research – Sew Do It Emma

Sew Shop Local: The Sewing Studio, Dunfermline And The Fife Sewists Meet Up!

Published on May 15, 2018 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

A week on after the #SewScottish Afternoon Tea another group of lovely ladies held a smaller but equally nice meet up in Dunfermline.

We all met at the Heaven Scent Cafe, which is set in the new building beside the abbey. The cafe has a lovely selection of cakes and hot drinks on offer but as the weather was so warm I opted for a cool fizzy elderflower juice.

We sat round a couple of tables for about an hour exchanging information about patterns, materials, fabric shops, discount codes and a little bit about our wonderful selves. It was a lovely chilled out affair and “suited me down to a t” as I had been up at 3:30am that morning for a 4:45am start at work!

After some much needed refreshments we headed up to the newly opened Sewing Studio. The Sewing Studio is a fantastic extension of Sew Yarn Crafty after locals were giving feedback back to owner, that there was a massive dressmaking following and they wanted more fabric choice and classes. It all came together pretty simply as there was a property available to extend into and that’s how it all happened.

It’s been a little over a year since I’ve been up to Dunfermline and checked out Sew Yarn Crafty. The last time I’d took a trip up was with my mum and my aunt. Mum was not that great at that point but wanted to get out the house and always supported me in my hobbies. That woman was always pushing herself, where she got the strength from was unbelievable.

Anyway before I go to a dark place … (everything connects!!)

The sewing Studio has a great range of fabrics and independent patterns (TATB’s, papercut, cashmerette, Sew over it and a couple of others.

I actually saw quite a few fabrics that I really wanted but I had to refrain as I’m only a week in from making that (damn) pact with @Sew_Sleep_Deprived so I wouldn’t buy anymore fabric – urghhhh!

I was stroking them and crying 😭. It was tough. I did refrain from fabrics but I bought two cashmerette patterns and a book about drafting dress and skirts.

The weather was on it’s truly best behaviour as it was gorgeous. I really need to come up and check out the Abbey.

So all in all, it was a lovely afternoon out and I’m looking forward to catching up with the girls again. Hopefully I’ll have made a few me makes by then and I can show them off!

5 things I wish I knew before I started sewing.

Published on February 13, 2018February 13, 2018 by Emma_Ciarrocca2 Comments

1. It’s ok to mess up.

We’ve all do it. We’ve all piled so much pressure on ourselves and when something went wrong we left the unfinished garment in a crumpled mess on the floor in a corner. I’ve admitted defeat on one or more handmade garments. I’ve still got to pick them up and see what I can do to rectify the mistakes but for now, they sit it a small pile away from my view!

At the moment I’m amending a shoulder sleeve due to them being lopsided – don’t know how I managed but this is going to be worthwhile in the long run as it’s one of my favourite makes so far despite the sleeve issue. Making mistakes is also learning from them, how else are you going to learn and stretch that skill base?

2. Ask for help.

I’m very lucky to have such a good teacher at the sewing class that I go to. I also have a couple of very good sewing buddies I can bounce off ideas and problems with alongside a fantastic community on Instagram too.

3. Measure yourself.

Pattern sizes are completely differencing to ready to wear sizes (RTW). Please don’t buy a pattern and go on you RTW as you’ll have a garment that won’t fit once you put all that time, effort and lovely material (and dosh!) into it.

Measure yourself. Take that tape measure (grab a friend if you need help!) and jot down your measurements. Pattern companies can differ in finishing measurements, so check each new pattern before you start the project!

Remember this: Don’t beat yourself because it may seem you are going up a few sizes from the RTW to the pattern sizes and also your finished garment will fit you better if you take your time to measure yourself correctly 😘

4. Seam allowances matter,

Again. Check, check, check! Read your instructions a couple of times before you even start the process of cutting out. Highlight the seam allowances on each step.

Get yourself a seam guide and test to see if your seam allowance is really 1/4”. Same with 1/2″ and so on.

When you find the spot on your machine that is 1/4” mark it with washi or masking tape that way you won’t forget where it is.

5. Invest in a basic sewing kit.

Scissors (Straight, pinking, little snippers for cutting little threads and ones for paper), Measuring Tape, chalk, pins and a seam ripper is all a good start and then you can add more, such as hand sewing needles, extra bobbins (make sure you get the right ones for your machine as there are not universal where as are machine needles are), pin cushion (homemade or bought). This list could go on for miles (trust me!) but get the basics and add from that, which should keep you right!

Sewing Plans: My #MakeNine2018 Choices

Published on January 13, 2018January 13, 2018 by Emma_Ciarrocca6 Comments

DRUMROLL PLEASE …

So, it’s taken me until now to get my shit together. Yeah I know I’m already slipping!

However, rather than ramble on anymore to delay it even further here are my choices for #MakeNine2018 …

1. Cleo – Tilly and the Buttons (TATB)

2. McCalls Top 7360

3. Seamwork’s Mesa

sw3013-mesa-03-thumb-7857ee3564fe3915ef4de3c43e6ce241bc4db51b1675b17884a6ff17924fe557 — Seamwork’s Mesa Dress

4. Penny Dress By Colette

5. Toaster – Sew House 7

download-1 — The Toaster by Sew House Seven

6. McCalls 7536 Dress

7. Colette’s Moneta

8. The Washi Dress – Made by Rae

pattern_RAE_washidress_a_1024x1024 — The Washi Dress – Made by Rae

9. The Scout Tee by Grainline Studio

I’ll be able to match them up with Fabric without purchasing anything new. Most of the patterns I’ve also got. You may know That I’ve already sewn a Cleo and the McCalls 7536 but definitely attempting another of both!

Once I’ve dug out my fabric choices, I’ll do another post.

Here’s a sneak peak of my 2018 Sewing BuJo too, which I’ll leave you with!

Thanks for visiting!

My Shopping List: Sewing Patterns

Published on May 15, 2017May 8, 2017 by Emma_Ciarrocca2 Comments

So I’m guessing you know what this is all about then! The last month I’ve been adding up a range of patterns that I quite like to own. And instead of having loads of tabs open on my laptop, I thought it would be quite cool to pop them into a blog post and share them with you (also I can close some tabs since I have a record of them, ha ha!). Who knows when I’ll get round to them, but they would be nice to have.

First up, is the newest pattern company that I’ve come across and that’s Sew Different. I’ve already mentioned the Everyday Chic Dress pattern in the blog post that I purchased at the #knitnstitchshow via Emma Garry but had my eyes on the cocoon jacket too. I like the fact the go up past an UK size 18 to fit my oh so roomy hips in!

Then we have another coat and that’s from Sew Over It – The Chloe Coat. Looking at my Instagram feed, there’s been a few good ones and I’m really inspired to do one. Also, the big plus is that if you buy the pattern you get an online class to keep you right (honestly I’m not on commission) so it’s ticking all the right boxes. I really would like to make a coat, this might be the right one to start with!

Another SOI pattern is the “Silk Cami“. I love the simplicity of the top – and it looks like a winner in my book for summer tops or a little black number for a night out. It’s in PDF form to purchase but that won’t stop me now that I’ve figured out a low-cost printing place, which you can read all about here!

Closet Case Patterns has been getting my attention of recent, with two of their patterns. One is the Ebony Dress which looks delightful in Scuba (one of these fabrics that I haven’t quite got round to playing with, yet!). The high-waisted Ginger jeans are ticking my “oooh” box! I’m tempted to but another coat? I really shouldn’t (The Clare Coat is amazeballs), but I think you know what’s going to happen, don’t you?!

Next, we have The Avid Seamstress with their Day Dress pattern. Again I’ve been Instagram inspired … It’s getting as bad as Pinterest!!

Another pattern which I’ve been going back to is the Paola Top from Named Clothing. I really like this staple wardrobe top. And it looks like a quick make.

Coco from TATB is another one I keep looking at. One reason, in particular, is the Cowl neck – I’m in love with it and it looks splendid in the dress form.

So I think (I’m sure I’ve left something out!!) that’s the list. I won’t be getting them all at once because that would be silly and the bank manager would be taking my card off me!

Let me know if you have tried any of these patterns (I’m sure you have!) and tell me how you found them – it would be really nice to hear from you.

Happy pattern stashing!

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and no I’m not on commission (ie I’m not being sponsored)!

PDF’s| To Stick or Print?

Published on April 6, 2017April 6, 2017 by Emma_Ciarrocca15 Comments

When it comes to sticking PDF’s together, this is what my mind feels like do to it as I feel it cuts into my sewing time!

Don’t worry no food processor has been harmed. So far!

For all you lovely sewist like me who love the instantness of hitting a (or few!) button and having a beautiful PDF pattern all ready to go but have the fear or dread of sticking the recchit thing together, look no further as I have found a low-cost answer!

Recently I posted on Instagram, looking for recommendations to print my ever growing PDF’s (one of them is a Colette Moneta and another is the SOI Nancy Dress) and I got a lot of interest (THANKYOU!), some of you lovelies followed hoping to get some PDF Print love too.

One reply, in particular, was from @sio_sews:

Yeap, curiosity got the better of me and before I knew it I had carefully selected 10 files to print and hit ‘ORDER’ on www.netprinter.co.uk.

I selected A0 Plan printing unless the pattern instructions said otherwise. It’s 75p per A0 sheet. Because the PDF’s are in black in white it’s very much like an architect’s technical drawing and should never be priced as a poster print – if you are then it’s quite frankly daylight robbery! I did study interior design so I know what a technical drawing is like and a PDF pattern is just like this apart from it’s the blueprint for dressmaking.

Remember and allow for VAT and standard delivery! They add on at the end. You can get them rolled but only if you select Next Day delivery and specify in the “special instructions” box as you order if you want them rolled.

For standard delivery, it’s £3.00 and it takes 2-3 days to arrive.

I am very happy with the packaging that it came in and the excitement of trying to get into the sellotape was heightened with squeals of joy!

Processed with MOLDIV — it’s arrived from www.netprinter.co.uk

Would I recommend www.netprinter.co.uk?

Eh, Hell yeah! I had a couple of questions so queried them via email and got a very prompt and helpful reply. From start to finish the service and the product are tip top!

So there you go … There’s my pattern PDF adventure and long may it continue!

Happy no-sticking A4 pages together anymore!

DISCLAIMER: This post is not sponsored and all opinions are my own! Photos’s are copyright so please do ask permission if you would like to use them – Cheers!

Sewing Stuff: December 2016

Published on December 16, 2016 by Emma_Ciarrocca1 Comment

Over the last couple of months, I’ve seen some things on the internet and instantly feel in love with them because they are sewing related.

I’ve decided to share them with you because, well it’s just nice to share isn’t it?

First up are these monthly sewing boxes …

https://www.mysewingbox.co.uk/collections/monthly-sewing-subscription-boxes-uk/products/one-off-deluxe-monthly-box-vintage-sewing-uk

There are full of goodies and can have a theme. They can be a one-off or a monthly thing too!

Photo courtesy of My Sewing Box

Next up are these rather cool wooden vintage bobbins from Pedlars …

https://www.pedlars.co.uk/shop/1940s-vintage-wooden-bobbins

Photo courtesy of Pedlars

As some you of you know, I love a good sewing book – what’s better than something to hold all these sewing books? Well, it’s of course, a sewing machine bookend!

https://www.wayfair.co.uk/Castleton-Home-Singer-Sewing-Machine-Shelf-Tidy-Bookends-12503-CCOO1857.html?source=hotdeals

custom_image — Photo Courtesy of Wayfair.co.uk

I didn’t know how useful these were for ironing out the darts until I used one at my class just recently! Found one similar to the teacher’s here –

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Leifheit-71816-Sleeve-Board/dp/B000B8J4CG

51fpu2jwyll-_ac_ul115_ — Photo Courtesy of Amazon.co.uk

Talking of ironing I intend to put an iron board up in my sewing room but lack space for a big one, so I’m going to get this wee one from IKEA!

screenshot-2016-12-16-08-45-51 — JÄLL, IKEA (£4) – Photo courtesy of Ikea

Now – sit down, this may bowl some of you over! Soap dish and sewing, surely not. Get a suction one, attach it to the side of your sewing machine and you can keep tabs on the seam ripper and fabric marker!

suction-cup-soap-dish-ideas_3093 — Photo courtesy of www.sewmanyways.blogspot.co.uk

Hope these have inspired you!

Disclaimer – All photos have credit to their sites. In no way was this sponsored. All opinions are of my own!

The Little Red Dress Project: Inspiration & Research (1 of 4)

Published on October 29, 2016October 29, 2016 by Emma_Ciarrocca2 Comments

So I’m scrolling through my instagram feed and there’s this image of a lady wearing a little red dress with @runningwithstyle ‘s handle and a hashtag #thelittlereddressproject and I’m immediately intrigued. And before I question it, I’ve signed up – eeeeeeek!

Why on earth would I go for red? It’s not a colour I would normally opt to wear but it’s probably because I’ve haven’t found that perfect red shade. Well now’s the time to change that then! Positive thinking and all that jazz.

So the dear old Pinterest came out and I’ve made a board … yes another board of umpteen ideas of ooooohsss and ahhhhhhssss!

The biggest problem at the moment is choosing the pattern. I have a love affair with the Butterick 5748 as I’ve made a emerald number (which needs hemmed) a navy number (a tad more work) and a summer number (skirt bit done) – there is a pattern with the 5748 pattern and I’m determined not to not finish the red dress. It’s a great challlenge, so why would I not want to finish it?!! It’s a stunner of a dress but there a few other contenders …

Summer colours here with a contrast purple for the top part

Next pattern – contrast to go there or not to go there? I’ve not worked with lace before, like ever. So is this the challenge to do such a thing? So I’d love to do something in lace but I might just hold my horses and do a simple number!

Ooooh nice contrast with Butterick’s 6280

Cotton stretch sateen from Remnant Kings

I’m still floating back to a cotton stretch sateen. Perhaps because I’ve worked with it before. I would love to add a black edging to give the dress an extra element but I’ll see how I cope!

Then it’s actually hunting down a red that I would like to work with and wear. I’m going to troll the local fabric shops in November as I’m off for a week then. I’ll also order a few samples from online fabric shops and then I’ll decide from there. I’ve not came across much online though … it’s quite meeeeh. I’m thinking of going for a wine red but if forced to do a red like in the image above, I will.

Patterns, patterns, patterns … I’ve still not homed into my final choice but here’s just a few of my options …

Another easy option with red drawing me in towards the dress!

Another lace option with B ? I don’t make it easy for myself, do I?

I’m liking this option C – it floats but I think it’s too long for a LRD?

Something cute for the back detail with option C!

I love C – but is it because of the Red?!

It would have to be C or D for this one!

That’s all for the moment but I will give you an update on my final choice!

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