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.

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! 


Friday 7 January 2022

The Avid Seamstress A-line Dress

 I love this pattern so much. The bodice is nicely fitted and the A-line skirt adds a bit of swing when you walk . This is such a love!y dress which I know I will wear time and time again.








Do spend time on fitting the bodice as it is a massively important feature, and it will draw the eye in a bad way if it is Ill fitting.









Monday 27 December 2021

Troubleshooting your Sewing Machine with Jaycotts.co.uk


A Jaycotts Blog post  with Alex Jaycott and myself 


I asked Jaycotts about troubleshooting Sewing machines as we all have problems from time to time and we don't always know where to start to sort it out.


This is their advice:

Alex,

The biggest issue we encounter is mis-threading of the sewing machine 


Having sold and serviced sewing machines for over 30 years I can honestly say that the biggest headaches for customers are actually caused by mis- threading the sewing machine!


everyone does it from time to time whether beginner or expert, novice or sewing teacher 

What do you mean by that Alex, what should we be doing?  Angela





Alex

Well , it is important to thread the machine  exactly as shown in your manual.For example  if someone miss-threads the take up lever, they usually don’t notice it and when the machine jams it looks as if the problem is the bobbin area  - when in fact it isn’t

So I guess my point should be that if you have an issue, the first thing to try is: re do your upper thread, taking care that the thread goes right into the take up lever. Incorrect threading can cause the machine to jam almost immediately.
If you  still have problems after that then go on to checking the bobbin area.




The Sew Over It Eve dress

A Minerva.com post 




I love this pattern, I have one with the fluttery sleeves, but wanted another one with short straight sleeves 


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



Saturday 11 December 2021

Mimi G Designer Dress. Simplicity S9370

 This dress is amazing. And I do mean AMAZING . It is a sophisticated dress perfect for parties and dances


It is a brand new  Simplicity Pattern details below





This incredible dress is a designer dress by Mimi G for simplicity and is available on this link. Simplicity 9370




Before you read the rest of this post do watch this short video clip and see for yourself how this fabric moves

Monday 22 November 2021

A very beautiful blouse in fabulous Art Gallery Fabrics stretch cotton Jersey

I do not normally wear blouses and I was thinking about why I don't. I realised that I have always sewn them in a woven fabric and I feel too restricted when wearing  fabrics like cotton  Lawn,  no matter how beautiful  it is , it's  just not me.











So I was glad to have been gifted a length of this fabric and also a copy of the pattern,  so it was the perfect opportunity


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