Hi there, it’s been a while! What a whirlwind the year has been, but guess we probably all feel like that? I won’t bore you with tales, or excuses for my absence from the blogasphere, merely move on and tell you what’s been going on in the studio. We recently hosted our first ever quilting and patchwork workshop. The lovely Josie from The Patchwork Dog and Basket was our guest tutor and led a weekend workshop of quilting newbies down a dark and dangerous path of addiction, into machine patchwork and quilting techniques. I feel the need for a little back-story at this point: Back in the summer I started teaching a morning class in Lewes at the aforementioned Patchwork dog, in dressmaking. Each week I would try and slide through the shop without looking at any of the fabrics for fear of bankrupting myself. Once in the workroom, beautiful quilts... read more
We’ve hosted a few parties here at the studio before, but a hen party for twelve was our biggest yet! As the gorgeous bride-to-be Laura is 5 months pregnant, a sewing party with tea and cake was the perfect alternative to the boozy falling-over-on-the-pavement parties that grace the streets of towns up and down the country every Saturday night. So, out came the MASSIVE tea pot and and cake stands ready for the party guests… A range of pretty fabrics including Liberty print lawns and funky prints from Ditto were laid out on the table ready for action… My glamorous assistants grabbing a quiet moment before the hens arrive… We started by getting to grips with the sewing machines, learning to thread them properly and adjust the settings to make different stitches… Then choosing our fabrics and cutting and pinning the patterns to the fabric… As the rest of... read more
As we charge ahead into autumn, I’ve been looking back at the glorious summer we had. It’s been all go in the studio, and it’s about time I shared with you some of the amazing work that my students have produced. We’ve had an array of beautiful dresses (some of which have travelled to far-flung places)…. A fabulous collection of shirts… Summery gorgeousness… And some lovely things for little people… And then of course there was Jade’s Prom dress, wow! If you’ve been inspired and think you’d like to learn to make your own clothes then get in touch… Book here to join on one of our courses. See you next week, happy sewing!
It’s been a busy month at the studio, with lots of new students signing up after The Great British Sewing Bee. Most have started with simple projects such as Pyjama bottoms but there are a few more adventurous first projects, but I can’t show you until they are finished. Here are the fabulous clothes that were made in April.
This term we’ve been really busy and made loads of new things. Bobble hats, bags, purses, PJ shorts, refashioned t-shirts, sunglasses cases for Mothers day, and then Hungry Bunnies for Easter. Applique has been a recurring theme, and I think you’ll agree the results are brilliant! Here is our animal appliqué bag project… And here are the bobble hats, made in just 2 hours… These are a few of the refashioned t-shirts… And because there was a big of spare time, pom-pom purses… Pyjama Shorts (first go at using a commercial pattern)… For Mothering Sunday we made funky sunglasses cases… Then as the last project before Easter, we made Hungry Bunnies… nom, nom, nom… Happy Easter everyone!
I’m really excited to share with you my latest post, and I’ve decided to make it a regular feature. Every month I will share pictures with you of all the projects that my students have been working on (or at least the ones I remember to photograph), so without any more ado, here is March 2014… And here is a sneaky peek at some work in progress… Dizz is making Bridesmaids dresses for her best friend’s wedding. The petticoats are looking amazing, but all that net can be a bit tricky to handle! And Jade is making her own dress for her school leavers Prom in June, watch this space… See you next week!
