In the sewing world, there’s a challenge called Me Made May that was started by a pattern designer in the UK, where people wear their handmade clothes and accessories throughout the month of May and share them on social media. I love it, because it’s fun to see all the amazing creations other people have made… the sewing world is so much larger than I ever imagined, and it’s inspiring to connect with and learn from other talented people out there.
This was my first year to “participate” (if you can call it that) because for the first time I had enough items to wear. I tried to take pictures every day, but there were quite a few days that I went to bed and realized I had forgotten. And then there were other days that I didn’t wear something I made… But I did pretty good for most of the month, and it makes me even more excited for next year.
I thought it would be fun to share the outfits I documented this year, and I hope to be able to write posts like this more often. Sewing has become such a big part of who I am, and I love being able to share it with others. There’s just something so special about seeing a few yards of fabric come together into a handmade, one of a kind article of clothing that I can wear for years to come.
Looking back at the outfits, I can tell there are a few pieces it seems I really liked to wear. Also I live in my linen pants, so you know those are on repeat year round. I’m all about comfort and functionality at this stage of life.
Me Made May 2023
Adult Wide Leg Pants
(From Lowland Kids) I lengthened them a few inches, and narrowed the gusset so they wouldn’t be so wide at the bottom. These are so stinking comfortable, and feel like PJs, but I don’t mind wearing out and about either.
Fabric: Sweet Tea Mazy in green / bamboo spandex from Carriage House Printery
Leo Pinafore Dress
(From By Hand London) This is super simple and turns out adorable! I decided to gather the skirt pieces rather than pleat them since I prefer that look. This is a great layering piece for the summer.
Fabric: Brussels Washer Yarn Dyed in Denim / linen from Hawthorne Fabrics
Ashton Top
(From Helen’s Closet) I am obsessed with this pattern! I’ve made FOUR tanks already, and plan on making more. The pattern is simple and very easy to follow – I was so impressed, and appreciated the “tips” that explained why certain steps were important. The tank has a loose fit, and is cute styled so many different ways. Both are View A (hip length).
Fabric Left: Strawberry Fields in Blush / Rifle Paper Co from Hawthorne Fabrics
Fabric Right: vintage seersucker fabric from an antique booth
Pomona Shorts
(From Anna Allen Clothing) The rise was too high on these, so I had to modify them slightly so they’d hit right above my hips. I also had to shorten them significantly so they wouldn’t look like weird looking Bermuda shorts. But besides that I love this pattern! It comes together very professionally, and I love how comfy they are.
Paired with an Ashton Top in View B (crop length).
Fabric: Medium Weight European Linen in Pond / from Isee Fabric
Luna Tank
(From Helen’s Closet) This is a free pattern, which is always a win in my book! Overall I like the tank top – the front and back are the same, so the neckline is the same both sides. I felt like the neck was a bit wide, and I may adjust that in the future, but besides that the tank is amazing! It’s a swing, flowy fit and perfect for summer.
Paired with the Adult Wide Leg Pants from Lowland Kids in linen (I sized up to account for the woven fabric, and lengthened a little bit).
Fabric Tank: Sweet Tea Mazy in green / bamboo spandex from Carriage House Printery
Fabric Pants: Brussels Washer in Natural / linen from Hawthorne Fabrics
Adult Breezy Shorts
(From Lowland Kids) I made these when I was pregnant, and they are still sooo comfy to wear. I accidentally used the wrong size elastic, so a wider one would definitely make them even more comfortable. They have a very loose fit, and are perfect for lounging around the house or even as pj pants!
Paired with the Luna Tank in bamboo spandex.
Fabric Shorts: Tea Green Slub / jersey slub from Millie and Dot (currently sold out)
Fabric Tank: Sweet Tea Mazy in green / bamboo spandex from Carriage House Printery
Tulum Pants
(From Styla Patterns) I tested this pattern, and it’s definitely become a favorite. I already have fabric sitting in my closet to make a few more pairs! The pants come together so easily, and I love the loose, relaxed fit through the legs. Definitely the perfect fit for linen pants!
Fabric: Sage Viscose and Linen / from Fabric + Flow
Amsterdam Dress
(From Styla Patterns) I made this dress a few years ago and even though it has a *few* flaws (like a zipper that doesn’t work – oops) I love it! The fit is spot on, and I love the cute detailing in the back along with a second skirt tier for extra flowy-ness. I wore it to my brother’s wedding and it was perfect for a warm spring day.
Fabric: rayon blend from Joann’s – it’s no longer available
Adult Boxy Tee and Peg Legs
(Top from Lowland Kids, Shorts from Patterns for Pirates) If you’re looking for the ultimate lounge set, this is it. I have THREE sets like this, and they are my go-to for a cozy, comfy outfit. I lengthened the top 3 inches to cover more of my booty, and I love how it turned out. The shorts are a free pattern, which makes them even more amazing. I cut them at bike length and mid rise.
Fabric: Wild Rose / jersey and rib from Millie and Dot
Cannes Dress with Butterfly Sleeve Expansion Pack
(Dress from Styla Patterns, sleeves from Helen’s Closet) These two patterns came together so well for this dress! I loved the fit of the bodice, as well as the loose fit of the butterfly sleeves. I added a second tier to the dress to make it longer and a little more flowy. It was perfect for family photos, and I can’t wait to wear this dress for years to come.
Fabric: Essex Yarn Dyed in Chambray / linen from Hawthorne Fabrics
Oasis Swimsuit Top and Busy Bee Swim Bottoms
(Top from Ellie and Mac, Bottoms from Patterns for Pirates) The top is one of my favorites – I have made quite a few over the years, and I love how View B fits! I also like to add a circle skirt to the bottom hem for some extra coverage. The bottoms were my very first ones to sew, and I definitely recommend using power mesh or swim lining to make them thicker for extra “hold” in the tummy area. Besides that these bottoms are my favorite and my go-to every time I make a new swimsuit. This one is the high waisted ruched sides.
Fabric Top: Apricot Blossoms / swim fabric from Carriage House Printery
Fabric Bottoms: Solid Dusty Olive Green / swim fabric and lining from Raspberry Creek Fabrics
Camila Swimsuit Top and Busy Bee Swim Bottoms
(Top from Made for Mermaids, Bottoms from Patterns for Pirates) I am obsessed with this swimsuit top! The pattern is actually for a one piece, but there’s a blog on their website on how to hack it into a crop top. I also lengthened the flounce so it would have more coverage. The bottoms are the plain high rise style, made with power mesh so they’re perfect and give plenty of support.
Fabric Top: Chandler / swim fabric from Carriage House Printery
Fabric Bottoms: Green Stripes / swim fabric from Carriage House Printery
What a fun Me Made May! Follow me on Instagram to see more sewing items I make throughout the year. :)
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