I am afraid I am one of those dreadful bores of a teacher who insists that Hemming is done by hand! It just looks simply beautiful, & gives a truly professional finish to a garment that has been carefully stitched together, by hand. I have taken this Tutorial from my Simple A-Line Skirt Tutorial because this subject has come up …
A-Line Skirt hack: Make a Pleated Skirt!
Hello lovelies! Having been very inspired by The Great British Sewing Bee a couple weeks ago, here is my A-Line Skirt Hack based on my super duper popular Patternless A-Line Skirt Tutorial to make an Inverted Box Pleated Skirt as they did. The original Tutorial is amazingly simple, and I highly recommend it if you are learning to sew or want …
Great British Sewing Bee: Week 3
Well, what did we all think about week 3? Poor Julie, I shall definitely miss her. She brought a wonderful normality to the Bee!! Click the above lick to watch… This week the Sewers tackled Leggings, T-Shirt Up-Cycles and sewing Jersey dresses. Which was all a bit the same really, and I found myself zoning out a little to be honest! …
Notions: Lapped Zip
Lapped Zips were a hot topic on this weeks episode of The Great British Sewing Bee. I know them mainly as a Vintage technique, and my Vintage Sewing Books are stuffed full of ways to work them! The following Tutorial is taken from McCall’s Complete Book of Dressmaking (which is delightful!). The important thing to remember when inserting Lapped Zips …
Sewing Bee Snippets Week 1
As previously discussed, here are my insights in to construction details, tips and tricks, and practices used on The Great British Sewing Bee this week. The contestants were really put through their paces this week sewing each basic staple fabric- Cotton, Wool and Silk. Their Cotton Tunic Tops displayed a very wide range in construction details- and finishing techniques!- and …
Notions: Finishing your Simple Skirt
Well, phew! I have finally gotten around to finishing my instructions for this Skirt, & am even now wearing it! Even my Mum would be proud as I have hemmed it beautifully & sewn the buttons on- there was a phase in my teens where I didn’t do any finishing & I know she despaired!! Having cut out the Pattern …
Notions: Clipping a Curved Seam
From McCall’s Sewing in Colour When sewing a curved seam, such as an armhole, or neckline, it is important to grade and clip the seam. Curved seams ‘bunch’ after they have been sewn, & even ironing doesn’t help to make them lie properly. This is because the seam needs to be clipped to allow the fabric to expand or contract as …
How to Make a Simple Pattern Free Skirt!
In preparation for tomorrows start of The Great British Sewing Bee on the beeb, I am re-posting my instructions for making a Simple Pattern Free A-Line Skirt. I shall be following this up with construction instructions after the episode tomorrow night after I have chosen some lovely print cotton fabric (1.5m needed) at Flo-Jo Boutique in Bristol! I am going …