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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.

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

Say hi to Anna our Dressmaking tutor

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This weeks blog post is all about our dressmaking tutor Anna Vickery…

I studied Fashion Design at The University of the West of England in Bristol, and graduated with a Ba(hons) in 2005. During my time at university I was selected to exhibit at Graduate Fashion week in London and at The RWA in Bristol. My degree covered many areas including design, pattern cutting and sample development, garment construction, illustration, technical drawing, styling, business, visual culture and contextual studies. I was really lucky that at the time the course covered lots of technical stuff, which now put together with 12 years industry experience I am pleased to pass on what I can to Millie Moon workshoppers.

After university I started my career as a Junior Designer for a specialist company which design and produce heavy duty leather and textile products, mainly for the Police and Armed Forces. It was very much ‘in at the deep end’ but great experience – if I could work with leather on heavy machinery I can sew anything….
Along the way I have also worked for a luxury leather brand and a floral designer – I always seem to pick nice/tempting products to work with, including being at Millie Moon, trying to resist new fabric every week!

I also currently work with amazing Womenswear and Bridal designer Alexandra King. I met Alexandra at university and now help her create handmade clothing and accessories for women worldwide from her Wells shop and studio. We design and make every garment, mostly dresses, in house and strongly believe in traditional craftsmanship and service. I am mainly involved with the actual making of the dresses, it may surprise you to know that despite my background in ‘design’ I hate drawing, so we work well together – Alexandra is an inspiration. www.alexandra-king.com

 

Since school/college/university and beyond my influences have come from twentieth century art, media and design. We’ve had a crazy busy year for wedding dresses, so my personal projects have taken a bit of a hit, but I’ve recently made a few tops from the new jersey and lace fabrics from Millie Moon, given my spare room a little make over with a new lampshade and cushions and I’ve got one of the new Merchant and Mills patterns ready and waiting for the perfect material.

 

I’ve been leading workshops for Millie Moon for 5 years now, where does the time go! – it’s great to be able to share skills in such a colourful and creative environment, plus I absolutely love coming over to Frome. My workshops mainly run on Tuesdays, coming up in the next few weeks I’ve got baby bloomers, peter pan collars, kids dungaree dress making and garter making. My 6 week dressmaking evening class is always popular and I’ve met some great people over the years, I’ve also just launched a 4 week dressmaking ‘master class’ which will run again later in the summer.

I am happy to offer 1-1 sewing/dressmaking tuition, how to get the most from your Overlocker sessions and I’ve also been known to help out with the odd Hen party.

For more information about Annas next workshops email us info@milliemoonshop.co.uk or take a look on the website  or you can follow Anna on Facebook and twitter

Anna has aslo designed her own range of children clothes patterns. Tested and tried in the workshops, these patterns are great for all sewers. Patterns range from ages 1-5 or 3-12 years. All available in store and on the website.

Meet Molly, kids club sewing tutor

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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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Anna chats about working with the new lace and jersey fabric

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Hello! I’m back from holiday (we were very lucky with the weather, I’m glad it wasn’t this week!) and as promised here’s a little more about making my new t shirts from the lace and jersey materials…

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I didn’t use paper patterns for the t shirts, instead I made patterns from t shirts I have and like – making your own patterns in this way is surprisingly easy, especially with stretch materials/looser fits which require little or no shaping, they are basically just 2 pieces – a front and a back! Just lay the garments out flat and draw around onto dressmakers tracing paper, adding seam allowances at the sides, shoulders and where needed for hems/necklines.

 

The main seams on the jersey t shirt were put together on my overlocker, using 4 threads/2 needles – overlockers are the best for sewing stretch, although you can do it without one by using a small zig zag stitch. I overlocked and turned the sleeve and waist hems, topstitching on my regular sewing machine, with a ballpoint needle of course! My machine doesn’t really like using twin needles so I didn’t push my luck, but if yours does this would be ideal. I made matching jersey binding for the neckline – did you know stretch binding doesn’t have to be cut on the bias? The jersey handled really well, it does tend to stretch out a little as you work with it and you have to be careful not to pull it out of shape, but I was pleased with how it springs back into shape if you steam as you go along.

 

 

The Lace t shirt is based on a cream one I’ve worn loads, it’s unlined and you wear a vest top underneath. To make it neat as it’s sheer I french seamed the shoulder and side seams. For the hem I trimmed around the edge of a scallop in the lace – this is some thing I often do with bridal dresses, it’s a bit fiddly cutting along the motif and you have to test to check it will not unravel, but it gives a lovely delicate finish and shows off the lace. I also did something similar for the sleeve and neck bindings, which I machined on and then hand stitched along the motif edges so there is no topstitching showing.

The t shirts were quick and easy to make and have washed well, I’m particularly impressed with the jersey as it is a really nice in between weight and isn’t at all see through. Next up I’ve got some of the lace in yellow ready to make a skirt, although I think Becki has beaten me to it…..

 

Anna x

Say hello to ‘Vic’ and the new ‘Teens with machines’ sewing club

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Vic has worked with us in the Frome shop for the last six years. She has been the creative genius behind so many of our popular workshops. Teaching Roman Blind making, Lampshade making and superhero capes to name a few. Now Vic is starting up a teen club at the shop. Here we find a bit more about our ‘fromemaid”  and her hopes for the new club.

1) When did you first get bitten by the crafting bug?

I suffered through needlework classes at school, and it wasn’t until I went to the local comprehensive school that we were allowed to design our own projects. I made a pink satin cushion in the shape of a scalloped shell. I loved it, and they put it in the cabinet in reception!

I then had a bit of a break, bar a couple of pinafore dresses and laundry bags, until I became a Mum, and was inspired to start making things again. I wanted fun, funky things for my son, and decided the best way to do that was to make my own.

2) What sorts of things do you like to make?

With my son getting older, I have focused more on making my own soft furnishings, cushions, quilts, Roman blinds and lampshades.I have also made new curtains and slip covers for our campervan. This year I plan to update our bedroom soft furnishings and make a picnic blanket for the van; the components for which I have had for about four years! The Roman blinds and lampshade workshops I have been running have proven to be ever so popular and I love seeing peoples’ delight at the end of each session as they go home with something that have made and feel proud of!  I do find myself making indie versions of things on a similar tilt to a lot of the mass produced tween/teen accessories lately and this is inspiring a new set of workshops at Millie Moon.

      
Next lampshade making workshop     – 14th May 2017 & 18th June 2017
Next Roman Blind making workshop – 14th May 2017 & 18th June 2017

3) Which tool is indispensable in your sewing kit?

I am still  completely in love with disappearing ink felt-tips, I am quite obessive about making sure I have a working one in my kit at all times!  I find they really help for the experimental stages when making up the first of a new design. I also love it for blind making. Nowadays I use a rotary cutter and cutting board for most projects and these are the best (crafting) presents I have ever had: The making process is so much quicker and more accurate with them

 

4) Who inspires you creatively?

I really enjoy reading other people’s blogs. I love a bit of Pinterest! I also loved watching the Sewing Bee.  There is no one particular person: Anyone who has and idea and has a go is inspiring to me.

I have a Facebook page:  Fromemaid where I put photos of my makes and workshops.

5) Tell us a bit about the new “Teens with machines” sewing club

Designed for the older students (ages 12years+) who want to learn to sew with a machine, or develop the skills they have used in school.  We will be starting with simple projects. First week we are making wired headbands, just so I can get a feel of the students abilities, experience and knowledge. I am hoping then this will lead on to bigger and bolder exciting  projects inspired by the students themselves. Lets see what happens!

   

The teens with machines club starts on Saturday 20th May and will run on the 3rd Saturday of every month from 10.30-12.30pm.

 £20 per session or special offer now on book 3 sessions for £50

The first 3 sessions are set projects to ascertain abilities. These will include materials, equipment and refreshments.

For more information on the teens club or any of Fromemaid’s upcoming workshops please go to our website, email us info@milliemoonshop.co.uk or give us a call 01373 464437

Teens transform a t-shirt workshop

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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