May buds and summer sewing
The trees are looking vibrant and green, the big yellow thing has been making an appearance in the sky and the flowers are coming out left right and centre. After the slightly (!) damp weather we had earlier in the year it is such a joy to feel the warmth again.
I am sat outside in my garden writing the newsletter (using my husbands workbench as a desk!!) . With birds chirping and a cuppa to my side the admin I’ve been doing this morning has almost been quite pleasurable.
What’s on your sewing table??
We have been selling lots of summer fabrics over the past couple of weeks and we are excited to see them made into garments. Do you have a pattern that you want to make? Bring it in and we can help you choose some fabulous fabric to go with it.
I’ve done a couple of alterations to some clothing to make them more wearable and I have a pattern spread out ready for cutting. I made a second Size Me Sewing Florence blouse in a fine viscose I bought last March (yes, I am just as bad as you are for buying fabric and then waiting ages before using it!!). The shirring on the sleeves I did differently to the instructions which I found a whole lot less of a fiddle. We have three Florence blouses being made this week so I am looking forward to seeing those completed.
The one below is one that Lucy made for the shop using a cotton lawn we have in stock.
My new favourite gadget…
I have been meaning to get a button chisel for ages and finally ordered some for the shop and of course, one for myself. I have used it a few times and absolutely love the precision of it and the clean cut, it is so much easier (and less risky) than using a stitch ripper.
You simply press the blade into the fabric , with a cutting mat or block of wood underneath of course (!), and the chisel end slices through the fabric with ease.
What’s on in the local area??
Our tutors, Lucy & Greta, can both be found sharing their wonderful creations as part of the Steyning Art Trail at the end of May – Lucy is at Quaker Meeting Hall, venue 7, and Greta is in venue 5, Steyning Athletic Club.
Follow the link to find out more about the trail & see the brochure in full.
A little further afield, but not too far, is the Guildford quilting exhibition – held over 4 days it looks like a great place for inspiration.
New fabrics
We had some very pretty 100% cottons delivered which are suitable for both quilting and dressmaking. With a variety of colours from soft florals to Mediterranean vibrancy its hard to pick a favourite!
There are some more dressmaking fabrics due in over the next few weeks so do keep popping in to see what’s new.
The denim edit….
If denim and chambray are your vibe then we have a great variety for you to choose from. If you are local you will see we have a display of a few in the window alongside the stylish graduated pattern stretch cotton.
The fine striped denims have a small amount of Spandex which makes them super comfy and are versatile enough to be used for skirts, trousers, shorts etc. The chambrays are perfect for dresses and tops, the embroidered one has had a lot of interest along with the other patterned ones.
Workshops coming up…
I am sorry to mention this again but due to some recent abuses of leniancy we will need to be strict about this. Going forward , if you email us regarding a place we will require you to make payment within 4 days. I will send you details so you can pay via BACS transfer if that is easiest or you can call us or pop in to make payment. This is to prevent places being held and then declined at the last minute as has been happening on occassion. Thank you for your understanding. (of course, if you are away etc just let me know and I can hold the place for a little longer.
Sussex seamstress Shirt
6th & 7th May
This is a perfect way to enhance your sewing. With buttonholes, a placket, collar and cuffs to sew you will learn lots under Lucy’s excellent tutulage and go home with a beautifully made garment. This workshop is aimed at intermediate sewers rather than beginners.
Hand embroidered spring landscape
Friday 8th May , 10-1
Join Greta and spend a calm morning creating a beautiful landscape. Using layers of fabric and basic stitches you will go home with your own mini masterpiece.
That’s all for now. Don’t forget to take a look at the workshop page for all the latest information about the classes.
Happy sewing
Jan & the team at Stitch.
xx
