What a beauty!

Well done Joshny. ‘A’ looks great in her new dress mommy made – especially as this was your first sewing project! Just in time for the spring sun that’s just appeared.

Sew on your own project with guidance, advice and a slice of cake at hand – join us for monthly Supervised Sewing Groups in Ealing.

Show much craft @ London, Olympia

Demonstrations and workshops for almost anything: bookbinding, jewellery (beaded, wire and fabric),  knitting, sewing, felting, embroidery, crochet, papercrafts and more… enjoy!

Stitch & Craft show - London Olympia
15th – 18th March 2012
10am – 5.30pm (closes 5pm Sunday)
http://www.stitchandcraft.co.uk/

What do you want to learn to sew?

I’m excited as it’s another Supervised Sewing Group tomorrow morning but am wondering what to bake –  naughty lemon meringues or beautifully healthy muffins?!

I am looking to offer short 2 hour group classes where you learn specific techniques or skills. A bit like pay-as-you-go learn to sew, I guess.

These group classes will be £20 or £25 per class and thought these classes would be useful:

• zips and button holes
• costumes
• interiors – curtains & cushions
• upcycle your clothes
• alterations
• understand the planning and constructing of a sewing project

Be great to get feedback please – what do you want to learn?
Watch this space as these classes will be starting in the next few months – probably in a Saturday afternoon or mid-week evening class.

Frill making

Check out this easy method of making a strip of your favourite fabric or ribbon into a 3D creation that you can attach to a boring t-shirt or cardi to give it new life. Send me a pic of your creations.

Sewing projects for beginners

Making something you can use or simply something beautiful is very satisfying. But getting half way through a sewing project that is taking A LOT longer than anticipated is horrible – it takes a long time to get the motivation to finish the project or start a new one.

So… make sure the project you start is one that is mostly within your skill but is still a bit of a challenge and allow enough time as I find sewing takes longer than you think. I’d much rather have too many items that are completed than a heap of uncompleted projects starring you in the face! (Having said that – I think of the heap of my own alterations that I never seem to get to!)

Here are a few easy sewing project ideas for beginners:

• Bunting is perfect accessory or gift this year – with the Olympics and Queen’s Jubilee. Fabulous in different brightly coloured fabrics stitched onto ribbon or bias (binding).
• Scatter cushions for the lounge or your bedroom – you can add pretty lace, frills or piping as you advance too.
• Tote bags are handy and practical – fold the bottom of the bag in a few inches before stitching to create a wider base. (Your mum said she’d like one for Mother’s day.)

Cats on doors

I just fell in love with this character I came across in a friends house- look how his tail is wrapped around the door handle(below). He’s really easy to make for yourself or a gift – and would look fab in many different patterned fabrics you probably have around the house. You could even stuff him with a bit of dried lavender if you want a smelly cat like the one Phoebe sang about on Friends!

Old school, now… skinny-ish!

Transform your wardrobe out of the naughties. Why buy more when you have great sewing projects at home. Make a skirt from an old pair of jeans or make a wide pair of trousers skinny and ‘in’. Check out the web for fab ideas like a T-shirt tote bag or mittens made from an old jumper!

Before and after alterations

From bedroom to dinner table

I am such a hoarder! So I am rather relieved and chuffed when I can upcycle something instead of throw it away. This was a quick job that I managed to get some time to stitch before this old duvet found its way into my cupboard of STUFF waiting to be transformed – some items in there I have trekked from South Africa 10 years ago!

After - now a new table runner

Before - a bedspread

Floral up an old T-shirt or cardi

This is a pic of a bought cardi but can easily be replicated on an old cardi or T-shirt – would look great with a pencil skirt this season.

Don’t like floral print? Why not try contrasting colours or add a few pearls/ beads.

Watch this space for other ideas on how to upcycle your wardrobe.

And we’re off… (stitch, stitch, stitch)

Well done to Shilpa for beautifully making a hot water bottle cover as her first sewing project at the first of our Supervised Sewing Groups.

If you are not confident sewing on your own and need some guidance or just want to get away from – why not join us for the next Supervised Sewing Group on 3 December. Call me to book a spot!

It’s great to see people getting excited about sewing and getting right stuck into projects. It’s not too late to make some bespoke Christmas presents! Contact me for some fab ideas. 

Girls sewing away at the Supervised Sewing Group

'Bespoke' hot water bottle cover by Shilpa