I’ve often mentioned the Embroiderers Guild ‘Travelling Books’ project on my Facebook page. There’s about 24 members of our Guild branch involved and we started last October by all being given an A5 sketchbook. The idea is that we each choose a theme for our book, and do a small piece of embroidery inspired by that theme.
I’ts been a great opportunity for me to work in some my favourite creative textiles techniques.
The talking point of last night’s Academy Awards ceremony was undoubtedly the announcement of the wrong winner of Best Film. But my attention as always was on the stunning gowns. So I thought I’d take a look at some of the sewing patterns around that are worthy of an Academy Award themselves.
Beginners sewing patterns may not be the most glamorous or fashion-forward designs. But when you’re just starting out on your sewing journey, it’s easy to get carried away with your ambitions and take on too much. Perhaps you aspire to design Oscar-red-carpet worthy frocks for A-list celebs. Just take a look at the gorgeous outfits worn by Emma Stone on the Golden Globes La-La-Land tour. But Prada and Gucci gowns such as these are highly-technical feats of textile engineering requiring the very best of precision cutting and sewing techniques. My advice is to take a Beginners Sewing Course to learn the correct techniques. Concentrate on learning foundation sewing techniques and doing them well. Then building up your skills by making simple shaped garments in easy-to-handle fabrics. Gradually, you’ll increase your repertoire until you can take on the more advanced projects.
