ABOUT ME

I am Angela and I love to sew. I started sewing as a child and by the time I was a teenager I was wearing the very latest fashions to go out in. All me-made. I am passionate about reducing the amount of textiles sent to landfill, and encourage you to repurpose fabrics and clothes I started this blog in order to have a way in which to pass on my gained knowledge, and my professional knowledge to you, Sewing is empowering, you can save money by making items, make money by selling then, You can pass your knowledge on to others. What is there not to love? Interestingly I am a direct descendant of the Flemish weavers who came over to England in the 1300's. I find that fascinating especially as most of my family from as far back as I can trace are somehow involved in the manufacturing of fabric . . I have a degree in tailoring with a special interest in WW2 fashion.
Showing posts with label Accessories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Accessories. Show all posts

Tuesday 18 January 2022

My McCall's Cape in wool mix coating

 I am still working on my cape. I want to make sure that everything is perfect because on a simple garment such as this every mistake will be instantly visible.





The fabric is a wool mix coating. View it here Wool mix coating


It is on sale too! 


Sunday 26 December 2021

Winter scarves capes and handwarmers

 I have a lovely little project for you which is so easy to make and you don't need a pattern.


I am going to talk you through making handwarmers and a scarf , which would also make a great gift.


And also a cape which you can either make your own pattern or purchase one ..Both of these simple accessories are suitable for adults and children and only basic sewing skills are needed



Sunday 21 November 2021

Lovely Warm gifts for you to sew.

 Handwarmer,  body warmer and a relaxing eyemask for you to sew. Plus a very easy neck scarf. Perfect for giving. 

A lot of us suffer in the  cold with aches and pains sometimes from arthritis. These simple garments are designed to help keep you snug and warm. Even if you don't , these delightful pieces make perfect thoughtful gifts



The pattern is Kwik Sew 4318.

If you are unable to purchase the pattern then it is easy enough to draft your own, see my post Handwarmers and scarves

It is so very easy to do as long as you remember to make your pattern big enough to accommodate multiple layers 
. Let me know if you have a problem 
I have used pure 100% cotton from my stash.

But you can purchase  it here Cotton fabric


I made the Bias Binding myself which is incredibly easy to do. I made a video to show you how to make it. Please don't buy it ready made, your own is far superior



Friday 30 April 2021

Simple Sewing Project - APRONS!

 When I was learning to sew at primary school the very first thing I ever made was a Gingham apron which I decorated with cross stitch embroidery. I suddenly thought that it is a brilliant idea for a first sewing project.




Saturday 6 March 2021

MORE BAGS TO SEW - EASY TOTE BAGS.

 Easy to sew, eco-friendly, perfect for gifts.....


Not just any Bag





What do you do with your leftover bits of fabric? I like to use every scrap of my fabric and this is my go-to favourite  project.
We all need bags now and what could be better than to make your own? A pretty bag is less likely to be left at home and no matter how simple the design they are always admired. In fact mine are often admired so much that I give them away and end up with none for myself





This particular Tote bag was made almost entirely on my embroidery machine. Sweet Pea Australia
 It is made from quilting cotton and trimmed with fau

Friday 19 February 2021

McCalls Siella in Navy Crepe. A version of the BUFFET DRESS featured in the GBSB 2021

  This style of dress, the Buffet Dress was featured in the Great British Sewing Bee episode 1 2021



This post shows alternative ways to style it 
Video at the end of the post 




Monday 23 November 2020

Handmade Totes, Bags, laundry bucket and much more. Perfecf for giving or keeping


My Handmade Gifts 


I like to give handmade gifts and I have some to share with you.


This is a set of gifts for a friend. Some of which can be found on my previous blog post -  just click on this link  Lovely Warm Christmas Gifts 

My Bathroom 

I have been decorating my bathroom and want to share the decor ideas and also show you how to sew a laundry bucket. The laundry tub pattern is from this book, you can purchase it from Amazon by clicking this link. There are lots of fabulous things to make in this book and I recommend it either for yourself or as a gift  

That Handmade Touch


There are such a lot of makes in this book , it is one I use a lot and in fact two of the items, my laundry bucket and a pouch to hold make up,  sewing supplies etc is shown below 



The instructions are clear and simple to follow with templates where needed.

I used some furnishing fabric in a nautical design and lined it with calico. I used a stiff interfacing for the base, removing the seam allowance before ironing it in place


Click to read more

Saturday 22 October 2016

How to make bags, totes and wallets Perfect for gifts!

I love making bags, there is something satisfying about using up remnants of fabric to make something practical (and free) Whenever I make a coat or jacket I always make some sort of bag to use when wearing it, especially now that we need to take a larger bag shopping with us. It is an opportunity to be a bit creative too and use trimmings that would otherwise me overwhelming on a garment.




These are two toiletry bags which I made out of leftover fabric. Have you seen how expensive they are to buy in the shops! A length of bag interfacing will make you lots of bags, then you just need a fastener.  I will talk about magnetic snaps and zips in each section.


All of my bag making supplies are from Jaycotts.co.uk,  take a look at the link  HERE  They sell handles, snaps, interfacings and everything else you will need including patterns and some fabulous templates so you can design your own.


The pattern I am using is this one and in this post I am making a bag and two envalope wallets using an interfacing called   DECOVIL which is a firm but flexible stabiliser for bags, and also some FUSIBLE VOLUME FLEECE which is easier to use