​#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. 

It's summertime here in the UK 🌞and we thought it only right to celebrate this with a beachwear and accessories #getsetsew for August.  For our lovely followers in the southern hemisphere, where it isn't currently summertime, maybe think of this as an opportunity to get ahead of the game for your summer season! 😊
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The scope of this month's challenge is wide open.  Anything goes, from swim wear, changing robes, beach bags, hats, sunglasses cases, espadrilles, the world of beachwear and accessories really is your oyster! 👙😎👒👜
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.The brilliant Foldline have done an amazing round up of swimwear patterns here, including one of my favourites  the Vernazza Two Piece Bikini pattern from Friday Pattern Company.  Hello Sewing also have a great round up of free sewing patterns for women, men and children and have some great choices.  Peppermint Magazine has free patterns for a beach coverup and for a robe that would make  perfect beachwear.
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There are some gorgeous swimwear fabrics around at the moment from the likes of myfabrics, guthrie-ghani and sew me sunshine.  Etsy and Ebay are also good places to look for more unusual designs or cheaper fabrics. 
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Textile express have a pattern download and video tutorial for making a Toweling Robe and also have a lovely choice of bamboo toweling.  Of course you could be super thrifty with this make by using old towels you already have at home!
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Sunhats can be a great scrap buster and are fun to make.  If you have any Ankara left over from last months #getsetsew then a hat could be a perfect use for this fabric.  There are lots of great patterns around and a google search will bring up lots of choices.  Two of my favourites are from Elbe Textiles, the wide brimmed Serpentine Hat and the Sorrento Bucket Hat.  The Patterns for Pirates Adventure Hat is a free cap pattern that looks fun and a really great scrap buster. 
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Again a google search for free glasses case sewing patterns will bring up a plethora of choices, from drawstring, to padded, to zipped, to folding.  Another great scrap buster and a quick make. 
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But obviously all these things need to be carried to the beach along with all the other beach paraphernalia....sun cream, bucket and spade, goggles, books.....etc...etc.  So why not have a go at making a roomy beach bag to do the job?  Those of you who subscribe to any sewing magazines will probably have patterns for beach and tote bags in your own pattern store, but again there are lots of choices online too.  A good place to start for lots of choice of free patterns is eknitting stitches who have some great ideas, including an extra large bag and an up-cycle project. 
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So there's lots of choice and lots of fun to be had with this month's #getsetsew challenge.  Don't forget to use the hashtag #getsetsewaugust and post pictures of your makes in the Stitch Sewcial Facebook group and tag us on Instagram @starttostitch we love seeing them.  

Have fun with this one and happy summer sewing 🌞

We really are beyond excited to have been nominated.....and shortlisted!.....for a British Sewing Award for our Learn to Sew:Back to Basics online course ..... eeeeeekkk!! 

​This really is an amazing honour in such a competitive industry and we are so very proud to have been shortlisted. 
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It would just be incredible if we were to win this category.  But - in order for us to be in with a chance of winning this award we need to ask you, our wonderful followers, to please, please vote for us here  It really would mean the world to us 🌍🥰 

If you have a print copy of this months Sew Magazine you can enter by post on page 68-69 📫
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I've put more details in our Stitch Sewcial Facebook Group and have also done a Facebook live to share my absolute excitement and ask you to please, please, please vote for us!
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If you do vote you could be in with a chance of winning a wonderful prize, including a 21 day cruise for two people around Cape Verde, the Canaries and Morocco.  It sounds idyllic 🛳 🏖  And everyone who votes will also receive a Become a Better Stitcher downloadable boxset in  just for entering. So what is there to loose? it could be a win win situation for us all!
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We do really hope you will take a few minutes to vote, we would be so very grateful 🙏 

​But we would also like to thank you all so much for your ongoing support and championing of Start to Stitch.  We really love what we do, but most of all we love helping everyone here and seeing you progress with your own stitching and get as excited as we do about sewing 🥰
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So we'd like to say a huge THANK YOU! to you all,  we couldn't do this without you!

You are truly our favourite sewists 🧵 💓🥰

The Sewing Bee has finished for another year and that means one thing.... the Stitch Sewical #getsetsew challenge is back!!
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For July's challenge we couldn't resit revisiting a previous challenge, simply for the wonderful  colourful  joy this fabric brings.  Drum roll please 🥁........It's the Ankara fabric challenge.  Traditionally Ankara fabric is made from 100% cotton and is synonymous with the countries and dress of West Africa. The pattern is printed using wax, to create wonderful designs in vibrant colours.   The fabric is very stable and a dream to sew with.   You can make anything for this challenge, garments, bags, cushion covers zip pouches, all work really well, and maybe this is an opportunity to try out some new sewing skills too and make something different from what you might normally chose. 
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The 11th - 17th July  is also Ankara Appreciation Week, a celebration of all things Ankara fabric, set up by Juliet Uzor and Lena King as an Instagram challenge, sewing different garments thoughout the week.  If you are on Instagram take a look at their accounts and the hashtags #sewankarafabric22  #ankaraappreciationweek22 for more inspiration.  
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Jumpsuits are a popular choice for Ankara fabric and one of my favourties is the  Paper Theory Zadie Jumpsuit.  The Pauline Alice Pattern Mila Jumpsuit & Dress would also work well.
The stability of the fabric makes it good for jackets such as the Friday Pattern Co Ilford Jacket. and the Helen's Closet Pona Jacket.  Ankara is also a good fabric for  shift and cocoon style dresses and would work well with the Helen's Closet York Pinafore, Closet Core Cielo Dress and Top, and the Simple Sew Cocoon or Zoe dress and top.  I have written a blog about the cocoon dress which you might find helpful for this.  Peppermint Magazine has lots of free downloadable patterns that would work well with Ankara, such at the Skye Shorts,  Peplum Top, and Boxy Top.  They actually have lots of free patterns that are well worth taking a browse though.
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I've written a short guide about Ankara fabrics, including some suppliers and things to watch out for when using the fabric.  This is in the Stitch Sewcial Facebook group under the files tab, or can be accessed here.  And please give Start to Stitch UK a follow on Pinterest and find even more more Ankara inspiration on our Sewing Patterns for Ankara fabrics

This really is a joyous #getsetsew challenge and we are super excited to see your makes start appearing in Stitch Sewcial ​this month. Don't forget to post them using the hashtag #getsetsewjuly to make sure we don't miss any.  Happy #getsetsew sewing!