Tag: sewists

More Change!

Published on by Emma_Ciarrocca2 Comments

Yeap you saw it!

It’s official, this blog is now http://www.sewdoitemma.com

I’ve been thinking about going for it for a while and have finally taken the crunch!

Also it’s my first day of my fabric buying hiatus! It gone well so far. I’ve put my time into doing this domain, house stuff and walking the dog.

In my head I’ve got hundreds of ideas with what fabric from my collection should go with what project/pattern. Sure, they’ll be limits because of meterage/yardage or what type of fabric but I’m going to start to try and categorically organise them.

This has been on the cards for ages but it’s not going to be easy with the amount of fabric I do have.

First of all, I think I’m going to set fabrics and patterns that are in my make nine.

Next I’m going to take all the fabrics out of the small Billy’s then (or maybe do a shelf at a time) measure, photograph and record each piece. Either spreadsheet it first and then add it on the Cora App, which I’ve had for yonks and not really made use of it.

Once I’ve done the fabrics, I think I’m going to go through my big four patterns as I bet there’s patterns I’ve forgot about and have either doubled with a newer style or no longer “has that sparkle”. This could be another fabric destash as well but we’ll come to that bridge when it happens!

This is going to be a long process for me as I am planning to sew a few things, some with deadlines and also I’ve got things that I need to do around the house (boo, hiss).

Ok this is quite a ramble but it’s kinda good to put it out there and then you can see the difference when it’s done.

Speak soon with hopefully some new makes!

Happy sewing 🧵

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

Published on 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!!)

Aileen, the owner of Sew Yarn Crafty and The Sewing Studio and myself!

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!

Where do I Start? 

Published on by Emma_Ciarrocca5 Comments

I’m scratching my head as I really want to start doing a vlog that runs alongside my blog. There are so many beautiful sewing vloggers out there I would like tips on where to start and how to do one. 


I’ve watched several YouTube videos on how to do it. But I’m still struggling to look and sound streamlined – do you do it in one take? Or is in several little takes and cleverly edited together? 

After filming myself several times in one take, I’m coming to the conclusion I need to take bite takes and mould them into one. 


Also when your looking into your iPhone/ iPad, you look at the little lens rather than the screen? I’m thinking I should be looking at the lens! Am I right? 

With so many questions am asking myself how much time do you put into your own vlog before you publish them? How long does it take to film and the edit? What editing apps do you use if you use an iPad or iPhone.

I have an dslr camera and a tripod which I could set up instead of the iPhone/iPad. 

I’m thinking of using the vlog to be interactive with the patterns and fabric I choose for my projects. I’ll also pass on any tips that I’ve found useful and with that maybe show you any new things that I’ve bought. On top of that, a sewing room tour would definitely be top of the list and details of how I organised my space would also be available. When I’ve made my makes I can show them off by giving them a twirl and give my pros, cons and findings. 

Of course, I still keep blogging – but the vlog would be that little extra. It’s just going to take a little time to bring it altogether but any tips would be really appreciated from experienced bloggers&vloggers! 

Thank you for reading and Happy New Year to you all xx