We firmly believe that anyone can sew anything with patience and perseverance, but sometimes it helps to understand how time-consuming or challenging a pattern will be to sew. Here's how we rate the difficulty of our patterns:
Beginner (⭑): Appropriate for a true beginner with simple style lines and details, quick to sew with no closures.
Confident Beginner (⭑⭑): Achievable for beginners who are willing to learn a new skill, may include more design features and techniques (ie. zippers, buttons, facings, etc). Relatively quick to sew.
Intermediate (⭑⭑⭑): More details and style lines, may include interesting details like a zipper fly or topstitching, projects can take 6+ hours to sew.
Advanced (⭑⭑⭑⭑): Still achievable for most sewists, but patterns will include more pieces and more details, and can take 8+ hours to sew.
Challenging(⭑⭑⭑⭑⭑): Complex, skill heavy projects like tailoring and bra-making. Again, achievable for most sewists but be prepared to spend 10+ hours on these types of projects.
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The Edith Shirtdress perfectly blends 1940s New Look elegance with 1950s shirtwaist charm—updated for today's wardrobe. Princess seams create a beautifully fitted bodice, while clever bias-cut side panels add movement and dimension to the full skirt. Classic details include a button-front placket and a distinctive bandless collar that captures authentic vintage style. This is the kind of versatile, well-designed dress that becomes a true wardrobe favourite.
I made this pattern in a solid poplin. Size 10 fit well, had to shorten the skirt several inches, my height is 5’0”. I reduced the seam allowance through the midriff section to 1/2” from 5/8” and that gave me the perfect amount of ease. This is a lovely dress to wear for many occasions. I’m already planning another one, maybe in linen for next summer!
J
Julie S.
Effortless Class
I made this in some cheap block print as a sort of toile. It turned out so well that it's now on high rotation as one of my favourite dresses. Interesting and surprisingly quick to make. Highly recommended.
A
Aileen P.
Edith dress
Really enjoyed making this dress and delighted with how it turned out .
Making the Florence Top from Merchant and Mills (First time making a garment for myself that’s not just a plastic toile from a bedsheet!). Fabric has so far been really easy to work with (so great for a beginner) and the pattern is cute! We grow and eat a lot of garlic so this print felt like a must.
The last time I sewed with knit fabric was over 20 years ago; total disaster. When I saw the CC class, I immediately signed up. Loved every second; clear, precise instructions. I am so proud of my long sleeved t-shirt, I just ordered enough Luxe Organic Cotton Jersey Knit for four more in different colors.
Thank you, Heather and team.
I enjoy reading the histories of what people have made.
I have not yet sewn any of the pattern releases. The styles are too body-conscious and/or retro for my taste, but the instructional videos offer a lot of information I can take to other projects.
I've been tempted since the first year of Crew to become a member and took the plunge in January this year. It's been such a great 'club' to join! Sewing can be a bit of a solitary hobby but this online community is kind, supportive, helpful and so creative. The patterns are outstanding - clear instructions, impeccably drafted and so much support from the Closet Core team. I'm always inspired, even if I don't have as much time to sew as I'd like. I wish I'd signed up earlier!
This was my first purchase with you, and I will definitely be back for more. The ease of purchase, detail of instructions, and accuracy of the fit turned me into a huge fan. Can't wait for my next make (after I sew a second one of these dresses!)
