We recently started hosting Q&A vlogs, which have been hugely popular and a great way to interact with our lovely customers and followers. It has also increased our awareness of what you would like to learn more about hence today's blog article on sewing with a twin needle. In this article we'll take you through twin needle basics and look at trouble shooting when you don't quite get the results you're looking for. Continue reading →
I don't know about you, but I am so over winter! I keep finding myself day dreaming of sunshine and summer dresses willing the grey skies and Baltic temperatures to kindly push off! To help lift my mood I've spent some time picking out the key trends for Spring/Summer 2018 and the patterns and fabrics you can use to get your handmade wardrobe bang up to date. As always the focus is on the truly wearable rather than wacky catwalk. Continue reading →
I decided to start the New Year with a bang: sewing my first ever pair of jeans. I made a series of quick, simple sews at the end of last year then had a break from sewing over Christmas. Refreshed and reinvigorated it was time for a challenge. I chose the Jalie Eleonore pull on jeans pattern, winner of the 'best pants/jeans pattern' award on Pattern Review for the last two years, and our mid blue stretch denim. I thought it would be a good way to dip my toe in the water and start the learning journey of fitting trousers. Find out what I learned, my thoughts on the pattern and why I recommend giving jeans a go. Continue reading →
This week's vlog is essentially me drooling over fabrics! I run through my picks from our latest range, pair them with patterns and make suggestions for creating garments to transition the seasons seamlessly. It's time to share the fabric love! Continue reading →
Have you ever fancied sewing with leather or faux leather? If so you are in luck. This week we are sharing a beautiful bag made from faux leather and her top tips for getting great results with these fabrics. For an extra little twist we machine embroidered a design onto the faux leather so there are tips for that too! Continue reading →
This week's vlog is all about you! Just before Christmas we invited you to ask us any burning questions and we promised to answer them in the New Year. So here are the answers and thank you for some really interesting questions. Also please do join in the fun with what will become a regular feature on the vlog and leave any questions you have in the comments below. Continue reading →
At the start of a new year, sewing projects are my favourite things to reflect on and plan. You may have seen my recent vlog where I shared everything I made last year. Here I'm reviewing and planning my #makenine AKA a fun little hashtag you can get involved in via Instagram or just for fun. The idea is to choose nine garments you would like to make over the course of the year and see how it goes. No pressure just a bit of fun. Read on to find out how I did in 2017 and what my thoughts are for the coming year. Continue reading →
After sewing for two years I've actually hit the point of sewing the same pattern more than once. It was something I always said I would do after each successful project, but secretly thought I'd probably never get around to it. I thought I would always want to try something new and exciting. I would be too busy honing new skills to spend time making something a second or third time. Well I was wrong, I am a total convert and will explain why. Looking ahead to 2018 I thought it might be interesting to consider whether tried and true patterns will be a part of your sewing journey this year. Continue reading →
I simply couldn't sign off for the holidays without wishing you all a very Merry Christmas. Plus we will be launching new and exciting Q and A vlogs in the New Year. Tune in and find out how you can join in the fun. Continue reading →
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 I looked to achieve 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 →
