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Has the Great British Sewing Bee inspired you to sew?

If the new series of the Great British Sewing Bee has inspired you, then here are ten more reasons why you should learn to sew.

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How to choose sewing thread

How to choose Sewing Thread

Another year almost gone and I’ve just got time to squeeze in a final blog post. Possibly the subject I’ve been asked about most this year is How to choose the correct machine sewing thread?

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Another Month Flown Past! Christmas-Themed Sewing Classes

Another Month Flown Past!

Christmas-Themed Sewing Classes

Yikes it’s almost December. November has flown past! It’s been a busy month at Artisan Stitch, what with the Christmas-themed sewing classes running and the end of another term for the Dressmakers.  Dana, a dressmaking novice, completed her first ever skirt and it’s absolutely lovely.  She even attempted a concealed zip and totally nailed it!  Ann is using the class to learn patterncutting and has made her own trouser pattern, and Julie is making a ballgown in red silk.

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Start ’em Young. Sewing Classes for Children.

Sewing classes for children are an important part of my class programme.  I learned to use a sewing machine at age 7. So I’m committed to the belief that children should all learn to sew when they’re very young (girls and boys!)

This week at Artisan Stitch, I held one of my  sewing classes for children, or rather for children and their parents ( to qualify you had to be under 16 and bring your Mum).  Attending were Sophie, aged 9, and Libby aged 12, with their Mums Jen & Jackie.  Both girls threw themselves into the lesson with enthusiasm and completed their sewing practice sheets, then both passed their Sewing Machine Driving Tests with distinction.

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Get to Grips with Zips

One of the most tricky things to do in sewing is putting in zips – but once you get to grips with zips, they’re not that bad. As my Tuesday evening regulars agreed last night, whatever you want to make – a skirt, trousers or dress, you need to put in a zip.  Here they are getting to grips with zips.  Everyone agreed that they’re not so difficult after all once you know how!
Get to grips with zips - How to sew in zips - a pile of brightly-coloured zips
How to insert a zip – zips aren’t so scary when you know how to sew in a zip
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Open Studio event on Saturday

Thanks to all those who came along to the Open Studio event on Saturday.

It was a very popular day and lots of new faces visited Cockenzie House and Gardens to see everything that goes on within.  We have artists, furniture upcyclers, glass and jewellery, textile artists, health practitioners and musicians all opening their doors and demonstrating their various skills.

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