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#getsetsew2023 - FAQ's

4/1/2023

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Everything you need to know...
If you're new here or just dip in and out of the group I wanted to do a formal post about Getsetsew to explain what it's all about!

What is getsetsew? 
Every month, throughout the year, I set a challenge. It changes every month, is often inspired by the challenges that appear in the Great British Sewing Bee (it's basically our own less pressurised version!!) and is designed to:
  • Appeal to a broad range of sewing skills, interests and budgets
  • Encourage you to sew out of your comfort zone in a safe environment where we can support you if you have questions and share resources
  • Develop skills and knowledge with either a specific fabric, technique, type of garment or combination of the above
  • Give you a focus for the month if you enjoy sewing but have all the quilts / clothes / bags you could possibly want in your life already!
  • Encourage repurposing / upcycling as much as possible
  • Sew for a purpose (hand made gifts, seasonal sewing etc)
  • Help you feel connected to this fabulous community!

What is getsetsew BINGO? 
You'll see from the pic below that Getsetsew Bingo is now a thing - and it's a way of recording how many of the challenges you have taken part in, or keep track of which ones you've missed out on in case you want to play catch up!
I will also add a square version in the comments if you'd like that one for your insta feeds:)
It was brilliant at the end of 2022 to see everyone's completed bing cards come into the group!

Do I have to take part? 
It is NOT compulsory to take part in ANY of the challenges! being in the group is about so much more than Getsetsew, but what Getsetsew does do is give you a bit of a focus, if you need one. one month, no months, 5 months - or all of them, it's completely up to you! I am not even strict about deadlines..... your sewing has to work around YOU!

Why no challenges in May and June? 
Getsetsew began as an antidote to the massive whole we all had left after the Great British Sewing bee finished just after Lockdown one in 2020 in the UK (where I am based) This group started life during that time and when the Bee came back on our screens we live chatted every week about each episode as it was broadcast and it really helped bring us all together.
We still do that, when the series airs in the UK, and because the admin of this takes quite a bit of effort, we take a break for the months its showing so we can focus on that aspect of this brilliantly community.

How do I find out what is this months challenge? 
  • LIVE: In Stitch Sewcial, my FB group, 8pm on the first Weds of each month
  • FEATURED POST: In Stitch Sewcial, with a summary of what I've said in my live and a link to a blog post with pattern options, resource links etc.
  • HASHTAGS: Search in Stitch Sewcial using hashtags #Getsetsew #gss #getsetsew23 (please also tag your own makes with these!)
  • GUIDES: The lovely Jackie creates a resource guide in the guides section of Stitch Sewcial every month
  • INSTAGRAM: If you're on it - we post it on Instagram the morning after the live which takes place in Stitch Sewcial
  • MATERIAL THREADS: My (rather sporadic!) but wonderfully sewing filled e-zine, always updates on the current GSS challenges - You can sign up here

How do I take part? 
If a challenge appeals, you just get on with it!
If you have any questions ask us here in the group... and then share your make in here once you've completed it so we can all cheer you on! (We're VERY good at cheerleading here - it's one of the best things about this brilliant community )
​

Are you ready?
Get, s e t, SEW!
Annie xx
​
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Getsetsew Bingo Landscape
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Getsetsew Bingo SQUARE
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#getsetsew September

15/9/2020

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G E T S E T S E W September is upon us!!


Its a double whammy this month - conscious that we have busy and strange times with the return to work and school for many, its a pick and mix month which you can make as small or as large as you like...

Option 1: UFO challenge: In sewing speak a UFO is an unfinished object! I have a few, some of you are completer/finishers and so don't have a pile (I wish!!), many of you will have a LOT because like me you have shiny new object syndrome and get sidetracked by the new ideas.... (autobiography LOL) Choose ONE and commit to finish it this month. I will post a pic of mine soon! If you haven't got a pile but you are a serial buyer of fabrics and patterns that you never get round to actually making.... then this also applies. Clear some space by reducing the pile!
​

Option 2: Remnant Challenge: Use an off cut from a previous project to make something practical! OR treat yourself to a reduced price remnant from a fabric shop, choose something that appeals to you or challenges you and if you feel scared of it but you have an idea for it BUY IT. We've got your back... Post a pic in Kernow Sewcial and ask advice if you are at all unsure how to handle it or what to make.... or tag me on your social platform @starttostitch

You do NOT have to take part in these challenges, they're just prompts to keep us going, but if you fancy it, give it a go!

And to be clear - you don't have to make clothes, this could be ANY THING.... are you ready?
Get, set, SEW!!

xx
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GETSETSEW AUGUST: Sweatshirt!

5/8/2020

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If you haven't caught my live in Kernow Sewcial earlier, here it is, #getsetsewaugust challenge is to make a Sweatshirt!

There's a lot of info in my live so do watch it back, but in a nutshell it doesn't have to specifically be a sweatshirt - it could be a hoody, or an oversized boxy sweater, or a jumper dress... it could be for you, your partner, your child or grandchild your neighbour, your mate, your dog! I just want you to have a go at working with a more stable stretch fabric like a french terry or a sweat-shirting, maybe add a ribbing neckline or cuff, see how it feels.

You don't have to buy anything for this, you can repurpose an old sweatshirt and chop it up if you like, have a go at your own 're-invention' challenge.

I will upload the information sheet to the files but the key thing you need to know is:
You will need a use a ball point or stretch needle....

Also this is a great opportunity to try a twin needle for some of these patterns where it might be appropriate - they're so fun!

As with last month I have put together a pinterest board with a whole array of pattern options for you to suit all tastes and skills and budgets, including some kids patterns. If you know of a good pattern and its not on there, link it below this post when I share it and I'll add it in.

I have a 2 year old who is, right now at 11 o clock at night going completely nuts and insisting I sing sleepy bunnies so she can dance, while making siren noises and demanding peppa pig, so needless to say I am somewhat behind this evening....

Get, Set, Sew!!!! August has Landed 
​

Excited MUCH!!!!
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INtroducing #GETSETSEW!  A new monthly challenge

8/7/2020

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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
​
Get, set... SEW
Xx

​#kernowsewcial #getsetsew
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    ​Sewing. pattern cutting, teaching, tea and Jelly Babies!

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