I know that the festive period is a very busy time for everyone so here's some information and a useful guide to let you know the last dates that you'll need to place your orders by to guarantee delivery in time for Christmas!

ASIA & FAR EAST: Friday 7th December

AUSTRALIA & NEW ZEALAND: Monday 10th December

 EUROPE & USA: Friday 14th December

UK 2ND CLASS DELIVERY: Monday 17th December

UK 1ST CLASS DELIVERY: Wednesday 19th December

UK EXPRESS DELIVERY: Thursday 20th December 12PM

Please note that Thursday 20th is the last date that I'll be sending out orders... any orders placed after 1PM on Thursday 20th will be sent out on Thursday 3rd January 2019.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank you for your custom and for supporting my small business throughout 2018.

Wishing you all a very happy Christmas and a peaceful new year.

 

I was so inspired by Merchant and Mill's pattern hack of their Top 64 Sewing Pattern, to make a short sleeved dress, that I just had to make one for myself!

This really is a very straightforward, and quick, pattern hack... first of all, you need to work out what length you'd like your finished dress to be. I chose mine to finish just above the knee.

Next, trace off the front and back lower panel pattern pieces, minus the hem edge. I used dot and cross paper to trace on to, but baking or parchment paper will work equally well.

Extend both the centre-front and side seams to the desired length (I added 24cm), remember that the hem is already factored in. For the lower edge of these panels, follow the original line of the top panel pieces which curve up slightly towards the sides.

If you want to make the dress with long sleeves then that's the only modification you need to make; and all the other pattern pieces remain the same.

However, if you'd like to make a short sleeved dress then again, you need decide on the desired finished sleeve length. As before trace off the two sleeve pattern pieces.

For my dress I used the Yarn Dyed Essex Linen in Graphite with Lt Beige top-stitching, I've used our 100% Organic Cotton Thread in Beige. Apart from adapting the pattern pieces mentioned above, the instructions for sewing remain the exactly the same.

The other change I made was to swap the neck facings for a binding, this was purely a personal choice, I'm just not a big fan of these facings. I chose to make a feature of the bias binding and used one of the cotton sateen fabrics from the Beau Yin Yang Collection by nani IRO, to give added hanger appeal.

I also added top-stitching around the neck for a contemporary look.

It's a while since I made my original Top 64 and I have to confess I'd forgotten what a fabulous pattern this is to sew up.... now that I've made a short sleeved dress I'm thinking that a long sleeved version would be lovely for Winter... because of the panel interest I personally feel that this style is particularly well suited to plainer fabrics, the Metallic Essex Linens would look fabulous, as would Corduroy, a Flannel fabric would make for a super cosy top, or for a more casual look Denim would work equally well too... next up for me is a long sleeved dress version in denim, you can buy the pattern to make your own version by clicking here.

 

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I'm thrilled, and I have to see more than a little overwhelmed, that my small business has been nominated for Sewing Retailer of the Year as part of the British Craft Awards!

We're up against some pretty big names, so if you have a spare moment to vote for us by clicking here, that would be fantastic...

Thank you so much!

Karen x

Come and join us at The Knitting and Stitching Show 2018 at Alexandra Palace, London this Autumn.

Use the code TRADE157 to get £2.50 off advance ticket prices... you can purchase your tickets online by clicking here, or alternatively, you can call 0844 581 1319 and quote the code TRADE157.

The show, which runs from Thursday 11th to Sunday 14th October, 2018, is the definitive event for anyone with a love of textile based crafts. If you love dressmaking, knitting and textile based crafts then this is THE show for you!

I'll be there with a thoughtfully selected range of our beautiful designer fabrics including Nani Iro, Kokka, Atelier Brunette and Lady MeElroy to name a few, together with indie sewing patterns including brands such as Merchant and Mills along with the relatively new Swedish brand The Assembly Line, both big favourites of mine. You can find out more about the ethos behind The Assembly Line by clicking here.

You'll find us on Stand TGF54 in the Main Textile Gallery, please do come along and say hello....

 

 

I'm absolutely thrilled to have recently added the full collection of sewing patterns by the relatively new Swedish indie brand The Assembly Line.

When I first came across this brand on Instagram a few months ago I instantly knew that I wanted to stock this collection! The Assembly Line has a very distinct look and style which very clearly sets them apart from other indie sewing pattern brands.

Launched in November 2017, these carefully crafted sewing patterns have a contemporary Scandinavian style. The ethos behind the brand is to design contemporary, functional and, at the same time, gorgeous items of clothing for us all to make and cherish. Clean lines with one or two interesting details are a key feature of this beautifully pared back collection.

Anki Josefsson is the woman behind the brand, and in collaboration with pattern maker Lotte Bohlin Lindstrom her aim is to offer an alternative to the mass produced options found on the High Street. With these patterns it really is easy to create a garment with high-end results, even if you have relatively little sewing experience.

With 13 styles to choose from, including dresses, tops, a skirt, trousers and outerwear, there's something for everyone...

I chose the Cuff Top for my first make in Robert Kaufman's Draper Denim, I found the instructions very easy to follow, plus it was quick and easy to make.

I love the elasticated cuff detailing on the sleeves, so much so that I've since made a second one, as shown above, this time in Nani Iro's Planet in Teal Green..... this style works equally well in plains and patterned fabrics. I'm now busy making the Almost Long Trousers... my first attempt at sewing trousers and so far so good....

I'll be showcasing these fabulous patterns at The Knitting & Stitching Show at Olympia, London in the Spring along with a selection  and our designer fabrics, click here for full details and ticket offer.