A couple of weeks ago I went to visit some friends in Cornwall, and spotted a cushion I’d made for them some years ago. As someone who loves to give handmade gifts, it’s odd to think about the number of my creations that are out there, and easy to forget about them. This one was [...]
It’s that time of year when woollens are brought out of hibernation to provide much-needed warmth. In my house this involves nasty surprises; the annual moth damage inspection has revealed several casualties this year. The particular virulent strain that inhabits my home favours expensive fibres like cashmere. But since I protected all the tasty stuff [...]
I’m half way through making the first of many skirts from my own custom block. After drafting a block from my measurements, fitting and adjusting a toile, and copying the adjustments back onto paper, I have block which I can trace to give me custom-fitted patterns. My first skirt pattern is as simple as it [...]
It’s been a long time since I did any ‘proper’ patchwork, by that I mean hand sewn. It was a hobby of mine when I was younger; my mum had an amazing collection of small scraps and I used to make mini Geodesic domes (much simpler than they sound) than it sounds) from equilateral triangles, stuffed [...]
The Stitched Up Boutique is now open for business! I’ve added a few of my one-off, handmade bags and wallets. I have a very limited number of these and I wont be making more, so don’t miss out! Shipping is free within the UK, and £3 to other lands.
I’m rather pleased that I finished a couple of big projects this weekend. First, my Featherweight Cardigan: I added length to both the body and sleeves, and knitted the band in 1×1 rib. I am still amazed that an entire cardigan can emerge from just one skein. It’s a shame I didn’t finish it before the [...]
This is what went into the dress: Main fabric 3.5 m of heavy silk crepe in ‘natural’ It’s fair to say that I had probably chosen the main fabric in my head as soon as I heard the words ‘wedding dress’. I love crepe, I love silk, I really love silk crepe but I don’t [...]
14 April I’m half way through the Custom Pattern Cutting course at LCF, Zoe asks me if I’d make her dress, I say of course yes. 11 May – 14 May Zoe has tried on some dresses and emails me photos of her faves, I start thinking about construction.
Seaming lace is just one of the new techniques I’ve had to pick up for Zoe’s wedding dress. The effect of the all-over lace is stunning, but sewing it is not high on my list of experiences I would like to repeat. While every other aspect of the dress as well as I could ever [...]
Lace is a key aspect of the wedding dress I am making for my friend Zoe as it covers the entire dress, sewn into the bodice but hanging as a separate layer for the full length skirt. We wanted an all-over lace with a large floral motif and a vintage feel, preferably in pale ivory to coordinate with the main [...]
The next phase of Zoe’s wedding dress was to take the and trace it as pattern pieces, add seam allowance, cut it in calico and sew it into a toile. Calico is used because of its firmness and lack of stretch. It’s very unforgiving, so if it looks right in calico, you know it will [...]
I’ve not previously blogged about my sewing exploits as it’s been a while since I took on a big project, but today one landed in my lap. This morning I noticed that the condition of my beloved coat had deteriorated from slightly raggedy lining, to a mere thread away from side-seam destruction.
