Learn to Sew Melbourne
In Part 3 we cover some tips to keep you safe while shopping online, go through the files you will receive and how you view them. If you haven’t been following along, you might like to jump back and read Part 1 where we looked at sewing pattern online brands and online stores, and in Part 2 we discussed how to avoid AI Slop Patterns.
[Read more…] about Pt 3. Screen to seam: PDF sewing patterns
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Sadly, Artificial Intelligence slop sewing patterns are becoming a real problem. Buying directly from indie designers, or from reputable aggregated stores like the ones we covered in Part 1, is one of the best ways to avoid them. AI may eventually handle the heavy lifting of drafting patterns and grading size sets, but we’re not there yet.
This is the second article of Screen to seam: PDF sewing patterns, in it we’ll look at tips to avoid AI Slop.
[Read more…] about Pt 2. Screen to seam: PDF sewing patterns
In early 2026 Simplicity McCalls announced a global restructure that will close their Sydney warehouse and stop shipping to Australia – read the Guardian Article here. If you have been sewing for years, the move to getting your patterns online might be new and totally unfamiliar.
In our first article of Screen to seam: PDF sewing patterns we’ll discuss where to buy your sewing patterns.
If you’re in Melbourne and like learning in person, check out the booking page for How to buy & print sewing patterns online. If it’s not currently scheduled, join our waitlist.
Once we would head into a fabric store and sit down to browse through the huge catalogues of sewing patterns from Simplicity, McCalls, Butterick, Vogue and Burda. Finding one you liked, you then went to the filing cabinets to find your desired pattern…
[Read more…] about Pt 1. Screen to seam: PDF sewing patternsWhy I’m Obsessed with Thread Snips (And You Should Be Too!)
If you’ve ever taken one of Danielle’s sewing basics week 1 workshops, you’ll already know that she can’t stop talking about thread snips! It’s one of those tools she mention every single time, because honestly, you’ll use them constantly.
[Read more…] about The best little tool – Thread Snips!One common question from our students is: “How do I get better at sewing straight?” It sounds simple, but it’s one of those foundation skills that makes a huge difference to the finish of your garment seams and hems.
Sewing straight isn’t about perfection, it’s about a few key habits and techniques that make everything feel more controlled and consistent. In this post we go through our tips to help you stay straight on your seam allowance.
[Read more…] about Simple steps to sewing straightEvery thread in this corset was left behind by someone learning to sew. You may have helped Danielle create this piece!
For the upcoming group exhibition WORN at Untether Gallery, Danielle has created a sculptural textile work created from the remnants of everyday making.
This year Danielle is undertaking a residency at Ballarat’s Art Hub for 3 months commencing in March 2026. “In my own dressmaking practice, I am very pragmatic; producing garments for a functional need. Through the time in the residency, I want to experiment and explore creativity in clothing that is not confined to functionality – to produce art for art’s sake.
Additionally, a variety of workshops will be run in the space for various skill levels to enable participants learn and get hands on. People interested in starting from the beginning or growing their skills can book in Private Lessons, come by the Gathering – Drop In sessions, or book into the Sunday Sewing School Workshops.
[Read more…] about Danielle – Art Hub Ballarat ResidencyThe edges of woven fabrics will fray unless they are finished or covered by a lining. Fraying is the ravelling of fabric edges that occurs. Some fabrics will fray more than others.
Some of the most common methods you can use to finish the edge of your fabrics to prevent this fraying include: trimming with pinking shears, overlocking, binding, constructing French seams and overcasting.
[Read more…] about Prevent your fabric from frayingHave you seen the note on the fabric requirements: *with nap or *without nap?
“Nap” means that the tiny fibres lie in one direction on the surface of a fabric.
[Read more…] about With or without nap?