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.

Sunday 20 February 2022

How to sew Jeans




How to sew Jeans.





Also on Jaycotts blog How to sew jeans





This is perhaps the most daunting yet the most satisfying garment you can ever master. Jeans are  personal and we all have differing views of what the perfect pair should look like.
Get them right and I guarantee that you will love them so much that you will never buy another pair again. I know I won't

Thursday 17 February 2022

An easy way to embelish almost anything using The Circular Embroidery Attachment

Circular embroidery attachments from Jaycotts.


I do love machine embroidery but I appreciate that it is not for everyone for various reasons. I was intrigued therefore when I was browsing Jaycotts web site and came across these special machine feet.



These machine attachments are perfect for adding circular embelishing to clothing, table wear and anything else you can think of. They make beautiful quilts and make circular applique incredibly simple.
I also like the idea of circular pockets and felt coasters and tablemats.
This is the BROTHER CIRCULAR EMBROIDERY ATTACHMENT  (There is a video showing it in use on the above link.)




Monday 7 February 2022

1940's Vintage Blouse in 100% Premium Organic Cotton Fabric from Jaycotts

 I am so excited to be back blogging, and a little nervous too, but doesn't it feel great to be moving forwards at last

The Simplicity 8593 vintage blouse collection.

 A Jaycotts post 


The Fabric is an Organic Cotton fabric by Cloud9



Everything used in this post is from Jaycotts Jaycotts web site and I will give links as I write the post. For any queries or to place an order do not hesitate to contact them direct.





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