...organising my sewing kit

Since I started sewing I have found that it involves an awful lot of kit, here are some of the ways I have found to try and keep things organised

• When I cut out a pattern I pop a sticker on the front to show what garment or view I have used and also the size, this means I can see all this at a glance rather than having to pull out pattern pieces to work things out.

• I have started to "bulk"  buy my zips from e bay, it often works out at less than 50p per zip if you buy 10. I keep them in a see through zip lock bags and put a note on to show the length and most importantly the type of zip that is in there.  We all know about me and zip fear without adding any other complications!

• When I was attending my sewing class I also used a zip lock bag to keep my thread, my bobbin and the zip together in my bag. So when I started my next project I did the same thing so that I knew I had everything I needed before I started the project.

• Using a sharpie I have marked 0.5cm increments on my sewing machine to try and  make it easier to keep sewing in a straight line at the correct seam allowance.

Please share if you have any tips that make your sewing life a little easier? or if you have tried any of these tips already, do they make a difference?

... buying my first vintage pattern

I love the idea of making up a vintage pattern and I have been keeping an eye open for something simple and affordable and this seemed to tick both boxes.  I am happy to say this little beauty dropped through the letterbox this morning, courtesy of a late night rummage on e-bay.


 As with all vintage patterns it does not have the sizing flexibility of a modern multi sized patterns but I am hoping that won't be a problem! I brought this size to accommodate my matronly bussom, however, I don't know if the pattern will cope with my overfed waist line, I learnt in my sewing class that you can reduce your seam allowance eg instead of sewing 1.5cm you sew 1cm and you gain 2cm over both seams so that will give me a little extra to play with,   As this is something of an experiment I have an old sheet that I will use to make a mock up before going for it.

Of course now I need some fabulous vintage fabric to make it up in, so it could be sometime before I get to share a finished dress with you.

In with all the pattern pieces and the very brief instructions was this flyer for sewing kits, they appear to be ready cut out garments that you just have to sew up.  Part of me quite likes the idea as it adds an element of convenience to the sewing process but when I make something I love that I get to choose the pattern and the fabric as well as being able to add my own personal touches.


I would love to hear of your vintage sewing pattern experiences or if you have made up a sewing kit