This book is packed with totally straight-forward yet beautiful projects, with every step carefully explained. You’ll find all the guidance you need to support you through the process, particularly if you are a newcomer to the wonderful world of sewing! I’ve heard many people say that they can’t sew – it’s not their thing – but if you have even a vague desire to have a go, there is still time, you can learn. Sometimes past or school experiences can be off-putting, but the joy of trying as an adult is that no-one is there to grade you; you’re free to enjoy the process and start at a level you feel comfortable with. You’re doing it for you. You’ll be surprised at how quickly your sewing skills build and how you can reconnect with your creativity to produce a project to be proud of. Or if you’re already one of the converted, a confirmed sewing addict, I hope that the projects, fabrics and colour combinations in this book will provide fresh inspiration.
The projects in this book are arranged in three sections, but you can dive in wherever you like. The easiest projects are the Holly scatter cushions, the Gwen belt, the Fleur embellished party skirt and the Sara drawstring bag; all fun makes with beautiful, individual results.
There’s nothing quite like the zen feeling of ‘flow’ that can come from working with your hands, doing a grounded task; the sensation of working with beautiful colours and textures; or the relaxation that comes from focusing on enjoyable work. Admittedly, it’s not always like this – sometimes it can be so frustrating when you’re unpicking what feels like miles of stitching! But there’s a certain sense of triumph when you overcome a particular problem or keep persevering and it comes right in the end. I’ve also discovered a new awareness of what it takes to make something – an awareness that makes me appreciate the time and effort that’s gone into making the shirt I’m wearing or the bedding I sleep in.
Not so long ago clothes and fashion items were not as abundant as they are now. Nowadays so many things are readily available, that it makes it all the more special to make something individual. You have the choice of which colours and patterns to pair, so you can create something uniquely you.
Equally, bought gifts are lovely, but a unique handmade gift is a precious, appreciated thing indeed. Sometimes a project may be inspired by a friend: you might see a fabric and think ‘ooh, she would love that’, or perhaps the project item will be the starting point.
Seeing children playing with or wearing something that you made with your own hands can give you such a wonderful feeling of satisfaction. Your gift, whether it is a dress, a toy, a cushion or a quilt, becomes woven into their childhood. I love being able to create the same kinds of memories I’ve had for my kids, a new generation.
If your granny didn’t teach you to sew, be not downhearted. There is an army of YouTube teachers out there, ready to give you all the tips and tricks you might need.
I was one of the lucky ones, coming to sewing through my grandma, and my mum. My grandma kept any clothing that was too worn to wear any more, and cut it up to use for the quilts she made. She hardly ever bought fabric because it was a dark era before quilting shops, and why would she when my grandfather’s shirts did such a good job? My understanding of the importance and pleasure of making by hand came, foremost, from her because she was always quilting. It was a constant dawn-to-dusk activity that produced epic quilts, often given away as gifts. Not to mention the hand-crocheted tablecloth that took her 40 years to make, one tiny square a day. I must admit that although my grandmother did all of her quilting by hand, I prefer to use a machine for speed.
However, it was my mum who actually taught me to sew and took the time to teach me to patchwork, to cut out patterns and how to use a sewing machine. And it was my mum who inspired my love of bright colours. I then began to have an inkling of the satisfaction a creative life could bring.
After an eight-year adventure in scientific research, I rediscovered my ‘maker’ side, and started making bags, dresses and quilts, moving into designing patterns for bags and quilts, always with a mission to support new crafters through clear, detailed instructions. I have always admired Japanese sewing books, with step-by-step pictures that are so clear I’m able to follow the instructions without understanding a word of Japanese. Alongside designing, I started my business Alice Caroline, selling the patterns and an ever-growing curated range of Liberty Art Fabrics. I had always loved Liberty fabrics but they were hard to source, and I imagined that there must be others out there who shared my love.
I tend towards the fly-by-night sewing – after the kids have gone to bed, and the house is quiet, I will head to my studio. It is also fun to attempt some simpler projects when the kids are around. They love being involved, and I like to think that even if they are just throwing fabric everywhere, they are beginning to learn a wonderful skill.
My sister laughs at my solution to the perennial ‘I have nothing to wear’ dilemma – I have been known to run up a dress the night before a wedding or party, on more than one occasion. Sometimes it’s not quite finished on the inside but no one will know! I’m not saying I don’t have a long-term, on-the-go project pile, but most appealing to me are the kind of simple projects I’ve shared with you in this book. I am always on the look-out for great projects that do not take up too much time – it’s really satisfying to have beautiful results from one or two evening’s work. The longer projects don’t have to be done in one go – a couple of hours an evening will add up over a week or two.
Whatever your motivation, however you like to sew, using your own hands to produce something beautiful feels unbelievably good. You will be able to respond to ‘wow, where did you get that from?’ with a glowing ‘I made it myself!’. I hope that you will love the process of making, and enjoy your finished treasures.
