Hi Reader, I'm super thrilled to share the exciting news that my scrappy red dress has been shortlisted for The Stitch Festival's dressmaking competition in the upcycled/repurposed category! My eco-friendly garment was crafted from a bucket load of fabric scraps from past garment and costume projects, and I'm honoured my work be recognised. But what really sets this dress apart is the unforgettable memories I've made while wearing it - like the time I wore it to a friend's wedding and received countless compliments! Now, I'm eager to share the fascinating story behind its creation, from the initial idea to the final stitch...
Want to learn the secrets behind my scrappy red dress? From the clever technique I used to tame the raw edges to the surprising materials I repurposed along the way, I'm spilling all the details in my latest blog post. Click here to read the full story and get inspired to upcycle your own fabric scraps into stunning garments! Join the Sew Bee Yourself Online Sewing Club!Want to sew with like-minded enthusiasts, get expert guidance, and stay inspired? Our online sewing club is the perfect community for you! We meet online twice a month to share knowledge, tips, and enthusiasm for all things sewing. Upcoming Focus: Mastering Stretchy Fabrics In our next session, we'll dive into the world of stretchy fabrics like jersey, sweat-shirting, and Ponte Roma. You'll learn expert stitching techniques using both sewing machines and overlockers/sergers, ensuring you achieve success and confidence in your projects. Ready to Join the Fun? Click this link to learn more and become a part of our vibrant online sewing community: www.sewbeeyourself.com. I'd love to see you there, sharing your projects and learning from each other! |
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Hi Reader, Bookings are open for all my Surrey based courses, but you need to be quick as places do go quick. FIND A SURREY SEWING CLASS WITH VEE 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...
Hi Reader, I couldn’t understand why I couldn’t find anything. I’d been digging for children’s clothes patterns from the 1940s—surely they existed? But the search kept coming up short. Then it clicked. Of course. READ THE FULL STORY During WWII, fashion barely shifted. Rationing, shortages, and utility over novelty meant styles held steady—and innovation was more about clever mending than creating something new. That led me to a slim book from the library—Make Do and Mend, a reprint of...
Hi Reader, My heart was pounding. I heard my name be announced. My turn. click the image to see montage of the catwalk I skipped up the steps and took my place on the Stitch Stage at The Stitch Festival beside the compere. I was one of 10 finalists for the Stitch Festival's Dressmaking Competition in the recycled category. My entry was my Scrappy Red Dress, made entirely from fabric scraps from previous projects. I took up my rehearsed 'model' pose while she read out my bio. Gosh, had I...