“A shop full of Jersey?” I said back to the lady who told me all about it. I couldn’t believe what I was hearing and I knew I had to go and check it out. So I did. And here’s what I found out!
Kitschy Coo do their main business on the internet but it does have a cute little shop that you can pop into (I dropped Amanda an email, just to check her opening hours to be on the safe side) and see the stunning collection of jersey for yourself. The shop is based on 10 South Trinity Rd and it’s got a good bus link if you prefer to take public transport as car spaces are few and far between even though they are pay & go spaces.
I took the bus from outside the old St James shopping mall entrance. A no.8 if I’m correct. It took no more than 10 mins and didn’t have the stress nor cost of parking.
It’s a cute little shop front, you can see the jersey headbands and hats in the window along with some pretty cool fabric combos. I know I’m in for a treat!
Greeted by a barking Casey (the dog) I waited a minute whilst Amanda moved Casey through to the back room. I don’t mind dogs as I’ve had my own. Casey didn’t batter an eye lid, once she was in the back room and I could wander around the shop freely.
Right, the moment you’ve all been waiting for – JERSEY TALK! Kitschy Coo: It is a delightful treat. Looking and feeling these magnificent fabrics just brings happy feelings. So many ideas have sprung into my head regarding the Toaster sweater, Linden and Moneta to name a few. I thought stepping into the #sewmystyle with the Toaster sweater was a bit ambitious for me as I’ve never used a knit fabric and not set up my overlocker. I think once I’ve finished Cleo I’ll attempt the Moneta. Ok, I’m wandering off on project thought talk … I’m guessing you’ve had a look at the shop online by now and you’ll get a gist of what an awesome collection Amanda has.
I bought a delightful cacti fabric, but not enough to make a whole Moneta – perhaps the bodice or now a sweatshirt … oooh, the conundrums.
Amanda was super helpful too as she gave me a link for that elastic to get to stop Jersey from slipping and a charcoal fabric that may match up with the cacti if I decide to go with the Moneta – or should I go all out Moneta Cacti?
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!
Fabric 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!
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!
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!
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 😀
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!).
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)!
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!
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!
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and this post is not at all sponsored!
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!
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!
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 … 🌞🏄🏻♀️
I’m not sure that this is still available to date but it’s a great variation on the wrap dress!
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!
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 🎄)
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!
This dress was pull from my Pinterest feed and I adore the colour and the drape – but wondering what fabric it is! Any ideas?
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!
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!
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!
I really like the cut on this one. I think this be viscose as it looks quite drapey, although I could be wrong!
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!
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?
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!
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.
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!
Disclaimer: Credit has been given to images. This post is NOT sponsored. All opinions are my OWN.
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
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
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!
So, a few days ago I added a picture on my Instagram, showing off the projects I intend to do in 2017.
As you can see there is still space for another two patterns/projects but I’m still deciding which ones from my stash – yes I’m trying not to buy any patterns.
I get quite a few free patterns from my sewing magazine subscriptions. I have 4 – yes four! It’s definitely one, two many, so I’m deciding which one I don’t need. It’s actually harder than I thought. It’s like going through a break-up. Which one should I ditch? They overlap each other on some degrees, so I have to make a decision. Geez, it’s tough!
Right, back on to the free patterns, yes I have a good stash of patterns, paid and free and I ought to put them to the test and also put myself to the test of actually making a few things. So the Granville skirt and the waterfall jacket (free with this issue 25 simply sewing mag) are on the planner. Simple Sew’s Bardot dress (free with love sewing) is also up there (I swear I’m going to make this red dress, even though it might be past it and out of season!). Sew Over It’s Ultimate Shift Dress is finally up there too. If anyone knows of any exercises to get rid of middle fat on hips (FAST) – please let me know – it will avoid me altering the patterns hugely. That being said, I’m going to hit the swimming pool this year to try and work it off.
There I go again … always going off piste with the chat!
On the topic of SMART goals and because it’s actually the title of this blog post here are my SMART goals for early 2017.
Next topic, fabric. Urghhh Ummm, yes I have a confession. I bought fabric in December when I specifically said I wouldn’t.
Moving on swiftly – ha ha …
Vlog time. I’ve been canoodling over this for a wee while. I’ve done a rough draft (yes it was fairly rough as I bed head and I was still in my pj’s so that’s not going to go viral) so next is to re-do it and get a little less uncomfortable with the camera. That way I can show you the latest fabrics and talk you which projects I’m going to try in January/February. See what I did there RE: Moving on 😀
I’ve set up my YouTube channel – you can, of course, subscribe to it so, you instantly get notifications of when the first vlog goes live!
I got a few sewing goodies for Christmas too – one of which was on my last blog that I did and that was the sleeve board! My Brother In Law wasn’t too sure about getting me this as he thought it was too do housework but I said it’s fine it’s for sewing!
See you soon! And Happy Hogmanay when it comes to you all!
It’s week 4 at Fabric Focus’s Beginners Dressmaking class and I’ve not had to unpick a single thread – woo hooo!
Simplicity’s 4789
Amazingly I’ve not had a tantrum with pockets (Simple Sew’s Sophia Skirt has the blame for that). It went a bit like this with the skirt hitting the floor and scaring my husband in the process. It went a bit like below!
So moving on (quickly) (in fact, the speed of light quickly)… I’m seeing this cotton fabric is quite slippery whilst getting it on the sewing machine. I’m still in love with it despite it trying to escape the sewing needle.
Darts are now in the front with the front part of the pockets attached. I’m going to attempt to attach the back pockets on the back bodice/panel then tack the sides together.
Front Pockets on!
Darts in!
Remember in my first project I said I wasn’t going to go full steam ahead of the rest of the class, well I’ve kept the pace – woo hooo (again)!
Also, I’ve learnt how to do tailor’s tacks, which I will be using from now in my sewing!
I’m still collecting fabric and patterns, that won’t stop (now that would be weird if I did) and in a few days time, I will release a post about my November Haul! Plus there will be a post on the #SewScottish / #ScottishBloggersMeetup and also on my visit to Dovecot Gallery. Plenty of reading for you to look forward too (plus lots of photos!!).
Only 2 more days until #SewScottish / #ScottishBloggersMeetup (at the time of this post-release) Woooooppppppeeee!
Over and oot!
Disclaimer: All images are my own and opinions are too, in no way are they sponsored!
As you know I do like to keep topping up my fabrics for all of these projects I have in mind. But Boy, the list is now bonkers – I don’t really have a list on paper as most of the ideas are in my head!!
Most of you know I’m doing the #thelittlereddressproject by the lovely running with style’s Renata and finally I’ve got my fabric – woot-woot! To date the PDF still has to be printed, which I’m concerned about as time is tick, ticking, tocking away – should I opt for a pattern I already have? The answer to that one should be a yes, now the big question- WHICH ONE? I think it should be a nice easy number, something that’s straight forward but party bound.
Next, we have some gorgeous cotton and it’s a John Lewis own brand. I instantly fell in love with it as it has lovely wildflowers on a dark green background. It was £14.99 per metre but it’s totally gorgeous and has a lovely feel to it.
I also bought the rather Christmassy Nordic fabric at the same time as the green John Lewis fabric. It was reduced to £5 per metre, so couldn’t say no to the bargain. Plus I actually need it to back my homemade advent calendar. And on that note, I’m still looking into wadding as I don’t want polyester wadding. I got a metre of the Nordic fabric to back the advent calendar. Looking at the date, I better get this done and dusted. Might have some time this week to sew it up. Might. Otherwise, I’ll be sewing it for next year 😂😂😂
Next up, is the fabric I bought from Susie D Designs Shop in Penicuik on her most recent open day. See post for more details about her shop! I have a soft touch for geometrics and this called my same. I bought 2.5 meters of it so it will be a dress! It’s an Art Gallery Fabric, 100% cotton and a lovely feel to it.
Fabric focus has this gorgeous suede in both Khaki and tan colours. I opted to go for the Khaki. Got 2.5 metres of it. More than enough for a simple shift or CLEO!
Erm … I added something else and that was the trip that the Lovely #SewScottish Meetup and this was some more lovely suede polyester material. At £9 a metre from Edinburgh Fabrics, it has a lovely texture. I thinking another classic shift style dress , perhaps the Bennett Dress from Marilla Walker. Edinburgh Fabrics has a good range of colour with the suede – it’s worth checking out. Also, I bought matching thread but now I’m thinking contrasting thread and with that i would have to ultra careful of stitching!
BENNETT DRESS by MARILLA WALKER – Gorgeous in suede!
Not only fabric lies in this “Haul” but some niche little tools have been purchased also …
Both purchased via amazon. And a bargain as under a fiver each. I picked up from a youtube video by Last Stitch
Some tailors chalk … I seem to lose mine quite quickly and no idea how!
This handy box should keep the chalk from getting bashed!
Patterns on my radar …
Yes there are always patterns on my radar, don’t you know I have a list? Ok now you do and boy it is long. It only seems to be getting longer 😂
And to add to the list is the cute “Cleo Pinafore & Dungaree Dress” by Tilly and the Buttons – isn’t it just adorable? I ❤️ it! I’m head over heels for the dungaree dress 😍!
With Black Friday looming Cleo was quickly purchased with a nice 25% off!
And then ALIX from By Hand London was also snapped up in PDF form! SO WHEN THERES A NICE DISCOUNT – it’s just impossible for me to say no. Impossible.
ALIX from BY HAND LONDON – so in love with this dress.
And then there are all the Seam work patterns that I have in my library – eek, I just love seam work (I actually did a wee post about them a wee while ago and all about why I love them). The “Kennedy” and the “Mesa” are the top two favourites to try first from seam work. And I’ve just heard that you can now use your credits to buy Collette patterns- Eeeeek! YES, YOU READ RIGHT!!
Seamwork’s KennedySeamworks’ Mesa
Adding to my stash of patterns and these were from the swap at the #SEWSCOTTISH meetup –
With these patterns came two bits of fabric – I may have to ask who put them in to the haul and also if they remember what it is … I have a mind like a sieve!
Then there’s this month’s gorgeous pattern from simply sewing magazine – well I think the Audrey dress is stunning and at one point I will try and make it.
So not just fabric, notions, patterns and tools have been added to the haul but also books 📚! Yes, I am also a sucker for a good sewing book.
The most recent one is “The better bag maker” by Nicole Mallalieu. One of my many projects is to make a bag, a weekender bag specifically and this book shows you how with handy techniques, tips and tricks. It’s got loads of lovely bag to make as well as a weekender.
I spotted it via Instagram and I’d say it’s a good find judging by all the hashtag #thebetterbagmaker attached photos!
Beautiful makes from various instagramers.
Next we have
Couldn’t put this one down …Love the look of these garments!
I was just in Dobbies and spotted these two and somehow they managed to be brought home with me … mind you total bargains!
Talking of bargains, the buttons below were too. I bought them from a stall at the North Berwick Quilters Exhibition. I will post more on the actual exhibition very soon on the blog. The buttons were £1 plus a book, which was also £1 too. I’m hoping this holds a couple of good shortcuts for garments.
A little less of a bargain were these buttons bought from Kathy’s Knits on Broughton Street – there’s a nice selection to choose from and are vintage finds! The thicker metal ones are ideal for a jacket!
Remember I said I have a mind like a sieve. Let me reinstate that dramatically – I received this “Simple Shift Dress” Sew Over Pattern yonks ago with a magazine subscription, only now I realise it has actual fabric in the box – total revelation and I realise I’m quite ditsy at times!
So for December, I’ve decided no fabric, no books, no nothing unless it’s interfacing or lining for projects. We will see how long I last … Day 3 and still nothing bought!
That’s all for now,
Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and I was not sponsored in any way, shape or form. All copyrighted pictures are my own.
With being quite close to me and pretty easy to get to by car, I’m wondering why it actually took me until now to visit this cute little shop in Penicuik.
Not where I’d imagined the shop to be!
The ideal opportunity to pop by was one of the monthly “open days” but I was suspicious with my sat nav when it started to direct me further into more of a residential area than the high street. I stayed with the sat nav, which I’m glad I did as I arrived outside the shop with parking spaces to spare.
The open days look quite popular as there were a few ladies in buying fabric. It’s great to see offers too (20% off non sale fabric and selected tools) – before you ask I was straight in at the sale fabric but didn’t really spot anything for a dress making project. Instead, I went for an Art Gallery Fabric with a geometric print. I totally see a dress in this.
Love, love, love geometric patterns!
As well as art galley fabrics, Susie D also stocks Cloud 9, Dashwood Studio, Tilda, Micheal Miller and lots more!
Ooooooh nice fabrics!
There is also a small selection of wool with knitting and crocheting tools. With some haberdashery staples like buttons and machine needles there is a good choice of D-rings, wadding and much more.
Good selection of wools!
Susie D runs classes as well. I’m intrigued as would love to make a bag. I spotted these patterns, but then thought I would (should) go to a class rather than purchase one and have it stored doing nothing as I’ve got lots of patterns doing exactly that! Don’t get me wrong – I probably will end up getting a couple as they look good, but I will do a class and see how things go!
Plenty of table space for classes!I’m really liking the look of those patterns but I’m proud of myself for refraining myself!
I’ll definitely be going back as I’ve had a few itches to make a bag – especially a weekender. Also there a good range of fabric, even tho it’s normally used for patchwork or quilting it’s still cotton!
Susie D Designs has a Facebook page and a WordPress blog too! Do check them out!
Disclaimer: All images are my own. I got permission to take them. All opinions are my own.
Fabric 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!
Sew Do It Emma 
