Dressmaking – Become the next big designer
Every dressmaker has to start somewhere; all you need is a little creativity and some fabric. Are you sick of stepping out of the house only to find that 7 other people are wearing exactly the same outfit as you? Well, we have the solution; make your own! Why spend a fortune on one-of-a-kind pieces when you can make them yourself, specific to your own measurements. If you’re interested in learning how to make your own clothes, but have no idea where to start then try one of our dressmaking workshops.
A Taster in Dressmaking
If you’re a complete beginner looking to see if dressmaking is for you, then this 1-hour taster session is perfect! Take a test drive through dressmaking by constructing an apron, and the best part? All materials are included!Advanced Dressmaking
Ideal for an advanced sewer looking to shift up a gear, if you are familiar with patterns and can work independently, this is the workshop for you. This workshop is designed to aid you with the more difficult tasks of dressmaking but also allow you to work on your creations independently, away from the class. You will be designing and creating a fitted jacket and we will provide a choice of materials in different colours.Why not really delve even further into your creative side with a Corsetry workshop?
This 3-day course will guide you through the important steps of corset making with a hands-on approach – using lacing, binding, boning, seams, eyeleting, cutting and fitting over 3 days you will create a corset specific to your own measurements. This course will provide a starter pack, patterns and notes, but you may need to purchase additional items during the course.Check out our workshops section for classes close to you and don’t forget to tweet any of your new creations at @AbakhanFabrics – we’d love to see them
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Google.comDressmaking – Working your way through a project by Cathy Bundy
You've got the 'Dressmaking Bug'? Congratulations! Now what? It seems for every technique, like darts, there is an infinite amount of techniques to make them! That is because as long as it does its purpose (to shape a straight piece of fabric into a more curved and body-shaped piece of fabric), then how you mark, form and finish a dart is entirely up to you. However, knowing what patterns to choose, where to find help and what to actually make can be a mine-field. But help is at hand, if you know where to look for it and how to work through looking for solutions.
Picking a pattern:
When choosing a pattern that you are going to make, some things can put you off, can daunt you and leave you hanging in limbo of what you want to make and what you know you can make. Often, the terminology can be totally alien (especially if the pattern is American)- why not having a look on the internet at a few of the big pattern companies websites like Simplicity, Vogue, Colette Patterns, Butterwick and read the back of the envelope. Would you know what it meant if there were two different amounts of fabric required for fabrics 'with nap' and 'without nap'? No? Then research a bit before you go and be disappointed with a pattern shopping spree. Jot down some terms that you have spotted on the back of patterns that you don't understand and then look them up later in a book or a Google search.
If you're watching the pennies but are desperate to carry on sewing, think savvy and smart- look at the fabric requirements of the items of clothes that you like as it can vary drastically. A dress can easily be made out of 2 metres of fabric or out of 4.5 metres of fabric depending on the complexity, style and the fabric that you choose.
Also, pick dresses that you like the style of. I had a long hard look in my wardrobe- this was after making bits and bobs that I was not happy with and had little place for in my ways of wearing clothes. It then dawned on me that I had not married the pattern with the fabric and thought about the overall result. I had liked the pattern and liked the fabric individually but the amalgamation of the two into a dress had left me underwhelmed. I had a look at how I dress and what my style was and what changes I would like to make to it. Now I know that I have lots of colour in my wardrobe with navy and brown plains, I would like a more retro theme in there and I love dresses!
Finally, remember your level of expertise. Frustration, annoyance and disappointment have all been felt by me when I have picked a pattern to get my teeth into, to wow my friends, family and myself but actually I had bitten off more than I could chew with not knowing my limitations and knowing how to do the skills or working with the fabric that it required. Believe and strive for getting the basics right first and then going ballistic with the couture techniques- do you know and have completed a sleeved top, with easing and good fit? Then why are you trying (and having a headache about) lining a dress?
Making the garment:
So you’re home, you’ve bought the pattern you liked and the notions required are rattling around in your shopper, you lay out your fabric, you get out the pins, your shears, the chalk and then you open page one of the instructions and you suddenly realise that you have no idea what ‘cutting on the bias’ means. Help is at hand! Scrape the ground of the dressmaking-mountain and a volcano of information will explode in front of you.
Blogs
Written by enthusiasts on a subject of their passion and they’re writing as if it was a diary. Expect reflection, honesty, discussion and tutorials. Follow the blogs that ‘ring true’ to you and comment where you feel that you could ‘say something’!
Google Search
‘Google’- if in doubt... ‘Google it out! You will find YouTube videos, blogs, Wikipedia definitions and shops, all brimming with an excerpt on information about ‘cutting on the bias’ or whatever you may be stuck with.
Twitter
There are some passionate people out there in regards to dressmaking, fabric, sewing and crafts. Follow some fanatics and see where they are going with their sewing, if you think that they could help with your quibble tweet a problem or tweet to them specifically, you’ll be surprised with your helpful responses.
Shops
Dressmaking shops are ever so helpful, I have often sent a request for a fabric quibble to an online shop of whether they have a fabric I am looking for (what the pattern says is ideal) and if they could think of an everyday alternative that they could help me with.
Books
Last, but by no means least - a book on sewing or dressmaking is a great reference and always available to you, internet or not! Look for a book with techniques explained like darts, pleats, zips, sleeves etc. To find your book, have a look on book websites where honest and open customer reviews are on the site.
Reflecting:
Finally, reflect on the finished garments that you make. Take pictures of the piece and write about what you like and don’t like about it, think about what you have done well on and what you can improve on. Dressmaking will eternally bring you challenges, there is no ‘cracked it’ in Dressmaking- you will forever be learning something new. Think about writing a diary or even an online blog, this may seem self-indulgent but there is an amazing variety of blogs and bloggers out there who would happily read and help you to work out the pros and the cons of your creations and actually writing down what you have created (warts and all) will help you to not make the same mistakes next time.
Some tools that I have found invaluable when dressmaking:
• Chalk Pencils, can be sharpened like a normal pencil so you can have crisp sewing lines for sewing
• Pins and cushion. A variety of pins is great. How about a little project of making your own wrist pin cushion? Very handy and also a good way to get creative sewing juices flowing!
• Pinking Shears, a great finish to a lot of fabrics. Looks professional but also handmade/ couture
• French Curve, very handy! Great for accurate curved seamlines, pattern adaptations and tracing patterns
• Quilting Ruler: Bias tape making, piping, tracing patterns
• Shears (for fabric) and Rotary Cutter. I love my rotary cutter! I am an advocate for them, but the choice is yours!
• Hem Gauge, 5/8” hems are hard to measure by hand, it is a standard American hem, roughly 1.5cm
I will be working through a very classic and adaptable dress pattern and turning it into 5 different dresses:
First Dress: Retro!
Second Dress: On trend
Third Dress: LBD
Fourth Dress: Day Dress
Fifth Dress: Wedding Guest
Next Month: Retro!
Caffy is a dressmaking enthusiast - going from complete novice to couture seamstress, for more information follow her blog here Caffy will be writing monthly articles for us at Abakhan.
Knit & Natter – Abakhan Knitting Workshops
As we keep saying, knitting is the new cool. Everyone is getting stuck in, but what if you’ve never tried knitting before? Or it’s been so long since you picked up a set of needles that you can’t remember anything?
Fear not! Abakhan to the rescue! We offer various knitting workshops that’ll soon have you in the swing of things!
A Refresher in Knitting
This workshop is perfect for people who were taught to knit as a child but haven’t picked up their needles for years. If you know the basics but need a little confidence come and join this workshop and you’ll be a pro knitter again in no time! All yarn is included; all you need to bring with you are 4mm/4.5mm needles and a passion for knitting!The next knitting refresher workshop is on the 19th June 2012 in Mostyn, North Wales. If you attend this class, let us know how you get on, we’d love to see photos of your work.
Advanced Knitting
Already a dab hand at knitting? Then give this workshop a go. If you’ve mastered the basics and want to take your knitting skills a little further this workshop is ideal. Covering cables, eyelets, bobbles and chart reading as well as requested processes over a four week period.As before, yarn is included, just bring your needles.
Keep an eye out for the next advanced knitting course.
Elongated and Slip Stitch
A more specialist class, this workshop explores elongated and slipped stitches in depth whilst working on a cushion cover. All materials are included, just bring your 4mm needles.
The next Elongated & Slip Stitch workshop is in Mostyn, North Wales on the 17th June 2012.
Festive Knits
Get a little festive with this workshop dedicated to Magic Knitting and Beaded Knitting and create unique and charming Christmas decorations.
Bring along your 3.25mm needles.
The next Festive Knits Workshop will be held in Liverpool on the 3rd October 2012.
For details on all of the workshops we run, including dates and times, visit the workshop section of the Abakhan website. Happy crafting!
Birkenhead Store Refurbishment
We are refurbishing a section of our Birkenhead Store over the Jubilee Public Holiday and the store will be closed on the following dates - Sunday 3rd June, Monday 4th June and Tuesday 5th June. The store will reopen on Wednesday 6th June at 9.30am - and your nearest store is likely to be either Liverpool or Chester. For further store details please click here. We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause - but hope that you enjoy the end results. Many thanks.
The Dress Factor Competition
Do you have that star creative quality? We have teamed up with The Sewing Directory in the search for talented people to submit their own designs for a summer inspired garment, bag or accessory based on fabrics from our website. Our 5 favourite designers will receive their choice of fabrics (free of charge) – and will then be given the opportunity to make up their garment for the chance to win . . . a Janome Memory Craft 5900QC sewing machine (RRP. £799) for the winner, and £50 Abakhan gift vouchers for each of the runners up. Ann Haughton from Suffolk Sewing School and Beth Edmondson (from The Sewing Directory) will be judging to choose the winner. So if you think you have that special creative touch – then don’t miss out on this fab’ opportunity to get the recognition you deserve – along with some great prizes!
There are a few simple rules:
- Your design must be original.
- It must be either a garment, bag or accessory.
- It must be something you would wear/use in the summer.
- No all black – the summer is all about colour!
Your design can use up to 3 metres of any fabric(s) from our website; you can add your own haberdasher, trimmings, linings, buttons etc. Designs must be sent by e-mail to dressfactor@thesewingdirectory.co.uk along with a completed entry form. If you have hand drawn your designs please scan them and send them by e-mail. Please make sure you clearly indicate which fabrics you would use, and in what colours on your design. Please make sure you full read the terms & conditions below before entering.
TO ENTER PLEASE CLICK HERE
Finalists:
If you get through to the final five you will be sent your chosen fabrics free of charge from Abakhan Fabrics to make up your design. You must then send in a minimum of 5 images of your finished garment showing the front, back, inside, detail and stitching by the specified deadline.
The judges will be considering the originality of the design, the quality of the sewing and how well it fits the summer theme when deciding the winner.
Timings:
All designs must be received by midnight Saturday 30th June – We will confirm receipt of entries within 3 working days. The finalists will be announced on Friday 6th July on The Sewing Directory website & the Abakhan Fabrics website and their fabrics will be sent out that week. All finalists must send in the requested images of their design by Monday 20th August or they will be disqualified. The winners will be announced on both The Sewing Directory website and the Abakhan Fabrics website on Friday 31st August 2012.
Terms & Conditions
Entries must be received by the deadlines specified above or they will not be entered into the competition. Employees of The Sewing Directory & Abakhan Fabrics are not permitted to enter. All designs must be original; anyone found to have used a commercial pattern, or otherwise copied a design will be immediately disqualified. The competition is open to residents of the UK or Ireland.
You must clearly specify in your entry which fabric or fabrics you design would use from the Abakhan website (provide the SKU number) and confirm the quantity required of each fabric. A minimum of 1 metre of fabric, and maximum or 3 metres (in total) can be selected. If you make it to the final and your chosen fabric is out of stock Abakhan Fabrics will contact you to choose an alternative.
If you make it to the final you agree to make up your design and send us a minimum of 5 images by the specified date. Failure to do so will result in disqualification. Finalists will be provided with their chosen fabrics from the Abakhan website free of charge.
Pick up your needles and join the Cool Revolution!
In case you haven’t heard, knitting is the new cool. Fact. With thousands of ‘Knit and Natter’ crafting groups popping up all over the country and ‘Yarn Storming’ become a new craze, the age-old stereotype of knitting grandmothers in rocking chairs is long gone!
Crafting has become incredibly popular in recent years, with people, especially the younger generations, becoming interested in a handmade culture, and, of course, Yarn Storming! If you haven’t heard of Yarn Storming – where have you been?! Yarnstorming is the art of using graffiti knitting or crochet to enhance an object or public place, guerilla knitting, if you will. Just check out this Yarnstormed phone box in London, courtesy of Knit the City.
Need more evidence that knitting is uber cool? Just have a quick chat with the Sisters from the Shoreditch WI, possibly the coolest people you will ever meet! We asked them to give us a little insight into their fantastic knitting group and they very kindly obliged.
The Sisters told us their go-to for knitting and crochet patterns is the online knitting and crochet community, Ravelry. Free to join, this community offers a huge pattern database. We asked the Shoreditch WI to tell us exactly why knitting was so cool and Martha Wass told us it was “the ability to make anything out of a long strand of something” and we couldn’t agree more! Knitting has become an incredibly sociable pastime, with many of the Sisters telling us that their friends introduced them to the craft, Rebecca Baird told us that the same friend who taught her to knit also taught her to crochet, and she has “been hooked ever since.” (Haha)
It soon became apparent that some of the Sisters have completed extremely difficult projects in their knitting quests. We asked Kim Byrne what the most complicated knitting project she has every completed was, her answer? “A 5 piece beach hut draft excluder.” (!!!)
Jen has been a Shoreditch Sister for 4 years and she told us that “the Shoreditch Sisters' Knit'n'Natter group meets monthly and is a great social activity. We all get to chat and admire each other's projects. I also really like that you can make something truly unique that you wouldn't be able to buy elsewhere easily.” Jen is also no stranger to complicated knitting projects; the hardest thing she ever made was a blanket for her niece sporting a tree design that she managed to finish the very day her sister went into labour!! She also told us that she is “addicted to making hideous 70s novelty poodle wine bottle covers to give to friends as a joke.
Now, tell us knitting isn’t cool?!
For all of your knitting supplies, visit the Abakhan website.
The Shoreditch WI Knitting Group hold regular meetings, to find more details, visit their blog, here. To find out more about their latest campaign, Days for Girls, visit their dedicated Facebook page.
Earth Day by Traci of 'My Handmadehappiness'
So Sunday the 22nd of April marked the 42nd anniversary Earth Day. What is Earth Day; well it's a day that people take a good look at their carbon foot print, and the way they live. It was established by Gaylord Nelson a Senator from Wisconsinin 1970. He wanted to make people more aware of the world around them, with water & air pollution and oils spills devastating our planet; he used the anti-war movement as his inspiration. If people could feel that way about war why, wouldn’t they feel that about our mother earth?
It is of no surprise really that they took to it like a duck to water it was the flower power years! People then wanted to make a better future with less pollution, less war, and less WASTE. This is what I will be focusing on.
In the last few years we as a society have become dependent on the use of plastic bags, I for one am a culprit of "Yeah I need that bag" when asked in stores. I then would end up shoving the bag amongst the rest under the kitchen sink! I reckon the peoples that be, are now taking a good look at this, some charge for bags, this is a good deterrent and works to a degree; a few big shopping stores who are now recycling our carrier bags. There is a single use carrier bag bill which is now running too, people are taking a little responsibility for their carbon foot print. I for one am now a reformed single use carrier bag user!
Being a home sewer there are so many free tutorials out there for market/grocery bags, they have exploded all over the internet and have great instructions and fab step by step photos ... There is one for whatever your style; here are a few I liked. The quick carrier , The re-usable grocery bag or the shopper, but if you fancy going all out, check this out one pattern with four options and for £2.03… That’s a price you can’t complain about!!
I myself wanted to do my bit for the Earth Day movement and made myself a new bag, the singlet, I used fabric from my stash and the pattern is a single use carrier bag, the pattern is easy to follow and I am happy with the way it turned out. It’s a sturdy number! So have I got your sewing fingers ready? Is your mojo flowing? If it is then go grab your pattern from the kitchen and search your stash, for this bag I used approximately 1.5 meters of fabric. If you don't have that in your stash then check this out, I think this would look great and right on trend animal print is so in at the minute or what about a Cath Kidston feel? I do love a bit of polka dot makes things seem that little bit vintage and pastels are another hit this season!
Another way of reducing waste and pollution is to use up your scraps to make a quilt; this is a good way to turn your thermostat down that degree or two! There are so many tutorials out there, and the internet is such an inspirational place, I found a few lovely free tutorials scrappy flora, Pieced Scrap Border Quilt, & Pieced Scrap Border Quilt. Or there is always this pattern at £2.83 . The fabric addict in me has to share a couple more fabric bundles!!! Loving the Bali Mini Wheel Purple it’s my fave colour & Fat Quarters Antique Archives Multi because every girl could do with a little vintage.
I hope you are all inspired… Happy sewing people and I hope you enjoyed my ramble!
Head on over to my Crafty/Family blog My Handmadehappiness, to catch up on my sewing adventures....... And life with my 2 young boys! Kind Regards -
Traci
Getting into Print by Sue Locke
All sorts of prints from feminine florals to ethnic designs dominate the catwalks this year, so here are a few tips to help you make the most of your printed fabric.
When you shop for fabric it’s hard to resist the temptation to buy a beautiful print. How often have you gone into a store or shopped online for a sensible plain cloth and ended up with several metres of a stunning floral or a tribal print? And while there is always room in our wardrobes for one more multi-coloured garment, there are a few guidelines to watch out for before you part with your hard earned cash.
Firstly, make sure you choose a print that works with your colouring. Something too bold and dramatic could end up wearing you rather than the other way around! This scenario is most likely if you wear a head to toe outfit in something very bold. If you want something dazzling then it’s far better to restrict yourself to a jacket, a top or a skirt rather than both. And if you choose a dress you could work the bodice in a print and your skirt in something plain.
One of the great advantages of a beautiful print is that you can work with a very simple pattern. The design will do all the work for you. And endless pin tucks, darts and panels will only get lost on a busy fabric. A stunning print works best on a plain sheath dress, a simple edge to edge jacket or a classic pencil or A-line skirt. It’s worth thinking twice before making a jacket or coat in a strong print for the simple reason that it may not work with the rest of your wardrobe easily. However, you could use a plain cloth and then have a pretty floral lining and finish it with covered buttons.
When buying your fabric keep in mind that you will have to buy an extra amount if you need to match up the design. And when you cut out the material try to position your pattern pieces so that you get the maximum benefit from your design. An exciting way to work with prints is to bring several together. Start by choosing a core colour and make sure that you have it on every material you use. This way your fabrics will blend together. Begin by working with just two prints, then, as you get more experienced, you can stretch this to three with four being the absolute maximum. Try working with one shape, such as a floral and then using it in different sizes. Or, try working your floral with a spot and a Gingham. You may like to experiment with sample pieces before buying the full amount. However, it is essential that your fabrics are all the same weight to ensure that your garment hangs correctly. For a first project use one design as your dominant fabric and use the remaining ones on cuffs, collars, covered buttons and a tie belt. As you grow in confidence you can slash your pattern pieces about and insert panels in different prints.
Top Tips For Buying Printed Cloth
1. Be careful about dressing yourself from head to toe in one strong print.
2. If you are making separates use a print for one garment and use a plain one for the other.
3. Using a printed fabric for a coat or jacket can make it difficult to team with other garments in your wardrobe.
4. A pretty print can make an eye-catching lining for a plain coat.
5. Remember to order extra fabric if you are working with a large print.
6. Get the most from your printed cloth by positioning your pattern pieces for maximum effect.
Sue Locke is a freelance writer and designer. She writes the monthly style pages for Sewing World magazine and designs fashion accessories. For more information or advice please contact Sue Locke - Click here to view Sue’s website.
Fabrics
My order has just been delivered, thank you for very quick service. I`m very pleased with the fabrics.
Jill, 16th April 2012
Arrived safely
Many thanks for my yarn order which arrived safely. Many thanks also for your superb superfast delivery service. Will be back soon. Very best wishes.
Malcolm, 10 April 2012
The Dressmaker in 2012... Why?! - by Caffy Bundy
Times aren’t what they used to be, shops are forever having sales and when they don’t - you can still buy a new dress for less than a Fish and Chip supper. So why are people still making their own clothes in 2012? The answer is passion and individuality. If you have a favourite colour - then make a favourite dress, cut with your favourite colour and have it made to measure to you. The high street shops will look at an age bracket, a gender, a cultural group and try to aim clothes at them to buy. Some of them hit (you buy), some of them miss (you go elsewhere) and that is good enough. When you endeavour making your own clothes in 2012, you embark on inserting your very own personality on the piece of clothing - from the pattern choice, the fabric you use to the embellishments you add, to giving it an even more individualised stamp of your personality. Before I started dressmaking, every now and again I would walk into a shop and a piece of clothing would scream ‘I’m here!!!’ That was me, written all over it - I had to have it! The rest of the time, I would buy what I needed, try and get the colour and the style that I had in mind and buy some accessories that would tie it all in together. Now, I make clothes that each and every time has my choices, personality and style screaming from them. Liberating! So let’s look at the Sewing Pattern below:
Three different styles of dress already available here- even if you made one of each in the primary colours of the spectrum, that would be three dresses, made by you and for you; yellow for a summer’s day BBQ, red for a dinner date and blue for the office. The three dresses that are shown are made of the same pattern pieces for the body section; it is the sleeves and the belts that change. To get the perfect fit to your needs in an item of clothing (bust, waist, length etc) you can adapt a pattern very easily and be churning out these dresses in any colour within a few hours. You would not need to change each and every dress you made from this pattern. You make muslin (toile), the process is:
1. Muslin (Toile is the same thing, just ‘muslin’ is American and ‘toile’ is English- this is a mock-up or trial run of the pattern on cheap fabric that resembles your fashion fabric)
2. Try it on and pin and cut where you want changes
3. Make changes to your pattern
4. Re-muslin
5. Looking good? You now have a blueprint of a perfect dress, each and every time.
A quick tip: when using these patterns, make a tracing of the original pattern pieces. Use anything you have available- butchers paper, greaseproof paper, dressmaking paper- all you need it to do is see through to the pattern beneath and let you trace over it. You will then pin the traced pieces onto the muslin (trial run) make your changes and adapt the traced piece accordingly. It leaves the original intact and when everyone loves what you’ve made, you can wow friends and family and make them one too.
Sewing is not hard, it’s a few techniques that you can quickly learn and then use to complete your clothing jigsaw puzzle to create item of clothing. When starting out, use a pattern aimed at beginners. It’s not patronising- it is just giving you a heads up that this will get quick, exhilarating results.
Here are some fabric options that will change the outlook of the dress pattern, look at the cut of this dress; this is a fitted and panelled dress. With some gut instinct and bravery, one dress pattern like the one above could be made into a whole wardrobe of dresses, ready for any occasion:
See how using a different fabric and colour changes the scope and personality of the dress? Imagine adding feathers, trimming, ribbon or belts- no-one will ever appear at the same venue as you with the same outfit on, this is one-of-a-kind stuff- all being created by you.
The following fabrics may also be of interest to you -
Gingham,
Tartan,
Satin,
Cotton Light Green (Pistachio),
Lilac Linen.
So, in 2012, when the high street is beckoning but the fit and the choice just isn’t there- making your own clothes is always available to you. Available to keep pushing you to wear what you want to, to chose what you to make, to pin, to tuck and to create. Browse around what is available. Make a list of patterns that you like, ignore the colour and the model- look and the swing, the shape and the style. Ask yourself “What if that was in...”... feeling creative? Then dive right in.
Caffy is a dressmaking enthusiast - going from complete novice to couture seamstress, for more information follow her blog here Caffy will be writing monthly articles for us at Abakhan.
MAKE IT - A simple Belt with a Fabric Flower by Sue Locke
Linen is a great fabric for belt making because it has a firm finish. If you want to make this design in a Dress or Craft Cotton weight then simply add some fusible Interfacing to the wrong side. Alternatively use taffeta for a night out.
You Will Need
1. Small amount of linen.
2 D rings.
Making The Pattern
1. Measure your waist then add on 15 cm.
2. Cut your paper pattern to the above length making it 10 cm wide.
3. Cut a circle in paper with an 18 cm wide diameter.
Cutting Out
1. Cut out 1 belt piece in linen
2. Cut out one circle in linen
Steps To Sew
1. With right sides together fold the linen strip in half lengthways. Machine leaving an opening. Turn to the right side and hand stitch the opening closed.
2. Folding in a ½ cm turning to the wrong side, run a gathering thread on this turning on your circle.
3. Pull up the gathering thread very tightly to create your flower shape.
4. Thread D rings through one end of your belt and hold in place by machining through two layers of fabric.
5. Position the linen flower on the belt and secure in place with a central button to finish.
Sue Locke is a freelance writer and designer. She writes the monthly style pages for Sewing World magazine and designs fashion accessories. For more information or advice please contact Sue Locke - Click here to view Sue’s website.
'Suit Yourself' by Sue Locke
There are some garments that we dressmakers think twice about making. The first is a coat and the second is a suit. Both are time consuming compared to a simple tunic or a wrap around skirt. However, when it comes to cost per wear both a suit and a coat can pay huge dividends. Having made both I can testify to this fact. For example my handmade coat is still going strong and shows little sign of wear after four years!
It’s becoming increasingly difficult to buy a ready-made suit in top quality fabric at a reasonable price. And this is where the sewer has the upper hand. But if you are time poor how do you ensure that the project gets finished? Firstly, select a simple pattern. This may mean that you don’t actually buy a suit pattern. Instead, select an easy trouser pattern and an equally simple jacket and then make them up in the same fabric. However, you will need to choose a lined jacket because this increases the life of your garment and your trousers will need to be fully or half lined. Choose classic shapes for your pieces. Anything that’s classified as high fashion may look out of place next year. If you want a high fashion look then you can do this with accessories. If you only wear skirt suits then a short semi-fitted or boxy style is fine, but if you like to wear trousers then try a longer length.
When it comes to fabric simply buy the best you can afford. If you choose a suitingcloth that has a percentage of stretch fibre this will help your outfit keep its shape. And the same principal applies with lining– the best you can afford. Remember to finish your outfit with beautiful buttons, buckles and applique. Scour vintage fairs and online sites for some pretty period pieces.
A plain dark suit is hard to beat. Light colours are fine but they may clock up a hefty bill in dry cleaning costs. And beware of flowery designs and strong dramatic prints. A plain suit will give you far more flexibility. A lovely plain jacket for example can look just as good with a pair of denims and a white shirt. And a dark pencil skirt can be topped with a pretty beaded blouse and used for an after work event. Make our stylish belt (see my other post 'MAKE IT - A simple Belt with a Fabric Flower') in a Taffeta for evening as a useful accessory - another fabric option is a check. Ideally a subtle design will be more flexible. Alternatively, make your skirt with the check and use a toning plain colour for the jacket.
And try to avoid designs that are heavy on ruffles and flounces. They may make you look ultra feminine but they are not necessarily a practical choice for the office. It’s far better to keep all your lines clean and simple and create a softer line by working it on a blouse.
TOP TIPS FOR MAKING A SUIT
1. Buy the best fabric and lining that you can afford.
2. Avoid floral designs and dramatic prints.
3. Use easy patterns for your suit pieces then you are guaranteed to get the project finished.
4. A longer-line jacket looks far more flattering with trousers.
5. Shop for beautiful haberdashery to give a your suit a classy finishing touch
Sue Locke is a freelance writer and designer. She writes the monthly style pages for Sewing World magazine and designs fashion accessories. For more information or advice please contact Sue Locke - Click here to view Sue’s website.
Curtain Workshop by Isobel
I attended the Curtain 1 Workshop today, delivered by Isobel. I just wanted to say how much I & my sister enjoyed the day. The course was informative and fun. Isobel is a real treasure, she was patient whilst explaining the techniques and had lots of tips that will improve our sewing. The cost of the course was worth every penny. We will certainly be booking further courses. All in all, a great day!
C Francis, 29th March 2012
Bolton store - changes to opening hours
Please note that with effect from Monday 30th April 2012, our Bolton store will operate as follows:
Monday 9.30 – 5.15
Tuesday 9.30 – 5.15
Wednesday 9.30 – 5.15
Thursday 9.30 – 7.00
Friday 9.30 – 5.15
Saturday 9.30 – 5.15
Sunday 11.00 – 5.00
Kind Regards, Abakhan Fabrics, Hobby & Home
Become the next top designer – Top Tips for Dressmaking
So, you’re interested in dressmaking, but you are a complete beginner. Don’t worry, everyone has to start somewhere. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of basic tips for trying your hand at dressmaking, ranging from the tools you will need to taking the correct measurements.
Tools of the trade
Probably the most important place to start when dressmaking is your tools. What exactly do you need? Collect these basic tools, pop them in a sewing box and you can’t go wrong.
Dressmakers pins
Tape measure
Sewing needles
Dressmaking scissors
Tailor’s chalk
Thread
You can start off hand sewing, afterall, this is how people started dressmaking, but a sewing machine will make your dressmaking faster and easier in the long run.
Choosing a sewing machine
Choosing a sewing machine isn’t as daunting as it sounds; for dressmaking a basic sewing machine will suffice. All sewing machines are electronic, generally using a single motor, which is perfect for a beginner. As you become a more advanced dressmaker you may want to invest in a computerised sewing machine.
When choosing your first sewing machine consider a machine that offers different stitching options as well as a selection of foot attachments (to allow basic tasks including inserting zips.)
Patterns
Start with a pattern, this way you will have something to work towards.
To begin with, use patterns that are labeled as ‘easy’ – dresses with no waistline or sleeves are the easiest.
As well as giving you something to work towards, a pattern will indicate how much fabric will be needed as well as giving you an idea of the best fabric to use.
It’s important to take your measurements and buy a pattern based on these measurements.
Measurements
When dressmaking, taking the correct measurements is critical. Follow our quick and easy guide to ensure you collect the right measurements.
Waist – using your tape measure, measure your natural waistline – hold the tape so it fits snugly around your waist – but not tight.
Hips – measure the fullest part of your hips all the way around your body.
Bust – measure around the fullest part of your bust - this is one measurement. Then measure around the body just above the bust, across the back and under the arms - this is your second bust measurement.
Back to waist – measure from the most prominent bone at the top of your neck down to your natural waist.
Height – make sure you stand straight!
Fabrics
With thousands of fabrics to choose from, it can sometimes be difficult making a decision. Take into consideration how the fabric you are using feels against your skin – is it comfortable? Below, we have listed some of the main fabric options:
Cotton – incredibly versatile, cotton can be used to create almost anything and is available in varying weights.
Cotton Jersey – generally used to make t-shirts, cotton jersey is a stretchy and comfortable fabric.
Wool – more often than not wool will need to be dry-cleaned. Can be expensive and is often used to make suits and coats.
Linen – often blended with cotton and is perfect for summer clothing.
Silk – a luxury fabric, often expensive and quite difficult to sew with.
Polyester and polycotton – synthetic fabrics that are lightweight and quite cheap to buy.
A top tip for dressmaking is to wash your fabric before you begin – this will ensure that your final creation doesn’t shrink during its first wash.
Dressmaking is a great way to update your wardrobe, without breaking the bank. From taster dressmaking courses to advanced dressmaking classes, Abakhan covers all your dressmaking educational needs, click here to view our latest workshops and classes.
How to…make cushion covers
Have the pillows in your home seen better days? Why not give them a new lease of life! It’s much easier than you think!
What you will need:
Pillow
Fabric
Thread
Dressmakers chalk
Scissors
Pins
Sewing Machine (Although you can hand-sew if you wish)
How to:
First, you will need to measure the pillow you want to cover. Take this measurement and add a 3cm seam allowance to each side.
Lay your chosen fabric out and measure and mark out the size of fabric you require with dressmakers chalk. Do this for each side, and then cut out your fabric.
Place your two pieces of fabric on top of each other, with the patterned sides face to face and pin together leaving a 1.5cm gap from the edge of the fabric on all four sides.
When you have pinned the fabric together tack the two pieces together using large runs to make it easy to remove later.
Using your sewing machine sew three sides up, leaving one side open.
Remove your tacking thread and turn the pillow case right side out.
Push your pillow into the pillow case through the open side.
Fold in your seam allowance on the remaining open side and hand stich together and you have your quick and easy pillow case!
It’s so easy to improve your home with a few pillows strewn around. You can embellish your pillow cases with buttons, lace and so much more. You can also use a zip fastening or an overlapped opening to allow removal of the pillow insert.
Happy crafting!
How To Make A Picnic Blanket
It’s official, Spring has sprung! At Abakhan we love to the feel the suns rays on our skin, but that doesn’t mean we start neglecting sewing and all things craft as soon as we get some nice weather. In fact, we see it as an excuse for the perfect project: creating your own picnic blanket. So, let’s get started. What you will need: Fabric Wadding Thread Buttons Scissors, Pins, Tape Measure, & Sewing machine/needlesHow-to:
• Think about how big you want your picnic blanket to be. (Ours is 130cm x 160cm with a 1cm border.) • Cut 2 pieces of fabric and your wadding to exactly the same size. • Place the 2 pieces of fabric on top of each other. (If the fabric you are using is patterned ensure you place the pattern sides face to face). • Place the wadding on top and pin the 3 pieces of material together. • Sew all of your sides together 1cm from the edge of the material leaving a gap on one side large enough to turn the blanket inside out. This will leave the wadding inside, sandwiched between your 2 pieces of fabric. • Fold the edges of the open side in on itself and iron down as well as ironing all the other sides. • Pin the open edge shut and sew together to seal all 4 sides. This is your blanket – sewing a border around the outside roughly 1cm from the edge of the material works well for reinforcement as well as aesthetics. Hopefully, your arms will be laden with picnic goodies, so we think it’s a great idea to make a handle for your new picnic blanket. The first part of your handle acts as a wrap to hold the blanket together when it’s safely rolled up: • Cut 2 pieces of fabric long enough to wrap all the way around the middle of your blanket when it is rolled. (Ours is 64cm x 20cm.) • Follow the instructions above. • Create two small rectangular templates for button holes at the end of this piece of material. Cut through these templates to feed the buttons through later. • Sew your buttons in place at the other end of the wrapping material, directly below your button holes. You will then need to create a smaller handle to fix to the top of this fabric: • To make the handle for your blanket follow exact instructions without the wadding. (Ours measures 4cm x 20cm) • Fold 0.5cm of each end of the material and sew this onto the larger part of the handle. So, there you have it, roll your blanket up and off you go to enjoy the sunshine!Using elastic to shorten the hem or sleeves on a T-Shirt or top By Judith Turner
T-Shirts are one of our most comfortable articles of clothing, yet if they are too big can make us look bigger - sleeves can also be too long, and if you are like me you might prefer to wear three quarter sleeves rather than long. Try this simple and quick technique to shorten a tee using elastic. Diagram 1 - T-Shirt that is too long in the hem and sleeves.
Diagram 2 - Same T-Shirt with elastic sewn into the side seams, side seams of the inside arm seam and at the front of the neckline.
Hem
The elastic could be attached at the hip area only, or sewn up to the bust. Personally I prefer to attach all the way to the bust, because I am a size 14/16 and prefer to give the illustration I have a smaller waist than I really do.
If you want to gather all the way to the bust, cut 2 x 20 cm (8in) strips of size .6 cm (¼ in) elastic for the side seams. There are different grades of elastic on the market, so I do suggest you use a good quality elastic that will not lose its elasticity after a few washes.
- Pin the elastic just above the hem allowance onto the side seam and pin the opposite end 40 cm (16 in) up the side seam. Depending on the length of the tee shirt this should be near the underarm. The elastic should be half the amount you want to gather.
- Stretch the elastic and pop a pinin the middle between the top and bottom pin.
- Sew the elastic on using a zig zag stitch. Make the stitch width of the zig zag as wide as the elastic and make the stitch length medium to long in length. Repeat on the opposite side.
Sleeves
Elastic can be sewn just above the hem allowance up the inside arm on one side only, or you could attach a second row of elastic along the outside arm. If you go with the two rows, iron the sleeve with the inside arm seam ironed flat. This will create an iron line for you to follow on the outside arm.
The length of elastic used will depend on how high you want to pull the sleeve up, however if you want to only gather around the lower arm, cut 2 x 10 cm (4in) of elastic.
- Pin the elastic onto the inside arm seam 20 cm (8 in) above the end of the sleeve.
- Pin the opposite end of the elastic at the hem, then stretch the elastic and pin in the middle. Use the zig zag stitch to sew onto the seam allowance.
- If you are going to sew elastic onto the outside arm seam, cut another 2 strips. Even though there is no seam to attach to, you can sew through the middle of the elastic up the outside arm fold. In this instance I would suggest you use a straight stitch so that the stitching is not as noticeable on the outside.
If you want to create very puffy sleeves, add another row of elastic between the inside and outside arm on both sides.
Front neck gather
- Turn the garment inside out and cut the piece of elastic approximately 5 cm (2") in length and pin into place, making sure you have it in the centre. Do not begin to sew at the edge of the centre front. Begin the elastic at what will be the top once the seam allowance is folded over and sewn - this way the top of the elastic will be covered inside the seam allowance.
- Stretch the elastic tight and sew onto the front. The last 1cm (½ in) is for you to hold on to so it does not slip out of your fingers. The elastic should stretch to around 7.5 cm (3 in).
If you are looking for a book that helps you understand how to alter clothes, or would just like to learn a little bit more about altering for free, subscribe to my monthly newsletter at www.geniecentre.com. If you would like to ask me a question please email akagenie@bigpond.com
Happy altering, Judith aka genie.
Rowan Design Competition 2012
Rowan have just launched a hugely exciting design competition, inspired by the Olympics in London this year. The brief is simple – to produce an accessory design inspired by one of the nations taking part in this year’s Olympic Games. Photographs of all finished entries should be emailed to mail@knitrowan.com with the subject 'Design Competition' (closing date of May 31st 2012).
A shortlist of three finalists will then be drawn up by Rowan, with the prize to the competition being yarn up to the value of £150 to knit a garment of choice from the new Spring Summer 2012 collections.
The winning pattern will also be published as a Rowan design on KnitRowan.com – so this really is a unique chance to become a Rowan designer! There will also be a free Rowan Subscription membership for the winner and a friend – enjoy the luxury of having your Rowan Knitting & Crochet Magazine delivered direct to your door, along with a beautiful free gift!
The Wedding and Dress Fabrics Event
The Wedding & Dress Fabrics Event at all Stores, Friday 23rd March – Sunday 25th March 2012. BIG Discounts on wedding fabrics, dress fabrics and accessories. Gorgeous new Fabrics NOW IN – printed chiffons, ditsy prints, printed satins, vintage cottons … and so much more!* FREE Demos include Wedding Bunting, Fascinators, Satin Flowers & Bows and Tips & Advice on Making a Boned Bodice! Please see below for further details and event listings. * Please note that our Manchester and Hanley stores do not open on Sundays. All fabrics may not be available in all stores, please check before travelling. Free demos only at certain stores.
Time To Repair Your Curtains
We’re approaching the period where many homeowners begin to think about their spring-cleaning and the improvements they’re going to make to the rooms in the homes. A lot of people begin their renovations by purchasing new furniture or cushions – which can be a very costly process; leaving no money to purchase new curtains meaning you have to live with the tatty drapes that have been up for years.
But worry not, there is a very easily solution if this sounds like a problem you’re facing. Improving your curtains is something that anybody with a little bit of embroidery experience can do, and here’s how.
The first thing you could do if you’re repairing a part of your worn out curtains is to cut away the affected material and find a new piece of fabric to replace it with. This can be in any style you wish, not necessarily the same colour or design as the rest of your curtains. Attaching the new piece on will inevitably leave a join line, but you could decorate this with another piece of fabric to act as an eye-catcher, or use accessories such as sequins to cover the join and add extra glam to your drapes.
If you’re just after a revamp to inject some new life into your curtains, try sewing on some ribbon or thin strips of fabric to create your own design reflecting your tastes and making your old curtains fit with the new style you may have given your room.
Alternatively you can spruce up your existing curtains by adding ribbons or thin strips of fabric to each curtain ring that attract the eye of people in the room when they’re drawn. The extra sparkle and style will make your ageing curtains look brand new and right up with the current trends.
Or you could go with the “hippy” look and try dyeing them – provided they’re made of 100% cotton of course! Similarly you could try adding iron or sew on patterns and designs that will look fantastic when you shut the world out at night.
For some great fabrics and a range of accessories to help transform your curtains, visit your local Abakhan branch or browse our website. Should you have any questions about our products, contact your nearest store.
Free Delivery when you spend £35+
From Thursday 1st March you can enjoy Free Delivery (worth £5.99) when you spend over £35 online at www.abakhan.co.uk (applies to addresses within England, Wales and Mainland Scotland - excluding Highlands).
Delivery addresses within Northern Ireland, Isle of Man, Isles of Scilly, Scottish Highlands and Islands or the Channel Islands will receive a discount of £5.99 off the delivery charge. (Promotion expires at 23:59 on 31st March)
For full Terms & Conditions, please click here (opens in a new window)
How To Knit Your Own Scarf
Scarves are a must-have accessory and look great at any time of year. In winter they act as an extra layer of warmth, while the thinner versions add style to an outfit in the summer. The only drawback is because they are so in-demand and feature prominently in the “latest style” sections of the glossy magazines, the prices can be quite high. To combat this, we’re going to tell you how to knit your own scarf for a fraction of the high street price.
To help you to make your own scarf, we’ve come up with a simple guide using products available in the Abakhan range, ensuring that your project remains both stylish and affordable.
What You Need:
1. Yarn – ideally two or three colours to make an elaborate scarf, or just the one colour if you prefer the toned-down style. Thicker yarn will make for a quicker process and give you more warmth, whereas a thinner yarn is ideal for the style-over-warmth option.
2. Knitting needles – choose the size that most suits your knitting style and hand size. Obviously you don’t want anything you can’t handle and manoeuvre easily otherwise it will complicate the process unnecessarily. Thicker needles will help to speed up the process in association with a thick yarn.
3. Yarn needle – enabling you to thread your yarn through
4. Scissors – to cut the yarn to length and chop off any irreparable mistakes
What To Do:
1. Cast on ten stitches using your first coloured yarn. Knit for twelve rows. At this point you can either change to a second colour or continue with the one you’re using depending on what style you prefer.
2. If you’re going for a second colour, cut the yarn at this point leaving a 6-inch end. If not, skip this step and continue knitting until you reach your desired length.
3. Add a second colour of yarn to the first and start knitting. Hold the first six inches of the new yarn and the end of the first and do about five stitches.
4. At this point you should weave the loose ends into the pattern with a tapestry needle. Knit twelve rows with the second yarn.
5. If you choose, add your third colour and repeat the process.
6. Continue to do so until your scarf reaches your desired length and cast off your stitches.
7. At this stage, you should be left with your brand new hand-made scarf! Go out and make a statement!
To find the materials used in the making of this scarf, visit the dedicated knitting section of the Abakhan website or call in to one of our stores. Should you have any questions about the products in our range, you can contact us by calling your local branch or 01745 562133, or leave us an online message and we’ll respond to you as soon as possible.
Make Your Very Own Mittens and Keep Your Hands Warm and Stylish
The last few weeks have been possibly the coldest on Earth right? Ok, maybe that’s a slight exaggeration – but they’ve been pretty close! If you’re the sort of person who is always leaving the house without their gloves because you’ve left them in your other coat, you might be interested in our latest ‘how to’ guide, which is going to tell you how to make your own mittens using products available in the Abakhan range.
A lot of gloves and mittens available in high street stores just don’t appeal to consumers. In most cases, shoppers go in looking for a new pair and leave with a product that they don’t really like purely because it’s too cold to go without! By making your own out of stylish fabric you can personalise your hand wear to match your tastes, something you can’t do when buying from the high street.
What You Need
• Fabric
• Needle and Thread/Sewing Machine
• Pins
• Marker Pen
• Paper and Tracing Paper
What to Do
1. Draw around your hand onto a piece of paper and then use the drawing to create a neat, tidy template on a second sheet. Ensure that the template is slightly bigger than your hand to ensure that you can get the mitten on – this will be the size of the final product.
2. Cut out the template and use it to make a second template from another piece.
3. Lay out your chosen fabric and place the two templates on top. Line up the bottom of the templates with the bottom of the material and pin them in place for extra stability while you work.
4. Cut the fabric 1-2cm around the outside of the template, giving you the material you need to sew the edges together afterwards.
5. Repeat the process so you have to left hands and two rights.
6. Sew both pairs of glove shapes together using a sewing machine or a very small backstitch. Use the paper template as a guide and then cut any excess material 1-2mm away from the stitching.
You should then have your own pair of mittens to keep your hands toasty on those cold winter days! To get all your materials, visit your local Abakhan store or contact us to find out more information about any of our products.
Abakhan employee enters Embroiderers' Guild challenge competition with a piece entitled 'Or Nue Re-imagined
My name is Isobel and I have worked in the craft department of Abakhan Fabrics in Manchester for 20 years. Since the age of three I have been interested in needle-crafts, and embroidery in particular. In the autumn of last year I entered the Embroiderers’ Guild Challenge competition with a piece entitled ‘Or nué re-imagined’.
The challenge was to create an embroidered artwork using a piece from the Guild’s collection as inspiration - a visitors’ book by Margaret Nicholson stitched in the gold-work technique of ‘or nué’ (a form of couching).
I chose to respond to the brief by using a detail from the original design, but rendering it in a modern dynamic three-dimensional way; by deconstructing the technique into its constituent parts. I had the basic idea for the design fairly quickly,
but it took some time to work out the details and about two months to produce the piece. The stitches are done in stranded cotton, they wrap around vertical nylon filaments and gold cords which are stitched through a perspex box. I hope that with the finished piece I have managed to show respect for the traditional technique of ‘or nué’ whilst experimenting with its potential for new interpretation.
I was delighted that the judges liked my work and gave it the Valerie Campbell- Harding Award for best innovation. ‘Or nué re-imagined’ was exhibited on the Guild stand at the Knitting and Stitching shows at Alexandra Palace and Harrogate
in late 2011, and is now on display at the Embroiderers’ Guild headquarters in Surrey.
Cold On Top? Try Knitting Your Own Wooly Hat
The recent cold snap has taken many of us by surprise. In the UK you expect the snow and ice to arrive before Christmas – skipping the period where we actually want it to snow i.e. Christmas day – and disappear by mid-January. As is so often the case with the British weather, that hasn’t happened. A lot of people have been stuck in their villages with no way of getting to the nearest town or city to buy their winter essentials. Normally that would mean the world stopping around them, but there is an alternative to buying a new winter hat - knitting your own.
While many people will have put learning to knit onto their list of New Years resolutions and then forgotten about the whole thing, others are seeing the opportunity to make their own hats as the first step into achieving that goal.
Using some of the products from the Abakhan range, we’ve devised a plan to help you on your way to making your own wooly hats to keep you warm through the cold weather.
What You Need
• Needles – it goes without saying that needles are an essential for knitting. We recommend our 35cm x 10mm needles as these give the user much more to hang on to.
• Wool – again another essential part of making any wooly hat. By using even yarn beginners have a much better chance of success as it’s easier to work with than the more ‘knobbly’ form.
• A plan – by coming up with an idea before you start and then sticking to it, you’re much more likely to get your hat right. Problems occur when people attempt to change their plan halfway through a project so only start when you’re absolutely happy with it.
Key Terms There are a few terms and abbreviations associated with knitting. Some of the main terms are ‘cast’ which is to get the stitches on to the needle. Another is ‘knit’ – a basic stitch – and ‘purl’ is another basic stitch. Some of the abbreviations are a bit less clear to beginners. One of which is ‘k’ short for knit. ‘P’ relates to ‘purl’, ‘K2tog’ means to knit two stitches together and similarly ‘P2tog’ is to purl two stitches together.
What To Do With us so far? Right, well, here goes!
1. The Headband Cast on 36 stitches. For a fitted hat do eight rows of k3, p3 all the way to the end. For a baggier hat, increase that to ten or twelve rows but ensure it is always an even number.
2. The Middle Four, six or eight rows of stocking stitch (one row of knit stitch followed by one of purl stitch). Number will differ depending on the size of the hat but again – ensure it is an even number.
3. The Top Unlike the other two sections, the number of stitches here does not change. Row one – K2tog, K4 six times. Row two – P. Row three – K2tog, K3 six times. Row four – P. Row five – K2tog, K2 six times. Row six – P. Row seven – K2tog, K1 six times. Row eight – P2tog.
4. Cast Off and sew the sides together to finish.
By now you should have a very good wooly hat to keep you warm on those ventures out of the house into the arctic conditions outside. For more information on any of the products available at Abakhan, contact your local branch where the staff will be happy to help you with your enquiry. Good luck!
How to make a lingerie case by Sue Locke
You will need a piece of fabric and a piece of lining (each 55cm x 35 cm), a piece of contrast fabric (35 cm x 24 cm) for the flap and a small piece of felt and a vintage button.
To make the pattern
Draw out a rectangle on squared paper that is 30 x 51 cm. The longer edges are the sides. Now draw a line across the rectangle that is 10 cm down from the top edge. Now draw a curve from each side point and along the top edge. Next slash the pattern along the 10cm drawn line.
Cutting out
pin the remaining rectangle on your fabric and cut it out then do the same with the lining. Pin the curved pattern piece on the contrast fabric and cut it out twice.
Step to sew
1. With right sides together stitch the fabric to one flap piece. Then stitch the lining to a flap piece in the same way. Press open the seams.
2. With right sides together stitch the lining and fabric together leaving an opening. Turn to right side and press opening edges to the inside of the bag.
3. Working on the right side of the bag fold up the lower edge for 17 cm. Press lightly then topstitch the side edges together (to form the pouch).
4. Fold down the top flap for 10 cm (so a small amount of the fabric is showing above the contrast one), and press in place. Now topstitch around the flap.
5. Cut a flower shape from felt and stitch it on to the flap with a vintage button.
Sue Locke is a freelance writer and designer. She writes the monthly style pages for Sewing World magazine and designs fashion accessories. For more information or advice please contact Sue Locke - Click here to view Sue’s website.
Sewing for a weekend away
It seems that the television stations are currently awash with advertisements about exotic holidays and all with exotic prices. And travel companies know that about this time of year most people would just love to take a break. So if you find that a hot holiday is out of your budget range here are some wardrobe suggestions for a short break a little closer to home.
Firstly, at this time of year you will need a warm top layer. A jacket rather than a coat can be a more practical option for travelling. Fleece is an excellent fabric choice because it sews up quickly and easily. You won’t need to line your garment and you can finish your seams with pinking shears. For an interesting effect consider working a plain and printed fleece fabric together.
Casual trousers are essential and most people opt for denim. While you may prefer to buy a ready made pair do consider the benefits of making your own. The main advantage of making trousers is that you can create a really good fit. However many shapes of trouser a store offers it’s unlikely that a pair will fit you perfectly. You can also choose to add decorative finishes to your own denims. Add embroidery to pockets and highlight seams with contrasting thread. And never discard remnants of denim cloth. They are perfect for small accessories or an edgy trim on a neat jacket.
If you are travelling with hand-luggage-only then you’ll want garments that pack down easily. Tops made from jersey fabric are ideal. They’ll pack down very neatly and they are far less likely to crease compared to something like cotton. Take a simple T-shape top and make it up in lots of different colours. Add some simple appliqué for a distinctive finish. For evening you could sew one in black and finish the neckline with beadwork or rhinestones.
For a night out you’ll probably also want to include a smart dress. Again jersey can be ideal or you could use a plain polyester. You can simply dress it up with some loud jewellery. Make a simple fabric clutch in satin to add some glamour and again you can trim it with small crystal beads or seed beads.
If you like pretty underwear then you can make a camisole and pants in just a few evenings. For something really special make them in silk and trim the edges with lace and contrasting ribbon. Keep your pieces in a neat fabric case by making our design shown below.
Top tips for a weekend wardrobe
1. Make a jacket instead of a coat as it’s easier for travelling and choose fleece for a quick-to-make garment.
2. You might buy ready-made denims but making your own will ensure you have a perfect fit.
3. Look through the Abakhan fabric range for some lovely stretch material for your day tops.
4. Taking the time to add trimmings to your garments will give them that stand-out quality.
5. A week-end away is the perfect excuse to make some luxury lingerie.
Sue Locke is a freelance writer and designer. She writes the monthly style pages for Sewing World magazine and designs fashion accessories. For more information or advice please contact Sue Locke - Click here to view Sue’s website.
Do You Know Where Fabric Comes From? This Will Get Your Spider Senses Tingling
One of the most in-demand materials on planet earth, fabric has been used for a number of different purposes over years. Obviously, clothing and drapes are two popular uses, as are curtains and sofas, but many people are unaware as to where it actually comes from. Well, courtesy of an exhibit in London, they’re about to get a bit of a shock!
A cape created from golden silk spun by more than a million spiders is going on display in the Victoria and Albert Museum in the capital. The hand-woven garment and its partner, a four-metre long piece of brocaded fabric, took more than four years to create and involved around 1.2 million female Madagascan Golden Orb spiders.
Madagascar-based Simon Peers and Nicholas Godley made the cape, and they are the only large textiles to have been made from spider silk. The last known spider silk textile was made for a Parisian exhibit in 1900, but no examples are in existence today.
The spiders, which are not harmed in the creation of the pieces, are collected in the mornings and their silk harvested by trained handlers, before the eight-legged creatures are returned to the wild at the end of the day.
Peers said that he created the pieces, as he was “keen to show the spider silk textiles at the Victoria and Albert Museum, being the most appropriate place to premiere this work in Europe. The unique and historic costume and textile collections have been a constant source of inspiration over the years, and as we know, the museum has never before shown anything made from spider silk, despite its diverse collection of art.”
Many people love arts and crafts as a hobby, with people loving the opportunity to be innovative and unique. Everyone has a creative spark in them, whether it’s creating their own clothes, or stitching a breathtaking design into cushions. Either way, you can personalise your whole home with a bit of thought. To get your hands on some fine quality – but not spider-spun – fabrics, visit the Abakhan website. Should you have any questions about our range, or other products available such as beds, contact your local store.
Bolton store - Friday opening hours have changed
Please note that our Bolton store will now be open between (9:30am – 6:00pm) every Friday.
Pattern Cutting demonstration at our Liverpool store
A Free 'Pattern Cutting Demonstration' will be taking place at our Liverpool store this Saturday 4th February, 12pm - 3pm with Toni Bate.
So come along, pick up some tips and ask Toni if you have any questions. Please note that demonstrations are subject to change, so please check in advance if you are making a special visit.
Rihanna is searching for Britain’s most exciting new fashion designers
Rihanna is searching Britain for the next generation of raw, undiscovered designer talent and has hand-picked Girls Aloud star Nicola Roberts to head up the challenge for her.
Over eight weeks, twelve unknown designers will be challenged by Rihanna and Nicola to create outfits for a string of musicians and celebrities. The show will celebrate the extraordinary talent and creativity in the British fashion scene. With Rihanna, a fashion icon herself, and Nicola, who created her own Dainty Doll make-up range, at the helm, the show will recognise the increasing influence popstars have on mainstream trends.
The final challenge and ultimate task for the winner will be to design a unique stage outfit for Rihanna’s Wireless performance in Hyde Park in July 2012. The chance to dress one of the world’s most famous women for an event that will attract worldwide coverage is the perfect springboard for the aspiring designer’s future fashion career.
Executive producer, Rihanna said:
“I’ve always had a great love of fashion. It’s a constant source of inspiration in my life, and is a big reason why I’ve grown into the person and artist I am today. I have been very fortunate to work with some truly amazing designers and stylists throughout my career, and they have been instrumental in making sure my creative vision reaches the stage. I am excited to follow the journey of our aspiring contestants and see how their individuality influences their efforts during the course of the show.”
Nicola added: “I’m so excited for us to get started on finding a new up and coming British designer who just needs a chance, a little bit of help in getting their skills noticed. There are talented people, undiscovered because they don’t have the means, or their circumstances are too far away from the fashion world. This show is here to discover those people and give them a shot. I’m looking for someone who can think outside the box, and who isn’t going to give up at the first hurdle”
To take part visit Sky Living or email applications@twentytwenty.tv
Applications must be received by Sunday 5th February. Filming takes place over 8 weeks in the UK from April 2012.
Create your own Valentines Day Gifts
When it comes to Valentines Day, choosing the right gift can be particularly tricky. You need to show your partner how you feel about them – without spending less than they do on you – and also reflecting how they feel about you. For instance, if you turn up with a bouquet of garage forecourt flowers, and they buy you an expensive, personalised watch, you could find yourself single by the 15th February. For that reason, we’ve come up with some great ideas to help you make your Valentines gift at home.
Creating something from scratch allows you to put your heart and soul into the gift, with the recipient immediately aware of the effort you’ve gone to in order to make them the perfect present.
Going shopping for the perfect gift can be a chaotic process. You finally find yourself a couple of hours to hit the high street, (normally the day before), and after what seems like a week of window-shopping, you’re still uninspired. Unless you’re born with that unique trait of knowing exactly what to get your loved one, (please share it with me), making your own can be the way to go.
As mentioned earlier, you can show your loved one how you feel by making them something unique that you’ve poured your heart into, and there are several other advantages to making your gift. For instance, nobody knows your partner like you do. If you pop to the shops for a gift, it’s inevitable for the item you want to be unavailable in their favourite colour or size. By creating your own gift, you have the opportunity to make it according to the tastes of your partner, making it extra special for them.
It can also be a way of saving money, without it looking particularly inexpensive. Using materials bought from the Abakhan store, you can get everything you need for the perfect gift, such as wool, card, sewing patterns and accessories, without having to pay the over-the-top high street prices.
Still struggling for ideas? Well don’t tell your partner, but here’s a couple from us. Firstly, you could try making them some jewellery. If you’ve made it yourself, it’s certain to be unique, using the materials and colours they love, and you could customize it if you wish to let them know it’s from you, or include your Valentines message. Another option is to make them something for the home. If your partner is always talking about their love for throws or cushions in the living room, make them one to fit the décor of your home. Or if your partner loves to cook, you could make them something for the kitchen; They’ll need something to wear as they make the dinner! (Only joking!)
For all your essential accessories to make the perfect Valentines gift, including those mentioned here and anything you may already have in mind, visit or contact your local Abakhan store, or place an order online.
Get Knitting and be a Part of the 2012 Olympics
A lot of the United Kingdom will have applied – probably unsuccessfully – for tickets to this summer’s Olympics and Paralympics in London, and while there will be many travelling to the capital to take in the sights and sounds of the sporting showpiece, others will be confined to watching on the television. But there is a way for you to get involved – by knitting.
A shop in Ely in Cambridgeshire is giving locals the opportunity to participate in the national Woolsack competition, which is aiming to get people throughout the UK knitting special cushions to commemorate the games coming to London, with them being presented to the athletes taking part as a souvenir.
Ginette Herd, the co-owner of Yarn on the Square, said that “We’re trying to get as many people as possible to grab their needles and start knitting. These cushions will be presented to the athletes as personal gifts, so they can take a little bit of Britain away with them, whether they’ve been successful or not.”
The cushions can be made in any colour, and any size, but the one stipulation in place is that those involved must use British wool in their creations, giving the final product a true British feel.
So while others are putting up the bunting in the streets and settling down to watch the athletes fight it out for the glory, you can be doing your own special thing, and really contributing to the whole Olympic experience for the athletes. Creating something that reflects everything great about Britain will hopefully make the games truly memorable for those taking part, watching at the venues and in front of their television sets at home.
With the games fast approaching, knitters are being encouraged to get down to business as soon as possible, so if you want to be a part of the Olympics, get knitting!
To get yourself all the knitting equipment you would need to take part, visit the dedicated section on the website, or to find out more information about our products, contact your local Abakhan branch today.
Sewing Pattern Ideas for Men
Sewing can be one of those things that you’re either a whizz at, or something you’ll struggle with. Some people are able to pick up the needle and thread and start clicking away, finishing their creation in no time at all, while people at the other end of the spectrum are still pondering how to get started. Men are particularly difficult to buy anything for, which means sewing them something can be a great idea. Here are a few sewing pattern ideas that can help you create a great gift for the special man in your life.
Whilst women have a reputation as being tricky to buy for, men can actually be just as fussy. By sewing them something special, you can keep them in the loop and make sure that the sizes and colours are right. By doing it this way, you are able to ensure that the trousers reach the floor, (evenly), there is enough material in the body, and that the sleeves are the correct size. If you want to keep the gift a secret of course, you can try the clothes out on a friend or family member who is of a similar size.
Men’s pyjamas are particularly difficult to buy, usually because men resort to sleeping in their underwear or old clothes when they’re in bed. This means that you have no hints to go by in terms of their preferences for comfort and size. The first of our sewing pattern ideas is the ideal solution; giving you all the suggestions and directions you need to make a set of pyjamas and nightshirt for the man in your life. This means that you’re in a position to make something based around their exact measurements – or at least very close – rather than guessing. Also, you can make it according to their favourite colours, and won’t be restricted to what is on the hanger in stores.
Another useful sewing pattern for men is the boys and mens boxer shorts pattern. You can never have enough underwear. You can guarantee that over time you’ll lose underwear in the washing machine – nobody ever knows why – or a family member will claim them as their own. By making them, you’ll give the man in your life that little reason to think about you every time they get dressed in the morning.
For more sewing pattern ideas for men, visit our product page. Alternatively, you can contact your local branch – which you can find by clicking on the stores link – or give us a call on 01745 562133.
It was a pleasure instead of a difficulty
I'd just like to say how delighted I am with my purchases and the excellent service I recieved on my weekend order. Of course 70% off helped ;o) but the daylight lamps I purchased (for my Mum and me) made such a difference to my crafting last night - it was a pleasure instead of a difficulty. And the next day delivery and even a time slot was first class! Thank you very much!.
A Hayes, 11th January 2012
How to make a colourful bag by Sue Locke
Make It
Currently popular with A-list celebs a basic tote in a stand-out shade is a great way to inject some colour into your outfit. If you make it in a plain cream or white you can add your own design with fabric paint.
Materials
1. Cut out two rectangles in linen and two in a cotton print each 40 x 50 cm. The longer measurement is for the sides. Then cut two handles in linen each 60 x 10 cm.
2. With right sides together stitch the sides and bottom edge of the linen bag pieces together. Now do the same with the cotton print but making sure you leave a 20 cm opening in one side seam (this is for turning through later on).
3. Take one handle and along the longer edges press a 1cm turning to the inside. Then press the handle in half lengthways, enclosing the pressed edges. Now machine along each side of the handle. Repeat with the other handle.
4. Pin, then baste the raw ends of your handles to the top edge of your tote, positioning them an equal distance away from the centre on each side of the top edge.
5. With right sides together machine the lining and bag together along the top edge enclosing the handles as you sew.
6. Turn the bag through to the right side through the opening and then close the opening with machining to finish.
Sue Locke is a freelance writer and designer. She writes the monthly style pages for Sewing World magazine and designs fashion accessories. For more information or advice please contact Sue Locke - Click here to view Sue’s website.
A New Year and a New You - Freshen up your wardrobe by Sue Locke
It’s a tradition that most of us make promises to ourselves at the start of a New Year. We might be planning to lose weight, get more exercise or start a new hobby but have you ever considered re-vamping your wardrobe? Although we may spend a considerable amount of money stitching some beautiful garments, how often do we carefully co-ordinate them with our existing clothes? Or, for that matter how often do we get radical enough to clear away items that we really don’t need any more? I recently read an article by a Fashion Editor who said that we should all re-examine our wardrobe every two months. Well, that may sound a bit excessive but twice a year surely isn’t, and perhaps early January is a great place to start.
Getting Started
The first step to re-organising your wardrobe begins with removing every single item. Then, create three piles. One for garments to be discarded, another for those that can be re-cycled and a third for those you want to keep. Study the clothes you have, especially those you wear frequently and see if you have any colour themes. A really useful wardrobe of clothes needs a backbone shade. It could be black, charcoal grey, navy, brown or camel. Once you have chosen your backbone colour then you can start to build other shades around it. If you don’t have a backbone colour and use a random palette you will soon start to see how difficult it is for you to mix and match your clothes. At this point you may need to replace certain items and re-make them in your core shade. Garments such as a coat, a skirt suit with matching trousers, a plain shift dress, a casual skirt and a fitted jacket should all be made in your backbone colour.
Staying In Fashion
Once you have selected your essential items in your core colour then it’s time to add in some fabrics that are predicted to be the hot trends for 2012. For example you might like to make a beautiful lace shell top to wear with your skirt suit. Or, you could select a vibrant polyester floral print and sew it up in an over-sized shirt to team with your trousers. And if you have a plain shift dress then make it on-trend with a wide strip of colourful viscose in a hot new colour like deep red. Don’t forget that you can also use accessories for fashion accents. Make a large tote (see instructions in my other post), in a brightly coloured linen for maximum impact. Make a wrap around belt to top your plain casual skirt or sew a brightly coloured collar in a fleece fabric to team with your coat. By working to this method it is easy to see that you will always have something to wear and you can still add in the latest fabrics.
Styles to sew for 2012
1. Sahara colours are big news this year, so create something in a hot red or deep yellow to contrast with your backbone basics.
2. Following on from that foreign tribal prints are still with us. They are perfect for a casual week-end skirt.
3. A simple shift dress in pure white will take you to any number of occasions.
4. Invest in lace. It’s the perfect finishing touch for that floral blouse.
5. If you were a fan of the boho look then you’ll want to stitch up some gypsy-themed designs. Try an off-the-shoulder blouse in a bold red or cobalt blue.
6. And floral prints are still with us so you won’t go far wrong by adding a pretty print to your wardrobe.
7. Probably one of the biggest predicted trends this year is sportswear. Follow after top designer Stella McCartney and make a simple zip fronted jacket in white or gold to wear at the week-end.
Sue Locke is a freelance writer and designer. She writes the monthly style pages for Sewing World magazine and designs fashion accessories. For more information or advice please contact Sue Locke - Click here to view Sue’s website.
Measurements by Corrie Robinson
In my last piece we discussed how the height of a person dictates what kind of garment would suit them. Once you have chosen a sewing pattern, it is now imperative to make sure it will fit perfectly. You can take a number of measurements, all the way down to the length of their fingers - however, there are a few that must not be missed.
First measurement (for the female form) is the bust.
Now, I have always found that this is a really difficult size to take - many patterns request that you take the fullest part of the bust, then the upper bust, but I have never really understood where the upper bust is. Many moons ago I devised a method that so far has always worked and makes my life a little easier, I hope it works for you too!
Measure across the fullest part of the bust (with the person wearing the bra they would be wearing under the garment - a bra can change the bust measurements up to 2inches). Then measure directly under the bust and add these 2 measurements together, divide by 2, this will give you an average from both of them. e.g.
Fullest bust measurement - 36
Under bust measurement - 32
Added together - 68
Divide by 2 = 34 (This would give a size 12).
However, as in all dressmaking, it has an exception rule. If the 2 measurements are more than 4 inches in difference you need to increase the final measurement by 1" - when you are in between a size always go up to the bigger size as it can always be taken in, but can't be made bigger. (For the male form, you only need to take a single measurement across the chest).
Second measurement is the waist.
Now, with the waist it doesn't really determine any thing on the garment size, but it is a vital measurement to be checked against the pattern (especially if they are slightly rounded in the stomach area).
To find the waist you need to bring your finger down the side of the body and you will feel a slight indentation, just before we start to go out again over the hips. This indentation is the natural waistline and it is a lot higher than most people think, but to create a beautiful fit, the waist must sit on the waist.
Once you have a measurement, you need to go to the pattern pieces, on most you should see a line, marked with 'natural waistline'. What you need to do is measure across this line on all the pattern pieces that create the waisted area of your garment - don't forget when you add these together, you must take into account the seam allowances on each seam (this is usually 5/8ths of an inch). As long as this measurement is more than the body measurement, your piece will fit - if it's smaller, you must readjust the waistline to accommodate this. Usually, it's best to increase every multi-size seam by a small amount, rather than trying to extend on just one line - never try to change a solid seam line.
Third measurement - Back length.
This is taken from the nape of the neck (feel down from the hair line and you will be able to feel the first bump of the spine, this is where you want to place the tip of the measuring tape) down to the natural waistline. Feel down the back, making sure the tape is against the body, you will feel a dip in the spine before it comes out again. (If you can't feel the indentation then use the side as in the waist measurement).
15 and a half inches or less, then you must use the miss petite line.
16 inches and 17 inches, use normal.
17 and a half inches or more then you go on to miss tall.
- Miss petite, regardless of how much smaller the measurement is, you take out the same. Go to the pattern piece and you will see the miss petite line, this then usually has a box line above it. Fold the pattern on the solid line and place the folded edge on to the top line of the box. This should remove an inch on the body length.
- Miss tall, again regardless of how many inches longer the measurements are, you only need to extend by one inch. I recommend that you never cut your pattern pieces in half as it makes them more fragile and we want them to last as long as possible, so you can buy the next fashions, but keep the old for when they come back round again! To create a longer body form, pin up the top half of the pattern piece to your fabric, up to the shorten or lengthen line and using your chalk, place a small mark either side of the pattern piece, in line with the solid line, then place a second mark 1" lower. Cut out the top half of the garment and carefully unpin and move the pattern piece down so the solid line is now matching the second mark. Pin up and continue cutting out the garment, this will extend the body length by 1".
Fourth measurement - Hips
This measurement is used to determine size for any garment that falls from the waist, trousers, skirts etc. When taking a hip measurement, you must take in the fullest part of the backside. Keep the tape on the fullest part and allow the measuring tape to slightly drop as you come around to the front, making sure you are on the top of the thigh. Don't worry too much, using this method will make the measurement slightly bigger than the person, but this is so we have a little room for movement, the fabric on the hips is under a lot of strain, with sitting, bending,etc.
The final measurement is waist to required length.
When taking this measurement you want to make sure that the tape follows the curve of the backside, then drop to desired length.
Remember, these are only guides for your measurements. If you are ever unsure then always check the pattern piece itself. Another tip, which I always follow, is to line everything, this then allows you to cut out the whole piece in lining first. If the measurements or pattern is not correct, it doesn't cost the earth to replace and try again. However, as in most cases there is just a small adjustment required and you are already half way through your garment.
I hope my take on dressmaking is proving helpful, any questions or queries don't hesitate to ask on our Facebook page.
Regards Corrie Robinson
Click here to view Corrie Robinsons' website.
Choosing patterns - Lorna’s Top Tips
1. Be aware that the photograph or illustration on the front of the envelope will nearly always show a tall slim model and fashion drawings may elongate the body. Unless you too are this shape, remember that the finished garment may look a little different on you.
2. Check the pattern size chart before choosing the size required. For example, a size 10 dress from a shop is not necessarily the same as the size 10 of a commercial sewing pattern. Take hip, waist and bust measurements then compare them with the chart (normally on the back of the envelope although sometimes this information is printed inside) before cutting out the pattern pieces.
3. Multi-size patterns are very useful. Few people are a standard size and most people fall between two or more sizes. An example of this is someone with a size 10 bust, size 12 waist and size 14 hip (a classic pear shape) so a multi sized pattern allows the appropriate sizes to be cut giving a good fit when finished.
4. Take a look at the suggested fabrics on the pattern envelope. This is especially important when knitted or stretch fabric is suggested as it may be a pull on/pull off garment with no fastenings. Made up in a woven fabric, it might need a zip or button to get it on and off.
5. Check the difficulty rating stated on the pattern envelope if you are a beginner and choose an easy style.
For more information or sewing advice please contact Lorna Knight - Click here to view Lorna’s website.
Day Care Centre Gets Volunteers Knitting
After an article appeared in the Oxford Mail before Christmas, the John Radcliffe Hospital’s special care baby unit has been inundated with volunteers offering to knit special clothes for premature babies. Women at the Wantage Day Care centre began knitting the clothes for the tiny children back in 2007, and what started out as a few blankets, hats and booties has grown and grown, with regular deliveries of clothing now arriving at the centre.
Knitting is something that a lot of people enjoy doing as a hobby, opting for the enjoyment and challenging nature associated with the pastime, anxiously waiting to finish so they can marvel at what they’ve spent, in some cases, weeks or months creating.
When it comes to a new born baby, you can almost guarantee that the parents will be inundated with gifts including various items of clothing – with many knitted by the friend or family member – but the problem with premature babies is that they are often much smaller, so the baby clothes available in stores are simply too big for the child. This project has helped the parents find a solution to their clothing issues, and the coordinator of the project, Margaret Fell, has admitted that she has been “overwhelmed” by the support and donations they have received.
She told the Oxford Mail that “Mums often come to the unit underprepared, but these kind people have helped to clothe many children, and shown extraordinary skill in doing so.”
Many of the volunteers saw the article in the newspaper and rushed to help the unit out with their project. Knitting, after all, is a hobby that can be very fulfilling, but it isn’t restricted to making things just for yourself at winter or whenever your child needs a new wooly hat.
As all knitters will know, you get a real thrill out of completing a project and seeing the face of the recipient when you hand it over to them. The love and effort involved in creating a unique garment almost adds an extra layer of warmth to it, and by helping out premature children and their parents, you’ll be able to feel as though what you’ve done has really made a difference to someone’s life.
For more knitting news and for all the accessories you could possibly need for your next project, visit the dedicated section on the Abakhan website. Simply click the link here and you’ll be taken to the store. Alternatively, give us a call today on 01745 562133 to speak to one of our members of staff.
Choose a Fabric and Create your Fancy Dress Costume
The Christmas and New Year period is a time of celebration, with friends and families getting together to exchange presents or to go out and watch the New Year arrive in style with a beverage or two. At these times, many choose to hit the town for the party atmosphere, while others throw house parties with only their nearest and dearest invited round to share the festivities, with many of these parties having a fancy dress theme.
But for many this poses a big problem. How do you come up with a unique costume for the party that (a) nobody else is going to be wearing, and (b) doesn’t cost the earth? You make your own of course!
At fancy dress parties, you can spend upwards of £50 each time on a costume, either renting one from a store, or buying one online that you’ll quite possibly never wear again seems a bit of a waste of money, particularly when you’re a dab hand with a needle and thread. With plenty of fabric available either online or in shops, you have the creative freedom to create a costume that will definitely be unique, and provide a real talking point at the party.
Part of the whole fancy dress party experience is to get people talking with your costume, so you’ve got nothing to lose. If you’ve gone to the expense of splashing out on a spaceman or princess costume in the past, only to see someone there wearing the exact same one, you’ll appreciate how infuriating that can be.
Creating your own costume out of fabric and with a needle and thread or sewing machine can also be the ideal last-minute fix. Going down to a fancy dress shop or trying to order online around Christmas and New Year is bound to end with you buying a costume you don’t really want because all the others are sold out. Making one yourself allows you to make the necessary alterations before you leave the house for your night of fun.
At Abakhan, our fabric range is extensive and covers all kinds, from lace to imitation leather, and jersey knits to 100% cotton. To find out more information about any of our products or to find out what we have in stock, contact us today by calling your nearest branch, which you can find by clicking here.
Give the Perfect Gift with Fabric from Abakhan
Christmas is a time for giving, and also for wandering around the seasonal markets, taking in the smells of German sausages and roasted chestnuts. If you go to one of these Christmas markets, you’re likely to see a number of stalls selling homemade fleeces, jumpers, hats, gloves, the lot. You name it, they probably sell it.
What makes these stalls so popular and successful is the homemade factor. Getting hold of the right fabric and making something for a friend or loved one will certainly put a smile on their face when they open their present on Christmas morning.
The trends at the moment seem to be around the wooly hats with the animal faces and the dangly parts over the ears. Unfortunately, such is their popularity that the major stores have started producing their own and the prices have consequently gone up. So what’s the alternative? Paying over the odds for it? That’s just silly. Order the fabric and make it yourself and give the recipient something you know they will love.
You know the person better than the retailer, who might not stock their favourite animal hat, so by making it yourself you have the opportunity to personalise it for your loved one. At Abakhan we stock everything you would need to make it, so the rest is down to you.
The person you give the gift to is not only guaranteed to love what you’ve made for them, but they’ll really appreciate the effort you’ve gone to. After all, it really is the thought that counts.
To find out more information on our range of fabric and other essential accessories for all your home requirements, such as curtains and knitting equipment, get in touch with Abakhan by clicking here to find the details for your local branch.
The Clothes show live by Charlotte Liddle
For the second year running the clothes show dedicated a section of the exhibition to sewing, knitting and stitching - better known as Skintch! I was lucky enough to be part of the Sknitch area leading daily demonstrations on the inspiration stage, showing people quick and easy ways to customise clothing and accessories. With over 180 thousand visitors, the idea of the Sknitch area is to inspire young people to get crafting and to show that all of these traditional textile techniques can be fun, satisfying and thoroughly modern.
There were many stands in the area including industry magazines such as the lovely Molly Makes, leading knitting and crafting brands like to Rowan and Coats Crafts, as well as lots of smaller companies selling re-worked vintage clothing and accessories.
I was working on behalf of Coats Crafts and my job was to present six demonstrations per day, engaging visitors and ultimately showing how easy it can be to transform old or unused clothing. We designed our show with a ‘Ready Steady Cook’ type feel about it. A member of the audience was chosen to challenge the designer (which was me) and we were given 15 minutes to customize an item. Overall the shows were a success, we had various volunteers from students, to seasoned crafters, teachers as well as editors from magazines join us on stage. I was keen to promote the idea of re-use, re-work and recycle and to do this I showed how to transform zips into flowers, jeans into skirts, trousers into purses as well as suggesting many way to embellish these thrifty projects. I covered some of my favourite techniques such as appliqué with bondaweb, free motion and reverse embroidery and embellishing with beads and sequins.
If you love shopping and crafting then the clothes show is defiantly worth a visit, there are many fashion and beauty stands selling bargains but with the expanding Sknitch area you can now try your hand at new techniques, buy one off pieces of designer clothing or simply come away with inspiration and ideas for future projects. Go on - book your tickets in advance for next year!
Deck the halls with…knitting and crochet! Sarah Neal (Editor, Let's Knit Magazine)
This year knitted Christmas decorations have been all over the high street, as everyone from M&S to John Lewis seem to have woolly baubles and crocheted Christmas trees in their seasonal range. Of course, there’s no need to spend store prices or have the same as everyone else when it’s so easy to make your own! I’ve seen some lovely designs in the shops, my favourites being Norwegian-style baubles featuring traditional Fair Isle snowflake patterns, hanging stars in jaunty stripes, crocheted Christmas puddings and miniature knitted mittens. Having oversplurged on decorations in previous years, this year’s budget for new festive goodies is close to zero, but luckily for me these knitted versions are all very simple makes for those with a little knitting know-how.
Knitted baubles by Anniken Allis
For baubles and stars you can use a pre-made base - spun paper or polystyrene shapes start from as little as 5p - or alternatively you can stuff your shapes with oddments of cheap knitting yarn. Baubles are most easily made in the round on double pointed needles. To create the spherical baubles shape you need to start with a small number of stitches that’s divisible by four and divide equally over your four needles. After doing a couple of foundation rows, work m1 increases at both ends of each of your four needles on every other row (you’ll probably not have enough stitches to do this on the first increase row so just work one increase) until your knitting is the same circumference as the widest part of your bauble. Work a few rows without shaping and then start decreasing in the same way you increased, working one at each end of every needle on alternate rows until you are down to the same number of stitches you began with (if you’re working with a foam shape you’ll need to insert it before the opening gets too small! Otherwise, stuff after your last row before fastening off, then cut the yarn and thread it through the remaining stitches to close the gap). If you want to add motifs, chart them out so that they fit between the increases and decreases. Alternatively you can darn them on afterwards using the Swiss darning method of working over the top of the knitted stitches.
For star decorations you can simply knit ten identical diamond shapes using increases and decreases to create the shape, then join pairs back to back to make five arms and stitch them all together in the centre. Decorative variations could be stripes, beading and embroidery.
A crocheted Christmas pudding is a fun additional to a tree and spherical shapes are easy to create in crochet. If you have ever made an amigurumi character then you’ll be familiar with the method! If not then it’s quite possible to create a spherical shape just by making a tube and cinching in the top and bottom edges with plenty of stuffing in the middle. Decorate with a crocheted circle of icing, add holly leaves cut from felt and ruby red beads as berries.
Miniature mittens are admittedly a bit trickier than the other makes here but you can always do what a friend of mine did and cheat! Knit a simple mitten shape with a gap for the thumb and then stitch a simple knitted thumb on afterwards. You can have them done in an evening so there’s plenty of time before the big day. And it’s not every day you can find an activity that will entertain the kids, costs very little and is also the height of fashion!
Happy knitting! Sarah Neal (Editor, Let's Knit Magazine - www.letsknit.co.uk/).
Are You Choosing the Right Fabric?
Creating something at home can be a real challenge, but for a lot of people, making your own clothing and upholstery can be a real source of enjoyment and relaxation. Getting your knitting needles out and making a loved one a new winter scarf, or designing your own curtains, there are so many different things you can do. But are you using the right fabric in your creations, and are you getting the right amount? After all, you don’t want to go through all that effort only to find that you’ve used the wrong material or that you’re half a foot short.
Just like when you bake a cake, you want to ensure you have all the ingredients before you start, otherwise you get halfway through and realise you’re missing a key part – disaster. At Abakhan we specialise in providing everything you need to make whatever it is you’ve set your heart on creating, then it’s down to you to get the right amount and the correct materials. Choosing the right, or wrong fabric can make or break your creation, so taking your time over your choice and doing your research will really pay dividends.
Taking curtains as an example, it makes sense to measure the area where you plan to hang them, both horizontally and vertically, to make sure that you know exactly how far down the wall they’re likely to hang, and whether or not the amount you choose is going to cover the whole window.
Once you’ve established how much you need to make your new curtains, you need to decide on the material you’re going to use. With so many options out there, from linen to velvet and cotton to satin, sometimes you just never know what to use until you’ve got it wrong once or twice. However, when you get it right, the final result can be fantastic, and creating your own can save you huge sums of money that you would have spent in a store.
Finding a way of coordinating the colour of your new curtains with the room you’re putting them up in will give the room a vibrant and stylish feel, leading visitors thinking you’ve had a professional interior designer round!
To get the fabric you need for your next creation, look no further than Abakhan. With various sizes, colours and materials in stock, you’re sure to find everything you need either in one of our stores or online. To find out more, click here to find the contact details for your nearest store.
Stop the gaping on shirts with a button by Judith Turner
Diagram 1 - Gaping at bust
For those of us with generous busts, the embarrassment of a gap in our shirts around the bust area is usually fixed with a safety pin - not the best way to fix the problem! Press Studs are an option; however they usually pop at the most inconvenient time. Try this technique I came across from a uniform shirt manufacturer.
The label on the shirt said "THE WONDER BUTTON" - No gaping! Intrigued to see what this was all about, I searched for a new wonderful invention, only to find that all they had done was sew a button and buttonhole in between the buttons at the bust (but the button and buttonhole was reversed). In other words, instead of the buttonhole being on the right hand side, it was on the left, and the button was attached to the underside of the buttonhole panel.
Diagram 2 - Concealed button
It works fantastic. The button is slightly smaller, which means the buttonhole can be slightly smaller, and because of the position the section does not gap. Try it on an old shirt and see for yourself.
The button will have to be sewn on by hand, so that the fabric is not caught at the top, and for that you can use four threads rather than one.
Diagram 3
If you are looking for a book that helps you understand how to alter clothes, or would just like to learn a little bit more about altering for free, subscribe to my monthly newsletter at www.geniecentre.com. If you would like to ask me a question please email akagenie@bigpond.com
Happy altering, Judith aka genie.
Christmas & New Year store opening hours
Please note that Abakhan stores will be operating as normal during the Chrismas & New Year period, apart from the exceptions below. Saturday 24th December 2011 - All stores closed. Sunday 25th December 2011 - All stores closed. Monday 26th December 2011 - All stores closed. Tuesday 27th December 2011 - All stores 10am - 4pm (Mostyn 9:30am - 5:15pm). Saturday 31st December 2011 - All stores 9:30am - 3pm Sunday 1st January 2012 - All stores closed. Monday 2nd January 2012 - All stores 10am - 4pm (Mostyn 9:30am - 5:15pm). For store details please click hereChristmas sewing projects
Abakhan Christmas Makes
Hi, I’m Kerry and I blog at verykerryberry. In October, I was lucky enough to win a fantastic Christmas sewing competition, kindly sponsored by Abakhan and i was offered the chance to do a little write up here! I live a lot of my sewing life online and now that we are less than a month away from Christmas I thought the best thing to do would be a little round up of free tutorials from all around the sewing blog world!
So working clockwise from top left- here are the links!
1. The first is my winning competition entry- a Scandinavian Christmas Tree cushion. You can find the instructions for that here.
2. Number two is another one of mine - a mini tote, great for young children, this is a super quick project. I think it takes longer to cut out than it does to sew and you could use any design you like.
3. Next, there is a cute mini organiser designed by Leila from Where the Orchids Grow. I am making this for my daughter, a great little scrappy project.
4. Now for something perfect for the season, Christmas bunting by the uber talented UK blogger Lynne of Lily’s Quilts I could happily hang this every Christmas!
5. The next two designs are from Amy, who blogs at During Quiet Time. I never quite know how Amy manages to fit in her creative endeavours between the needs of three children and come up with beautiful designs like these, but I do know that I just have to make the Dresden bag, I need one of these!
Design 1 &
Design 2
6. Hadley of Flying Blind on a Rocket Cycleis another UK blogger who came up with this super useful tutorial for a quick and easy present entirely form your scraps. Your imagination is the limit with this key fob tutorial.
7. The final two designs are from one of my favourite bloggers. If you haven’t already come across Ayumi’s blog Pink Penguin, you are in for such a tutorial. These are just two of here fun and pretty tutorials for lovely handmake zakka gifts.
Design 1 &
Design 2
I hope you have enjoyed a little trip around the sewing blog world and now its time to get sewing, my plans are far greater than the time I have available but that is the case every year! Thanks Will for the opportunity to spend a little time over at the Abakhan blog! I only wished I loved closer to a store of Abakhan’s, I am jealous of all of you who do! Many thanks Kerry - verykerryberry
Home for Christmas - Festive furnishings by Sue Locke
There is something inviting about a home that is dressed for Christmas. And whether you are having an intimate time with just a few friends or a large gathering, some festive touches will certainly help to set the scene. Here are a few suggestions that you might like to try.
The hallway
This is the first area that your guests will see so it’s worth taking the time to make it look attractive. If you have a spindle staircase you could wind lengths of different coloured ribbon around the poles. Use bright red and gold together and finish each one with a fancy bow. Create a low light in the hall with a lamp that has a fabric shade & if you pick an inexpensive red cloth one you can then add some handmade fabric flowers made from coiling lengths of leftover ribbon. If you have a hall table with a vase of Christmas flowers then make a pretty quilted mat - you can do this by simply sewing two circles of red curtain fabric and some wadding together (about the size of a dinner plate) remembering to leave an opening. Turn your mat to the right side, close up the opening and create a quilt pattern with the straight stitch on your machine.
The dining room
Traditionally this is the room that everyone expects will boast some colour at Christmas. If you have the time you could make some fresh seat cushions. Use foam seat pads and make some covers in a pretty tartan fabric. When your table is not in use you can decorate it with a runner (see the instructions below). You can co-ordinate the runner with your chairs by using a plain red cloth and finishing it with gold tassels and ribbon.
Festive place mats are quick and easy to make and will instantly give your table a facelift. For each one cut two rectangles in plain fabric and wadding, pin all the surfaces together with the right sides of the fabric facing outwards & then cover the outer raw edges with binding in a contrasting colour - finish by hand sewing the initials of each guest in the corner.
The sitting room
To make your sitting room cosy add in some fur fabric throws - they are practical and stylish. Either buy ready-made ones or make your own to fit the exact size of furniture. Add some colour to your soft seating areas with some Christmas cushions. Either buy or make some plain coloured covers, then, using machine embroidery with a hoop , try some free stitching working with a contrasting thread. You may like to practice on some scrap fabric first.
A child’s bedroom
Every child wants their room to look magical at Christmas. Start by making some bunting with them. First, using Christmas biscuit cutters, trace out some shapes on felt then cut them out. Take a long length of red ribbon and glue the felt shapes at intervals all the way along the strip. Make sure you leave enough room at each end of the ribbon to tie it up.
You could also make a fabric advent wall hanging. First cut a large rectangle in stiff cardboard then cover it with plain fabric using glue. Cut out 25 small squares in red and green felt. Arrange the squares on the fabric and make pockets by gluing three of the sides in place. Edge the board with narrow gold ribbon and finish by slipping a small chocolate into each pocket. Make a pretty bed cover by using a large rectangle of plain dark blue fleece. Finish the edges with machining. Draw out a crescent moon shape and cut it out in yellow felt. Then cut out a number of differently sized stars in white felt and glue them to the throw.
Top tips for Christmas styling
1. Using a colour theme is a great way to give your handmade furnishings more impact.
2. Items such as covered seat pads and throws, made in plain colours or tartan, can be used even after Christmas has finished.
3. This is a great time of year to get your children interested in sewing and crafts so involve them in some of your simple projects.
4. Start your furnishing pieces early so they’ll be completed before your gift buying.
5. If you want some Christmas templates use biscuit cutters or images from children’s colouring books.
How to make a Christmas table runner
MATERIALS
To find the quantity you need, measure the length of your table and then add a drop to each end. Then decide how wide you want your runner to be. Add a seam allowance to both of these measurements . Choose a firm cotton fabric or linen.
50cm of Christmas novelty fabric, featuring small motifs such as Christmas trees, snowmen etc
Firm iron-on interfacing
2 gold Tassels
Narrow gold ribbon
STEPS TO SEW
1. Make a paper pattern to the size you require your runner to be. Then create a point at each end.
2. Lay your pattern on your fabric and cut out twice.
3. With right sides facing stitch the pieces together leaving an opening.
4. Trim the seams and around the pointed ends and turn runner to right side.
5. Close the opening with hand stitching.
6. Take your gold ribbon and pin it to one side of your runner 2cms in from the finished edge. Machine it in place.
7. Cut out your Christmas motifs and iron interfacing to the wrong side. Position your motifs on your runner (equal distances apart). Then using a small zig-zag stitch work round the edges to hold them in place. Don’t forget to keep your needle down but lift your presser foot as you turn each corner.
8. Hand sew tassels to each pointed end to finish.
Sue Locke is a freelance writer and designer. She writes the monthly style pages for Sewing World magazine and designs fashion accessories. For more information or advice please contact Sue Locke - Click here to view Sue’s website.
Charity Shop: Sewing With A Difference
One of the hallmarks of most town centres is that there will be at least one street on which the charity shops are based – usually four or five of them in a row. However, one particular shop is setting themselves apart – and is using the magic of haberdashery to do so! The Birdcage in Skipton has been the focus of an article in the Yorkshire Post, and it’s easy to see why. As well as the usual bric-a-brac you’d expect to see in any charity shop, there are also a variety of sewing machines, knitting wool, a dress-maker’s dummy and many other knitting and sewing accessories. Behind Closed Doors, the Leeds Charity who are responsible for the birdcage, are keen to point out that the difference between their project and other charity shops is entirely intentional. Louise Tyne, Behind Closed Door’s manager said that: We don’t want to be just any other charity shop on the high street. It’s about harnessing the creative skills in the local community and giving people an opportunity to express themselves creatively; and also to share their skills and their experiences.’ ‘As an organisation we recognise the need to be sustainable and to generate income but we wanted to do it in such a way that the actual enterprise itself had a purpose so it’s not a typical charity shop.’ The aim of the community enterprise is to raise funds for those who have suffered from domestic violence. Needless to say, we here at Abakhan applaud using such a wonderful hobby for such a great cause. Good on them! To view our wide range of knitting accessories , click the link here .A Stitch in Time by Laura Cruickshank (Editor of Sew Magazine)
The night's have drawn in and the To Do list is starting to fill up with all manner of tasks for the festive season. Whilst I daydream of spend chilly winter afternoon's sitting in front of a log fire, supping hot chocolate and delicately hand quilting a fabulous throw, somehow this never seems to fit in with the reality of my busy daily schedule.
Like many creative folks, I find the process of stitching just as enjoyable and rewarding as the finished piece – so, how do you manage to find the time to fit in a creative hobby in amongst work, feeding the family, grocery shopping and walking the dog?
It seems to me that during the busy winter months, when we all feel as though we are pulled in a million different directions at once, while we'd love to create large scale heirloom projects, it is often more realistic to work on something a little smaller or certainly more portable than that king size quilt!
I began pondering what new sewing project I could work on, something that could be fitted around my busy day – or even better, one that fitted into my handbag. I was looking for something that can be picked up during a quite five minutes, that I could carry around with me or that didn't require sitting up in my sewing room, away from that roaring log fire. Then it came to me - why not try some needlepoint?
With so many beautiful options from including ready-to-stitch cross stitch kits, a large scale tapestry design or work up a few embroidery motifs I was really spoilt for choice. For me, needlepoint projects are fantastic for getting that stitching fix during busy times. My top tip to maximising your sewing time is to keep your work in progress stowed in a work basket by the side of the sofa or carry it around with you in your favourite crafty tote bag, so you can dip into it whenever you have a few minutes to spare. By keeping these portable projects at your fingertips, you will be amazed at how quickly your make will progress by simply picking it up when you get the chance and working a few stitches.
With the end of my first cross stitch of the winter season in sight, I'm already looking for my next needlepoint project! What designs, kits and motifs are keep your creative juices flowing this wintertime?
Happy Stitching! Laura Cruickshank (Editor, Sew Magazine - www.sewmag.co.uk).
Dressmaking Courses: What To Expect
If you’re trying to decide whether it’s worth you investing in a dressmaking course (and it isn’t a decision you should take lightly), there are many things that you should consider. Hopefully our run-down on the things you can expect will help you decide whether it’s the right investment for you: Firstly, you should definitely expect to spend some time working with a sewing machine, so if the idea rather alarms you, either consider yourself warned or don’t attend the course! Sewing machine skills are essential when it comes to creating dresses (doing so by hand would take ages), so don’t be surprised when you walk into a room full of them! You’ll also be getting involved in designing a range of different types of dresses, so if you’ve only ever created dresses of a specific kind before, be prepared to get a bit out of your comfort zone. Obviously, once you’re used to it you’ll be a far better dressmaker than you started, so it’s well worth the effort. Also, if you’ve never really done much fabric work before, be prepared to work with quite a wide variety of kit, including fabric scissors, pins, needles, thread and the like. Obviously it’s likely you’ll have carried out some form of needlework before, but just in case you haven’t – be prepared! To find out more about dressmaking courses, give Abakhan a call.Do It Yourself: How Dressmaking Courses Can Benefit You
There can’t be many more interesting ways to spend an evening than by working on a dress that’s entirely your own creation. After all, that’s how all of the greatest fashion designers started! However, if you’ve never really tried out any dressmaking courses before, you might be unsure about how they can benefit you. Well, read on, and we’ll tell you! It’ll mean you can share your creativity and become inspired. Whilst the technical side of dressmaking is without doubt important (it’s only a dream until it’s made!), it’s nothing without that spark of ingenuity that creates the design itself. Being around others with a passion for dressmaking will further ignite your passion for this unique skill. It’ll teach you the technical skills you need. Alright, this is sort of a contradiction with the above, but we promise it makes sense! Just as technicality without inspiration can be unvaried, creativity without technicality can be rather messy! A good tutor will be able to help you improve your existing technique as well as learning new ones, making you a more confident dressmaker all round. Finally, whilst it might not be a haberdashery reason as such, it’s a great way to meet people who have the same passion for fashion and creativity that you do. Dressmaking courses are taught by people who love what they do, and taught to people who love what they do. Get involved, and you won’t regret it. To find out more about how dressmaking courses can benefit you, get in contact with Abakhan now.Clothing Alteration Secrets Revealed
If only we could walk into any store and buy off the rack, having the garment fit our body shape without any adjustment necessary. The reality is that we are all different body shapes and that means all off the rack garments are not going to fit. But it does not mean that the garment cannot be altered to fit your body shape.
Successful clothing alterations comes from pinning the garment correctly, preparing the garment so that it can be sewn in the exact position it was pinned and finally sewing the garment, then putting it all back together.
If a garment is loose fitting and does not need to be fitted over the body either at the upper body, waist or lower body, then guessing how much to take it in can work. But when you get into the area of taking a garment in over the bust, under the arm, waist or hip then accuracy is extremely important. And that means accuracy in the pinning, preparing and sewing. Which is where the book 'Clothing Alteration Secrets Revealed' comes in.
Successful clothing alteration is only achieved by following a technique that allows for 100% accuracy each time. This is how I can have many people working in my clothing alteration shops, with each person could work on a different task, whilst using the same method. Any person can pin the garment and prepare the garment, because it was prepared the same way and finally anyone could sew the garment, because the same method was used for everyone.
The most common mistake in clothing alteration shops is allowing each person to guess on how it will be altered and "letting them loose" on someone's clothes. The horror stories of how a garment had been destroyed because someone "tried" to alter it without fully understanding what they were doing.
If you are looking for a book that helps you understand how to alter clothes, or would just like to learn a little bit more about altering for free, subscribe to my monthly newsletter at www.geniecentre.com. If you would like to ask me a question please email akagenie@bigpond.com
Happy altering, Judith aka genie.
Take a Dressmaking Course with Abakhan
Having the ability to design and create clothes is not only a skill but an art. It is many a females’ dream to be able to have a perfect, one of a kind dress that is unique to her and no one else. Now with Abakhan , you can make that dream a reality with our avant-garde, creative and inspirational dressmaking courses
With Christmas and the party season fast approaching, what better way to attend an occasion but with a one of a kind dress. Or if dressmaking is not your cup of tea, but you have a friend or family member who is a budding fashionista, then why not buy one our bespoke dressmaking courses for a loved one this Christmas?
With a variety of courses available from our beginner, intermediate and advanced courses to our ‘Tips and Trim’s’ course that predominantly focuses on a variety of techniques, there is a dressmaking courses for any female no matter her age or ability.
Why not turn your hobby into professional status with our ‘Hobby to Professional’ dressmaking course? The ‘Little Black Dress’ course is a fabulous experience for any female determined to make her own ‘little black dress’. Is there a little girl in your life who you know would love nothing more than to look like a princess? Then why not attend our ‘Little Girls Party Dress’ course and turn a dream into a reality.
Our inspiring dressmaking courses range from £25+ and are available at a variety of locations on a number of different dates. Buy today, and no matter your level in dressmaking, you will be provided with the very best skills and knowledge to create the perfect, one of a kind, fabricated dress.
For more information on any of our courses, contact Abakhan by calling 01745 562 100, or pop into your local branch. Click here to find yours.
Making a fascinator is “allsorts” of fun! By Vicky Sowerby
Hello again, I hope you’re all OK and having fun with your sewing projects. For this week’s blog post I thought I’d tell you about a fun fascinator headband I made for the Ascot Ladies Day I attend. Every year my friends and I get all dolled up and go to a local hotel to coif champagne, have a bet on the races and enjoy a lovely meal. Obviously in previous years I spend a lot of time hunting for the perfect outfit but with my no shopping rules I made my outfit this year. I spotted this fabulous liquorice allsorts fabric on line and knew it would be perfect for me. I made my dress using Vogue pattern V8667. The beauty of making your own dress is that you can then make matching accessories with your spare material. This headband was really easy to make so let me tell you more about how I did it.
I picked up a cheap plain hairband and covered it in the same fabric as my dress. To make the main part of the fascinator I cut out two very large circles, one of the liquorice allsorts fabric and the other of shocking pink chiffon, I layered the chiffon over the allsorts fabric and then ran large stitches round the edge of the circle. Before pulling the stitches tight I placed some wadding in the centre thus giving it some height. What you end up with when you’ve pulled the stitches tight is something called a fabric yo yo and there are lots of online instructions for this but I first saw it on Heather Bailey’s site, click here to see the tutorial. I placed a slightly smaller yo yo made out of just the liquorice allsorts fabric on top and then before glue gunning the yo yos to the headband I gathered some gorgeous turquoise netting and placed it in between. The netting is basically a long strip folded in half and then a running stitch along the edge pulled tight. I couldn’t resist topping it off with some real liquorice allsorts but you wouldn’t believe how many I had to eat to get the blue and pink ones!
I really love making fascinators and headbands, why not check out some of my other projects on the crafting section of my website.
Thanks for your lovely comments on my last post, I love hearing what you think of my posts so don’t be shy….leave me a comment. See you all soon! Vicky
How to make a 'Vintage Lace Scarf' by Sue Locke
Materials
18 cm x 148 cm piece of white lace and white chiffon (for lining)
1 ½ m of white lace trimming
Honey coloured beads
Small quantity of velvet
Steps to sew
1. With the right sides together bring your lace and lining strips together. Machine all the way round leaving a small opening.
2. Turn scarf to the correct side and close opening with hand stitches then press lightly.
3. Machine or hand-sew the lace trim all the way round the scarf.
4. To create a sepia colour (that will look vintage), make a dye solution from tea bags and hot water. Test the dye by dropping a scrap of lace trimming into the dye and leaving it there until you have achieved the depth of colour you require. Now soak your scarf.
5. Gently squeeze out all the water and roll in a towel to remove further moisture.
6. Leave the scarf to dry.
7. Using purchased beads (or those from discarded jewellery), sew them on each end of your scarf & finish by making and adding small velvet flowers.
Sewing tip - You can colour-match your scarf to your dress by using a commercial dye.
Sue Locke is a freelance writer and designer. She writes the monthly style pages for Sewing World magazine and designs fashion accessories. For more information or advice please contact Sue Locke - Click here to view Sue’s website.
TOP TIPS for dressing up by Sue Locke
The party season is almost here so what do you choose to make? Do you opt for something understated and simple or do you push the boat out and shimmer in sequins ? The truth is that it all depends on the type of event you are attending.
After work.
In many ways this is the hardest event to dress for because you have so little time to get ready. If you are meeting in a restaurant or bar you don’t necessarily want to arrive in your day clothes. A simple solution is to wear a dark suit to the office and simply change your top. The ideal fabric is one that requires no ironing so look at a pattern like Simplicity 2022 for stretch fabrics. A piece of Lycra in a stunning colour is the perfect backdrop for some embellishment. Finish your edges with strips of co-ordinating sequins. Alternatively use some sequin stretch fabric. If you use a tote on the day of your event you’ll be able to bring along some glamorous shoes and pretty jewellery.
The big event.
Part of the fun of Christmas is having the opportunity to really dress up. If you have an invitation to a ball or formal gathering do you wear long or short? To be on the safe side check the dress code with the organisers. If it’s a long dress then choose something soft with movement such as Simplicity 2253. Liquid Satin is a wonderful cloth and if you keep the dress simple you can really go to town with an over-sized necklace and a cuff - for the finishing touch use a 2011 catwalk favourite and sew a faux fur cape. If your invitation states that you should wear a cocktail dress then a little black dress is the perfect solution. Keep it simple and add a feathered neckline, or slip a black lace bolero over the top. If you use a panelled dress then make your back panels and sleeves in lace or simply throw on a vintage-style scarf (see instructions in my other blog 'How to make a vintage lace scarf').
A family affair.
Traditionally this is the time when families get together so it’s quite likely you’ll be attending a family meal during the Christmas period. If you are helping in the kitchen, or you have small children, then you’ll need a garment that is easy to wash. Pattern wise try this young design by Simplicity 2245 and work it in a polyester print. Animal prints are big news this season so look at the Abakhan selection to help you make your choice or alternatively have fun with cottons and use a plain and printed one together. For accessories try adding on a novelty vintage brooch or several strands of vintage glass beads.
Dancing the night away.
If you are going to spend the night on the dance floor then why not go for some sparkle? This one-shoulder design by Simplicity 2178 would look stunning sewn in a metallic or lame fabric possibly in silver or gold. If you decide to use a high impact material then you will need to keep your accessories simple or it will be a case of too much of a good thing. A strappy black shoe with a plain black clutch will add just the right amount of contrast.
TOP TIPS for dressing up
1. A beautiful dress needs to fit perfectly so make the time to sew a toile first.
2. If you make that designer favourite the little black dress, then remember to add a personal touch. This can be an unusual trim or a piece of stand-out jewellery or a beautiful scarf.
3. To make a fashionable long dress choose a fabric that is soft and silky.
4. If you prefer separates to dresses then make a tuxedo jacket and team it with narrow black trousers.
5. Never top a beautiful evening dress with any old coat. Take the time to make an easy poncho or cape in a luxury wool cloth.
Sue Locke is a freelance writer and designer. She writes the monthly style pages for Sewing World magazine and designs fashion accessories. For more information or advice please contact Sue Locke - Click here to view Sue’s website.
Take part in a national public art and craft project called Flock
How many sheep make up a flock? For Eden Arts the answer is thousands. An arts development organisation based in Eden, Cumbria has launched a public art project designed to encourage creativity and collaboration while raising awareness of sheep farming and the wool industry. Inspired by artworks such as Antony Gormley’s ‘Field for the British Isles’, Eden Arts is inviting the public to contribute to a series of art installations, which will be made up of thousands of pom-pom sheep. Participants are encouraged to show their support for the wool industry by making their sheep using sheep’s wool.
The project is already taking off with schools across Cumbria starting the production chain, many enrolling the help of their local community. Workshops, demonstrations and lessons of the subject have also taken place, encouraging participants to understand the value of real wool and the industry as a whole. Schools, groups, organisations and individuals throughout the country and beyond are now being invited to take part in the project, by sending in their sheep and uploading their images onto the Join the FLOCK” Facebook page.
The culmination of FLOCK will take place in spring 2012 with a large-scale national FLOCK installation alongside supporting events, workshops and demonstrations.
Sheep making kits are available to download and more information is available from vwww.jointheflock.co.uk . For information on Eden Arts, visit www.edenarts.co.uk.
Click here to download the 'Sheep Making Kit'.
Sewing with fleece fabric - Lorna’s Top Tips
Fleece fabric is a synthetic material that is popular for jackets, warm tops and blankets. It is light weight, comfortable to wear and easy to wash & dry making it a practical choice in cold weather. Fleece is available in a wide range of bright colours and there are some super novelty prints too. Here are our top tips for handling fleece and getting great results.
1. Work out which is the correct side before you start and if necessary, use chalk or pieces of masking tape to mark the wrong side to ensure you don’t mix the right and wrong sides by mistake.
2. Fleece has a ‘direction’ and may look darker or lighter depending on how the light catches it, so make sure all the pattern pieces are placed in the same direction.
3. When cutting out fleece, pin the paper pattern to the fabric with long pins with coloured heads. These will hold everything in place and the pins won’t get lost amongst the fleecy pile.
4. Use a standard or a stretch needle in a size 11 unless the fabric is very dense when you might be better to choose a size 14. Good quality polyester thread is the best type to use, and increase the stitch length to 3mm or use a long stretch stitch if your sewing machine has one.
5. Overlockers are great machines for sewing fleece as they cope really well with the stretch of the fabric and don’t cause seams or hems to ripple like a sewing machine might. If you have a walking foot or a roller foot, fit either of these to your sewing machine to prevent the seams from stretching while you sew.
6. When sewing a zip into a fleece jacket place strips of sew-in interfacing under the seam allowances to support the zip tape as you sew. The interfacing strips will be hidden within the seam allowance and they will help to prevent a wavy effect from occurring.
7. If you don’t want to use a zip, buy snaps and poppers which are clamped in place rather than sewn to the fabric. Put a piece of sew-in interfacing inside the seam allowance to anchor the snaps.
8. Use ‘finger pressing’ rather than an iron to flatten seams and hems as the heat will damage the fleece.
9. For a manufactured looking hem, pin up the required hem and stitch from the right side with a 4mm stretch, twin-needle. Once sewn, turn over and trim the excess seam allowance up to the stitching. The two parallel rows of stitching give a finish which looks like a cover stitched hem from the front and the bobbin thread neatens the wrong side nicely.
10. Take a look at the many sewing patterns available for clothes and craft items using fleece and have a go to see just how easy it is to get great results.
For more information or sewing advice please contact Lorna Knight - Click here to view Lorna’s website.
'Make do not spend' challenge
Hi I’m Vicky, I’ve been blogging via my Make Do Not Spend Challenge at www.sewabee.co.uk for nearly a year & Abakhan have now invited me to blog on their website. On December 1st 2010 I vowed to buy no new clothes or accessories and wear a different outfit every day for a whole year. The only concession I allowed myself is that I can buy material and make clothes to augment my existing wardrobe. Since I started sewing three years ago, Abakhan in Manchester has been one of my regular haunts and over the course of my blogs I’d like to share with you the items I have made using their range of fabrics. One pattern – two different looks
This Simplicity pattern (3833) is a classic shift dress in a 1960’s retro style. I first made this dress in February with teal and brown leopard print material, leopard print is a classic in my book and I have it in a wide range of colours. I love the colour teal and again I had a lot of pieces in my wardrobe that would tone in with the material. In this photo I have teamed it with teal leggings from Florence and Fred and a brown leather jacket from Warehouse. I have also worn it with brown leggings and a fur shrug, changing the overall look of the outfit is in keeping with my challenge and also means that I can wear dresses more than once.
When I was at Abakhan over the summer, I fell in love with this gorgeous electric blue and silver material - I wasn’t sure what I was going to make with it but I knew I had to have it. As you can see from the photo I had the perfect tights and shoes to go with it! The more I thought about it the more I felt the style of the dress had to be quite plain in order to show the material off and let it speak for itself. So when I went back to my sewing class in September this was my first project. I opted for the short sleeved version of the dress and I think the pattern really suits the material.
I hope you’ve enjoyed my first blog for Abakhan, please let me know what you think about the dresses I’ve made and why not keep up to date with my ‘Make Do Not Spend Challenge’ on my website.
Many thanks, Vicky.
Dressmaking journey
To begin your dressmaking journey you must first have the correct pattern. Regardless of what garment you want to make, we are all dictated to by the shape of our body. Many people believe that it's your size that determines what you can wear, however over the last 14 years of dressmaking I have found that it is the height of a person that really determines what looks good. As far as I'm concerned, if you are a size 6 & 6ft or a size 24 & 6ft, you can wear the same style garment as long as it's made to fit. So, if we are looking at height, what are the key factors? Well, the easiest way to help make a decision is by using a height guide, and this is the way I use to help get me started when I am making a new dress for someone.
5ft 4 inches and below.
Unfortunately, those of us who are short are the most limited as to what you can wear. You really don't want to break up the body in any obvious ways - stay away from waist dresses, or high waist trousers and instead go towards the empire line or princess seams as these lengthen the body. For trousers, stay away from wide legs and go for the bootleg or straight leg. What you are trying to achieve is to make the eye believe that the body is longer than it is and with shorter figures the only way this can be done is by making the legs seem as long as possible.
5ft 4 inches to 5ft 8 inches.
This is probably the most difficult height, as they are neither small nor tall. The best way to work out the height is to look at the length of the leg. If a person has long legs, then they can probably wear the same sort of items as a taller person - as the legs are long it gives the eye the sense of height. However, if the body is long and the legs short then you really should stay within the smaller rules - avoid breaking up the body as again this can make the legs even shorter.
5ft 9 inches and above.
Well ladies, this height can wear pretty much anything they like. The only piece of advice I can give you is to make sure that the pattern is long enough for you. Check out the measurement guide that is coming with the next issue.
Remember, dressmaking is not an exact art form and these guides are only a starting point. There are many factors to consider when getting the right style for the body and the above are just the start. I will talk more about what parts of the body need to be watched and looked at in my next 'measurement issue', where we'll look more in depth into the question of the perfect fit. I hope my take on dressmaking is proving helpful, any questions or queries don't hesitate to ask on our Facebook page.
Regards Corrie Robinson
Click here to view Corrie Robinsons' website.
Making Halloween Costumes - Lorna’s Top Tips
It’s that time of year again when your little loved one wants to dress up as a devil, a ghost or even a pumpkin! Here is our guide to choosing and making Halloween costumes:
Halloween Patterns - Simplicity Patterns have a great range of dressing up costumes to choose from including vampires, pumpkins and witches for a typical Halloween themed outfit. Take a look and see what you can find. There are plenty of adult sized costumes too!
Make your own Pattern - If you cannot find a suitable pattern or do not feel you have the experience to follow the instructions it is amazing what you can do with a bit of imagination and a length of fabric. Get your little loved one to lie on the floor, with their arms out, on an old newspaper and draw round them to make a pattern in a large ‘T’ shape. Cut this out on folded fabric then make a hole for the head and you have an instant tunic ready to decorate. Use this shape in black or purple for a witch or wizard, green for Robin Hood and orange for a pumpkin varying the tunic length as required.
Adding decoration - Apply cut out shapes to embellish your costume to improve the effect using Bondaweb or fabric glue to stick them on. Add stars to a wizard’s cloak and spiders for a creepy effect on a witch’s hat. You could even cut out white bone shapes and stick them to an old black T-shirt and leggings to make into a little skeleton. For a pumpkin, cut a large, round, orange tunic and sew up the edges. Glue on black triangles for the eyes and nose and a long jagged shape for the mouth. Stuff this with cushions to improve the shape. The simplest idea of all is a square of white fabric with spooky eyes and mouth stuck in place to make a ghost!
Props and Makeup - Finish your Halloween costume with the right props for a perfect look. A witch isn’t a witch without a pointed hat and broom or a devil without a trident. Don’t forget the face paints to add gory scars and bruises.
Sewing Shortcuts for Beginners - If you are not a confident sewer don’t let this put you off just choose fabric that doesn’t fray, or cut out with pinking shears to save the trouble of sewing hems. Just select the right colour of fabric to work with and add the most appropriate props and your little loved one will be delighted by your efforts!
For more information or sewing advice please contact Lorna Knight - Click here to view Lorna’s website.
Belfast Lord Mayor Knitting A Yarn!
At Abakhan, we’re always happy to hear about knitting bringing people together. That’s why the latest news from Belfast rather made us smile. whilst the Lord Mayor there might not seem like a natural with the needles, he was happy to get involved at the Lord Mayor’s Parlour last week. Mayor Niall O Donnghaile was talking to some of the ladies who were in Northern Ireland as part of their retreat that tours all over the country, aiming to get some knitting done in some of Ireland’s most famous spots. Other destinations include Giant's Causeway and the Carrick-a-Rede rope bridge. The trip was conceived by the Lisburn designer Maggie Jackson, who is now based in Michigan, where she shares the benefit of her 34 years in the fashion industry with others hoping to learn this great old tradition. Mr O Donnghaile, though happy to chip in, was happy to admit that he hadn’t quite inherited his own grandmother’s crochet skills, and ended up conceding defeat to knitting and purling, deciding instead to sit and chat to the members of the group, commenting that he tended ‘not to be any good’ at things that involve hand-eye co-ordination. Commenting on the group’s aims, Ms Jackson noted that it was ‘about the history of Northern Ireland’ and that she aimed to bring others to her homeland. To view more of the latest news from the world of knitting, and to purchase knitting supplies at great prices, continue to check into Abakhan over the coming weeks.What is Dressmaking?
Dressmaking is an art - I guess in this day and age, many people just think that a garment is mechanically made in a warehouse somewhere in China, and to be fair a lot of it i.! But there are still a number of us who hand craft garments with a lot of care and a little love and there is nothing quite like the feeling of satisfaction in finishing a piece and knowing that it is yours. If we think about it, this art is probably one of the oldest, dating back to the start of the human race, we've always needed to keep warm and we've done that by creating some form of clothing, although I think these days we worry more about fashion than warmth! (Take a look in around on a Saturday night!)But I'm jumping a head - before we get to enjoy a finished item, we have the pleasure of taking all the steps to get there. You can make it as easy or as advanced as you wish but every dressmaking project must still follow the rules. Next time we'll begin the steps, starting with the choice of pattern to suit your body shape, so stayed tuned and you'll soon have all the skills to make fabulous garments.
Regards Corrie Robinson Click here to view Corrie Robinsons' website.Fleece and Fur From Abakhan
If you’re always looking for great ways to save yourself money, then there’s no denying the value in creating your own curtains, costumes and the like. Abakhan’s range of fleece, fur and other knitting accessories will enable you to harness your creativity. Print fleece tartan. If you’re of Scottish descent (or simply need a kilt for a costume!), then our printed tartan fleece material is ideal. Created using the finest materials and with a stylish, unique design, this superb fleece is a perfect excuse to get creating. Leopard brown micro fleece. If there’s anything more fun than heading out onto town to an eighties club, we don’t know what it is! Our leopard print material is the ideal way to create a costume that wouldn’t look out of place in one of the Austin Powers films. Eye-grabbing and one-of-a-kind. Plain Colours. Whilst the above patterns are great for individual needs, you’re not going to need leopard print regularly! Our range of plain colours make the ideal material for any need, whether you want to knock up a new bean-bag for your kids or simply want something warm to wear over the winter. Click here to view our catalogue, complete with a variety of other knitting accessories.Craft Essentials From Abakhan
If you know someone who’s a big enthusiast of haberdashery in all it’s forms, you might be interested to hear about the potential gifts that can be purchased for them through the Abakhan catalogue, whether they’re a knitter or a sewer. If the only time you get to work on your sewing is when all the kids (and possibly the husband too!) have gone to bed, you’ll likely be grateful for the Maglamp. Complete with an energy saving bulb, it’s the ideal way to obtain the maximum visibility whilst you work. Whilst sewing and knitting are both rewarding hobbies, there’s no denying that they can be fiddly. The hands-free magnifier that you can buy here is the ideal solution, offering you a more in-depth view of what your hands are doing, making those complicated patterns a breeze. The Stitchmaster Seat Stand is the ideal investment for anyone that wants an easy way to support their work, with the mobility and quality that comes from genuine craftsmanship. Enabling you to work from a variety of different angles, it’s a great investment. To view these and more sewing accessories, visit the Abakhan catalogue here .Cancelled demonstrations
Please note that the following demonstrations have been cancelled.
Saturday 24th September, Hanley, Hats & Bags Demonstration with Suzanne Bates, 1pm - 4pm.
Saturday 24th September, Manchester, Fabric Jewellery Demonstration with Claire Bates, 1pm - 4pm.
Saturday 24th September, Liverpool, Crochet & Knitting Loom Demonstration with Gwyneth Povey, 1pm - 4pm.
Saturday 1st October, Chester, Crochet & Knitting Loom Demonstration with Gwyneth Povey, 1pm - 4pm.
Saturday 8th October, Liverpool, Fabric Jewellery Demonstration with Claire Bates, 1pm - 4pm.
Saturday 15th October, Chester, Fabric Jewellery Demonstration with Claire Bates, 1pm - 4pm.
We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause.
Sewing Patterns For Men’s Clothes
Do you have a husband who is a little on the fussy side? Men are more clothes focused than they often like to admit, which can be spending more on their wardrobes than anyone who’s budget conscious should! Our sewing patterns will enable you to create great clothes for the men in your life, at a far lower price than simply buying them! Trousers and shirts. These sewing patterns are a great investment, especially when you have a young son who’s always growing out of his clothes! Rather than having to invest money at the beginning of every school term, you can instead spend your time modifying and creating new clothes with existing materials. The far cheaper option! Vests and Ties. There’s nothing a man enjoys more than dressing up to look his very best (well, apart from a good football match, obviously) which is why our sewing patterns for waistcoats and ties are a fine investment. With varying patterns and styles, you can ensure that the men in your life always look their best. Dressing robe. If you’re looking for a great present to treat the men in your life, then why not use your sewing skills to create them the perfect robe for the chilly early mornings? With winter coming up, they’ll be grateful! In a variety of different colours, there is a pattern for everyone. Click here to view more of our sewing patterns for men.Fancy Dress Sewing Costumes From Abakhan
If you’ve been invited to a fancy dress party, then you might be feeling a bit stumped as to what the ideal costume is. After all, the perfect costume is an absolute blessing, managing to be sexy and stylish all at the same time. If you want a slightly cheaper way to be the belle of the ball, then our range of stylish costume sewing patterns are the ideal choice: The Wicked Witch. With Halloween on the distant horizon, there’s no harm in beginning to plan as soon as you can. Is there a more classic costume than that of the witch? The sleek black design is a sure fire way for you to look your absolute best on the darkest night of the year. Broomstick not included! Santa’s Assistant. Do you want to look great during the festive season? Our santa’s assistant costume is glamourous and stylish. So whether you’re heading out for a night on the town or staying home and playing Santa’s assistant at home, we’ve got you covered. The Leprechaun. St Patrick’s Day never looked this good! If you love to get out on the town during St Paddy’s Day, then this costume will have all those jaunty Irishman looking in your direction! Eye-catching colours and a great fit make this a sewing masterclass. To view these and more of our sewing accessories, click here.Sewing Essentials At Abakhan
Sewing can be an incredibly rewarding and fulfilling hobby to participate in, but if you’re someone who hasn’t really been involved in any form of haberdashery before, you might be uncertain about what you’ll need to purchase. Fortunately, we’re here to help you with our range of sewing accessories. Scissors. Needless to say, anyone looking to get involved in sewing will need a really good pair of scissors. From marking, measuring and obviously cutting, a good pair is almost a Swiss army knife when it comes to the world of sewing. We sell a variety of scissors at Abakhan, so take your pick! Pins and Needless. Don’t worry – we’re not talking about that rather painful infliction that occurs when your foot goes to sleep! Needles and pins are essential for sewing, as they hold the fabric together whilst you sew – you won’t have enough fingers to do so yourself! Machine Accessories. A sewing machine can be one of the most efficient ways of getting a job done quickly once you’re used to using one. However, as with any machine it requires some extra attention, and our range of accessories are ideal. Form oil to keep the wheels greased to a new bulb for those late-night sessions, we have everything you’ll need to keep your machine in top running order. To view these, visit the Abakhan catalogue here .Pet Accessories From Abakhan
If you’re someone who just can’t resist spoiling your pets, then you’ll be pleased to know that we here at Abakhan are now stocking a wide range of pet accessories that can help you create something that your four-legged friend will treasure for the rest of their lives. If you’ve got a lovely pooch that tends to feel the cold, then our range of patterns for stylish and sophisticated dog coats would make a great present. With the winter coming up, now is a great time for you to create a piece of clothing that will really help your pets keep the chill away. Another great gift idea that you could put together for your beds is to create their beds virtually from scratch, using another one of our patterns. We offer a variety of different dog beds, from larger black ones to more subtle pink designs, so that whatever style your four-legged friend has, we’ll have something to suit them. It’s not just coats and beds, however. We also stock a range of different patterns for hats, scarves and even gloves so that with the frost and snow that is likely to appear over the next few months, your pets will be able to stay nice and protected. To view these and more of our pet accessories, visit the Abakhan catalogue here .Knitting Accessories Everybody Needs!
Knitting can be a rewarding, fulfilling and entertaining way to pass the long summer days (well, assuming there’s any left!). However, if you want to take up this great hobby, there are certain essential knitting accessories you’ll need to invest in, all of them available now from the Abakhan store: Fabric Comb. Wool is a wonderfully soft material when used in the right way, it’s important to ensure that any fuzzballs and pilling are removed from the material before use, and our fabric comb is the ideal way to get the job done. They’re available now for a bargain price. Needles. Whilst this might sound obvious, you won’t get very far without the right knitting needles! There are a wide variety of different knitting accessories available at Abakhan, so take the time to discover which ones work best for you from the myriad of different materials, and you can be sure that you’ll have years of satisfied knitting to come. Materials. There are a few different types of material that can be used as knitting accessories, from felt, to crochet to old fashioned yarn, and you’ll find them all available now at the Abakhan website. Again, to an extent you’ll want to experiment with the different options to see which ones work for you – but ensure that you continue to check into our site for the very best prices! To view all of these and more of our knitting accessories, check the Abakhan catalogue here.Knitting Needles From Abakhan: Available Now!
When you first get into knitting and other areas of haberdashery, there are many important things to consider. Once of the most important is which variety of knitting needles you’re going to make use of. Fortunately, we’ve come up with this little guide to help you decide between them. Metal needles are one of the most common, and certainly one of the most popular, due to there being relatively long lasting and fairly low cost. However, it’s worth noting that they are fairly unpliable, and that the clicking sound might irritate anyone in the vicinity! Wooden knitting needles are certainly a great choice if you’re looking for a way to keep your knitting quiet – people won’t thank you for interrupting their TV programme, even if we know knitting’s the more rewarding activity! If you’ve ever struggled from carpal tunnel or any similar disorders, the wooden needles’ light weight will help you maintain your comfort over long periods. Plastic needles are a relatively modern occurrence, but have plenty to recommend them. Their very light weight means that they can move speedily, which is very effective should you need to create a new design in a hurry. Whilst there was previously some concern about the potential for splitting, a lot of modern plastic needles have a metal centre, ensuring their longevity. To view Abakhan’s full range of knitting kneedles, visit the main page here.Change of opening hours at our Mostyn (North Wales) store
The opening hours at our Mostyn (North Wales) store will change from Monday 29 August 2011 to the following: Monday – Saturday 9.30 – 5.15 and Sunday 10.00 – 4.30 (10.00 – 10.30 for browsing only). The Coffee Shop will remain unchanged at Monday – Sunday 9.00 – 5.00. To ensure a smooth as possible transition to the opening hours – the store will continue to trade until 6pm Monday – Friday, in line with current opening hours until Friday 30 September 2011.
Welcome to our new website
Welcome to the new Abakhan Fabrics, Hobby and Home website. Here you can find a vast selection of fabrics, crafts, knitting yarns, sewing and haberdashery accessories. With 7 craft and fabric stores in the UK, nobody is better placed to offer you expert advice and to source the very best products possible for your own projects.
Download our Workshop & Course brochureAbakhan Fabrics, Hobby & Home Group Visits Discounts and Benefits
There are many ways that you can benefit from booking a coach party with Abakhan Fabrics, Hobby & Home. Here's an outline of discounts and benefits you may qualify for:-
. 10% discount for all party members *
. £10 credit note for the organiser (to be spent on the day)
. Free tea/coffee for all party members
. Free meal for the Coach Driver
These benefits will be discussed with you by one of our Coach Party Co-ordinators upon booking your coach party. It is always best to phone at least five days before you're due to arrive, so that we can get your £10 credit note and discount cards, if applicable, ready for you beforehand. These are available from our reception desk upon arrival.
If you would like to book a coach party please do not hesitate to contact our reception desk on 01745 562 100 where someone will more than happy to take details of your coach party.
Terms and Conditions apply, please contact our Reception Desk on 01745 562100 for further details.
Group Visit Booking Form
Please click HERE to download a booking form.
Workshops & Courses for 2011 at Mostyn & Liverpool
The programme of Workshops & Courses for January 2011 - October 2011 are now available, and will be running at both our Mostyn (North Wales) and Liverpool stores. Classes include Dressmaking, Felting, Machine Embroidery, Creative Fabrics, Beading, Fascinators & so much more!
More Information & Bookings. For more information & to reserve a place on a Workshop or Course, please click HERE
Download Brochure. For full details on all Workshops & Courses at Abakhan, including a diary of FREE Demonstrations & Events at Abakhan we suggest you download a Brochure - please click HERE
Choosing The Right Knitting Needle
Have you ever thought about getting into knitting, but never really known the difference between the numerous kinds of needle? This can be a real pain for some people, as getting the wrong one can drastically affect the outcome of all that time and effort.
If you want to make a jumper for the winter – or summer if you’re in England – then you don’t want to end up with a hat because you’ve bought a needle to go quickly and it’s all gone wrong.
So here are a few tips for choosing the right knitting needle.
There are so many needles on the market, which can make things tricky for a beginner. There are plain plastic needles, metal, glass, bamboo, wood, the list goes on, and that’s not even begun to mention straight, circular or double-pointed needles! The best way as a beginner is to go to the store with a project in your head. The design and style of your plan will dictate what sort of needle you will need.
You don’t need to go out and buy every type of needle all in one go to make up a collection and say, “I’ll use the wooden one this time I think”. Different knitters prefer different styles so you may find you never use some of them.
Many people like bamboo or wooden needles because of their warmth, natural feel and that comforting, traditional click that you get as you get going.
Metal needles are the choice of many, because they are less likely than any of the other models to break. They are sleek which can allow for quick knitting, but don’t expect to have the jumper done in the same day purely because you have needles that allow you to go that bit quicker – that can be when mistakes creep in.
Plastic needles are similar to their wooden or bamboo counterparts in terms of weight and feel, but they lack that natural warmth that wood gives off. They’re very smooth, like the metal versions, so also allow you to knit that bit quicker, and they’re that little bit more flexible.
If you have the feeling that you want to keep knitting, give a number of different needles a go, but you will probably find out early on that you have one that you just keep going back to.
For more information and a list of all of our knitting yarn and accessories, visit the section on our website.