Patchwork Quilting
This is my new passion, and I’ve gone so far as to invest in all the necessary equipment such as cutting boards, rulers - and even a Gemini cutting machine to speed up the process! When you work for yourself, there’s always a danger with a ‘hobby’ activity that it will get in the way of ‘real‘ work, and it’s true that I couldn’t offer my quilts for sale at a reasonable price to cover the time involved, lovely though the pieces may be.
So the thinking cap was donned, and I’ve come up with the perfect solution - I now have a patchwork workshop at Crafty Betty at Newark Craft Hub, where I can pass on the skills - and I don’t feel guilty when preparing samples etc for the course - the hobby and real work are now happily combined.
https://www.sallyannsews.co.uk/products/workshops-and-lessons
Crocheted Bowls
Crochet is another area which I’ve developed from an evening relaxation pastime into something Sally Ann Sews can offer. As with quilting, it would be unrealistic to offer, say, a crocheted blanket for sale - I’m pretty quick, but the time involved would make the cost prohibitive (also, the nearly-thirteen-year-old snaffles them as soon as they’re finished - her wardrobe is bulging!) So, in addition to crochet tuition, I am about to offer a Crochet Bowl Workshop for Rural Antics at Hanwell Wine Estates.
Crocheted bowls - how does that work then, you may be wondering - how on earth does something with a relatively loose structure like crochet stand up on its own to make a bowl? Well, it doesn’t - but if you apply PVA glue to the piece, and give it some shape while it dries, it can.
I‘ve made these samples, and I was surprised and pleased with how robust the bowls are, even with the open structures. Ok, you wouldn’t be able to keep coal in them, but as a decorative containers for lighter contents, they are great.
https://www.sallyannsews.co.uk/products/workshops-and-lessons
Gents' Ties
A while ago, I was asked if I made ties and bow ties - the customer had a wedding coming up, and wanted a special theme. I said I hadn't made a tie for a long time, but I'd give it a go (as you do!), and started by brushing up with a mini-course with a couple of friends of mine who make them all the time. They are surprisingly complicated to the uninitiated - the cutting, shaping, lining, stitching, and pressing have to be just so to make the perfect article that hangs straight. After a couple of goes, I was confident enough to offer the service.
Thankfully, the customer was delighted, and, after further commissions, I now offer Gents Ties and Bow Ties as part of the portfolio (must mention here that the ones made to match for children are sooooo cute - if you've been following my facebook page, you may have seen one little chap in his!).
https://www.sallyannsews.co.uk/commissions/bespoke-clothing to see the ones I made for weddings.
https://www.sallyannsews.co.uk/products/ties to see the bow ties I am currently selling.
Sally's Snippet
This month's snippet is a video tutorial showing my method of sealing the ends of ribbons to prevent fraying. I use a lot of ribbons for various gift bags, and, because they are designed for re-use, the last thing I want is for the ends to fray making them look tatty.
I set up a tea light or a candle with a small flame making sure it's stable and away from any flammable materials!
I then pass the cut end of the ribbon quickly through the flame, just enough to seal the end. Too long in the flame and the fabric (usually polyester or nylon) will melt and form a hard bead - if it does, I snip it off and do it again, more carefully!
Hope you find this of some use. If my description defies you, or you're a visual learner, go to my facebook page and check out all my snippet videos www.facebook.com/sallyannsews
The November Blog
will cover 'Sew Your Own......' kits, bespoke kitchen linens, and fancy dress, and Sally's Snippet will be about buttonholes.
In the meantime, have a great month, and Happy Halloween!
