Getting patterns printed on A0 is not something I do regularly. I often buy pdf patterns, but for budget reasons I usually stick together the A4 pages myself. However, I wanted to get my sew-jo back and sew some new patterns for autumn and the thing that was holding me back was the prospect of…
Continue reading ➞ A Guide to Copy Shop Printing For UK Sewists
Blocking knits was definitely one of the most mysterious parts of knitting for me when I started learning two years ago. I remember reading that you have to block things when you've finished knitting them, but never really understood WHY. I read about how to do it, but don't feel that many of the blogs…
A few months ago (at the beginning of Lockdown 2 here in the UK), my husband Martin was complaining about how much time he was spending on his phone. He has hobbies, lots of them, but he is a very active and outdoorsy person and has struggled with being stuck in our local area far…
I know it seems a little odd to be afraid of needles and choose to sew for a hobby. I do admit it is impossible to sew without them - machine needles and hand sewing needles are an unfortunate necessity if you want to join two pieces of fabric together. However! My fear of needles…
Continue reading ➞ Sewing Tools for People Afraid of Needles
I love trying out a new craft, it's just so nice to be a beginner at something isn't it? I still feel that way about knitting, with every project I learn something new and it's such a great feeling watching those skills grow and develop. I've been following some awesome punch needlers for a while…
Have you ever tried using Dressmakers carbon paper? I hadn't tried it before but have been meaning to try it for years since I read this blog post from TATB in 2014! It's only taken five years but I've finally given it a try and I can confirm - it works great! I was sent…
I don't know about anyone else but I am firmly in the sewing for Autumn mindset now. I am done with summer (I dislike the heat!) and am looking forward to snuggly knitwear and tights with boots! I think this dress is the perfect transitional garment as it can be worn both with bare legs…
Denim is probably my all-time favourite fabric. It wears well, is easy to repair and gets more beautiful with age - surely it's every sustainable sewist's dream fabric?! I am no stranger to working with Denim, I've made several denim garments now which can be seen on the blog - grey and blue denim Pippi Pinafores, two…
You may remember a little while ago I was sent some recycled polyester thread from Gutermann and wrote this blog post about it. I've been using these threads since March and still can't find any difference between them and regular thread. The garments I've made are holding up fine and so I was thrilled when…
Continue reading ➞ Sustainable Notions: Recycled Topstitching Thread
Last year I was sent some of this beautiful Lady McElroy fabric to review from Sew Loco. I made this top and took photos in the old house but then life happened and Lucy took a little break to have a baby! She's back now and Sew Loco has reopened with 20% off all fabrics…
Making and Books 