But i thought i’d share my thoughts around Sew Up North

As always, i like to have a new me made outfit ready so i decided on to make myself a Tilly and The Buttons Cleo Dungaree at last using the bargain piece of Denim from my trip to Dewsbury back in July and team it with my Frankie Top and of course not forgetting a selection of pins!

Apologies to the people that had issues with eventbrite’s emails/links, not sure why it decided to play silly buggers as it worked perfectly for Last year. But hey ho got there in the end!

We would of had more people attending if it wasn’t for the current round of rail strikes meant that lots of people had to make quite late changes to their plans, which was obviously outside anyone’s control. People were kind enough to let me know about their changed plans in the hope that others could use their tickets, which was lovely of them, but has Becca mentioned that the Eventbrite site is not the easiest to use when it comes to managing wait lists! 

For the first time whilst organising this meet up I was actually looking forward to the event, I’m normally a nervous wreck! That was thanks to all the lovely people who’d signed up in advance to help out with the running of things of the day. I cannot thank you guys enough, it made such a massive difference to how smoothly the day ran and for not Becca and I to be a flap all day!

Lorraine (My Friend who is relatively new to sewing and savour of getting myself to Leeds!) and my Myself got to John Lewis by about 9:20, and found Charlotte aka Englishgirlathome which travelled all the way from Birmingham!!! Now that is dedication! Also to find a group of eager sewists already in the cafe! Not sure why i didn’t buy myself a drink whilst I was there thunk i was buzzing from my pumpkin spice latte from starbucks at junction 32!

There was a somewhat awkward moment when Becca and I had to bellow for attention across the John Lewis cafe (which did have some non sewing people in it; apologies to them!) and then the huge crowd of people set off around Leeds.

I made myself a list of what fabric I needed so I only needed fabric to make a snuggly hoody dress and freya dress both from Tilly’s Book Stretch. Which i did buy from B & M as they kindly offered us all 10% off purchases of £15… a girl can’t say no to that!! The Bambi Print is going to be used the Stella and Spot Print for the Freya!  

I had to laugh in B&M; there was very rapidly an ever expanding queue of excited people cuddling bolts of fabric wrapped all the way around the shop, with others queuing to get inside. But everyone was in good spirits and led to lots of random conversations and comparisons of planned purchases, which is one of the things I love the best about the event.

Still can’t believe there is a sneaky staircase to the bottom of the shop where Sue and Mike are to offer sewing classes in the future with tea making and toilet facilities of course we had to try it out.

You can’t take simona anywhere ?

After a fairly brief stroll around the market, I headed over to the Boathouse with Lorraine, Gemma and Simona. The time escaped me, failed miserably to be the first there!

Hahaha Becca got a photo of me grabbing fabric but anyone else did…. I don’t take prisoners! Not sure what the lady thought behind me!! ?

It’s a true testament to the benefits of asking for help that I actually got chance for not just a drink but an actual lunch this year; definitely didn’t happen last year! I hope everyone’s lunch was as good as mine! Still can’t believe that we had free pizza too, can’t say no to freebies ?

I actually had time to rummage for fabric and patterns on the swap table; I actually managed to 3 decent sized pieces of black stretch lace, grey striped jersey and this cute cherry print jersey from Beth aka madcouser. I came away with a few patterns that Gemma and Simona found for me to make a 1920 themed dress for my works ball – But i didn’t make it in the end though!!, but thank you ladies for your help.

When it came time to draw the raffle, it all got a bit complicated. We’d been promised a PA system but that didn’t materialise and we also struggled to get the background music turned down. Add to that the fact that we were spread across two floors…. well. Thank goodness for extra volunteers to hand out physical prizes and take email addresses (thanks Heather and Simona) and to incredible sponsors who were willing to be downstairs on the receiving end of a WhatsApp call being shown pictures of winning raffle tickets! Laura, thank you!

49 prizes later and we were done (in more ways than one mind you!) A lot of people had to head off early to face the joy of the rail replacement bus service (myself included) so things did wind up a little earlier than normal, and all that remained was to cash up.

Thank you to our ad hoc helpers dived in and helped Beccaa to count the cash, which, after a couple of last minute donations to get us over the £1k mark, came to an outstanding £1,012!!! Wowsers!!

This really is astonishing! It’s a fabulous amount of money to raise for a truly deserving cause and I cannot thank you all for your generosity enough.

I think the only slight shadow on both Becca and my day was my first experience of someone in the sewing community really taking advantage.

I won’t name names, but there was someone who, despite having been told (politely and repeatedly) over the preceding weeks that there was a wait list, that you did need a ticket and that we didn’t advertise non-charity events either on our Facebook or on the day, turned up anyway with a big smile on their face and proceeded to push their own business. You know who you are and we were not impressed.

An event like this takes a massive amount of work and effort behind the scenes; Becca and I have poured countless hours over the last 3 years into this willingly, both because we’re firm believers in the charity itself and for the benefit of the local sewing community. I think it takes some big balls to turn up at something like that and brazenly use it entirely to your own advantage and I’m pretty disgusted.

Bu anyways!!

As always, I spoke to so many people on the day and, as usual, i’ve failed miserably to remember names or details because my brain was in total overload! So i do apologise if i have forgotten to mention anyone! Please let me know!

Oh yes not forgetting my fabric twinnie Charlotte aka Englishgirl! 

Also a big thank you to Jane who made a apron for Becca and I as a Thank you, it’s very much appreciated as you didn’t have to go to the trouble of making us a gift! I am really grateful as it such a thoughtful gift!

So from the bottom of my heart thank you for everyone’s support either in  the way of of our lovely Sponsors for the Charity Raffle, You kind hearted lot that offered to help out as our Sewcial Squad, to everyone attended too and not forgetting my Sewing Partner in Crme Becca as we couldn’t of made it as such as a success with you!

Sal xx

The post Sew Up North 2018 appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

Afternoon All!

Can you believe we are only 6 weeks away from Sew Up North?!! Time flies when you’re having fun!! 

The list just goes on with the number of lovely sponsors that we have for the Charity Raffle in Aid of The Yorkshire Ambulance!

Well it’s for a pretty damn good cause The Yorkshire Air Ambulance. They save lives across Yorkshire, one day it could be yours. They need to raise £12,000 per day to keep both of Yorkshire Air Ambulance’s helicopters maintained and in the air. The donations received go directly into the life saving service provided. However, as an independent Charity they rely on the generosity of those who support the service to continue to save lives across Yorkshire.

And without further a do, we would like to announce more of our lovely sponsors for Charity Raffle:

Crafty Sew and So / My Handmade Wardrobe – Freya and Sarah have kindly donated two PDF patterns from the new My Handmade Wardrobe range of the winner’s choosing! Becca was fortunate enough to attend their launch party of their Patterns earlier on the year and made Cosy Jersey Dress which was just fabulous! Also Sally  has made the Simple Tee this week which is a free pattern btw but she hasn’t got round to posting proper pics yet!

B&M Fabrics – £20 Gift Voucher. Mike and Sue have been supporting our event ever since we had our 1st one 3 years ago and both Becca and I are regular customers! Their fabric range is massive as they have a bricks and mortar shop on the outside of the market and a stall on the inside too! The lucky attendees on the day will also receive 10% off their purchase of £15 or more!! Now there is def no excuse to treat yourselves to some yummy fabrics!!

Simply Sewing Magazine –  Editor Nikki has sent over 3 Bags full of various Sewing goodies!!

If you didn’t know already, It’s a practical magazine for makers who sew, or would like to start sewing.

There is  fantastic range of sewing patterns, from small quirky toys and accessories to larger projects such as bags, home furnishings and simple garments for women and children. Customising your own clothes and home makes, and touches of embroidery and appliqué will also be included, together with fun features and profiles of celebrity stitchers and bloggers. Each issue will also carry a gorgeous free gift!

Sally, last year was featured in Issue 37 of their magazine, showing you how to make your own cute pin cushions! 

Flamingo Fabrics – Dorota has very nicely donated a £30 gift voucher to spend at their shop!! Wow! Their fabrics are of great quality and such fab prices too. Sally used their Unicorn Print Cotton to make herself some comfy PJ’s who doesn’t love Unicorns?!

Pink Coat Club – The lovely Joy has kindly donated 2 of her snazzy pins!! Not sure if you have seen Becca and I wearing our Seamstress pins with pride or more recently Sally did treat herself to a necklace with ‘me made’ its beautiful in rose gold and white! Very tempted to get the Navy one tooo…

Keep your eyes on our feeds as we will be posting more details of the (many more) other sponsors of our amazing raffle!

Sally & Becca xx

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Can you believe it?!! Sew Up North is happening tomorrow?!!

When we both decided to organise our own “Up North” meeting…. we never of thought it would turn out to be quite popular! We must be doing something right!!

Just a quick Post as we have some more lovely Raffle Prizes!!

The ever so awesome Sewing World Magazine has donated another Prize to the Raffle!!! Say what?!!

It’s a 12 month Magazine Subscription to their magazine which is worth a whopping £60.00!!

If you are attending tomorrow, you’ll be crazy to buy any tickets from the vast array of prizes that are on offer!!

Here’s a quick list:

£20 Gift Voucher from B and M Fabrics

£20 voucher from Beyond Measure

£30 Voucher from Cotton Reel Studio

Sew Caroline Weekend Style Book, Fabric and trim From Elenaor aka nelandnora 

A beautiful 2m length of fabric and a £15 voucher from Fabbadashery

Oh Sew Quaint Macaroon Pattern Weights from Fabricate

2m of any Fabric from Girl Charlee

Bundle of magazines from Love Sewing Magazine

£200 Fabric Bundle from Minervacrafts

Pair of beautiful little tins, packed with sewing goodies like threads, pins, snip scissors, needles, pin cushion from School of Sew

A Mystery Bundle from Sew Crafty Shop

Book and Fat Quarter Bundle and 12 Month Subscription from Sewing World Magazine.

£30 Voucher from Sewisfaction

5 pdf patterns of the winner’s choice from Sew Over It

2 pdf patterns of the winner’s choice from Tilly and The Buttons

A massive 15 Raffle prizes on offer here all in the Aid of The Yorkshire Air Ambulance

So we hope you are all ready for tomorrow then

The post Sew up North….. It’s tomorrow!!! appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

Hello Everyone!

Can you believe we are officially into June now! That means that Sew Up North is on the 24th of this month!! Yay!!

Now we have decided to cap tickets/goody bags to 120 people as the Belgrave Music Hall will nicely seat 120 of us without feeling cramped and can you imagine 120 goody bags to make up too with all these generous freebies and flyers we have received that we are putting together out of our own pockets. So you best be quick to get a ticket and RSVP now before it’s too late!

Now next on our list of appreciation of our sponsors is the ever so fantastic B and M Fabrics!!

Whenever i go to Leeds, I do have to make a stop at B and M Fabrics!! It’d be rude not too!!

They have such an array of Fabrics its amazing and the prices are fantastic! Especially if you’re a true Yorkshire lass and don’t like to part with monies or have to comment “how much?!”. Hahaha!

There have 2 sites within the Kirkgate Market, On the outside of the Market itself, a Bricks and Mortar Shop and then a stall inside:

They have kindly donated a £20 Gift Voucher to the Raffle Prize Pot!! Also for attendees on the day, you can save 10% off your purchase of £15 or more!!!! That is seriously dangerously for Becca and myself as no doubt we will be filling our boots then and in preparation of the day writing our Sewing Fabric List ready for the day!

I was only there on last Saturday and i was good and only bought these few things!! The Leaf print is for the Serena Skirt from Simply Sewing Magazine and the Duck Egg and Swallow Print Fabric is for the Deer and Doe Datura Blouse

See i can be resist when i want too!! Hahaha!

Thank you B & M Fabrics, you are awesome!!

Sal x

The post Sew Up North Update! – B and M Fabrics! appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

Hope your’re all well!!

It has come round to that time to show off your Sweaters for the January Project of #Sewmystyle!

 I’ve used version 2 which is available here to buy as a pdf as it felt much more my style rather than then cropped version of no.1. Love the Side splits!

Version 2 is an easy top/sweater that can be dressed up or down. It is somewhat fitted through the shoulders and sleeves and then swings out a bit at the underarms and hem. It features a semi-hi-neck that takes its inspiration from funnel and boat necks. It also has mitered side vents with a hi-low hem that is 1” shorter in the front than the back. The front hem falls just below the high hip.

Finally had a use of this Thick Sweatshirt/Jersey Knit that I had found in B and M Fabrics on my Sew Up North Adventure back in November 2016.

With this being 60″ wide I used the double fold technique making full use of the width available and I  was able to save Half a metre after cutting Yay!! I cut a large all over but in hind sight i should of shortened the sleeves at this point as I took off 2.5″ off at the end of the sleeves!

Now i got my Overlocker out to aid the quickness of this sew! I only used my Normal machine for the beginning part of the neck facing and the hemming the Jumper to get the Mitred corners.

I love how the Corners came out!! Just sooo precise! The Instructions were fab to follow even though I had a Durr moment at the beginning of making the corners and didn’t realise that it was just either the front or back of each corner at a time with Right Sides together not both the front and back of the jumper together lol!

But here it is hung on ‘Dorris’

Then of course moi;

I totally love the split hem!!

So This lovely Sweater will be taking part in of course January’s Project #Sewmystyle,

The Dressmaking Blogger Networks January Challenge – Keep it Cosy. Oh yes this is definitely cosy!!

and…

Petite Passions #Wardrobebuilder Project – Jumpers and Sweaters

So this was my final garment on my January #SewtheYear! Yay! Already completed January’s makes with time to spare!! I hope I can keep this up!!

So what have you guys been sewing and will you be taking part in these challenges too?

Sal xx

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When I cam across Straight Stitch Designs Sew The Year Blog post, I thought yeah…I like the idea of planning my makes and keep it reasonable rather than trying to keep to unnecessary pressures!

Sew the Year is all about taking a moment at the start of every month to be intentional about your fabric and pattern choices you hope to tackle that month.  Not only to create garments that you are going to love to but also ones that will actually be worn.  Instead of starting the year with a huge list of makes you want to accomplish and piles of fabric you want to buy you can break it down each month into manageable projects while considering the rest of your life.

Sew the Year is a chance to get inspired, be intentional and have fun. To join in use #sewtheyear on social media so Kimberley can see what everyone else is planning and please come share in the Facebook group.

Right now onto my plans!

I’m currently on with The Dragor Dress by howtodofashion.

This pattern is a fabulous 50’s inspired dress with a full pleated skirt and a well-fitted top.  With my fabric choices i decided i wanted to match my Irregular Choice Cherry print Shoes to totally match the 1950’s look!

I’ve decided to hack the pattern a little and to add a band round the back too as i’m having a Polka Dot top, Red Waistband and Black Skirt. I was quite surprised of how good its turning out already and that i have matched up the front and back perfectly, if i do say so myself

Also my January Project for #Sew My Style – Sew House 7 Toaster Sweater Version 2!

Even though I have purchased both Patterns i felt i swayed more to version 2!

I’ll be using this fab Navy Arrow Knit Sweatshirt that I had bought from Sew  Up North back in November as I’ve been itching to get it used!

Okay now it’s your turn, what are your January Sewing Plans?

Sal xx

The post Sew The Year January Plans! appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

Well where do i begin?!

What a fabulous Day had by all for Myself and Becca’s 1st Sew Up North Sewing Meet up!

As me being me I was having sooo much fun, I had forgotten to take any pictures!!

So we all meet at Costa Coffee, Well I arrived nice and early to get these little goody bags ready with the help of Hayley and Becca.

Then we went on to tackle the Fabric Shops of which of course B and M Fabrics were our 1st port of call!

Now I’m not entirely sure what i was talking about at that particular moment in time but the look on my face is hiliraious!! But I’m sure I was keeping Alice and Kate entertained!

Then of course we had all split into little groups as there were loads of us! Amy aka Love Sewing Editor (OMG!) shown us a great place to eat They did Posh Fish Finger Sarnies Yas! – Both myself and Becca can say we was in the ‘Cool’ gang!

#sewupnorth wooooo little portion of the group

A photo posted by Amy (@almondrock_sews) on Nov 5, 2016 at 6:20am PDT

Thanks to Amy for posting this pic of us all!

Then we headed up to Fabrication, where lots of sewers were already gathering. They had beaten us to it lol! The Fabric and Pattern Swap had already commenced! As you can tell by the photo it def got a bit busy down there!

We then got onto the Raffle, where we had lots of generous prizes from Minerva Crafts, GirlCharlee, Sew Essential and thats just to name a few!

We had raised a massive £217 from the Raffle for The Yorkshire Air Ambulance, thank you everyone that bought a ticket!

Phew, what a day eh?! Here is my fabric haul:

Sorry I’m late with posting my fabric findings from #SewUpNorth! By the time I arrived at my home station, I was straight out to our Local Park’s Firework display and then at work today! Phew what a busy weekend! Thankfully I have tomorrow off! The Taupe Knit and Vintage Brown Floral Cotton is from the Fabric Swap, the Cherry Needlecord is from Fletcher’s then finally the Geometric and Black are Jersey and the ever so cool Navy Arrow is a sturdy Knit but soft! I would love to find out who put the lovely fabrics I’ve picked up from the swap! #leeds #market #fabrication #sewcialists #dailyseam #blogger #fletchersfabrics #bm_fabrics #jersey #black #geometric #grey #pink #arrow #knit #cotton #brown #floral #cherry #navy #cherries #needlecord #busy #blazer #needadayoff #trainride #recover

A photo posted by Sally Kendall (@the_mrsk_06) on Nov 6, 2016 at 1:02pm PST

Now here is my Day Dress by The Avid Seamstress that i made especially for the day! I Pattern test for Lisa and she kindly provided me with this Pattern, Thank you! I used the ever so gorgeous Swallow print Chambry from Minerva Crafts. This is a fantastic pattern to sew up, Lisa shows you an great way to get perfect gathers using elastic!! I will be definitely doing that nice little trick from now! :). I didn’t need to make any adjustments to the Size 3 that i cut out which is fantastic as normally with other Pattern Companies i find that i need to make an narrow back adjustment but not for this fab dress so it was a good job that i made a toile from some old bedding to make sure it fitted ok!

With it being a bit chilly, I teamed it up with my mustard cardigan and Brown Boots. So here we are, the organisers of Sew Up North 2016 of myself and Becca

Watch this space as we are planning a Sew Up North 2017!!

Sal xx

The post Sew Up North 2016 and The Avid Seamstress Day Dress appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

I’ve finally getting round to blog my creations, sometimes you just concentrate on the Sewing and then forget to add it onto the blog! Dur!

Now I made a pledge to myself to make a start on the Autumn/Winter wardrobe before it get too late, like i normally do in previous years of making stuff when the season is finally over but oh no not this year!

Now this beautiful Ponte Roma Jersey is from B and M Fabrics at Leeds. After both myself and RedWSews both bought it at our last shopping trip in Leeds! It is such a steal at £7 a Metre and it’s 60″wide too and its just beautiful sooo thick and snuggly but quite manageable through the sewing machine! I’ve used just under  2m for this and had a bit spare! Just had to make some adjustments to stitches and use a bigger ball point needle as it is quite thick for a jersey!

I’ve previously made the Ballet Dress by DixieDIY  last year ( The Ballet Dress is a fitted knit dress with three-quarter length sleeves, scoop neck and semi-circle skirt) but wanted a bit more ease in maneuverability whilst wearing so I decided to go for a large for the sizing and you know what I’m glad i did as its just so comfortable to wear but looks so dam beautiful at the same time with minimal effort! Its such a great pattern as all you need is the Jersey/Knit and some elastic for the waist and your done! You can buy the PDF Pattern here from IndieSew.

Here is the end result!! No alterations to the Length of the Skirt or Sleeves for a change!! Even the neckband went in okay without too much hassle!

And of course the obligatory Selfie and Duck Face in my Local Weatherspoon pub! LOL

I’m thinking this will be a staple Dress for my wardrobe this Autumn/Winter especially paired with my knee Boots.

Its a definite winner in my eyes as i’m using this Pattern for my Christmas Dress using this awesome Ggingerbread Man Print Jersey from Fabric Styles

It is such a quick sew as i jut trimmed down my seams and not finished as the fabric doesn’t fray! I need to go back to B and M Fabrics and purchase more lovely Fabrics!

Happy Thursday Y’all!

Sal xx

The post One Snuggly Autumn/Winter Dress – DixieDIY Ballet Dress appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

Hi everyone! How are you all diddling this afternoon?

I finally took the plunge and bought myself the Airelle Blouse by Deer and Doe Patterns. I’ve previously made the freebie The Plantain Top and fitted without any adjustments so thoughT well why not, go out of your comfort zone and try a new pattern designer! Don’t you just love a pattern that you can just sew!

With my previous sew, I decided to go for the size 40 as anything too baggy looks ridiculous on my small frame and it fitted great with my last top.

The pattern does state intermidate and I’ll agree as they don’t give you the technique of making darts or tell you every time to finish seams but I like the simplicity of their instructions as I am intermidate sewer now.

Now I found the most delightful bunny print cotton lawn form b and m fabrics and it screamed to be made into the Airelle!

I tempted fate and bought 1.5m as it was an extra wide and boy did it just get the blouse out of it! Hahaha I am a true Yorkshire lass after all! But it was really reasonable priced at £5 a metre!

I would say this took me about a day from cutting to sewing as it is a good sew, love the yoke and gathered sleeve ( i decided on the 3/4 sleeve) and cuff details and of course the Chelsea collar!

Today was a good day to model my new blouse whilst about in Hull today as it was actually quite pleasant and no jacket needed, say what it’s 1st October, gotta love our unpredictable British weather!

Hull is having a major rehaul as its the City of Culture for 2017 so it has some funky art work randomly placed and annoyingly plenty of disruption of pavements in the centre grrr! But this was at Princess Quay Car Park!

Then of course you can’t go past a Starbucks at St Stephens without sampling their Pumpkin Spice Latte! It was beautiful with plenty of naughty cream on top!

Have a nice weekend!

Sal xx

The post Bunny Airelle Blouse – Deer and Doe Patterns appeared first on The Yorkshire Sewist.

Hello everyone!

Guess what I have finally made…. a T-Shirt for my Hubby!!! This week i have been fighting a throat infection and yesterday was the first day i was feeling actually human and wasn’t worn out by the simplistic tasks so I thought well I wanna sew but didn’t fancy anything too complicated as my brain wasn’t functioning properly still LOL

I raided my stash of fabric and found the lovely 2 way stretch Jersey that I had purchased from B & M Fabrics in Leeds here’s their face book page earlier on this year and for some reason i never got round to using until now!

I have used the most simplest pattern of a men’s t-shirt ever from Fashion with Fabric book  from The Great British Sewing I just couldn’t believe the ease of it and how well it came together so quickly as to say its my first attempt using Jersey I am really pleased the result it has came out like a proper t-shirt! I did had visions of the collar being wonky or I didn’t get the sleeves the right length but following the instructions from the book and tweaking the pattern slightly to add more lentgh to the t-shirt as my hubby is not a fan of t-shirts that try to escape when raising his arms LOL!

As you can tell Mr K doesn’t like his photo being taken! Bless him!

So with this pattern I had used:

1.5m of 60″ wide 2 way stretch jersey and Plenty of pins also not forgetting the thread which i went for a lighter colour for some contrast on the T-Shirt.

In reality it was about the same price as you buy a t-shirt in the shop but with it being handmade it’s a better quality!

So if you haven’t had chance to look at the Fashion with Fabric TGBSB it’s a Def must as it is such a great beginners book and explains everything so well.

See i can sew for other people for a change…I’m not that Selfish….hahahaha!

Happy Sunday!

Sal x

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