Messenger Bags
You may remember from February's blog my collaboration with Katherine Wilson of Number8Glass, where Katherine is making glass tokens and toggles to embellish my messenger bag range. Below are the results so far - I am really pleased with the effect, what do you think? I have been fiddling around with the pattern, to increase the size from these two - they went out on trial, and feedback was that they needed to be bigger to hold a purse (my purse is tiny, so that never registered in my brain). But the principal is the same, and I have high hopes for these.
Personalised Fabrics
Another collaboration is with Barinder Gahir of Barinder Designs, and in addition to the branded scarf which I featured last month, Barinder has designed three exclusive fabrics for Sally Ann Sews, based on my corporate colours and logo. I need to find an ethical, reliable printer to take this forward, but I am delighted with the results of Barinder's hard work and am now planning the products for which they would be best suited. I have several ideas, but your thoughts would be welcome.
Curtains
Following last month's statement that my aim is to grow this area of the business, the only real limitation is geographical location. I find it best to measure up personally - so apologies to potential customers worldwide (although I would love the excuse to visit you, of course!). The recent projects have included various lining options - blackout, thermal, etc, and I am happy to discuss any bespoke curtains within the Notts, Derbys, Lincs, and S Yorks areas. Will keep you posted on progress.
The next blog....
The next blog will feature some new ideas for bowl covers, new projects for '...felt with the heART' (in collaboration with Frances Daunt), and a new clutchbag workshop. In the meantime, please enjoy the Spring (or whichever season you're heading into) wherever you are, and whatever the weather.
Sally x
February
Welcome to the February edition of the blog, where I’d like to give you an idea of some of the new ventures and developments I will be concentrating on this year.
Workshops
This is an area I will be expanding, and here are a couple of events coming up:
Allison Turner Designs, Long Eaton
On March 6th, I will be carrying out a placemat workshop, teaching the ins and outs of bias binding, quilting, and how to deal with wadding. The skills are transferable to other kitchen items once you’ve mastered them. The cost is £30, and all materials except thread will be provided.
If anyone is interested, you can find out more, including booking details, on the Commissions and Workshops tab, or at www.allisonturnerdesigns.co.uk
Crafter's Companion, Barlborough
The latest of my dressmaking drop-in sessions is taking place on 20th February, between 10.30am and 3pm. Anyone interested can find further details on the website for Crafter’s Companion Chesterfield Store.
Sewing and Crochet Lessons
I love passing on skills, and only have two teaching places available at the moment, for any ability from beginner onwards. The sessions can either be at my home in Ollerton, or I can arrange to visit you, if that is feasible. Mutually convenient times can be arranged. please email me if you are interested. This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Collaborations
Working with great designers is such a pleasure, and I have the following projects underway:
Barinder Gahir - Barinder Designs - following on from my business branded scarf, Barinder is designing beautiful branded fabrics for me, which I hope to be able to show next time, but in the meantime here's the scarf she designed for me. I love it!
Katherine Wilson - Number 8 Glass - Katherine is developing tokens and toggles for my messenger bag range, following our recent successful joint venture with love tokens in drawstring bags for Valentine’s Day.
Frances Daunt, ‘...felt wih the heART‘ - Frances and I are continuing our association, where I create articles around her felted or printed animal artwork. Our latest meeting raised lots of possibilities around cat fabrics, and also some interesting variations involving tigers, elephants, owls, hares, badgers, foxes and possibly others. We discussed a possible tie-up with a wildlife charity, and various products which may include oven gloves and tea cosies, as well as bags. Watch this space....
Developments
Gin in Jeans
I am developing gift bottle bags for gin in recycled denim fabric - hence the ‘Gin in Jeans’ title. They fit nicely with the ethos of my business, even though, personally, I don’t like gin!
‘Sew your own’ kits
Another area I will be expanding this year is the production of kits for the customer to complete the article. The kits will include fabric, accessories, templates, and full illustrated instructions - all the maker needs are a machine and threads.
Curtains
This is another area where I will be expanding, following successful commissions including sets of 4m long curtains for a couple of apartments in a converted mill building, and several, more conventionally-sized domestic ones. Making curtains to fit is almost as difficult as making a garment to fit, the measurements being crucial - measure twice, cut once, as the saying goes!
And finally....
So, now you know all the news from S.A.S. Headquarters. I hope you found it interesting. If you have any comments or suggestions, why not email me, or like my Facebook page (www.facebook.com/SallyAnnSews) and post in there? I’m always looking to increase engagement with my followers. I hope to be able to update you next month on some of the projects I’ve talked about today, but until then, have a great month!
