I needed a break from dressmaking and also wanted to try using up some of my zipper collection, so I thought I would make a Kismet Trinket Box with a pattern by Sew Sweetness. I have something similar to the large square version which holds my manicure kit, but the zipper is broken so I … [ Read More at SWN! ]
Back in the 70’s I made this blouse when I was learning dressmaking at school. In those days they only came in one size, and this is a 12. I have been shopping for an open neck blouse like this and have given up, so I thought I could make this one again. However, I … [ Read More at SWN! ]
We just had The Great British Sewing Bee Series 5, and this year’s winner was the youngest yet at 33. Sadly the BBC just archive all these series, so you never get to see them again if you missed them when the aired. So sad, I would have bought them all on DVD if they … [ Read More at SWN! ]
I am the go-to sewing expert ’round here. I did do dressmaking in school back in the 70’s and make bags now, but I get asked to sew all sorts of things! My least favourite is taking up curtains. It is not difficult, but I only have a 5 x 3 foot table to work … [ Read More at SWN! ]
I treated myself to the Forever Shopper Bag pattern because it looks so good! I have never worked with oilskin or waxed canvas, and I had never even heard of dry oilskin before, but I wanted to try it…
The original blouse is rather tatty and stained now, so I am glad I have managed to copy it successfully! The first version was a dry run, where I checked I had the pattern fit right and tried out all the techniques I needed to put it together, (Shirt Yoke, Button Stand and two part … [ Read More at SWN! ]
I had a request from a friend to make a couple of tote bags for her daughters who have laying hens. She bought some chicken-themed curtain fabric she wanted me to use, and if it was not enough I could add some co-ordinating fabric. She left it to me to choose the lining fabric too. … [ Read More at SWN! ]
My last blog was all about doing this great Craftsy Course by Steffani Lincecum and learning how to draft a sewing pattern from my favourite ready-to-wear sleeveless blouse. I shared how I made a muslin to try it out. I had to learn several new techniques and happily Professor Pincushion on Youtube covered them all. … [ Read More at SWN! ]
Having recently tried silk ribbon embroidery I was delighted to come across craftyattic, who as well as the necessary supplies have a great range of embroidery video tutorials on creating various silk ribbon flowers. With Spring in the air, and Easter round the corner, I thought you all might enjoy the daffodils! Easter Daffodils – Silk Ribbon … [ Read More at SWN! ]
One of my nieces asked me to sew some bunting for her sister’s birthday present, to decorate her backyard for the summer. As always for me it’s choosing the fabrics and how to arrange them that takes a lot of the time, but she wanted red and white so that simplified matters! My fabric stash provided … [ Read More at SWN! ]