In early spring, Emma from Merchant and Mills asked if we’d be interested in previewing their upcoming book, WORKWEAR: Timeless Sewing Patterns for a Practical Wardrobe. Obviously as longtime stockists of their fabric, patterns, and notions we enthusiastically agreed and wanted to sew samples using the included patterns. The book is currently available for pre-order in the US with our copies projected to arrive at the end of May. Here is a preview of the three pieces we stitched in April.
The chore coat with buttons in waxed canvas. The shirt (also available as a shirt dress) with a stand collar and long sleeves, in M&M linen. The drawstring trousers, in Brussels Washer. And the mail bag in Kokka linen/cotton blend.
We had Izzy (studio monitor) model the samples on a sunny afternoon in early May. We found the fit of these unisex patterns to be very relaxed based on Izzy's measurements. They liked the roominess but if we were to make these pieces again we would definitely shorten every garment and go down a whole size.
As part of our celebration of all things M&M this May we have our 14 dress forms all sporting an M&M fit. From casual summer dresses to classic trousers and shirts, we think you'll find inspiration to make this a Merchant and Mills summer. And here's the thing, we think you can make all of these patterns with all sorts of fabrics. It doesn't have to be a M&M fabric or a linen (which they are known for). We used deadstock denim, US-made waxed canvas, Brussels Washer (a linen/rayon blend), Jetsetter Twill, stretch Chino Twill, and Liberty of London Tana Lawn. The classic silhouettes work well in bright, saturated fabrics as well as capsule-wardrobe neutrals. Truly one of the reasons we sew: make something you want to wear.
Photos: hero photo of our Chore Jacket, Shirt, Drawstring Trousers, and Mail bag from WORKWEAR. (2): Izzy wearing the WORKWEAR samples (sewn by Virginia) being lint rolled by Lisa and showing off the interior of the Mail bag (sewn by Christopher). (3) clockwise from left: Elling trousers, Scout Top with Clementine Skirt, Ottoline Jacket, and All State Shirt. (4) Clover Top and Eve Trousers with the Box Box Dress in Jetsetter Twill, and Margo Pinafore worn with the Sand and Sky Tank (featuring Universal Yarn Bamboo Pop Sock).