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 …
Christmas Pyjamas!!
Who wouldn’t want a gorgeous, hand made pair of Pyjamas this Christmas? I know I shall be whipping up a few pairs to give as gifts, so I thought I’d share how to make up Pyjamas, without having to buy a Pattern! I have sorted out the following, super simple printables for you all to follow, which illustrate how to …
Notions: Insert a Zip
The following instructions illustrate how to insert a Zip simply, which can be used in Dresses & Skirts. It is not specifically concealed however; when sewn correctly there should be two folds of fabric which fit neatly over the Zip as in the final photograph. It is hands down the simplest way of inserting a Zip, very difficult to sew …
Notions: Pretty Lace Edge
To achieve this pretty Lace edge detailing- ideal for Slips, Pyjamas, Lingerie or Skirts- first decide upon the Lace & measure the garment to ascertain the length needed. There are some beautiful, & colourful, Lace edgings out there & it doesn’t have to cost the earth. Next, fold the wrong side of the material over to the right side, to …
Notions: Final Touches for the Simple Skirt
Only a few steps left before the Simple A-Line Skirt is complete! Thank you for staying with me this far… Having cut your Pattern here, started to stitch up & insert the Zip here, & starting to finish the Skirt here; you will undoubtedly be eager to add your buttons & hem so as to proudly show off your wonderful new …
Notions: How to Pin
From McCall’s Sewing in Colour When sewing a seam in garment construction, first match all notches or tailors tacks then pin at a right angle to the seam as illustrated above. This will mean that when sewing, the machine will stitch straight over the pins. This is an especially neat trick when sewing more complicated, or curved seams as the pins will …
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 …
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 in rows down the front? …
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 […] &, whether you are a …