Get to Know your Presser Feet and Needles
I love teaching people how to really get to grips with their sewing machines and get to know presser feet and needles, which is why this is one of the classes I am teaching at the Great British Sewing Bee Live next week. All four of my classes are fully booked, which is very satisfying.…
Read MoreKnitting and Stitching Show Animation!
I just love this little Knitting and Stitching show animation video. Produced by Sara Simi, who also made the very cheeky Nudiknits video (which you really should google and check out), it is so cute. And a bit of insider knowledge – the Knitting and Stitching Logo seen at the end was created by the…
Read MoreLook Good, Feel Better – fabulous skin care and make-up workshops
I look good and feel better – why because I’ve just enjoyed an afternoon of fabulous skin care and make-up therapy with the Look Good, Feel Better charity at the Macmillan Cancer Centre in the Queen Alexandra Hospital in Portsmouth. It’s amazing what a bit of make-up can do – especially when following the advice…
Read MoreSew Creative Sewing Bee Challenge packed with superb stitching
I had the pleasure and pain of being part of the 2017 Sew Creative Sewing Bee Challenge last weekend. I say pain because all the entries, without exception, were so good, it made picking out winners devilishly difficult! So not just a challenge for the entrants, one for me too! I also gave a talk…
Read MoreVintage Style Dress Pattern – Butterick 6380
I made this fabulous vintage style dress pattern from Butterick 6380 which has a sweetheart neckline created by the tabs on either side. A nifty idea! Checking sizing I made up the pattern to check the fit and finish for this design for McCalls. Something I do occasionally as their Brand Ambassador. Usually I have…
Read MoreWhich Needle for What Fabric Demystified!
Ensure your outfits are perfectly stitched every time – use the right sort of needle! Problems with stitching are rarely caused by the wrong tension and more often caused by blunt or the wrong type of needle. Having the right sewing machine needle helps stitch evenly, prevents snags, unwanted gathering or visible needle holes etc.…
Read MoreNo Sew 3-4 Minute Poncho
I’m a bit of a blogaholic today – with a second blog about some fabulous fabric I can’t wait to get my hands on. And fortunately as Geoff Rosenburg will be at the Knitting and Stitching show in Alexandra Palace next week (5-9th October) I won’t have to wait too long! Jenni, who runs Stitch…
Read MoreSew for Autumn
Sad to say, the nights are drawing in and it is getting cooler so I am definitely on the hunt for patterns to make something a little warmer! I’ve just finished making Butterick 6388, with a few amendments! I had a metre each of a fabulous double knit jersey in pink and royal blue (I…
Read MoreBeginner’s Guide to Sewing
If you are just starting out or need to refresh some basic sewing skills, take a look at our basic guide here. We will continue to add more tips, so do keep coming back for more! PATTERNS Sizing Choose a pattern by your measurements and NOT by your ready-to-wear size (it may not be the same size).…
Read MoreRustic Hanging Heart
Rustle up a rustic hanging heart or two! These little hangers can be made from fabric remnants with a little wadding and odd buttons. MATERIALS for hearts • 2 × 13cm squares (5”) • Little wadding • 3 buttons of various sizing • Thin ribbon or string for hanging loop • Paper, pen to make a…
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