August 2022

Hi All, and welcome to the August newsletter.

Firstly, many thanks for the get-well wishes I received after July’s newsletter, and if you’re still recovering post-covid I sincerely hope you’re feeling brighter.

I’m still getting there. I find my batteries go flat very quickly, but my stamina improves every week. I’m very grateful to be working at home, where I can go at my own pace. The ever-obliging Mr H is still making dinners and washing up (and is doing a great job) but I can sense he’s keen to cast off the shackles of domestic responsibility as soon as possible!

With staying at home, I’ve put the current zero waste patterns on hold until I can properly do test fitting and photography. But I haven’t been idle…

April and May: A Year of Zero Waste Sewing

Remember the book I started writing this year?

The next two installments are ready and can be ordered here. You can read more about them on my blog.

May comes with a zero waste sewing pattern, for this little satchel backpack.

Some things you might enjoy

Settle in for a listen to a long but fascinating podcast about heritage button making with David Courtney, owner of the last button making factory in the UK. (1hr20min) 

Elbe textiles has a handy tutorial for sewing tucks.

Ariel Adkins makes clothes inspired by artworks. They are Wow! (Instagram)

A soon-to-launch zine called On the Mend, about the life cycles of clothing and textiles.

New sewing book alert: Sew it Yourself by DIY Daisy. See a preview here. I think this book would make a lovely present for a young person who’s beginning to sew.

The movie Mrs Harris Goes to Paris has had a re-make, with beautiful recreations of Dior gowns. A video about the costumes is here (9min), including an interview with the costume designer. Read more about the costumes here and here. By the way, the original book is delightful, as is the 1992 movie with Angela Lansbury.

Knitter and textile artist Jake Henzler describes his design process. Take a look at his blanket inspired by the buildings of Copenhagen.

Well-Dressed Dad makes a jacket out of an old army tent. 

You’ve no doubt heard of Ankara or African Wax Prints, and maybe even sewn with them, but there are stunning Aussie Indigenous-designed fabrics too. These two choirs are wearing some fabulous prints. (YouTube, 1min)

Have you ever thought of sewing your own kite? Dina of @dinasewr did.

Some really creative patternmaking here - using the alphabet to design T-shirts. It’s an example of moving an arm or head hole to an unexpected place and creating a new silhouette. I wonder what they look like on?

On the blog lately

Are you a lover of tartan? 6 ways to wear a tartan skirt.

The quest for the perfect oven mitt, followed by a report on my progress. Stay tuned for the final analysis on this subject in weeks to come.

From the blog archives

The skirt that goes with everything - but did it really? 5 years on I still have it, and sure, it’s kind of useful to wear, but if I’m honest I would probably would wear it more if it were knee length.

Best sewing wishes!

Love, Liz x