Making Life more Beautiful
Before I embark on my sheer chiffon blouse with cuffed, puffed sleeves, I have had a lot of very helpful advice from the amazing sewing community, I have consulted my own sewing library and I have made a few samples. … Continued
I like browsing in the high street fashion shops – do you? I rarely buy an outfit but I need inspiration. Also, when the sales are on, I do sometimes buy oddments either to wear, alter or copy. This week … Continued
In a previous post I used this dress pattern as an example of what it makes sense to do before you start to actually make a garment. Having written the post I thought I might as well make the dress. … Continued
The key to success in making your own clothes is to make the right styles, that fit you well, in the right fabric. I never, ever, just pick up a pattern, pull it out and start making it up “straight … Continued
Eunice writes: I need your recommendations to decide on upgrading my sewing machine. I have a Brother BC2100 now and I am looking to buy a machine that can work with tricky and heavy fabrics and give a more professional … Continued
I have been writing about the Japanese writer, Marie Kondo‘s approach to tidying up your life. Then I got an email from a reader. I’m so pleased you blogged about it. I genuinely feel like it is changing my life. … Continued
Espadrilles One of my friends, Suzie of Suzie London, came to our Morley college draping class, wearing these. Hand made espadrilles! You can buy the soles to make an espadrille on Amazon and at John Lewis, but the twist here … Continued
A few months ago fellow blogger Stephanie mentioned she had read a book on tidiness – The Life Changing Magic of Tidying. Then Anna Catt, a work colleague, offered me her copy to read. What did I learn? I learnt a … Continued
Not all garments are equal. With most high street clothes what you see is what you get. Just the fabric, the zip and the overlocking. If the garment has a collar, a waist band or a bit of structure then … Continued
I’m a little bit fed up today. My first dripping damask experiments had gone so well – it literally took me about 90 minutes from conception to satisfaction. I had the idea, I decided on a technique, I gave it … Continued