Today our post is all about inserting the zipper. If you're doing Versions 2 or 3, this is a step you'll want to undertake before trying to insert the waistband. We'll try to get a post up for the waistband of these versions over the next couple of days.
Read MoreThis week, in Part 8 of our Zinnia Sewalong, we'l be showing you how to attach the waistband for Version 1, the gathered skirt. And at the start of next week, we'll do the same for Version 2. Nearly there folks!
Read MoreWelcome to the second part of our pockets tutorial for the Zinnia Skirt. Today we’ll be talking about in-seam pockets, which are the type of pocket used in Versions 2 of the Zinna pattern.
Read MoreThis is Part 6, and today we’re looking at pockets: specifically patch pockets. Then in a couple of days we'll be sticking up another post on in-seam pockets.
Read MoreWelcome to Part 5 of our Zinnia Sewalong. Today we’re going to be taking a wee jaunt through the topic of Seam Finishes.
Read MoreWe'd like to give you a quick update on the submissions for the Zinnia Skirt Sewalong Competition.
Read MoreWelcome to this fourth part of the Zinnia Sewalong. In this post we are going to start sewing, yay! Some of the fundamentals we’ll be covering include seam allowances, button plackets (version 1), stitch length and width, pressing a seam, and staystitching. We will also explain how to use fusible interfacing, sew a basic seam, and finally how to do gathering and pleats.
Read MoreWelcome to the (long awaited) Part 3 of the Zinnia Sewalong. In this post we'll be discussing the importance of making a toile, pattern cutting layouts, pinning and marking, and how to cut out your fabric.
Read MoreFor those of you who are following our Zinnia Sewalong, we just wanted to put out a wee apology for the delay of Part 3. Our household has been struck with illness this past week, but we're feeling better now and typing up the next installment. We hope to have it posted in the next day or two.
Thank you all so much for your patience. This is our first Sewalong, so we're learning a bit about forward planning!
A couple of years ago, we managed to make it along to the Glasgow School of Art Degree show to take in some of the work of the final year Textile Design students. One of the highlights for us was the work of Textile Designer Jo Faulkner. We fell in love with Jo's prints the moment we lay eyes on them.
Read MoreIn today's post we're going to continue our preparation for sewing the skirt. In Part 1 we focused on the pattern front as well as the tools, supplies and fabric options for the garment. Today we're going to discuss how to take your body measurements, choosing a size to make, and how much fabric you'll need for your chosen pattern size. We'll also give you some suggestions for fabric shopping and we'll have a wee chat about pre-washing fabrics. And to round off, there will be a quick tutorial on tracing your pattern and I will explain the Finished Garment Measurements on the pattern back.
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Welcome to The Stitchery's first Sewalong. We will be working through the Zinnia Skirt by Colette Patterns, providing step-by-step tutorials and support as we sew together. In today's post we'll be chatting about understanding the pattern envelope as well as explaining the different fabric and haberdashery choices.
Read MoreTo celebrate the new series, we at The Stitchery have decided to run our very own sewing competition! And, to make things even more exciting, we shall be aiding contestants in their sewing projects with our very first Stitchery Sewalong (more on that later).
Read MoreWe all love a hand made Christmas stocking. Here at The Stitchery we believe in providing you with all the techniques to make your very own masterpiece, whether it's something as simple as a stocking or as detailed as a bespoke tailored jacket. In this first tutorial we're going to show you how to make your own Christmas Stocking using a pattern we've developed.
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If you didn't already know, we send out a monthly update called Sew On & Sew Forth. It's a newsletter of sorts, full of stories on recent Stitchery events. It's also contains a comprehensive list of upcoming courses and workshops. You can see the latest newsletter here: http://eepurl.com/DjCJ9
And if you'd like to sign up to receive these
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Several months ago I found some old wooden ladders in a skip around the corner from our flat. As with most of the things that I drag off the street, fully intending to beautify in some way, they sat in the corner of our living room taking up precious space and not really doing much. Recently however, I found a great use for them, turning them into a set of shelves for all the incredible amount of other things that also take up space in our living room.
Read MoreOver the past few days we've received many a text or facebook message from our friends, and even some of our students, to say that they have spotted us on Channel 4 in the trailer for the new Kirstie Allsopp show: Fill You House for Free.
As it happens, we don't have a TV in our house, so we will be watching the show tomorrow night at our neighbours place (thanks Adam & Emma!). However, this also means we have been unable to see the trailer, keeping us in even more suspense!
But praise be, by the wonders of You Tube, our house was filled with excitement last night when Channel 4 posted this:
Having bitten our tongues over this for the past few weeks, we can finally let you in on the reason why we recently posted a photograph of Kirstie Allsopp standing in our living room.
Read MoreMuch delight, mixed with a little sadness; Another Dressmaking & Design course finished this evening. Well done to everyone who took part. A lovely and very creative group of students!
Read MoreWhen I first moved from Canada to Scotland 3 years ago, I knew of tweed and had even worked with it. But the concept of Harris Tweed was something new to me. And at the time I didn't fully comprehend that I was moving to the nation that practically owns this ancient fabric, where the culture and heritage of islands off the North West coast are entirely wrapped up in the production of it.
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