INtroducing #GETSETSEW! A new monthly challenge

getsetsew... ankara!

So here it is! The first if the new series of monthly challenges in Kernow Sewcial designed to help give us a bit of focus, try something new, and push us out of our comfort zones in some cases to just give us a boot up the back side to make a project that’s been in the pile for an awfully long time!

There is no pressure are all, take part of you want to, have fun with it, don’t worry about time challenges or perfection. I really don’t this want to cause anyone any stress at all... it’s supposed to be fun!

This first challenge was prompted by the fab weekend we had online with The Sewing Weekender... there is an info sheet in the files with everything you need to know including fabric suppliers and things to look out for! If you buy a full 6yd length you will need to remove the horrible sticker first (there is a link to a video showing you how in there too!)

Your challenge this month is to have a go with one of the most uplifting and easy to sew fabrics there is - Ankara. A dress, a jumpsuit, a makeup bag, even just a simple scrunch - just have a go! Also known as Dutch or African Wax fabric it was made by the Dutch originally for the Indonesian market but has become synonymous with the countries and dress of West Africa.

Super stable, in a multitude of incredible and often very quirky designs, it comes in 100% cotton and sews up beautifully. As it is so stable and 100% cotton you can use it for pretty much anything so if dressmaking isn’t your think or your budget is tight, grab a fat quarter or two and make a zip pouch or cushion cover, the important thing is to have a go, and try something a bit different! It comes in 6 yard lengths, is a slightly narrower width than normal and is lovely to sew.

You can zigger or overlock or pink the seams.

You can find out all about it in this fab video by former GBSB winner Juliet Uzor 

Things to watch out for: It comes with a sticky label on it which needs removing carefully ( and can’t just be peeled of ) Watch this video before you do anything else… !!! Some retailers sell poly/cotton mixes - these aren’t great quality and are not nice to wear…. Make sure you buy 100% cotton! 

African Fabrics
Gafney Fabrics
Fabrics by Tolumi
Dovetailed London
Urban Stax
Middlesex Textiles
Empire Textiles
Miss Jacqs
Woolcrest Textiles
Diligent Hands Fabrics
House of Zabadi
African Textile Store

​Share what you’re doing, progress, cutting etc. Ask questions! share your finished make with the hashtags #getsetsewJuly and I will pick a participant or two for a little treat at the end. It is however NOT a competition just something to give focus and encourage you to try something new...

If you’re not into dressmaking just grab a fat quarter and make something, ANYTHING! Here are some ideas you can make just from scraps:

Scrunchie
Oven mitt
Tea cosy
Glasses case
Makeup bag
Needle case
Pin cushion
Babies bib
Childs sun hat

Are you in? Are you excited? Stuck? Nervous! We’re all in this together... I’ll share some Inspiration over the next few days
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Get, set... SEW
Xx

​#kernowsewcial #getsetsew