I am sure I have mentioned that I am, by trade, a Costume Designer however; my partner & I also make short films together… which sounds like it’s a bit of a hobby when we actually take it very seriously! Our last short Flat Footed Apocalypse was shown at a number of Short Film Festivals […]
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Consider my mind blown…
If you want to make cloths, or know a bit but are a tad nervous to start creating the grandiose creations from you head, look at this! DIYcouture has made two unusual clothing collections: rather than purchasing a garment, the DIYcouture customer purchases a set of simple, visual instructions, which enable them to make that garment […]
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Oooh, so that’s how it works!
I am afraid that, for years, I have put my wonderful Pfaff sewing machines ability to join one piece of fabric to another down to magic. Yes, magic. In trying to understand a little more I stumbled across this: Nice & clear now! I shall wonder no more… Happy stitching!
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Pleats Please!
I get so many questions in my workshops and classes often about the simplest of things… or at least I think they’re simple! I think what I am really being told with all these questions is that poeple aren’t finding it as easy as they should to find somewhere that will help them to sew. […]
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Tutorial: How to sew on a button
For my first photographic tutorial I have decided to illustrate how to sew on a button. This is my most frequently asked question & as store bought clothing constantly lets us down on this front it’s useful skill to master! Firstly you’ll need to know that there are several different types of button, and these […]
Pattern Making / Sewing Techniques
Book review: Readers Digest Complete Guide to Sewing
Now, I have the proper old school copy of this, and I’m fairly sure I stole it from my Mum many moons ago! I find it is synonymous with good sewing techniques, and I cannot recommend it highly enough. Often found in charity shops (my second copy for classes was just £4), this hefty tome […]
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Sewing Hints & Tips #5
a) b) Herringbone stitch, often called Catch Stitch, is a most useful little stitch to know. I use it primarily as a hemming stitch however; it has many other applications. As you can see from the below diagrams, it is a version of Back Stitch, in Cross Stitch form. If using for a hem, only pick […]
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Sky Blue Mini Tricorn Hat Commission
Just thought I’d quickly share some pictures of a beautiful Sky Blue Mini Tricorn Hat I’ve just finished for a customer… Made from 100% Sky Blue Cotton, overlaid with slightly darker net, this features Vintage Lace carefully cut out […]
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Draping a Victorian Bustle
As my Midnight Sewers’ Group wants to make Bustle Skirts next I have been digging around online & I’ve just stumbled across a wonderful illustration from Peterson’s Ladies National Magazine deconstructing how a bustle would have been draped. As a Costume Designer & Maker, I find I can figure out fairly accurately from the illustrations, paintings & photographs […]
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Worth and Mainbocher online exhibition.
In 1860, Englishman Charles Frederick Worth (1825-1895) founded a Parisian atelier that defined the luxurious standards of the haute couture and set high fashions stylistic course for the balance of the 19th century… Well worth a quick peek, this is from an online exhibition bringing you works from Charles Frederick Worth (1825-1895) & Mainbocher (Main […]