“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?
I’ve been finding so many things recently that I thought I might as well share them with you too! So much so, I’ve decided to do a monthly thing!
Ok so first up is the tailors’ ham and sausage! I didn’t realise how useful they are until I used them myself and further more I want to make a pair. So I found a pattern from Jennifer Lauren Vintage and now planning that into my projects!
Other sewing related items to make are pattern weights and a pin cushion! Ok, I’m torn between these macaron pattern weights and my own handmade ones! I could have both? You can never have enough pattern weights, can you?
So that’s a few more things I have to get on & make and I can’t wait to show you!
I’m loving the sound of the #monetaparty by @sewpositivity on Instagram. The Moneta pattern by Colette has been in my stash for yonks and it’s been a firm favourite since seeing so many vlogs featuring it.
One Vlog in particular, caught my attention and that was Gingerthread girl‘s version of Moneta. I’m definitely raising the waistline as I prefer a higher waist line and suit it. I’ve been tagged so I think it’s only right to join in with everyone! I’ve bought three bits of jersey for Moneta in mind – yes three.
Tilly and the Buttons book, “Love At First Stitch” is getting me all excited as the pictures and details for each project are simple to follow. I asked for the book for my birthday, which my lovely Bro bought for me! However, there will be a lot of grading up as the pattern size of a 20 ain’t going to fit around my hips! It’s one that I’m going to work through from the first project to the last. It’ll do me the world of good!
That being said I’ve already graded up Cleo and sewing that up as we speak (ok it’s not in LAFS but at least it’s one of my make nine 2017). Yes, I’m a bit slow to catch the Cleo train but I can’t wait to see how it turns out! There will be a post about this separately when it’s finished!
Editing my first vlog is taking way longer than expected but I am getting there and I am learning as I go – so all in all, it’s getting there.
I’m not loving the Anabelle dress at the moment as I’ve had to rip the seams a few times. And I think it’s way too small – eek & BOOOOO! I’m going to leave the LRD for a while as there are plenty of projects that I need to get on with AND FINISH.
So with January being over, it’s time to think what I’m going to be doing in February. I must start using my stash. So this month I’m going to rein in my splurges on fabric. I know I said that in January but there were too many sales going on and it got the better of me! February can be that month where I indulge in my stash (AND TRY AND NOT BUY ANYTHING) and really start using it as it’s starting to get to extreme levels!
Hope you’ve had a more productive January than I have!
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!
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.
Some of you may know I have a little problem with fabric and I just love collecting it, so much so that my little Billy “fabric wardrobe” is full (I can just about squeeze in a couple more, but it will be a squeeze!).
you could say it’s full
I can’t say no to a bargain or a fabric pattern that catches my eye. Working in a fabric shop is sheer dangerous for me as I rarely walk out from week to week without purchasing something sewing related. Then again if I don’t get something as work then I usually buy fabric online or another shop.
In this post, I’d thought I’d share my recent purchases with you. Usually, I post the fabric on my Instagram feed but I thought I’d give you a little more detail on what project/pattern I’m going to pair it up with, where I purchased it and the story behind it.
It all started with a customer trying to find the ivory version and I was helping to source it. We didn’t have much luck, but I did find the navy variation on eBay. I kept this in mind and decided to splurge as I love the nature theme on it. There’s definitely enough for a simple shift …
I love the vintage print of the roses. Those of you who have read the class post will know what pattern I’m using. I’m going to pair it with a grey lining as it’s slightly thin and you can see through it. The lining will also help give it a bit more body.
Can’t wait to have tea and cakes in this dress!
Seeing Red
No. I’m not angry! But it’s getting closer to the deadline for #thelittlereddressproject as I write! It won’t be long until have to down the thread and scissors and show off my creation with the hashtag. I’m crapping myself! Have I taken on something too short of a time period?
Anyway, I saw this Ditte cotton Fabric in Ikea and thought what the heck, it’s only £3 per metre! I don’t think it will be for the #thelittlereddressproject but it’s back up. I think I have found a shade that I like and that would suit my skin tone at Fabric Focus but want to check that out when it’s daylight!
It’s not that easy get the right shade with a solid colour!
That’s the 3 most recent fabric spurlges … you will probably see another injection of colour pretty soon on the blog!
Well after sorting out all my pieces of fabric onto boards, it’s now time to label them so I can pick them out quickly.
I popped into one of my home bargain stores and picked up these labels. I’ll stick the self-adhesive ones onto the luggage labels. And then with a black marker I will write my code letters P M F – pattern (if the fabric has one allocated, but most of them do), meterage (how much fabric is on the board) and fabric (is it cotton, viscose, wool, jersey, etc).
Next, we have my pattern collection. It’s really expanded over the year quite drastically! I’m blaming these pattern sales!
I had already organised the into categories: skirts, trousers, dresses, combos etc but then when I was doing dividers, it was much simpler to do them by the pattern house name (vogue, new look, simplicity, grainline studio, sew over it, simple sew and the list could go on and on!).
With the reminder of the boards, I took 1.5cm from the top of the board and made two marks. Then I drew a line and then wrote a pattern name.
First, mark 1.5cm down from the top of the board with the ruler and pencil, then draw a line where the marks are.
I then added the Pattern Houses by name.
It’s all coming together.
They work a treat as they fit in my white shoe box file system for the patterns and I can hunt quickly for them too!
I think I’m going to have to have a P.A to keep this system intact 😀
Until next time and remember – Measure twice, Cut once!
Yeap I splurged on more fabric. “Ooooops I did it again”!
But gorgeous still and at a metre each from Sew Sew Fabrics. I spotted their sale from an ad in the latest issue of Love Sewing magazine and couldn’t quite stop myself.
Now the hard task of thinking what project for each piece of fabric!
A little more in-depth view for all you fabric lovers!
Birdy Birdy!
Fabulous FloralSewing Spectacular!
Disclaimer: All views are my own and bought the fabric myself!
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 
