How to choose sewing thread

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date December 21, 2015
1 Comment on How to choose sewing thread

How to choose Sewing Thread

Another year almost gone and I’ve just got time to squeeze in a final blog post. Possibly the subject I’ve been asked about most this year is How to choose the correct machine sewing thread?

Beginners Sewing, Dressmaking, sewing

Tags all-purpose sewing thread, beginners sewing, best thread, care of a sewing machine, how to choose, How to choose the correct sewing thread, how to use a sewing machine, kilner jar, learn to sew, sewing classes east Lothian, sewing jersey fabrics, sewing lessons, sewing room, sulky, Vintage-style decoration

Another Month Flown Past! Christmas-Themed Sewing Classes

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date November 30, 2015

Another Month Flown Past!

Christmas-Themed Sewing Classes

Yikes it’s almost December. November has flown past! It’s been a busy month at Artisan Stitch, what with the Christmas-themed sewing classes running and the end of another term for the Dressmakers. Dana, a dressmaking novice, completed her first ever skirt and it’s absolutely lovely. She even attempted a concealed zip and totally nailed it! Ann is using the class to learn patterncutting and has made her own trouser pattern, and Julie is making a ballgown in red silk.

seasonal crafts

Tags beginners sewing, childrens crafts, concealed zip, Edinburgh Doors Open Day, felting, handmade christmas gifts, needlefelting, Open Day, open studio, patterncutting

Felting Friday

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date October 19, 2015

Felting workshop. Brightly-coloured scarves in soft merino fibres — Felted scarves & flowers in gorgeous colours

Friday was felting workshop day. Wet-felting is a traditional skill which creates a strong but soft fabric from loose wool fibres. Felt is an ancient fabric; the process dates back thousands of years. It is incredibly hard-wearing and has been used for all manner of items from clothing and footwear to housing!

workshops

Tags creative workshops, felt flower brooches, felt flowers, felt scarves, felting, feltmaking, make a felt scarf, merino fibres for felt, the felting process, wet felting, workshops central scotland, workshops edinburgh, workshops scotland

Start ’em Young. Sewing Classes for Children.

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date October 12, 2015

sewing classes for children. Two young girls learning to sew beside their Mums — sewing classes for children. Kids can learn to sew, using a sewing machine safely and confidently from around age 7.

Sewing classes for children are an important part of my class programme. I learned to use a sewing machine at age 7. So I’m committed to the belief that children should all learn to sew when they’re very young (girls and boys!)

This week at Artisan Stitch, I held one of my sewing classes for children, or rather for children and their parents ( to qualify you had to be under 16 and bring your Mum). Attending were Sophie, aged 9, and Libby aged 12, with their Mums Jen & Jackie. Both girls threw themselves into the lesson with enthusiasm and completed their sewing practice sheets, then both passed their Sewing Machine Driving Tests with distinction.

Beginners Sewing

Tags beginners sewing, Childrens Sewing Lessons, crafts classes for kids, fashion design, kids classes edinburgh, kids crafts edinburgh, kids sewing central scotland, kids sewing course, kids sewing edinburgh, sewing classes for children, textiles heritage, workshops for kids lothian

Autumn-Winter sewing classes

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date September 28, 2015

My schedule of Autumn-Winter sewing classes is here, covering October and November. These include some more of my popular ‘Essential Skills’ classes, now re-named ‘Beginners’ Sewing Skills’. This covers basic sewing tasks like sewing straight seams and how to finish off the raw edges, taking up hems, making neat machined buttonholes, and inserting zips.

Beginners Sewing, childrens sewing classes, Dressmaking, seasonal crafts, sewing, textile art

Tags Childrens Sewing Lessons, felting, Felting workshop, sewing classes, Sewing Classes for Beginners, Sewing for Children

What Sewing Machine should I buy?

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date August 24, 2015
1 Comment on What Sewing Machine should I buy?

Buying a Sewing Machine

Buying a sewing machine is exciting but can be very confusing. If you’ve had a look already, then you’re probably baffled by the huge range of makes and models out there. Why are some less than £100 and others cost several thousands. Don’t thy all do the same thing? So you’ll be asking yourself ‘What Sewing Machine should I buy?’

Beginners Sewing, sewing, workshops

Tags buying a sewing machine, care of a sewing machine, Childrens Sewing Classes, choosing a sewing machine, how to choose a sewing machine, how to use a sewing machine, learn to sew, sewing classes east Lothian, sewing classes edinburgh, Sewing Classes for Beginners, sewing lessons, sewing machine features, sewing machines for beginners, starter-level sewing machines

Best Foot Forward – A Guide to Sewing Machine Presser Feet & Accessories

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date August 17, 2015

sewing machine presser feet are diesigned to make each sewing task easier — sewing machine presser feeet

A Guide to sewing machine presser feet and accessories

Sewing machine presser feet are specialised for every sewing task and are designed to make your sewing easier. If you don’t use the best foot for the job, then you’re making your life more difficult that it needs to be. When you got your new sewing machine home, did you eagerly unpack it and start sewing, wondering what the bag full of strange little metal and plastic thingies were for? Well these are your sewing machine presser feet. And have you got them out and used any of them since? Or have you struggled on, wondering why the fabric was pulling and puckering?

Beginners Sewing, Dressmaking, sewing

Tags applying bias binding, blind hem, buttonholes, darning foot, embroidery foot, Pfaff sewing machines, pin tuck, presser foot, quilting guide, zipper foot

How to choose the correct size of pattern

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date August 11, 2015

The first question I need to address with new dressmaking students is ‘How to choose the correct size of pattern’. One of the main problems with commercial paper patterns, is that they are not sized like ready-made high street clothing. Therefore you can’t go into the fabric shop and buy a pattern in your regular dress size. Pattern sizing also varies between the different pattern companies too, so it helps to be prepared when you go shopping for your pattern.

Dressmaking