December 2019
With free water bottle holder pattern
Hello Everyone,
This is my last newsletter for the year. Thanks so much for reading my newsletter and blog, and your kind comments. I hope the past year has been fulfilling for you and that 2020 will be more so.
This year has been challenging as I finished my second book, Zero Waste Sewing, but at the same time it was exciting to write, so less stressful than The Dressmaker's Companion, and I feel like I'm starting to find my feet in the publishing world. Only 104 days until publishing day!
Here's a holiday project to make. I made these with my children and they enjoyed using them at school camp (everyone else had to carry their water but they were "hands free"). We used the legs cut off from an old pair of jeans. They used my visible mending threads to embroider their names on them.
Christmas Crafternoon
If you're in the Clare Valley, come to my Christmas Crafternoon on Tuesday December the 17th, 1.30-3.30pm. Make a selection of tree decorations from felt. All materials are provided.
It would suit any adult or child aged 8 and up.
This is a pay-what-you-can workshop. You receive an envelope to secretly put in whatever $ you like/can afford/think the workshop is worth.
Venue: Knit Spin Weave studio in Clare, 5 Gleeson St, in behind Elders and just by the Foodland carpark exit.
To book, simply hit reply and let me know you're coming. Please "forward this to a friend" if you think they'd enjoy it.
Sewing workshops
Pop-up sewing classes will resume next year - I'll send some session times in the next newsletter.
Meanwhile, I offer one-on-one classes at an hourly rate if you need help with a project, fitting or patternmaking (or a session could make a good Christmas present for someone). Click reply to send a no-obligation enquiry.
Some things you might enjoy
Start your day creating before consuming. A thoughtful article.
Shannon Downey bought a partially finished quilt at an estate sale and finished it with the help of social media followers.
Knitting tuition used to be part of the school curriculum in Shetland; now it's provided by volunteer tutors.
Make a zero waste top with these visual directions (I think it's only one size).
Zero waste open source cutting plans on Pinterest.
Meet the costume designer for the opera The Marriage of Figaro.
Daphne Selfe, the world's oldest supermodel at 87.
Ever considered the history of shop mannequins?
Are you traveling over the holiday period? Here's an inspirational piece on packing light.
On the blog lately...
Do you keep a journal or diary? I keep 5, all for different things - it keeps my brain organised!
Celebrating Corduroy Appreciation Day with a corduroy trousers make-over.
Cutting magi trousers for a Christmas play, using an unusual pattern.
Sometimes a finished garment needs changing to get it just right.
...and on the blog archives
Making an outfit to wear at Christmas - it turned out to be my all-time favourite dress.
A free pattern for a large beach bag. This bag holds everyone's swimming things during summer.
Here's how I insert an invisible zip.
Christmas play
Clare Valley readers: on Sunday December 15th, please be invited to "Born is the King", a Christmas play with music and dancing at Clare Uniting Church, Victoria Avenue. It has great costumes! Two performances: 10am and 5pm. Come early; it's always packed. Entry is free.
Have a great Christmas and festive season everyone!
Cheers,
Liz