Hello, all! I'm super excited today to tell you about a new book we have just released, titled Freestyle Handmade: Bags & Skirts. I love this book for so many reasons:
* Bags and skirts are two of the easiest things to sew, so a whole book of these patterns means I have lots great, quick ideas at my disposal, whenever I get the sewing urge.
* There are a ton of patterns in it--over 50!
* I love the look of the book--very cool photography, very hip patterns, totally different from anything I've seen lately.
* And it has great instruction! Illustrations accompany the text, and there's a pull-out section of patterns in the back. Perfect!
Hi - it's Jen here again. While surfing for fabric, I've noticed that yo-yo makers are becoming very widely available. I wasn't sure whether I like the look of yo-yos at first - kinda fussy and flouncy looking. But I have to say that I'm getting increasingly fond of them, and fancy making a few from my ever increasing scrap bag.
Like I said, you can buy yo-yo makers for all kinds of shapes - circles, hearts, flowers etc. from brands including Clover, and they make cute embellishments. See the lazygirl website for a super-clear tutorial on how to use them. If you don't want to buy the makers (they're really cheap, but that's still fabric pennies used up!) then check out the fabulous Heather Bailey's website - her DIY class is quick and clear, and her fabrics and photos inspiring as always.
So I think I'll make a few and see what I'm inspired to do with them - if anyone else has any ideas or piccies, that would really help!
I'm off to see the Editor of Sewing World magazine, Wendy Gardiner, tomorrow. It'll be great to have the chance to sit down with one of the UK's top experts and find out all about what's hot and what's not from her perspective. I'm keen to find out what the latest techniques are in home and fashion sewing, and ways we can start integrating all these great sewing trends onto our projects and books. Get a link to the mag at www.mycraftivity/jennyfoxpro.
