Hi Reader,

Last week I had a surprise couple of days inside the Guildford School of Acting costume department. They needed an extra pair of hands for alterations, so I stepped in and honestly, it was such a joy.

Across the two days I:
• Added extra panels to a dress and skirt to give them more room
• Took in a T-shirt and a pair of trousers
• Let out another pair
• Repaired a tear on a gorgeous vintage cape (right at the neck edge)
• Stitched a lace collar onto a jacket to give it a Victorian feel

It was lovely being back in the rhythm of a busy costume shop. No stress, no managing anyone, just making things work better for the performers.

Being handed a stack of garments and trusted to sort them reminded me how much can be achieved with a few simple techniques and a sewing machine.

So much repurposing is possible without buying anything new.

And that’s what made me think of all the people who tell me they’d love to alter or repurpose their clothes but feel totally stuck at the “I can’t even thread my machine properly” stage.

I’m finishing up the Straight Stitch Starter Pack, and I’m thrilled by how many people have already pre-ordered a copy.

It’s going to be so exciting to see it in their hands this Saturday!

If you haven't pre-ordered yet, it’s designed to take you step-by-step through threading your machine and sewing reliable straight stitches.

Once you’ve got that, so much opens up: repairing and altering clothes to fit, freshening up old favourites, and even making simple garments.

A Little Festive Update

I’m taking a stall at the Christmas Wellness Fair on Saturday 13th December, at the Egham Literary Institute, from 11am to 4pm. I’ll be selling a range of beginner-friendly sewing kits, all made from fabric saved from landfill — perfect for gifts, stocking fillers, or a gentle nudge for someone who wants to start sewing sustainably.

If you’re nearby, I’d love to see you. Come say hello, browse, or just enjoy the festive vibe.

Sewing Tip: Turning Thin Straps If you’ve ever fought with tiny straps or narrow tubes, this will save your sanity. I use a simple tube turner, and it’s honestly the quickest, easiest method I’ve found. ​ Here’s the one I use: https://amzn.to/4pJPKvc * How to do it: Sew your strap right sides together, and close one end. Trim the corner and reduce the seam allowance. Slide the hollow tube inside all the way to the closed end. Use the stick to push the closed end back through the tube. Done — perfectly turned in seconds. *Disclosure - affiliate link

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The Straight Stitch Starter Pack is £7 while on presale, and the price goes up after Saturday. If you know someone who’s been wanting to learn to sew but needs a confidence boost, feel free to forward this to them.