Month: January 2017

Sew let’s shop: My favourite online sewing shops.

Published on by Emma_Ciarrocca4 Comments

Let’s face it, we are truly lucky to have so many fabulous online fabric shops these days, offering us loads of gorgeous fabrics.

In this blog post, I’d thought I should share my top 5 with you and why they are my favourite.  By the way, they are in no particular order because they are all splendid in their own way!

imgres-1Fabric Godmother’s website for me is well laid out for me, making fabric easy (or too easy in my case) to find.  It’s clean and crisp, just how I like websites.  I’ve bought a couple of pieces of fabric and have been very happy with them.  I still have them in my stash and this is a running theme – 2017 has to shake me up to make them into beautiful garments!

http://www.fabricgodmother.co.uk/

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For me, Guthrie & Ghani has a lovely style.  I spend hours browsing the fabrics on the website.  Just recently I bought some lovely cotton with hot air balloons, which I’m looking into making a nice dress for summer with. Whilst writing this post up, I had a quick browse and spotted some gorgeous striped jersey (perfect for a coco) but will have wait until pay day as all my fabric allowance is used up!

https://guthrie-ghani.co.uk/

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It’s name speaks volumes.  Boy, does this website have loads to choose from!  On more than one occasion I’ve bought something special.  Yes, yet again it’s still in the fabric stash but I have an idea for each piece bought!  I bought my Houndstooth jersey from here and it’s going to be perfect for a dress!

http://www.fabricsgalore.co.uk/

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An emporium not by half.  Still good quality fabric at a good price too.  I’ve managed to get a couple of bargains in the sale too, which I’m pretty chuffed about. But their site sometimes goes all weird on me and doesn’t load which is annoying!  Still,l the fabric is pretty good for what you pay for 😀

https://www.fabricland.co.uk

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Oooooh! I love scrolling over and seeing what Lisa and her team have chosen in the New section fabric wise.  There’s just so much gorgeous lovely fabric to choose from!  I’ve recently joined the PDF club too.  It’s only a £5 for the whole year, with that you get to choose a free PDF and first to know of any new PDFs released!  I adore her patterns too – yes I still have to make the ones I have – now that’s a surprise (NOT!).

http://sewoverit.co.uk/

 

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Okay I know I’ve gone over my top 5 but this lovely shop can give the others a run for their money.  Sewn, which is based in Bristol has a beautiful website of a wonderful collection of fabric.  I just hope I get the chance to go and visit someday!  Bought some fabric too, which was in the sale (OOOOOPS)!

http://www.sewnbristol.co.uk/

 

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I found out about the textile centre via Lizzie B on her YT channel.  I have to go and check it out since she showed off her jersey for her TATB Coco Dress (YES, I bought yet more fabric)  Also since this is new to me I thought I would share this one with you too.  Really good quality fabrics and the price isn’t bad either!

https://www.thetextilecentre.co.uk/

So there you go, my top 5 (and more) online shops for fabric.  I’m going to be sharing my fabrics that I’ve recently bought in a vlog (yes I said vlog). It will probably be the second vlog as I’m editing my first vlog which is to released very soon!  My vlog channel is SEW DO IT EMMA’s VLOG – be sure to subscribe if you don’t want to miss any vlogs!

Emma

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and this post is not at all sponsored!

Sewing Inspiration: Wrapped Up

Published on by Emma_Ciarrocca2 Comments

Ever since I received Simple Sew’s Lena Wrap Dress pattern with this month’s issue of Love Sewing Magazine I’ve been drooling all over wrap dresses … it’s only been a few days since the start of the affair!

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I’ve been on loads of websites like TopShop, Simply Be and White Stuff as well as good old Pinterest to get inspiration and see what fabrics have been used.

I have a warning though ⚠️ – there are a lot of pictures here and I have tried to give credit where I got the image!

Ok, now the fun bit!  Me talking what inspires me about each picture!

I love this velvet dress for all the reasons that it is a velvet wrap dress – I love the colour, it’s a gorgeous pastel pink and with it being velvet, it’s going to be warm! That a big tick in my book!

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I stumbled on this pattern and I have to honestly say it’s going straight onto my patterns to get list! It just speaks to me for a summer holiday! Cue Cliff Richard … 🌞🏄🏻‍♀️

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I’m not sure that this is still available to date but it’s a great variation on the wrap dress!

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Burda has a great offering, particularly those who want that velvet wrap dress … eeeek another one on that list! I’m really needing to do a #maketwenty2017 list rather than a #makenine2017 list at this rate!  But hang I think this may be a too clingy fit for me so I’ll hold ma horses!

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This wrap dress has a gorgeous dress, I’ve still to see if it’s still available or if there is an alternative … stunner of an occasion dress (maybe Christmas 🎄)
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Sew Over It’s Lisa Comfort looks so glam in her version of the wrap dress. I could and probably will add her Ultimate Wrap Dress to my collection soon – no surprises there then!

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This dress was pull from my Pinterest feed and I adore the colour and the drape – but wondering what fabric it is! Any ideas?

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Now when I first saw this image on Pinterest I thought it was “Carrie” from “Sex and the City” but on closer inspection, I don’t think it is.  But wow the wool looks good on a wrap dress, such a different structure and so elegant!

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This Pleated version from Topshop is gorgeous!  Can you tell I’m immediately drawn to berries and wine colours?  I had to look really closely as I couldn’t believe it was velvet – until now I didn’t think it was a thing.  WOW!

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A really nice floral wrap dress and it’s from Simply Be.  I don’t normally shop in Simply be as I’m not a fan of most of the materials that they use in the clothes.  But I like the shape and colour of this dress.  Probably I’ll like it until I feel it!

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I really like the cut on this one.  I think this be viscose as it looks quite drapey, although I could be wrong!

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Ooooh!  Something to mix it up – a long wrap dress (which is quite similar to the simplicity pattern I showed you earlier.  This could be ideal for going out or a wearing it on a cool summer night!

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I was a bit mixed about using this image as it’s a bit booby!  But I like the deep red fabric. If I ever get a low cut like this then a cami goes on underneath to protect my dignity! Possibly a crepe mix? Jersey?

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This floral version is from White Stuff.  It’s quite different from the picture above and it’s something I would consider age appropriate for myself and not booby!

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This slit is a bit high in this one but I like the light-weight fabric that has been used.  The longer sleeves are a plus too.

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I hope you’ve enjoyed my commentary all about wrap dresses and maybe given you some inspiration.  Hopefully, you’ll get an insight of what kinda style I’d go for and possibly colour.  I think Lena will be making an appearance pretty soon – It’s safe to say this affair is going pretty viral!

Emma

Disclaimer: Credit has been given to images.  This post is NOT sponsored.  All opinions are my OWN.

 

Sewing: That Little Red Dress

Published on by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

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With the run up to Christmas and so little time to do any sewing, I’ve not managed to even start on this dress.  I’m sorry.  I am quite disappointed.

I am intending to make it for my birthday night out, which is at the end of January.  There should be more than enough time to do it for then.  I have all the materials and decided on the pattern finally.  I know, It’s like a month behind but better late than never!

All the dress reveals have been amazing.  I’ve been trying to keep up with all the blogs/vlogs and Instagram reveal as they are released but I’m sure I’ve missed a few!

2017 is going to be there my sewing room will be put to use.  I intend to also start a vlog and I’m looking into that as well.  So you know that the reveal of #thelittlereddress will probably be aired on youtube!  I’m super excited but also very nervous.

The Pattern

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This is the final decision as I’ve been indecisive when it came to patterns before now.  This has been a firm favourite for a few weeks so it will be getting cut tonight (so no flippin changing my mind now!).

Because it’s labelled relaxed fit and I love the shoulder details, it’s “tea dress” skirt and the waistband (there are too many reasons why I shouldn’t change my mind now!) this pattern is rocking my world.  I’ve got the material and all the notions, so I’m going to get cutting it tonight.  I’ll give you an update as I go!

The Material

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Beautiful red satin from Edinburgh fabrics – you’ve seen this before in my last fabric haul post.

So there’s my plans for the little red dress/ birthday dress (see smart goals) … As I said, I’ll update you with proof that I’ve cut it out and pinned it!

See you soon!

Emma

Update 3/1/17

Pattern pieces cut out!

Where do I Start? 

Published on by Emma_Ciarrocca5 Comments

I’m scratching my head as I really want to start doing a vlog that runs alongside my blog. There are so many beautiful sewing vloggers out there I would like tips on where to start and how to do one. 


I’ve watched several YouTube videos on how to do it. But I’m still struggling to look and sound streamlined – do you do it in one take? Or is in several little takes and cleverly edited together? 

After filming myself several times in one take, I’m coming to the conclusion I need to take bite takes and mould them into one. 


Also when your looking into your iPhone/ iPad, you look at the little lens rather than the screen? I’m thinking I should be looking at the lens! Am I right? 

With so many questions am asking myself how much time do you put into your own vlog before you publish them? How long does it take to film and the edit? What editing apps do you use if you use an iPad or iPhone.

I have an dslr camera and a tripod which I could set up instead of the iPhone/iPad. 

I’m thinking of using the vlog to be interactive with the patterns and fabric I choose for my projects. I’ll also pass on any tips that I’ve found useful and with that maybe show you any new things that I’ve bought. On top of that, a sewing room tour would definitely be top of the list and details of how I organised my space would also be available. When I’ve made my makes I can show them off by giving them a twirl and give my pros, cons and findings. 

Of course, I still keep blogging – but the vlog would be that little extra. It’s just going to take a little time to bring it altogether but any tips would be really appreciated from experienced bloggers&vloggers! 

Thank you for reading and Happy New Year to you all xx