Reading Time: 5 minutesOnce upon a time everyone wore socks that contained no nylon. The idea of no nylon socks would never have occurred to anyone. We darned (undeniable). So who wouldn’t blame people for wanting a sock that took an age to need darning, and were so cheap that you’re more likely to discard than darn? They […]
Craft Skills
No New Clothes: The Seamless Pledge
Reading Time: 4 minutesI’ve joined the Seamless Pledge to buy no new clothes, and this is the pledge: I, Liz Pearson, take the Seamless pledge for a year. I will abstain from buying any new clothes until the end of my pledge. I will find ways to be fashionable without breaking the bank and without contributing to the […]
Ode to the Haberdashery Department: Demise of the Local Haberdashery
Reading Time: 3 minutesOf late, I’ve lamented the demise of my local haberdashery. The haberdashery department in a local store has signs up saying ‘50% off everything’. I should be rushing in with glee, but instead, I’m sad. It’s closing down. I even had a vague feeling of panic! But those last minute wants for haberdashery bits and […]
#MenditMay: Re-mend It
Reading Time: 2 minutesOn the last day of #MendItMay I’m reviewing what’s on my mend-it pile. I see that I have some re-mends to do and some mending that I know aren’t yet re-mend projects, but will be in time, simply because there are weak spots where you put more wear and tear on your clothes. Grungy Jacket […]
Freehand Pattern Drafting Versus Standard Pattern Drafting
Reading Time: 4 minutesI’ve been comparing freehand pattern drafting (drafting directly on to fabric) and standard drafting of paper pattern pieces lately. I wore an outfit to a friend’s wedding recently that I made by using both methods. Some time ago I made a pattern for a skirt block. This was a straight, knee length skirt which can […]
Is It Worth Making Your Own Sewing Patterns?
Reading Time: 4 minutesHave you wondered if it might be worthwhile to draw up (or draft) your own sewing patterns? Whilst shop bought sewing patterns have a lot of flexibility built in, to allow you to fit to your height and shape, there are reasons why you might want to DIY your own. This post is less about […]
