This post has taken me a long time to write and indeed taken a lot of thought. We live In a World where things change at an unprecedented speed: We also, sadly, see many things that take forever to change. Now I’m not going to start talking about politics or religion and things that I […]
Its always nice to make things for yourself and often nicer to make things for others. Making for charity is even better, knowing your efforts will go towards helping others. So when the opportunity came up to make something for the David Adams Leukaemia Appeal Fund, I just couldn’t resist. This Friday they will be […]
On the 1st of October 2018, Janome Sewing Machine Co. turns 50! Well, here in the UK. Janome are world leaders when it comes to making excellent quality sewing machines and if you sew, you will have heard of them? Of course Janome have existed for a lot longer than 50 years! To celebrate they […]
There comes a time in every sewers journey when they will be asked do some alterations. “Just a little off here” or “taken in a bit there” and often, thats exactly what they are; simple, quick adjustments. Then comes the trickier alterations that involve a lot more effort and time but the person asking, still […]
Ok, not the pointy, throwing, game based Darts but if you have been sewing for more than 5 minutes, you will know what a dart is. If you have just started you soon will know what a dart is! The vast majority of sewing patterns rely on some form of dart to add shape to […]
So we all know the 3 F’s when sewing: Fabric, Fit and Finish? Get the 3 F’s right and you will certainly end up with a garment to be proud of. The F that often gets a bit ‘overlooked’ is Finish, as we rush to finish our next amazing make. Part of the Finish process […]
There have been hundreds of books written about sewing over the years; some good, some bad but more importantly, some hidden gems. The techniques used in sewing have hardly changed from one decade to another. Apart from the sewing machine, all the other tools of the trade have remained practically unchanged. This creates a problem […]
It has been around since the 11th Century and one of the most versatile, yet underrated fabrics ever made. A simple plain weave of (normally unbleached) cotton with a firm hand, Calico has more uses for crafters than you might think. From making ‘toiles’, cheap bags, aprons and for backing quilts, you will find Calico in […]