Library Frock Exchange

I already mentioned the clothes swapping event I am organising on March 13. Here are full details for you as promised. I just love the image, after all beautiful books are our unique selling point. If you live in the Plymouth area and want to come along you can buy your ticket at one of our libraries. Full details of all our libraries on the website.

The great thing about clothes swapping events is that you can still get the same exciting rush as when you purchase a new item, whilst saving money and the planet. Quids in!

Don't worry if you can't make it, our event photos will appear on the library Flickr page. I will post the link after the event. There's still so much preparation to do yet :)

We're really excited to have The Pin Tin selling fabrics and haberdashery, plus fashion students from the local college will be customising and altering clothing. I hope we can inspire people to learn to sew and save. My new mantra is make do and mend. I found this lovely poster online, so shopaholics join the campaign and put them up at home!



Emma x

Trims and things: Weekly sewing wish list

A list of my favourite sewing goodies online this week...

Stunning themed fabric bundles from Backstitch.

Bellini bundle


Metropolitan bundle


Images via Backstitch

I'm also loving the look of two particular beginner patterns at Raystitch. So chic!

Hot Patterns Uptown downtown knit dress


Colette Sencha Blouse

Images via Raystitch.

Seamstar have this beautiful crochet ribbon edging as well as a plethora of gorgeous new fabrics.


Image via Seamstar

And just for fun, these novelty buttons from Clothkits. I can just imagine them decorating a mustard or navy cardie.



Clothkits also have a range of funky bobble trims available in various sizes and colours, only wish I'd known about them this winter. Click through and check out the full range.


Images via Clothkits.

Happy sewing,
Emma x

Crazy times!

There have been some big things going on in my life this week that have prevented me blogging. I have missed it very much. It's so good to have a creative outlet to balance things out! But my absence was for very good reason. I wasn't able to go to my sewing class as my car boot handle locked itself and I couldn't get the machine out. I was so embarrassed as I had booked my place on the class in advance. I had it fixed and finally, was able to get the trolley out yesterday.

Last weekend our library was tweeted by comedian Phill Jupitus. He wanted to arrange to work with us for a morning to mark Save our libraries day (which took place across the country yesterday). I have been busy arranging his visit and making sure all was in order. Phill read Winnie the Pooh to local children. There is a photo of Phill and I on the library Flickr site. Here is a link to the photos if you are interested.

I also went to the Frock Off at Plymouth Guildhall and swapped a skirt and shirt for these two gorgeous ASOS dresses, and a beret! The Frock Off was in aid of Motor Neurone disease, a charity close to my heart. We all had a great time and took home some fantastic swaps.




I'm organising a library Frock exchange event in March and I'm really looking forward to hosting again. I'll be posting details here soon.

I thought it would be good idea to show you why I love the trolley that carries my sewing machine to classes. When I've looked for custom-made sewing machine trolleys I'm usually disappointed with the designs available and they look enormous! Mine is actually a large rucksack on wheels that I have used as carry on luggage in the past. It's ideal for my petite sewing machine and the pockets are perfect for all my sewing accessories.







The trolley is by Aerolite and cost around £15 when I bought it. My machine is a Brother BM model.

Thanks for reading,
Emma x