Natural Fibres

Natural Fibres: Sources, Processing, and Environmental Impact

Natural fibres have been integral to human civilization for millennia, providing materials for clothing, textiles, and other essential goods. With increasing awareness of sustainability and environmental impact, the use of natural fibres has garnered renewed interest. This article delves into the various natural fibres, their sources, harvesting and processing methods, environmental impact, properties, and end uses, as well as their biodegradability and recyclability.

Beginners Sewing, Content, Dressmaking, sewing, workshops

Synthetic Fibres

Origins, Properties, and Environmental Impact

Synthetic fibres have revolutionized the textile industry with their versatility and cost-effectiveness. Derived primarily from petrochemicals, these fibres offer a range of properties suited for various applications. However, their production and disposal raise significant environmental concerns. This article explores the different types of synthetic fibres, their properties, pros and cons, production processes, environmental impacts, and challenges in recycling.

Beginners Sewing, Dressmaking, sewing

What sewing machine features should I look for?

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date November 30, 2021

Sewing Machine Features

The range of sewing machines available is huge and it can be incredibly confusing trying to choose one, whether for yourself or someone else.

If you’ve not yet done any sewing, then you’ll probably not know anything about machines. You’ll likely choose the most basic ‘starter’ machine in the shop because you’re ‘just a beginner’. And after all, they all do the same thing. Right?

Beginners Sewing, sewing

Juki MO-644D Overlocker review

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date May 4, 2020
3 Comments on Juki MO-644D Overlocker review

When it was time to buy a new overlocker for the studio, there was only one place I was going to go. And that of course was Pembertons, my trusted specialist supplier for almost 30 years. So after considering my requirements: Andrew recommended the Juki MO-644D. I then spent a fun 90 mins putting it through its paces.

Juki MO-644D overlocker review - image shows machine threaded with front safety cover open — Juki MO-644D Overlocker review

Dressmaking, overlockers, sewing

Tags Juki overlocker, overlocker review, Serger review, what is a good make of serger, what is an overlocker, what's a good make of overlocker, Where can i buy an overlocker

Some ‘not so stupid’ questions

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date February 3, 2020

I’m asked lots of questions during every teaching session in the studio, and most of them start ‘this may be a stupid question but….’. Well do you know? I’ve never heard a stupid question yet! They have all been excellent questions, and I’m always happy to answer them. Chances are the person asking isn’t the only one who doesn’t know the answer. So if you don’t know, then please ask. Because the only stupid question is the one you don’t ask.

Some not so stupid questions - boy in dunce cap — Boy in Dunce cap – Clara M. Burd

Beginners Sewing, Dressmaking, sewing

Tags do i add seam allowance, not stupid questions, which needle should i use

A guide to fabric marking tools – Making your Mark

Post author By Jen Skedd
Post date June 24, 2019
1 Comment on A guide to fabric marking tools – Making your Mark

Fabric-marking tools

A question I’m asked frequently is what is the best way of marking fabric for dressmaking? Unfortunately, there’s no easy answer to that as there is a variety of fabric-marking tools available, and each has their pro’s and cons. My advice is to have a selection of fabric marking tools available to cope with every situation. Here’s a list of the most common:

Beginners Sewing, Dressmaking, sewing

Tags dressmakers pencil, fabric marking tools, how to mark fabric, tailors chalk, water-erasable pens

Sewing Machine Tension

Sewing machine tension

Probably the most common sewing problem is getting correct sewing machine tension. By thread tension, we mean the amount of thread that can pass through the machine to create the stitch. The more thread in the stitch, then the looser the stitch. The less thread, then the tighter the stitch.

Beginners Sewing, Dressmaking, sewing

Tags adjusting tension on sewing machine, bobbin thread tension

Overlocker tension

How to get perfect Overlocker tension

How to get the correct overlocker tension is the most common issue when using these machines. An overlocker is a fantastic machine and can be extremely useful. But they can also be beastly. Read on to find out how to use them and get the most from an overlocker.

sewing