The Great British Sewing Bee

Tommorrow night sees the start of The Great British Sewing Bee on BBC2.

Series 2 with a new bunch of contestants.

You can swot up before 8pm tomorrow, by visiting The Sewing Directory, where Fiona has put together a who's who for you!

Although I still wish they would include quilting in the format (I do think technically it should be called The Great British Dressmaking Bee!), I am really looking forward to the show. I am sad that the shop isn't open and I am going to miss out on my lovely customers coming in to discuss the previous nights show....

And if you fancy taking part yourself the production company are currently taking applications for series 3.

But hold that inspiration and enthusiasm because it won't be long until we are back!!

I am just back from a trade show where I made enquiries and placed orders for some new stock. 

Including this dressmaking fabric.

This is 100% cotton lawn and will retail (I think, to be confirmed) at £8 per metre.

I love them! 

The 'new' shop will be stocking dressmaking patterns again. Back when we first opened we had a small stock of Vogue and mccalls patterns! They went well but not holding the full stock held us back a bit...but I am still asked ALL the time for dressmaking patterns! This time I have ordered the full Simplicity range after the success of the Lisette patterns in the shop.

(watch out later this week for a special offer on Colette patterns...)

The full Simplicty range of patterns (which is fab and includes some great craft patterns too)  will be available in the shop only, that is I won't be listing them all individually in the webshop. But obviously we can send patterns out to you if you order over the phone or by email.

In other news, the drying out company have finished their work and we are now waiting for the builders to go in and start the rebuilding. I am still quietly confident that we will be open by the end of March.  

Dont forget our fabric sale this week - 

Claire xx

Dressmaking

There has been a surge of dressmaking projects recently at Patch. 

Although we are not specifically a dressmaking fabric shop ( no stretch Lycra or poly cotton here *shudders*!!!)- the great thing with our quilt weight fabric is that, as they are 100% cotton, they are perfect for garment making too.

The last couple of months have seen some amazing creations being made by our ladies and gentlemen, some nights at quilt club we think we should change the name!! 

Graham, spent 4 mornings with us making this amazing wool waistcoat, lined with a metallic pindot. He was a pleasure to teach, great company, and a mine of country music information - I gave him a line of a song I had heard and liked on the radio 6 years ago and not only did he know what it was, he put it on a disc and brought it in for me, best one to one student ever!!! 

This gorgeous Cath Kidston inspired top was made by Hannah, our work experience student who was with us at the end of June. She was a natural and has a great textile-y future ahead of her.

I made these skirts after taking one of our pattern making classes. With Nickys expert guidance we measured, drew and cut and all had perfectly fitting skirts.

Nicky is one of our guest tutors, who will be back with us after the summer. ( she is also mumma to the gorgeous Charlotte from Lawson and Lottie) 

 

Our dressmaking for beginners workshops are proving very popular, this workshop teaches you how to read and cut out a commercial dressmaking pattern and construct a garment. 

Today the first group of ladies arrived at Patch armed with fabric and patterns and  enthusiasm, which never waned all day, even when energy levels did!

 The morning was spent preparing. And learning that pattern size measurements aren't always the same as the dress size we wear!

The next beginners dressmaking workshop is in early August, it is fully booked, but we will be holding more of these classes in the autumn.

We welcome anyone to join us one2one or in a small group, just ask for more details or to arrange a date.

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Knitmare on Elm Street

I am in love with this new Michael Miller design..probably not for the faint hearted though...

          the 2 prints below are knit pirates and quilt pirates..so cute....if skulls can be described as cute!!

they can be found over on the website.

They would look great as a quilt, and work really well with Ta Dot in Ebony aswell as Klona Cottons in black and grey. In the shop, customers have chosen these designs for projects including a blind and an adult skirt....I plan a quilt for 13yo's new room...however don't hold your breath..the friendship star started in January isn't finished yet!!