new sewist

If you’re a member of my monthly newsletter, you’ll know that I enrolled myself in an Adult Education Course. In January 2024, I began a 10 week sewing course learning how to sew!

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of helping hundreds of women with their colours, style and shape. Some of my clients make their own clothes, whilst others don’t. But, getting the right fit in your clothes is something I strongly believe is beneficial to feeling good in what you wear.

I’ve been both jealous and curious of those who can make their own clothes. Having never used a sewing machine before, it was also a daunting prospect!

The course I attended was run through Manygates in Wakefield (https://www.wakefield.gov.uk/schools-and-education/education/adult-education-service/adult-education-courses/) but if you’re not local, check with your own council or local groups. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would highly recommend it. For me, it wasn’t just learning a new skill, but having the ability to do something just for me. I found that having the time allocated also meant I made time for myself, every week.

During my course, there were two projects, along with the basics of using a sewing machine. Making weights (which are used to weigh down your fabric when cutting to keep it in place), a hobby bag and a third of your choosing. Most people decided they wanted to make a garment – myself included!

So, what did I learn during 10 weeks of sewing?

Fabric choice is important.

Beach bag on holiday

I chose stripes for the beach bag as I thought having straight lines may be easier to sew. They are not. Turns out it’s rather adventurous for a newbie… So, if you’re using patterned fabric for a garment, consider how easy it is to work with, or if you need to ‘match’ the pattern along any seams.

Most people choose fabric based upon the colour or the pattern, so do consider what you’ll use it for. The weight of the fabric, the feel of it, the colour and size of the pattern are all elements worth considering for garment making but may not be as relevant for interiors for example.

The first is to make a toile!

A toile is a bit like making a prototype which you can tweak and it makes for good practice and learning. Unless you’re a seasoned professional of course. I was not! Making mistakes on this is much easier to rectify than if you shoot straight to making the actual thing.

Cut once and measure twice.

Sewing basics. Oh, and “cut on fold” does not actually mean to cut on the fold!

Take your time.

Rushing will not finish it any quicker and you’re likely to make mistakes. It’s a very patient, frustrating and rewarding hobby! There’s also more ironing involved than I ever realised!

Don’t be afraid to alter the pattern.

I decided to adapt the hobby bag brief to make a beach bag instead! The fabric reminded me of the beach and seaside. Without the teacher (Nicky), I wouldn’t have been able to do this, but Nicky helped me adapt the pattern. Patterns are guides after all and you’ll be amazed at what’s available online for additional guidance. I had no pattern for one of the (additional) projects I decided to make, but I used the skills from the hobby bag with a broad idea in my mind!

Sewing your clothes is not always cheaper than buying them.

Fabric can be expensive and I can see why people end up with a stash of fabric when they can get a bargain! Whilst I can’t use my £s per wear motto on fabric like I do with clothes, the principles are the same. It’s only ever a bargain if you actually use it!

I delayed making my garment because I hadn’t had time to shop for fabric and I hadn’t decided on the colour. Better to have delayed the process and get the right colours than buy something because it’s cheap that I don’t wear.

Rescue fabric!

The old reuse, recycle motto comes in useful here as material is material! Old pillow cases are perfect for toile making. I had an old tablecloth which I used some to whip up a cushion cover one afternoon!

With the left-over fabric from my beach bag, I also made a water bottle carrier and a clutch style handbag.

Knowing what suits me makes decisions easier.

It goes without saying that I could choose the right colours to suit me for a garment. But, I naturally gravitated towards similar colours for the beach bag project too.

There seems to be more patterned fabric than plain, but for my style and scale, patterned wasn’t for me with the garment I had in mind. Having learned my lesson with stripes, I chose a colour block top and dress pattern. Adapting the pattern to suit my shape and size is all in the toile making meaning I could also tweak it before making the real thing.

I’ve found that most people who sew create garments that reflect who they are and which are treasured too.

There’s a lot of time and effort that goes into sewing so if you’re aiming to create a capsule wardrobe, or patterned clothes are not your thing, follow the same principles with sewing.

The fabric for the beach bag was too thick and heavy to make a garment so it wouldn’t have been any good for the top I was making. Don’t get caught out buying patterned fabric you won’t wear or it can be a costly mistake. It’s just the same as holding on to something you bought with the tags still on you which you haven’t worn in your wardrobe!

Stores and supplies

I’ve discovered places I never knew existed during this time and here’s a few I’ve used for fabric, thread, tools and haberdashery bits:

Fabworks Mill Shop in Dewsbury – amazing range of fabric, very helpful staff and tools: https://fabworks.co.uk/

The Recycle Yard in Ossett – a treasure trove of reclaimed arts and crafts and bits and bobs: https://www.facebook.com/therecycleyard

Singer Sewing Centre in Wakefield – a bit like Arkwrights but you’ll get thread and tools and bits at good prices: http://www.yorkshiresewingcentre.co.uk/

Rainbow fabric – deadstock fabric online: https://www.rainbowfabrics.co.uk/

Thread Republic in Huddersfield – Textiles scrap store and sewing and craft workshops: https://www.threadrepublic.co.uk/

Stitch Make Create in Horbury – Sewing workshops (including my Express Colour Sessions!): https://frugalisama.com/

Size: Me sewing – Sewing patterns and sewing retreats in France: https://sizemesewing.co.uk/

Rivers MEET Craft Cafe in Methley – homemade food and great coffee plus craft and sewing workshops (including my mini colour analysis workshops!): https://www.riversmeetcraftcafe.co.uk/

My first me-made garment!

Well, I completed my colour-block top and I’ve worn it! It’s definitely been a challenge, but I’ve loved learning and testing myself. I’ve got even more appreciation and understanding about how garments are made too.

The pattern I used was a Simple Sew (https://www.simplesewpatterns.com/) multi-use pattern – four in one tunic and top. I found the darts didn’t sit right on the toile so altered the angle. Whilst I made a dress, I wasn’t keen so decided to switch to a top.

With the sleeve facing, I used the second colour instead and in hindsight, would have top-stitched the sleeve. Admittedly, I used the second colour choice because I didn’t have enough fabric as it was an off-cut piece, but it complimented the design perfectly! (and, if I’d not told you, you wouldn’t have known!)

Next, I’ve got my first transformational challenge! I’m taking part in the Thread Republic Upcycle Challenge. Ikea have donated some duvet covers which they recalled due to a fault which means that they cannot be used as duvet covers. The challenge is to upcycle the duvet into a garment or outfit. All creations can be handed back to Thread Republic (before 23 August) to be included in the Sustainable Fashion Week Fashion Show on 24 September 2024. I’ve got my not-a-duvet and need to decide what to make! More details can be found on their Instagram Page: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8peBVeRGcC/?img_index=1

Tickets to the Sustainable Fashion Show can be found here (if you’re not taking part): https://www.threadrepublic.co.uk/event-details/upcycled-fashion-show

Learn what suits you

If you’re a keen sewist, or just starting out on your sewing journey like me, understanding the colours which suit you will help you make better choices for your me-made clothes.

When it comes to choosing fabric, when you know your colours, you can shop much smarter.

You’re welcome to join me in the studio for your own Colour Analysis Consultation. But, if you’d rather have a ‘taster’ experience, I’ll be back at Stitch Make Create in Horbury in September.

Sam has kindly offered a room at her sewing studio again for me to run my Express Colour Analysis sessions. During which, you can book yourself onto a Top & Sleeve Pattern drafting workshop here : https://www.beforeyoustitch.com/service-page/top-and-sleeve-pattern-making-workshop-1?referral=service_list_widget

During a 30 minute session, you’ll learn your core colour type and 10 colours from your colour palette. The cost is £45 per person which includes a pocket guide with 10 colours and tips on how to wear them. You’ll also receive a money off voucher to be used against a full colour analysis session too.

Tickets are available here: