December 2021
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to this months newsletter.
Gee, I blinked and it was December!
It's now one year since my little business has been officially "flying solo".
At the beginning of 2020 I started in a government program called Neis (New Enterprise Initiative Scheme) which helps unemployed people start a business. It consists of 6 weeks of business training and then 10 months of welfare payments so you can eat while you try to turn a profit.
My business, as you maybe know, makes zero waste sewing patterns, sells both my books and "creates content" on sewing and zero waste.
I had never really thought of myself as a business person but now I find I like the autonomy (a lot!), flexible work hours and creativity.
It has been a busy yet enjoyable year and I'm looking forward to some holidays at home over December/January.
A very many thanks for reading The Craft of Clothes blog and other writings, leaving comments, ordering books and patterns, connecting on social media and supporting my one-woman business which directly supports my family.
Imminent: new zero waste pattern
In a few weeks' time a new zero waste pattern will be ready. Here's part of the cutting layout - can you guess what it is?
Zero waste tie front top
The popular tie front top from the Zero Waste Sewing book is available as a stand-alone pdf in an extended size range.
This pattern now comes in 20 sizes - from a 32"/81cm bust to a 70"/178cm.
It's still 25% off in my shop until the 14th December.
Book orders
Aussies, are you planning to order Zero Waste Sewing or The Dressmaker's Companion for Christmas? Or both? I can gift wrap books with a note from you and send it direct to the recipient, saving you post $ and time. Order here.
Australia post advises that the 13th of December is the last day to post for Christmas delivery.
Clare Repair Cafe
If you live in South Australia's Clare Valley, a repair cafe has started in Clare and is run alongside the Ennis Park markets. The next one is a twilight market on Saturday December 4th, 4.30pm to 7pm.
For more information and how to volunteer as a repairer, contact Clare Library.
Some things you might enjoy
The trailer to the Beatle's documentary trailer "Get Back" shows some wonderfully coloured clothes, contributing to the energy of the film. Highlights include a red glossy raincoat, green trousers, a yellow jumper worn with a yellow shirt, an acid green blazer and maroon suede boots.
Podcast listeners, Zoe Edward's Check Your Thread podcast focuses on sewing sustainably with lots of interesting guests. Episode #17 is an overview on zero waste patterns.
A comment from Kat on my blog alerted me to Sallie Tomato in the USA, who sell fabric online by the inch, so you can buy exactly the amount you need.
A great idea: a fashion outlet for refugee women.
Some amazing transformations by Leith toy hospital. I kind of want to work there! There are lots of before/afters on their Instagram.
Homeschooling? The V&A has a make and do section on their website.
20 free templates for fancy stitching on the back pockets of jeans.
Understanding image copyright use on social media and where to find free and legal images.
Aussie Meredith Woolnough's embroidery inspired by coral and leaves.
This is genius: origami welt pocket.
Mattel are making these new barbies from recycled plastic.
A free sew-in bra pattern from Pattern Union (one size).
Tessellating pattern pieces are one way that patterns can be made zero waste. Here's an overview of tessellations for 6th-8th graders (thank you Terri from Meadowtree Style blog for this one).
Melbournians: Gabrielle Chanel: Fashion Manifesto will be on display at NGV International, Melbourne, opening on the 4th of December AND the dollhouse exhibition in Melbourne at Como House is on until the 30th of January 2022. Jabs and masks required for both.
On the blog lately
Fashion in a Dystopian World generated some fascinating conversation, which continued over on Mary Warner's blog.
Introducing the zero waste tie front top, re-issued as a stand alone pdf in an extended size range. There's a gallery showing the top made in different fabrics.
A tutorial on how to make a jeans waistband bigger. I'm wearing the jeans at the moment and the alteration was so successful I'm going to do it to my other jeans.
The zero waste waist bag, converted to a small fashion backpack.
From the blog archives
A trouser cutting challenge for Christmas play costumes.
Need a holiday reading book recommendation? How about Measure of a Man.
Cheers!
Liz