updated courses and info on our website

Our Website of the month

This blog is dedicated to all making and mending all kinds of stuff. It has great tutorials on not just sewing, but cooking and gardening. All the tutorials are clear and some are videos. A great place to get some free advice

http://www.makeitandmendit.com

Thrifty’s Book of the month-

This book is aimed at anyone who wants to start sewing. Even an experienced sewer like me still dips into my copy of this book for some advice once in a while. My copy is almost 20 years old, but the information is still very valid today. They have recently updated the book, but that is the first major update in a couple of decades. Only the graphics give away how old the book is.

I had to refresh myself on inserting a particular type of zip, as i hadn't done one in ages, and there is a fantastic chapter devoted to zips.

It can be a little daunting for a novice sewer, but it really will prove a great resource as your sewing develops.

The readers Digest complete guide to sewing

Fascinator workshops

We are very excited about collaborating with a hat designer-Holly Dench for our new Fascinator class. This workshop will be held at a fantastic new bar venue The book club in Leonard street, London EC2A 4RH. At the end of the workshop we will all enjoy a fab cocktail together, admiring each others unique creations.

Fascinator workshop info

Great video tutorial

As Thrifty Stitchers we hoard everything, and our students have access at our studio to a massive selection of fabric, ribbon, trims, haberdashery and buttons to make their projects during a class.
I have just discovered this great website- Make it and mend it, which has incredible tutorials. this one is a video showing how to create stylish 'designer' cushions with scraps and bits and bobs you already have. We love it.......

http://www.makeitandmendit.com/2009/10/15/make-your-own-cushions/

Recent students

We have been super busy in March, and have met some fantastic students, all of whom astound us with their individual creativity. here is a little selection of some of our fabulous students with the projects they completed at a Thrifty Stitcher class

Our tips of the month

Our Blog of the month

This blog is dedicated to all things retro. sewers from all over the world contribute with pattern reviews, and project ideas

http://sewretro.blogspot.com/

Thrifty’s Book of the month-

This book is aimed at anyone who wants to start making clothes, and who doesn't want to have to fiddle about with patterns. There are several projects to make, all with instructions on how to cut out directly from the fabric. A really good starting point for beginners wanting to progress quickly into making garments. Spring is now here so why not rustle up a simple wrap skirt- no tricky fastenings.......

Sew What! Skirts by Francesca DenHartog 

Penny saver tip of the month-

At this time of year many of us are thinking about spring cleaning. Don't spend lots of money on products to refresh your clothes. Buy a really cheap,non branded bottle of vodka, put into a water spray bottle, and spritz it under the armpits of your clothes. The alcohol evaporates and takes odour particles with it! It is a good idea to test a small hidden area first, as sometimes it can make colours run. 

Honestly this really is one of the best ways to get odours out of clothes, we use it all the time in the theatre, it is more natural than many chemical products. Dry cleaning only cleans your clothes, often trapping the odours into the fibres

our website update

February’s fav blog

I found this site last year, and regularly dip in for a browse at all their lovely ideas, products and tips. They are based in new york, my fav city after London, and I dream that i am there in SoHo NYC

http://www.purlbee.com/

Thrifty’s Book of the month-

Although I don’t have children, many of our students do. Often that is why they want to learn about sewing. Children’s clothes are exorbitantly expensive, and have such a short life. 

We are developing some workshops on making children’s clothes, and I stumbled upon this book. It is totally delicious and has not only some great projects, but all the patterns too!

Making Children’s clothes by Emma Hardy

vintage patterns and websites

Hello again blog, so sorry to have neglected you.......

We had a returning student yesterday at our 'Starting from scratch beginners day' who is interested in all things vintage, i have been looking for some resources for her, and found this fantastic site
http://sewretro.blogspot.com/

I have also read some reviews for a modern pattern company creating vintage inspired patterns which fit our generation. Yummy..
http://www.colettepatterns.com/shop

We will be ordering some patterns soon and trying them out