In the space of just a few months our world has been turned upside down and inside out. I hope you’re all managing to stay safe and well and if you’re one of those having to stay out there, keeping the world from falling apart completely, our thoughts are with you to stay well.
On a lighter note, I’m taking the time to learn some new crafts which I’ve been wanting to do for ages but just never seem to find the time for or motivation. So, with the help of a good book and YouTube tutorials, I’ve now learnt to crochet! Love it but geez!!… it was a bit (hugely!) fiddly and frustrating to get the hang of!
I’m also working on some new downloadable, bag-making patterns for my Etsy shop. I’ve been gradually adding to my fabric stash over the last few months and this gave me the motivation to get designing again, after quite a long break from it. So I’ve made this new handbag, the Lotta Handbag…
…and this new baby/toddler carry-all bag, the Jungle Friends Nappy Bag.
I’m in the process of working on finalising these tutorials and will be releasing the new bag patterns for them very soon. Watch this space!
I’m so excited to bring you my new book, Sewing for the Handmade Market, filled with sewing projects suitable for all skill levels; from beginners to expert. You’re sure to find plenty of designs which are fun to make and perfect for gifting or selling through the handmade market.
Forget simple aprons, plain purses and cushion covers! Get your pins stuck into something a bit more challenging, modern and fun to make!
Projects included: a notepad cover, laptop sleeve, writing set case, tablet sleeve, bi-fold and tri-fold wallets, mobile phone pouch, insulated lunch bag, two clutches, a pretty handbag and a makeup bag. There’s also plenty of useful info on how to choose and use stabilisers, how to install magnetic and riveted snaps and advice on essential sewing tools.
I offer the reader a home-maker’s license to sell what they make from the book’s sewing patterns. So, as well as keeping or gifting what you create from the projects in this book, you might like to try making some extra cash from your sewing. You could sell at your local craft fayre, school fete, charity fundraiser or even online; Etsy is a great place to start selling your handmade crafts.
Whatever you decide to do, be it keep, gift or sell your creations, you’re bound to enjoy following the patterns in this book. They’ve all been designed specifically with gift-making and selling in mind.
I’m delighted to have some of my Christmas projects featured in this month’s issue of Love Sewing magazine. I made a Christmas sack and table topper, using the gorgeous fabrics by Lizzie Mackay for Dashwood Studio, called Christmas Wish.
You’ll also find more great projects in this fantastic Christmas issue of Love Sewing, including a free dressmaking pattern to make a fab evening/party dress. Issue 8 will be hitting the shops within the next couple of days, enjoy!
The new issue of Sewing World magazine is out now and I’m delighted to have one of my bag-making projects featured, as well as Part 5 of my Bag-Making series. I designed a cute lunch bag for this issue, made with laminated cotton for a wipe-clean finish and insulated with special metalized fleece, to keep food cool.
This month’s installment for the Brilliant Bag-Making series is all about pockets – different styles of pockets, how to make them and how to attach them to your bags.
The magazine is packed with delightful projects to get your pins stuck into. There’s an absolutely gorgeous ‘Wiggle’ dress, practical dungarees, fun cruise ship pillow, cute vintage bow bags, ribbon tag quilt, peg bag, lampshade, kids sunglasses cases, baby shoes pincushion and a stylish camera pouch. Phew!
Time for a cup of tea, put your feet up and read all about:
Getting the Best for your Sewing – Threads
Masterclass – creating curtains, part 3
The Story Behind – Search Press
Finishing Touches – making the perfect patch pockets
Brilliant Bag-making (my article!)
This is what I love about Sewing World, there’s just the right mix of projects and reading matter. If you can’t find a local stockist for the magazine, visit Traplet Publications to order online. Enjoy!
The new issue of Sewing World magazine is out now and it’s had a fresh new makeover which looks great! I’m so pleased to have one of my bag projects featured this month, the Summer Beach Tote, as well as part 3 of my techniques series – Brilliant Bag Making!
The bag on the front cover is by Christine Down, isn’t it lovely? In this month’s issue there’s lots of great projects to keep you busy, as well as a really good selection of techniques to learn and features to read. There’s also an exciting competition to enter, Design your own Fabric, in conjunction with Woven Monkey. Find out more about Sewing World magazine at Inspired to Make.
I thought seeing as it’s Thanksgiving weekend , I’d feature some of my fellow craft workers’ online shops and sewing or craft blogs today. I’m always so grateful to everyone who offers me so much support, kindness and friendliness, so here’s my little roundup of some fab people that I’d like to show my appreciation of. I’ve only listed a small handful of the many people I admire, there’s just so many of you! But I’m going to try make this a regular monthly thing, so that I can slowly (but surely) share all the lovely crafting people I have the privelige to blog alongside.
First up is Lizzie Rose Jewelry, owned by Cath, who makes the most exquisite jewelery and has a lovely selection for sale in her Etsy shop. She’s also offering free worldwide shipping until Tues, 3rd Dec with the coupon code FREESHIPPING You can find Cath blogging here… lizzierosejewellery.com
Next up is a favourite blogger of mine, Katherine from Pillows a-la-mode. Katherine is an education writer who loves to do things with her family and friends and makes pillows and other crafty items. Her blog is always full of interesting makes and all the fantastic crafting ventures she gets up to with her family. Such an inspirational person!
Next on my list today is Anny, who blogs over at It’s Sew Anny where you can read all about her crafting ventures and she shares the most delicious cooking recipes, yummm! Anny also runs an Etsy shop, where you’ll find some of her gorgeous handmade bags and sewing patterns to download.
Rachel of Is it Fitting? is another sewing blogger who I admire very much. Her blog is full of ‘Stuff Rachel’s Made’ and you can follow all the lovely sewing projects she embarks on…
Lastly, for today (but by no means least) is Louise, who blogs over at Sew Sensational who shares lovely sewing projects, patterns, tutorials and recipes. I’m sure you’ll love her blog too, if you’re not already a regular!
Look out, at the end of December, for more sewing and craft blogs and shops that I love and admire. I hope you like this weekend’s little roundup. Happy Thanksgiving to all who are celebrating.
I’ve spent the last few days sorting through lots of amazing fabrics, trying to choose which to use for my new book projects. I was so excited to receive some complimentary bundles from Moda Fabrics, Robert Kaufman Fabrics and Michael Miller Fabrics, especially for using in the book. Gosh, the things writing a craft book can do for you!
Sierra collection by Bren Talavera from Robert Kaufman Fabrics
I was also very fortunate to receive some interfacings/interlinings/fleeces from Vilene and Pellon. Vilene I already use and love, it’s widely available here in the UK, but Pellon I’d never tried before and so I was keen to try out their equivalents to Vilene so that I could confidently recommend both options in the book. I’m enjoy the opportunity of trying them out and finding them to be really good so will definitely be able to recommend them. Pellon, very kindly, also sent me a complete list of all their products which shows which Vilene products are comparable to them. So I’ll maybe see if I can do a post sometime about the Vilene / Pellon equivalents. I found it extremely helpful so I’m hoping you might too.
Well, I’ve been like a kid in a sweet shop as I’m sure you can imagine. Isn’t it just the greatest thing in the world to be surrounded in gorgeous fabrics? I know all the designs I’m doing for the book so it’s just a case of matching them to the perfect fabric combinations. Boy, is it hard though as I love so many and I also want to use some of my own fabric stash too! I think I’ll need to make a couple of each project in different fabric designs to help me choose. Despite that, some are really easy to choose as the fabric just jumps out as being perfect for ‘that’ design.
Wishes by Sweetwater for Moda Fabrics
How do you choose your fabrics? Do you choose the project first and then choose fabric for it, or do you pick the fabric first and then find a suitable project. I must admit that most of the time I choose and buy fabric first and then match it to a project. I love to browse and if a particular fabric jumps out and catches my eye, then that’s the one I choose. I know this can lead to buying more fabric than you need, but I’m a self-confessed fabric-aholic and can’t resist and I know I’ll use ‘the chosen’ ones at some point! 😉
Hope you like the little sneak previews of the fabrics above, they are very strong contenders for the book. We shall see…
I’m in the process of getting a few of my most popular PDF sewing patterns into physical printed format, with the view to stocking them in fabric and haberdashery stores. I have spent ages designing the front covers for them and deciding how I’m going to put the packs together. I really need your opinions on what you think of the whole concept and the cover designs. Your thoughts will be very much appreciated. So, here’s the possible cover designs (click on the images for larger views):
Emma Handbag
7” Tablet Sleeves
Amelia Pleated Handbag
Heather Hobo Bag
What do you think, do they look appealing or not? Are the colours good or are they too bright? Would you be tempted to buy them if you saw these in your local fabric shop? If you have a fabric shop, would you want to stock them?
I plan to include the following in the printed pattern packs: Full colour 8-12 page booklet containing the pattern instructions and step-by-step images (or diagrams) and a separate, fold-out pattern sheet with full-size templates, ready to cut out and use.
The pattern booklets will be A5 in size so the step images will be smaller than my usual A4 PDF patterns. Are full-colour images of the steps important to you or would you prefer line-drawn diagrams?
I have two options for packaging – 1. Simply popped into a clear, zip lock bag. 2. Placed inside a glossy cardboard presentation folder, which would then be displayed inside a zip lock bag or other clear pocket of some sort, maybe with hang-tags if shops require them for display.
What do you think of those two options? Do you like patterns being supplied in zip lock bags?
Prices will be higher for printed patterns, as opposed to downloadable patterns.
Are you happy to pay more for a printed pattern from a shop (keeping in mind that you don’t have to print anything and you don’t have to print and tape pages together to get the full-size templates). Or do you prefer to get the pattern cheaper as a downloadable? Would you rather see new patterns that are not available as downloads?
(update:) Lastly, the paper the templates are printed on, what do you prefer when bag making – ordinary paper or the tissue that most shop bought clothing patterns are printed on? I’m thinking the tissue ones don’t last too long and can rip easily but maybe this isn’t a problem and maybe they are in fact easier to use?
Well, I’m hoping you can help me with all these questions. I will be deeply grateful for any insights, advice and constructive criticism that you could offer.
I have some new sewing patterns available! If you’re planning on making some handmade gifts for Christmas I think the following sewing projects will be just the thing. If it’s bags and purses you’d like to make, there’s lots to choose from in my Etsy shop or my UK site at www.susieddesigns.co.uk but if you’re on the look out for some fab accessories to sew for family and friends, have a look at the new additions below. I hope you like them, I had great fun making them and I’m sure you will too.
The latest issue of Sewing World magazine is in the shops now! Look out for my Writing Set Case sewing project, featured in the May Makes section. I made this fab accessory from really cute Zoology fabrics by Michael Miller. If you’re looking for a unique gift to make for someone special, this is sure to delight. It can hold a writing pad, envelopes and two pens.
This month’s issue is jam packed with gorgeous sewing projects, including a pretty hex-frame bag, a vintage style skirt, amazing patchwork greetings cards, cute dog applique picture, retro cross-body bag, Coquette table runner, embroidered bridal hair accessories, a patchwork bed runner and last, but not least, a fun electronic door hanger with lights and sounds!
There’s also some great technique and feature articles on offer – I was very interested in the ‘Sewing for a Living’ feature. Hats off to the ladies featured here, very inspirational.
Well done Sewing World on yet another fantastic issue, hopefully I’ll put my feet up later and enjoy a good read!
Find out more about the magazine on their Facebook page or visit Traplet Publications to buy issues. There’s also digital versions available at Pocket Mags.
Thought you might like to see my latest sewing project in the new issue of Sewing World magazine. Phew! What a busy couple of weeks it’s been, hence posting this a bit late. This month’s project was a cute little purse made with adorable fabric from Laura Gunn’s Garden Wall collection, called Wing Song, one of my ultimate favourite fabrics.
The Pretty Birds Clutch is a fun-to-make, advanced beginners sewing project. It uses small amounts of fabric and can be created in just a couple of hours. I used a lovely bright, co-ordinating lining and it has a useful little pocket inside.
This month’s magazine has a great range of sewing projects to make, including a summer beach kimono and ultimate shift dress (which both look so pretty) as well as a picnic quilt, baby bunting, machine embroidered felt jewellery, triple star pillow, tiny totes for gifts, petite maison d’Alsace and a glow-in-the-dark cushion. Plenty of things to keep you busy and stitching into the wee small hours!
Thank you so much to everyone who entered the sewing pattern competition I ran recently. What a great response and thank you to all for the lovely comments.
Well done to all the winners, I hope you love using your new sewing patterns – I will be emailing the patterns to you within the next couple of hours. Remember, even if you didn’t win, you are still welcome to use the special discount coupon code WPBLOG15 for a 15% discount at my Etsy sewing patterns shop. It’s valid until 31st March 2013.
Here’s news of my latest sewing project, featured in Sewing World magazine. No front page this time, boo hoo! No, seriously, I’ve been on a good run with last few issues, so I’m still so pleased with the new feature. I’m having so much fun working with the magazine, lots more in the bag (excuse the pun, couldn’t resist) and can’t wait to see each one in print. It’s so exciting when I hear the magazine drop through the letter box, I’m like a little kid.
So, this issue’s project was my bi-fold wallet sewing pattern which I made with gorgeous fabrics from Laura Gunn’s Wall Garden collection. I just love the strong colours and designs from this range. In the UK these fabrics are available from Eclectic Maker.
Sewing World Project Feature by SusieDDesigns Bi-fold Wallet (March 2013 Issue)
If you’d like to find out more about Sewing World magazine, please see Traplet Publications for current and back issues and subscriptions or you can visit their Facebook Page.
Would you like to give bag making a go or would you like to improve your bag making techniques? If you’re new to sewing and bag making or you just want to stitch some exciting new bag designs, SusieDDesigns have a wide range of sewing projects to choose from, suitable for Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced levels.
Retro Style Handbag
Amelia Pleated Handbag Sewing Pattern by SusieDDesigns
Kindle / 7” Tablet Sleeve
I would like to offer 5 readers a sewing pattern of their choice from my PDF sewing patterns range. To enter, simply have a look at all the patterns on offer in my online Etsy shop, then let me know which pattern you’d like to win by leaving a comment to this post or contacting me through my Etsy shop. Visit http://www.etsy.com/shop/SusieDDesigns
(don’t worry if there’s a delay in your comment being posted, I need to approve it first if you’ve not posted here before)
Rules: Only one entry per person please. Patterns are supplied in PDF format, sent by email. 5 winners will be chosen at random and will be emailed the pattern of their choice, after the closing date. All entries must be received by Monday 4th March 2013. Please leave comment below, with pattern choice, or (if you prefer) you can send me your entry through my Etsy shop, by clicking on the blue Contact button which you’ll find on any of my shop pages.
Discount Coupon: If you don’t win (or you just can’t wait), not to worry! Here’s a special discount coup0n which will give you 15% off anything within my Etsy shop (valid until 31st March 2013). It can even be used for my ready-made bags and accessories, if you’d rather just buy the completed article – perfect for gifts or to simply treat yourself. The code to use is WPBLOG15 – enter this into the ‘add shop coupon’ section in your Etsy shopping basket, before clicking through to Paypal payment.
Thanks and Good Luck!!! I’ll announce the winners here by 8th March 2013.
UPDATE: Thank you to everyone who has entered. That’s the competition closed now. I’ll be randomly drawing 5 winners over the next few days and will announce the winners here.
SusieDDesigns Sewing & Crafts 
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