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

Trims and things project goal: Amy Butler Anna tunic

Meet my long time project goal the gorgeous Amy Butler Anna tunic. I bought this pattern last year because the style suits my body shape and also because I love green (way too much ask all my friends and colleagues). I had to have the exact fabric in the pattern and I bought a coordinating green lining fabric.

To start I cut out the pattern pieces, then zigzag stitched the seams of the external and lining fabrics to prevent fraying. Finally I sewed the lining and external fabric together and pressed. This is where progress ended, partly due to a pattern freak-out on my part, but also because the pattern wasn't pitched at a beginner. I have realised how important it is to make sure you don't over challenge yourself. My skill level has increased since last Autumn but I still feel I need more help to complete the yoke.

I'm taking action and going to The Pin Tin's sewing class tomorrow night. I'm going to report back on progress later in the week.

Fingers crossed!

Emma x

Trims and things: Weekly sewing wish list

My most wanted sewing items, it's like online shopping without the credit card bill!

Seamstar have this gorgeous new American crafts ribbon (this set: Lovely) and a handy vanishing fine line marker pen to prevent any trace of telltale marks.


Images via seamstar

Raystitch have this floral cotton poplin I've been eyeing for a while for a top or dress pattern. Plus I adore their fish eye buttons for that vintage look and rose trim for sophisticated decoration.






Images via Raystitch

And finally Cath Kidston wowed me with the exceptionally cute Hedgehog needle case and the amazing Caravan sewing basket, I have to have it!



Images via Cath Kidston

Happy Thursday,
Emma x

Trims and things project goal: Knitting needle roll

I'm so happy that my first knitting needle roll is now complete :). I took lots of photos so you all could see the process.

I combined two patterns (links in my earlier post) to come up with something that fits my needle needs! Before you start remember to measure your longest needle. If you would like a closing flap (I decided against it), add 2 inches extra height on your largest fabric pieces (e.g. my 18" piece + 2 inches for flap).

The fabric pieces I used were the following sizes:
15" wide x 18" high - for interior lining, exterior and heavy duty interfacing (make sure the pattern goes the right way for inner and exterior fabrics)
15" wide x 7.5" high - for main pocket lining (in exterior fabric and interior fabric) and two panels of iron on interfacing
7"wide x 5" high - two in interior lining fabric for scissor, tape and wool needle pocket

I used a metre of ribbon because I really liked the way the ribbon looks layered up around the roll, but that is a personal choice. Beware: you will need to measure the length of ribbon given in the crochet roll pattern. Use the remaining ribbon to sew another tie at equal height in the 3" gap when you finally turn the project inside out to sew up the side. You can always cut your ribbon shorter when you have finished.

I decided to sew the two seams and the second piece of ribbon in the gap on the right by hand, instead of machine sewing around the edge of the whole roll. To be honest I wasn't sure my machine needle would take it with so many layers and the project looked lovely without topstitching around all edges. It really is a personal choice, go with what you want!













A couple of new things I learned from this project were how to use interfacing and how to baste stitch. Interfacing was suprisingly easy to sew through. I had no idea what a baste stitch was, but soon realised that it is a longer running stitch that allows you to hold your work in place before machine sewing. You can use the machine to baste stitch if you have that setting (I didn't). Baste stitch was really useful in holding the layers together, especially as there were so many, before finally sewing it all up and turning inside out.

If you have any questions about making the roll please comment below and I'll post more info.

Happy sewing!
Emma x

Sewing and other news...

This week I had some exciting surprises in store. First, the sewing classes run by my favourite haberdashery shop The Pin Tin are starting again and cost £6 per session. Classes are run by experienced seamstress Jo and take place on a Thursday evening at St Barnabas Church Hall, Stoke, Plymouth. You don't need to book in advance just drop-in. Follow the link above to 'like' The Pin Tin on Facebook for more information on opening hours, classes and up to date product news. Second, I have been nominated for an award at work (yay) and I'm in the running for a lovely glass plaque!

Last weekend I spent hours looking at the crochet hook roll and other knitting needle roll patterns, trying to decide the dimensions I wanted for my needle and accessory pockets. I finally committed and cut out all my pieces from exterior fabric, interior fabric and interfacing. I've pressed the fabric and I've pinned up the small pocket ready to sew. Eventually I ran out of time and I'm looking forward to getting this all sewn up (sorry, terrible pun) this weekend. I will let you know my measurements and tips when the roll is complete. Here are the pieces cut out and ready to go...



I wanted to do the popular 'What's in my handbag' post for those of you who were curious. I was shocked to find not one, but three lip colour options, clearly I am obsessed!


Left to right: 2011 Diary Paperchase @ Waterstone's, mini-notebook Co-operative, pen also Paperchase, Une lipgloss 805 Boots, Benefit lipstick la la land, Vaseline lip therapy rose and Denman folding brush and mirror both Boots, floral umbrella Accessorize.

I also did some accidental sale shopping when I returned a belt to Accessorize. I came out with a purse and a belt in exchange, plus a gorgeous pair of green chanel inspired pumps - Happy girl!



Have a great weekend :)
Emma