|
Hi Reader, I’ve sewn LOTS of buttons this past week. It was half term, and I was back in GSA’s costume department helping with alterations. What really struck me (again) was the designer’s ability to tweak existing stock into completely new looks. With a few smart changes, pieces were transformed into convincing Victorian for Onegin and delightfully quirky for High Buttoned Shoes. The buttons I stitched were added to waistbands for braces and to jackets where they completely shifted the authority of the garment. I added trims that changed an era and panels that made something wearable again. Nothing new made. Everything repurposed. It was a reminder that costuming is sustainable fashion in action and we can absolutely apply those same principles to our own wardrobes. That’s what this week’s blog is about:
If you’d like to build the kind of skills that make this possible, Sew Bee Yourself is where we do exactly that. As one member put it: “With SBY I feel supported and capable. Before joining, I could do simple sewing but the finish wasn’t very good… Now I’m so pleased with what I have made that it looks good enough to wear outside the house.” Sharon J. The next session is Friday 27th February at 2pm GMT. Come and join us:
See you at the sewing machine! P.S. 👉 Read the Sustainable Fashion Approach to Repurposing Clothes blog post |
Subscribe to get my dressmaking tips, offers, news and sewing treats.
Hi Reader, ‘No mum’. That was my eldest daughter’s response to the suggestion I make her prom dress. Oof. That was crushing. The thing is, while my kids were growing up, I hadn’t really sewn much apart from rushed World Book Day costumes from random bits lying around. She had absolutely no idea that before she was born, I used to make competition ballroom dance dresses and bridal gowns. She probably imagined I was about to whip something up from musty old curtains or worn out sheets from the...
Hi Reader, When you buy a place on one of my Summer Sewing Experience Days you will:- 🪡Discover the secrets of using a sewing machine with ease, so you can start sewing your dream projects without getting tangled or frustrated! 🧵Master the art of threading, stitching and adjusting your machine's dials, buttons, and knobs, so you can achieve perfect results every time - no thread nests, wonky seams or uneven stitches! 👕Create a practical and beautiful summer project under my expert guidance,...
Hi Reader, I was recently approached by Winslet Patterns to become an affiliate for them. I only ever share products, tools, and patterns that I have actually used myself and would genuinely be happy to recommend. So before saying yes, I had a proper look through the collection, asked one of my daughters to choose a style she’d actually wear, and sewed it up. She chose a pair of high waisted wide leg trousers in a green linen mix from my stash. I was really pleased with how they came...