What’s New For Sew Me Something This Month?
It’s suggested that many people break their New Year’s Resolutions after three weeks.
The problem?
Goals are set too high.
The recommended solution is to break it down and take smaller steps towards your goal.
We take the same approach when it comes to sewing.
Have you ever started a project that just seems far too complex?
That’s why we aim to make all of our patterns, projects, workshops and online sewing courses as easy to follow as possible. Step-by-step instruction and bitesize lessons to help you achieve your goals.
With the SMS team working hard as ever, we are off to a great start for 2022 and are very excited to show you what we have coming up later on in the year. Let’s take a look at what’s new for January.
Introducing The Titania Robe
The perfect unisex garment to be making for January, as surprisingly (not) it’s still absolutely freezing. There is nothing better than snuggling up with a cuppa wrapped in your dressing gown. This one especially. Designed with a basic shape that is practical and comfortable, it can be made to suit any length or without side vents, or even add a centre back seam. Overall a lovely project, and a great gift for all.
With sizes ranging from XXS-XXXL, this robe is ideal for all shapes, sizes and gender. As well as being a suitable sewing pattern for beginner-plus level sewers.
Suggested Fabrics
We suggest making this garment out of linen, viscose and cotton fabrics. Here are some of our top picks to stay cosy…
If you’re ready to invest in an extra comfy dressing gown, this heavenly Titania robe is just the ticket. Purchase the sewing pattern here.
Rosalind Pyjamas: In-Depth Sewing Course
Slouchy trousers with an elasticated, drawstring waist and pockets, teamed with a roomy shirt top. The perfect pair of Pj’s.
The Rosalind Pyjamas are comfortably androgynous at first glance with a boxy, masculine shape. However, the devil is in the detail and on closer inspection they could well become totally ‘femme fatal’.
Designed with two versions, this pattern is ideal for those who like some freedom when creating a garment.
Version 1 has a pretty rounded collar and piping detail.
Version 2 has contrast turned back cuffs on both top and trousers. Ideal for relaxing.
Sometimes love is simple. Like Pyjama’s and a cup of tea. Ready to make yours, access our in-depth online sewing course in the Sewing Studio today.
One of the benefits of the Sewing Studio is that all in-depth courses include a free PDF sewing pattern. You are able to print off the pattern yourself at home or we can print the pattern off for you, just let us know by using our pattern printing service.
The Rosalind Pjs In-Depth online sewing course guides you through how to make up your own pair of Pyjamas following these 9 step-by-step lessons, including:
-Fabric Choices For Rosalind PJ’s
-Supplies Needed
-A Little Bit Of Prep
-Front Pocket And Shoulder Seams
-Making Up And Attaching The Collar
-Making Up And Attaching The Facing
-Sewing The Sleeves
-Finishing The Sleeve Hems
-Buttons And Buttonholes
-Sewing The Trouser Seams And Side Pockets
-Making Up The Waistband
-Finishing The Hems And Drawstring
-Your Finished Rosalind PJ’s
Pyjamas like these were made for early nights. Start making yours, purchase the sewing PDF or Paper Sewing Pattern here.
Suitable Fabrics
Suggested fabrics for this pattern include: Cotton Lawn, Poplin, Brushed Cotton. These all make up beautifully but you could also use a Linen or even a Chambray for a daywear outfit too.
Here are some of the SMS team’s favourite fabrics for this sewing pattern.
-Confetti Showers Cotton Lawn Fabric
-Casablanca Cotton Poplin Fabric
-Rust Washed Ramie Linen Fabric
-Combed Cotton Chambray Forget-Me-Not Blue Fabric
You can find the online sewing course in The Sewing Studio section ‘in-depth courses’.
Join the online Sewing Studio today and get access to all our online sewing courses that’ll give you the knowledge, clarity and confidence to make the clothes that you really want to wear. Join here
Sewing Project: Sampler Quilt 2022
New year, new sewing project. We understand not everyone is in a position to be buying new fabric all of the time, so we thought why not create a project series that is great for stash busting all your leftover fabrics from your dressmaking projects. If you’re new to quilting, this a lovely sewing project to get you started or if you have quilted before – you’ll know just how enjoyable it is.
We are running this patchwork series throughout the first 9 months of the year with the last 3 months showing you
how to piece together with sashing, how to layer the quilt, how to quilt and how to bind the edges. So by the time December 2022 comes around you will have a beautifully finished quilt!
We are using a mixture of leftover fabrics from our dressmaking samples, however, these will need to be a woven cotton or cotton/ linen mix without stretch (so no knitted fabrics). Medium to lightweight fabrics are best. . And try not to be a perfectionist! We are making a sustainable handmade heirloom and we don’t want it to look mass produced.
You can find this sewing project in The Sewing Studio section ‘sewing projects’.
Get instant access to an invaluable resource for you and your sewing. Join here
Sewing Skills And Techniques: Rouleau
Rouleau is a great way of adding decoration…
So, what is a Rouleau? Well it Is like piping cord but without the flange to attach it to a garment.
The excess fabric is actually turned inside the casing and creates the cord from itself. Because of the way Rouleau is made it really only works with lightweight closely woven fabrics such as silk charmeuse, cotton poplin or lawn.
It works very well as a surface decoration as you can bend and twist it into some interesting shapes. It can even be turned and twisted into a traditional frog fastening.
Rouleau also makes very neat little button loops and can be a traditional decorative feature on wedding dresses and evening wear. Although you might not want quite so many on a day dress or blouse.
There are different ways to make one, to find out more about Rouleau head over to The Sewing Studio section ‘sewing techniques’.
The sewing buddy you can turn to. There’s a Silk Sewing Studio Membership waiting for you. Join here
Sewing Skills And Techniques: Lace
Lace is a lovely way to add decoration.
This is such a pretty way to add detail to your clothes.
This works well on light to medium weight fabrics. So it is perfect for lingerie or silk dresses and skirts.
If adding this decoration within a garment you will need to do a bit of pattern alteration first to accommodate the lace if you don’t want to add extra length.
We talk you through how to insert lace and pattern alterations.
To read more about this sewing technique, visit the ‘sewing techniques‘ in The Sewing Studio.
Ready to be part of the Sewing Studio Community. Join here.
Sewing Workshops for 2022
2022… is this the year for you to learn a new skill? (or maybe brush up on previous skills learnt)
There are lots of reasons why you should take part in a sewing workshop this year, here’s a handful of them:
-Sew and make friends (small group size to form relationships)
-Sew with expert tutors by your side (interact and ask questions)
-Sew a garment from start to finish (get your project finished there and then)
Whatever your reasons, make this the year to visit us in Stratford Upon Avon and complete a sewing workshop.
There’s plenty of choice, from craft workshops where you can have lots of fun expressing your creativity to dressmaking workshops that will support you to make the clothes you really want to wear. There’s something for everyone, no matter what ability you are currently at.
Take a look at some of the sewing workshops we have available here or visit our full workshop calendar:
Learn Book Binding
| 10:00 am – 12:30 pm Feb 13, 2022 | Space Available | |
| 01:30 pm – 04:00 pm Feb 13, 2022 | Space Available |
These little bound books are so easy to make!
In this workshop you will learn the process from start to finish. You can choose from a selection or pretty papers to create the covers and the blank inside pages can be used for notes, lists or even sketching ideas for new craft projects.
These little bound books make wonderful presents that can be personalised for your friends and family. You will make up a book in the workshop and have the knowledge to make as many as you like at home.
All materials and equipment will be provided as well as plenty of tea, coffee and cake.
Get creative and make your own book here.
The Nell Trouser Sewing Workshop
| 10:00 am – 05:00 pm Feb 19, 2022 | 1 Place Remaining |
Nell is our relaxed pull on pair of slim legged trousers with a smooth flat fronted waistband and elasticated back waistband. You will learn how to sew cut away pockets, patch pockets, half elastic waistband and turn ups at the hem. These are a great introduction to sewing trousers and once you’ve made one pair you will want to make them again and again. Dress them up or down depending on your fabric choice- make them in a double gauze for pure comfort or a tencel linen for a night out.
This class is for the confident beginner dressmaker who know their way around a sewing machine and have made some simple projects before.
Learn from the professionals, book now.
The Kate Dress Sewing Workshop
| 10:00 am – 05:00 pm Mar 9, 2022 | Space Available |
This is a great choice to get you into dressmaking as it has no zips or buttons but you will learn how to sew darts, set-in sleeves and finish edges with a binding. It looks wonderful in linen, denim or even corduroy, so it’s perfect for any season. Our beautiful Janome sewing machines will even help you sew a decorative stitch along the binding if you choose.
This class is for the beginner dressmaker who know their way around a sewing machine and have made some simple projects like cushions before.
Make your own Kate Dress here.
Fit Masterclass | Sewing Workshop for Trousers – 2 days
| 10:00 am Feb 24, 2022 – 05:00 pm Feb 25, 2022 | 3 Places Remaining |
Do you have problems fitting trousers or skirts for yourself? Do you end up just binning the things you make because they don’t fit or feel uncomfortable? Do you want to learn about fit?
Fitting clothes on yourself can be impossible, so in this Masterclass you will learn all about your own personal, as well as common, fit issues to do with trousers, skirts, shorts and culottes. Learning to observe and analyse the fit is the first step to creating garments that you will want to wear.
This class is not about sewing and making things, so you will not leave with a finished garment.
Instead you will have a better understanding of your own personal fit issues and the knowledge to alter and improve patterns that will enable you to make better fitting clothes for yourself.
Book your place on the workshop here.
Intro into Dressmaking 6 Week Course
| 06:30 pm – 09:30 pm Mar 1, 2022 | Space Available |
Over 6 weekly sewing workshop sessions we will show you how to use a commercial pattern to make your own clothes. You will make two garments; a simple skirt with a waistband and pockets and a slip-over top.
We will cover lots of tips and sewing techniques including:
- How to understand a commercial dressmaking pattern
- How to sew accurate seams and different seam finishes
- How to sew binding
- How to sew a hem
- How to insert a zip
- How to sew pockets
This is an excellent sewing course to start you off in the right way and give you the confidence to try things at home on your own sewing machines. All your sewing patterns and notions are supplied, all you need to do is bring along the fabric you’d like to make up your skirt and top in. Our recommendations: The top works well in a cotton lawn, lightweight linen. The skirt in a lightweight denim or mid- weight cotton.
Interested in getting started on your sewing journey? Book here.
Interested in other sewing workshops we have to offer? Visit our workshop calendar here and find a workshop to suit you.
SMS Sewing Solutions
Sometimes, coming across a ‘sewing nugget of gold’ (as we call it) – can just give you that eureka moment and make your sewing that much easier.
So, each week we will be sharing a sewing tip, trick or hack.
This may be in the form of a video, blog, image or infographic.
It might just be the solution you didn’t know you were looking for.
You may have noticed in these short ‘Sewing Solutions’ videos shared in our emails, Facebook page or YouTube Channel. We hope you find these useful and if you have any suggestions for this series, contact us. We listen.
It goes without saying that if you need any further support with any of our sewing patterns or simply need assistance with techniques or pattern cutting, get in touch and we will be happy to help 🙂
How To Contact Us:
- Email – hellosewmesomething@gmail.com
- Phone – 01789 330588
- Address – 3b Grove Business Park, Shipston Road, Atherstone on Stour. CV37 8DX
Follow Our Social Platforms
We are starting the year off right and giving back to our well-deserving customers. Keep an eye out on our socials to keep updated on giveaways, competitions, workshop information and lots more.
I promise we are worth the follow…
Instagram – @sewmesomething
Facebook – @sewmesomethinguk
Twitter – @sewmesomething
Youtube – @sewmesomething