Portia Lawrie

Giveaways, Uncategorized

Giveaway: Dutch Label Co

From time to time I get offers from various companies to try out their products. So when Dutch Label Shop got in touch and I had a look at their products, I said “yes please!”. As well as labels like these, they do care labels, size labels,  hanging tags etc and if you’re interested in starting your own line of handmade products this could be an excellent port of call for you. Labels like these are also handy as hanging loops and in instances where you can’t readily tell the front and back of the garment between each other; a label can solve the problem! (I think I saw a post on IG where someone had their labels printed with “this is the back” for that very reason, lol).Dutch Label Co Giveaway (1)

I was nowhere near as imaginative and witty as that. I blanked when I was placing my order so just used my name. (Hey, maybe I could start my own line of handmade products!) I got some for me and some blue ones for little man, to sew into his school clothes etc. I think he may well have the poshest labels in school, ha ha!

As a side note, I can’t work out how the label is as smooth on the reverse as it is on the front. Labels I’ve seen in the past have always had a loose weave on the back. AND the ends don’t seem to fray either. These really do have a quality feel to them. (And I’m not just saying that because I got some free. Nominette once sent me some labels too; and while those were perfectly good,  I’d say these are of a superior quality.)

Dutch Label Co Giveaway (1)

Dutch Label Co sent me a code that allowed me to have a certain number of labels. That was waaaaay more than I will ever use. So I decided to use my voucher to order 30 more generic ones that I could give away to one of you. And these are they….Dutch Label Co Giveaway (1)

If you like them and fancy adding them to your habby stash; simply leave a comment below. That’s it. (But if you want to give me a follow on IG, I’m getting very close to a milestone on there!) Open worldwide. Closes for entries at Midnight GMT on Sunday 11th March. Winner notified by email.

Good luck!

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, Giveaways, how to, Sewing, Tips and Tricks, Tutorials

Perfect Pinning (+ a giveaway!!)

Pins. It’s just as simple as sticking them through the fabric right? Well, not quite. Firstly, there’s the type of pin you use. Right tools for the right job applies to pins as much as it applies to any other sewing tool. Some pins are longer/sharper/finer depending on the type of fabric and project you are undertaking. Some excellent info about pin types and their uses here, here, and here….pinning tips

Then there is the question of quality. As with many tools, not all pins are created equal. The best pins will slide smoothly through your fabric without snagging and without force; and they will last you many years without becoming blunt or rusting if used and stored correctly. My personal bug bear are cheap pins with plastic heads. Ack! I only ever use glass headed pins. They tend to be of better quality and most importantly, if you’re pressing around them, they don’t melt if you accidentally touch them with the iron! (I learnt that lesson early!)

But what about how to pin? It’s one of those things that, when I first started sewing, I assumed was a no brainer.  Stick it through the fabric. Job done. Right? Well no. There’re subtleties to pinning, as with any sewing technique. Little things. But things that collectively, can incrementally improve your sewing. So I thought I’d share a few of my “personal pinning protocols” (shameless opportunity for alliteration seized, ha!). Little things that I was taught when I first learnt to sew and stick to still…and the logic behind them…pinning tips

This is the way I pin the most. Always within the seam allowance. So if my pins do end up leaving holes (some fabrics render this likely) then they are not visible on the outside of the garment. It also means that I can leave my pins in place until the very last second as they pass to the side of the presser foot rather than the middle of it. So shifting of fabric is minimised. I will also always pin with the points facing towards the presser foot. It makes them easy to pull out as you go. (If they were facing the other way…well…cack handed!)

pinning tips

When sewing some seams, you’ll be required to stop at a given point and back stitch and/or switch to a different stitch length. (Think preparing a seam for zip insertion for instance). I always mark this point with a different coloured pin, pinned at right angles to my other pins. It just gives me a visual aid and a precise marker as to where I want that needle to stop.

pinning tips

When pattern matching is important I will pin at right angles to the seam that I am sewing. When sewing stripes for instance, I will pin stripe on top of stripe at regular and small intervals.  Pinning at right angles “locks” the fabric more effectively than pinning in a linear way. The difference on a plain and/or stable fabric is negligible. But even minimal shifting will be visually really obvious on stripes. I will also employ this method of pinning on more slippery fabrics. There is an argument for always pinning this way all the time. But I tend to employ it when I want to ramp up the accuracy and precision on seams where the slightest shift would be really obvious either visually or where accurate alignment is vital. (easing in collars, sleeves, necklines etc) If I can get away with just using a few pins, pinned vertically and spaced far apart then I will always default to that. Heck, I have been know to dispense with pins altogether. Some projects are more forgiving than others. But sometimes, when it absolutely has to be accurate, this is the method I go for.

pinning tips

Now I am right handed. And my pin dish sits to the right hand side of my machine. So actually the way that I have pinned in the previous photo is actually a bit illogical.  Because I end up pulling the pins out with my left hand, passing them across to my right hand (or worse, holding them in my mouth as I go!) so I can put them in the pin dish to the right hand side of me. It’s actually a tad cack handed for me. And I have no explanation for that. Used to bug my sewing teacher no end, lol! When pinning at right angles it would make more sense to have the heads facing to the right like this. Just saying. But the cack handed way in which I do it is now so ingrained in my muscle memory, it’s unlikely to change now!

How you pin isn’t just about the direction of pinning of course. It also has to do with how you hold the fabric when you pin. This is how I would automatically put my pins in when I first started sewing. I’d pick the fabric up and stick the pins in like so…pinning tips

That is until my sewing teacher walked up and slapped my hand! (Old school she was!) I will preface this next bit of advice by saying that, as with most rules, there are exceptions. There are times that you can get away with doing this and times you when it will affect the accuracy of your pinning. Depending on the fabric, as you pick it up like this, the layers can shift. On trickier, more slippery fabrics, the more you move them, the more they shift….

pinning tips

As a rule, if you can keep your fabric flat like so…

pinning tips

And pin on the flat, then there will be less chance of layers shifting and therefore, more accuracy across your project.

Talking of keeping things flat…pinning tips

Pins are not always the final step when you absolutely must have a completely flat and secure fabric sandwich before you pass it through the machine…zips are the most obvious example of a situation where it’s vital that everything lies flat and secure before you put a permanent line of stitching in there…

pinning tips

If you’ve ever questioned why you ought to baste a zip rather than just pin it…just look at the photo above and the effect that pinning can have on your seamline, compared to how flat the fabric edge is on the basted section! Now I’m not saying baste everything. Life (and sewing time) is too short for that! But when it absolutely has to be accurate, you’ll be pleased you added in the extra step. Promise!

So, if all of that has you wanting to up your pin game, then here’s a treat for you. The pins featured in this post (above and below) are Hiroshima pins. Japanese pins of superior quality. They come in the most gorgeous packaging (I’m such a sucker for packaging)…hiroshima pins
hiroshima pins

 

And they are like miniature works of art in their own right. In order below are tulip hiroshima glass headed patchwork pins, Akari pins and Shizuku pins…pinning tipshiroshima pinshiroshima pins

Aren’t they STUNNING! They are part of the newly expanded range of hiroshima pins now available at Beyond Measure. Grace has the most exquisite taste. And she is very generously offering one reader the chance to win 4 packs of luxury Hiroshima pins of their choice.

To be in with a chance of winning simply subscribe to Grace’s newsletter here. Additional entries for facebook and instagram follows. Then leave a comment here to let me know how many entries (ie what you’ve followed/subscribed to). Giveaway is open internationally and closes at midnight GMT on Sunday 26th February.

Good luck and happy pinning!!

Giveaways

Giveaway: Nominette Custom Woven Labels

A couple of weeks back I was contacted by a representative of custom label specialist Nominette, asking if I would like to try out and review their product. Well naturally, I said yes and last week these arrived in the post….NOMINETTE LABEL GIVEAWAY

I was a bit indecisive about what to put on my custom labels. Although their custom label service provides the opportunity to stamp your “brand” on your makes (maybe with a blog name, or a logo), I don’t really see myself as having a brand, and I don’t have a logo as such.  There’s also the option to add fabric content and laundry instructions to your label. If you’re going into production this is of course, a fantastic option. Except for me, the things that I make are usually one offs, the fabrics vary, and they’re certainly not “production” quality…they’re better than that; they’re handmade by me and with all their little quirks and “faults” they are completely one of a kind.

So I opted for a simple little message that will remind me of this every time I put on a handmade garment….NOMINETTE LABEL GIVEAWAY

It’s simple. But it says it right? (I also wanted a generic statement so that I could split these up and give some away!) I went for a very simple design. A 25mm end fold label.  I chose the Helvetica font option (there are 5 standard font options available). The background colour I chose was beige/903 with text in grey/12.   I feel duty bound to point out that the colour of the finished label is very different from the screen colour on the site. And while they do state this clearly when making your selection, the difference is quite a big one. (You can hop on the site and pop in those options to see what I mean).

However, and somewhat fortuitously I actually LOVE the final colour of these labels. Much more so than the screen colour actually. So absolutely not complaining. I think they look subtle and elegant, and when you think about how they are woven, then the colour you choose for your text must subtly affect the overall colour of the finished ribbon. I’m calling this a very happy accident indeed!NOMINETTE LABEL GIVEAWAY

As you can see….I got alot of labels! The minimum order quantity is 100 at a cost of £37 inc VAT. (There are much cheaper options than this. The 14mm ribbon for instance comes in at just over  £16 for 100 labels). I actually think the 37p per label cost is pretty good value for money. I’m pretty impressed by the quality it has to be said. These will definitely add a touch of luxury to my future makes!

As a home sewer, and not a particularly prolific one at that, I pondered a little on the concept of ordering 100 labels in one go. If I make, say, 3 or 4 garments a month, it would take me 2-3 years to get through these labels.   Objectively I have to ask myself the question, had I not been offered these for free, would I have ordered labels in that quantity? (I understand completely btw that making these available in smaller quantities would exponentially increase the unit price. Simple maths).  Initially, I would likely have said no. But now that I’ve seen them, maybe. Like I say, the quality is great. I also think it depends how you look at it.  If you buy something that’s gonna last you 2-3 years, that’s not bad going actually, is it?  There was also some discussion when I posted about these on Instagram about the quantity and the initial outlay.  And a potential solution to that dilemma would be a kind of label co-op. Get together with a fellow sewist (or a few sewists) agree on a simple design, and split the quantity and cost.  Which seems like an awesome idea to me. Overall I think they are decent value for money, good quality, and the service is fast and efficient. While I think that smaller minimum order quantities would be preferential for us home sewers, there are cheaper options available and/or ways around the quantity issue if you box clever….NOMINETTE LABEL GIVEAWAY

So yeah, I’m not going to hold onto all 100 of these labels myself.  I’m going to create a little label co-op! I count myself as quite fortunate to be offered the occasional freebie to review and it just seems right, and nice, for me to share the love with my fellow stitchers a little. So I have set aside 3  x 20 labels to giveaway. I don’t want any “follows” or “sign up to this or that” in return. Just let me know in the comments if you fancy a set of these labels to finish off your handmade garments and you’ll be entered into the giveaway.  At the end of the week (Midnight GMT on Friday 18th March) I’ll pick 3 names randomly and each will receive 20 labels. Simples. Giveaway is open internationally….good luck!   **GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED**

finished garments, Giveaways

FO: The poshest pyjamas ever (+ a double Giveaway!!)

I don’t think I’m alone in feeling the need to “snuggle down” on winter evenings. And to be fair, on a weekend, I’d rather just lounge around in something comfortable than get properly dressed if I’m not going out anywhere; but equally I don’t want to look a total state when answering the door to take in the inevitable swathe of parcels that are arriving here ready for Christmas wrapping!

Enter the comfiest, most luxurious “pyjama” set I think I have ever owned! In fact they’re a little too luxurious to be called pyjamas. Let’s go all Margot Ledbetter and call them “loungewear”, lol!wendy ward pyjamas

The luxurious element comes in part from the style of these trousers but also the use of this delicious modal and silk mix jersey from Fabric Godmother. I’ve used the slate colourway (also comes in teal, plum & burnt orange) here in combination with a small amount of marl jersey in stone. It’s always tricky to relay the feel of a fabric in a blog post. Both of these jerseys are soft and drapey and similar in weight. But the terms were surely invented for the  modal silk jersey. My oh MY! Gah! SOOOO soft. The picture bottom right shows the underside and you should just be able to make out that it has a slight “fluff” to the underside. Yeah….the side that sits on your skin…I’m in love…fabric godmother jersey

In terms of working with it, it’s very stretchy. Hence the amazing drape. But that also means playing with your serger settings. I upped my differential feed half a notch to combat some slight stretching out under the presser foot (the marl is more stable). My Janome hates stretchy knits. Like crazy hates them. So I didn’t go there. (The tee and trouser hems are left raw on my makes).

Beginners Guide to Dressmaking - T Shirt

The Top and trousers are both from Wendy Ward’s “The Beginner’s Guide to Dressmaking” book. It’s a book that focuses on simple styles that are simple to sew which regular readers will know puts Wendy and I firmly in the same camp. (Except she’s a best selling author, teacher and designer and I totally fangirl her, lol!). For me, the top is not a resounding success. For me, a lover of loose boxy styles, it’s a little snug around my hips/tum. (I suffer with bloating that can make me look pregnant; making snugger fit tops unwearable some days). So next time I may add in a little more fullness there. By contrast I’ll probably reduce the width of the neckline. I wear a bra ALL the time and hate my straps showing. So there’ll be a little adjustment there too. All part of trying out a new pattern for the first time. The neckline construction is actually a pretty neat trick and I observed some subtle shaping in the drafting of this pattern which I found interesting. Subtle curves to the shoulder line and hips…that kinda thing. Nice.

Beginners Guide to Dressmaking -tshirt-page-001

 

Beginners Guide to Dressmaking - Trousers

The TROUSERS though….were a win straight out of the gate!! I LOOOOOOVE these and am never taking them off! If you want a super quick, easy and comfy pair of pyjama bottoms to sew up for Christmas…stop looking….you’ve found em! The waistband is a folded over band of jersey into which the trousers are gathered to the back, with deep pleats at the front. I cannot overstate how comfy these are. All over but especially the tummy. I would have loved these when I was pregnant, but they’re also perfect for days like yesterday when my tummy was particularly tender.  They’d make the perfect handmade gift too. The only alterations I made were to the waistband and hems. The fabric is super stretchy. So I had to cut the waistband much smaller than the pattern to account for this. The drape and stretch of the fabric also equated to additional length at the hems! I’ve left them long in these pics so you can see that…and how the fabric drapes and pools like liquid….sigh…

Beginners Guide to Dressmaking -trousers-

So….what do you think? Poshest pyjamas ever?

 

Wendy & Josie have joined forces to offer you a fantastic double giveaway in time for Christmas!!! One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of Wendy’s book. She’ll dedicate it in whatever way you like. So keep it for yourself or gift it to someone else for Christmas. PLUS Josie is offering 2.5m of the Venice Modal & Silk Jersey . Enough to make the trousers! This is a “follow to enter” set up so there are a multitude of ways to enter and each one gives you an additional entry into the draw so an additional chance of winning. You can enter by following:

 

So that’s 12 ways to enter! And a possible 12 entries into the draw. Remember to leave a comment here letting me know which of these you have done so I can tally up how many entries to put in for you! (If you already follow any of these, let me know too as that counts 😉 Giveaway is open until Sunday 13th December Midnight GMT.

Don’t forget…Fabric Godmother has 10% off for my readers when you use the code PORTIAXMAS at checkout until Christmas eve. I’m told there’s a limited amount of the slate left 😉

GIVEAWAY NOW CLOSED

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.

Giveaways

Giveaway : Calling all instajunkies (courtesy of cheerz.com)

If you and I hang out together on Instagram, you might know I’m a bit of an addict. Often posting several times a day. But, rarely do I get around to printing any of them off. It’s one of those dichotomies of the digital age. Technology makes it easier than ever before to capture those moments. We can take as many snapshots of our everyday life as we like without fear of wasting film. But that ability to take hundreds of photos in a day, has in many ways, made them less precious somehow. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve stashed holiday photos in a folder on my desktop or phone and never gone back to sort through them and pick out my favourites. Instagram is great for that. I love how my IG feed forms little stories or moods over a period of time. My favourite pics are shared pretty much as I take them.

But when Katie from cheerz.com contacted me, I was reminded again how lovely it is to actually print photos…PRINTING INSTAGRAM PICTURES WITH CHEERZ

Cheerz.com enables you to print your photos direct from social media accounts or your device in a variety of different formats. Either via their website or their mobile app. (ios and android supported). It’s ideally geared towards instajunkies like me. I suspect, with the little squares and mosaic layouts that characterise their product range, that it was all developed with Instagram in mind and that the other supported devices/social media were secondary. I’d go so far as to say the people behind cheerz.com are instajunkies too! Anyway, I speculate….back to the giveaway!! Katie very generously offered to let me try out a couple of products.  A framed mosaic of 35 images and a boxed set of 9 magnets.

I opted to use images from a couple of trips we have taken recently. If you follow my IG feed you’ll recognise these, lol!  A lovely little trip to Bergamo in Italy a few weeks back…PRINTING INSTAGRAM PICTURES WITH CHEERZ

And a family holiday to The Lake District this summer. I love seeing them all grouped together like this 🙂 The frame is a lightweight composite material and is glazed with plexiglass/perspex and you can opt for portrait or landscape orientation. I’m thinking I may hang this in Elliott’s room. Remind him there is a great outdoors when he’s obsessing over the latest Minecraft mod, lol!PRINTING INSTAGRAM PICTURES WITH CHEERZ

The whole week in a frame!

Here it is in Shedquarters to give you an idea of the scale…PRINTING INSTAGRAM PICTURES WITH CHEERZ

The app was super easy and quick to use and the product decent quality & value for money. I’m impressed, and planning on ordering a few pieces as Christmas gifts for family. If you fancy trying it out for yourself and printing some of your own memories, then the folks at cheerz.com are offering three readers £20 each to spend online. Just leave a comment (and email/contact deets) below to enter. Giveaway closes Sunday 29th November Midnight GMT. The winner will be selected at random and contacted by email.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

Good luck….and happy snapping! See you over on Instagram?

discounts, Giveaways, sponsor, Uncategorized

September Sponsor Showcase: Giveaways & Discounts!!

It probably hasn’t escaped your attention that my little sidebar has started to play host to some advertising.  I realise that this can be a controversial issue for some readers, and one worth addressing. Let me promise you now, it’s only going to be a positive thing for this blog (sponsorship enables me to concentrate on this blog instead of working for someone else = more posts and more inspiration!) and for you (it means I can bag you some discounts and giveaways!!)

I spent about half a day this week drooling over all these websites and picking a few faves from each one…and let me tell you it was hard! But…without further ado…a big shout out and MASSIVE thanks to all of my September sponsors for supporting me/Makery this month AND for you guys here are some of my faves AND the lowdown on some exclusive discounts and giveaways!

The Splendid Stitch – 10% off with code: PORTIA10

The texture on this Sybille Ivory Crepe has me drooling and I can’t help but think it would be an awesome Lexi top! This geometric cotton batiste from Atelier Brunette would make an awesome Archer or Quinn shirt; and I can’t quite shake my love of grey so this Murray Grey Wool tweed has me thinking about another Freemantle. Worth noting that fabrics are sold by the quarter metre at The Splendid Stitch so bear this in mind when entering your quantities.THE SPLENDID STITCH

 

Fabric Godmother –  Win Gutterman Thread!

I love so much in Josie’s store! Aaargh! I’ve developed a bit of a thing for Cupro recently. (I have some I picked up from “The Man Outside Sainsburys” at a Walthamstow meet up that I am about to cut into….eeep! Cupro isn’t that widely available so this gorgeous Koop Cupro in taupe (with tiny polka dots!) is a real find. Cupro, if you haven’t come across it is kind of like a peachskin/heavy silk but made from cotton linter (so it’s a natural cellulose fibre) and is seriously gorgeous on the skin. This bamba monochrome viscose has the most gorgeous stylised bamboo design! I’m also loving plum tones right now so I’m thinking this Lillies Acqua viscose jersey and this Isabella wool and viscose jersey by John Kaldor would make an awesome combo! If you’re up for a bit of refashioning Josie has also very generously donated 10 spools of Gutterman thread AND a lace collar kit to the prize package for The Refashioners…but hurry! Deadline is 27th Sept!FABRIC GODMOTHER

 

Swedish Tracing Paper – Giveaway AND 10% off with code: MAKERY

Beloved of so many sewists it seems (although I have yet to try it myself in the interests of full disclosure)Swedish Tracing Paper is the traceble, stitchable, pretty much untearable paper used for tracing patterns and making toiles. I hear that once you use this stuff you won’t want to use bog standard tracing paper again. Well, Claire is offering you the chance to win a free roll of this wonder paper. Simply hop over and sign up to her newsletter packed with articles, tips and offers every fortnight. Then leave a comment here to let me know. Giveaway is open until midnight GMT on 9th October. Winner will be selected at random and notified by the email address given at the time of signing up for the newsletter.SWEDISH TRACING PAPER

 

Remnant Kings  – 10% off with code: MAKERY10

A household name in Scotland Remnant Kings are rightfully starting to gain traction elsewhere. A VAST array of fabrics and haberdashery for all manner of projects. I have a couple of projects coming up using some of their fabrics so look out for those soon. In the meantime check this out! This rose print leatherette (Yes you read that right! Leatherette. With roses on it.) had me all whaaaaaat!!! You know when something is SO unusual it has you racking your brains thinking what you might make?? A huge floral tote? Pencil skirt? What would you make with that??  On a slightly more conventional note, I’m also pondering a Freemantle in this Missoni Tweed with a burgundy lining (told you I was loving plum tones, lol!). They have a HUGE selection of linings in all the colours 🙂REMNANT KINGS

 

Wendy Ward – Win a signed copy of A Beginners Guide to Dressmaking!

While Wendy is well known for her book, classes and patterns, did you know that she has also launched a range of accessories including sewing themed jewellery (!) and this awesome MIY collaboration with scissor gods Ernest Wright & Son! I mean seriously! I keep looking at those shears and it makes my stomach hurt how much I want them. (Shedquarters is all white inside so it’s a must right?). Anyway, they’ve gone onto my Christmas/Birthday list so fingers crossed 🙂 You can also win a signed copy of Wendy’s book as part of The Refashioners Prize Package. Hurry hurry hurry!WENDY WARD

 

Girl Charlee – Giveaway – Win 2m of the fabric of your choice

The new(ish) jersey and knit specialist on the UK block but loooong established across the pond! You may have seen my previous post regarding this spotty Hacci knit. As well as a drafting tutorial for the top itself there’s deets on a giveaway where you can win 2m of the fabric of your choice! Get to it! I have another tutorial coming up using this mauve stripe Hacci knit too. So stay tuned for that. And just in case you were wondering where the triangle ponte knit that has been popping up all over the interwebs came from…it was these guys! (But they just sold out of that….aargh!)GIRL CHARLEE

 

White Tree Fabrics – Liberty Deal PLUS 20% off + Free P&P with Code: MAKERY

Art Gallery fabrics are stirring up a storm at the moment I know. But for the most part, lovely as they are, for a colour phobe like me (all the greys, lol) I hadn’t seen one that I thought I could incorporate into my wardrobe. Then I saw this Cultivate Jersey and was sold! The smudgy stripe is such a cool take on a classic breton stripe. Awesome.  I’m much the same with Liberty. I can appreciate them for their quality etc. But traditional florals have never really been my thing. But they do seem to be expanding their offering to include some more edgy and abstract designs. Like this Ilona and Strike Tana Lawn. Cool right??! That Strike tana lawn and it’s stylised match book motif has a distinct 50’s formica look to it don’t you think?? As well as the discount code above (applicable across the whole site) hey’re also offering a special deal on Liberty Tana Lawns at £15m (RRP £22.50) so head here to check that out 🙂WHITE TREE FABRICS

 

Sew Crafty – Prizes and 20% off with code “PORTIA10”

While I’m not usually a lover of bright colours (actually that’s not strictly true, I like them…I ‘m just not good at wearing them!) this multiflower cotton lawn is pretty delicious and I could see a drop hem tunic in this teamed with some black skinnies. Hmmmm. Dare I? What do you think?? This measuring tape ribbon is so cool! It would be perfect for garment hanging loops or to stabilise a neckline as a cheeky little hidden nod to a garment’s handmade credentials right? Sew Crafty have also contributed to The Refashioners Prize package where you can win an awesome toolkit and one of their newly launched sewing journals!!SEW CRAFTY

 

Elephant in My Handbag – 10% off your first order with code: MAKERY

I’ve been contemplating some pleat front courduroy trousers (I’ve been toiling and playing with a hack on the Suzy pattern – deets shortly) and this shade “anthracite” plays to my love of grey. As does this scandi Christmas jersey. Seriously….who want’s a white christmas when you can have a grey christmas, lol! Christmas decorating will no longer be agonising for us neutral lovers! Stephanie has a great range of scandi  christmas stuff in greys and taupe! I know! Althoooooogh….this herringbone organic cotton canvas is catching my eye for some catch all lined baskets I need for the bedroom…not totally colour averse then!EIMH - SEPT FAVES

 

Sewbox – Liberty Prize Giveaway + Offer plus Kwik Sew Pattern Offer

If Liberty is your thing then Susan from Sewbox could be your fairy godmother! Not only has she contributed 2m of Liberty fabric to The Refashioners prize package; there’s also plenty of it included in their sale;  and all Kwik Sew patterns are half price until 24th Oct! While I’ve already admitted that traditional florals aren’t quite my thing, I can’t deny the quality and inherent beauty of a Liberty fabric. They do have some beautiful autumnul colourways which I can totally appreciate. This particular Rossmore cord is just gorgeous! I’m not sure of the weight of a Rossmore cord, but wouldn’t this look cool as some Ultimate Trousers with a plain black or burgundy top?!!SEWBOX

 

So that’s it. These are all the wonderful people who have been supporting this blog behind the scenes this month! If you like what you see, then please do go and support them too. As someone who has worked in many and independent small business, I know how important your support is to them. 🙂