In part two in this short series, we move beyond the confessional and into the murky world of eco mud slinging. Should we be penalising individuals for what they sew, or is it time to look at the bigger picture?
Continue reading ➞ Sustainable sewing, part two: accountability
Sewing can feel like magic – paying creative dividends in wellbeing and self-sufficiency – but is it really sustainable? Kicking off with a confessional, this short series explores our sewing habits and how the drive towards sustainability can sometimes turn out to be anything but…
Continue reading ➞ Sustainable sewing, part one: magic or myth?
Refashioning is one of my favourite sewing pastimes, so when I fell out of love with a Simple Sew pattern hack I’d created for Love Sewing magazine, I knew it was time to transport this green spotty Lady McElroy viscose from dreamy summer maxi to something I would wear day in and day out…
Continue reading ➞ Refashion: turning a Lady McElroy dress into a boxy top and shirt
After a year of sorting and refining my me-made wardrobe, I’m planning on a more purposeful sewing trajectory this year. The makes wish list grows and grows, but I’ve resolved to tame the beast as best I can so that when I sew, it counts. So, if you’re looking for an alternative way to plan your sewing this year, here are a few guiding principles for a more relaxed and intentional year of making…
Continue reading ➞ Sewing mindfully: 10 principles for an intentional year of making
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
Grinlow Studio 