Sewing coats is hugely satisfying, but the expense of coating fabrics, linings and interfacings – not to mention patterns and notions – can seem off-putting. Is it possible to sew a decent winter coat for less than you’d pay on the high street? Read on to find out…
If you’re looking for the perfect coat, why not try a vintage pattern? Whatever the season, there’s a vintage sewing pattern to inspire you. Whether you use the designs as a launch pad for your own bespoke piece, or follow faithfully for some of the best sewing instructions in town, you won’t regret diving into the sewing pattern archives for inspiration…
Following on from my last post on the joys of sewing for your nether regions and rediscovering the magic of sewing the things you usually buy from a shop, here are my top tips for getting started making – and using – your own menstrual pads…
I’m just going to come right out and say it: I made sanitary towels. And do you know what? The process delighted me as much as, if not more than, sewing a pretty dress. Making things from scratch you previously considered impossible to make from scratch – the things that fall into the category of ‘I buy them’ – is a uniquely satisfying proposition. So read on (if you dare!) to find out why our ‘unmentionables’ might be just the ticket for sewjo joy…
Continue reading ➞ Sewing for your nether regions: new thrills for the jaded sewist
When it comes to coats, I’m firmly in the Luther Vandross camp: never too much or too many. I love a good coat and get a real kick out of being able to make my own outerwear exactly how I want it . Not convinced? Read on for six great reasons to get into – and sew! – coats this winter.
Continue reading ➞ Six reasons to love sewing coats and outerwear
The Papercut Patterns Waver Jacket might just have saved my sewing practice this year: a slow burning passion project that kept the creative flame alive. Read on to find out more about this versatile pattern and some hacks and tips on how to turn it (or any other simple jacket for that matter) into a sturdy piece of Scandi-style outerwear…
Continue reading ➞ Sewing the Papercut Patterns Waver Jacket: review, hacks and tips
When it comes to creativity, no amount of equipment or space will ever contribute as much to your productivity levels as building the habit of creating. Easier said than done, a habit is an elusive beast that will give you the slip first chance it gets. If you want to up your sewing ante, read on for five tips to snare a reliable sewing habit for life…
Continue reading ➞ Sewing productivity: five ways to build a creative habit
According to the annual Good Childhood Report, children in the UK have the lowest levels of life satisfaction across Europe – largely because they are afraid to fail. Where did we go wrong? And could ‘sewing fails’ be the answer? Read on to find out how failure is an integral part of creative endeavour
Continue reading ➞ On failure and creativity: why sewing ‘fails’ are always wins
A recent inundation of sewing notions led to a weekend of gleeful sorting. Through buttons and braids I found myself reminiscing about my gran, the woman who taught me how to knit and inspired me to see heaven in a single polyester button…
Continue reading ➞ Sewing relations: communing through the medium of buttons
In my last post I suggested we share more basics. So today I return with news of my top three sewing patterns for the basic tee. I’ve been on a bit of a quest, truth be told, but after a lot of fiddling and faffing with tried and tested patterns, my favourite turned out to be a t-shirt pattern that’s perfect straight out of the box…
Continue reading ➞ Quest for the perfect tee: my top three t-shirt sewing patterns
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