Book now for September garment sewing courses

Published 4 months ago • 1 min read

Hi Reader,

Bookings are open for all my Surrey based courses, but you need to be quick as places do go quick.

And if you're in or near Reading, then here's the link to book on to a sewing class at Reading College

INTRODUCTION TO SEWING AT READING COLLEGE (MONDAY'S)

GARMENT SEWING AT READING COLLEGE (TUESDAY'S)

And if you can't wait until September and want to hone your sewing skills over the summer then join me at Reading Sewing Bee where I'm teaching a 5-day Pyjama Making class where you'll walk away with a me-made pyjama set

BOOK YOUR PLACE ON THE PYJAMA MAKING CLASS

(The pattern is McCalls M8056 Bring your fabric—I’ll bring the know-how, and there'll be biscuits and tea/coffee.)

Sewing Tip of the Week 🧵

Choosing the Right Pattern for Your First Garment Sewing Project

Keep it Simple: Avoid patterns with inset sleeves, zips, collars, and multiple pieces to stitch together.

Easy Patterns to Start With:

Tank tops and vests
All-in-one tunics
Waistcoats
Elasticated trousers, shorts or skirts

Beginner-Friendly Patterns:

New Look 6483 tank top
Tilly and the Buttons Jaimie Pyjamas
Tilly and the Buttons Luella elasticated tiered skirt
McCalls M8562 Tunic style vest or dress
McCall's M8442 Waistcoat
Simplicity S9131 - Pajama Bottoms

Fabric Selection:

Choose woven fabrics like cotton, polycotton, or linen.
Avoid stretch fabrics like jersey or lycra, and slippery or open weaves like satin or chiffon.

Remember to check the pattern envelope for fabric requirements and necessary notions like interfacing, good quality thread, buttons, and elastic.

Know someone who wants to learn to sew?

Hi Reader, I've just created something new and while it might not be for you, you might know someone who needs it. The Straight Stitch Starter Pack is a printable guide I'm creating for brand-new sewists who are struggling to get their machine to cooperate. They've bought a machine, watched a few YouTube videos, and now they're convinced they're doing everything wrong because their stitches look nothing like the ones in the tutorials. Spoiler: Many of those tutorials are typically filmed on...

4 days ago • 1 min read

When a fur-cutting video goes viral...

Hi Reader, It started as a quick tip video — just me sharing how to cut faux fur without making a mess. Next thing I know, it’s taken off. Over 600,000 views and 555 comments on TikTok (and counting). Absolutely wild! Honestly, I had no idea so many people would be fascinated by faux fur. But that’s the beauty of the internet — you never know what will catch people’s imagination. And there's been a ripple effect... I’ve had a couple of costume enquiries pop up because of it. One is a Goofy...

about 1 month ago • 1 min read

Victory in Yarn and a freebie

Hi Reader, Have you got my latest free seam and hem finishing guide yet? Read to the end to get the link. The Longest Yarn You have to see this if you're into crochet or knitting. The Longest Yarn exhibition is like Legoland model village but knitted and crocheted. It's a series of sets (60 metres) that walk through the story of how WW2 unfolded for Brits on the home front, from the announcement of war, to gas masks, rationing, bombing and taking shelter in the underground stations, through...