Hi Reader, As creatives, we're often guilty of taking on too much. We get caught up in the excitement of new projects, the thrill of social media, and the pressure to constantly produce content. But sometimes, it's essential to take a step back and reassess our priorities. For me, that moment came recently when I realised I was spreading myself too thin. Between teaching in-person classes, working at Chiltern Open Air Museum, costuming for Big Fish, running Sew Bee Yourself, fitting in family time, and studying for my teacher Level 3 qualification, something had to give. And that something was social media. I know, I know - it's a big part of being an online business owner. But when it starts to feel like a chore, a burden that sucks the joy out of your day, it's time to take a break. And that's exactly what I've done. I've temporarily paused posting on social media, and you know what? It's been liberating. It's okay to acknowledge that you can't do it all. It's okay to say no to things that drain your energy and steal your inspiration. Because when you're running on empty, you're not doing anyone any favours - least of all yourself. So, what am I doing instead? I'm focusing on the things that bring me joy and inspiration. And one of those things is upcycling. There's something so satisfying about taking an old, discarded piece of clothing and turning it into something new, something beautiful. Currently, I'm having a blast applying my upcycling skills to a project that's really sparked my creativity. I'm transforming old discarded black clothing, off-cuts, and left-over trimmings into 15 unique witches' outfits for Big Fish. It's a fun challenge to breathe new life into these materials, and my sewing team is loving the opportunity to get creative with upcycling too. This project is a great reminder of the magic that can happen when we combine imagination, resourcefulness, and a passion for sustainability. That's why I'm excited to share my Ultimate Upcycling Fashion Bundle with you. This bundle is packed with 80 ideas for upcycling old clothes into new clothes, as well as a tutorial on how I created my scrappy red dress - which, I'm thrilled to say, has been shortlisted for the Upcycled/Refashioned category in the Stitch Festival happening on 20-23 March! My scrappy red dress is a testament to the power of creativity and inspiration. It's a reminder that when we focus on the things that bring us joy, amazing things can happen. And I want to help you experience that same joy and inspiration. With the Ultimate Upcycling Fashion Bundle, you'll get access to a treasure trove of ideas and inspiration to help you breathe new life into your old clothes. From transforming jeans into stylish jackets and skirts, piecing and patching oddments into ruffled skirts, upsizing and downsizing clothes, clever repairs, this bundle has everything you need to get started on your upcycling journey. So, take a cue from me and prioritise your joy and inspiration. Let go of the things that drain your energy and focus on what makes you come alive. And if upcycling is something that sparks your creativity, then I invite you to join me on this journey. Get your Ultimate Upcycling Fashion Bundle today and let's get creative together!
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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...
Hi Reader, Woohoo! I did it! After six months of dedicated work, I’m thrilled to announce that I have officially passed my AET teaching qualification! 🎉 When I first embarked on this journey, I thought it would be a doddle. After all, I’ve been teaching sewing to adults for several years now, and I expected to have it all wrapped up in six weeks. However, I found this qualification was quite a challenge! The experience has been both enlightening and rewarding, pushing me to grow in ways I...
Hi Reader, The Great British Sewing Bee is back on our screens (in the UK) with 12 new contestants. Have you watched the first episode yet? For me, the greatest take-away is fabric choice. The weight, drape and weave of a fabric can make or break the success of your garment. Picking something flimsy, thin and drapey may feel lovely but can be incredibly difficult to work with - it shifts about while you cut, pin and stitch it, it frays when you look at it, puckers under some basic sewing...