Sewing Tips, Tutorials, Projects and Events

Often in sewing the most basic techniques, such as how to trim and grade seams, are the most important. The first time I ever sat down at a sewing machine Angela taught me to strive for a professional finish. In other words to create a garment where the construction and finish is as good as a well made shop bought item. If you can achieve it the chances are you will feel even happier with your latest make and will want to wear it even more. To create the sought after 'professional finish' you will need to use a number of the basic techniques I refer to, including trimming and grading seams. In this article we share our top tips for how to trim and grade like a pro. Continue reading →

The end of the year is a time when many of us reflect. It also just so happens to mark my sewiversary AKA when I started sewing. Two years ago in November I finally decided it was time to learn. This video is a whistle stop tour of my makes from my second year in dressmaking. You can still find most of the patterns and fabrics on our site. I have linked to the blog article for each garment in the blog article for this video so you can find them easily. You can also see my 'First Year in Dressmaking' video here. Continue reading →

This week I'm sharing my most recent make - a blouse with ruffles. I spotted the pattern a while ago and decided it would be a fun project. It was a great way to dip my toe in the ruffle trend whilst creating a truly wearable garment. It was also the perfect pattern for this delightful cotton lawn. As always I'll share the fitting adjustments I made and thoughts on the instructions and techniques. Continue reading →

My favourite thing about the arrival of a new season is the exciting new sewing projects. I love nothing more than leafing my way through a fashion magazine spotting the trends I plan to sew. Here is a quick round up of some of the key trends this season and the patterns and fabrics you can use to recreate them. Fear not, the focus is firmly on wearable garments rather than crazy fashion fads. Continue reading →

Now the winter chill is setting in we are reaching for our cosy knit and jersey fabrics. Although you can create knit garments on a sewing machine, you can also make them using an overlocker. However, I've often heard people say they only use their overlocker for finishing seams. In this article we'll share some tips and techniques to help you gain confidence in this area and get the most out of your machine. Even if you are confident on your overlocker there are some handy little tips you may find useful. Continue reading →

Buying a new sewing machine can be an incredibly exciting and daunting prospect. The huge and varied options available can be so overwhelming. In this video we’ll share our expert knowledge to help you identify what to consider when choosing the best sewing machine for you whether you are a complete beginner or a very experienced sewist. Continue reading →

I have been chomping at the bit to get started on my Autumn/Winter handmade wardrobe. If you saw my fabric haul vlog last week you will understand why! There are so many gorgeous, cosy fabrics on our website right now. I decided to start with a simple denim skirt and a cosy long sleeved Tshirt. I'm really pleased with how they turned out and know I will wear them all winter long. Continue reading →

I have been dying to share our new Autumn Winter fabric range with you all. It is stunning! Finally they are up on the site and I can drool over them in public. We have a fabulous new coating range and a selection of suiting fabrics which, by the way, were all over the Autumn Winter catwalks. Not to mention some glorious jerseys and pontes perfect for cosy tops, jumpers and dresses. Plus we have Liberty lawn in stock! This really is a must watch, your winter wardrobe is simply crying out for these beauties. Continue reading →

Ok so it isn't really summer dress sewing weather right now, but there's always room for one last hurrah. Plus I promised myself I'd make this pattern and use some of this gorgeous fabric ages ago. The two make a winning combo and will come in handy for my trip to the Canaries in October. If you won't be seeing any more sunshine this year I'll also share my fabric recommendations to create an on trend Autumn/Winter evening dress with the maxi pattern. Continue reading →

This week I have a little video for you all sharing my most recent makes and how they work well as we transition from Summer to Autumn. There's also a cheeky bit of simple hand embroidery embellishment, which I am loving right now. Continue reading →

I've always loved clothes with interesting or unusual details so sewing this Vogue dress with an overlay looked right up my street. I decided to make it in this delightful French viscose. I love the royal blue and flecks of yellow not to mention the 70s vibe. The fabric also drapes beautifully, which I felt was important for this dress. I swotted up on reviews of the pattern and made a few alterations as a result. It was a fun little project so let me tell you all about it. Continue reading →

If you follow our blog you will know I recently tried sewing with scuba for the first time. I have to say it was an absolute pleasure. I have been waxing lyrical about it ever since. In fact my love runs so deep I thought it warranted a blog post all of its own. Here are my five reasons for sewing with scuba. Continue reading →