Make 9 sewing Plans 2022
My Make 9 Plans 2022 Nine focused sewing plans for 2022 Maeve Fanning Well we are a full month into the year already, thankfully January is over - its the longest month of the year IMO. Spring is on its way and its a good time to get planning for the year. These 9...
My sewing Life
My Sewing Life The next part of my sewing journey Maeve Fanning I’m back - I’m sure you are asking yourself - was yer wan away?? It's taken over 6 months and I have been busy so hadn't time or energy to do anything with this website except let it sit. After a nice...
A Pattern review by a special guest
Pattern and Fabric Review by Joanna / Joannasfeelingcrafty ROBINSON TROUSERS – PATTERN REVIEW by Joanna The Robinson Trousers by Ensemble Patterns have been on my radar for a while. They are just perfect combination of stylish and comfy. And I’m all about the...
The Sagebrush Top by The Friday Pattern Company
Dress Fabrics Guest Blogger: Welcome Fionnuala Sewing a Sagebrush Top - A Review Sagebrush Top by Friday Pattern Company The pattern is easy to follow although I made some changes. I did a forward shoulder adjustment which I really did not need...
Guest Blogger – Bernie, a sewing story.
Dress Fabrics Guest Blogger: Bernie This is my first blogg! I read some of the bloggs on Maeve’s site and it was lovely to read about how many of you learned sewing skills from your Mam. The only thing I helped my mam sew was the carcase of a chicken with a...
Guest Blog – Rachael makes the Avery leggings with our Sports Lycra
Hi, Rachael here of @thefrenchseams on Instagram. I am delighted to be writing this for Maeve and the DressFabrics blog. I learnt to sew from my Mum when I was little but it was only when we bought our house that I took out the sewing machine to hem curtains. I...
June 2020 Shop Update
June 2020 Shop Update Maeve Fanning Hey everyone. This is a gentle reminder of our situation at present.* My priority is my family and getting your online orders ready to ship within 24 hours when possible.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀* I've had a good many calls recently to know...
My February Sewing Projects – some of the things I sewed last month
My February Sewing Projects Here are my thoughts on some of the things I sewed last month Maeve Fanning I've uploaded a video (vlog) to my Youtube Channel about my sewing in February this year. I felt I made more things this month but I only have this one outfit...
My Handmade Wardrobe Plans for a Camino Trip
My Handmade Wardrobe Plans for a Camino Trip How I used the #greatmodulesewalong to sew my Camino Wardrobe Maeve Fanning The Great Module Sewalong is a challenge on Instagram to help build a capsule wardrobe. I realised while I was watching Carla and Whitney's...
Sewing Progress – January 2020 and #make3in3
Sewing Progress - January 2020 Sewing my handmade wardrobe and #make3in3 progress for January Maeve Fanning Here is my January Update on my #make3in3 - There is a link to the Video at the end. 1. The Ash Jeans are completed used a Dark Indigo Stretch 11 oz...
2020 Sewing Plans and thoughts.
I’ve uploaded a video (vlog) to my Youtube Channel about my sewing plans for the next 3 months.
Basically I’ve 3 main projects I hope to sew up over the first 3 months of the year.
Amanda – Sewing a velvet dress
Dress Fabrics Guest Blogger: Amanda Sewing a Velvet Dress Hello fellow creators! I’m Amanda from DerivingMommyhood and I have a fun project to share with you. When Maeve posted her newest stretch velvets, I immediately fell in love with the plum colorway. I mean,...
The Iconic Bomber – Maeve’s Style
The Iconic Bomber Maeve's Version of this new Irish Designed Pattern Maeve Fanning With the onset of Autumn I've embarked on a coat and jacket making series. First up is the Iconic Bomber Jacket - a pattern designed by an Irish Woman. At a recent Open Day...
The Ultimate Floral Trousers by Louise our Guestblogger
Dress Fabrics Guest Blogger: Louise The Ultimate Floral Trousers This is my second blog for Dressfabrics and this time I used a gorgeous floral stretch cotton sateen to make the Sew Over It Ultimate trousers. This was a perfect fabric and pattern combination. When...
Amanda our Guest Blogger makes a floral linen baby dress
Dress Fabrics Guest Blogger: Amanda Sewing for my Baby Hi, it’s Amanda from Deriving Mommyhood here to share some amazing linen that Maeve has available (NB this particular fabric has sold out but we have lots of other lovely linens- Maeve). She sent me some...
Summer Open Weekend
Summer Open Weekend Saturday, July 13th 10am - 4pm Sunday July 14th 11am - 3pm. Maeve Fanning Come and join us for our Summer Open Weekend. It’s going to be great fun, with loads of other like-minded sewists you can chat to about your favourite fabrics and...
Guest Blogger – Charlotte
A big welcome to Charlotte our latest guest blogger at Dress Fabrics.
Guest Blogger – Sarah
Sarah makes a gorgeous romper for her littlest girl for our latest Guest Blogger Post.
Spring Open Days 2019
Spring Open Days Saturday, April 6th 10 am to 5 pm. Sunday, April 7th 12 pm to 3 pm. Maeve Fanning Come and join us for our Spring Open Days. It’s going to be great fun, with loads of other like-minded sewists you can chat to about your favourite fabrics...
Guest Blogger – Shelley
I choose the Oslo coat pattern which I bought online in pdf form from www.tessuti-shop.com
Guest Blogger – Grainne
Hi, Grainne here! I’m going to share my first make as part of the blogging team for Maeve at Dressfabrics.
Viscose Fabrics
What is Viscose Fabric????
I describe Woven Viscose Fabric in this blog post with s series of descriptive videos.
Introducing Amanda – Guest Blogger
Hi, Amanda from Deriving Mommyhood to share my latest make for my husband!
Welcome Louise – Guest Blogger
Meet Louise , Guest Blogger for Dress Fabrics. Louise has hacked the the By Hand London Holly trousers pattern to make these amazing culottes.
Choosing the right Interfacing For Your Project
I had a really good question in our Facebook Group this week about interfacing. So here is a Description of Interfacing Types & How to use them.
Mind yourself now with sewing
Mind yourself now with sewing How sewing can be a form of self care Maeve Fanning We are coming into a time of year where lots of people go into overdrive forcing yourself to get ready for the festivities: parties, extra shopping, work overloads, money worries...
Building a Local Sewing Community
Building a Local Sewing Community How to meet up with other sewists in your area Maeve Fanning Sewing is a lovely mindful craft but sometimes it would be nice to meet up with real people and chat about your hobby, discuss the latest pattern that's all the rage...
Tried and Tested Sewing Patterns (TNT’s)
Tried and Tested Patterns Why you would make the same pattern over and over. Maeve Fanning There are many reasons for using the same patterns time and time again. You might hit the perfect fit on dress, use a t shirt pattern to make a shelf full of everyday...
Choosing the right fabric for the job.
Choosing Fabric For Your Project A Description of Fabric Types & How to Sew Tips Maeve Fanning When I started out sewing for myself in my 30's (such a long time ago now ), it took me a while to figure out what fabrics to use for certain pieces. As well as...
Autumn Open Day 2018
Autumn Open Day Saturday, October 13th from 10 am to 4 pm. Maeve Fanning Come and join us for our Autumn Open Day. It’s going to be great fun, with loads of other like-minded sewists you can chat to about your favourite fabrics and patterns for the winter......
Making Clothes for my pre-teen and teen boys. Where I find sewing patterns for children.
Making Clothes for my pre-teen and teen boys. Where I find sewing patterns for children. Maeve Fanning You might ask - Why would I spend my precious time making clothes for kids when you can pick up jeans, sweatpants and t shirts in any of our retail shops for...
Positive Body Image
Positive Body Image Why we make our own clothes Maeve Fanning A lot of people get into sewing and making their own clothes because they can't find well-fitting clothes in regular shops (RTW). I've written a blog post about why I got into sewing clothes for myself and...
How I got into Sewing?
How I got into sewing Maeve Fanning I first learned to sew when I was in National School, my first garment was a red wool skirt I made in 6th Class (age 12) from a remnant my mother picked up somewhere. Mammy had a sewing machine so I badgered her to show me how to...
Our Summer Garden Party – 28th July
You are all very welcome to our Summer Garden Party on Saturday 28th July. Come and see all of our fabrics some of which are not yet online and our increasing selection of haberdashery supplies. I’ve been saving our summer collection of high-quality, ex-designer...
Me Made May 2018
Me Made May 2018 Its that time of the year again and time to dust off the woolly winter coats (at last) and participate in this long running challenge in the sewing community. Spring is definitely here after the longest winter ever so its a good opportunity to go...
Spring Open Day – Saturday 24th March 10am – 4pm
Open Day Saturday 24th March 2018 10am - 4pm Saturday We are opening our doors and welcoming you all in to see our new spring / summer collection. We have loads of beautiful florals and bright colours just arriving as well as our ever expanding selection of standard...
Preparation of your fabrics before you sew and a few other tips..
Preparation of your fabrics before you sew: Prewash at the recommended temperature which will be the wash cycle that you will use for all future washes of the garment. Iron at the recommended temperature to remove all creases and foldlines. Cut out your pattern and...
My Winter Sewing Progress at Dress Fabrics HQ
Winter Sewing Progress There's been a moderately productive few months of sewing recently. I went back to Grafton Academy for a day a week between Halloween and Christmas and had a few projects earmarked for that. I also made a few other basics that were needed in my...
Seasons Greetings 2017
Seasons Greetings to you all and thank you for all your custom this year - it's been another great year and that's down to you - my lovely loyal customers. Our range of fabrics is constantly expanding and we plan to introduce more fabrics and supplies in 2018....
Pants – Making Trousers
Making Trousers Ideas, patterns, fabrics and inspiration to make your own! Maeve Fanning With the days getting cooler and shorter it might be time to pull out the long pants! If you are ready to try and make a few pairs of your own here are a few ideas of patterns and...
Open Day Saturday 9th September!
Open Day Saturday 9th September 2017 10am - 4pm Saturday Only We are opening our doors again and having an open day on Saturday 9th September. You are all welcome to view and have first dibs on our latest stash of designer remnants. We have 70+ new pieces just arrived...
Summer 2017 at Dress fabrics
First of all - a Big thank you to all who supported our summer sale. We understand it's not the perfect time of year to be stockpiling fabrics as theres so many other distractions and expenses with kids off school and holidays so a big thanks. We have had a few short...
Our Big Summer Sale is now on at dressfabrics.ie
Our Big Summer Sale is now on - there is up to 50% off over 150 selected fabrics. Find all our SALE FABRICS here... Most of the ex designer fabrics are on sale and all of our remnants are 50% off. We have a huge selection to kick start your autumn sewing! Find them...
Summer Sewing at Dress Fabrics
Summer Sewing at Dress Fabrics Its summer already!! Since our sewing classes have finished up for the term I've been catching up on sewing some clothing for myself - both to practise the skills I've learned at The Grafton Academy and to replenish my wardrobe (since I...
Spring Summer 2017 Open Weekend
Spring Summer 2017 Open Weekend 6th & 7th May 2017 You are all invited to our Spring /Summer Open Weekend, the shop is bulging at the seams so it's the perfect time to showcase our fabrics. We have our full range of summer fabrics in stock as well as all our old...
My Grafton Academy experience. Drafting dress and coat blocks and putting it into practise.
Pattern Drafting Experience at the Grafton Academy, Dublin. Back in November I took a notion and rang the Grafton Academy to find out how their evening / part time classes worked. I always had a dream of attending to learn the secrets of pattern design and to get some...
My Birthday discount!!
Its My Birthday!! I started a tradition last year to choose my favourite fabric from our current range and put it on discount for the day of my Birthday. This year, I couldn't narrow it down to one - so I'm picking two fabrics. The multi colored jersey is one I really...
High Quality Fabric at Bargain Prices!!
High Quality Fabric at Bargain Prices!! Just before we begin - don't forget that our Cyber Monday Sale ends today!! We are delighted to announce that we have sourced a selection of fabric samples from a high end fashion label. These samples are fabric...
Sewing and other News!
Its time I gave you an update on the Sewing News going on here at Dress Fabrics! Recently it's very hard to get much sewing done - everything else seems to get in the way amazing all the admin work that goes with running this little business. But I persevere and...
Open Days in October!
Open Days in October! We are Opening our doors and welcoming you all to Dress Fabrics again in October - a whole weekend this time. Saturday 15th & Sunday 16th October 11am - 5 pm. There will be reductions of up to 50% off selected fabrics and 10%...
SoftShell Fabric
SoftShell Fabric!! We have SOFTSHELL Fabric in stock - This is an amazing fabric to make yourself and little ones all the wind and rain resistant jackets this Autumn. While not totally waterproof - it will be perfect to keep out an odd shower or misty rain while...
My Pattern Drafting Class Experience Part 1
Pattern Drafting Class A number of us completed a pattern making class earlier in the summer where we learned to make a skirt, trousers and dress block. Basically a standard pattern made to fit our own bodies. I met our teacher Tiina at our open day back in April, she...
Summer Sale is now on at Dress Fabrics
End of Summer Sale! It's our End of Summer Sale- the kids are heading back to school and its time to get crafty again. For the next two weeks we have big reductions on ALL of our summer stock and more - up to 30% in some cases. Check out our Printed floral twills:...
Sewing Classes are starting!!
Sewing Classes It's that time of year again, you know - the kids are going back to school over the next two weeks, the evenings are drawing in. It is also the time that all of you crafters get to start planning new projects and maybe deciding to learn or improve your...
First Anniversary Sale
First Anniversary Sale We are ONE YEAR in Business!!!! To Celebrate let's HAVE A SALE!! Time to stock up for your autumn crafting and sewing plans... Head on over to our website now to grab some bargains this weekend and take 10% off everything with the code...
Dress Fabrics hits the catwalk!
Dress Fabrics hits the catwalk! But first - Great British sewing Bee Final is on tonight - set your alarms for 9.30pm!! We took part on our first fashion show last Saturday night. There was some emergency last minute sewing to finish the night before (and maybe the...
Me Made May 2016 Roundup
Me Made May 2016 Roundup If you've been following me on Facebook or Instagram, you'll have noticed a lot more selfies of me with the hastags mmmay16, mmm16, memademay16. I explained the concept of memademay in THIS post at the beginning of May. Me Made May 2016...
Great British Sewing Bee 2016 – Episode 1
Great British Sewing Bee 2016 - Episode 1 It returned to our screens again this week, and this year there are 8 episodes!! There is also a new judge to replace May Martin - Esme Young who along with Patrick Grant will guide and whittle the initial 10 contestants down...
Morgan Jeans from Closet Case Patterns
Morgan Jeans from Closet Case Patterns Well - here we are - my new favourite pair of jeans the Morgan Jeans from Closet Case Patterns - yet another winner from Heather Lou. I got a heads up about the new pattern a few weeks before it was launched so I...
Me Made May 2016
Me Made May 2016 Never heard of Me Made May 2016?? Have a read to find out about this event which has been running on the Blogosphere for the past few years, I will be taking part - photographing my me mades as I wear them over the month. It's basically an opportunity...
MyImage Magazine Summer 2016
MyImage Magazine - Summer 2016 We are delighted to introduce our new product to Dress Fabrics this week!! It's a Sewing magazine - dedicated to providing beautiful sewing patterns for women in a size range 34 - 52 (UK sizes 2 - 24). MyImage is produced twice...
Dress Fabrics Open Day Saturday 9th April
Open Day Saturday 9th April 10 am to 6pm. We are delighted to invite you all to our very first open day this Saturday - 9th April. There will be reductions of up to 50% off selected fabrics, remnants on sale and of course an opportunity to see all our fabrics in real...
Ginger Flared Jeans
I made another pair of Ginger Jeans back in early February, this time I decided to try out the Flared Jeans that Heather released at the end of last year. I have perfected the fit of the High Waisted version of the jeans and I am really happy with them...
February Fabrics Part 2 – Stars and stripes
February Fabrics Part 2 - Stars and stripes More new fabrics arrived this month here at Dress Fabrics and we went a bit mad on the stars and stripes. [divider] We also stocked...
Thank you!
Happy Monday! Hope you had a lovely weekend - it was great to finally see the sun shining again. I took part in a walk to Launch the Moylagh JFK 50 Mile walk on Sunday and it was a lovely sociable afternoon - 8 miles around the beautiful Loughcrew Hills and topped off...
Valentine’s Day Discount..
Happy Valentines Day!! Since most of you reading this are lovers of fine fabrics I am delighted to be able to share with you a 14% discount off everything on our website for Valentines day only. Simply enter the code Valentine14 in the checkout. Go ahead spoil...
February Fabrics Part 1
February Fabrics It's blowing a storm outside today - Storm Henry, we've just gotten over Gertrude last Thursday. Thought last year was the year of the storms but this one's picking up the pace. My son is home sick today and took great pleasure taking the above...
It’s the Last week of the New Years Sale!
It's the last week of the January Sale here at Dress Fabrics and there are still lots of bargains left. Just to inspire you we have come up with a few ideas of how you can our sale fabrics. Why not try the Carolyn Pyjamas with our lovely brushed cotton fabric, this...
Sewing Jeans – Ginger Jeans!
Sewing Ginger Jeans You may have noticed my big behind on facebook recently - don't worry it was with good reason! I finished my third pair of the Ginger Jeans pattern by Closet Case Patterns. I used the black stretch denim available from the webshop. I made version...
New fabrics Update
A quick update to let you know of a few new fabrics that arrived at the end of 2015- I got around to uploading them onto the website this week. Pink sweatshirting with brown dots This is a really cosy fabric, it has a plush pile on the wrong side. I made this sweater...
Sewing with Sweatshirt Fabrics
Who doesn't love a cosy sweatshirt? The first project I completed with fabric from the shop was using sweatshirt fabrics way back in the summer. I decided to clothe my children before I made anything for myself - so selfless of me!! I haven't made much for my boys...
2015 – Dress Fabrics – A Review
A Review of Dress Fabrics' first year Since its already heading into the first week of 2016 I thought I'd better hurry up and publish this post, but first some housekeeping: our New Years Sale Starts this Tuesday 5th January with reductions on many lines. Check...
Seasons Greetings
The machines have been turned off and the workshop has been locked so unless Santa has a major wardrobe malfunction on his travels Dress Fabrics is on holidays for a few days! I'd like to wish you all the best festive season ever and thank you so much for the...
Cyber Monday Discount available now
Cyber Monday Deals at DRESS FABRICS Lucky Subscribers - for you only and until midnight GMT on Monday 30th November use the Cyber Monday Discount code sent today by email for 25% off your total purchases. Head on over to the SHOP for some lovely Christmas Fabrics to...
Christmas Fairs and Cyber Monday subscriber offers!
Christmas Fairs Its coming to the end of November and it's time to get serious about the festive season that's rapidly approaching. I hope your preparations are coming on well. I'll be adding a few new christmas fabrics to the website as soon as the weather obliges...
Christmas Fabric Ideas or what is it that time already???
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoTNEeYtZ5g http://www.designsponge.com/2010/12/sewing-101-tree-skirt.html Christmas Fabric and Ideas for quick and easy decorations! So it's GETTING to that time of the year!! Still loads of time to get crafting to...
Knitting and Stitching Show 2015
The Knitting & Stitching Show 2015 Simmonscourt, RDS, Dublin, 12th – 15th November The following is the official blurb from the organisers of the Knitting and stitching show 2015 - it boils down to a fun day out for all crafters or if...
Sewing Tools of the Trade Part 1
Sewing Tools In this series we will look at all the different sewing tools and accessories and general stuff you can use to make your sewing run smoothly. First up is the biggest investment (apart from your fabric stash) you will make: SEWING...
Shipping Update
Hi Folks, Before I get down to the shipping update I'd like to say a very big thank you for supporting my Payday discount sale - it was a tremendous success. Thank you - it means a lot to a new business to have a good run of orders in a short space of time. It means I...
Last chance to get 10% off this evening!!
Good evening! I hope you are all getting a chance to enjoy our indian summer. Not very good sewing weather but never fear I'm sure mother nature will organise plenty of sewing weather in our future! This is a gentle reminder that it's the last chance to avail...
Discount code now available until end of September
Discount code now available until end of September Just a quick note to let you know of a discount code coupon running until the end of September - Enter the code Paydaysept at the checkout to receive 10% off your order, shipping is not included. ...
Use a free t shirt pattern to make a quick and easy new top.
Free T shirt patterns: T Shirts are wardrobe essentials for us all. They have a multitude of uses from everyday around the house, layering under other clothes or as exercise gear. Here are a selection some of the free t shirts I've made over the years. They are a...
Autumn sewing starts with Seamwork Oslo Cardigan
A Seamwork Oslo Cardigan for Autumn What happened to the promised Indian Summer - doesn't look like it's going to happen now!! So in order to stay warm on those chilly Autumn days it's time to embark on some cosy Autumn sewing. The Fabric: First thing I did last...
Bloglovin
<a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/blog/14444871/?claim=g7utbeh2wav">Follow my blog with Bloglovin</a> Hi I'm adding my blog to Bloglovin! If you use the Bloglovin Reader you can follow me there now too.
New Fabrics Alert!! Read on to find out what new fabrics are in dressfabrics online shop today.
New fabrics have arrived at Dress Fabrics!! We have just received the first delivery of many to come over the coming months. So what new??? Denims: A Spotty Stretch Denim to add to our Denim collection. This Denim fabric is composed of 97% cotton with 3% lycra to...
Start shopping for fabric!
Shopping for Fabric: If you've been following me on facebook for the past while or met me at Oldcastle Show last week - you will be pleased to know that I've gotten all the fabric uploaded onto the website and you can now start shopping for fabric on dressfabrics.ie....
Welcome to the World of Dress Fabric!
Hi there, If you have found this website on your quest for some super stylish fashionable dress fabric to sew up into lovely clothes for you or your family / friends - congratulations, bookmark it and keep checking back. I hope to have my first fabrics loaded up in...