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The March review
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
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
Kids Craft Club is back!
Its back! We are very excited to have new tutor Claire and her daughter Ammie joining the Millie Moon team teaching our kids sewing club. Claire is a local teacher, author, beach cleaner and self confessed crafty mess maker!
The sessions will be held on 2nd MONDAY of every month
The kids will learn hand sewing, making a different project each month. This will help them gain confidence with sewing, using needles, pins and scissors as well as teaching them different sewing stitches and sewing skills such as how to sew on a button.
4.30-6.30 PM
Age 7+
refreshments provided
£15 per session or book 3 sessions for £36
Each session there will be a new project to make.
The first one on 8th November will be making a festive Nurdle
Book online or call the shop 01373 464437
Anyone with vouchers or booking credits from before the lockdowns please get in touch so we can sort your places for you!
Fiver Fest
Fiver Fest is back!
For the third consecutive year, Fiver Fest is set to return to Frome’s streets on 22nd-24th October.
Part of the national Totally Locally campaign, Fiver Fest celebrates local businesses, often run by families or individuals, making a real contribution to our unique town.
2021 has continued to be a hugely challenging year for retailers and spending just £5 a week in local shops can have a big impact on our high streets, boosting the local economy, increasing employment and putting a smile on our shop keepers’ faces.
Explore shops you’ve never been into before and discover what makes Frome’s independents so special.
Pop over to www.discoverfrome.co.uk for the full list of particpating venues and shops!
At Millie Moon we are introducing our new felt craft kits! Say hello to George the gingerbread man and our Christmas stocking. These kits are usually £7.50 but we will be selling them for £5 during fiver fest on 22 and 23rd October. (whilst stocks last)
Our felt kits contain everything you need, but you will just need to add a needle and some scissors. Suitable for ages 7+ with adult supervision.
Other felt kits available in the range are £7.50
Local Teacher and Beach cleaner Claire talks Nurdles!
My name is Claire and I am a teacher, mum, beachcleaner and crafty mess maker!
I shared my Nurdle discovery 2 years ago with my class and with the help of my little Nurdle character we talked about ways we could tackle the problem. I realised that children will be the solution to the problems in our environment as they are so inspirational and indignant about what is happening, so Nurdle became a story I told, which became a book, which was crowdfunded during lockdown 1. I have now written 3 Nurdle books about the problems faced by our oceans and I would love to share them with as many children as I can
Nurdles are tiny pre production plastic pellets the size of a lentil that are melted down to make all our plastic products. In the uk alone up to 53 billion pellets enter the ocean every year. If you are heading to a beach this half term check along the tide line under the seaweed and you will probably find some. The are usually clear, but can be any colour and need to be removed as animals mistake them for food. I am on a mission to share the story of the Nurdles with as many people as possible, so with artist Jo Joof we have used plastics from my beach cleans to illustrate a book called Nurdle with accompanying Nurdle sewing kits. The book gently encourages children to think about their use of plastic and how they look after their things.
If you are heading to the beach this weekend maybe take a look and see how many Nurdles you find! If you feel inspired to do a beach clean, or collect nurdles, please wear gloves and wash your hands after. Keep the nurdles in a jam as sadly they cannot be recycled!
We can all do our bit to help the environment!!
For more information please go to nurdlehunt.org.uk
Books and kits available from Millie Moon click here
Anna Vickery kids patterns now available to print at home!
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
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
Summer Holiday workshops for Kids and Teens
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.
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!
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
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
Hopefully there is something for everyone who would like to learn a new skill, meet new friends and have a creative project this summer.
Meet Molly, kids club sewing tutor
Hi, I’m Molly and I teach the children’s sewing club every first Saturday of the month at Millie Moon. You’ll also find me teaching workshops during the school holidays too!
We have a new summer offer for 2017 – You can now buy 3 sewing club classes for only £24! Call 01373 464437 to book this special offer (not available online)
In July we will be creating butterfly applique pictures, in August we be making felt scotty dog toys and in September fox cushions.
In October children can come along and make as many different animal badges as they can in the 2-hour sewing class. I am already designing new patterns for the 6-week summer holiday, Halloween, Christmas and the 2018 children’s sewing club!
Most recently I have been designing a bumble bee toy with lovely big wings and a spotty ladybird for children to make in the summer holidays.
I’ve also been making a scary spider toy for October half term and felt christmas decorations for the November sewing club, which will include snowmen, hearts, Christmas puddings and shiny star decorations.
I have lots more planned for my 2018 sewing club, including a lion cushion, an octopus toy, a bunny bag and a big crazy monster.
To see what I’ve been designing and keep up to date with my latest workshops, check out my Molly’s Captivating Crafts Facebook Page.
When I’m not teaching and designing for my sewing club, I enjoy making things for my niece and nephew in Australia. I made some felt food for my niece’s play kitchen, a little owl handbag and some animals for her dolls house.
I also enjoy making cushions with the lovely fabrics from Millie Moon’s shop. The photograph below shows the cushion I made for my dinning room chair.
In my spare time I also love to knit. I bought some gorgeous purple wool a few weeks ago and I have started to knit myself a jumper, hopefully it will be finished in time for the winter!
Our kids summer offer ends on the 25th of August, so don’t forget to book before the deadline ends!
Molly x
For more information on the kids club or any of the workshops at Millie Moon please contact us.
Teens transform a t-shirt workshop
During the School holidays we have had a varied schedule of workshops suitable for kids age 7+ and for teens age 12+
For this teens class the group were transforming a t-shirt into a dress.
They arrived with a t-shirt or top which they were happy to give a new lease of life and away they went. The girls got busy with their creative skills and sewing machines.
Dressmaking tutor Anna Vickery, helped the girls with their choice of fabrics and designs, as well as showing them how to measure and cut correctly.
Lots of concentration and a little stop for cake, and the girls completed their challenge.Girls you look amazing! Well done
Kids Club age 7+
Did you know that “Mollys captivating crafts”, run a Saturday kids club here at Millie Moon.
On the 1st Saturday of every month, Molly takes a group of children age 7+ and teaches them simple sewing techniques such as sewing on a button. These felt projects are completed in the two hour session and each month there is something new to make. Cost is £10 but keep a look out for special offers.
Contact us for more information
01373 464437