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.

Friday 12 August 2022

How to make a Mans collarless shirt

HOW TO MAKE A  MAN'S collarless Shirt




This is showing you how I make collarless shirts, my next post will show you how to add interest with a contrast yoke and piping, and it will include a collar.
There are many mens shirts patterns, all the major pattern companies have one.The one I am using is an old one which I adapt time and time again.

For this project I am going to be showing you how to make a shirt for a man, of course the same principal applies to making a shirt for a lady. Please do not feel daunted, it is not as difficult as it sounds.
I have made plenty of shirts for my other half and he delights in helping to choose the fabric but the buttons are all his own choice!

So, you will need a pattern.i am using McCalls M6044.
Interfacing,  the weight will probably be a medium unless he intends to wear a tie with it when you would choose a heavy weight sew in. For this project though a medium should be sufficient.I am making it without a collar, but will explain how to do one with a collar on the way.
You will need some buttons too.and matching thread.
If you intend using a contrast fabric for the collar and cuff linings you will need a small piece of fabric which coordinates or clashes with the main fabric in the same weight and same fabric composition.
The reason for using the same type of fabric is that you want it to wash and wear evenly, without going limp or shrinking.
                                   

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The fabric has been ironed and pinned together along the selvedge - this makes sure the grain is correct which is so important.
The pattern has been cut out, so I am all prepared to cut it out later this evening. Please look again later for photographs and updates on my progress. Meanwhile find some spare fabric and make the tie, you will find it easy and rewarding.
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Butterick B6655 in 100% Organic Cotton from Jaycotts.co.uk

 Butterick B6655 in Organic cotton From Jaycotts.co.uk 









When you think of Jaycotts what instantly springs to mind? Most people answer sewing machines, patterns or thread. Well yes, that is perfectly  correct , But when did you last look at their website, because they are now major suppliers of exceptionally high quality organic cotton fabric. 


  





The fabric I used to make my dress  is a wonderful organic cotton. You can view the range available on Organic Cotton from Jaycotts  
The photo above shows just a very small selection available , there are more on the link and even more instore

Saturday 9 July 2022

Lapped Zipper Insertion. A tutorial

 

Most garment need a  closure of some sort. This is my favourite 

The lapped zipper Tutorial 

There are three basic  ways of inserting a zipper - lapped, centered and invisible.  I am going to show you how I insert a lapped zipper which is my preferred choice.





There are many different ways of sewing a lapped zipper, over the years I have found a method which works and is easy to sew and I want to share it with you.


Friday 1 July 2022

The OLISO-TG1600-SMART-IRON from Jaycotts.co.uk, Reinvented for Sewing and Quilting

 A review of the OLISO-TG1600-SMART-IRON 

From Jaycotts.co.uk 




Choosing your iron is as important as choosing your sewing machine. A good sewist will set the ironing board up every time she sits  down at to sew. 


Why is this important?  Put simply if you press every seam and every dart as you sew them you will end up with a far superior garment to one you did not bother to press as you went along. It is the different between Handmade and Homemade . Handmade is special, it is bespoke, and it looks and feels great to wear. A garment which is not put together with care will never look professional. 
It stands to reason that your iron must fulfill all the functions needed to produce a high quality garment, this one hits the spot totally - and more
You will have taken a great deal of time and effort choosing your sewing machine and as your iron is equally as important it makes perfect sense to choose a high quality iron too, 
Your iron is used just as much as your sewing machine so why skimp on quality? 


Tuesday 28 June 2022

Easy to sew and fabulous to wear nightwear

 

Very easy to sew nightwear 



What is nicer than cool cotton pj's?  These are fabulous to make and even a total newbie can make them 

Do read on and discover how you can make some too 


Saturday 18 June 2022

Beach Huts Summer Dress in Organic Cotton

Beach Huts Summer Dress 


This post is also on Jaycotts.co.uk  blog Summer Beach Huts Dress


The fabric is not photographing very well sadly, it is very bright in every room. The fabric is actually more vibrant than it seems, the stock photo is below.




Sewing with Simplicity Organic Cotton Printed Fabric from Jaycotts

 

Gorgeous Simplicity Fabric from Jaycotts.co.uk. 




Have you seen the high quality fabrics now on sale at Jaycotts If you haven't then you are missing out. 

This fabric is made from 100% Organic cotton , there are many other  fabulous prints on  their website,  but it is the Simplicity  designs I want to show you today and give you some ideas what you can  make with them 

 

Monday 23 May 2022

The Liberty Bella Tea Dress

 This Tea Dress by Liberty London is made in a patriotic London print fabric in honour of Her Majesty's platinum Jubilee and is also my Birthday Dress 



Tea dresses are so flattering and fabulous for when you want to feel dressy but not uncomfortable 
This Liberty London design is very typical of the styles worn in the 1940's with shoulder pads and simple lines 





Shoulder pads were added to almost every garment in the 1940s,  it was a nod to the military and seen as a sign of support to our Armed Forces





I have owned this pattern for ages and had forgotten about it, but with Her Majesty's platinum Jubilee fast approaching it seemed appropriate. 
As did this fabulous fabric which I have  owned for several years but never found the occasion to use it. It is absolutely perfect!
The pattern is suitable for confident beginners