GET CRAFTY

Did you happen to see the article in the Sunday Telegraph body and soul insert. It was all about the booming new interest in sewing and craft.

It seems like we are in the beginning of a new rush of intrepid sewers. Knitters, crafters and beaders, reusing and recycling - "Up cycling" as it is now dubbed. For all of us die hard sewers we have been doing this for years. This is great news as it includes young people getting interested in sewing etc.

We have been inundated with enquiries for all our classes our dress making classes are full and we now have to put on more sewing teachers to fill the demand. The high schools are purchasing Bernina's and Janome's to put back into the classrooms as there is a great demand for textile and design to be revamped in the schools.

This can only be a positive thing for the industry and sales of sewing machines have soared.

This trend seems to be a knee jerk reaction against mass consumerism combined with a concern for the environment and desire to embrace the simpler things in life, including many forms of craft.

Embellishments

Today in the shop we have been discussing embelishing clothes both new and old.

We are going to do a challenge and search out an item of clothing in our wardrobe or at the op shop, and embelish it in the next two weeks. We will then show this off to the class ladies and offer them the opportunity and inspiration to step out side the square and tap into their creative juices.

Any garment can look fantastic, old jeans, jackets, blouses, t shirts and skirts can be re purposed to make something interesting and fun to wear. Pick something that you may have been going to throw out, find some interesting bits and pieces such as lace, ribbon, buckles, beads, trims, old costume jewellery, even mettalic fabrics and threads, embroidery threads, pieces of leather, suede and felt can all be used.

A sewing machine makes the job easy but is not necessary. Begin by laying out your garment and placing the embelishments over it as artistically as you like. You can use Roxanne glue to hold the items in place until you can attache them more firmly. Just play with the items taking and placing as you go.

Once you have a look that you like, use the machine to sew down your fabrics, lace and trim, using the machines fancy stitches can help to emphasise the design and add to the over all effect. For beads, buckles, jewellery and anything metal you will need to secure these with hand stitching using a heavy duty thread and firm knots into the fabric.

The idea is to have fun and save money while you are at it, save the environment by reusing what you have.

Check back soon to see what the girls have created.

Please remember to log on to the website and if you have anything that you want to show off or any ideas you may have please join our blog.

PROJECT RUNWAY

The highly successful show Project Runway has inspired many people to start sewing or get back to sewing clothes for themselves and for their family.

It is a fabulous show that allows would be designers to see just what is possible and that anyone can achieve a brilliant result with their sewing.

The first place to start is by getting some basic sewing lessons, having a good reliable machine with a variety of utility stitches and for fun some fancy stitches to help you embelish and create.

A basic pattern and supplies and a teacher.

At Sewrite Seven Hills we offer an array of classes geared toward the beginner sewer and the more advanced, our teachers have a vast knowledge in all types of sewing, tailoring, design, fit, patternmaking and an abundance of ability to help you achieve your sewing goal.

We offer Janome and Bernina machines for sale and offer a comprehensive after sales service, your sewing classes will be a fabulous way to get to know your new machine while learning new skills or advancing skills you already have.

Classes are filling fast so please call the shop and book your place quickly, 9621 4007

The shop is conveniently located at Seven Hills, close to bus and train and parking close to shop.

Looking forward to meeting you there.