My sewing learns from a 10 week course (and how it can help you)

Posted on by Toni Carver

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:

How to look good and feel confident in a bikini

Posted on by Toni Carver

The modern bikini as we know it today, is thought to have been introduced on 5 July 1946 by Louis Réard, making it 78 years old this week.

Feeling your best in a bikini is about understanding what suits you. It’s easy to feel anxious, but do bare in mind that generally, people are more concerned with how they look and feel, rather than what you’re wearing!

Don’t let the fear of wearing swimwear stop you from wearing something you’ll look good in. Because, like any garment of clothing, understanding what fits and flatters is key to feeling confident.

There’s three things to consider when choosing a bikini. If you prefer a swimsuit, the same applies.

Colour

Anyone who feel subconscious in a bikini, may well opt for black. Unsurprisingly as a colour analysis consultant; black may not be the most flattering shade for you.

Dark colours (including black), are thought to be slimming, but it’s a visual trick. Dark colours absorb light, reducing their appearance and making them appear further away. This is why black is thought to be a slimming colour!

Due to this absorption of light (ie. sunlight), you’re much likely to feel hotter wearing dark colours. Opt for a complimentary colour which will improve your mood and your confidence instead!

Style

Are you a cut-out detail kinda gal, or more frills and flounces? If you’re a lover of print (I’ve talked about patterns here) or not, be sure to choose something that feels like you! Prints can add balance to your proportions, or draw attention to or from an area.

Wearing your style is key to feeling good in what you wear. Check what you’ve already got and how it makes you feel when you wear it. No point going for a neon, cut-out, brazilian cut bikini if you’re more of a polka dot one-piece kinda gal – you won’t feel comfortable or happy.

A beach cover-up like a kaftan, sarong or playsuit is an easy throw on to take you from beach to bar. Plus, it can ‘hide’ any bits you feel conscious of and accentuate your style.

Shape

There’s guides online to help you find the right swimwear for your shape, plus you can revisit my blogs here and here. Consider what fits you well. So, if you’re conscious of your tummy area, opt for shape-wear options, like tummy control or ruching. High cuts will add length to your leg area. Wired cups are better if you need more support.

Try not to feel daunted about shopping for a bikini and make sure you give yourself enough time to try them on. Bring them home if you prefer, but do keep the sticker on the briefs and return any which aren’t right for you before the return period expires.

Buy the right colour, right style and right shape for you which fits and flatters and you’ll feel much more confident in your choice.

Get in touch to book a colour analysis or style & shape consultation.

 

What happens during a style and shape consultation and what can you expect?

Posted on by Toni Carver

Whilst most people start with a colour analysis consultation, a style and shape consultation is often the missing piece of the jigsaw when it comes to clothes fitting and suiting you.

If you read last week’s blog or watched the video on Youtube this month, you might be wondering what to expect when you book a style & shape consultation at the studio. Here’s the low-down.

Arrival

You’ll have received details about where to come and what to expect in your email booking confirmation. No need to worry about what to wear, it’s covered here.

When you arrive for your appointment, I’ll greet you and invite you into the studio. As you get settled on the sofa and fill in a record card, I’ll put the kettle on.

Drink in hand, we’ll have a brief chat about your wardrobe, your clothes and any challenges or expectations you’ve got.

Introduction to style personalities

How many times have you tried to copy the look of a celeb only to feel…well, let’s say flat? Quite simply, it’s because you’re not the same! But, that doesn’t mean you can’t take some inspiration, and still be you.

What you wear tells a story. Your clothes are a way of expressing who you are, your likes and dislikes. Even if you don’t feel that you have a style, everyone does. There’s a little quiz I get you to do with 10 questions. There’s no right or wrong answers as this is about you and how you dress and feel.

Understanding your style personality is the real you. It’s about the clothes you reach for and how they make you feel. Everyone has style, it’s just learning what it is and how to use it to represent who you are so that you can feel like you in what you wear. We’ll also discuss how you might want to push your style boundaries, because nobody has to sit in a box!

I’ll show you some examples to bring things to life. When you nail your personality type it can help you to create a wardrobe that works for you. It’ll help you avoid further shopping disasters and frustrations too and stop buying things which don’t make you feel good.

Your body line, shape and proportions

Now you know more about what works for your personality (fabric, styles, fit etc), we’ll take a look at your body shape. Size doesn’t matter, but shape certainly does.

There are no tape measures used and you can happily stay fully clothed too!

A lot of women tell me that they don’t know their body shape, or that clothes don’t fit them properly. Sometimes, it’s not your body shape which you have challenges with, but your proportions. (I’ve talked about this previously in this video).

For example, if you struggle with the fit of jeans, trousers or skirts, it may not be the size of the garment which isn’t right for you, or even your shape. Instead, the rise of the garment may not be right for your proportions.

Take a jumpsuit. It’s the perfect example for when you know your shape, it can still mean the garment doesn’t fit you correctly. This isn’t about your body being wrong, but that the garment proportions might not be the right fit for you. Body length, leg length and rise length; they all matter! The wrong rise and it could be too long giving the appearance of a saggy bum, or indeed it could be too short so it digs uncomfortably in.

Understand your body shape and proportions so you can refine your clothing choices and make sure they work for you, and not the other way round. Clever techniques exist, it’s just learning more about it, which is what we discuss in detail.

During this section, I’ll also talk about fabric – specifically the cut and weight. These factors have an impact on whether something fits and flatters you. Rise, seams, darts, necklines and sleeves are all elements to take into account when dressing to flatter YOUR shape. Your fabric choice can be a friend or a foe! I’ll show you some examples of weight, texture, cut and feel too.

To give you an idea of what’s discussed, you can watch this video too. During this, I’ll be showing you examples and talking you through how best to wear clothes which fit and flatter you. Learning clever tips and tricks to create different outfits which fit and flatter you.

Clothing review

If you’ve brought along some of your own clothes, we’ll revisit the ones which you felt didn’t work for you. Now you’ve learnt all about what suits you and flatters you, you’ll be able to see why you’ve not been able to make them work for you. This is an opportunity to get ideas on how you may be able to re-work it, or wear it differently, if you decide that you can or you want to of course!

Summary and end of session

Having reached the end of your consultation, you’ll take away the colour me beautiful book which we’ll have used during your session. This works as a reminder and contains some helpful advice to revisit at home.

After you leave

Most clients head straight home to their wardrobe to review what they’ve got and the rest hit the shops! A style and shape consultation can last up to 2.5 hours so you’re unlikely to remember everything we’ll have discussed! So, I always follow up afterwards to help keep you on track. To inspire you further, I’ll also send you over my own brand/retailer list too using the email address you provided on the record card when you arrived. You can opt-out any time.

Should you have any further queries, or you’d like to book your appointment, get in touch: toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk.

When you understand why certain styles, the fit and fabric work for you and why things don’t, then it helps you to create outfits and a wardrobe that works for you. It rarely happens overnight, but trust me, it will.

I hope this answers any questions you have about what to expect during a style and shape consultation, but do let me know if you have any other questions.

will I need to get rid of all my clothes

Will I need to get rid of all my clothes after a colour or style consultation?

Posted on by Toni Carver

One concern with having a colour or a style consultation is that you’ll need to empty your wardrobe, get rid of all your clothes and start again!

This is wasteful, exhausting and expensive and not something I recommend at TLC HQ!

Gain the right knowledge

It’s not for me to tell you what to wear. Or tell you to get rid of things. I’m not your mother and you’ve chosen to come to me for help and advice. But, I do try my best to explain why things do and don’t suit you so that you’re armed with the right information when you leave your session.

You’ll get follow up emails from me too as you’re unlikely to remember everything we go through. I do pride myself on doing this, as I want to make sure you’re supported on your journey and you feel you get value.

My services are an investment in yourself after all.

How to wear colour

When you have a colour consultation, you’ll understand about colour, how to wear and combine your colours and how to wear what you already have. But, there’s bound to be items you’re itching to get rid of and if that’s the case then you’ve got my permission!

Experiment with your colours and making things work for you if they’re not quite right. Alter them to make them perfect for you too. You can dye them so easily at home these days (more on that here) and, if you’re a dab hand with a sewing machine then change them. Even without this talent, you can still swap buttons or cinch them in like I’ve covered here.

Style, shape and fit

Even with a more colour coordinated wardrobe, you may still find some things don’t work. This is where a style and image consultation will really help. Perhaps you’re not wearing things because they don’t ‘go’ or they don’t feel right when you wear them. If you’ve nailed the colour (and why wouldn’t you after your colour consultation!) it’s often the style, shape or fit that’s not working.

During a style and image consultation, we’ll focus on identifying your style personality, how to express it in what you wear and what you choose, before moving onto your shape and proportions. Even if you’re confident about what body shape you have, your proportions (such as where your waist is) or your scale can skew this meaning things don’t fit quite right. Learn what works for YOU. A pear with long legs and a short body who’s classic will need to style, shop and dress differently than an hourglass shape with a long body and short legs who’s a romantic style personality. Then there’s fabric, cuts and patterns to take into account during the session too!

style & image consultation

Enjoy the journey

A consultation on colour or style may feel a little indulgent, but it WILL save you money in the long run because you’ll learn what suits you.

Just because you’ve had a session, doesn’t mean your journey is over – it’s simply the beginning. You’ve got lots to learn and apply and whilst it may take time, do enjoy it!

My help and support doesn’t end with your session. My follow up notes continue to come, plus my newsletter with blogs like this, videos and tips to try! Ongoing support is available with help on what to buy each season and how to style it to make it work for you. Every April and October I update the material and you can join my online workshops. Plus, I’m happy to come out to help you shop for any specific items you need or go through your wardrobe with you if you’re struggling.

Remember, it’s about understanding what suits you. That shouldn’t mean getting rid of everything and starting again but understanding how you can make them work better for you.

READY TO START YOUR JOURNEY?

Get in touch now! toni.carver@tlcstyleandcolour.co.uk