May 2023
New zero waste pattern, FREE online workshop, Me-Made-May and more...
Hi Everyone,
Welcome to the May newsletter, and a very warm welcome to new subscribers.
When children are new babies there’s always a curiosity about what they’ll be like when they grow up. There are lovely moments when they’re older and participate in conversations, share their ideas on issues…and come in on Mum Jokes:
After spending several days in a row writing sewing instructions, I found that I actually started talking a bit like a sewing instruction! I was just telling my daughter about this crazy phenomenon as I leaned on the doorway of her bedroom, when she asked for my help.
Daughter: Mum, can you show me how to put on this wraparound skirt? I need help.
Me: Certainly! Welcome to this wraparound skirt tutorial! We’ll be doing it together and by the end you’ll feel confident enough to dress yourself. Let’s get started!
Daughter: Haha Mum. (Was she being sarcastic or did she think that Mum Joke was funny?) You know, that happens when you read too many novels as well….she said, as she gazed down to what her mother was doing.
Me: OK, Step 1, unfold skirt.
Daughter: She dreamily looked at herself in the mirror as her mother fussed with the skirt…
New Zero Waste Pattern
The big news is that I finally finished that pattern! The Petrea dress or blouse comes in 20 sizes, to fit a 32"/81cm bust to a 70”/178cm. It has front and back tucks, very generous pockets and can be made any length.
The pattern is in my shop now; please enjoy 25% off. You can read more about this pattern and see more photos here.
Making Zen: FREE online retreat
I would like to invite you to join a free online retreat on 15th-19th May.
It’s a 5 day event where stitchers and crafters can learn new processes, improve their techniques and get inspired with a wholistic approach that nurtures their well being.
Please click here to register and see more.
On each day, there are 4 pre-recorded presentations that are about 30mins each. I’m presenting one of them; mine is on Wednesday 17th and I demonstrate how to make buttons & toggles out of things you have at home or that are compostable.
If you’re homeschooling, this is a great way to explore some new crafts together.
The presentations are available to view for free for 24 hours. If you would like lifetime access and a bundle of additional resources, there’s an option to buy an All Access Pass. (Note that the registration link above is an affiliate link for this, which will support what I do.)
I’ve contributed a newly-made zero waste pattern to the All Access bundle. It’s a waist bag that you thread onto your belt to wear. Great for phone & keys, or doggie treats, or snacks…
In zero waste news…
Do you live in New Zealand and would like to take an in-person zero waste patternmaking masterclass from Emma La Rocca? Register here.
Birgitta Helmersson's book Zero Waste Patterns comes out this month. It was released in Australia in April and I have a copy to review on my blog during May. It’s a lovely book and I’m looking forward to it.
Me-Made-May
Are you participating in Me-Made-May this year? (Read: What is Me-Made-May?)
Here’s my pledge:
I, Liz Haywood, pledge to wear me-mades every day of May, including at least one item which is zero waste. I will thoughtfully combine my clothes to wear the same things in new ways, and try to wear some of my "going out" clothes when I'm at home.
I will also make one item from Birgitta Helmersson's new zero waste book from fabric I already have at home.
Some things you might enjoy
100 years of fashion for a plus size woman, comparing the popular silhouettes from 1820-1910. Lots of wonderful examples! (25mins)
What’s it like to be a fashion designer in country Australia? Watch Emily Riggs on Landline. I met Emily last year when we both spoke at a Her Business Collective event.
The oldest scottish tartan ever found will be on display at the V&A Dundee's tartan exhibition.
A thoughtful piece on "quiet luxury".
Mr and Mrs Mogi's travel snaps - surely the most stylish travel couple! On the subject of photos, here are lots of ideas for taking better photos and posing tips (Instagram).
New book: The Magic of Pockets. A step-by-step guide to sewing pockets in your clothes.
An 1894 Singer sewing machine is masterfully restored (31mins). It's long but soothing to watch - skip to the end for the before/after reveal. The state of the machine at the beginning is so bad that I would have written it off; testament to the build quality.
An opinion article on the worst colour combinations, including what is considered the "world's ugliest colour" (Pantone 448C).
A free talk on textiles by Kaffe Fassett on May 11th. I heard Kaffe talk in person in Adelaide (circa 2006?) and he was great. (Sorry Aussies, this talk is in the early hours.)
A whole outfit, 3D printed and worn. Is this the way of the future or will cloth always be preferred? (9:31min)
A 3-day online mending workshop with mending legends Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald, Heidi Parkes and Hikaru Noguchi. Read more and register here.
Last week was the 10th anniversary of Rana Plaza, Bangladesh, the deadliest disaster in the garment industry's history. Has anything changed since then? This article gives some ways you can take action.
On the blog lately
A roundup of the past month’s blog posts from my website, lizhaywood.com.au.
Feel free to subscribe to my blog for weekly posts direct to your inbox, however, if you don’t need more emails in your life, I always do a roundup here.
A design/patternmaking discussion on changing a silhouette with unexpected armholes.
The following week, I tried making a square-shaped top with crazily positioned armholes. The pattern I used is at the end of the post.
Finally! Introducing the Petrea dress and blouse, my new zero waste pattern.
Wardrobe ideas: 4 ways to wear a Petrea blouse or dress.
From the blog archives
Vale Mary Quant. Mum and I were really fortunate to visit the Mary Quant exhibition in Bendigo in 2021.
Cheers!
Liz x