Our monthly Pattern Review

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Hello and welcome to our monthly review blog post!

Each month we will be trying patterns from different independent pattern companies and working with different fabrics we stock here in the shop. We will make them up on our work bench, so you can see the finished garment sample. We have found having the samples made up in the shop really helps people decide on a pattern, so if you can’t pop in and browse the rails, hopefully this will help you decide.

We always make the garments up in our current fabric ranges so they match the season and this month we have chosen the lovely soft floaty fabrics by Fabric Godmother and patterns from The Assembly Line.

This months Patterns used are:

The A line midi skirt from @The Assembly Line £21

The Cuff top from @The Assembly Line £21

The  Minimalist Kaftan from @The Assembly Line £21

 

 

The Cuff top from @TheAssemblyline £21.00

The cuff top pattern is a simple beginners pattern. It was easy to follow. Very detailed and helpful tips along the way.  There is a small seam allowance (1cm) so just be careful with the markings and notches. An overlocker is really useful to edge the fabrics as the seam allowance is so small, but you could do this with a zigzag stitch on your machine.

This pattern is available in two size options.  XS-L has a straight fit and features a boat neck. XL-4XL has a more curved fit with more volume under the arm, bust darts and a round neck with keyhole opening at the back. They both feature cap sleeves with wide elastic cuffs.

Sized from XS-4XL (approx 6 to 22), but we always recommend you go by your measurements rather than dress size. Dress sizes vary so much between designers and none of us really fit in the same box do we? There are no zips or buttons. Great for beginners.

The lovely soft petula crepe Fabric by @FABRIC GODMOTHER  was perfect for this pattern (£20 per metre).  This would also be fabulous in a rayons, chambray or linen.

A Lovely pattern to get started with and one to make over and over again, a wardrobe staple. There is also a V Neck pattern which has a looser fit with full, gathered sleeves and a cuff dress pattern which has a keyhole opening, elastic waist and side pockets.

Level Beginner

Sizes  – 6-14 or 14-22

Total Cost £48.69

Buy here:

Pattern £21.00

Fabric £24.00 (1.2m)

Interfacing £1.45 (25cm)

Thread £2.15

Elastic £0.80

 

 

 

 

 

The midi skirt  from @The Assembly line £21.00

 

Another lovely pattern for a beginner to garment making. The A-line midi skirt has an A-Line fit and is detailed with an elasticated waist and and slant pockets. Alternative waistband  included in the pattern is a paper bag skirt with belt loops and a belt. There are also different hemlines included in the pattern with the option of an elasticated or rounded hemline.

The lovely soft cotton chambray Fabric was perfect for this pattern (£14per metre).  This would also be fabulous in a Linen or  midweight cotton. It might be ok with a light needlecord for autumn months, we will give it a try later in the year.

Available in sizes, XS-3XL (6-20), The fit was true to size , so the fabric requirement was good, with very little wastage. Again the seam-allowance is small so an overlocker is useful. The slant pockets are really simple to add. Everything is topstitched with gives a really professional finish.

Level – Beginner

Total Cost £49.30

Buy here:

Pattern £21.00

Fabric £23.80 (1.7m)

Thread £2.15

interfacing £1.45

elastic £.90

 

 


The minimalist kaftan by @TheAssemblyline £21

 

The minimalist kaftan dress has a wide, relaxed silhouette. It features a v-neck both from and back,  a box pleat in the back and front panels with slant pockets. This challenging dress pattern is available in 2 sizes. Small fits XS-L and XL fits XL-3XL. As with the others the seam allowance is small and an overlocker is useful.  Although it does require a lot of fabric (approx 3m) There is very little wastage.

It is suitable for Advanced beginners. It’s a fairly easy pattern but the origami style is a bit confusing when you first attempt it. Keep going! It will make sense.

The lovely soft Tobu crepe Fabric by @FABRIC GODMOTHER  was perfect for this pattern (£20 per metre). It would be a lovely dress of a wedding or a summer cover up for a holiday or maybe made in a soft bamboo jersey to lounge in at home. This would also be fabulous in a rayons, chambray or linen.

Level Advanced Beginner

Total Cost £80.15

Buy here:

Pattern £21.00

fabric £56.00 (2.8 metre)

Thread £2.15

Interfacing £1.00

 

 

ABOUT Fabric Godmother fabrics

Fabric Godmother has created fabrics that are desirable, innovative and fun to wear. The Fabric Godmother Collection is full of vibrant conversational prints with a number developed in a exclusive collaboration with the Print Pattern Archive, bringing vintage prints to life. Available in crepe, lawn and Viscose, these fabrics drape beautifully.

(Viscose is a fibre that is derived from wood pulp, making it a natural fabric that is more breathable than cotton. It is also known as Rayon.)

All of the fabric factories are Oeko-Tex standard 100 certified, giving you piece of mind in our modern era of eco awareness.

ABOUT The Assembly Line Patterns

Modern indie sewing patterns from Scandinavia. The Assembly Line is all about clean lines and contemporary designs, functional yet stylish, Simple with an unexpected twist. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled maker, you’ll love sewing and wearing The Assembly Line designs.  All the patterns are available in paper format and come with easy-to-follow assembly instructions.

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Hopefully these will have inspired you to have a go at one our patterns. If you still feel nervous why not book onto one of our workshops with Anna. Never used a sewing machine before but want to learn, book our beginners workshops. Just need a little help on specific project then maybe a 1-1 session would be better for you. Just take a look at our workshop pages with upcoming dates. You can book online or in store.

If you have made up one of the patterns, drop us an email with your review and we would love to see pictures! Info@milliemoonshop.co.uk

Happy sewing

Rachel and Becki x

The April review

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Hello and welcome to our monthly review blog post!

Sorry this one is a bit late, got distracted with all the bank holidays, still  not sure what day it is!

Each month we will be trying patterns from different independent pattern companies and working with different fabrics we stock here in the shop. We will make them up on our work bench, so you can see the finished garment sample. We have found having the samples made up in the shop really helps people decide on a pattern, so if you can’t pop in and browse the rails, hopefully this will help you decide.

We always make the garments up in our current fabric ranges so they match the season and this month we have chosen the lovely bright fabrics by Ruby Star and patterns from Liberty. The windows look bright and cheery, even on rainy spring days.

This months Patterns used are:

The Zina Wrap skirt from @liberty fabrics  £18.50

The Bella tea dress from @liberty fabrics  £18.50

The  Mabel tiered dress from @liberty fabrics £18.50

The Zina Wrap skirt from @libertyfabrics £18.50

 

The Zina wrap skirt pattern is a simple beginners pattern.

This pattern has lots of options, Short, long, and with a ‘flounce’ edge.Sized from 6 to 22, but we always recommend you go by your measurements rather than dress size. Dress sizes vary so much between designers and none of us really fit in the same box do we? There are no zips or buttons. Great for beginners.

I had been looking forward to making a wrap skirt but hadn’t found a pattern that worked well. This one is really simple and makes a lovely style skirt. Its instructions allow for it to be well finished on the inside too. The only fiddly bit was making the button hole to thread the tie through. This was made easier with the buttonhole foot on my machine.

The lovely soft cotton “reverie’ Fabric by @Ruby star was perfect for this pattern (£18 per metre).  This would also be fabulous in our new rayons or linens that have just arrived.

The pattern is printed on a fine traditional patternweight paper. This can be fiddly as the paper tears easily. If you want to use it more than once, then maybe  trace the Pattern onto thicker paper to begin with. The instructions are set out in a traditional format with line drawings. It’s made in an apron style, sewing the panels together to make almost a semicircle. The fit was true to size , so the fabric requirement was spot on, with very little wastage. 1.5cm seam allowance included

A Lovely pattern to get started with and one to make over and over again, a wardrobe staple.

Level Beginner

Sizes  – 6-14 or 14-22

Total Cost £66.45

Buy here:

Pattern £18.50

Fabric £45.00 (2.5m)

Interfacing 80p (20cm)

Thread £2.15

 

The Bella Tea dress from @liberty fabrics £18.50

 

The Bella tea dress is a gorgeous vintage style dress. Based on the tea dresses of the 30s/40s it has a beautiful round collar and a puff sleeve. The pleating on the front adds delicate detail. This pattern is more for intermediate sewers who have done some garment making in the past.

This pattern has a couple of variations but I went with the traditional option B  Sized from 6 to 22, but as before, we always recommend you go by your measurements rather than dress size.

The lovely soft cotton “daffodil’ Fabric by @Ruby star was perfect for this pattern (£18 per metre).  This would also be fabulous in a Liberty Lawn or maybe in our new rayons and crepes.

As above, The pattern is printed on a fine traditional pattern weight paper. This can be fiddly as the paper tears easily. If you want to use it more than once, then maybe  trace the Pattern onto thicker paper to begin with. The instructions are set out in a traditional format with line drawings.  The fit was true to size , so the fabric requirement was good, with very little wastage. There are a lot of pieces so make sure you mark the pieces well with numbers, darts and notches. 1.5cm seam allowance included. It has a side zip. The opening at the neck is closed with a hook and eye but you could use a button and loop. I also added the ribbon bow detail.

Level – Intermediate

Total Cost £85.95

Buy here:

Pattern £18.50

Fabric £61.20 (3.4m)

Zip £2.50

Thread £2.15

interfacing £1.60 (40cm)

 


The mable tiered dress by @liberty fabrics £18.50

The beautiful dress pattern is  for ages 6m to 4 years and suitable for beginners.

The flutter sleeves  and tiered skirt make it suitable in light weight fabrics, like lawn, linen or cotton. I chose a beautiful floral liberty fabric  for this one to complement our adult outfits for the window. This sample is age 3-4 years. The dress has a couple of options, with ruffles, elasticated sleeve or sleeveless. There is also a coordinating hat in the pattern. There is a zip.

A very simple pattern to make with good quality pattern paper and multi sized. It has photos to help you follow the instructions. The only tricky bit is probably adding the zip and the bias binding. Binding can be a bit fiddly, just take your time.

A really pretty little dress.

Level Beginner

Total Cost £54.75

Buy here:

Pattern £18.50

fabric £31.20 (1.2 metre)

Bias Binding 40p (1.m)

Thread £2.15

Zip £2.50

 

 

ABOUT LIBERTY FABRICS

The new Liberty Fabrics dressmaking patterns draw inspiration from their fashion archive, with contemporary style details offering a fresh twist on classic vintage shapes.

“The Liberty Fabrics department is a true design institution. World-renowned for our historic 50,000-strong print archive, and for our in-house studio where new artworks are painted and drawn by hand, the Liberty Fabrics offering reflects our storied heritage and century-spanning passion for art and design. From ornate Art Nouveau layouts and classic 1930s ditsy florals to bold geometrics, landscapes and offbeat conversationals, our fabrics offer a colourful canvas for bespoke creations of all kind “  taken from @liberty.co.uk

ABOUT Ruby Star FABRICS

Ruby Star Society is a sisterhood and collaboration of five modern day makers. Ruby Star Society consists of Melody Miller, Alexia Abegg, Rashida Coleman-Hale, Kimberly Kight and Sarah Watts.  Along with collections such as Rise, Stay Gold, Tarry Town, First Light, Speckled and Spark.

“Friends, sisters, creators, trendsetters, star-gazers, hell-raisers, and modern-day makers. Our designers’ talent and vision are the backbone of Ruby Star Society.” – Ruby Star Society

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Hopefully these will have inspired you to have a go at one our patterns. If you still feel nervous why not book onto one of our workshops with Anna. Never used a sewing machine before but want to learn, book our beginners workshops. Just need a little help on specific project then maybe a 1-1 session would be better for you. Just take a look at our workshop pages with upcoming dates. You can book online or in store.

If you have made up one of the patterns, drop us an email with your review and we would love to see pictures! Info@milliemoonshop.co.uk

Happy sewing
Rachel and Becki x

Summer workshops at Millie Moon

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Hi Hello to you all,

So it’s been a bit of a damp spring so far, so we have decided to look forward to all the bank holidays and hopefully some sunshine in May. However you are spending the extra holidays, we hope you have some fun! Sorry to all those of you that have to work. After many years in retail, we both know how hard it is working weekends and bank holidays when everyone else seems to be enjoying themselves. (But, don’t worry when they all go back to work, the sun will shine and it will be your day off!)

We have had the deliveries of all the lovely new fabrics we promised. The new rayons, dobby and chambrays are gorgeous for the summer season. We are now waiting for the fabulous Merchant and Mills linens to arrive back in stock. We’ve also had a lovely delivery of The Assembly Line Patterns and the latest edition of Tauko magazine has arrived. Perfect for that inspiration.

 

Fabric Godmother Rayons, crepes and lawns – Buy here 

Pastel Chambrays – Buy here

Cotton Dobby – Buy here 

 

Tauko magazine – Buy here 

 

Workshops for Summer

May- August 

Never used a sewing machine before? Want to be more sustainable and not add to the fast fashion? Maybe you need to find something to do with all those baby clothes you kept? We have a workshop for you

 

NEW WORKSHOP!

Join Becki on this brand new beginners workshop. This 3 week evening class  is designed for those that are complete beginners to a Sewing Machine. Learn the basic skills for sewing alongside making some simple projects to take home. All equipment and machines are here at Mille Moon for you to use and the price includes your choice of fabrics for each of your projects so no need to bring anything! This class will give you the foundations in machine sewing that you will feel confident to go onto one of the other classes, maybe dressmaking or patchwork.

Starts Tuesday 23rd may for 3 weeks 6-8pm £115  book now 

other Summer workshops available: 

21st May – Beginners quilting and patchwork ,with Lucy @tuckitinquilts

23rd May- Beginners machine sewing course, with Becki

9th July – Darning and Sashiko visible mending with Skye

16th July – Beginners Quilting and patchwork with Lucy

23rd July- Stretch garment making with Anna

25th July – 6 week evening class , beginners dressmaking with Anna

13th August – Garment making workshop – make a merchant and mills pattern in a day with Anna (images below)

For more information go to the website or Book here

We also offer 1-1 sessions, whether you need help with getting to grips with your overlocker, or just some dressmaking advice. We also have our regular clubs running –

2nd Monday of the month – kids club with Claire and Ammie

2nd Thursday of the month – Sewcial Club with Becki

last Sunday of the month – Teens dressmaking club with Anna

Images from “Garment in a day! Make a Merchant and Mills pattern in a day workshop with Anna 

Sewcial Club,

This monthly open shop night is designed to bring our lovely customers together over tea and cake, but also giving people a chance to use our space and machines that they may not have access to at home. Come regularly and chat, sew and share your tips with each other or just come and finish that little sewing job you’ve been unable to do before. We do ask you book in advance so there’s plenty of space and cake for everyone!

Time 5.30-7.30pm £6 per person on  2nd Thursday of every month.

next one will be 9th march  Book here 

 

 

Keep sewing and a big thanks, as always, for supporting our small independent business. Our April pattern review will be out of next week! Hopefully see you soon in the shop, at the independent market, on a workshop or maybe at our Sewcial club,

Rachel and Becki xx

The March review

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Hello and welcome to our monthly review blog post!

Each month we will be trying patterns from different independent pattern companies and working with different fabrics we stock here in the shop. We will make them up on our work bench, so you can see the finished garment sample. We have found having the samples made up in the shop really helps people decide on a pattern, so if you can’t pop in and browse the rails, hopefully this will help you decide.

We always make the garments up in our current fabric ranges so they match the season and this season we’ve gone very pastel for spring! Although the wet dark day outside is not really shouting spring but our windows are cheery!

This months Patterns used are:

The Stevie by Sew La Di Da vintage £18

The Elvis by Sew La Di Da vintage £18

The tunic dress (kids) by Anna Vickery £10

 

The Stevie BY Sew La Di Da Vintage

The Stevie pattern pays homage to the legendary Stevie Nicks. It’s floaty, swishy and has fabulous sleeves. Perfect for swirling and dancing.

This pattern has lots of options, Short, long, with ruffle bottom, with ruffle sleeves or go for it and have all the ruffles. Sized from 6 to 20, but we always recommend you go by your measurements rather than dress size. Dress sizes vary so much between designers and none of us really fit in the same box do we? There are no zips or buttons. Great for beginners.

I used a lovely soft lightweight cotton gingham on this pattern (£16 per metre). Perfect for summer, dress it up for a wedding or even for the beach over a bikini. This would be fabulous in our new double gauze fabrics that have just arrived. Customise it with fringing, or maybe make it in lace for true Stevie style.

The pattern is printed on a lovely heavy weight paper, making it easy to use. The instructions are clear with photos making it easy to follow. The fit was on the generous side, so please do check your measurement before you buy the fabric. The version I made was a size 16 and had no frills to make it more of a casual day dress, plus it saves quite a bit of fabric if you are on a budget. However I think next time I will definitely add the frill on the bottom.  Think the double gauze is calling me. “Everywhere”

Level Beginner

Total Cost £63.75

Buy here:

Pattern £18

Fabric £42.40 (2.65m)

Interfacing £1.20 (30cm)

Thread £2.15

Back of Pattern

Back of Pattern

Finished dress

Finished dress

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Elvis Jumpsuit by Sew La di da Vintage

The Elvis pattern needs no explanation . You “can’t help falling in love” with it’s stylish collar and has fabulous wide legs. Perfect for swinging those hips!

This pattern has lots of options. It can be made in full length, shorts or as a dress! With optional cuffs and back yoke, the creative options are endless. Plus you can alter the length of the body to make it fit well.  Sized from 6 to 20, but as we said above we always recommend you go by your measurements rather than dress size.

I used a soft lightweight cotton look linen on this pattern (£8 per metre) in a bright blue with a coordinating pink zip. This could be made up in denim, Canvas, linen, cotton or even a rayon. You need a lot of fabric for this pattern, so this fabric was a cheaper option than using 100% linen but still has the soft slubby look. The fit was on the generous side, so please do check your measurement before you buy the fabric

The pattern is printed on a lovely heavy weight paper, making it easy to use. The instructions are clear with photos making it easy to follow. It gets a little tricky with the collar, which is why it is an intermediate pattern rather than beginners. Hopefully it won’t leave you “all shook up” !

Level – Intermediate

Total Cost £62.75

Buy here:

Pattern £18

Fabric £36 (4.5m)

Zip £3

Thread £2.15

 

Back of pattern

Finished jumpsuit

About Sew La Di Da Vintage:

Based in Lyme Regis, Caroline Smith and her team create “vintage patterns’  cut to modern sizes. They have designed and produced a range of vintage style dress patterns that are great for beginners. The ‘Stevie’ and the ‘ELvis’ patterns are  from their new “frock star” collection and are £18.00. Find out more @sewladidahvintage


The tunic dress by Anna Vickery 

 

The tunic dress by Anna Vickery is a versatile kids pattern for ages 3-12 years.

The long sleeves  and short length make it suitable all year round. It can be worn with leggings, jeans or tights underneath. Also it could be lengthened to make a longer dress. I chose a bright floral Robert Kauffman fabric ‘FLorista for this one to complement our pink and blue adult outfits for the window and used a  bright orange bias binding around the neckline. This sample is age 3-4 years. The dress has an elastic waist and optional elastic around the cuffs.  There are no fastenings or facings. Keeping it simple for beginners to dressmaking.

A very simple pattern to make with good quality pattern paper and multi sized. It has photos to help you follow the instructions. The only tricky bit is probably adding the bias binding. Binding can be a bit fiddly, so take your time.

Level Beginner

Total Cost £29.25

Buy here:

Pattern £10

fabric £16 (1 metre)

Elastic 50p (1 metre)

Bias Binding 60p (1.5m)

Thread £2.15

Back of pattern

Finished dress

About Anna Vickery:

Anna studied Fashion Design at The University of the West of England in Bristol, and has been our in-house dressmaking tutor for 10 years. Anna also works with Womenswear and Bridal designer Alexandra King. 

You can follow Anna on facebook

Anna designed this range of 10 versatile and simple patterns for everyone to have a go with. All patterns are tried and tested in our workshops here at the shop. These patterns are available as Paper patterns or as PDF versions for download and print at home. Multi size easy patterns for ages 1-5 years or 3-12 years

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Hopefully these will have inspired you to have a go at one our patterns. If you still feel nervous why not book onto one of our workshops with Anna. Never used a sewing machine before but want to learn, book our beginners workshops. Just need a little help on specific project then maybe a 1-1 session would be better for you. Just take a look at our workshop pages with upcoming dates. You can book online or in store.

If you have made up one of the patterns, drop us an email with your review and we would love to see pictures! Info@milliemoonshop.co.uk

Happy spring sewing
Rachel and Becki x

Spring workshops and the Return of the Independent Market

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Hi Hello to you all,

At last Spring is around the corner and we are beginning to see some sunshine here in Somerset. How about you?

We love Spring at the shop as we start to get deliveries of lovely new fabrics. This season has already seen the arrival of the new Merchant and Mills Linen/Cotton gingham fabrics as well as some lovely costal fabrics from Dashwood. Definitely feeling summer vibes and days at the coast with these.  We have just ordered some very exciting new rayons, cottons, linens and double gauze which should be here next month. These are perfect for dressmaking, especially the new Assembly Line patterns and the new Etta pattern from Merchant and Mills.

Buy here

 

Buy here

The Frome Independent market

Hooray it returns on 5th March. This amazing market takes place on the 1st Sunday of the month from March to December.  A great way to see the local talented artisans and there is always amazing food!

We are open 11-3pm on market Sundays

Workshops for Spring

Never used a sewing machine before? Want to be more sustainable and not add to the fast fashion? Maybe you need to find something to do with all those baby clothes you kept? We have a workshop for you

19th March – Teach me to machine sew, with Angela

21st march –  6 week garment making evening class, with Anna

23rd March – Piped cushion covers, with Becki

16th April  – stretch garment day, learn how to work with stretch fabrics and make a garment (pattern included), with Anna

30tjh April – Sashiko and darning workshops with Skye @slowstitchclub

21st May – beginners quilting and patchwork ,with Lucy @tuckitinquilts

For more information go to the website or Book here

We also offer 1-1 sessions, whether you need help with getting to grips with your overlocker, or just some dressmaking advice

Liberty shirt,Made on the last 6 week class by Stephen

Darning and Sashiko with Skye @slow stitch club

Quilting and Patchwork with Lucy @tuckitinquilts

 

Sewcial Club,

This monthly open shop night is designed to bring our lovely customers together over tea and cake, but also giving people a chance to use our space and machines that they may not have access to at home. Come regularly and chat, sew and share your tips with each other or just come and finish that little sewing job you’ve been unable to do before. We do ask you book in advance so there’s plenty of space and cake for everyone!

Time 5.30-7.30pm £6 per person on  2nd Thursday of every month.

next one will be 9th march  Book here 

 

 

Keep sewing and a big thanks, as always, for supporting our small independent business. Hopefully see you soon in the shop, at market, on a workshop or maybe at our Sewcial club,

Rachel and Becki xx

Your Invitation to our Christmas Party

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Well, we always enjoy a little party here at Millie Moon as you probably know, so we thought hey its Christmas, why not have a shop party and invite you all along too! (Any excuse to wear sparkly things!)

We will be in store from 5-7.30pm with tinsel in our hair and mulled wine in our Millie Moon mugs.

Come along and join us, have a mince pie, sing along to the Christmas songs and maybe browse the shelves whilst you are there.

We are offering you a *20% Discount on EVERYTHING in the store on the evening.

Also, as a very special treat there is *10% off all workshops and gift vouchers. We have never offered this before, but if you are stuck for a gift idea, this might be a winning solution!

*Offer is only available in store, this offer is not available online via Etsy or our website

 

 

We will also be holding a small raffle to raise funds for the local pet rescue charity “CornPop Critter Rescue”

Hope to see you there if not we will have to drink all the wine ourselves :)

Rachel and Becki

xxx

 

 

 

 

Workshops in Bath and Bradford on Avon!

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We are so excited to announce our new collaboration with JULIA DAVEY And CASSIA COLLECTIVE in Bath and Bradford on Avon!
Make a Merchant & Mills garment in a day with help from professional seamstress and dressmaking tutor Anna Vickery. Suitable for all levels of sewers, you will learn as you go with everything from measuring, laying out and cutting to constructing, altering and finishing your garment. This event is being held at both Cassias (different dates).

All bookings for these workshops should be made through eventbrite, and not through millie moon.   Please click on the link below for each location


About this event

Make a garment from a Merchant and Mills sewing pattern in day with help from professional seamstress and dressmaking tutor Anna Vickery.

Learn as you go, everything from measuring, laying out and cutting to constructing, altering and finishing your garment. Suitable for beginner and progressing dressmakers, please be confident using your sewing machine.

Choose a Merchant and Mills pattern (included) and bring your own fabric, notions, sewing machine and tools (Anna can be contacted with any questions) patterns are supplied via Millie Moon shop in Frome, we also suggest checking out their fabric selection.

Work at your own pace in a small group and let Anna guide you through the process with lots of helpful tips and advice along the way.

(*If you want to finish your garment we suggest choosing a beginner/intermediate pattern, such as The Dress Shirt, The Camber Set, The Trapeze, The Fielder, The Hattie and Ellis or The 101 Trousers, but all are available, www.milliemoonshop.co.uk)

BRADFORD ON AVON 

Saturday 23rd July 2022

Cassia Bradford on Avon

Kingston Road

Bradford on Avon

BA15 1AB

10-3pm

£75*

Book this event here 

*this does not include fabric and notions. You are welcome to purchase these from Millie Moon with a 10% discount. 

 

BATH

Saturday 13th August 2022

Cassia – Bath Riverside

Sovereign Point

Bath

BA2 3GJ

10-3pm

£75*

Book this event here 

*this does not include fabric and notions. You are welcome to purchase these from Millie Moon with a 10% discount. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sashiko and Visible mending Workshops with Skye from @Slowstitchclub

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We are really excited to have Skye from @slowstitchclub on board as a tutor at Millie Moon. We are keen to promote slow fashion and to save clothes from landfill. Repairing clothes in this creative way is a fantastic way to give old clothes new life!

 

 

Get started with visible mending:

Slow stitch club teaches the art of visible mending using simple sewing techniques to repair clothing in a creative, visible and intentional way.

In this two hour workshop we will look at the best ways to repair particular pieces of clothing and fabrics using techniques such as darning, patching and Sashiko and I will be on hand to share tips and tricks about the processes as we mend along together. 

This workshop is suitable for beginners and sewing enthusiasts alike.

All materials are provided: just bring your own item of clothing to mend or decorate.

⚠ It is recommended that you bring an item that has a small area to repair to start with or something that you are happy to practice on ⚠

      

 


About slow stitch club:

slow stitch club is all about making visible mending accessible for everyone.

Whether you’re a stitching wizard or have never picked up a needle and thread before, I want to share the skills you can use to extend the lives of your clothes and keep them from landfill.

After studying fashion design at university, I graduated with a very different view of the industry, and wanted to push against it. From that point on I continued to learn and educate myself; about the vast quantities of clothing that is sent to landfill, the devastating environmental impacts of textiles production as well as the horrifying truths about garment workers and their lack of rights.

The importance of caring for and extending the lives of the clothes that already exist in the world became hugely important to me, and I set out to help teach others about learning to fix their clothing through the practice of visible mending.

Mending is a hugely creative and intentionally slow and therapeutic skill, and the community surrounding it is super inspiring. I hope you’ll join us to learn a new skill and be a part of the change to fight against fast fashion whilst taking care of the clothes you love.

 

Skye

 

 

Links: 

https://www.instagram.com/slowstitchclub/

https://www.slowstitch.club/

 

The next workshop with Skye is Sunday 20th March 2022 11-1Pm  To book call the shop or pop in. Alternatively you can book on the website here

 

Capacity and pricing:

8 people per workshop, £35 each for a two hour workshop including your own Visible Mending starter kit.

 

 

 

 

                                                          

 

 

 

Introducing new sewing tutor Kelly from ButterflystudioUK

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Introducing our new sewing tutor Kelly. Kelly is joining Millie Moon in 2022 with Sunday sewing sessions.

Hi I’m Kelly, I am a forty something crafter who actually started out scared of pins!! I know, utter madness, but I have overcome my fear to develop a love of sewing and other crafty endeavours.

I learnt to sew in my late 20’s after a friend took me under her wing and showed me how to use her sewing machine and we made a small book bag. I was totally hooked!

Age 30 I was lucky enough to be given my own sewing machine by my husband as a birthday gift, huge number of husband points, as it’s hands down one of the best ever gifts he bought me. 

I then took sewing lessons, from a colleague at the time, who is also an amazing seamstress. The sewing bug took hold and my thirst for more knowledge grew.

Lots of crafty courses later (including lots at Millie Moon) here I am sharing my enthusiasm and passion with others just starting out on their journey.

I love to make all sorts of things including wallets, a variety of bags, zip pouches, curtains and blinds, Christmas decorations, memory blankets, pjs, jumpers and that’s just the sewing projects I am into. 

Personalisation by choosing your own fabrics or adding embellishments or initials to a project, to add your own twist can make it truly unique and just top it all off, like the icing on a cake!

I adore making things for my family, especially my nieces and nephews.

I am at my happiest when making something that I know someone wants or needs and I can help by making it for them. 

During the pandemic in 2020 I made 100’s of fabric face masks for the community, my family and friends raising over £1500 for local charity WE HEAR YOU. I didn’t realise how much of a need there was and this really spurred me on to keep making more alongside my full time job.

I also have a new found love for paper crafting too.

@Butterflystudiouk

 

2022 workshops with Kelly

 

9th January- Envelope Cushions

13th February – Drawstring bags

13th March – Lampshades

10th April – Zipped pouches

8th May – Tote bags

 

All workshops are 10.30-12.30pm £40

Suitable for beginners

For more information take a look on the website

Festive Linocut at Millie Moon

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Festive Linocut at Millie Moon

 

This autumnal Sunday took me to Millie Moon, Frome to teach some very talented ladies the art of linocut. For those of you who have tried their hand at carving and printing lino, you know all too well how time can run away from you and it does not help that you have a tutor (moi) who tries to squeeze in so much.

It can be overwhelming so I had to remind myself to strip back and pass on the basics; just the basics. The result was a deliciously beautiful class with much excitement and intrigue; some of you just could not get enough. Our  focus was on simple designs of line and shape alongside mastering the process of printing by hand; yes the trusty spoon made an appearance and once you were all warmed up there was no stopping you all. Thank you again for a great class, I am a tad bit tired but it is most definitely the happy, smile-to-yourself sort. 

I hope to run another linocut class in February. See you there, much love, Angela

 

 

 

Next Class with Angela is 27 February 2022 , book here