Do you suffer from the Winter sewing blues too? While I love a good sewing day when it’s raining outside it can be hard to find motivation for sewing once it starts to get dark in the early afternoon. My sewing room has poor lighting and it’s not much fun taking outdoor photos of finished garments with the winter weather ruining your plans. Here in Wellington right now the daffodils are up, the Kowhai trees are in fu
11th Oct 2017
Dive into a piecing project, which is a breeze to cut when using an AccuQuilt GO! Cutter. This pattern is great for confident beginner sewists. The finished size of this cushion is approximately 15" cubed.Shopping List
1m of Dark green fabric1m of Light green fabric1m of Emerald green fabric20cm of Black FabricCoordinating ThreadsApprox 1.5kg Hobby fillOptional:
AccuQuilt GO! Big or GO! Fabric CutterAccuQuilt GO!
2nd Sep 2017
This is such a great idea for letting imaginations run wild. Personalise with some embroidery and throw in some fun things like torches, glow sticks, magnifying glasses or maybe even a book!Shopping list Embroidery Machine with hoop A sheet (or quilt cover cut in half) A pillowcase Coordinating Threads Rope (5mm width), pegs, torch and other fun items for building! Pins Stabiliser ScissorsNOTE
4th Aug 2017
My latest make took a little longer than expected due to some naughty slippery fabric but the Simple 3223 and I took care of that!You might notice as we continue this post that it isn't the coat I mentioned in my review post.No, it is not.A new dress was required to wear to a wedding (weddings are great excuses for new ANYTHINGS aren’t they?!)...and I got offered some free fabric.One must never say no to free fabric.
7th Jun 2017
Keep your personal items close by with the You're My Super Hero Clutch. This pattern can be made within a couple hours and it is a fun little project to sew up with your favourite super hero fabric.This project was sewn using a Heavy duty sewing machine.Shopping List
1 x 12” (30.5cm) x 20” (51cm) Outer fabric (super hero fabric poplin)1 x 12” (30.5cm) x 20” (51cm) Lining fabric (plain red poplin)1 x 12” (30.5cm) x 2
5th May 2017
Make a mug rug or two as a gift or even to brighten up your living room. This pattern has two options for finishing. You can either "bag it out" or try your hand at "Bias Binding".Skill Level: Confident BeginnerSkills Learned Straight Stitch, Bagging out or Bias Binding, Trimming Seam allowancesShopping List:2 x 20cm x 17cm fabric1 x 20cm x 17cm WaddingOptional: Bias Binding Complimenting colour (approx. 1 metre in l
6th Apr 2017
This coffee cosy is a great gift for mum or dad. You can choose fabric that suits their interests to personalise.Skill Level:Confident BeginnerSkills Learned: Straight Stitch, creating your own pattern, Using the button sewing foot, Trimming seam allowancesShopping List:
Tall Take Away Coffee Cup (empty)5mm Elastic approx. 10cm longScrap fabric 2 colours. Amount determined by your template.White Button1 Piece of wad
23rd Mar 2017
In April this year, my two boys will celebrate their birthdays. My eldest will turn 11 and my youngest will turn 9. They seem to be growing up way to fast !!Today whilst sitting here contemplating what to write for a blog post, I was struck with how much of an influence my boys have been on my sewing. In fact, I would never have started sewing if it wasn’t for my two boys, and their sometimes very quirky fashion styl
16th Mar 2017
Wow your friends with this perfect pencil case to keep you organised. Easily transform this to match your individual style by making it longer by simply buying longer zips and choosing your favourite colours. Although this looks challenging it is a perfect project for a beginner to perfect precision sewing.Skill Level:Confident BeginnerSkills Learned: Straight Stitch, Zipper Sewing, Precision Stitching, Alternate bas
14th Mar 2017
The friendly neighbourhood PJ pants are super fun and easy to make. A little math goes a long way. Your whole family could have new cosy pyjama pants for winter. You can achieve a professional looking finish with your Singer Overlocker.Shopping List:
Overlocker and Sewing MachineJersey or Cotton Fabric (the length will depend on the pattern you draw out from the instructions. See measurement B)Overlocker T
10th Mar 2017
Decorative trims give your garments style and provide a way to add your own personal touch. Some trims - like bias tape - are also helpful in construction. There are several application methods, depending on the style of the trim and the way it is used.Hand-stitched trim: Raised trim must be attached by hand. Slipstitch the trim to the fabric with thread that is the same colour as the fabric.Machine-stitched band tri
7th Feb 2017
Sew-in interfacing looks more natural than fusible (iron-on) interfacing, and it's the only choice if your fabric can't withstand high heat. Fusible interfacing has a resin on one side, which bonds to the wrong side of the fabric with the application of heat, moisture and pressure. Always follow the manufacturer's directions. Fusibles do change the hand of the fabric, so test any fusible on a scrap of the fabric you'
7th Feb 2017