Just Sew Helen

21/02/2026

Kip the sitting puppy dog looks great in a choice of different fabrics, & would look equally good in just one or two fabrics. Here the little pup is made using french terry, jersey and cotton fabrics & a felt eye patch.

Different types of fabrics/clothing, even stretch fabrics, can be used together as each pattern piece is interfaced allowing them to be used together.

He sits at 30cm tall (11").

Made using a pattern from Funky Friends Factory.

https://www.justsewhelen.com/ourshop/prod_8275322-Memory-Bear-Sitting-Dog.html

19/02/2026

Fabric - Minerva Core Range Boucle Textured Coating Fabric - Marl Black
Pattern - Twig & Tail Pixie Coat

I love my new coat! This gifted Minerva.com Core Boucle Coating fabric has sewn up perfectly for the Pixie Coat by Twigandtail

This boucle coating fabric is ideal for The Pixie Coat and it feels nice and warm to wear. The satin lining makes it easy to slip on and off.

Pattern – comprehensive fitting instructions, optional add-ons to purchase giving numerous animal themed patterns.

There aren’t many patterns that I don’t have to adjust so it was a pleasant surprise to not have to lower the bust point or do full bust and full biceps adjustments.

I like the ease of sewing with boucle fabric versus wool coating fabric and the current price of £12.99 per metre makes it a very attractive alternative to wool.

Fabric - https://tidd.ly/3OQIXlZ (Afflink)
Pattern - https://www.twigandtale.com/products/pixie-coat-women-curved-fit-digital-pattern-video-class

More details - https://www.minerva.com/post/267461

10/01/2026

I'm sharing this pair of Memory Bears now they've been gifted at Christmas ♥️. They're made in memory of a husband & father/father-in-law from two shirts.

This pattern from Cwtch Patterns was chosen by the customer as she had seen a picture of how she envisaged her bears to be. The pattern is well designed & thought out with very comprehensive and accurate instructions. If you're thinking of making your own memory bear I recommend Betsy Bear designed by Rachel at https://www.cwtchpatterns.com/

If you'd like a Memory Bear made for you by Just Sew Helen, they can be found at https://www.justsewhelen.com/

13/11/2025

Fabric - Minerva Core Range Light Loop Back French Terry Fabric in Grey
Pattern – Minerva Exclusive Paige Joggers

Introducing my new Paige Joggers – the latest Minerva.com Exclusive Sewing Pattern.

These versatile joggers are designed with comfort in mind and feature a softly tapered leg and 5” of ease across the hips.

The Joggers are designed for medium to heavy weight jersey fabrics and I pattern tested my Paige Joggers in a simple grey, French Terry from Minerva’s Core Range.

The fabric comprises 50% cotton, 45% Polyester and 5% Elastane. It has 35% widthways stretch and 40% stretch along the length. It is very easy to handle with minimal curling at the edges.

I chose my size according to my body measurements for my practice pair which still aren’t quite finished! However, they will be a very comfortable and wearable pair of joggers. For my final pair I sized down one size as I didn’t want the extra ease on my already generous hips and am very pleased with how this pair fits. I had to shorten the front rise which isn’t unusual for me and I was pleased that the back rise fit well, an area I usually have to increase. I am a UK 16 (sometimes 18 bottom half) and initially chose Minerva size M but my final pair was Minerva size L. The pockets are really generous which is great for phones etc.

As always, the pattern instructions were very comprehensive & there’s also a sew-along to help with the construction - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mv6ItGZa5gc

The pattern is great & quick to make. I was pleasantly surprised that my fabric choice made a ‘smart’ pair of joggers that will look great with a relaxed blazer and trainers.

Joggers Pattern - https://tidd.ly/4nSv2YI
French Terry fabric - https://tidd.ly/47ObgaI
(Aff links)

10/11/2025

Who doesn't love a Sloth? This fella was made out of Ponte trouser fabric for the arms and legs and black denim for his body and head. His face and hands are both cotton fabric & he's finished with big yellow safety eyes.

All of the fabrics are interfaced with iron on woven, cotton interfacing so different types of fabric can be used together. Seams are double stitched.

He can sit next to you on the sofa or, with the help of a little velcro on his hands and feet, he can just hang around somewhere 🦥

I still have a couple of spaces available for Christmas keepsakes.

Made using a pattern from Funky Friends Factory.
Interfacing from The Empty Bobbin

https://www.justsewhelen.com/ourshop/prod_8275320-Memory-Bear-Sloth.html

09/11/2025

My other Busan Sweater in a lovely soft, black and grey sweater knit. It's so comfortable to wear and makes a nice change from T shirts.

This one's a little looser around the neck and across the tummy than my other Busan and it shows how fabrics can sew up differently with no changes to the pattern. I might size down and do a full bust adjustment on my next one or alter the neckline and make a tighter band.

Pattern from Itch to Stitch Designs and fabric from my stash, I think orignally purchased from Minerva.com

26/10/2025

Larry The Lion 🦁 😍

This lovely chap has so many options to change the look with different fabrics. This one is made using French Terry sweatshirt, Ponte trousers, boucle from a body warmer, cotton, jersey and a little girls fleece sweatshirt incorporating the cat applique on its back. Big yellow eyes finish off the cute face.

https://www.justsewhelen.com/ourshop/prod_8275321-Memory-Bear-Lion.html

Made using a pattern from Funky Friends Factory.

24/10/2025

I made this jumper a few months ago and then the weather warmed up! Autumn is the perfect time to wear it as it's warmer than a t shirt but not as thick as a winter jumper.

The pattern is The Busan Sweater by Itch to Stitch Designs made in Minerva Exclusive Glorious Garnish Sweater Knit Stretch Fabric - https://tidd.ly/4oAuirS (afflink)

There are few more details about the sweater on my Minerva.com profile -
https://www.minerva.com/post/254854

11/10/2025

This patchwork kitty can be simply made using one piece of clothing of your choice or up to 4 or 5 to incorporate all of your chosen items.

Fabrics for this little cat include French Terry sweatshirt fabric, jersey & cotton & finished with black safety eyes.

Made using a pattern from Funky Friends Factory.

https://www.justsewhelen.com/ourshop/prod_8275323-Memory-Bear-Patchwork-Cat.html

10/10/2025

I finally got around to revamping my website & adding my latest memory bears/animals in the range that I offer. They can all be made from loved ones clothing & fabrics - if you’re unsure on the types of fabrics that can me used just drop me a message.

Feel free to take a look 😊

Just Sew Helen is a textile artist specialising in remembrance & memory gifts, in particular, baby loss keepsakes. Custom orders are welcome and items can be personalised.