If you're working with a fabric that frays easily or want a super professional finish to the seam allowances of your garment a French seam can be a great option, but just how do you sew the armhole? In this handy video tutorial I take you step by step through the process and give you lots of general tips for sewing and setting in sleeves too.
Continue reading →
This week on the vlog I'm sharing some of the independent sewing pattern company patterns we've recently added to the website. It's been ages since I've done one of these for you and we have some lovely new Autumnal fabrics in to pair them with so I thought it was the perfect time.
Continue reading →
Whether you're an experienced sewer or a complete beginner there are some super useful tips for hemming or shortening jeans in this handy video tutorial. I'll show you how to shorten jeans accurately when cutting off the excess fabric and an alternative method that keeps the original hem intact and can be used as a temporary measure for children's jeans.
Continue reading →
This week on the vlog I'm answering some more of the fantastic questions you've been asking. I talk about my love of sewing, the most challenging dressmaking project I've ever worked on, how I choose buttons and lots of other sewing and dressmaking chat.
Continue reading →
Last week I learned a great little tip for finishing a neckline facing without overlocking the raw edge. It is a super simple technique and takes a little more time, but if you're a sucker for a neat finish like me or making something special it might just come in rather handy.
Continue reading →
This week I'm sharing my picks from the latest New Look sewing pattern release. I've picked out my personal favourites and have paired them with our gorgeous fabrics focusing on styles that will transition well between Summer and Autumn including dresses, tops and skirts plus we've included a slide show of the full range at the end of the video so stay tuned for that.
Continue reading →
After a much needed holiday I've been sewing up a storm and dressmaking like mad again. This week I'm sharing the Shelby dress and romper pattern by True Bias and a Tilly and the Buttons Nora Tshirt both of which are on constant rotation in my handmade wardrobe. Continue reading →
Recently I've thoroughly enjoyed sewing shirts and blouses to pair with jeans for a put together smart, casual look. For those days when I'm feeling more casual, casual I've been sewing up some simple Tshirts. Let me show you what I've made, covering fit, construction, fabric and everything in between. Continue reading →
So you've decided to have a go at sewing your own clothes, but sewing patterns look scary and difficult to understand. Let me help you with everything you need to know from how to choose a suitable sewing pattern through to reading and understanding the information on the packet, in the instruction booklet and on the pattern pieces. Continue reading →
We've recently added the Style Arc sewing pattern range to our website and I'm super excited to share them with you today. With 31 designs to choose from and some additional body measurements not usually featured on most sewing patterns I'm keen to give these a go. I've picked out my six favourites and there's a little slide show of the rest of the collection at the end of the video so stay tuned for that, plus I'll suggest gorgeous fabrics you could make them up in too. Continue reading →
After lots of easy sewing projects during lockdown I decided it was time to stretch my sewing muscles and make a tailored shirt. I really fancied getting my teeth into those traditional shirt details including a stand up collar and cuff plackets and the process of making was an absolute joy. Continue reading →
Sewing a yoke on a shirt or dress creates some interesting detail and a professional looking finish, but what about the inside? Some sewing patterns suggest sewing a yoke on the inside and outside, usually hand stitching the internal yoke. Well here's a technique that allows you to machine stitch the whole shebang and feel like a total sewing ninja. Continue reading →