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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

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. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Workshops are back !

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Well hello everyone! What a year we have all had. We hope you are all doing ok, and managed to keep sewing over the last year. Thank you to everyone for your support. The website sales, click and collect from the shop and all the social media mentions and shares were wonderful. It was so good to see what you were all making.

We are so pleased to be open again. The shop has had a spring clean and a new coat of paint and it’s full of lovely things ready to welcome you all back.

 

Fancy a new skill? Want to learn to sew?

We are slowly and carefully opening the sewing school for classes and workshops again. We have made a few changes to the way we do things in order to keep everyone as safe as possible, but please bear with us as information changes daily.

Covid Safety :

  • Class sizes –  Maximum of 4 people per class to ensure social distancing is maintained
  • Equipment – you will need to bring  your own equipment where possible so people do not have to share.
  • Surfaces and machines will be thoroughly cleaned in between workshops and during classes if necessary
  • Tutor and students to wear visors/ facemasks as appropriate
  • Hand sanitiser is available
  • We are no longer able to serve you refreshments but please feel free to bring your own
  • Workshops and 1-1 sessions will only take place when the shop is closed. These will now be on Sundays and evenings.
We are also offering 1-1 sessions. These can be tailored to meet your requirements so whether you are a complete beginner or a more experienced sewer we can help. For example:
  • learn to use a sewing machine
  • learn how to use your overlocker
  • struggling with zips and buttonholes
  • adjusting a pattern
Please drop us an email and we can arrange a time and date suitable for both you and the tutor.

New Workshop Dates: 

Teach me to Sew with Angela

    Wednesday 16th June  4.30-8pm £60

Wednesday 25th August 4.30-8pm £60

 

Beginners Dressmaking with Anna

 6 weeks starting Tuesday 29th June 7-9pm £150

 

Dressmaking Masterclass with Anna

    8 weeks starting Thursday 8th July 7-9pm £200

 

 

Need a particular topic, maybe help with your overlocker?

Anna  is also doing 1-1 sessions £60 for 2 hours 

 

To book workshops or to find out more information, please go to our website

or give us call at the shop. We are open 11-4 monday to friday and 10-5 on Saturdays 

 

 

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+    

 

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. 

Don’t miss out! Early bird tickets for Special Linocut workshop with Angela Lai Yen

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Don’t miss out! Angela is running a one off special Linocut workshop on Sunday 21 July 2019

Tickets are £80 for the day including lunch and all materials!!

But… EARLY BIRD TICKETS ARE JUST £70 if you book before 8 June 2019… 

Call 01373 464437 or book online here!

 

Come and learn the process of Linocut from start to finish with local printmaker Angela Lai yen.

  • You will begin with ‘drawing’ plants and floral from still life before developing your design ready for print.
  • You will learn to transfer your design on lino,
  • and how to carve lino safely!
  • and how to print by hand pressure and rollers

Design will be 12cm x 12cm so please feel free to bring extra paper cards etc you would like to print onto

You will receive a glass of Prosecco on arrival, an introduction and then on with the day, led by Angela Lai Yen.  There will be a short break for lunch (provided) and then back to an afternoon for more printing.

includes all materials, welcome drink, lunch, tea or coffee.

*over 18 years old

Space is limited

This is a one off class

10.30 -5.30

£80

Its our 10th Birthday!

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Its our 10th Birthday.

Yes how excited are we!

We will be celebrating in store on 23rd June 2018 with workshops, discounts, special offers, and of course cake!

10-8pm

(For those of you that cant get to Frome, Keep an eye out for online discounts by signing up for our newsletters here!)

We have a range of different taster workshops at just £10 per person with local illustrator Jo Joof, tutor and Maker Fromemaid and mixed media artist Gingergirlmakes. The workshops are 2 hours long and are just £10 including all materials (suitable for adults and kids age 8+)

Come along and join us, we would love to see you all.

You can book workshops online or give us a call 01373 464437

1 -Join local illustrator “Jo Joof” for sketchbook club. 1-3pm £10

2 – Join local designer/maker “Fromemaid” for fun fabric printing with indian blocks 3.30-5.30pm £10

 

3 – Join local mixed media artist “Gingergirlmakes” for paper craft and coaster making 6-8pm £10

There is also a big street party taking place the same day, St Catherines summer pop up. Food, music, pop up shops, it will be a great day.

We would like to say “A really big thank you” to all our customers who have supported us over the last 10 years! We love our shop and so glad you do too. We couldn’t have done it without you all. Best job in the world.

Rachel and Becki  xx

Sew Saturday and Sew Sunday! – Join us to celebrate independent fabric stores in the UK

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Join us for the nation’s ‘stitchiest’ event of the year! Sew Saturday is back for 2017, taking place on the 21st of October and this year we promise to give you more than ever before…

All over the country, people will be celebrating the independent fabric stores and haberdashers thanks to a national campaign organised by “Sew” Magazine, so show your love for local bricks and mortar businesses and come along and join in the fun!

This year we wanted to make Sew Saturday a little more special than usual so we have decided to run it over the whole weekend!

Sew Saturday (21st October)

Special offers, discounts, prize draw and cakes, plus a workshop for Teens!

For teens age 11+ Sewing machine workshop with Vickie making zipped pouches 10.30-12.30 £20 including materials and refreshments

(basic machine skills essential)                                     BOOK HERE

 

Sew Sunday (22nd October)      

A day of mini workshops and cake! What more you could you want?

The day will take place at the shop from 10am to 2pm          BOOK NOW

During the day there will be 3 mini workshops with our tutors  Anna, Angela and Paula where you will make ALL 3 different projects, which you can take away with you, all great gift ideas. There will also be plenty of tea and cake to keep you going.

Workshops include –

Anna- Peter Pan collars

Angela – Freemotion embroidery Christmas cards

Paula – Hand embroidered buttons and brooches

We are hoping the day will give you an idea of what we do in our workshops, meet the tutors and generally have a good day sewing.

Tickets for the Sunday event are limited so book early!                    BOOK HERE

£45 per person for the day, including all materials and refreshments – age 16+

 

If you would like any further information on any of the events being held over this weekend please contact us

info@milliemoonshop.co.uk  or call 01373 464437

 

See you there!

 

Teaching my first workshop at Millie Moon by Kelly Diggle

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I recently taught my first workshop at Millie Moon after dreaming about becoming a tutor. I designed a pattern for a quilted cushion cover and was joined by three lovely ladies for the day. I absolutely loved this experience and Marilyn, Val and Margaret all did a fantastic job, each making a great cushion cover.

It was wonderful to spend the day with this enthusiastic group and see how each of their fabric choices worked with the pattern. Everyone was new to working with a rotary cutter so the first part of the day focused on developing cutting skills. The participants then learned to construct patchwork pieces, learnt how to put the three layers of a quilt together and then had a go at quilting their creations. Finally they turned their quilted piece into a cushion cover.

Everyone left with a finished cushion and took away a pattern, complete with photographs, to enable them to have another go at home

 

 

 

 

 

I am so grateful to Becki and Rachel at Millie Moon for allowing this dream of mine to become a reality and I have been busy planning a few more workshops for the autumn. Why not come and have a go at some patchwork and quilting!

I am teaching an introduction to English paper piecing on 22 September, where participants will learn the basics of this traditional method and then use their finished piece to applique a denim bag (which you’ll also make).

On 28 October I will be teaching a patchwork drawstring bag. This is a great opportunity to learn to cut pieces using a rotary cutter, construct patchwork and then make a lined drawstring bag.

Finally, I am offering a quilted stocking workshop on 25 November. I am trying not to use the ‘C’ word here but I have to confess I have already been playing with festive fabrics and have started planning my handmade gifts. The fabrics I have used here in the stocking are by Dashwood and available from Millie Moon 

If you are interested in booking a place you can do this through the website by clicking here workshop or call the shop on 01373 464437. I am also able to offer a limited number of 1:2:1 sessions if you want help with a specific quilting project. Drop me an email to alittlesewandsow@gmail.com to find out more.