Merchant and Mills Workbook Review

I love a closet full of posies blog - she always seems to make effortlessly stylish clothes. Recently some of the comments talked about the new Merchant and Mills book - so obviously I had to google it and after a little deliberation (roughly 5 minutes) I decided that I would buy it. Participating in me made May has taught me that I do need some simple non- patterned makes in my me made wardrobe. I have always liked the Merchant and Mills patterns they are unfussy and stylish but for some reason I had never purchased one.

  This is not just a sewing book it is a thing of beauty, a work of art even. I think that if you didn't have the slightest bit of interest in sewing you could pick this book up and appreciate the photography, layout, and over all put togetherness of this book.

It comes with 6 patterns on sheets that you need to trace off  (and occasionally add bits to). All of the patterns (except one) have at least one variation. The patterns are all typical Merchant and Mills patterns ie utilitarian, non fussy but stylish I don't want to show too many shots of the inside as I would hate to spoil it for anyone thinking of ordering the book - but take my word for it the photography is amazing.

  This is not really a beginners sewing book - if you have never sewn before then this is probably not the best book for you to start with (they have produced two other sewing books that I think guide you through the basics). If you have some sewing knowledge than this book will take you through simple projects (like the bantam vest) through to more complex garments such as the stride trousers (and shorts) or the Hazelmere Jacket.

  I decided that I would start with the Bantam vest - it has a racer/boxer type back, usually I steer clear of anything like this as I hate to have bra straps showing - and no way am I ever going without!! The photos of this garment (and all of the others) just make it look gorgeous and floaty - great dressed up or down.  So I thought I would give it a go (I can always buy one of those multiway bras!). I used a 100% cotton Ikea duvet cover that I picked up from a charity shop! (I already turned the pillow cases into my pom pom scarf), the fabric has quite an open weave I think making it a bit like a double gauze so perfect for a floaty sleeveless summer top!

  Merchant and Mills patterns are a little different from other patterns I have used but once I worked out what the symbols were on the pattern sheet (it mostly explains them in the book) and after I googled Merchant and Mills pattern sizing (it only gives finished dimensions in the book and I am not used to judging my pattern size on this) I was ready to go. This pattern is simple and easy and the book takes you through it, the only thing I did differently was to apply the bias binding not in a pre made loop as I found it was too long to do it the way the book suggested. It was generally a quick make with few issues.

  I am very pleased with the result - I think this vest can look quite different depending on what material you use and what you pair it with, I really like the high front and lower back hemline. I have been wearing it all day and am already thinking of what other versions I could make!

  I have dressed it up with my denim Maude skirt (yet to be blogged!) and summer clogs:

Lovin' the sunshine this half term!

  We went on a picnic later on in the day - so perfect to try it out dressed down:

Front

Back

High front, low back hemline adds interest.

  As for the other garments - I am desparate to give all of them a go plus the variations - I just need to start saving up for the copious amounts of linen that I want to make them all out of! (Seriously if anyone knows a good quality but fairly inexpensive linen source please let me know!!). It is hard to tell how good the instructions are for the more complex garments without making them - from reading them through they seem to take you through the making process in a logical way.

  Would I recommend this book? - yes - even if I had not made anything from it, it is a beautiful book with a good amount of information on various techniques - I have learnt a lot from just glancing through it (bear in mind though that I am not an experienced sewist). If you have a little sewing knowledge, like the style of the Merchant and Mills patterns and you are OK about having a few good quality patterns rather than lots and lots in different styles (some of which you would never make) then this book is for you! If you like flouncy frilly brightly patterned garments then this book may not be the one (although there is no reason why these patterns could not be made up in bold prints - It would give them a whole different look).

  I hope anyone on half term is having fun! - I can't believe we are already half way through the week, time just goes by too quickly!

  Thanks for stopping by!

             Su xx