scottish sewing blogger – Page 5

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!

Sewn | Cleo | #makenine

Published on April 2, 2017April 2, 2017 by Emma_Ciarrocca2 Comments

Well, I’ve finally gone and finished (finally!) Cleo!

Yay!

Ok I know, I’m slow but I kinda just take my time and I’m at class so I have a teacher keeping me right!

So I’m hoping that this finished result will give me a good confidence boost (like a vitamin boost) which will push me into starting another of my #makenine’s.

So I’m thinking you want to see me in my Cleo, yeah?

However, there were some adjustments …

1.0 I graded the pattern up so it could fit my roomy hips.

1.1 Whilst grading up, I failed at grading up the facing so there was a slight hiccup there and I amended that, with thanks to Abby, my sewing teacher!

1.2 Although I triple checked measurements for hips it was quite loose in that area once all sewn up, so we decided to insert some elastic to get a better fit.

1.3 I noticed the buckles are slightly too small for the straps on this one, so I’ll either make the straps narrower or just get wider buckles for the next one.

So there you go, that’s the first of my #makenine done, only another 8 to go.

Still to finish off Simplicity 4789 but hopefully, that will take 2 classes with Abby and then I can show you that once finished.

Whilst I’m finishing off Simplicity 4789, I’ll be cutting out Vogue’s 1353 and a couple of Seamwork’s numbers. Mesa and Sorbetto are hot on my list. The Granville Skirt and McCall’s Top are both on the cutting block too. I think April is going to be that month when things happen!

Mesa

Sorbetto

McCall’s

Granville

Here’s to a busy April/May! Must go and get sewing!

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own!

Made it: 1920’s style!

Published on March 21, 2017March 23, 2017 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

So I was invited to a 1920’s murder mystery that took place last weekend.

I scoured the internet for some sort of 1920’s dress but then remembered I had a lovely lace dress that I bought from Monsoon so that was that sorted.

Then the necklace and feather boa came from WM Armstrong store which hosts a selection of great vintage wear. The pearl necklace, I found at the Grassmarket Armstrongs and the Black Boa in the Clerk Street store.

Tempted to buy a fake cigarette and holder and long black gloves but I held off. The thought of more fancy dress never to be worn or used again was too much!

For the head-dress, I decided to make it. YES, you read right!

I found this tutorial, which kept me right for the basics – Head Dress Tutorial

From Remnant Kings, I bought some stretch sequin trim. Abby, my sewing teacher kindly gave me three peacock feathers to complete the look.

It was a pretty quick process and one I’m quite happy with. I stitched the feathers in with thread and a small piece of stretch sequin to stop the bottom of the feathers from scratching my forehead. I think it took my roughly half an hour to complete it and finish it, which a huge jump from any of my current makes!

*Disclaimer:

Please don’t use any photos without consent from myself- ta!
All opinions are my own!

My favourite blogs of the month: February

Published on February 18, 2017February 17, 2017 by Emma_Ciarrocca2 Comments

This feature is new. Yes, Brand spanking new on my blog.

Why? Well, clearly it’s quite cool (in my opinion) to share a blog that you may or may not know about.

This month I’ve decided to share with you Sea Salt & Stitches blog. It’s brand new to me and I love her style!

Little Miss Lorraine (another new favourite!) mentioned her via a blog post all about bullet journaling (something I’m trying out myself, Thanks to these two and Holly Dollie) and I suddenly on her website within a flash. Yes. A FLASH!

I’ve also had a sudden explosion organisation. This involves coming up with a lot of blog post being named via my #makenine2017 list (which is soon to be released!) and some other projects, both selfish and selfless. Plus splurges (fabric and sewing related pieces) and “Sew Shop Local” features. This sudden explosion has definitely got to do with the idea of bullet journaling. I think this is going to be an interesting journey. I feel both inspired and empowered seeing the origin of the Bullet Journal.

screenshot-2017-02-15-14-32-39 — Just a snippet of what’s in the pipeline!

You get I’m all excited about the Bullet Journal, don’t you?

Anyhow enough of that talk because there will be a fully loaded blog post coming very soon to your screens with my version.

Sea Salt & Stitches‘ has lovely tutorials also. I’m looking forward to trying a couple out – particularly the Christmas apron and the flower pot pincushion!

The dresses that Suzie has made have a similar taste in what I want to be able to achieve. They are all gorgeous. My favourite dress is the tartan washi’s – perhaps that’s the wee Scottish girl calling out of me! The washi dress is definitely on my top 20 and by the looks of it, it’s now a firm favourite!

screenshot-2017-02-15-14-35-52 — Very keen to try this beauty of a dress out!

The blog site is nice and clean, easy to navigate and quite delightful!

Little Miss Lorraine is another recent addition to the blog reading list. I found her blog because I subscribe to her YT channel, which is one of my favourite channels to watch.

Her blog also features her Etsy shop where you can buy her handmade items – which are all lovely, so lovely it’s quite difficult to decide which one to get!

LML’s YT channel is a delight to watch and so is her blog. It took me a while to actually click that she has a blog (don’t worry it’s me, not you LML!), I’m sometimes a bit slow to catch on!

Another very informative sewing blog with lots of things to keep you entertained for hours!

Last but not least, is the delightful Hollie Dolly. Again, I was slow to click on that she had a blog also. I think that has a lot to do with the number of ideas I want to do. Seriously I am OCD with ideas for this, that and the other lol.

Anyhow, Holly Dollies’ site is quirky featuring what’s she has made and her latest fabric hauls. I can’t get over how smiley she is on camera – she is so sweet!

So that’s a wee scoop into why these are my favourite blogs this month … Now, how many will I come across before next month lol!

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

Sewing: That Little Red Dress

Published on January 3, 2017 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!

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!

Sewing: Simplicity 4789

Published on November 25, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

It’s week 4 at Fabric Focus’s Beginners Dressmaking class and I’ve not had to unpick a single thread – woo hooo!

31068742412_7501bdabe4_m — 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!

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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!

Not sew much sewing: A little refresh …

Published on November 22, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

Some of you already may have noticed the new look on my blog …

I decided that the original header was a little too busy and wanted something simpler.

I used Canva and Photoshop to come up the new header. I’m fairly chuffed with the end result.

When it came to the crunch, I also changed the layout as well, why not!

A new page will be introduced soon … It’s like a fabric shop directory. That’s all the dish I’m going to spill for the moment!

Till next time!

Sewing Adventures: Susie D Designs, Penicuik

Published on November 14, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

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.

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.

As well as art galley fabrics, Susie D also stocks Cloud 9, Dashwood Studio, Tilda, Micheal Miller and lots more!

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.

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!

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.

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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