Lucas Loves exclusive fabric

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Hello there, my name is Steph Driver.
I am the owner, designer and screen printer of LucasLoves.

 

I create bright, fun, colourful eco-friendly products for your life
and home; I like to think all of my products bring joy into every day.

I was thrilled to be asked by   Mille Moon to design a pattern for fabric, that would be printed and sold exclusively in their independent shop in Frome. Here’s how it all happened.

THE BRIEF

The brief is one of the best, in fact, the best brief any designer could wish for…

Me: Do you have a brief / idea of pattern in mind?

Becki: Free reign, we love what you do.

Oooooh yeh, that’s the best brief ever, what a joy! What it also meant was that I really had to nail down the idea, to make sure I didn’t go off on too many tangents. I mean, I will always go off on tangents (don’t we all do that?!) but I needed to use my time wisely and not drift too far away from the initial idea.

THE IDEA

I am a huge fan of mid-century style. I love most things from this era, pattern, print, design, fashion, furniture…Yeh, pretty much most things. The idea; to create a pattern that wouldn’t have looked out of place in the 1950’s.

THE PROCESS

It starts with research. I have ‘go to’ reference books to get ideas flowing and then I live with the ideas bubbling around in my head for days, weeks and yes, sometimes years!

At this point, I usually start to sketch. I use my sketchbook as
a clearing of my creative mind, there is a lot of ‘not very good’ work in there, but amongst all this there is always something
that I love. I tend to move onto the computer at this stage, where I scan sketches and start to play.

This sketch was definitely something that I wanted to use. I played with using only this, creating a pattern with just the lines but then it moved on and developed into becoming an overlay to the coloured shapes.

 

THE RESULT

   

I mean I loved it but there is always the doubt and worry that I could be the only one.

Me: Hope you like it.
Becki: Oh wow, I think these are beautiful.

What more could I ask for?!

 

To find out more about Stephs work go to her website www.lucasloves.co.uk

 

 

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Click here to buy Steph’s gorgeous fabric

Anna Vickery kids patterns now available to print at home!

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With most of us staying at home, we are able to get some real sewing time in. With this is in mind, Anna has been able to make her patterns available to print at home. Ordering via the website, the patterns will be sent to you via email as a PDF. These are easy to print off at home on A4 sheets, just stick together with tape.

Anna’s patterns have been tried and tested in our workshops at the shop and are designed for beginners. Nice simple patterns with simple fastenings and very wearable in 100% cotton. You will be making them over and over again!

All of the patterns are available for £6 pdf or £10 paper version. Buy here

https://milliemoonshop.co.uk/product/kids-patterns-by-anna-vickery/
  • BOYS SHIRT AGE 1-5 YEARS
  • WAISTCOAT AND SHORTS AGE 1-5 YEARS
  • TUNIC DRESS AGE 3-12 YEARS
  • ROCK N ROLL DRESS AGE 1-5 YEARS
  • PARTY DRESS AGE 1-5 YEARS
  • DUNGAREE DRESS AGE 1-5 YEARS
  • T SHIRT DRESS AGE 1-5 YEARS
  • PINAFORE DRESS AGE 1-5 YEARS
  • SUNDRESS AGE 1-5 YEARS
  • PYJAMA TROUSERS AND SHIORTS AGE 3-12 YEARS

Plus, if you get stuck, Anna is always available for a helping hand. Just email us at the shop. info@milliemoonshop.co.uk

Millie Moon Makes – Free tutorials – Felt flowers with a little Sew and Sow

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Making flowers out of felt is a great no-sew project and you can use them to make a floral wreath, some beautiful bunting or add them to gifts and other craft projects.  I recently shared this as a live craft club and thought you might like to see a written-up version.  You absolutely don’t have to make them in the same colours that I have but I have included the colours below so you can identify them in the above picture.  Please share photos of yours with me on Instagram @alittlesewandsow   

You will need:

Felt (special packs for this project can be ordered here)

Glue (ideally a hot glue gun but a tube of glue that will stick felt will be fine)

Paper and fabric scissors

Buttons (included in the pack above)

Template

Carnation (blue)

Cut a piece of your chosen coloured felt 9inches long by 2inches wide.  Fold in half, length ways and glue together.  

Take your fabric scissors and cut small slits into the felt all the way along the folded edge.  You will need to cut to about half way down the felt.

Starting at one end, roll the felt up along the long edge, periodically securing with glue.  Once finished ensure the end is secure and gently use your fingers to splay out the petals.  

Daisy (pink)

Cut three flowers shapes from the above template or if you don’t have a printer just draw your own!  

Stack all three pieces on top of each other, staggering the position to add fullness to the petals.  Secure each layer with glue (in the middle) and finish with a button or bead.  

Ranunculus (purple)

Cut one circle of felt in either a four- or six-inch size.  These are the two largest sizes on the template sheet.  If you can’t print that, go hunting in your kitchen for dishes, mugs etc. that are about the right size.  As long as it is a circle, the exact size doesn’t really matter.  

Carefully cut a spiral into the circle, right the way to the middle. 

Starting at the middle, roll the felt around on itself, gluing periodically to secure.  

Ensure the outside end is firmly glued.  

Rose (yellow)

Cut three circles, 3inches in diameter.  This is the smallest circle on the template or you can find a small cup or a glass that is about the correct size.  

Take one circle and fold in half and then into quarters and secure with glue.  This will create a cone shape with a swirl inside.  

Repeat for the other two pieces.

Glue all three pieces together with all of the points meeting.  The bottom should look like this:

Carefully tease out all of the petals to finish the rose.

Millie Moon Makes – free tutorials -How to make a covered notebook

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How to make a covered notebook

To begin we need to make a paper pattern. Open up your notebook as wide and flat as you can and draw around it on a piece of paper.

(If your notebook has a wide spine draw around one side then the other side in a row next to each other to create one large rectangle.)

Use a ruler to straighten the lines to create a nice tidy rectangle and add 1.5cm all the way around the edge for a seam allowance. Cut out the pattern

Now cut one piece out of the main fabric you want on the outside cover. (you can embellish it at this point if you like)

Cut another piece the same size for the lining. This won’t be seen once the book is inside so you can use anything you like for this.

Now fold your piece of paper in half and cut two pieces of fabric this size to make the pockets the book will slide into.

To put together start by placing your main fabric piece face up on to the table. Fold your two pocket pieces in half and place these at the end of the main pieces with the raw edges facing outwards.

Place your lining fabric on top facing downwards. Pin all the way around. Stitch around the edge using a 1cm seam allowance and leaving a 3cm gap at the bottom.

Trim the corners and using the gap turn it all through to the right sides.

Fold the pockets to the lining side and press. Sew up the gap.

Slide your book inside. Gorgeous and reusable. Just pop in another book when this one is full!

Mille Moon Makes – Free tutorials – Simple cotton face masks

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Simple cotton Face masks

There are a lot of tutorials out there for facemasks. I’ve tried a few different ones and these are the simplest ones I’ve made. These are made of 100% cotton so breathable and washable BUT they have no filter. They are NOT clinical grade. Please stay safe, keep social distancing and wash your hands.

You will need:

100% cotton outer and 100% cotton backing fabric (adults 9×6″ kids7.5 x 5″ )

2 pieces of flat 1/4″ elastic (7″ each side )

Step 1 – place backing fabric right side up. Lie elastic on top – going corner to corner on the short edges, leaving a small amount (1/2″) hanging off. Add the outer fabric right side down over the top and pin the elastic in. The elastic should be housed inside the fabric.

step 2 – sew all the way round leaving a 2″ gap in middle. This should secure the elastic in place.

step 3 – turn though the right way.

step 4- pin three equal pleats and press

step 5- sew all the way around the edge, this will close the gap that was left from turning through and secure the pleats in place.

Thats it, washable, breathable cotton masks.

Making your own clothes with Anna

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My 6 Week Beginners Dressmaking Class by Anna Vickery

Who’s looking forward to the next series of Sewing Bee, I am! The challenges they take on though…..

With most people trying to be more environmentally aware, and the fashion industry being one of the largest offenders (not to mention the high streets boring safe offerings) what better time to make your own.

Over the years I’ve been workshopping at Millie Moon I’ve met lots of people who sew, but are nervous about starting dressmaking (what if it doesn’t fit? falls apart?) or taking the next step (the number of times people say they are looking for a pattern without fastenings so they don’t have to sew zips/buttonholes!)

Fear not, my 6 week dressmaking evening class is here…. ‘Dressmaking with paper patterns’ is a 6 week evening class – (now into my 7th year of running this class!) – you bring along a paper pattern and material and over 6 x 2 hour sessions make a garment. A nice small group, so lots of opportunity to ask questions. Next course starts 17th March, there are places still available! Here’s some photos of the wonderful things made on the January/February class, Tilly and the buttons dungarees and dungaree dresses, a Lisette denim dress and Butterick trousers that fit!! Good work.

Don’t forget I also run a monthly dressmaking club, skills sessions on specific techniques and 1-1 classes – more information available on the website just click here.

Hope to see you on the next class soon

Anna x

The next evening class starts on march 17th 6-8pm for 6 weeks £135 for more information or to book call the shop 01373 464437

You can follow Anna on facebook, twitter and instagram for more details of her work and future workshops

Millie Moon at the TATE

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Many of you over the years have met the real ‘millie moon‘, my daughter, who kindly gave her name to the shop! (Well she didn’t have much say in it to be honest)

Millie was only 8 when we first opened our doors and was a regular at every workshop she could attend. Roll on 12 years and now Millie is an art Student studying “Fine art” at Central Saint Martins in London. Last month, Me and Auntie Rachel had the pleasure of a day trip to London to see Millie take part in an exhibition at the Tate! (Definitely a proud mum moment) Along with fellow students, the exhibition focused on the price of art. You began the journey by screen printing your own money. Using the money to pay what you felt was right for each piece of art. There was even a toilet so you could see what it felt like to just flush your money away.

Millie focused on herself as a “famous” artist with a meet and greet where you could get signed drawings and badges from her.

What an experience for her and us!

If she keeps this up we think she might want her name back soon!

Becki x

Fabric designed by Millie is on sale in our shop now!

You can follow her on instagram @millienoblefineart and you can shop her work @KoolKactus

SEW WEEK! mini taster workshops for just £10

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After four successful years of Sew Saturday, Sew HQ has announced that this weekend event is expanding into a six-day celebration, from 30th September to 5th October!

“Sewing Week encourages crafters to head down to their local shops, show their support and take part in stitchy activities. As well as your usual dose of exclusive in-store discounts, competitions and giveaways that you received with Sew Saturday, you can expect bumper project packs, amazing machine deals and plenty of freebies! Read Sew Magazine’s blog for more information on the nationwide event!”

 At Millie Moon, We love Sew Saturday, so we are very excited to be having a week long event in the shop this year! There will be special offers, discounts and of course a week of craft activities and mini taster workshops with our talented tutors.

All workshops £10 per person including all materials and refreshments

 BOOK NOW 

Monday 30thSept – Join Jo Joof for painting!

– AM 11-1pm Art Club   PM 2-4pm Fabric Printing

Tuesday 1stOctober  – Join Kelly for a day of making eco-friendly reusable products!

 – AM 11-1pm face pads    PM 2-4pm kitchen roll

Wednesday 2ndOctober – Join Gingergirl Gaynor for papercraft!

– AM 11-1pm Felt brooches       PM 2-4pm Collage cards

   

Thursday 3rdOctober – Join Caroline for hand sewing!

– AM 11-1pm Lavender hearts

Friday 4thOctober – Join Craftival for a day of workshops

-AM 10-12pm Initial Banner        PM 1-3pm Card zip purse

Saturday 5th October – Kids club with Molly

Join Molly for kids crafting making little bears

10.30-12.30 age 7+    

 

Introducing NEW ART Workshops with JO JOOF

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We are delighted to have local illustrator Jo Joof joining us at Millie Moon.

Jo will be hosting a Drawing and Painting session in her own unique style every Monday.  Join Jo for a fun approach to drawing and painting. Learn illustration techniques in an easy and relaxed environment. A fun variety of topics and a different theme each week.

No experience or skill needed and definitely no still life!

 

 

 

 

 

Meet the Maker

 

I’m Jo Joof, a mum of five girls and an illustrator and designer based in Frome. In addition to having 5 beautiful daughters who love to draw, my inspiration is also led by the love of retro memorabilia and multi culture, so that often reflects in the subjects I paint too.

 

I have 20+ years previous experience in all areas of children’s book publishing.
I am a self taught artist and grew up on the outskirts of London thriving on creating and making all sorts of art and crafts – non stop! I currently have a studio space at the Black Swan Arts, and I have really been able to explore my own creativity fully and gain some of my own recognition.
I am also the owner of a small but profitable growing business Jo and Nic’s Crinkly Cloth Books.
The Nursery Times crinkly cloth book for babies is uniquely designed to look like a little newspaper and it’s proving to be very popular.Myself and illustrator Nicola Moore have self published – created, illustrated and manufactured nearly 24 crinkly titles in just over 1 year.And we have sold to 40 of the best independent stockists in the UK and also the US.
Having the ability to combine traditional hand painted illustration with design and mac skills has proven to be beneficial too. More recently a collaboration with Frome based makers ‘Craftival’ has also led to me designing and producing my own range of fabric exclusively for sale at Millie Moon Shop.
The Art Club
I have art clubs which take place at Millie Moon Shop and Studio One Black Swan Arts, also kids easy craft sessions either as a drop in session or a children’s party group.
The art club is based on simple, commonly used illustration techniques and different mediums.
It’s a two hour session which includes drawing and painting a variety of prepared subjects in a group of up to six. Suggestions welcome. I will be there to share tips. Inspirational will be shared by all.
You can copy my version or draw your own, it’s up to you! A relaxing and fun bit of ‘me’ time if that’s what you need!
Sign up for a batch of classes and you will be supplied with your own handy set of watercolours, brushes and an A5 book.

Jo will be running adult workshops 16+ years starting on Mondays 11-1pm

Sessions are £15 each, or you can book  3 for £36

Includes all materials used on the day and refreshments

Starts Monday 12th August 2019

No Monday club on bank holidays

 

Book Now

 

 

Summer Holiday workshops for Kids and Teens

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So the summer holidays are nearly here and this summer we are offering

“Sewing Summer Schools”

suitable for all ages.

For the kids (age 7+)

Summer school will run from 19th-23rd August with our kids club tutor Molly

Each day there will be something new to make, £15 per session includes all materials and refreshments.

BOOK HERE

Mon 19th – Sun Catchers

Tuesday 20th – Mouse family

Wed 21st – Teddys picnic blanket

Thursday 22nd – Sea creatures picture

Friday 23rd – Pretty Headbands

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

There is also our regular Kids Club on Saturday 3rd August making turtles!

                    BOOK HERE

 

For teens (age 11+)

For the older students we have the NEW teens dressmaking Summer school.

Anna has been running a beginners dressmaking course at the shop for several years now, but this is the first time we have been able to offer to teens during the summer holidays.

Working at your own pace in a small group make a garment with Annas help. Bring along your choice of paper pattern and material (we’re happy to advise and don’t forget to collect loyalty card stamps on materials purchased.) Suitable for beginners and progressing dressmakers.

Learn as you go, everything from measuring, laying out and cutting to constructing, altering and finishing your garment. Get to know the rest of your group and learn from what they are doing too – previous items made on evening classes include day and evening dresses, childrenswear, pyjamas, skirts, bags, mens shirts, waistcoats and jackets – what do you fancy making?

This course is designed for students to be able to pick which sessions they can attend, but a minimum of 3 is required.

 *must have machine experience

Starts tuesday 23rd July for 6 weeks.

10-1pm

Book 3 sessions for £90 or maybe do all 6

BOOK HERE

We also have the regular teens club

On the 3rd Saturday of every month, the teen club will meet from 10.00-1.00pm with tutor Anna Vickery.

Each month will be a new project to work on covering all machine skills.

Fab Mille Moon Materials included.

Each session is £25 or introductory offer of 3 sessions for £60  (please call the shop to book with this offer)

On Saturday 17th August Join Anna and made a sun top 10-1pm £25 includes all materials

For those teens that have never used a sewing machine before but would like to give it a go, we are also running a *Teens teach me to use a sewing machine” workshop on Friday 16th August 10-1pm £35 . A class designed for complete beginners – if you’ve just acquired a new sewing machine and want to learn more about it, or if you would start sewing from the very beginning then this class is for you. You will learn to wind a bobbin, thread and how to set up your machine ready for sewing. You will go through a series of exercises to gain confidence and to perfect your skills before making a simple tote bag. All materials are included in this class.

If sewing isn’t your thing, how about Jo Joof family art club? This club This runs on the 4th saturday of every month form 11-1pm £15 or book 3 for £36

Join local illustrator Jo Joof for a fun approach to drawing and painting.

No experience or skill needed and definitely no still life! All the family can come along- age 9+

Price includes all materials and refreshments

BOOK HERE 

Hopefully there is something for everyone who would like to learn a new skill, meet new friends and have a creative project this summer.