The Final Stitch Up: 2024 was SEW good!
- Words by Peppermint
Hot damn, Peppermint friends, you peeps sure can sew! 2024 delivered a bounty of jaw-dropping moments for our team as we ogled the makes you tagged us in – thank you for choosing to sew our patterns and for tagging us so we could bask in the glory of your me made masterpieces all year long!
We refuse to even attempt to pick any favourites so here is just a snippet of some of the marvellous makes of 2024. If you’re already planning your holiday sewing or even setting your ‘to-sew’ list for 2025 get ready to feel inspired.
DRESS YOU UP IN MY LOVE
We absolutely love dresses over this way and it’s clear that you guys do too! With so many wonderful dress patterns to choose from our collection we were zero percent surprised to see so many of you whipping them up.
This post from Elisa aka @Sylvia_Plaid really got us smiling because it encompasses so many wonderful things – sewing, travelling, friendship and most importantly, a team outfit. Can we join this girl gang, puh-lease?
From Elisa: “Three @Elbe_Textiles @PeppermintMagazine Wide Strap Maxi Dresses for three #SistersFromOtherMisters reunited in Copenhagen. We all live miles away from each other so when I decided to make something for all of us this was an amazing pattern. Manages to fit all of us straight out of the box with no mods. Now we can twin/triplet across the globe. All fabric from @SpotlightStores and special labels from @m_o_l_l_y_m_o_l_l_y”
L-R: Somerset Swing Dress by @TaraKateCreates, Everyday Dress by @_Marueli_, and the Milton Pinafore by @LariiDaily
L-R: Somerset Swing Dress by @Afikamantombazane, Bowen Dress by @HoneysuckleHillHomestead, and a special shout out to @Sydney_Creative_Mind who hacked the Peppermint Ruffle Top into a fabulous frock!
Swoon! We heart this hacked Bowen Dress by Di of @KadyCrea. “My version was hacked based on both the @IslandSewcialist and @PaigeJoannaa versions which were absolutely stunning – thank you so much ladies for sharing your gorgeous versions and how you hacked them as it helped so much. I truly felt like a princess when I put it on and this had not happened in a long time and reminded me why I love sewing so much.”
L-R: 60s-inspired Shift Dress from @RedAnitka, Somerset Swing Dress by @SewnByTami, and this gob-smackingly gorgeous get-up from @KatieMakesADress using the Pasadena Rara Skirt and the @MoodFabrics Heather Dress.
Zoe Edwards of @SozoBlog wrote this fabulous review of the ever-popular Wide-Strap Maxi Dress – read Zoe’s tips and tricks over on her blog! “Massive thanks to Peppermint for making this excellent resource free for those who can’t afford it, and pay-what-you-can for those who are in a better financial position. You can read my full review on my blog, but in short: this is a fantastic pattern! It’s a simple design but with French-seamed everything for an elevated finish. I wasn’t sure this style was for me for a long time, until I realised it’s basically a summer pinafore and I could wear it over a T-shirt. I also made mine about 20cm shorter so it’s not so maxi.”
COMING OUT ON TOP
What a terrific turnout in the tops department – with the first of our very own Peppermint Patterns, the Tansey, coming out tops! (#sorrynotsorry) L-R: One of the VERY many Tanseys from the prolific Peppermint pattern maker @MadeByMeJessieb, this patchwork wonder from @Sue.Weston and a daisy dream from @ForAllLove.
L-R: Valentine Ruffle Top by @EmSewHappy, Peplum Top by @Seams_Pretty_Good, and Belle Shirt by @NanaLevine.Couture.
The power of the puff! These makes of the Paddington Top are puffing up our chests (and sleeves)! L-R: @Rhian_Wyn_, @A_Plates_Coutures and @PetitspoisCharlotte.
BATHING BEAUTIES
The Bronte Bathers making a splash! We love this stunning set by @Melt.Stitches using Spoonflower fabric, and these other two stitched up in fabrics by Australian designers (and Peppermint friends), @EllieWhittakerStudio on @Sew__Sister and @M_o_l_l_y_M_o_l_l_y on @Pins_And_Tonic.
SKIRTING THE ISSUE
The Peppermint skirt pattern range continued to be a fave for our stitchy pals in 2024 and with good reason! If pockets are a must (of course they are), then the Pocket Skirt is the perfect companion for whatever your hearts (and hands) desire. L-R: @SewMamaLovesYou, @MsRomosCreations and @Fabric_Scraps.
The Wrap Skirt is an easy winner, with its classic style and eternally adjustable fit. L-R: @Honestly_Ehrlich, @Gabby_Sews and @Leila.Makes.
Our new Pasadena Rara Skirt made for a frilling Christmas for @So_Sarah_Sewed, while the Rosalie Skirt took a twirl with @Patricia_Sews_A _Lot and @Sewing.Boom.
THE LONG AND THE SHORT OF IT
The Wide Leg Pants have had a great run this year, in denim, linen, cotton… they’re the perfect pant in so many fabrics! L-R: @_Min_Makes, @Hasbeens.And.Handmade, and @VictoriaLucilleanne. Below: @My_Threads_And_Needles.
Sets, shorts and jumpsuits – hoorah! L-R: Samford Set by @MadeByMeJessieB, Spring Shorts by @ChelseaQWhite, Valley Jumpsuit by @SewMonday. Below: The Loungewear Set (the pants, with a cute hack!) by @Baba_Crow_.
Huge shout out to our lovely friends at Spoonflower for helping us produce many of these patterns, and to the talented pattern-makers who we collaborated with to bring these patterns to life:
Ruffle Sleeve Top, Peplum Top, Wrap Skirt, Wide LegPants, Everyday Dress: In The Folds
Wide Strap Maxi Dress: Elbe Textiles
Pocket Skirt: Paper Theory
Paddington Top: French Navy
Belle Shirt: Modern Sewing Co
Valley Jumpsuit: Ready To Sew
West End Jacket: Camimade Patterns
Rosalie Skirt: Forget Me Not Patterns
Samford Set: Sew To Grow
Bronte Bathers: SwimStyle Patterns
Somerset Swing Dress: Sewing Patterns By Masin
There are SO many other incredible makes we could have shared – make sure to take a look through #PeppermintPatterns on Insta for more sewing inspo. And remember, we’d love to keep these patterns accessible to all, however, we are a small business (it’s our superpower!). If you’d like to support our patterns initiative, we’re inviting you to pay what you can. Even a few dollars makes a world of difference for us and helps us to keep doing the work we do. If you are unable to donate at this time, you can choose the free version and be added to our monthly newsletter. We ♡ our sewing community!
Here’s to a marvellous, me-made 2025!
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Look, I don’t want to make anyone panic but IT’S DECEMBER!!! If you’re planning to give homemade gifts, you’re going to have to act fast. …
Hang out with us on Instagram
🌻 The Paddington 🌻
This is a much-loved staple, created for Issue 50 in 2021. We love seeing the #PeppermintPaddingtonTop continually popping up in our feeds!
How stunning is our model Elon MelaninGoddessEfon – she told us it was one of the first times she had been asked to come to a shoot with her natural hair. 🌻
We worked with South African patternmaker Sarah Steenkamp of @FrenchNavyNow_ to create this wardrobe essential – the perfect puff-sleeve blouse. Raglan sleeves make it the ultimate beginner sew, plus the gorgeous back buttons let you add your own personal twist.
Pattern via the link in bio! 🪡
Photos: @KelleySheenan
Fabric: @Spoonflower
Model: MelaninGoddessEfon
“In the 1940’s, Norwegians made and wore red pointed hats with a tassel as a form of visual protest against Nazi occupation of their country. Within two years, the Nazis made these protest hats illegal and punishable by law to wear, make, or distribute. As purveyors of traditional craft, we felt it appropriate to revisit this design.”
Crafters have often been at the heart of many protest movements, often serving as a powerful means of political expression. @NeedleAndSkein, a yarn store in Minnesota, are helping to mobilise the craftivists of the world with a ‘Melt The Ice’ knitting pattern created by @Yarn_Cult (with a crochet pattern too), as a way of peaceful protest.
The proceeds from the $5 pattern will go to local immigrant aid organisations – or you can donate without buying the pattern.
Raise those needles, folks – art and craft can change the world. 🧶
Link in bio for the pattern.
Images: @Gather_Fiber @NeedleAndSkein @a2ina2 @KyraGiggles Sandi.204 @WhatTracyMakes AllieKnitsAway Auntabwi2
#MeltTheIce #Craftivism #Knitting #CraftForChange
TWO WEEKS TO GO! 🤩
"The most important shift is moving from volume-led buying to value-led curation – choosing fewer, better products with strong ethics, considered production and meaningful stories. Retailers have real influence here: what you buy signals what you stand for. At Life Instyle, this means using the event to discover and invest in small-scale, planet-considerate brands that align with your values and your customer’s conscience. Consumers don’t need more things; they need better things, and retailers play a key role in selecting, contextualising, and championing why those products matter."
Only two more weeks until @Life_Instyle – Australia`s leading boutique retail trade show. If you own a store, don`t miss this event! Connect with designers, source exquisite – and mindful – products, and see firsthand why this is Australia’s go-to trade show for creatives and retailers alike. And it`s free! ✨️
Life Instyle – Sydney/Eora Country
14-17 February 2026
ICC, Darling Harbour
Photos: @Samsette
#LifeInstyle #SustainableShopping #SustainableShop #RetailTradeEvent
Calling all sewists! 📞
Have you made the Peppermint Waratah Wrap Dress yet? Call *1800 I NEED THIS NOW to get making!
This gorgeous green number was modelled (and made) by the fabulous Lisa of @Tricky.Pockets 🙌🏼
If you need a nudge, @ePrintOnline are offering Peppermint sewists a huge 🌟 30% off ALL A0 printing 🌟 when you purchase the Special Release Waratah Wrap Dress pattern – how generous is that?!
Head to the link in bio now 📞
*Not a real number in case that wasn`t clear 😂
#PeppermintWaratahWrapDress #PeppermintPatterns #SewingPattern #WrapDress #WrapDressPattern
8 Things to Know About January 26 - from @ClothingTheGaps:
Before you celebrate, take the time to learn the truth. January 26 is not a day of unity it’s a Day of Mourning and Survival for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
It marks the beginning of invasion, dispossession, and ongoing colonial violence. It’s time for truth-telling, not whitewashed history.
Stand in solidarity. Learn. Reflect. Act.
✊🏽 Blog written by Yorta Yorta woman Taneshia Atkinson.
🔗 Link in bio of @ClothingTheGaps to read the full blog
#ChangeTheDate #InvasionDay #SurvivalDay #AlwaysWasAlwaysWillBe #ClothingTheGaps
As the world careens towards AI seeping into our feeds, finds and even friend-zones, it`s becoming increasingly hard to ignore.
We just wanted to say that here at Peppermint, we are choosing to not print or publish AI-generated art, photos, words, videos or content.
Merriam-Webster’s human editors chose `slop` as the 2025 Word of the Year – they define it as “digital content of low quality that is produced usually in quantity by means of artificial intelligence.” The problem is, as AI increases in quality, it`s becoming more and more difficult to ascertain what`s real and what`s not.
Let`s be clear here, AI absolutely has its place in science, in climate modelling, in medical breakthroughs, in many places... but not in replacing the work of artists, writers and creatives.
Can we guarantee that everything we publish is AI-free? Honestly, not really. We know we are not using it to create content, but we are also relying on the artists, makers and contributors we work with, as well as our advertisers, to supply imagery, artwork or words created by humans. AI features are also creeping into programs and apps too, making it difficult to navigate. But we will do our best to avoid it and make a stand for the artists and creatives who have had their work stolen and used to train AI machines, and those who are now losing work as they are replaced by this energy-sapping, environment-destroying magic wand.
Could using it help our productivity and bottom line? Sure. And as a small business in a difficult landscape, that`s a hard one to turn down. We know other publishers who use AI to write stories, create recipes, produce photo shoots... but this one is important to us.
`Touch grass` was also a Merriam-Webster Word of the Year. We`ll happily stick with that as a theme, thanks very much. 🌿
