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Summer Workshops at Millie Moon

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As the Sun is finally shining, we can start to think about summer holidays and festival season. As with previous years, we are again lucky enough to be at Glastonbury festival next week. The shop is in the safe hands of Phoebe and Angela so please pop in and say hi.

We have now sold out of the Glastonbury fabric for this year, it will be back for 2025! But there are couple of the cross stitch kits still available. If you would like to pre-order the Glastonbury fabric please get in touch!

Workshops

We have some great workshops this summer and we have some very exciting new ones coming up in the Autumn including a couple to support sustainable fashion week in September.

And don’t forget Kids club, teen club, Sewcial club and 1-1 sessions are available. You can book online or pop into the shop.

July Workshops 

Sunday 6th​​ Independent market and pattern swap weekend!

Monday 8th​​ Kids Club

Tuesday 9th​ ​6 Week Garment making  Evening Course with Anna
Is it time to update that wardrobe? Then look no further!. Just bring your fabric and a pattern that you’d like to create and professional seamstress and dressmaking tutor Anna will walk you through the process at your own pace. Small groups mean lots of attention for everyone. This is suitable for beginners to dressmaking that have basic sewing machine skills or intermediates who want to try a more advanced project or home in on existing skills.​
6:30-8:30pm £198

Thursday 11th ​Sewcial Club

Sunday 14th ​Make a pair of elastic waist shorts or trousers in a day with Anna
Join Anna for a one day workshop where you will make either a pair of elastic waist shorts, ¾ length or full length trousers in your own fabric. Basic machine skill needed but perfect for a first dressmaking project with guided help in a small group. The Perfect add on to your summer wardrobe.
10-2pm £72

August Workshops

Sunday 4th Independent market day and pattern swap

Thursday 8th The Sewcial Club

Monday 12th Kids Club age 7+

Sunday 18th Teen Club

September Workshops

Sunday 1st The independent market and pattern swap

Wednesday 4th 2 week Beginners Pattern Cutting- with Justine
You will learn what pattern cutting is and how to make a bodice block fitted to you. To skip a lot of maths and headaches, you will be using the standard size blocks (sizes 8-24) to make a toile. Then fit these to yourself before using this to adjust the block to create one that’s a perfect fit for you. Then Justine will explain how you can use this block to create patterns that fit you beautifully going forward.
6-8pm £70 2 week (all materials included)

Monday 9th Kids Club 7+

Thursday 12th The Sewcial club

Sunday 15th Make a Kimono in a day with Justine
If you have always wanted to make your very own kimono, this workshop is for you. Workshop available for anyone who knows how to use a sewing machine, has some good sewing basics & has made some clothes before ​This kimono is unlined, has an under arm opening and long open sleeves.
10-4pm £100 includes lunch ( no materials included)

Sunday 22nd Teen Club

Tuesday 24th 6 week garment making with Anna
Bring your fabric and pattern and let Anna guide you through the process at your pace with lots of helpful tips and advice along the way. Small groups mean lots of attention for everyone. This is suitable for beginners with basic machine skills or intermediates who want to try a more advanced project.
6.30-8.30pm £198 6 weeks (no materials included)

Sustainable fashion week 20-29th September

Tuesday 24th Mending and Alterations with Anna
Broken zip, missing a button, hem coming down? Don’t throw it away, let Anna show you how to fix it!
4.15-6.15pn £36

Sunday 29th Visable mending with Skye @slowstitchclub
Morning workshop – Sashiko
slow stitch club teaches the art of visible mending using simple and traditional sewing techniques to repair clothing in a creative, visible and intentional way. In this 3 hour workshop we will look at the best ways to repair denim and woven fabrics. This workshop is suitable for beginners and sewing enthusiasts alike.
10-1pm £48 (includes materials)

Afternoon workshop – darning
In this 3 hour workshop we will look at the best ways to repair knitwear using darning. We will look at all the equipment you need to start darning and cover tips and tricks to help along the way. Skye will run through the most popular darning methods such as woven darns, honeycomb darns and scotch darns which we’ll test out on sample fabrics before moving on to repairing your favourite knits. This workshop is suitable for beginners and sewing enthusiasts alike
2-5pm £48 (inlcudes materials)

October Workshops

Sunday 6th Independent market day and pattern swap

Sunday 13th Make a merchant and mills pattern in a day with Anna
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.
10-5pm £115 (includes Pattern no fabric )

Monday 14th Kids Club 7+

Thursday 17th The Sewcial club

Sunday 20th – Make a summer shirt in a day with Justine
This workshop will allow you to make a complete summer shirt in one day. Shirts may look difficult to sew because they have so many details in them, but this one has been refined to the minimum. Workshop available for anyone who knows how to use a sewing machine, has some sewing basics, has made some clothes before and wants to make a first shirt. This summer shirt has very simple lines. A boxy shape with a dropped armholes, short sleeves and an open collar, four buttonholes and buttons. Equally cool when worn open on a dress or closed on a pair of jeans.
10-4pm £100 (No materials included)

Sunday 27th – Teen Club

 

For more information head over to our workshop page on the website  BOOK HERE

 

 

 

 

Enjoy the summer, and hope to see you soon

Rachel and Becki

xxx

March madness

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Finally, as we leap into March (happy birthday to all you leaplings!), the mornings are starting to get a little lighter and the evenings are getting a little longer. Spring is just around the corner… and then it snows! Yes, today in Somerset we have had a lovely sprinkling of snow. Hmm… what to wear, what to make?

But March it is, and with it brings the return of the Frome independent market, new workshops and new fabrics at Millie Moon.

Tomorrow is the first market of the year, and our pattern swap box will be back out.  For those who are unfamiliar with the swap, you can bring in any pattern you no longer use, didn’t like or never opened and swap it for one in the box.  If there is nothing you want this month we will give you a token to have a look another time.   All we ask is that all the pieces are still useable, the front is marked with the size cut and the instructions are included. Come along and have a rummage. We have a variety of small project patterns, vintage patterns, and dressmaking patterns.

New in for spring!

We have had lots of deliveries over the last few weeks. Here are a few of the new arrivals to tempt you back to sewing this spring. From lovely delicate Indian cottons, to soft cosy Dashwood needlecord, we have something for all weathers and all wardrobes. We have also had a restock of the Merchant and Mills patterns, including the new Ludlow, Sanda and Margo, (perfect for Annas’ next garment making workshop). Keep an eye out for new samples coming soon!


 

Workshops in March 

 

KIDS CLUB 7+ years

Sewing tutor Claire is a local teacher, author, beach cleaner and self confessed crafty mess maker! Once a month, kids sewing club make a new project learning valuable hand sewing skills whilst having fun!

This month is Mad March Monsters! Next month they are making Wererabbits and carrot bunnies! Sign up online or in the shop. 

 

12th march 6 week     Sewing your own clothes skills sessions

Dressmaking tutor Anna is back with a new evening class.

Anna has created a series of workshops to cover all areas of dressmaking in more detail. Rather than working on one project, you will learn a different technique and skill each week. Whether you are a beginner or just a bit rusty then the tips and techniques in this masterclass will enable you to go on and produce beautiful garments.

Expect to make lots of samples, take away clear notes and practise the skills to build up your confidence .

sessions include:

  • Introduction to paper patterns
  • Zips and buttonholes
  • Hems & Seam Finishes
  • Working with stretch and overlocker demonstration
  • altering patterns
  • making a garment from your favourite garment
  • mending and alterations

 

12th march      6 week garment making 

Dressmaking tutor Anna is back with the her popular 6 week evening class.

Bring your fabric and pattern and let Anna guide you through the process at your pace with lots of helpful tips and advice along the way. Small groups mean lots of attention for everyone. This is suitable for beginners with basic machine skills or intermediates who want to try a more advanced project.

 

*these workshops do not include pattern or fabric. You are welcome to purchase these from Millie Moon with a 10% discount.

 

24th march     1-1 Using your overlocker 

New overlocker still in the box?  Forgotten how to thread it? Are you stuck on a project and in need of some sewing tips? Do you need a refresh on how to use a certain technique?

Whether you’re a complete beginner, or a more experienced sewer in need of a fresh pair of eyes and some tips, Anna’s 1-1 overlocker workshops could be the perfect solution for you!

In these sessions, our dressmaking tutor Anna, will be able to answer all of your sewing queries and problems. Just bring along your overlocker for that personal help.

 

 

If you have any questions about workshops or cant see what you want then please just get in touch

Hope you to see you  for market or maybe a workshop

Rachel and Becki

xxx

It’s our birthday! 15 years on Catherine Hill.

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Happy 15th birthday Millie Moon

 we are celebrating!

 

On 4th July 2008, we opened Millie Moon on Catherine Hill. It was truly our “Independence Day’ as we followed a childhood dream to open a shop together. It was on the opposite side of the hill to where we are now, we had a very small start-up budget and opened with a limited but gorgeous range of products.

15 years later, a bigger shop and a lot more stock we are still loving life at Millie Moon. Working together all these years, has got us through some difficult times, as well as creating some amazing memories. We have been very lucky to have been supported by our families and our customers, some who we now call our dear friends.

thank you everyone!

Rachel and Becki xx

Then and now, changed much? 

4/7/2008

 

4/7/2023

New product launch

To celebrate we have exciting new exclusive Millie Moon products to launch!

Becki has been working really hard on a simple pattern range for everyone. So far we have launched the Adult and Kids Aprons and we now have two new kids patterns to share with you.

The Dotty Dress and the Tilly Romper.

 

The Dotty Dress and the Tilly Romper (named after our two nans) are suitable for ages 6-18 months. A multi-sized simple beginners pattern. These patterns are available online and instore £10 each. BUY HERE

 

We also have a new exciting fabric from @koolKactus.  The celebration fabric is great fun for a party dress! We have made two for the window, the Liberty Natasha tiered dress and Anna Vickery kids party dress. Both patterns and fabric are now available in the shop.

Buy fabric here 

Special birthday discount! 

15%

As its our birthday we are offering you all a little gift!

On the 4th July 2023 there is 15%off all products in store and on the website.

Just say happy birthday at the till or pop the code happybirthday15 in at the checkout.

                                                             *****************************

The discount is valid for one day only and cannot be used on workshops or gift vouchers. 

 

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Getting a decent photo of us is really hard! One we are not usually in the shop together except for market day and two, we are sisters. Sensible is not our thing, we automatically revert to being kids…but we always have time to check in with each other, have a natter and cuppa.

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

New Frome Fabric exclusive to Millie Moon!

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We are “sew” excited to be EXCLUSIVELY stocking this amazing Catherine Hill print fabric in the shop.

The 100% cotton fabric has been designed and illustrated by local artist JO JOOF in collaboration with Frome makers  CRAFTIVAL.

This fabric shows all the lovely shops on Catherine hill on a pale blue sky background with white clouds. A really wide fabric it is very versatile for all sewing projects. Check out the shops and see if you can spot Millie Moon!

  • 150 cm wide
  • 20cm repeat
  • 100% cotton
  • £20 per metre
  • Sold in FQS, orders of more than one will be sent in whole pieces. 

 

 

 

 

SHOP NOW 

 

 

Craftival are local makers who specialise in Children’s clothes.  Dresses, trousers, skirts, tops and rompers. These are for sale at Millie Moon and can be made to order. Just pick your fabric

Jo Joof is the creative artist who runs our popular Art club. Take a look a the website for details of the Monday adult workshops  and family Saturday workshops 

This has been such a successful collaboration and we are very excited to see what will be next!

me made may 2019

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It’s that time again and this year Millie Moon has decided to get involved.

Millie Moon is asking you all, whether you have bought fabric, a pattern, a button or attended a workshop to shout about it! Show your work on instagram/facebook using the hashtags and be in with a chance to win a £25 gift voucher!

All you have to do is:

  • Share your makes on instagram in MAY.
  • Tag us @milliemoonshop so we can see the post
  • Tag a friend so they can get involved too
  • Use #memademay2019
  • Use #makewithmilliemoon

We will pick our favourite each week in May and send you a £25 gift voucher to spend on your next make! 4 vouchers to win!

We even got some fab badges from @koolKactus for you to buy £2 so you can shout about it some more!

 

 

So what is it? For those of you who haven’t taken part before then here are the details from http://www.simplysewingmag.com

So, what’s it all about?

It’s that time of year when our instagram feeds are filled with handmade goodness for #memademay and this year marks the 10th year of the popular makers challenge. If you’re new to Me Made May, get ready to join a huge community of fellow sewists!

Me-Made-May (or #memademay2019 as it’s also known on instagram) is an annual challenge for people who make their own clothes, launched by blogger and maker Zoe EdwardsSo, Jo.

The idea is to encourage makers to develop a better relationship with their handmade wardrobe, by asking them to pledge to rethink how they wear their garments throughout the month of May.

It doesn’t matter if you’ve only made one skirt ever or have a wardrobe bursting at the seams – everyone can set their own individual pledge. The challenge aims to get you to wear your me-mades more often and more thoughtfully – to learn some useful lessons about yourself, your style, your body, your creativity along the way.

What started as a solo project has grown into an annual phenomenon, with sewists, knitters, crocheters and refashioners all wearing their handmade wardrobes with pride. If you like the sound of it, it’s not too late to sign up for the 2019 challenge. Remember this is not a photography competition – or an instagram photo challenge – so don’t be daunted!

Your pledge can be as simple or tricky as you want it to be, but it’s a great opportunity to move beyond your comfort zone or level up how you wear the garments you have spent hours crafting.

The goal should be to think about your relationship with what you create.

http://www.simplysewingmag.com

 

             

New Tutor, Kelly, talks about her love for Patchwork and Quilting

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By day I am a professional Fundraiser and I use my spare time as my creative outlet.  I had participated in the compulsory sewing at school and was fairly uninspired but knew I had a creative streak waiting in the wings to find the right craft.  After dabbling with many different crafts in 2011, I decided to have a go at making a few small gifts for children with forthcoming baptisms and birthdays.  This was initially driven by wanting to save some money, but also to avoid purchasing the usual mass produced plastic that so often makes gifts for children affordable.  It was at this time that I started to visit Millie Moon and get to know Rachel and Becki.  Very quickly I became inspired by the beautiful fabrics that they were offering and by the wonderful community that existed around their amazing shop.  I decided I wanted to learn more and after perusing their workshop flyer I opted to book onto Caroline’s 6-week beginners quilting course which started in January 2012.

Caroline expertly guided our small group through her pattern over the coming weeks.  The quilt was really challenging but I learnt so much and came away with my first-ever finished quilt.  That quilt still sits in my living room over 5 years later and I am still very much in love with the design, and the Tilda fabrics that I chose to use.  Caroline’s tuition and support gave me the confidence to move on to another quilt soon after my first and as they say, the rest is history.

 

Over 5 years, 30 plus quilts and numerous small projects later I am now embarking upon teaching my first few workshops.  I am so delighted that Rachel and Becki have invited me to join the fantastic team of tutors and I hope to meet more of their wonderful creative community through my forthcoming workshops.  I will be teaching small projects that focus on patchwork and quilting and very much hope you will join me.

Here are the next three workshops with Kelly. Go to website to book

Introduction to English Paper Piecing Saturday 23rd September

Quilted Cushion Cover Saturday 26th August

Patchwork Drawstring bag Saturday 28th October

In addition to quilting and sewing, I love listening to podcasts, reading creative blogs, gardening and spending time with my little boy (who loves being snuggled up under one of Mummy’s quilts when he isn’t running around).  I blog at alittlesewandsow.blogspot.co.uk