your position as editor, what a great opportunity!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks so much! It’s been a whirlwind

  4. I really like both blouses, the fabrics are gorgeous! Personally I’d go for a lower neck on the second version, it doesn’t have to be a total plunge, maybe the distance of one more button? It’s still lovely as it is, I bet you wear it a lot!
    Keep up the excellent work on Love Sewing Amy! x

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I think you’re right, one less button might just make it feel a bit more normal to wear. And thanks for your support on Love Sewing!

  5. Congrats again! I’m so happy that someone from the sewing/blogging community is editor of a sewing magazine, that’s the best we can get 🙂 Your blouses are so cute…I think need to make another sleeveless one now…

    1. almondrock says:

      Hehe you’re addicted to Lottie! And thanks for your support on the magazine. It means a lot

  6. Mary Danielson Perry says:

    Absolutely gorgeous, Amy! That navy floral fabric is to-die-for and they’re both so, so chic on you.

    Also, another hearty congratulations on your editorship! Though we’re in a sewing magazine desert, in the US, I’ve loved seeing all the Love Sewing projects and photos pop up on Instagram. It looks like a sensational magazine. Good to know about MoreMags! I sense a few back issues being ordered soon…

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks so much! I have had a few queries about a US stockist and am trying to follow them up with our sales teams. I’m also looking into making the ipad version as good as possible with pdf downloads of everything.
      And I WISH there had been a massive remnant for that floral. I would have bought it all heheh

  7. Hi Amy, I love both versions of the Lottie (I have yet to make my first but I do love to see everyone else’s versions) and I will be trying Regency Rags with such bargains. I like the neckline on the non-bow version and I would probably lower it a little rather than raise it, but that is my personal style. Can’t wait for the next issue. Holly x

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks Holly! Lowering does seem the way to go. Regency Rags have some brilliant bargains, just no combined shipping on ebay (it’s still worth it). Thanks for your support on the mag too!

  8. bimbleandpimble says:

    Looking rad, lady! Loving the second version more but that is simply due to my aversion of pussy bows.

    Congrats again on your new job- sounds tops! 😀

    1. almondrock says:

      Aversion to pussy bows! Nooo. You should try Lottie. She’s currently free with our sister mag sold in Coles. But be warned the Australian version isn’t really a dressmaking mag.

      Thanks for the congratulations!

  9. Whoever voiced concerns clearly need their heads knocking together! It’s not about number of years sewing, it’s the total package – and you are that! So go forth and conquer my lovely!

    1. almondrock says:

      You are such a good friend and very wise 😉 thank you very much

  10. These are so cute! I can see you looking great in a slightly lower neckline, but I really think these look nice. And congrats on the new gig! It’s so exciting!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks so much! I think you’re right about lower. No need to be too modest! 😉

  11. I love that floral and the apples are cute too – good old Regency Rags!

    1. almondrock says:

      Thank you! I don’t know how they find all these amazing prints!

  12. Congratulations on your job. I did pick up a copy of the magazine before I went on holiday and it was great to see a dressmaking emphasis- yay for you!! Really cute tops, the style is very you. I think a high neck version would look lovely in something sheer with a cami under it, or a lower neck version in a summery fabric.

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks for your support! Knowing who my readers are is really important to me. I like your idea of a sheer version too!!

  13. I’ve loved seeing the changes to the magazine and am looking forward to seeing what else you have planned! Take no notice of ridiculous online criticism, you were chosen for the job because you are well qualified & have lots to bring to the magazine.

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks for your support! I know people can easily judge and maybe I’ll even win them over, who knows. Glad to know I have you as a reader

  14. You so deserve that position and I for one am behind you all the way.! how very dare they!!
    I am loving the wonderful freshnew look layouts I see emerging too
    You go girl!
    best Ashley
    Ps lottie is looking good hacked or not.

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks so much Ashley! Your support is important to me.

  15. Congratulations again! You deserve it! Wishing you every success.

    1. almondrock says:

      Thanks so much! It means a lot

  16. Ignore the haters – I think it’s brilliant that you’re editor of Love Sewing! Well done! 🙂

  17. Congrats on your job. It would definitely be a lot more than just sewing to get you there.

    I love the hack you’ve done with the bow.

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