Sewing Tips, Tutorials, Projects and Events

I honestly don't think I've ever owned a circle skirt. Seriously I cannot remember ever having one, even as a child. Whilst in my 'I'm so busy with very little time for sewing phase' I thought it was the perfect time to try one out. I'm pleased to report I love it. I mean seriously why did this take me so long?

If you have protruding shoulder blades or a rounded back you may find that garments never fit properly in these areas. They can feel tight across the back and you also may notice that the armholes gape at the back. Our simple tutorial for adding a shoulder dart can make the world of difference giving you a more comfortable and flattering fit in this area and eliminate those gaping back armholes too.

Several weeks ago I mentioned work and life have been a little hectic of late. Well not much has changed hence posting about a leather look skirt I made several weeks months ago. Two months to be precise! Anyway it was a great project for learning and I was really pleased with the end result so here it is. Better late than never.

One of our favourite blogs/vlogs of the year is always trend spotting for the new season then scouring our site for the patterns and fabrics you can use to make them - your way. As always the focus is on wearable rather than eccentric and we've tried to think how the pieces we've chosen can work together too. Grab a cuppa and get ready for some sewing inspo.

Where on earth has the time gone? The final of the Great British Sewing Bee 2019 already?! I couldn't wait to see how Leah, Riccardo and Juliet got on in the evening wear challenges. I had my own ideas who would produce the most beautiful evening attire and be crowned Britain's best home sewer, but you just never know...

If you love sewing you're going to love our new Simplicity Vintage Collectables. Delightful vintage sewing themed stationery, home-wares, bags and sewing goodies sooo pretty you will want to collect them all. The impeccable style of the 30s, 40s, 50s, 60s and 70s immortalised on keepsakes you will treasure forever. Who knows you might even decide to treat a friend too.

This Tilly and the Buttons Nora top and Jalie Lisette skirt combo is a total wardrobe winner for me. Comfy, warm and smart without being over the top it is easy to grab and chuck on in the mad morning rush.

As soon as I laid eyes on this floral needlecord I knew it was destined to become a Tilly and the Buttons Ness skirt. It was super soft, had a nice amount of stretch and would be a fun new fabric for me to sew with. Find out my top tips for sewing with needlecord and why I LOVE the Ness skirt. And I mean LOVE.

I have a stack of sewing makes piling up waiting to be blogged including my new favourite knit dress. This Burda 6609 sewing pattern and our textured wine coloured jersey are a match made in heaven (IMHO). An incredibly easy, fast and satisfying sew and something I want to wear again and again it's a total wardrobe winner.

We are less than a week away from the hotly awaited Great British Sewing Bee series 5 airing. I haven't sensed this much anticipation or excitement since surrounded by a bunch of under sevens on Christmas Eve. With a new host (Joe Lycett) and ten new contestants we are in for a real treat. Let's find out a little bit about the chosen ones and the first set of challenges they'll face...