Sewing – Page 4 – 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!

Sew Scottish

Published on May 13, 2018 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

It’s so nice to be part of a group of friends that get you when you talk sewing, isn’t it? I mean they really get you and your geekiness when you starting going on about Pdfs or seam allowance and what’s the pattern craze of late.

31936643_10160352108900182_8357798086461882368_o — Credit to Kate Gray

I’m super proud to co-host the Afternoon Tea and Frocktails Events alongside Lesley over at @sew_sleep_deprieved, to which she has written an awesome blog post on her view of the recent event. It’s amazing to see the group grow and bloom the way it has, we’ve got such a diverse range of lovely talented ladies.

The afternoon tea was overwhelmingly a success at Casa Angelina, no cakes were left. I’m still dreaming of slathering cherry & rosemary jam on these fluffy scones with a thick layer of clotted cream!

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Would I host the tea again? Oh heck, YES!! In a instant, but for now REST!

Again, I’m overwhelmed by the generosity of people. The pattern and fabric swap was phenomenal, by that I mean everyone walked away very happy with some things they loved! Whilst we had a lot of excess left over and it’s currently sitting in my car ready for a beloved charity shop, so everyone is a winner.

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I snapped up a lovely piece of classic denim, a pattern, a couple of notions and 3 books. I was quite brutal with myself fabric wise as I has loads. I’m still sticking to my “NO MORE BUYING FABRIC” pact that I made with Lesley on the bus homebound, mind you it’s only day three!

I’d just want to say (and so I will!) Thank you to all for your support and generosity over this year. It’s been a tough one, but I’m thankful I have so many lovely and caring people in my life – BACI (kisses in Italian)!

Here’s to Frocktails (there are details coming!) but for now it’s holiday time!

Love, Emma

P.S If would you like to host (go on – if we can, you can) an event for Sew Scottish, please get in touch and we’ll set you up with the contacts and the logo to get you started xx

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!

My Sewing Room

Published on February 11, 2018February 11, 2018 by Emma_Ciarrocca2 Comments

Having “had” to sew in living room because of my lack of tidying up mojo of the sewing room this week I’ve been focusing trying to find the floor of it.

I had a great idea last year to wash all of my fabrics, iron, fold away whilst measuring and recording them. It was such a monumental task, it all became quite overwhelming to dealt with. It was all very well in idea form but when you decide to get a puppy all things and plans go out of the window. I’m not blaming the puppy nor myself here, I’m simply addressing the matter that I took too much on and something had to give.

Move on 4 months and I finally can sneak up to the sewing room and finally get to grips with the hoarding of fabrics and goodness knows what else! Don’t think for one second did the puppy stop me from buying fabric nor the billion bags of fabric already up in the S.R. Ha!

I’m seeing a clear path now. It’s looking pretty organised now. There’s a plan to go through all the magazines and pull out projects that I might get round to. I’m going to be stopping my magazine subscriptions as I’m finding I just don’t have the time to read them just now and feel I can keep up to date with other methods. Plus I’ve got to keep the momentum up with my make nine and need space to concentrate on that!

Here’s some photos of the progress so far – sorry don’t have any “before photos” but just imagine lots of bags on the floor!

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ks for popping by!

Happy Sewing xx

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!

Sew what’s ahead?

Published on January 1, 2018January 1, 2018 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

So it’s the first of January and we’ve all made these new year resolutions, right?

I haven’t. Yesterday I made a pact with myself not to set massive goal posts that I simply can’t fill. Instead I’ve decided to make a promise to myself to look after me.

Last year we had two massive and devastating blows when cancer told hold of both our mothers and they past away. Both gave it there all to fight the horrible disease but unfortunately there was no miracle in both situations. Cancer sucks big time, right?

Life has been somewhat mental as we went all in and got an adorable puppy, who’s now five months. Adorable but mischievous and a boundless amount of springer energy!

Sewing has definitely taken a step back as I’m trying to really have the almighty clear out of possessions that I no longer need nor remember that they existed. It’s going to take a few charity runs but at the end of it less clutter in the house.

I’ve been trying to get my sewing room in order, but ever since I did a massive “wash all my fabric” it’s been sitting in bags waiting to be ironed, folded back into board and put away. Of course I want to take a photo and enter it into my Cora app and that takes up more time.

That being said sewing hasn’t ceased altogether. I’ll be back at my Monday class, which I enjoy immensely. Not just seeing but socially too. Abi is a great teacher and keeps me right! I’ll probably finish the coat mum started for me but never managed to finish. Hopefully I’ll make a good job and I’ll get some wear out of before the weather gets warmer (here’s wishing!).

I don’t think I’ll be putting myself in for #sewmystyle this year but I’ll try #makenine2018. I’m trying to narrow things down so I can actually finish challenges! So I’m just doing #makenine this year and trying to think carefully at which patterns I’m going for as I’m definitely aiming to step onto different garments but I do love a dress! Really want to add a couple of tops, jackets, skirts to the handmade wardrobe, maybe even jeans before the year is out.

So in order to do this, I’m going to carefully sieve through my pattern collection and see what I’ve got and try and make use of the fabrics I’ve got (boy there’s a lot!) and that can some make space in my sewing room. Don’t worry I’ll put my selection into another blog and Instagram it!

Having the journal last year was enjoyable but I overspent in time on it. This year is going to be basic and more to the point. It will still have the illustrations and the doodles but I’ll be looking at what worked for me and what didn’t.

Another thing that I want to start using is my fabric cards. I’d just like to see what I’ve used and what I’ve got as a record (perhaps it’s double the work as I’ve got the Cora app but having a swatch of fabric is slightly different than just a photo).

Not sure if I’ve missed anything in my sewing plans for 2018, but I’m sure you guys will keep me right!

I hope you all have a full on sewing and Fun filled 2018!

Till next time x

Sewing: Simplicity 4789

Published on June 21, 2017June 21, 2017 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

Yes! I’ve finished it! Wooop!

I’m very happy with the finished results and now I can show it off.

Although I did not make the processes easy for myself as I forgot to shorten the back on the pattern pieces and you can just imagine the drama when I realised that. Hence I had a break (Cleo) and eventually I came back to vintage rose 4789, which I’m glad I did.

So I wanted to unveil it to the Hubby on our Wedding Anniversary. We went away to Loch Lomond & Loch Earn for a couple of days and It’s much easier for someone else to take a full-length photo!

We are celebrating eight years this year. It’s been a tough year with losing my Mum to cancer. I’m just thankful Hubby has been a tower of strength so far to me, helping me get through my darkest moments.

I think I will be doing 4789 again because I have some brown tweed-like fabric but not as heavy as tweed and it would look nice in a shift, plus I had the idea of doing some piping around the neckline, armholes and the hem.

The 4789 pattern is really handy as it’s got a couple more garments I’d like to make and for a pattern, I’d say that you are getting your money’s worth that way.

I love this vintage rose fabric it’s a cotton lawn and I bought it from The Cloth Shop by Remnant Kings, Edinburgh (£14.99 P/M). I’ve had quite a few compliments on it already before the dress was finished!

I’ve now started on another project and it’s a vogue pattern. I have a time constraint as it’s to be finished by mid-August for a birthday theme! The Vogue pattern that I am using is V1389.

Again, I’m going to have to shorten the back (this time I’m doing it on the pattern pieces, rather than on the actual fabric!!!) and because famously vogue only goes up to a certain size I have to slightly add a couple of centimetres to the skirt pieces.

Because there is a theme for the birthday bash, this cotton here was crying out to be shown off. I think I already had bought the fabric and the pattern before the theme was public (what a surprise)! The cotton is from Fabric Focus, Edinburgh (14.99 p/m ?) and has a lovely drape to it.

Fabric Focus is where I also go for my classes and I’m so grateful to Abi (my teacher) for keeping me right! I would wholeheartedly recommend the classes. This is my third session and it won’t be my last either. I’ve still got so much to learn and I really enjoy going along and spending a couple of hours with like minded people.

So there you have it – I’ve finished “vintage rose” dress and on the mission of the vogue “woodland” dress.

Keep stitching x

Disclaimer: All photos are my own, so please ask for permission before using them. All opinions are my own also!

Sewing projects: The peg bag

Published on June 13, 2017May 31, 2017 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

Ever since the plastic peg basket broke earlier this year (shattered into a thousand pieces) I’ve been meaning to sew a peg bag.

It’s been on the list for a wee while and now I’ve done it. The peg bag was fairly easy once I figured the way to do it. Another reason for doing such an easy project was to get my confidence on my sewing machine a wee boost.

Okay, there are a couple of flaws but apart from that, I’m reasonably chuffed with myself.

Next time I make one, I’ll move the hole further up, so there’s less chance of pegs escaping! I’ll also add some bias tape around the edges and take my time measuring (i.e. I will make a paper temple to avoid a patchwork “I need to finish it job” style effect).

Disclaimer: All photos are my own and all opinions are my own!

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)!

Sew Local: Sew Yarn Crafty, Dunfermline

Published on May 6, 2017May 6, 2017 by Emma_Ciarrocca1 Comment

For those who know me, I like to venture out into the unknown, especially when it comes to fabric shops.

It’s also been awhile since I did a shop too. I like this series because It helps other find fabric shops they may not know about too.

How did I find out about Sew Yarn Crafty? Well, it was actually a customer at my now old work. He basically told me to go and check it out! I’m glad he did.

Based, in the town centre (on the pedestrianised part, don’t let google take you on a wild goose chase!) Sew Yarn Crafty was Dunfermline Sewing Machines and is now the new owner. They re-opened late last year after gutting and refurbishing the premises.

It’s a nice wee shop. Stop there. Appearances can be deceiving! Yes, it looks small from the outside but not only a ground floor but this shop has a basement too!

Sew Yarn Crafty stocks Tilly And The Buttons patterns – which is a tick in my book. They have a small selection of fabric for both dressmaking and craft. I’m going to say small because it was. The haberdashery is very well laid out and the button selection is enormous.

They also sell sewing machines, Janome, Singer and Brother were the ones on display.

Did I buy anything? Eh, that’s a silly question. It would be rude not too!

TATB Agnes pattern, trimming, dungaree buckles & some rather cute otter fabric!

It’s a cute wee shop. Maybe out of the way for me but a lovely addition to the high street. There’s plenty of parking in the car parks surrounding the shop. If you need a cuppa and cake after spending some dosh, there are the usual chains and some niche indie cafes.

Sew Yarn Crafty is also on Facebook.

Disclaimer: All opinions are my own and pretty please ask for permission before using any of my photos – ta!

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