Growing up I remember my Mum making homemade clothes for me and our family. I have fond memories of party dresses and knitted jumpers - you just can’t beat homemade clothes! One jumper in particular - a ‘beach’ themed jumper - had the sky, a boat and sand at the bottom which continued on the sleeves - it was fab! Also dresses with big Peter Pan collars and ribbon ties. I remember Mum cutting out patterns and fabric on the floor in our living room and was very excited when I was allowed to do some of the cutting out.

My first sewing project was at senior school in design and technology. It was a patchwork cushion cover which I gave to my Nan. I still have that now. Since then I have always enjoyed doing crafty things like making homemade cards and gifts. I also enjoy knitting and have made cushion covers and numerous blankets over the years although have never been brave enough to make any garments for myself. From a sewing perspective however, it has only really become a big passion of mine over the last year. I started making a simple girl’s dress under my Mum’s guidance, inserting zips and playing around with embellishments. I then decided to make the brave move of making something for myself and started with a simple A-line skirt. Through watching the second series of The Great British Sewing Bee I was inspired to make my own simple sleeveless top, similar to the one in the first episode. I was even making notes whilst watching it and looking up techniques like under stitching in books that I had - geek alert! Since then I have been officially ‘hooked’! Looking back now I can’t believe I didn’t actually watch the first series - it just wasn’t on my ‘radar’ at the time!

Over the last year since I caught the sewing ‘bug’ I have been almost constantly sewing (well not all of the time - I do do other things aswell!) but as much as I can! I love everything from choosing fabrics, reading the patterns, cutting out the fabric and then the actual sewing itself. The sense of achievement when I finish a project and think to myself ” I made that!” is fantastic, especially if it’s something I can then wear or give to someone as a gift. Even when I felt like a little rest post Christmas I only lasted a couple of weeks before I found myself sitting at the sewing machine again!

I wanted to create a blog primarily so I could record my own sewing projects. To have pictures and details of all of my makes in one place would definitely be a good thing. I also found that I was moving through sewing projects at such a fast pace; as soon as I finished one, I would move onto the next. I think it is important to take time to reflect on what you have made, not only to recognise the achievement and successes but also to think about the next time - what could be done differently and how things could be improved. Always striving to get better - that’s me! So that was definitely another important driving force before me taking a leap into the sewing blogosphere! I also enjoy reading other people’s blogs, looking at their makes and gaining inspiration and tips. If I could get that from other people then maybe someone somewhere may be able to get that from mine (she hopes!!).

So that’s me and my sewing. Aside from sewing I also enjoy running (seems to be very common amongst sewers!), summer bike rides and good Italian food.

I hope you enjoy reading along!

Lorna x