Sewing – Page 6 – Sew Do It Emma

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!

Processed with MOLDIV — My growing sewing book collection!

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: Project Deadlines

Published on December 13, 2016 by Emma_Ciarrocca4 Comments

How many of us try to set up a deadline and never actually finished the project on time? I’m one of these sewists that really find it difficult to get things done on time. To be honest, it’s maybe more than a month for certain projects (or even a year) to get finished and modelled.

This dress has be shamed so many times since all I need to do is the darn hem!

I’m scratching my head and really thinking if I will actually take part in the #sewmystyle challenge – one it’s sizing for most patterns (my hips are chunky and my back is short) and two, its timing.

Yes, know you can adjust patterns but there is only so much give on the patterns themselves before you have to move darts, calculate where else it needs to be adjusted and then “lose” it. There is definitely a couple of patterns from #sewmystyle I’d love to try. Maybe not pressuring myself to a deadline might be a wise decision. So many things tend to go wrong when I rush and material is precious!

My favourite Patterns from the #sewmystyle challenge.

The Toaster Sweater

I’m definitely thinking with going to try and kick my “never worked with jersey” box if I do this one.

These dresses just cry out at me! I love this style … yeah I will do this one. I personally like the back!

Dresses always get my appeal first – probably because I don’t have to think about separates until this blouse / such a lovely piece – yeah the dresses can wait on this one!

So after purchasing the “Bennett Dress” – I now see another Megan Nielsen dress that gets my heart pulsing!

I have the “Anna Dress” already, so I won’t have to get another – I love the look of this pattern – it’s screaming “make me, make me”!

So if I’m going to do any challenges, if may not be the whole thing unless miracles happen but st least I’ve tried some and hopefully can wear them too as well as maybe learn other sewing skills from them – who knows?!!

Another deadline and it’s coming to unveiling it very soon – is the little red dress.

You bet right, I’ve not even started cutting the pattern out! Argh – what is wrong with me! Then again, I have been rather busy with other life adventures and usually exhausted before I get even near the sewing machine! Mmmm, lets see if I can do this in a week, which will be interesting, very interesting!

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!

#SewScottish – it’s just around the corner!

Published on November 23, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

With only 4 more sleeps to go until Sunday’s meet up with fellow Scottish Sewing Bloggers, it’s impossible not to get too excited about it.

I keep pinching myself that this idea is actually real and it’s really happening on Sunday. Little did I know that the thought between myself and Lesley would actually develop into reality. EEEEKKK – exciting!

I’m looking forward to meeting like minded people who sew and blog and hopefully exchange a few ideas for our next meetup too. I’m hoping that this could become a monthly/bimonthly thing … you can dream!

That’s all for now,

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.

Fabric Addictions: Recent Additions

Published on November 3, 2016November 3, 2016 by Emma_CiarroccaLeave a comment

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!).

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.

“Make Another Wish – Hedgerow” Lewis & Irene

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 …

Vintage Roses on Cotton

This was bought from The Cloth Shop by Remnant Kings for my dress that I’m doing in the class I mentioned in this post.

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.

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!

30114017583_0bc7111167_z — 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!

Lessons: Fabric Focus

Published on October 30, 2016 by Emma_Ciarrocca1 Comment

Yeap, I’ve signed up for a block of lessons: Dressmaking for beginners at Fabric Focus, Edinburgh. Ok I’m no beginner but I’m no expert. I think confidence is the key but it’s always good to pick up tips and tricks for future projects and gain that extra confidence and experience to make a garment. I’d say I was a borderline novice. I’m happy to go at the class’s speed and not show off. Plus it’s always interesting to see what other sewers are using for both fabric and pattern! I’ve already noted a McCalls pattern which I like the look off! Yes, I AM A PATTERN MAGPIE!

Lesson one:

We were all sat down and guided through our hand outs. Abi introduced us to our surroundings and what we would cover in our classes.

There is a sheet for marking all your measurements in the handout, which will be handy for the project and for future ones too. Our task was to take our measurements and jot them down – Hips, upper hips, waist and bust are the important ones for this now as I’m making a simple shift dress, Well at least I’m hoping too!

Grading the pattern – my hips are wider than my waist, which is seriously annoying sometimes. Abi showed me how to do this for the front and then I did it for the back. We then all cut out our patterns according to our sizes.

Abi has sent us all home with strict instructions to pin the pattern pieces to the fabric for the next lesson. This includes ironing the pattern but absolutely NO CUTTING! I’m chomping at the bit, I will NOT CUT THE FABRIC!

Next class we will cut the fabric and start sewing!

I’ve chosen this beautiful Vintage blue cotton twill digitally printed fabric (see image below) from The Cloth Shop.

It’s a simplicity number for the pattern and it’s good value being the “easy-to-sew wardrobe elements” pack as I’m eyeing up the coat to do next.

I’m going with the “simple” shift dress (option C) for classes. I just want to be able to finish and wear it!

I’ll continue to update you with my lessons as I go to each one!

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!

#SewScottish – let’s meetup!

Published on October 23, 2016October 24, 2016 by Emma_Ciarrocca2 Comments

The last 24 hours have been whirlwind but it’s all good.

Here’s the thing, both Lesley (sew_sleep_deprived) and I know that there are fantastic sewing blogger meet ups south of the border but we’ve yet to see anything in our bonnie land. As Lesley mentioned, Leeds meet up and The Fold Line are now well and truly established.

We are both excited to start something off in Edinburgh with fellow sewing bloggers.

scotlandsewingbloggers — Come on all you budding #ScottishSewingBloggers!

I’ve got a great feeling about meeting #scottishsewingbloggers and talk all things #sewing over cake and your chosen cuppa!

How could you turn down cake and sewing talk?

Come on, let’s embrace this as it would great to exchange tips, news, hidden gems and also celebrate our talents!
Both Lesley and Myself are open to suggestions, so please contact us!

Would a WordPress site be a good place to start as a central base for meetings and chat?

Meanwhile please spread the word by using the hashtags below and #sewing #scottishsewingbloggers #meeting and of course, #sewscottish !

The Big Day is Sunday 27th November. The venue is yet to be finalised, but at least we have a date! All you need to be is a sewer, be it novice, beginner, intermediate or professional and have a current sewing blog!

I’m hoping we can build a community just like Leeds and The Fold Line but have our own niche!

Super excited to meet all you lovely Scottish Sewing Bloggers!

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