Where to now?

If you have completed the Sewing Basics Course – congratulations! Well done on jumping in and getting to know the machines and the basics of sewing.

Don’t let everything you’ve learnt go to the dark recesses of your mind.  If you don’t keep using your new skills they’ll wind up back there with the knowledge of how long to boil an egg with soft, medium or hard yolk (every time I have to look it up… EVERY time).

So let’s look at projects, resources and information to keep you going!

YOUR WEEK 3 BAG:

The bag project is specifically designed for you, it has great elements that you should keep practising to make your garments amazing. Those long sewing lines to get you nailing that seam allowance every time. The curves so you know how to handle fabric across the bias and the corners for pivoting. Make them as gifts and try adding in different elements:

• Attach a patch pocket on the insides or outsides.
• Try splitting the pattern one third up from the bottom and using a contrasting fabric.
• Make them up in different weights of fabrics to really build your sewing skills. A slightly heavier outside and a lighter lining is ideal.

BOOKS

Sewing books are of great value when they include patterns.  A pattern from the same authors might be $20-25 each.  Their book might be $40 and include up to 5 patterns!  

Check out these sewing books that we love:

• Colette Sewing Handbook
• Love at First Stitch
• Great British Sewing
• Gertie’s New Book for Better Sewing

 PATTERNS

When you are looking for patterns to start making things, don’t go straight for the big names at Spotlight and Lincraft.  These guys assume you all know everything about dressmaking and write instructions without a lot of detail.  

But the great news is that there are independent pattern designers out there that are writing instructions in full sentences just for beginner sewing enthusiasts.  Not only do they have detailed sewing instructions with their patterns, but they also have amazing websites, blogs, sew-alongs and tutorials to support you making their projects.  

Check out these Indie Pattern Designers:

• Tilly and the Buttons
• Sew Over It
• ByHandLondon
• Colette Patterns
• Victory Patterns
• Thread Theory
• See Kate Sew
• PaperCut Patterns
• Cashmerette
• Closet Case Patterns
• Grainline Studios
• Named Clothing

WORKSHOPS

And of course, we’d love to see you back at Thread Den!  Here are some workshops that you could look at:

Beginner’s Level

• PJ Pants for Beginners
• Simple A Line Skirt
• Simple Summer Shorts
• Cushion Cover
• Taking and Understanding Measurements for Dressmaking
• Understanding and Using Modern Sewing Patterns
• Learn to Sew with Knit Fabrics (you’ll make a T Shirt or 3/4 Sleeve Knit Top)
• More men’s and unisex patterns coming soon!

Check the Level 1 Workshops – Click Here.