During 2015, my Guild ran a year-long natural dyeing project with Winterbourne House, a local museum. Each month, the gardeners at Winterbourne provided plant material (flower heads, bark, leaves, etc.) which the guild tested for their natural dye properties. To explore the varied colours that can be achieved through the use of mordants and modifiers, eights small skeins of […]
A Year in Colour Exhibition Read More »
Three weeks or so before me and Phil left for a holiday in Reykjavik, New York and Boston, I decided to make myself a warm coat to wear. I loved the Closet Case Files Clare Coat when it was released and had already bought the pattern, so this was the perfect chance to make it. By the time my
Pink Wool Clare Coat Read More »
I have an article in the April issue of Seamwork, released today. The article is a guide on creating your own yarn, and includes stages from buying and washing a fleece, carding and spinning fibre, plying spun singles, and washing your yarn. That’s a lot of information to squeeze in. If anything is unclear in the article
Spinning Your Own Yarn Read More »
Just a quick post to let you know that there will be a #SewBrum meet-up on Saturday 24th September 2016. This will be the third year running! Like last year, the meet-up will start in Birmingham City Centre, before moving to Moseley Village to visit Guthrie & Ghani. I’ll post details nearer the date, but
SewBrum 2016: Save the Date! Read More »
The current issue of Love Sewing Magazine (issue 25, on sale now until late April) features my profile of Ernest Wright & Son. The article discusses the company and the steps involved in making their scissors (plus there’s an opportunity to win a pair of dressmaking shears), but I also wanted to talk about my visit here.
A Love Story about Scissors Read More »
As you’ll know if you follow me on instagram (I may have gotten carried away posting photos!), I’ve just returned from a holiday in Reykjavik, New York and Boston. I made four new items for the holiday (one of which I was hemming as we waited for the cab to the airport…) – Closet Case Files
British & Icelandic Karusellen Hat Read More »
Next two dates for local sewcialist meet-ups are: Wednesday 30th March, and Tuesday 26th April. Everyone is welcome (more information is available here). I’ve booked a table in The Stable in Birmingham City Centre for Wednesday 30th, from 6pm. In order for everyone to have an idea of roughly who/how many people can make it I’ve created a basic
Midlands Sewcialists – March & April Dates Read More »
Just a quick post, as I’m currently busy enjoying myself on holiday in New York. Me and Phil stopped off in Reykjavik for three nights on the way here, and are going home via a brief stop in Boston. It’s my first time visiting both Iceland and the US, and I’m having great fun exploring. I’m
Roberts Collection Dungaree Dress Read More »
When Rebecca invited me to take part in the World Book Day Blog Tour, after saying YES!, the first decision was what children’s book would inspire my project. As a child I was a voracious reader and, in particular, was seriously obsessed with Enid Blyton. Obsessed to the extent that I not only read every
Doraemon Emery Dress Read More »
As a British yarn addict, I’m always really excited by the prospect of a new yarn from Blacker Yarns. Not only do they produce lovely yarns, they do so using unusual wools, create unique blends, and support small producers in the UK. The newest yarn from Blacker, Tamar, is released tomorrow, 03rd February. Tamar contains