My sweetheart is the kind of human who loves to wear overalls, and loves to be in the shed. I made a lot of pairs of overalls for other people in recent years, but none for her. Eventually, she was keen for her own pair. These are The Harlene, from Merchant and Mills. I have to say that the pattern is beautifully written. I enjoyed the level of care in the instructions and the amount of care that they invited me to take in construction. I had some serious trouble with the top stitching and have since had my machine serviced! But the Harlenes have gone into the shed now and their deficits (from my point of view) are not a problem for the the recipient, as is so often the case!
I’m hoping that this very sturdy cotton drill will last a good, long time. And next time, I promise I will accept the reality that sliders (the hardware on the straps) do NOT come in a range of sizes, and modify the width of the straps to fit the sliders available! I did not go for fancy hardware on these, I sent my sweetheart to Adelaide Leather and Saddlery, where resources for mending and making all manner of things are to be found for reasonable prices and in an amazing assortment. They do not pay me to advertise for them, and they do not know that I am writing about them–but for local-to-me folks, this place is a fabulous resource I hope will stay in business.
Local & Bespoke 
I’ve never heard overalls called Harlenes before. I’m in South Australia. Is this a local term?
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Hi Kylie! I’m in SA too. These are overalls to me as well. But I made them from a pattern called Harlene, by Merchant and Mills. Sorry for the confusion!
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What a lovely job you have done , they look fabulous. I have made this pattern in a hardy denim and they are great to wear and wear . Your beloved will have years of wear and you the enjoyment of regularly seeing someone you love in something very special that you made.
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Thanks so much, Rhonda! Glad to know yours are wearing well too.
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I am a huge fan of M and M and have made many dresses. But I’ve totally baulked at the Harlene (or a n oilcloth cagoul I’ve had my eye on) as they seem so technically complex. Was it really fiddly and technical? And would a standard machine cope with the layers? I’m so keen to try one but worried it will be all too much…
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I hear you on these questions! I have made jeans on my machine, and lots of recycled denim projects. It’s a regular machine, but it is certainly made of sterner stuff than some. I sew with a friend whose machine won’t manage the bulk mine will. I’d suggest trying some sample seams on scrap denim or drill to see what you can do with yours realistically, and don’t be shy to get a hammer and some scrap wood and flatten out your seams before you have a run at the thickness you would expect at the crotch seam, for instance, where two seams meet. The level of instruction on this pattern was impeccable, and apart from that, it depends on what you find technically complex. There is nothing in it that is as complex as constructing a full fly, for example. I hope you get to try it out. I would definitely do it again.
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What a great idea! They have beautifully written patterns don’t they. Why is it that the important people in our lives wait the longest for our crafts.
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Good question!
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