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...
about 15 hours ago • 1 min read
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...
12 days ago • 1 min read
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...
3 months ago • 2 min read
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...
3 months ago • 2 min read
Hi Reader, I sat on my sofa, just minutes before the class was about to start. I could hear my inner voice whispering all sorts of reasons why I shouldn't attend. "I'm too tired," "I just want to crash out and watch TV," "I can't be bothered," "it's going to be too difficult," "I won't be able to keep up," "the trainer will poke fun at my unfitness"... the list went on. But I knew that if I gave in to those excuses, I'd be letting myself down. I'd invested in this program to improve my...
4 months ago • 2 min read
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...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, As a costumer, I've had the privilege of working on various productions, but none have sparked my interest quite like the musical Big Fish. The story's climax features a funeral, and the director's notes left me curious - "bright funeral." I had to dig deeper to understand the concept. It wasn't until I delved into the character's personality that I grasped the idea. You can read what I decided to dress the cast in for this. READ MY LATEST BLOG POST Little did I know, this concept...
4 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Have you ever wondered why commercial patterns never seem to work when your waist and hips are nearly the same size? You're not alone — this is a common frustration for many sewists! But what if I told you there's a simple trick to fix it? In my latest blog post, I share exactly how to adjust patterns for a perfect fit, whether you're making skirts, trousers, or dresses. From choosing the right size to clever dart adjustments, these tips will transform how you sew. Ready to finally...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, I'm about to let you in on a little secret that's going to make you go 'aha!' and possibly even make you a bit cross with those pattern makers! Are you ready to learn the truth? I've been sewing for decades, and I've always wondered why commercial sewing patterns never seem to fit quite right. I mean, I'd follow the instructions to the letter, but somehow the finished garment would be too tight, too loose, or just plain weird. But then I stumbled upon a shocking truth. It's not our...
5 months ago • 1 min read
Hi Reader, Happy New Year! Hope you had a fantastic festive break and are now raring to get back to your sewing machine! Before Christmas, my hubby and I embarked on an epic adventure to Hawaii (with stops in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Phoenix) and managed to squeeze in hosting Christmas Eve for our family just in time. Let's just say I'm still recovering from the jet lag... Journey v/s Destination As we start a new year, I like to take a step back and celebrate my achievements over the past...
6 months ago • 1 min read