As you may remember, last week I promised my version of customization, a la The Great British Sewing Bee. I have been struck by the ‘flu this week ( boo!), so this is a little late coming to you but I love the outcome so much, I thought I’d share! I am also really proud […]
Browsing Tag: fabric
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Notions: Add a Waistband to a Skirt
This is a great technique to know & can be used for Up-Cycling Vintage finds- cut the top off a Vintage dress if it doesn’t fit but make a great Skirt for instance, or if you are making a Skirt, or re-sizing a Skirt. Once you know the Skirt fits, you can construct & attach […]
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The best Haberdashery shops in London!
Back when I had just taken Laura After Midnight full time I read a blog post by a small business owner who had been working away on her business for a couple years & was about to go on holiday. Probably many people reading this wont understand the magnitude of that statement however; I was […]
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Notions: Gorgeous Vintage details
Another of the little gems hidden away in my collection. I am simply dying to use this on a top & as I am teaching a Pattern Cutting Course at the moment, & have to draft a simple top as an example, I may just cheekily make it up with this snazzy little detailing… maybe […]
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Notions: The Language of Patterns.
No doubt the sketch of the design on the front of the envelope will catch your eye first. From McCall’s Sewing in Colour A beginning seamstress may feel Einstein’s theories are as easy to understand as the intricacies of a first pattern. Here is a place where first steps should be taken slowly […] […]
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Notions: Measuring yourself for a Perfect Fit.
So, you’ve picked out the perfect Pattern, or your making your own during Pattern Month, you’ve chosen your fabric & are generally wildly excited about learning how to make your own clothes, but where to start? The very first thing to do is to take some measurements, in order to figure out what size is […]
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Machine Embroidery insights
I am teaching a course on Machine Embroidery tomorrow & thought I share the worksheet… I absolutely are free hand Machine Embroidery for its many and varied uses! General Free Hand Machine Embroidery tips: Always make sure you keep your hands on the edge of the embroidery hoop. This is essential for safety and will […]
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Notions: What is the Selvedge?
Apart from being a delicious magazine, the Selvedge on a piece of fabric is the finished edge. Normally this has a woven finish, & often you can see a regular pattern of small holes running parallel with the Selvedge. This would have been where the fabric was held on to the loom whilst it was being woven. In woven […]
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Sewing Hints & Tips #3
The difference between Petersham & Grosgrain Ribbon: Both ribbons are ribbed & have a matte finish however; there is a very big difference: the edge finish. Grosgrain ribbon has a sealed edge (2), and Petersham (1) has a scalloped edge that is woven in one with the rest of the ribbon. 1. 2. That scalloped […]
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Sewing Hints & Tips #2
To make a hem on a chiffon garment: Sew a straight stitch about 0.5cm or 1/4″ to 1.5cm or 3/8″ away from the cut edge. Iron the hem up at the stitched line. The stitched line will help the iron naturally turn the fabric. Stitch the turned area down with a straight stitch, just above […]