Portia Lawrie

Freebies, Giveaways

GIVEAWAY: Spring Knitting & Stitching Show Tickets

GIVEAWAY: Spring Knitting & Stitching Show

The Spring Knitting & Stitching Show will soon be upon us. Crazy right?! Only just got past the whole New Year thing and here we are already talking about Spring shows. But seriously, it’s like 49 days away or something! The Knitting & Stitching Show is the UK’s biggest textile art, craft and design event and the Spring show opens its doors to thousands of crafters at Olympia London on 1st-4th March 2018.  I’ve NEVER been before and will be going for the first time this year. Super excited to spend a day soaking up all things stitchy!

“From embroidery to dressmaking, needle felting to crochet, there are over 200 workshops and free demonstrations hosted by expert tutors, covering every textile craft imaginable.  Whether you’re a complete beginner, an expert seamstress or somewhere in between, there is something for everyone, and with nine workshop classrooms, it’s the biggest Spring show programme ever.”
GIVEAWAY: Spring Knitting & Stitching Show

There are loads of intriguing looking exhibitions, workshops, demos and stalls on offer….odds are some fabric and yarn will be making it’s way home with me and I may well try out one of the workshops while I’m there…

“Galleries by leading textile artists, graduates and groups are sure to inspire, with exhibitions by Kate Whitehead (Not From The Stork), Anne Kelly (Folk Tales), Dionne Swift and her students from around the world (Collective Stitches), City Lit (Making), The Quilters Guild (Commemorating World War 1) and SAQA (Concrete & Grassland).  

 Contemporary cross stitch kingpin, Mr X Stitch (Jamie Chalmers) will be hosting The Mr X Stitch Guide to Cross Stitch, featuring new work by artists pushing the boundaries of the genre, plus cross stitch and canvas work from the Royal School of Needlework archives”

GIVEAWAY: Spring Knitting & Stitching Show

GIVEAWAY: Spring Knitting & Stitching Show

GIVEAWAY: Spring Knitting & Stitching Show“If craft shopping is your bag, you’ll find plenty of opportunity to indulge in a little retail therapy with more than 150 specialist retailers under one roof.  From yarn and fabric, buttons and beads to the latest sewing machines and gadgets.“ 

If this sounds like your cup of tea, and like me you fancy spending a day having a mooch and sampling what’s on offer, then read on! I have 5 pairs of tickets to give away to 5 of you AND if you can’t wait and want be sure of snagging your tickets, an exclusive discount code too!GIVEAWAY: Spring Knitting & Stitching Show

Giveaway:

I have 5 pairs of tickets for the show, redeemable any day except Saturday 3rd March. To enter the giveaway simply leave a comment on this post by midnight GMT on 31st January 2018. Be sure to let me know how you would like me to contact you if you win! Winners will be selected at random and notified using the contact method given. (5 winners will each receive 1 pair of tickets)

Discount

If you don’t want to leave it to luck and instead want to purchase your tickets, then just enter the code MAKERY18 at checkout and it will give you £2 off advance adult tickets and £1 off advance concessions.

 

Good luck and might see you there!!!

Freebies, Giveaways

GBSB Live: 5 x pairs of tickets to Give Away!

GBSB Live - Ticket Giveaway at makery (1)

Billed as “the UK’s biggest, most exciting new dressmaking event”, earlier this year  Upper Street Events and Love Productions  announced the launch of The Great British Sewing Bee Live. The spin off event to the TV series.  Will that be back?? What IS going on with that?! If you’re a fan of GBSB then this live event,  which takes place from 21st-24th September 2017 at ExCel London, may just give you your fix.  And I’ve got 5 pairs of tickets for either the Thursday or Friday events to give away to you guys!

As well as Patrick and Esme being in attendance (when I grow up I want to be Esme), the event will see comedian, writer and TV personality Jenny Eclair take the reigns and  host the 1,200-seat Super Theatre. Jenny was the guest host of TV’s first ever Sewing Bee Celebrity Special in 2014 in aid of BBC Children In Need.  A keen stitcher, she enjoys tapestry and is involved with Fine Cell Work, the social enterprise that trains prisoners in needlework.  Sewing even features in her fiction writing in ‘A Slight Alteration’, a dark tale about a seamstress…..GBSB Live - Ticket Giveaway at makery (1)

 

Contestants from  four  seasons of GBSB  will be there to share their dressmaking and tailoring skills at numerous live workshops.  From beginner to professional level, there are over 250 workshops and demonstrations on offer. You can even apply to take part in one or their “Live Challenges” and find out what it really feels to take part in the show and work under all that time pressure that keeps us on the edge of our sofas….seriously…hats off to participants of that show. I think I would crumble, lol!GBSB Live - Ticket Giveaway at makery (1)

 

A collection from the world’s leading pattern companies has been curated to create a catwalk show packed with inspiration. From high-end fashion and couture creations to vintage designs, bespoke tailoring and wedding garments, it will be a feast of dressmaking fashion from both independent and larger pattern companies. With three shows a day, free to attend on a first come first served basis, along with a daily showcase of garments from leading fashion and textile students. Grab a front row seat and bring your pap worthy sunglasses 😉GBSB Live - Ticket Giveaway at makery (1)

 

If you’re a fan of Liberty, then London’s Fashion and Textile Museum has curated a stunning exhibition of archive Liberty pieces especially for the event. Liberty has been a part of the British landscape since its founding by Arthur Lasenby Liberty 140 years ago.  Originally a warehouse supplying fashionable goods from the Far East, Liberty soon established a distinct style and approach.  Its contribution to British fashion, both that produced by the company and its impact on the work of other designers, is celebrated in the Liberty in Fashion exhibition.

Dennis Nothdruft, Curator of The Fashion and Textile Museum says: “‘Liberty has long held a unique place in British culture.  Not only has it sold fashion produced in the store, it has sold Liberty Art Fabrics directly to the home sewer and actively encouraged the making of garments from their distinctive textiles.  It even provided a cutting service for homemakers to bring in their patterns to be cut in Liberty fabrics.”GBSB Live - Ticket Giveaway at makery (1)GBSB Live - Ticket Giveaway at makery (1)

 

As well as Jenny Éclair , Patrick Grant and Esme Young and over 250+ workshops and demonstrations, and that catwalk show and Liberty exhibition… there will also be a  dressmaking drop-in clinic,  vintage and garment galleries and shopping with over 150 dressmaking and sewing suppliers under one roof.

***GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED*** So, if you would like to win a pair of tickets, I have 5 sets to giveaway. Deets are as follows:

  • Tickets are for EITHER  Thursday 21st or Friday 22nd only
  • Each winner will receive 2 tickets with a face value of £16.50 each
  • Simply leave a comment to be entered into the giveaway (one entry per person. multiple comments will not be counted)
  • Giveaway closes at Midnight GMT on Friday 21st July
  • Winners will be drawn at random and notified via the email address attached to their profile

 

And if you would like another opportunity to win a pair of tickets as well as some other fantastic sewing related prizes, then check out the Makers for Grenfell raffle here.

Good luck!! Might just see you there!

finished garments, Freebies, Giveaways, Sewing

FO: Vogue 9160 & The Eve Appeal + a Giveaway

VOGUE PATTERNS BLOGGER TOUR FOR THE EVE APPEAL - VOGUE 1960 - PORTIA LAWRIE (3)

 

Cocktails anyone? A couple of weeks back Vogue Patterns (The McCall Pattern company) launched a year long sewalong in aid of The Eve Appeal. Part of this includes a blogger tour which is where your’s truly comes in today. Yep I’m up….and….well….running a liiiiiitle late this morning. Might be to do with all the champagne and peach schnapps I had to drink last night. (My fave cocktail. Dunno what that’s called, lol!) So why the references to cocktails? Well you may remember I took part in last years event The Big Vintage Sewalong….and well….you gotta have a theme right? And this years theme is cocktails! Yum! They’ve even come up with their own recipe and you can sup it while joining in with sewists nationwide, by sewing up one of the patterns from a selection of 20, and raising money for The Eve Appeal in the process. Savvy? Good…here’s me with an empty glass having drunk the house dry…VOGUE PATTERNS BLOGGER TOUR FOR THE EVE APPEAL - VOGUE 9160 - PORTIA LAWRIE (9)

Soooooo, what did I make then? Not being a cocktail dress kinda gal, (and actually not at ease in any kind of “formal/dressy” attire), this one really pushed me out of my comfort zone. But not one to shy away from a challenge (that would be super hypocritical of me considering what I put you all through every year with The Refashioners , ha!), I duly accepted said challenge and this is what I came up with. You know….if I ever get invited out for cocktails….VOGUE PATTERNS BLOGGER TOUR FOR THE EVE APPEAL - VOGUE 9160 - PORTIA LAWRIE (9)

My Idea of dressing up is heels and a bold lippy, whilst keeping the outfit itself understated. Indeed this make (in a gorgeous grey washed linen from Ditto fabrics that I’m in love with) would look equally at home with a cropped stripey tee and birkies! I love clothes that do double duty don’t you?

The pattern is Vogue 9160….yep…. a jumpsuit pattern….Now I have been admiring the jumpsuit trend from afar since it emerged. But I’ve steered clear as I KNOW it won’t suit me. I’m too conscious of a tubby middle section right now (I’ve gone up a whle dress size recently!) One piece garments rarely do. So my original intention was always to adapt this into a two piece, with the appearance of a jumpsuit, by making it out of the same fabric.VOGUE PATTERNS BLOGGER TOUR FOR THE EVE APPEAL - VOGUE 9160 - PORTIA LAWRIE

I knew I didn’t want the scalloped lace or lining elements of this pattern. I wanted to pare it right down and simplify it by just using one fabric for the whole thing. But I really struggled to find a fabric (in time) that would be substantial enough for the bottoms but not too heavy for the top. Crepe would be a good one I think.  Or a mid weight cupro or sandwashed silk. In the end I decided that the linen was not quite right for the top portion, which led me more towards view C.  A Contrast top and bottom with a tie belt. I swapped out the top portion of the pattern for a looser fitting top in a lurex knit (I’m not a fan of anything too close fitting up top), then set about turning the bottom half of the pattern into trousers by adding a simple narrow waistband and back zip fastening.

But what elevates this make to something dressier I think….is the tie belt. I made a slightly longer version than the pattern so I could wrap it round twice and wear it more Obi style…VOGUE PATTERNS BLOGGER TOUR FOR THE EVE APPEAL - VOGUE 9160 - PORTIA LAWRIE

I like…..NEVER…wear anything tucked in. That’s how conscious I am of my (lack of ) waist. But I do have proportionately narrow hips so from a “glass half full” perspective, I try to focus on those instead. But what I like about this make is what the belt does. Aside from the added interest, it cinches me in at the waist and draws the eye down to hip level where I’m narrowast. The overall effect is actually quite slimming and I don’t feel self conscious at all in these…VOGUE PATTERNS BLOGGER TOUR FOR THE EVE APPEAL - VOGUE 9160 - PORTIA LAWRIE

VOGUE PATTERNS BLOGGER TOUR FOR THE EVE APPEAL - VOGUE 9160 - PORTIA LAWRIE

It even camouflages my Mum/crisp/bloaty/bulge at the front! So the obi style tie belt may be a bit of a revelation for me!

Vogue Patterns  are giving one reader the chance to win a copy of this pattern…VOGUE PATTERNS BLOGGER TOUR FOR THE EVE APPEAL - VOGUE 9160 - PORTIA LAWRIE

To enter,  share this post on social media, then leave me a comment to let me know where you shared. Multiple shares gives multiple entries. Giveaway is open UK only (sorry) and closes at midnight GMT on Friday 24th March! Good luck!

More info on this year long event and the list of patterns can be found here and you can find out more about this fantastic charity and their other awareness and fundraising activities here.

VOGUE PATTERNS BLOGGER TOUR FOR THE EVE APPEAL - VOGUE 9160 - PORTIA LAWRIE

 

 

DIY, Freebies, Giveaways, how to, Sewing, Tutorials, Uncategorized

FO: Cable Ponte Coatigan (+ Dragonfly Fabrics Giveaway!)

This is a hack I’ve been wanting to test out for a while. A simple raglan sleeve sweatshirt pattern, to my mind, had potential to be hacked into coatigan. And what do you know…RAGLAN SLEEVE COATIGAN

I’d been eyeing this cable knit jacquard ponte from Dragonfly Fabrics. When it arrived I wasn’t disappointed. Yes it is as soft, squishy and bouncy as it looks. The only unexpected thing for me was the reverse of the fabric wasn’t grey but a black synthetic mesh type affair. The best way I can describe it is a sandwich of layers. I’d been flippy flopping between a skirt, dress or jacket for this fabric. Once I saw the reverse I decided on the coatigan. Because of the warmth of this fabric and the underside, imho, lends itself well to outer garments as opposed to sitting in direct contact with the skin…RAGLAN SLEEVE COATIGAN

To work with…it’s delicious. My serger and standard machined uttered not the slightest resistance. It’s very stable and cuts and sews like a dream. No stretching, wavy seams, curling or skipped stitches. Up the stitch length on your standard machine and use universal or jersey 80/12 needles would be my advice. But the speciality needles are in no way necessary as this fabric isn’t the least bit tempermental

You can use any “loose/easy fit” sweatshirt or raglan sleeve pattern for this hack. The Linden would be a good choice. I happened to have the 2 Hour Top Pattern from Sew Different cut out so that’s what I used.  I simply  lengthened the front and back pieces, and the sleeves; then made up to this stage…RAGLAN SLEEVE COATIGAN

Sliced up the middle…RAGLAN SLEEVE COATIGAN

Drafted a facing for the neckline and opening…RAGLAN SLEEVE COATIGAN

Applied the facing RS together, turned through to the inside, pressed and top stitched down. The sleeve hems were simply turned and stitched. The main hem was finished in combination with the bottom of the facing in the same way as my shirt kimono for The Refashioners.

RAGLAN SLEEVE COATIGAN

This make was very much me testing an idea out. So what I might do differently next time revolves mainly around the neckline. Sometimes when I’m experimenting I get carried away and don’t consider all the elements! For me the neckline is a little wide and a little low (at the back in particular) for this. Don’t get me wrong. It’s fine and I’ve worn it plenty since I made it. It’s just one of those “even better if” kinda things you know? And POCKETS! Why the hell didn’t I put in seam pockets in?? I have a little fabric left so I may go back this week and add on some oversized patch pockets.RAGLAN SLEEVE COATIGAN

In terms of variations, I’m thinking a gold zip right down the front would look ace. Add a hood…make a cropped version…anyway…I digress!

Back to the giveaway.  Simon and Dorte at Dragonfly Fabrics are generously offering the following: First Prize: £25 to spend in their online store. Second Prize: A sewing pattern of your choice from their extensive range. To enter all you need to do is complete a super short survey then leave a comment here to let me know you’ve entered. (It’s really quick, I promise). What’s more, while the giveaway is running there’s 15% off all orders when you use the code DRESSMAKING at checkout. 

Giveaway (and code) expire Sunday 29th November at Midnight GMT. Winners will be selected at random and notified by email.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. Code has been extended to 20th December.

DIY, Dressmaking, fabric, finished garments, free pattern download, Freebies, grainline, hemlock tee, how to, knits, minerva, overlocker, serger, Sewing, sewing patterns, Tips and Tricks, tops, Tutorials, Uncategorized

Hemlock Tee: How to Sew a Deconstructed Jersey Neckline Finish

Not really a secret that I love the Hemlock Tee pattern from Grainline Studio. If you follow me on Instagram you’ll have seen a few of these pop up recently that haven’t yet been blogged. One you will have seen in my previous post. This one is just a simple grey jersey…DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

This would not be particularly noteworthy apart from the fact I wanted to let you know this jersey from Minerva Crafts is frikkin gorgeous! So soft. So drapey. Not too flimsy. Need more in my life!

I also wanted to share my favourite jersey neckline finish of the moment! I’m not a massive fan of conventional ribbed neck bands . I like my tees to look a little more deconstructed and I really like the raw edge of jersey fabric. The way it curls  when you stretch it! But obviously  a neckline still needs some stability. So recently I’ve been opting for this neckline finish…DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

It’s applied in exactly the same way as the pattern describes, with one exception. Instead of the folded edge of the neck band edging your neckline…you flip the band the other way round before applying it,  and have the raw edge exposed instead!

Here’s a quick step by step. If you’ve never applied a jersey neckband before you may also find this useful as it covers the whole process…at least this is how I do it!DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

Take your neckband pattern piece and press it with some spray starch (helps stop the edges curling too much as you work); sew together the ends to form a loop then fold in half.

DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

Taking the join as your centre back marker, mark your centre front point using a pin. Do this by folding the band in half with the join smack band in the middle. Mark the CF point with a pin on the opposite side.

DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

Mark the sides with of the neckband with a pin too..

Have your tee right side out…DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

Pin the CF of your neckband to the CF of your neckline. I’m going for that raw edge finish on mine remember. So I’m lining up the folded edge of my neckband with the raw edge of my neckline. If you want the clean/folded edge finish to your neckline, then line up the raw edges of your neck band with the raw edge of your neckline. Savvy?

DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

Pin the sides of your neck band to your shoulder seams and the CB of your neck band to the  CB of your neckline. So your neckband is now pinned at both shoulders seams, the BB, and the CF of the right side of your neckline.

DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

Serge to join. I work in 1/4 sections at a time. ie from pin to pin. Hold the layers of fabric under just enough tension for the neckband to match the length of the neckline. It will be drafted ever so slightly smaller than the neckline circumference which enables it to naturally want to turn to the inside .  So pull on it juuuust enough as it runs through the serger, but be careful not to stretch it out.

DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

Press! Seam allowance/serged edge downwards…

DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

Top/Edge stitch around the neckline to secure the seam allowance. So you now have a finished neckline with a raw edge detail (or if you attached the band the other way, a finished neckline with a clean folded edge!). If you want it a bit narrower you can start with a narrower band in the first place OR trim it down at this stage….

DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

Make a notch/snip to the depth you want…

DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

And trim!

DECONSTRUCTED JERSEY NECKLINE FINISH

I went even narrower on this one and part of me wishes I’d  restrained myself a little, lol! After laundering, the edges will soften, and depending on how long you’ve left them, (ahem) curl a little too.

You might ask what the point is in lining up the folded edge of the band with the raw edge of the neckline in the first place. You could just attach the band as normal, trim, and you still end up with a raw edge. I just prefer to do it this way because I find it easier to line up a folded edge with one raw edge, than it is to align 3 raw edges; and I find the inside finish cleaner this way too. Either way would work and it’s one of those cases of personal preference.

I’ve done a variation with a twist  of this on the hemlock in my previous post. The one I’ve yet to blog about! Then there’s one more that I’ve made; (and two more that I’m about to make). Plus my first stab at Suzy Pants and 3 completed Maya variations that are also unblogged!

I literally have too many blog posts to squeeze in before the launch of The Refashioners 2015.

Oh yeah, and I ought to refashion a shirt too, gasp!!

Freebies, Me Elsewhere, Simply Sewing Magazine

Simply Sewing Magazine – Issue 2

Simply Sewing Magazine - issue 2

Look what plopped onto my doormat this morning! Issue 2 of the newest sewing mag on the block, Simply Sewing Magazine. If you didn’t know already, little ole me has a regular feature each month showcasing refashioning. Not only that, but guess whos project takes centre stage on the front cover this month?!!! Yep, that’s mine! (In fact I’m wearing it as I type!)

 

Simply Sewing Magazine - issue 2

Bit of a double whammy this month as the folks at Simply Sewing have also included my “Easy Peasy Bias Strips” tip in their news section!

 

Simply Sewing Magazine - issue 2

Apart from moi, there’s a whole stack of goodies (and freebies) included in this months issue. Here’s a sneak peak at the contents page to give you an idea. I have to say, I think this issue is even better than the first. There’s a lovely, fresh and modern feel evolving with Simply Sewing that has me pretty excited to be involved….

Issue 2 is on sale from 26th March in larger supermarkets and WH Smiths OR if you like to get your mitts on your mags before everyone else, you can subscribe here.

dragonfly fabrics, Freebies, Giveaways, sponsor

Dragonfly Fabric’s Sponsored Giveaway!

When it comes to buying fabric, nothing beats going into a fabric store and choosing your fabrics, chatting with the owner & staff and plundering their wealth of knowledge about the fabrics they sell. You can pick up lots of tips and advice from the staff in fabric stores because they’re usually seasoned stitchers! But unless you are fortunate enough to have a fantastic fabric store locally, (few and far between!) then like me, you are likely to source alot of your fabrics online.

This of course has it’s benefits. Not least speed and convenience! But what if you could have both? All the convenience of buying online with the personalised experience of a local fabric shop? Where you can speak directly to the person who actually sources the fabric they sell, knows every product like the back of their hand, and will happily offer up all manner of tips and advice from their extensive experience in sewing and pattern cutting?

One of the things that appeals to me about Dragonfly Fabrics is the fact that it is a small business, run by the perpetually lovely and helpful husband and wife team Dorte & Simon. Simon deals with the photography and business side (he’s even offered me some advice on that front 🙂 and Dorte? Well Dorte is someone I would like to interrogate for a full day, at least!  Her background in the garment industry is extensive and includes working as a seamstress and pattern cutter for the likes of  Vivienne Westwood and Hussein Chalayan among others, and more latterley as a sewing tutor.

The business was formed because of what Dorte perceived as a lack of quality dressmaking fabrics available in the online market; and has now expanded to include haberdashery & patterns too (they’re very supportive of our fab indie pattern companies too. Big thumbs up there ;). When you look at the range of fabrics they sell, you just know that they have been selected because Dorte loves them.  From jersey, to boiled wool, (Trust me on the boiled wool, it’s delicious!) to their extensive range of linens…

In my experience, with Dragonfly Fabrics, not only do you get fabric selected to exacting standards, you get Dorte. You get her advice, tips and answers to any questions you might have. In a nutshell, the kind of personalised experience you’d expect from a small local shop, with all the convenience of shopping online, combined with the knowledge and experience of someone with a fascinating background in the fashion industry….

Mood board from Dragonfly Fabric’s Blog

Well the gorgeous Dorte & Simon are offering you the chance to win some of their beautiful fabric, so you can see for yourself what they have to offer. First prize is a £25 voucher and second prize is a £15 voucher. And if you end up not winning either of those then fret not! They are offering ALL readers of this blog 10% off any order by entering the code “DRAGONFLY8” at checkout for the next month! Told you they were lovely didn’t I!

To enter the giveaway, simply tell me in the comments section, where you first heard about Dragonfly Fabrics. Magazine advert, fellow sewer, blog etc. And be sure to sign up to their Facebook page or blog to be kept updated on special offers & new arrivals!

Giveaway closes midnight GMT on 1st April. Winners will be contacted via email so be sure to leave some means of contacting you. (Blog, email etc). Discount code expires Midnight GMT on 30th April.

Good Luck!!!

Freebies, Giveaways, sponsor

Pattern & Fabric Giveaway…Courtesy of Sewbox

Have you got the winter blues?? This is my least favourite time of year. Wet, windy, dull, cold. Bleurgh!! About this time of year, every year, I hit a bit of a wall and start yearning for spring. A bit of blue sky and some sunshine, purleeeeeease! One of the few things that stops me from sinking into a complete funk at this time of year is getting my sewing fix. Even better, you guys have the chance to get your sewing fix for free! Gratis. Nada. 🙂

The lovely peops at Sewbox are offering one lucky reader the chance to win a metre of fabric AND a pattern of their choice. Here are just a few ideas for boosting your transitional wardrobe….

Wide leg trousers and a softly tailored shirt for the office. A roomy tote bag and cosy cape to beat the winter chills. Or how about a cosy knit dress under a trench? My personal fave is the Melissa blouse by Papercut Patterns…(top middle)

Wouldn’t it look amazing in this John Kaldor crepe?

To enter simply hop on over to Sewbox, have a mooch around, then come back here and leave a comment telling me what you would choose if you won. Simple as that! Giveaway is open worldwide and closes on Sunday 9th Feb at Midnight GMT. 

NOW CLOSED.

bow tie, DIY, Elephant in my Handbag, free pattern download, Freebies, Giveaways, how to, mens, Sewing, Tutorials

DIY: Bow Tie (tutorial + free pdf pattern + a giveaway!!)…

Now, look…I hate to be the first to mention it. You know what I’m referring to. “That” time of year that is fast approaching. I can’t quite bring myself to say “that” word yet. It’s far too soon. So lets just talk about gifts. Nuff said? Nuff said! If like me you like to give the occasional handmade gift, you’ll probably find  it relatively easy to come up with something for a female friend/relative. But blokes?? Well, that’s a little trickier I find. They’re trickier to buy for and definitely trickier to “make” for, as a rule.  Ah but hang on a minute! Bow ties look set to stick around for a while, so if your man is game enough to wear one, how about whipping up a cute little number to pop in his C*****mas stocking? They’re super quick to make and you can easily squeeze one of these out of a fat quarter or indeed a modest size remnant. So a great way to stash bust too. Bonus!

You’ll need a light weight fabric. (I used about 2/3 of a fat quarter) Mine came from the Riley & Blake Range from Elephant in My Handbag. This moustache print makes for a perfect, quirky take on a classic bow tie. You’ll need to interface your fabric with a lightweight fusible interfacing; then print off and assemble the free pdf pattern (link at the bottom of this post). I cut mine from card to enable me to trace around it rather that pin it on the fabric….

Once the reverse of your fabric has been interfaced, trace 4 pattern pieces directly onto the interfacing. 2 in one direction, 2 in the other. (eg 2 with the fat end to the left, 2 with the fat end to the right), to ensure the pattern lines up when you come to join your pieces. Of course this is because I was working with a FQ and therefore didn’t have the width to cut on the fold. But with a larger piece of fabric you could cut on the fold so you end up with 2 complete pieces (as opposed to 4 pieces that need joining) and skip the next  step…

RS together, stitch the skinny ends together with 1/4″ seam allowance. Press the stitching line then press seam allowances open…you’ll now have 2 bow tie pieces. Front & back…

RS together again, stitch the 2 pieces together with a 1/4″ seam allowance. Leave approxa 3″ gap for turning…

Trim seam allowance by about half. Snip corners and notch all curves…

Use a knitting needle to turn the tie through on itself…

Once turned through it will look a little like this. Some serious pressing required!

I used my chunky wooden knitting need as a kind of pressing aid to press all the seams around the outside of the tie…

Then pressed the hell out of it!

Whip stitch the opening closed…

Et voila!!

Now all you need to learn is how to tie the thing! There are loads of tutorials out there. Mine is technically tied incorrectly. At some point I’ll get around to learning how to tie it properly, but this pic adequately conveys the finished tie for now!

You can download the free PDF pattern here! Make sure you print with no scaling/actual size. When it comes to sizing your bow tie pattern, you’ll need to know the neck size of the person you are making for. You can lengthen or shorten “piece B” before joining it to “piece A” to get the correct length of tie…






Now as it happens, I have a couple of spare FQ’s left over. “Moustaches on White” by Riley Blake (the multi coloured one in the pic) and “Moustaches/Beards on Cream” (The bottom one in the pic) from the Manscaping range by Michael Miller. So essentially I have two FQ’s to giveaway to two lucky peops! To be in with a chance of winning simply go to Elephant in My Handbag, have a mooch, then leave a comment below sharing your fave fabric (and if you like, what you would make with it!) Giveaway is open worldwide and closes for entries on Sunday 17th Nov at midnight (GMT).…

 

free pattern download, Freebies, hemlock tee, Inspiration

Inspiration: Slouchy tops for Autumn/Winter

Now the school holidays are over (It was Elliott’s first day at primary school this week, sigh….) my thoughts can finally begin to return to my sewing plans. Namely my Autumn/Winter sewing plans; although it’s been such a scorcher this week it’s verging on ridiculous to even contemplate it. But I have it on BBC authority that the weather is on the turn and, first thing this morning, there was a different kind of feel in the air. A definite and distinctive whiff of autumn. I’ll let you in on a little secret….to me it was a very welcome whiff. Autumn is my favourite season of them all; and right now I feel the need to celebrate it’s imminent arrival with some new, slouchy and comfy tops for the cooler weather.

Here’s what I’m thinking….

I have a drawer full of skinnified jeans in various hues. So I’m good to go for Autumn on that front. But I need me some more tops and have either refashions or fabric in mind for at least half a dozen of the styles above. (You can find all the original image sources on this Pinterest board). And I’ve found the perfect jumping off point for a whole slew of slouchy tops….

Grainline’s FREE Hemlock Tee Pattern!  I’ve already utilised this in two new makes, (pics to follow) and undoubtedly there will be more! It’s a great little pattern. Quick and easy and very generous of Jen to share it. I’d definately recommend it. And don’t be put off if you don’t have a serger….neither do I 🙂