Archive for July 2017
What to wear to an author talk when you’re the author
Our wonderful library has booked me in for my very first author talk on Tuesday 5th September. As most of us do when planning an important occasion, I thought: I wonder what I’ll wear? Should I make something new or wear something I already have? I’ve come up with these criteria: Bright colour to stand…
Read MoreHow to sew an invisible zip (finally!)
Several people have asked me for a post on how to sew an invisible zip (although this might come too late for them), so here it is. Firstly, some notes: An invisible zip can be almost one of the last things sewn on a garment. Sew the zip in before you sew the rest of…
Read MoreMaking a Spectacle of Oneself
They said it would happen one day, and now it finally has. Yep, reading glasses. I’ve now reached That Age where I need glasses to sew and read. I can’t complain really; I’ve enjoyed superb eyesight my whole life. In my 20’s I could actually read the size number on machine needles. Since I turned…
Read MoreIntroducing The Dressmaker’s Companion
Dear Friends, I’m so excited I hardly know how to write this post. I’ve just finished writing a sewing book which I hope will be tremendously useful, outstandingly successful and a great blessing to anyone who sews clothes. The Dressmaker’s Companion is… “A comprehensive sewing reference you’ll refer to again and again for reliable, practical…
Read MoreLike or loathe it: Matching checks, stripes and junctions
A sign of a well-made garment is perfectly matched seam junctions, checks and stripes. I was reminded of this on the weekend as I dug out some checked fabric to make shirts. Cutting the checks is only half the job; they need to be matched when they’re sewn as well. …
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