I would like to introduce you to something I have been working on for the last year.
I enjoy learning how garments are constructed and the process of pattern drafting, I really wanted to develop this first but I was unsure how to commence hence the introduction of Lush Cloth, to provide me with an insight into fabrics, the opportunity to source fabrics and construct garments.
I wish I could describe the excitement I currently have that it has been confirmed the Great British Sewing bee series 9 is back on our screens on the 24th May on BBC one at 9pm. It has been missed so much and to have at least 9 weeks of sewing content on tv is amazing.
Our judges are returning, we have the lovely Sara Pascoe, Esme Young and Patrick Grant to entertain us over the course of the series along with the contestants.
For now whilst we wait for the new show, we can find out who the 12 new home sewing contestants are below.
Have you been curious to understand sustainability and what sustainable fabrics are? Well look no further, as I am going to break it down into quick digestible sections to help you along with understanding what is meant by sustainable fabrics.
Sustainable fabrics can be described as textiles from materials made from natural fibres or recycled from existing materials through eco-friendly manufacturing processes with the intention of having a minimal impact to the environment.
There are in total 8 series and it is anticipated that The Great British Sewing Bee series 9 will air in April 2023 on the BBC. It hasn’t been confirmed yet if it will be on BBC One or Two and if it will remain on Wednesday night. It does mean we are once again going to be seeing the wonderful judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young overseeing the home sewers and the lovely Sara Pascoe as the presenter who always brings an element of comedy to the show.
New to sewing, or just looking for your next project that isn't too complicated but will provide you with a beautiful make. Then I am able to help by listing below beginner friendly dressmaking patterns from indie sewing pattern brands like True Bias, Helen’s closet and Tilly and the Buttons. Their patterns are versatile, easy and allows you to be very creative and be able to adapt them to your taste.
As well as the above all these patterns are good for beginner sewists and all of them offer different techniques which means you will learn so much by sewing each of these patterns.
Having a good sewing machine is so important because it can impact your sewing project’s success. It is also worth noting you don’t always have to spend a lot to get a good sewing machine especially when you are learning a new skill.
Whether you are starting your sewing journey or looking to upgrade your current sewing machine, it is worth considering the following before buying. Researching sewing machines based on your requirements will ensure you buy a suitable machine for your needs and means you don’t spend unnecessarily.
I was thrilled to be chosen by Oyin as October’s blogger for Lushcloth. I’ve bought quite a few fabrics from Lushcloth ever since I first discovered them and have always been thrilled with the quality and choice of designs. For this project I knew I wanted to make an everyday vintage inspired dress in floral autumnal tones. Oyin let me know me if I waited to make my final choice then the new sewing fabrics would have arrived. So I waited and as if by magic the perfect fabric was there right in front of me. I do love a busy floral on a black background with the choice of matching in different knitwear colours and accessories. This floral is a crisp cotton so holds its structure well, and of course being a cotton fabric it was very well behaved to work with.
I elected to sew the Tilly and the Buttons ‘Joni’ Dress, which can be found in her ‘Stretch’ book, something I’ve had on my shelves and regretfully not really used alot yet. I have a habit of buying books, pouring through them and oohing and aaahing over all the pretties and then putting them back on the shelves and making something else! There are so many lovely patterns to choose from in the sewing books I have, I must use them more.
The dress was a more involved make than I initially realised but I really enjoyed sewing it up. The instructions were really detailed and gave lots of tips along the way. Even though I have been sewing for around 8 years, I still learnt a few things!
Thinking back when I started my sewing journey, I bought quite a few sewing tools and equipment, and over time I have realised I don’t use some of them so much. So I thought I would look at my sewing tools and see which ones I use and value the most.
During Me Made May we conducted a wardrobe review and found I lacked floaty dresses for summer. The pattern we chose was the Ninalee Park Lane dress. There are so many variations for this pattern, which includes a blouse option. There are also two necklines and three sleeve variations. We decided on the midi dress with waistline gathers.
