Thank you so much for the lovely messages that I received after my last newsletter. It is always a nerve-wracking experience trying something new!
So, here goes the next chapter.
In a week where we woke up in the morning not knowing what the media was going to tell us, we carried on stroking fabric and quietly celebrated some very exciting news that will be revealed in due course.
Piped Cushion Envy!
On Saturday afternoon I welcomed a mum and daughter to our Piped Cushion with Zip workshop.
It was great fun and although the cushions were very different, they both looked amazing.
The cushion on the left was made using our Makower UK Around the World labels fabric and the one on the right was our Makower UK Beside the Sea clouds fabric.
New Workshop
So while we are talking about workshops, two new ones have now been added to our website.
Join us on Thursday 3rd and Thursday 10th November, between 6pm and 9pm to sew a unique Christmas tree skirt. The twists on the trees look like tinsel. The skirt is reversible, quilted and finished with bias binding.
After receiving many requests, I have added a Dressmaking Masterclass for all levels and abilities, including beginners.
Starting in November, it will be a regular workshop that runs on one Thursday evening and one Saturday afternoon per month. The idea is that you can book a series of sessions if you would like to make a garment, or book a one-off session if you need help with a specific technique.
The first sessions will be held on Saturday 5th November from 2pm to 5pm, and on Thursday 17th November from 6pm to 9pm.
Take a look and book your sessions now.
Pattern of the Month
Every month I like to have a new garment made ready to show off at our Sew Shop & Tell evening.
Continuing with my mission to sew trousers that fit, this month I chose to make the Closet Core Jenny trousers. This Closet Core Jenny trousers pattern is often overlooked.
The trousers can also be made as dungarees (overalls), have wide legs, optional side pockets, back pockets and optional faux fly front. You can also choose between one side zip or a zip on each side.
For my trousers I used our Becky black yarn dyed stretch denim fabric that hangs beautifully.
I am a pear-shape with my hips at least two sizes bigger than my waist. This makes sewing trousers difficult but in this instance I decided to grade the side seams down by one size from the hips to the waist. I then made the back darts bigger to cater for my swayback.
I am thrilled to bits with the fit and they are super comfortable to wear. I will definitely be making more of these (when I find some time!).
Sew Shop & Tell
Yet again we had an amazing time at our monthly social evening. It was wonderful to welcome some new customers to the event and to hear all the chatter and laughter.
Some brought some wonderful makes to show us, including memory dinosaurs, quilts, a skirt, a child’s dress, a cotton jersey top, a Tilly and the Buttons Indigo dress and a Friday Pattern Company Ilford jacket.
Many used the evening as an opportunity to stock up on supplies and took advantage of the 10% discount on non-sale fabrics.
The next event will be held on Tuesday 1st November between 6pm and 9pm and it would be lovely if you joined us.
Window Display
Finally, on Tuesday I managed to change the window displays!
The first window has our stunning red Dawn viscose fabric draped on the mannequin. This fabric is a border print and would suit any pattern that has a straight hem, such as the Tilly and the Buttons Skye dress.
Our second window is Christmas themed (sorry not sorry!). If we are going to have our Christmas projects finished in time, we need to start now. Don’t leave it to the last minute like I do!
On display is the Santa Paws advent calendar that I made up last week, together with the samples for our Christmas Stocking and Free Motion Applique Stag Cushion workshops.
We have so many gorgeous Christmas fabrics and panels in stock!
Reduced! Reduced!
On Thursday I decided to have a little sort out of our panels.
As a result I have reduced most of our non-Christmas ones to and amazing £2.50 each! An absolute bargain!!!
Also reduced are our Lewis & Irene alphabet panels and they are only £1 each!!! Another incredible bargain when you realise that they GLOW IN THE DARK!
Use the panels to personalise cushions, bags, Christmas stockings and clothing.
Use the panels to personalise cushions, bags, Christmas stockings and clothing.
Last Christmas I designed a Christmas Santa sack using these panels. Download your pattern now.
New Pattern Alert
On Thursday I also added the Disappearing 9 Patch Quilt Top pattern to our website. This pattern is perfect for anyone new to patchwork and has been a favourite on many of our workshops.
You only need 9 fat quarters to make the quilt and Christmas themed ‘Foraging in the Forest’ cotton fabric collection from Craft Cotton Company is absolutely perfect.
The pattern is a pdf download, so order your pattern and fat quarters now and get started!
Pattern Pairings
Our pattern pairings this week include some gorgeous new fabrics. Which do you like best?
Fabric – Patricia stripe viscose jersey
Pattern – True Bias Nikko top or dress
Fabric – Betty ex-designer M&S stretch viscose blend fabric
Pattern – True Bias Emerson pants
Fabric – Amanda viscose blend crepe
Pattern – True Bias Shelby dress or romper
Quote of the Week
Oh how true is this?! And one of my lovely customers commented that it is therapy too.
So, although the shop has been quieter this week, I am always working away in the background.
If you missed the first instalment of my ‘Diary of a Sewing Shop’ series, it is now available as a blog post.
Once again, I hope you have a lovely weekend and you know where to find me if you need me.
Happy sewing!!
Leanne