We're thrilled to have just added five new sewing patterns designed by The Avid Seamstress to our range of independent designers.

The brainchild of Lisa Falconer, her vision was to create a portfolio of sewing patterns with unfussy details and clear, easy to understand instructions, and we certainly think she's achieved what she set out to do!

We love how these patterns are packaged, Lisa has clearly put a lot of thought and effort into every detail, from the quality of the textured paper envelope, the string tie closure on the back, the photography, as well as the internal content. 

Each sewing pattern is printed onto high quality white pattern paper which won't tear and irons beautifully,and comes with a detailed illustrated instruction booklet, and information cards for:

• Taking the Measurements,
• Fabric and Sewing Basics,
• Sewing terms Demystified, and finally
• Checklist/Important Information Before You Start

The patterns themselves are really clearly printed and the sizes numbered, there are cutting lines to lengthen or shorten the various pieces and usefully all markings are named as you can see above.

The range consists of five patterns, three women's designs and two for girls.

Firstly above, there's The Sheath Dress, which has an elasticated waist and an invisible zip at the back; here we've teamed it up with Nani Iro's double gauze fabric Joy Flower but it would work equally well in other patterns and plains.

The City Trousers are a slim fitting style which fall between a skinny and cigarette shape. With easy to insert side pockets and an optional split hem, these are sure to become a staple item in your wardrobe. Lightweight to medium fabrics work best for this style, here we've teamed the trousers with our Robert Kaufman Essex Linen but as you can see above, they work equally well in patterned fabrics.

The last of the women's patterns is The Day Dress, this flattering style has a fitted bodice, a gathered skirt and internal pockets. For a special occasion, why not make this dress in Nani Iro's Pierre Pocho in Natural, pictured above, which has a beautifully soft metallic sheen to the printed spots. Or the painterly abstract design Spectacle would look equally as good, as well as looking great in plain fabrics too.

The first of the girls patterns is The Gathered Dress, a "T" shaped pattern which is super easy to make with a gathered back and over-sized patch pockets. Here, we've paired this style with one of our Robert Kaufman Chambray Union fabrics, Herringbone.

And last, but by no means least, we have The Raglan Dress, a gorgeous style with easy to set in sleeves and over-sized pockets on the side. Lightweight to medium weight fabrics work best for this style, here we've teamed it with Robert Kaufman's Yarn Dyed Essex Linen in Indigo, which would look fabulous with contrasting pockets in either Flax or Leather.

We hope this has given you some ideas for your own sewing projects, do send us photos as we always like to see what our customers have made.

As Mother's Day is just over two weeks away now for our UK friends on Sunday 6th March, we thought we'd pull together some ideas to inspire you for the perfect gift for your fabulous mum.

This is always a really poignant time of year for me; as I'm sure many of you were, I was first taught to sew by my mum. She was a brilliant seamstress and I remember her patiently sitting next to me as I struggled to get to grips, first with a needle and thread, and then when I was older, with the sewing machine!

For the perfect Mother's Day gift we've got lots of lovely sewing and stitch kits, which are suitable for both those who've never sewn before, and experienced sewists alike!

We've recently added to our own label kits; firstly we've made a panelled cushion cover Marden Monochrome Cushion Cover in a mix of Nani Iro double gauze fabrics Joy Flower and Mountain Views, with Robert Kaufman's Yarn Dyed Essex Linen in Black for the back.

Secondly we've our Bepton Blue Scarf, the kit for which includes fat quarters of Nani Iro's Freeway, Joy Flower and Robert Kaufman's Woven Spot, we've included extra fabric designed to give the maker flexibility when choosing the size and positioning of the front panel pieces.

Merchant and Mills are always a firm favourite, both with us, and with you! 

All of their products are so beautifully packaged that you're guaranteed to find a lovely gift for your mum whatever your budget. Whether it be a pack of their Glass Headed Pins, a Sewing Pattern (which we'll wrap with gingham ribbon free of charge in the run up to Mother's Day), the Rapid Repair Kit, Workbook, a collection of 6 patterns designed to create a stylish multi-layered wardrobe, or the Leather Needle Wallet to name but a few.

The stitch kits by Nancy Nicholson are always hugely popular, we've recently added two new designs to the range, namely Teapot and Birdie 1; which sit alongside Cat and Lovebirds.

Finally, you can't go wrong with fabric, why not give one of our Fat Quarter Bundles, each of which contain a lovingly selected range of our designer and organic fabrics, perfect for patchwork, quilting and small projects.

Whatever you decide on we're sure your gift  will Make Your Mother's Day!

We're huge fans of Nancy Nicholson's work here at The Draper's Daughter and are really pleased that many of you seem to be too!

Most of the original kits that we stocked have now sold out and we're really pleased to have added two of Nancy's new designs to the range.

Choose from Teapot, printed in shades of teal, turquoise, pinks and a pop of green or Birdie 1 with its pops of neon!

Printed onto a cotton/linen fabric panel, which clearly shows you were to stitch, these kits are suitable for both novices and those who have embroidered before alike.

They make an ideal gift or perhaps an "on-the-go" sewing project for yourself!

These Knicker Making Kits make a fabulously fun gift for Valentine's Day.

The Polka Dots are a really popular style and spot on in red! Or why not choose the contemporary floral print Gypsy, shown bottom left, in the photo above; or we've the modern bird print available in both Grey and Blue. Whichever style you decide on they're sure to delight your sewing Valentine!

And for wrapping your Valentine's Day gift look no further than our British Made Traditional Baker's Twine! It's ideal for crafting too if you've feeling particularly creative. Choose from Red or the recently added Burgundy colourway.

To kick start 2016 we've just added some beautiful new fabrics by Japanese designer Naomi Ito for Kokka Fabrics.

We're big fans of Naomi's here at The Draper's Daughter, and love the abstract painterly quality to her work; a garment in any of the Nani Iro fabrics is sure to make you stand out from the crowd.

This new collection includes three designs in 100% cotton double gauze. This lovely lightweight fabric is made from two layers of fine fabric held together at regular intervals in a grid of tiny stitches so small they're almost invisible. This breathable fabric is cool in the summer and warm in winter.

The image above shows, from left to right, Birdseye News, Joy Flower Respect, Sazanami Pocho Hoko, this design was made using a Japanese  "salt-shrinking' process called Enshuku which creates a lovely crinkled effect, and lastly we have Jewel Song Pocho Asagiri.

Finally, we've Spectacle in the colourway Good Morning, shown above, which is printed on a lightweight cotton/linen canvas.  

 We're sure you'll agree that these fabrics are all perfect for getting your Summer wardrobe under way, whichever fabric you decide on, happy sewing!