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!