#getsetsewfebruary - The Ker Pouch

 So the loooong month of January is over and it's time for our February #getsetsew challenge.  And this time we thought we'd do something a little different.  This month we're giving you the pattern and the instructions to make your very own Ker Pouch.
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So you're asking just what a Ker Pouch is and exactly why you need one in your life??  You may remember that a few months ago I did a wonderful collaboration with Seasalt and as part of this produced a Ker Pouch pattern, instructions and a video tutorial.  Essentially this is a drawstring bag or pouch, with smaller segmented compartments inside that this used for holding your jewellery safely both at home or when you are travelling.  
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But what if you don't need or want a jewellery pouch?  Well the beauty of this design is that it is very easily adapted for other uses.  For instance you could leave inside compartments out and have a drawstring makeup bag that opens right up so you don't have to dig around for your mascara or blusher.  Or how about using it with the compartments to store hair bobbles, scrunchies, clips etc?
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Another option could be to line with a wipeable fabric to use a a lunch bag, when open this also gives the added bonus of becoming a flexible map napkin/plate.  Or how about using it for sewing tool storage, enabling you to keep all your sewing bits and pieces in one place - we do love a bit of organised sewing here at Start to Stitch.  
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.And you don't have to stick to the sizes given in the instructions.  You could make a much larger version that when open creates a play may and when closed a toy storage bag- think easy storage for those plastic building  bricks!  It may even help prevent you form standing on them... I know that pain only too well!! 😖🤣

Made in a waterproof fabric this could also be the perfect beach changing mat, big enough when opened to stand on whilst you strip off your swimming gear (whilst wearing a changing robe 😳😉) and then ideal to carry your wet swimwear home in.  Or why not make one as a baby changing mat / bag.  
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With a myriad of possible uses this drawstring pouch pattern is so versatile.  And you can be sustainable with this make too, by using fabric pieces you may already have or re-purposing old clothes or items that you no longer wear or use, or that are maybe beyond mending. 

But these are just some of our ideas, what will you use your pouch for?  Tell us in the comments below and we can add these to our list. 
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Sew it's time to #getsetsew.  You can download the pattern and instructions for the Ker Pouch from the Seasalt website here  We can't wait to see what you will use your Ker Pouch pattern to make for this challenge.  Don't forget to use the hashtag #getsetsewfebruary when you post pictures of your makes in the Stitch Sewcial Facebook group, and to tag us on Instagram @starttostitch we love seeing them.  

​Are you ready?? GET.....SET.......SEW!!

At the Start to Stitch Academy we have a number of online courses available in our Academy, from our Back to Basics course for people who have little or no sewing knowledge, though to learning to Sew with Stretch Fabrics,  and courses to teach you how to sew your own luxurious Soft Furnishings.  In each of the courses we offer you’ll learn new techniques and how to  troubleshoot common issues, as well as create wonderful handmade items. 

🌟🌟Benefits to signing up for one of our courses include🌟🌟
🌟Lifetime access to your course, giving the ability to complete it at your pace 
🌟Online App means you can access your course from any device.  
🌟Access to a real life tutor via term time zoom sessions and direct messaging
🌟Spread the cost while you learn  with pay by installment options

If you’re not sure what course to do first then why not take a look at our Which Course is Right for You? blog post which will help you decide.  You can also sign up for our FREE Learn to Sew Mini Course, for a taste of what we do and how we do it, and 10% discount off future course purchases.  So why not take a look and get started on your sewing journey today 😊

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram and why not join our super friendly Stitch Sewcial Facebook group for even more inspiration and sewing loveliness.  We look forward to seeing you there. ​

It's 2023 and time for a new year of #getsetsew Hurrah!!  
​If you are new to our #getsetsew challenges you can find out more about them here and also download our #getsetsew bingo card!
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With the title of this months #getsetsew you might be forgiven for thinking that maybe we've moved into the realms of the paranormal!  Well not quite!  But we did think that  the start of the new year was a good time to have a sort through those unfinished objects (UFOs) or un-started objects (USOs) that the majority of us sewists always have, and to get one (or more!) finished.
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🛸👽In fact the definition of paranormal states that it is 'phenomena...being beyond the scope of normal scientific understanding' which I think sums up my pile of UFOs and USOs just perfectly! 😂🤣
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As this month is all about completing unfinished or unstarted projects there are no pattern recommendations, as you will have already chosen these at some point in the past.  Instead we've considered why we can build up UFOs and USOs, what the obstacles to completing them might be, and how these could be overcome. 

Time - this is a common problem, there is never enough time to sew!  Is it possible to carve out a small amount of time to do one element of the project?  You don't need to find a while day or even a couple of hours, maybe 15 minutes to even just look at the project and plan how to break it down into bite sized chunks can help you get back on track with it. 
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Overwhelm - do you have several or even many UFOs and USOs that it seem overwhelming and you don't know where to start or which one to start with?  Maybe this is actually your starting point then.  Why not get them all out, list them and decide which order you want to do them in.  Think about the seasons or when you want to wear/use the finished item, do you have a specific event in mind. All this can help you to prioritse and re-motivate you 
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New techniques - sometimes a technique or process that is new to us in a project can be a stumbling point leading to the project being abandoned.  Maybe taking the time to go back and look at it again and reread in instructions can help you get back on track.  And don't forget you can always ask questions in our super friendly Stitch Sewcial Facebook group, you can guarantee if you are struggling with something someone in there will have had a similar problem and be happy to offer support.
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Loss of interest - ever been at that point in a project when you just totally lose interest in it,  you get sidetracked by other life event, or your sewjo just disappears.  It happens to us all.  Again many of the solutions are the same as those mentioned above.  Breaking it down into bite sized chunks, re-reading the instructions, thinking about when you would like to have it made by.  But sometimes it may be that the project just isn't right for you anymore, in which case you could think about re-purposing the fabric to make something that will bring you joy. 
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So with the above in mind it's time to get those UFOs and USOs out of the naughty corner and back into the daylight. 

Are you ready??..........GET.......SET......SEW!!!
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At the Start to Stitch Academy we have a number of online courses available in our Academy, from our Back to Basics course for people who have little or no sewing knowledge, though to learning to Sew with Stretch Fabrics,  and courses to teach you how to sew your own luxurious Soft Furnishings.  In each of the courses we offer you’ll learn new techniques and how to  troubleshoot common issues, as well as create wonderful handmade items. 

🌟🌟Benefits to signing up for one of our courses include🌟🌟
🌟Lifetime access to your course, giving the ability to complete it at your pace 
🌟Online App means you can access your course from any device.  
🌟Access to a real life tutor via term time zoom sessions and direct messaging
🌟Spread the cost while you learn  with pay by installment options

If you’re not sure what course to do first then why not take a look at our Which Course is Right for You? blog post which will help you decide.  You can also sign up for our FREE Learn to Sew Mini Course, for a taste of what we do and how we do it, and 10% discount off future course purchases.  So why not take a look and get started on your sewing journey today 😊

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram and why not join our super friendly Stitch Sewcial Facebook group for even more inspiration and sewing loveliness.  We look forward to seeing you there. ​

​#getsetsewdecember - Winter Accessories

#getsetsew December is here, and given that it can be a busy month, and also a cold one here in the northern hemisphere, we thought it would be good to have a Winter Accessories #getsetsew challenge.  Not only can you make items that can keep you warm but they can also be made quite quickly, perfect for this time of year on both counts!  An as a bonus these could also be made for Christmas gifts. 

​For those of you living in the Southern hemisphere, don't let the fact that you may well be basking in summer warmth put you off joining in, instead think of it as getting ahead for your cooler seasons 😀 ⛄ Or you could even make a cap to keep the sun out of your eyes!
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There are lots of things that can be made for this challenge, from hats and scarves, to gloves and mittens, from neck warmers and snoods, to ear warmers, head bands and hand warmers.  There are some gorgeous snugly fabrics around to use for these makes.  But don't forget that this would also be the perfect challenge to use up scraps or up cycle old jumpers, T-shirts or sweatshirts.  
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But this challenges isn't just for the sewistis, this is a perfect #getsetsew for knitters and those who love to crochet too.  If sewing is usually your thing then why not give kitting or crochet a go?  There are some great beginners patterns out there, and again you may have unworn or pre-loved kitted jumpers that you can unravel and recycle the yarn!  Who knows, you might just find yourself hooked on crochet before the end of the month. 😉 😂😂
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Doing a google search for any of the items I've suggested above will provide you with  lots of pattern choices.  And you may well already have patterns in your stash or sewing and craft books that you can use. 
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As always we have compiled a list here to give you some ideas to get you started. There are both free and paid for patterns listed and also some online tutorials.  But please do share any other favourite patterns, or new pattern choices with us in Stitch Sewcial and we will create a resource list there. 
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SEWING
Free Patterns 
Annie’s Start to Stitch Headband pattern and tutorial – the wider headband can also double as an earwarmer!
Swoodson Says Hand Warmers 
Swoodson Says reviews for 4 Kids Beanie Hats 
Sparkle and Roar Snood and Hat 6m – Adult 

​Paid for Patterns
Jalie Patterns – Fleece Winter Accessories child to adult 
Makerist reviews and links for patterns for Gloves and Mittens 
Makerist reviews and links for patterns for Hats, Scarves, Ear Warmers, Neck wraps, Infinity Scarf, and even a Capelet!
Twig and Tale Children’s Hats 

KNITTING AND CROCHET
Ravelry is a great online resource for knitting and crochet patterns, with many free patterns too.  You will need to sign up to access and download the patterns
Lovecrafts is another great resource for paid for and free knitting and crochet patterns (including a pattern for the most adorable Mini Christmas Santa Hat Decorations )

Something to be aware of if you are new to crochet is that some will use either UK or American stitch terms, this will be detailed in the patterns.  This article form Gathered explains this in more detail and also helpfully includes advice on reading crochet patterns and symbols.  Once you know how it can be a very mindful and absorbing craft 🧶 

Annie and Jackie have both done some crochet in the past and particulaty like the patterns from Cornish Crocheter Iron Lamb.  There are some links below to some of her patterns.
Iron Lamb - The Faraway Hat 
Iron Lamb - Slope Style Hat
Iron Lamb - Faraway Cowl Scarf
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At the Start to Stitch Academy we have a number of online courses available in our Academy, from our Back to Basics course for people who have little or no sewing knowledge, though to learning to Sew with Stretch Fabrics,  and courses to teach you how to sew your own luxurious Soft Furnishings.  In each of the courses we offer you’ll learn new techniques and how to  troubleshoot common issues, as well as create wonderful handmade items. 

🌟🌟Benefits to signing up for one of our courses include🌟🌟
🌟Lifetime access to your course, giving the ability to complete it at your pace 
🌟Online App means you can access your course from any device.  
🌟Access to a real life tutor via term time zoom sessions and direct messaging
🌟Spread the cost while you learn  with pay by installment options

If you’re not sure what course to do first then why not take a look at our Which Course is Right for You? blog post which will help you decide.  You can also sign up for our FREE Learn to Sew Mini Course, for a taste of what we do and how we do it, and 10% discount off future course purchases.  So why not take a look and get started on your sewing journey today 😊

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram and why not join our super friendly Stitch Sewcial Facebook group for even more inspiration and sewing loveliness.  We look forward to seeing you there. 
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You may remember that back in July we were nominated for the Top Sewing Workshop in the  Sew Magazine British Sewing Awards for our Learn to Sew:Back to Basics course.  We asked then if you would kindly vote for us and it seems that loads of you did because we've only gone and WON!!!🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉 Whoop Whoop!!
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It was such an honour to have even been nominated in this category, the competition was so strong and we were up against some of the big names in the sewing industry.  To have won this award is mind blowing and we are simply beyond thrilled to know that so many of you felt our online beginners course was  course was a worthy winner and voted for us. THANK YOU SO SO MUCH!! 🤗🤗
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Coming out of the pandemic and now heading into a recession and and a cost of living crisis has meant new challenges for us at Start to Stitch HQ this past year.  Finding new ways of working and diversifying the business has brought long days and nights and we continue to learn as we go..  So winning this award really does mean the world to us, reinforcing our belief in what we do and why we do it.
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Start to Stitch is about so much more than our online sewing courses. When Annie founded Start to Stitch it was on the ethos and core value of being kind and creating community, and this is something that we have worked very hard at maintaining throughout all that we do.  The testament of our ethos and values is often found in feedback we receive and in our wonderful Stitch Sewcial  Facebook community.  Yes we are running a business, and have to make a living, but there is absolutely no reason why this can't be done with kindness, care and joyfulness.  Winning this award endorses this and the reason that we choose to work in this way. 
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 The sewing community is truly a wonderful community to be a part of. So thank you from the bottom of our hearts for all the votes you cast. And if you have found your way here following our win then thank you for taking the time for coming to see what we are about and reading this post. 
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Here at Start to Stitch Academy we have a number of online courses available in our Academy, from our Award Winning Back to Basics course for people who have little or no sewing knowledge, though to learning to Sew with Stretch Fabrics,  and courses to teach you how to sew your own luxurious Soft Furnishings.  In each of the courses we offer you’ll learn new techniques and how to  troubleshoot common issues, as well as create wonderful handmade items. 

🌟🌟Benefits to signing up for one of our courses include🌟🌟
🌟Lifetime access to your course, giving the ability to complete it at your pace 
🌟Online App means you can access your course from any device.  
🌟Access to a real life tutor via term time zoom sessions and direct messaging
🌟Spread the cost while you learn with pay by installment options

If you’re not sure what course to do first then why not take a look at our Which Course is Right for You? blog post which will help you decide.  You can also sign up for our FREE Learn to Sew Mini Course, for a taste of what we do and how we do it, and 10% discount off future course purchases.  So why not take a look and get started on your sewing journey today 😊 

And why not have a look in our Joyful Sewing Collective shop for sewing inspiration, tools, kits and sew much more. 

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram and why not join our super friendly Stitch Sewcial Facebook group for even more inspiration and sewing loveliness.  We look forward to seeing you there. 

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#getsetsewnovember Christmas Pjs

Ok hands up.... who doesn't love a cosy pair of Christmas PJs to snuggle up in over the festive period, I know I do 🎄🎅😆and the best ones are those you've made for yourself!  So this year we thought why not have a #getsetsew christmas PJ challenge.  Of course if you don't celebrate Christmas  we're not leaving you out because who actually doesn't need an excuse to curl up in a lovely pair of PJs??
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There are so may different styles of pyjama patterns that there is sure to be something that will make you want to join in with this month's #getsetsew.  

Are you a full length sleeve and leg pyjama person, or maybe shorts and a t shirt or cami top.  Or is your favourite full on luxury with piped edging and covered buttons?  Do you prefer stretchy knit fabric, cool woven cotton and linen, or sumptuous silk?  Or are you a nightdress or even nightgown person, maybe complete with a night cap, the Wee Willie Winky kind, not the alcoholic type, because as far as I'm aware you can't actually sew alcohol!!  Although if you fancy a tipple then   PJs could be the perfect attire for this!!

My favourtie pyjama pattern is the Juno PJs from the Tilly and the Buttons Sew Simple book, in fact it's a real Start to Stitch favourite with both me and Jackie having made these for ourselves and family.  And it's also a big hit in the Stitch Sewcial Facebook group. 

You could go one step further and make PJs for the whole family, maybe even matching ones?  How great would the family photo's look on Christmas morning?? ​And remember you don't necessarily need to buy a new pyjama pattern, you may already  have patterns that you can use.  For instance you could use jogging bottoms / yoga pants / leggings and a long or short sleeved T-shirt to make a lovely pyjama set, with the added bonus that you already know what the fit is like!  This is what I've done with the children's PJs in the pictures below. 
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There are some really lovely children's PJ patterns that we have included in the list below.  And PJs can be enjoyed by even the tiniest of small people 👶  My gorgeous girls here are wearing the  DIBY Anything But Basic Kids Tee and the Waves and Wild Four Seasons Joggers.  The baby pyjamas were made for my niece and are the Waves and Wild Explorer Tee and the Sew 4 Bub Grow with Me Baby Hareem Pants.  The dribble bib was a free pattern by @sweetredpoppy. ​

We've put together a list of free and paid for patterns with links for you as a starter for 10!  There are some good ones here but please let us know if you have your own favourite PJ patterns and we'll add them into a resource guide in our Stitch Sewcial Facebook group.  

​Free Patterns
The Assembly Line  Pyjama Pattern 
Peppermint Patterns Loungewear Set 
Patterns for Pirates Walk the Plank Adult PJ bottoms 
Patterns for Pirates Walk the Plank Youth PJ bottoms 
Ellie and Mac Adult Classic PJ & Nightgown pattern
Ellie and Mac Unisex Kids Grow With Me PJs
Make a Nightcap 
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Paid for patterns 
The Foldline top 10 PJ indie sewing patterns 
Tilly and the Buttons  Juno PJ from Make it Simple book 
Sew Over It The Ultimate Pyjamas 
Sew over it Childrens Pomegranate Pyjamas 
Closet Core Patterns Carolyn Pyjamas 
Rebecca Page BUNDLE Family PJs – Family Pyjamas Sewing Patterns 
​Paper Theory Agnes PJ pattern 
Simplicity S9211 Family Nightwear including nightshirt 

Don't forget I have a half price offer on my Sewing Special Elastics course that covers elastics that can be used for making nightwear  This course is also a FREE module in my Sewing Stretch Fabrics course. 
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Sew what are you waiting for??  There's lots of choice, great fun, and cosyness to be had with this month's #getsetsew challenge.  Don't forget to use the hashtag #getsetsewnovember when you post pictures of your makes in the Stitch Sewcial Facebook group, and to tag us on Instagram @starttostitch we love seeing them.  

​Are you ready?? GET.....SET.......SEW!!
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​At the Start to Stitch Academy we have a number of online courses available in our Academy, from our Back to Basics course for people who have little or no sewing knowledge, though to learning to Sew with Stretch Fabrics,  and courses to teach you how to sew your own luxurious Soft Furnishings.  In each of the courses we offer you’ll learn new techniques and how to  troubleshoot common issues, as well as create wonderful handmade items. 

🌟🌟Benefits to signing up for one of our courses include🌟🌟
🌟Lifetime access to your course, giving the ability to complete it at your pace 
🌟Online App means you can access your course from any device.  
🌟Access to a real life tutor via term time zoom sessions and direct messaging
🌟Spread the cost while you learn  with pay by installment options

If you’re not sure what course to do first then why not take a look at our Which Course is Right for You? blog post which will help you decide.  You can also sign up for our FREE Learn to Sew Mini Course, for a taste of what we do and how we do it, and 10% discount off future course purchases.  So why not take a look and get started on your sewing journey today 😊

You can also follow us on Facebook and Instagram and why not join our super friendly Stitch Sewcial Facebook group for even more inspiration and sewing loveliness.  We look forward to seeing you there. 

Sew here we go...... it's #getsetsew time again, and this month's Necktie 👔challenge is quite different from any of our previous challenges.  Over the summer I made several silk ties and a bow tie for a wedding., hand making ties means they can be personalised to match or compliment an outfit, or a partner's outfit.  The ties I made for the wedding were in the same fabric as the bride's dress and helped to bring the colour theme of the wedding party together. 
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Handmade ties can also be personalised, fun and even seasonal and celebratory.....can you see where this is going??  Yes  I'm going to mention the 'C' word, as what better time of year is there to have a fun tie tor bow tie than for Christmas 🎅🎄 👔, the perfect Christmas gift! 
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And if you don't wan't to make a tie for someone, or for yourself, then how about a bow tie for your dog or cat?  Yes there are patterns for these too and I have included some in the list below.  In fact a google search for neck tie sewing patterns brings up a plethora of free patterns to download as well as blogs and YouTube tutorials.  
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Whilst ties and bow ties can look quite tricky to make, as they can involve techniques such as cutting on the bias, lining, turning out corners, and hand stitching, they really are not as difficult as they may appear. As long as you follow the instructions, and cut and sew as precisely as possible, then there is absolutely no reason why you won't succeed.  And you can sew a tie with a wide rage of fabrics from cotton to linen, silk to wool, the choice is yours.  
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We have compiled a list of some patterns for starters.  Some of these can be downloaded for free, whilst some you would need to buy.  And as previously mentioned, a goggle search will give you even more options and choices.   
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Paid for Patterns
Style Arc Women's Chelsea Tie 
Simplicity 4762 Waistcoats and Ties 
McCalls 2447 Waistcoat and Ties 
 
Free Patterns / Tutorials
My Handmade Space Tie Pattern 
gathered.how How to sew a bow tie tutorial 
Made for Mermaids Layered Bow Tie for Baby, Kids and Adults  
The Canine Story DIY Dog Bowtie 

So why not give it a go and make a tie.  There is lots of choice and fun to be had with this month's #getsetsew challenge.  Don't forget to use the hashtag #getsetsewoctober to show us your makes in the Stitch Sewcial Facebook group, and on intagram @starttostitch.  We really love seeing what you make.  

Are you ready??   GET.....SET.....SEW!!

We're sew excited about this month's #getsetsew challenge theme, it's one we've been thinking of doing for sometime now and one of the things we love it is how versatile it is with endless options for skills, style and pattern! 

Yes it time to show us your underwear, well, your underwear makes this month.
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What are your first thoughts on thinking about this challenge?  Is it something like 'I cant make a bra!', 'This is complicated', or something along the lines of 'I've never used lace / stretch fabrics / knicker elastic'.  Or your mind may already have moved on the the myriad of options available form, bras, bralettes, sports bras, vests, camisoles, though to knickers, boxer shorts, men's pants, children's pants, and within all of these options are so many pattern choices and different styles to chose from.  And better still if you already sew with stretch fabrics this can be a great scrap buster.  
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Free Patterns
Stevie Knickers by Paper Theory
So Zo Undies by So Zo
So Zo Kids Speedy Pants by So Zo
So Zo Vest/Camisole by So Zo
Boxer Shorts by Peppermint Patterns
Acacia Underwear by Megan Nielson
Hipster Pattern by Makebra
Lacy Thong Panty by Fehr Trade

Paid for Patterns
Superstar Bra by Waves and Wild
Wonder Undies and speedy pants by Waves and Wild (children's and adults)
Superhero Boxers by Waves and Wild
Iris Knickers by Tilly and the Buttons
Celine Bralette by Closet Core Patterns
Josie Bra and Pants by Made My Wardrobe
Ara, Agnes and Sofia Undies by Made My Wardrobe
Fit2Sew have lots of bra and knickers patterns
Julia Camisole, Bralette and Panites by Jalie

Sewing Kits, Fabric and Notions/Findings
As we said you can use scraps for making undies but these are some suppliers for if you want something more specific , a sewing kit, or to make matching sets.  There will be lots of other suppliers that can be found via google searches.
Tilly and the Buttons
Fit2Sew 
Made My Wardrobe
Sew Wardrobe 
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If you're on instagram and looking for inspiration I thoroughly recommend you give Emerald Erin a follow ( she also has an Etsy shop ) as her Jordy Bralette is going to be one of our makes for this month! Also @MMadalynne - some wonderful things and a shop too!

Don't forget I have a half price offer on my Sewing Special Elastics course that covers elastics that are often used for making underwear.  This course is also a FREE module in my Sewing Stretch Fabrics course.

So there's lots of choice and great fun to be had with this month's #getsetsew challenge.  Don't forget to use the hashtag #getsetsewseptember and post pictures of your makes in the Stitch Sewcial Facebook group and tag us on Instagram @starttostitch we love seeing them.  

​Are you ready?? Get.....SET.......SEW!!

Here at Start to Stitch we have a number of online courses available in our Academy, from our Back to Basics course for people who have little or no sewing knowledge, though to learning to Sew with Stretch Fabrics, and courses to teach you how to sew your own luxurious Home Interiors.  But questions we often get asked about our courses are 'which is the right course for me?' and  'what course should I do next'.  So we have created this handy info-graphic to help you make that decision.... we do love a flow chart!
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Many people come to our courses with some prior knowledge of sewing, be that from learning many years ago at school, learning from a friend or family member, or being self taught from books or online videos.  Often learning in these ways can sometimes mean that techniques may not be fully understood which can lead to mistakes being made and frustration.  Our mantra here at Start to Stitch is 'you don't know what you don't know' and often returning to the very basics of sewing can provide real 'lightbulb' moments in your sewing journey.  As such, and in the words of Julie Andrews in the Sound of music, our advice would be
'Let's start at the very beginning, a very good place to start'

Our beginners course is the Back to Basics course.  This takes you from total beginner, or returner to sewing, though to competent and confident creator of lovely handmade things in only 5 sessions.  The first module of this course is available totally FREE as a 21 lesson mini course which teaches you everything you need to know to get off the starting blocks with your machine. It also gives you the chance to see how our courses are structured and an opportunity to 'try before you buy!'
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Once you have completed the Back to Basics course, or if you already have confidence in your basic sewing skills then there a number of courses for you to chose from.  The Skills Builder course continues from where the Back to Basics ended and will teach more advanced  techniques to continue to grow your sewing skill set.  Sewing Stretch Fabrics will take you through mastering sewing with knit fabrics and provide you with skills to make stretch garments from pants to T Shirts!  Whilst the  How to Sew Cushions and How to Sew Curtains will take your interiors sewing to a whole new level.  There are more details available on all our courses here
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But there are even more benefits to signing up to Start to Stitch online courses.  You will have lifetime access to your course, giving you the ability to complete it at a time that suits you and to return to the course or specific modules as many times as you need to.  The online App means you can access your course from any device.  With multiple ways to talk to us, enjoy all the benefits of a face to face live zoom with a real tutor - Annie, for as long as you need us (during term time). We know times are tough right now, but we want you to succeed, so all of our courses have instalment options so you can spread the cost while you learn. ​
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That's not all! we are currently working on new exciting courses for you to keep growing your sewing knowledge and skills, including Understanding Fabrics, and Using an Overlocker,  which will be coming soon sign up here to be notified about these.  We are also going to be running some fun live sew-along workshops, where you will have the opportunity to make garments alongside other sewists and ask Annie questions as you make your garment. 

​The first workshops will be for the Waves and Wild Heydays dungarees and the Papercut Patterns Nova coat. Why not sign up to our mailing list to be first to hear about these, and follow us on Facebook and Instagram for more hints, tips motivation, inspiration and information, we'd love to see you there. Plus you get 10% off as a welcome offer!

Don't forget to join our super friendly Facebook group Stitch Sewcial for even more sewing fun!

You may have seen, or hear, that we've been nominated for a National Sewing Award for our Learn to Sew: Back to Basics course and more recently, Annie has also been nominated in a West Country Women Phoenix award.  This latter award is about identifying a person who has risen from the ashes of the pandemic and has worked hard to help change our lives, communities & economy for the better! 
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Many industries have some form of recognition or award scheme to acknowledge and celebrate outstanding work or contribution to the industry or business.   The Oscars and the Grammys, the Brit Awards and  TV Soap Awards ... to name just a few of the more well known ones. 

What does it really mean to be nominated for an award?
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To be told you have been nominated means that someone has taken the time and made the effort to complete the nomination process, this means that person has been inspired by you and what you do and wants to tell others about you. 

2022 has been a very busy time at Start to Stitch HQ, but being nominated for these awards made us look back and reflect on how far we have come and how proud we are of the work we have done.   Sometimes building a business, producing courses, marketing, social media, responding to queries, writing newsletters and all the other 101 things that are required can mean you lose sight of just what you have achieved, and these nominations have meant we have taken some time to actually consider this and recognise just how much Start to Stitch has grown, but above all how proud we are to have kept that personal, kind and friendly ethos that informs our business values. 

​To think that people have appreciated what we do enough to nominate us is actually very humbling. 

These nominations mean that the work we are doing at Start to Stitch is being recognised both regionally and nationally, and this makes us very proud of our work and our business.  It tells us that we have produced courses and created a sewing community that people are engaging with and learning from and most importantly want to be a part of. 

We often get feedback from members of Stitch Sewcial and students on our courses about how friendly and supportive we are, and how much they are inspired to learn more and progress their skills.  But -  we also hear from people who tell us their own very personal stories about the positive impact that being part of our sewing community, and learning to sew, has had on their lives and mental health.

Running Start to Stitch is about so much more than providing online sewing courses, our core values are about being kind and creating community, so when we receive feedback like this it really makes our hearts sing and our eyes leak a little. 
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Having taken time to reflect on what these nominations mean to us we have also realised that being nominated is another form of feedback, a very positive a public feedback, that will introduce others to what we do and help to spread the very positive benefits of sewing that are so much more than a needle and thread. 
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The people who have nominated us may well be reading this blog, and we would like to say thank you so much for believing in us and taking the time to do this.  We also want to thank our truly wonderful students and sewing community who continue to inspire us every day with their comments, questions, support for others and makes. 

​You are all all sew lovely and are without a doubt what makes running Start to Stitch so very special. 
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And finally If we were to win these awards it really would mean the world to us and enable us to take Start to Stitch to the next level.  So if you would like to vote for us we really would be so very grateful.  You can vote for us in the British Sewing Awards here.  You can find us under the EVENTS category, and then TOP WORKSHOP, then BACK TO BASICS - START TO STITCH ( this is where you put your tick please!!! ) The next round of the Phoenix Award is Judge led only! So keep everything crossed for us... 

AND if you haven't yet done one of our courses and want to find out what we're all about you can sign up to our FREE mini course for a take of what we do and how we do it.