Teach All The Classes!

(Tilly and the Button HQ's breathtakingly lovely workspace features a distractingly impressive view of the London skyline)

So I've finally created a 'Sewing Classes' page. Anyone who's interested can now easily see what sewing and dressmaking classes I'll be teaching in the near future, rather than having to head to the individual websites of the places I teach at to see what's up.

(It's arguably the perfect shift dress pattern, want to make one at The Village Haberdashery?)

I teach at four location: two in London (Tilly and the Buttons HQ and The Village Haberdashery) and two in East Sussex (MIY Workshop and Fabric Godmother). I've only listed the classes that aren't sold out at time of writing, and I'll try to update the page regularly to add newly scheduled classes and remove the ones that are either sold out of have been and gone. Each class listing on the page includes a link to where you can find more info, including how you can book up.

(everyone's bust creating awesomeness at MIY Workshop)

I love each of these establishments, they each have a very different feel. The Village Haberdashery and Fabric Godmother include the benefit of being able to gaze at (and buy from) two of the finest selections of fabric in the UK. Whilst Tilly and the Buttons HQ and MIY Workshop are genuinely two of the most creatively inspiring spaces I've had the pleasure to hang out in.

(Come and sew a Grainline Scout Woven Tee with me at Fabric Godmother!) 

So if you happen to live in the south east of the UK and are looking to learn how to sew, or to improve your existing skills (or you want to see what I get up to whilst Pat and Dolores drink too much coffee and apple juice respectively and hang out at the park), then please check out my new 'Sewing Classes' page! And in case you are interested in booking a class taught by me, please know that I make excellent tea and coffee. Fact.

New Classes at MIY Workshop, Brighton

About a month ago, we had a couple of friends come to visit from Spain, and one of them gave Pat and me a tarot reading. Now, I'm not at all new-agey, but I freaking loves me some tarot. If done by someone who knows what they are doing (or at least can pretend that they do), then it is a lot of fun. And my mate Lee really knows what he's doing, plus he is selfless enough to help his friends delve into their problems for hours on end. On this occasion, we wanted to know what is going on with us, work-wise. There's uncertainty in our future as Pat's current job is coming to an end in a few weeks, with nothing else currently on the horizon. I won't bore you with the whole spread, but I have to say that Lee predicted that my work opportunities will be expanding, and in the direction of Brighton (I have no idea which specific card means 'more work in Brighton'!).

(image source: Wendy Ward via Makery blog)

I shit you not, less than a week later I was helping out at the Fabric Godmother's awesome open day (massive hello's to everyone I met or caught up with there) and got the chance to chat with Wendy Ward, who asked if I would like to teach at her MIY Workshop (which is in Brighton)! A briefly backstory and explanation: I was lucky enough to meet Wendy two years ago when she kindly accepted our request to talk at the Craftaganza Live talks (now defunct), which were a spin off of my semi-regular craft market, Brighton Craftaganza (resting, but not defunct). Wendy is an insanely talented pattern cutter, designer, writer and teacher who sells her own patterns and sewing related products, AND wrote a beautiful, recently released sewing book. She recently contributed not one but TWO incredible refashions as part of Portia/Makery blog's The Refashioners 2015 challenge (see above). Good work, Tarot.

(image source: MIY Workshop)

I'm so excited to be teaching at the MIY Workshop for so many reasons. Wendy is a really cool lady who I hope to learn from, and her workshop space (see above) looks lovely and super inspiring. She seems to have a bunch of loyal, regular students who attend her classes (many of whom have been asking for Saturday classes, which is what I'll be teaching) and I can't wait to meet some of them. These classes are for anyone interested in doing some sewing, no matter what their existing skill level. Students work on whatever projects they fancy at their own pace, and I'll be there to assist in any way I can. Initially, I'll be teaching there on 19th September and 24th October, and if those book up well, then every 1st and 3rd Saturday of the month going forwards. If you would like to know more or to book a class, please visit here for Wendy's contact information. Please don't hesitate! Or the tarot will be proved a liar, and Lee will have to find a new hobby.

To clarify, I will be teaching at the MIY Workshop in addition to my other fabulous teaching gigs: Tilly and the Buttons HQ and The Village Haberdashery. I bloody love my job!

Copy Your Clothes

A squillion years ago I studied Fashion Design at University. I quickly learnt that I wasn't a very good designer, but found the that more practical parts of the course, garment construction and pattern cutting, really floated my metaphorical boat. The lecture I still remember as being the most interesting was an 'extra' (not part of the syllabus) taught by a lovely pattern cutting tutor called Karen. She showed us how to take a pattern from a pair of trousers or jeans that fitted us well. This blew my mind at the time, and I've been fascinated by this subject and the challenges involved ever since. 

(image source: Tilly and the Buttons)

On and off, I've been using existing garments to make sewing patterns ever since, whether to try to accurately copy the original, or to use it as a way to get closer to the style I'm aiming for than if I started cutting with basic pattern blocks. Then when Tilly suggested we run a workshop at her HQ/studio around the subject of copying existing garments, I did masses of research to really hone the techniques into a process I could break down and teach to others. 

Coincidentally, around the time that Tilly and I started discussing the workshops, my best friend Vic asked me to copy her beloved spotty Peter Pan collared T-shirt (pictured above). For the first four or five Copy Your Clothes workshops, I actually used her T-shirt in the demo part of the workshop, which gave me the kick up the bum to actually get on with the task (sorry it took so long, Vic!). 

With the pattern finally complete, I then made a copy in a lovely soft teal interlock that had been lurking in my stash (sorry for the pics, it's one of those colours that my camera can't deal with accurately! The picture at the top of this post is the most like the colour in real life). This fabric doesn't have exactly the same properties as the original jersey, but it's close enough and Vic says the fit of the copy is great (phew!). Here she is rocking her new/reproduced top:

You may notice that the copy isn't exactly the same at the original: the keyhole detail has been constructed differently and is an oval rather than teardrop shape. Plus the sleeves have bands rather than binding at the hem. This is because I had to adapt the construction process to suit the machinery I have at home, I (lamentably) do not have access to an industrial binding machine. And this is one of the points I make in the class: you may not be able to make an exact replica of your original garment, particularly if it's been mass-produced, but you can get a damn good approximation (or even improvement!) that you will love just as much!  

The Copy Your Clothes workshops at Tilly's have been really popular, with each one selling out not long after it's been scheduled. If you are interested in taking the class, currently there are two scheduled for 9th May (10am - 2pm) and 30th May (2pm - 6pm). 

Self-Employment Update: 1 Year in with a Family

I've written and even spoken pretty openly in the past about my reality of being self-employed and  trying to make a living from my creative and sewing related endeavours. I've been meaning to write an update on the subject for ages. There's been a fair bit written in the sewing community of late about bloggers who make money from sewing, and whether or not their blogs should or shouldn't be used to promote their money-making activities. Sadly, I don't have a fraction of the time I'd like for reading blogs these days so I'm not fully versed in all aspects of the debate. However, reading Karen's fascinating recent post and all the interesting comments that followed, I found it surprising that there was such a clear opposition from some to sewing bloggers making money from their passion. 

I don't have the energy to wade in to the debate right now, but I'm certainly not about to stop mentioning things that are related to my income if I feel they may be of interest to some of my readers. For example, if I'm teaching a class on how to Copy Your Clothes (which I am, BTW), for you to decide that it's a class you'd like to take to expand your skills, you're going to need to know that it's happening. And if I've developed a sewing pattern to sell and you're into sewing, how can you decide if you want to buy it if I don't tell you about it and show you versions already made? I respect the emotional intelligence of my readers to engage with and/or enjoy the parts of my blog that interest them, and to click away when it doesn't feel relevant to them. 

Plus, I can't help but feel that a significant number of people would like to make at least part of their income from their hobby, so my assumption is that at least a handful of people who read my blog will be interested in me writing about my experience of this. Indeed, from the comments I've received from all those posts in the past, quite a few people are interested in that as a subject, and some even pondered how I'm going to juggle those things with a baby/child on the scene. So here goes...

The main reason that it's taken me so long to write a self-employment update since becoming a mum is that things have been in pretty constant flux. It's only after a year that I feel that things are starting to stabilise for long enough to have a status quo to write about. It's been a hell of a learning curve, in every respect, and it's been both the most amazing and the most difficult year of my life. The majority of the difficulty, I can now see, was perpetuated if not caused by my foolish assumption that I could achieve just as much with a baby as I could without one, with absolutely no additional childcare. That and a lack of sleep!

Childcare

Before Dolores was born, Pat (Mr So Zo) and I decided that we would undertake all childcare ourselves until she becomes eligible for the free 15 hours per week that all three year olds in the UK are entitled to. That decision was based on a mixture of what we felt would be best to create stability for her, as well as necessity as we live prohibitively far away from any family assistance, and we couldn't afford additional childcare even if we'd wanted it.  

This year has been a constant juggling act. We are always negotiating with each other about what time we need, work-wise, and when we can take the baby. At times Pat has had to work full time, so has been around very little during the week and I have had to cram everything I've needed to do into nap times, evenings and weekends. There has been very little family time, to be honest. But I have plans for that to change in the New Year. So what have I been working on?

Sewing Classes

The majority of the money I bring in is from teaching sewing classes. Which is fortunate because I LOVE teaching sewing stuff. I literally get paid to talk about my favourite subject for hours on end with lovely, engaging people who want to learn and enjoy themselves. The downside is travelling. For financial reasons, we had to move from Brighton to a cheaper town on the South Coast which has made it harder to get to the schools I teach in. But it's fine, time to myself sitting on trains is pretty welcome! 

Currently I'm teaching at:

Tilly and the Buttons HQ in West Dulwich, London. 

Currently I'm scheduled to teach a Coco workshop, a Francoise workshop and some Copy Your Clothes classes. Check out her workshops page for details here. 

The Village Haberdashery in West Hampstead, London. 

There are plans in the works for lots of classes next year, and currently scheduled are an Emery dress class, a Renfrew top class and a Sureau dress class. Check out their classes schedule here. 

Badger & Earl in Chiswick, London.

The new kids on the sewing-cafe block, I'll be teaching a beginner's dressmaking class for making a pair of child's PJ bottoms. Check out that and the rest of their range of classes here. 

Sew In Brighton in Brighton & Hove, East Sussex.

As soon as I moved away from Brighton, I picked up a job in Brighton. Genius! Anyway, I can sometimes be found here teaching beginner sewing classes and my very own 'Rework Your Wardrobe' class. Check their extensive list of class options here. 

Sewing Patterns

You may have noticed that I released a sewing pattern a couple of months ago! The Dolores batwing pattern has been selling steadily and it's been thoroughly wonderful to see other peoples' versions start to pop up on the internet. I currently have no plans to release any more patterns, but never say never! However, please remember that I have also designed two other sewing patterns which are available here FOR FREE.

Brighton Craftaganza

See the beautiful poster at the top of this post? That's the artwork advertising the latest craft market event which takes place at our usual location of Fabrica Gallery in Central Brighton THIS WEEKEND!!!! If you happen to be in the South East of England and at a loose end, this event won't disappoint. 

From a personal stand point, I've found this year's event much easier and more enjoyable to organise. After the ridiculousness of organising last year's double weekend market around the time I went into labour and then with a tiny baby, I decided more hands were needed on deck. This year I have shared the organisational responsibilities with my super talented friend/jewellery maker Kirstin, and brought in my event-organiser friend Claire to inject some energy and creativity into the decoration.

'Hey Baby Yeah'

For some unknown reason, when Dolores was about three months old, I decided to set up a little baby wear range. Actually I think my reasoning was that I wanted to be a seller at craft events, not just an organiser. Maybe I wanted to spend more time sitting down! (Not that I sit down as a seller, BTW.) Anyways,  I developed a simple range of three products: dribble bibs, jersey trousers based on the ones I'd been making for Dolores, and washable breast pads for boob-feeding mamas. Some of my products can be found in my Etsy shop and I've been really enjoying selling at a few craft fairs here and there. 

My Blog

I've met and 'e-met' some wonderful people through having this blog, it's my favourite outlet for self expression (aside from sewing itself) and it has opened up some great opportunities as well. It's been the source of so many good things for me, particularly since I became self-employed. I don't feel I currently have sufficient brain-space to write as often or as in depth on certain topics as I'd like to at the moment, but of course I'm not apologising for that!  I'm blogging when I can, and not feeling pressured to do so. Plus, FYI, I'm going to continue organising Me-Made-May for as long as the sewing community wants it to go ahead. 

Next Year...

As I mentioned above, it's taken me all year to figure out that I can't pile on the projects and plans like I used to. I used to get a real buzz from having my fingers in lots of metaphorical pies, and plotting and scheming new angles of income. Now I have a child though, I (perhaps unsurprisingly) find it very stressful having lots of things on the go at the same time. With limited attention and energy left for work, I'm worried I'll miss something or end up doing it half-arsed. 

So I have vowed to have a new approach next year. Looking after Dolores is my full-time job. Teaching sewing classes is my part-time job. Anything else is extra and must only be undertaken if I am sure it's not going to add unnecessary pressure. Let's see how that works...

Teaching Workshops at Tilly HQ, London

This blog post is pretty pointless for two reasons but I'm going to write it anyway because I hate not doing something that I planned to. It's meant to be a post announcing the exciting news that I'm going to be teaching two of Tilly and the Buttons's new workshops. However this post is pointless because it is unlikely that there's anyone who reads this blog who wouldn't have already read about the workshops over at Tilly's when she announced them on Tuesday (aside from my folks, hi Mum and Dad!).

Tilly has a whole host of wonderful workshops that will take place in her EPIC new studio space in London. Most of the classes will be taught by herself, plus there's also a Zips and Buttonholes class that will be taught by Lauren from Lladybird when she's in town! I'm tempted to take that one myself just to hang out with her... Does that sound creepy?!

My involvement will be teaching the Copy Your Clothes! and Sewing Knits: Make a Coco workshops. If you were counting and wondered what the second reason why that this blog post is pointless is, it's because both of them have sold out already. However, it is very likely that they will be rescheduled at some point in the future, so if you are interested in taking them you can get on the waiting list by contacting Tilly.

Back to Work...

So I'm about to get back in the game and teach a few sewing classes! I must admit that I'm a little bit nervous, having been out of the game for nearly six months, but I know that they'll be heaps of fun. If you or anyone you know might be interested in attending a class, please read on...

At The Village Haberdashery, North London:

The Renfrew Top class 

Saturday, 8th March, 10:00am - 1:30pm, £90

(image source: Sewaholic Patterns)

The Sewaholic Renfrew pattern has become a firm favourite with the online sewing community. And with good reason, it is basically the perfect women's basic tee! In this class you'll learn how to sew with knit fabrics whilst making your own semi-fitted v-neck, scoop-neck or cowl-neck t-shirt. The fabric and pattern are included in the course fee. The Village Haberdashery have some fabulous organic jerseys by Monaluna for you to choose from, check out their ranges Raaga knits and Woodland knits (pictured below). You'll leave class with a great new top and the confidence to tackle any knit pattern you've been coveting!

(image source: The Village Haberdashery)

Sew Your Own Knickers class: SOLD OUT! Sorry peops...

At Sew Over It, South London:

Introduction to Commercial Sewing Patterns class
Tuesday 1st April, 6.30pm - 8.30pm, £40

This session will designed to demystify and explain how to use commercial sewing patterns. This is a discussion and demonstration based class, not a practical 'doing' one. This class is perfect for someone who has already taken a beginners sewing class or generally feels ok using a sewing machine, and now wants to amp their skills to become a confident dress-maker.

Topics covered will include:

• What to do if your measurements span two or more sizes on the pattern 
• What to do if you are taller or shorter than the pattern has been designed for 
• What the differences between vintage and modern patterns are How to select appropriate fabric for your pattern 
• What all the symbols on the pattern mean and what to do about them 
• Plus lots more. 

Mini-Interviewed by The Village Haberdashery

I'm very pleased and excited to announce that the first two of of my new classes at The Village Haberdashery take place THIS SATURDAY!!! The Sew Your Own Knickers class is fully booked but there are still a couple of places on the Sew a Kid's T-shirt class (as well as the afternoon Renfrew class taking place on Saturday 31st August).

Anyways, in celebration of these facts, Annie the owner of The Village Haberdashery has asked me a few questions for a little interview for their blog. If you are interested in taking a look, head over here!

Sew with So Zo This Summer!

I'm lucky enough to be teaching some really fantastic classes this Summer before I go on maternity leave (if a self-employed person gets to call it maternity-leave). Some are classes I have taught before, some are newly developed so I thought I'd outline them all here in case any of them are of interest to you or someone you know who might want to develop their sewing skills and live in South-East England. 

The first three classes are at a new venue called The Village Haberdashery in North London. Its online shop has been going for some time, but it's bricks and mortar incarnation is a newer venture. I'm very proud to join the likes of Tilly and Karen who also teach there. 

Sew a Kid's T-Shirt
Saturday, 17 August, 10:30am - 1:30pm, £60

Take the fear out of sewing with knits while learning to make a classic kid's t-shirt! In this class, you'll be guided through the process of sewing a kid's t-shirt by, umm, me using the Figgy's Banyan pattern and fabric from the new organic Elk Grove Knits collection. The fabric and pattern are included in the course fee and you'll be able to choose from 10 fabric designs for your shirt. The pattern fits boys and girls aged 18 months up to 8/9 years.

For more info and how to book for the Kid's T-shirt class, click here.


Sew Your Own Knickers
Saturday, 17 August, 2:30pm - 5:30pm, £50

You could of course simply download my free knickers/pants/undies pattern and have a go yourself at home, but for those who would prefer a bit of extra guidance plus the hassle-free option of all the materials included, this is a great class to be lead on your undies-making journey. The undies elastic and fabric from the new organic Elk Grove Knits collection are included in the class price, so all you need to do is turn up! 

For more info and how to book for the knickers making class, click here.

The Renfrew Top class **UPDATE** MORNING CLASS SOLD OUT: AFTERNOON ADDED! 

Saturday, 31 August, 10:30am - 1:30pm, £80 **PLUS 2.30pm - 5.30pm**

(image source: Sewaholic Patterns)

The Sewaholic Renfrew pattern has become a firm favourite with the online sewing community. And with good reason, it is basically the perfect women's basic tee! In this class you'll learn how to sew with knit fabrics whilst making your own semi-fitted v-neck or scoop-neck t-shirt. The fabric and pattern are included in the course fee and you'll be able to choose from 10 fabric designs for your shirt from the new organic Elk Grove Knits collection. All being well, you'll leave class with a great new top and the confidence to tackle any knit pattern you've been coveting!

For more info and how to book for the Renfrew class, click here.

1940's Tea Dress class

Saturdays, 27th July & 3rd Aug, £130

(image source: Sew Over It)

This is an awesome intermediate class to help you develop your dress making skills that introduces some techniques like gathering and inserting concealed zips. Make this pretty, retro-vibe dress that you can then make again and again, as you conquer sewing with slippery, drapey fabric. 

For more info and how to book for the tea dress class, click here.

Pussy Bow Blouse class

Wednesdays, 7th & 14th Aug, £90

(image source: Sew Over It)

Possibly my favourite class to teach because I've yet to have a student that hasn't had an ace result. I wear my own pussy bow blouse made from this pattern all the time (even whilst I've been pregnant because of its looser fit), so I know just how practical and useful this garment is. Like the more complex tea dress class above, the pussy bow blouse class is a great class for those wanting to push themselves to try more challenging fabrics and some extra techniques like inserting sleeves etc. under supervision!

For more info and how to book for the pussy bow blouse class, click here. http://www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk/classes-and-workshops/the-renfrew-top-2

Lady-like Pussy Bow Blouse

I would like to introduce you to my second successfully wearable me-made garment of 2013: a most lady-like pussy bow blouse! Although something of a departure from my usual style, I can definitely declare this a success because I've already worn it twice, and I only finished it yesterday afternoon! 

So what am I doing spending time making garments that I don't consider to be my style? Well in a couple of weeks time I'm going to be teaching a class at Sew Over It to make this pussy bow blouse, and I needed to test the pattern and help perfect the instructions so that I would feel comfortable teaching it, in much the same vein as the 'Ultimate Trousers'. I've had this slinky synthetic fabric in my stash since last Summer, and I had no idea what to do with it, so this seemed as good a use as any. I've still got half of the fabric left, so I can use it whilst messing around with another pattern in the future. What I like the most about it is that the print features giant elaborate bows, which I thought was firmly in keeping with a pussy bow style.

I'm actually really into the result. The blouse feels really nice to wear, in a grown up kind of way. The navy and cream print fabric goes well with flashes of mustard and hopefully red, which I have in abundance in my wardrobe. I'll experiment with tucking it in to see what kind of look that gives. 

This blouse pattern is a really good blank canvas for a busy print like this, it really lets the fabric steal the show. I like how the direction of the stripes changes from vertical to horizontal on the bow itself. I'm not sure whether or not this blouse pattern will be one of the designs Sew Over It plan to release as home sewing patterns, so unfortunately the only way you can currently make your own is by joining us for the class.

In other news: say goodbye to the infamous Red Door! Yep we are moving flats this week, goodness knows what backdrop/s our new gaff will offer up. I will certainly miss this door: it works so well with most of my outfits! However, hopefully my next outfit-photographing backdrop will allow me to stop posing on the street with passersby gawping at us mid-shoot every time!

Refashion Friday: February's Rework Your Wardrobe Session

Today I wanted to show you a couple of the awesome refashions that occurred at the Rework Your Wardrobe session I taught at Super+Super HQ in Brighton earlier this month. Five lovely ladies came down one Sunday morning, each clutching a bag full of ill-fitting, broken or just plain dull garments that all needed some attention. 

One of the garments that required some attention was the T-shirt pictured above (however we forgot to take a 'before' shot!). It's owner Emma didn't have any fit issues with it, but seeing as some of her friends have the exact same top, we concocted to make it unique by turning it into a vest top. We did this by removing the sleeves and original neckline and finishing them with picot edged elastic applied using a three-step zigzag stitch. 

Claire brought along this vintage Laura Ashley dress she scored on Ebay that she loved but just simply didn't fit in the bodice. The deficit of fabric was too great for adding side panels or such, so we salvaged the lower half to retain a beautiful summery skirt instead. 

The women in attendance all finished between one and three refashions apiece at the session, the most common alteration being hemming to make skirts, trousers and dresses the required length for their owners. I don't think I was alone in declaring it a really fun three-hour session, and with everyone walking away with things they could now wear that previously they couldn't, it was most definitely successful. 

If you or someone you know is interested and able in popping along to one of my Rework Your Wardrobe sessions at Super+Super HQ, there is currently one place left at the Sunday 24th March session, plus a new after work slot has been added for Tuesday 16th April.

Happy refashioning one and all!

The Ultimate Cropped Trousers?

The 'Ultimate Trousers' is something of a holy grail for most women, I'd wager. The Ultimate anything is a bold enough claim, let alone adding the noun of the most tricksome of sewable garments right next to it! And yet, that is what I am discussing today. 

I must explain that it was not I that chose this title: it is the name of the class I taught last Saturday at Sew Over It in London. To prepare for teaching this class, I naturally wanted to test the pattern and instructions so I could best advise the students who were under my guidance.

Having taken a look at the pattern and measuring a few key points, then comparing the dimensions with what I already know about my physique, I knew some tweaks would need to be made before any fabric got involved. The original pattern has front darts but my ever-present belly was going to need more space, so I eliminated them entirely and added a tiny bit extra width to the side seams at the waistline. I then did what I ALWAYS seem to have to do when making myself trousers or shorts: added 2cm to the back rise to accommodate the bootay my mumma gave me. 

I was hoping that, at best, these would turn out to be a wearable toile. So I picked some stash fabric that wasn't my favourite, but that I also have lots of, so wouldn't be heart-broken or even particularly annoyed if they didn't turn out to be wearable. Goodness knows what type of fabric this is, all I can tell you for sure is that it's pale grey and very soft!

And a wearable toile is what I think I achieved. They have come out a tiny bit tight, so I plan to add 1cm to each side seam to loosen things up, plus I've raised the front rise a little as the waistline dipped down a bit too much at the centre front. Aside from being a shade away from perfect, fit-wise, this is also a colour I can't see myself wearing often, which is why I'm NOT counting these as one of my '12 wearable garments in 12 months' sewlution. But what I am really excited about, is that these are the closest I have ever got to successful fitted trousers!!! I've paid my dues with several failed attempts at Burda magazine and Burdastyle trouser patterns over the years, plus last year I spent far too much time  trying to get the Colette Patterns Clovers to work out. But I think with these I am so close to well fitted trousers. SO CLOSE!!! 

Having made those pattern tweaks I mentioned above, plus lengthening it to make a long version, I'm set to cut out some more in some fabric I really do care about. Watch this space.... Oh, and Lisa from Sew Over It has informed me that this Ultimate Trouser pattern may be one of the patterns they will be releasing for home-sewing in a couple of months time. I'll keep you updated in case you fancy getting your mitts on it too. 

Refashion Friday: Refashion with 'So, Zo'

If you are interested in revving up your clothing selection but have not the cash and/or inclination to buy some new garments, perhaps it's time you got refashioning your existing items! However, sometimes it can take a second pair of eyes to help you to see the refashioning/reworking potential in a garment. So, if you happen to be based in South East UK, why not come to my second 'Rework Your Wardrobe' session at Super+Super HQ in Brighton on Sunday 24th March?!

The first session at S+S HQ takes place this Sunday, but has sold out, however I hope they will be monthly going forwards. The sessions are simple and work like this: you just need to bring a bag full of garments to fix, fit or rework, we provide all the equipment you will need. However, if your garment had a broken zip, you will need to bring a replacement that I can help you insert. 

We will start the session by taking a look at what everyone has brought and having a brief chat about each garment to establish what needs to be done to bring them back to life. I will then assist you to fix/fit//rework as many garments as possible within the session. Remember, you can also transform charity shop or vintage finds.  

The skills, techniques and approaches you will learn will obviously depend on what your garments require, but they may include: 

 • Hemming trousers and skirts 
 • Fixing rips, tears and holes 
 • Reshaping for a more flattering fit 
 • Inserting a new zip 
 • Shortening hems or sleeves for a new look
 • Adding appliqués for decoration or to hide stains or rips
 • Plus many others! 

All skill levels are welcome. Previous sewing machine experience is helpful but not essential. If you are not sure if this session is for you, feel free to email me (sozoblog (at) gmail (dot) com). Otherwise, you can buy your ticket below! Simples.

Sell Tickets Online through Eventbrite

Refashion with 'So, Zo': Rework Your Wardrobe Session

I'm pretty sure the vast majority of the people reading post this will not be interested in taking this class, because you probably already have mad-skillz in this area. But nevertheless, I want to share with you my new Rework Your Wardrobe session/class which will take place in Brighton on Sunday 3rd February because, A) you may know someone who it would appeal to, and B) some peops have expressed an interest in hearing about my self-employed shenanigans and this class is part of that. 

This Rework your Wardrobe session encourages attendees to bring their unloved, unworn, broken or ill-fitting clothes to the session and learn skills and techniques that will bring them back into wardrobe rotation!

The beginning of the New Year can often feel frustrating and miserable. You've spent far too much money over the festive period, plus if you're in the Northern Hemisphere you've got months of grey and chilly weather ahead until Spring shows it's face. You would really like some new clothes in your wardrobe for an injection of new style for the new year, but financially it's just not happening! This session, however, could help you rework and refresh things you already have to bring some much needed fun into your clothing selection. 

Reworking your existing clothes, rather than chucking them away and buying new things, saves you money and has a much smaller environmental impact. Plus, this session can teach new sewing skills and approaches that can be used again and again in the future. We can also rescue charity shop and vintage finds! 

The Rework Your Wardrobe session is simple: you just need to bring a bag full of garments to fix, fit or rework, we provide all the equipment you will need. However, if your garment had a broken zip, you will need to bring a replacement that I can help you insert.

We will start the session by taking a look at what everyone has brought and having a brief chat about each garment to establish what needs to be done to bring them back to life.

I will then assist you to fix/fit//rework as many garments as possible within the session. 

The skills, techniques and approaches you will learn will obviously depend on what your garments require, but they may include:

• Hemming trousers and skirts
• Fixing rips, tears and holes
• Reshaping for a more flattering fit
• Inserting a new zip
• Shortening hems or sleeves for a new look
• Plus many others!

All skill levels are welcome. Previous sewing machine experience is helpful but not essential. 

This session takes place at Super+Super HQ, in Central Brighton, UK. It runs from 10.30 to 13.30 on Sunday 3rd February 2013 and costs £26. If you have any questions and require more specific information, please feel free to email me at: sozoblog (at) gmail (dot) com.

If you would like to book a ticket to attend, you can do so very easily below. If you know anyone who this session may appeal to, please send them the link! Thanks lovely peops.

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Self-Employment Update

As you may already know, a bunch of months ago, I rather suddenly became self-employed. Some of my super-sweet readers have expressed an interest in hearing how life as a self-employed person is panning out. So here is a little update of where I find myself several months into it...

Brighton Craftaganza

This aspect of my self-employedness is currently at the forefront of my mind because our next craft and handmade market is looming close and I am eye-ball deep in the organising and promotion stages. My activities include:

• Writing and scheduling posts for the Brighton Craftaganza blog, in particular there are lots of 'Meet the Seller' interview posts at the moment to give visitors and other sellers an opportunity to learn more about the people who will be selling their work at the event.
• Co-promoting and co-hosting our new Craftaganza Live free creative meet-ups. These are monthly events (we just did our second) to provide opportunities for local creative types, very often designer-makers, to meet, have a drink and a chat. Each event starts with a talk by a member or members of the crafty/handmade scene about their work, business and inspiration. Past speakers have been Amy and Claire from Super+Super HQ and TheBigForest. 
• Pat and I have also created a workshop called 'Sales for People Who Hate Selling' which we have presented for a room full of designer-makers interested in improving their face-to-face sales technique in time for the festive selling period. The first date sold out of tickets super-quick so we lined up another which takes place this week. 

Teaching

You may well have seen before on this blog my announcements for the 'Introduction to Commercial Sewing Patterns' class and Vest Making sessions that I've been teaching at Super+Super HQ. Both have been going well, but some more attendees wouldn't hurt! I just freakin' LOVE teaching sewing and pattern related stuff. I get to talk to lovely people for a few hours at a time about the subject I am most interested in and get paid (a bit). In the New Year I plan to expand the range of classes I teach in Brighton at S+S, including a clothing alteration and mending class which there has been call for recently I've found. 

I have also begun assisting with a pattern cutting class at Sew Over It in London. In the New Year I will be teaching that Intro to Pattern Cutting class solo, alongside a 40s Tea Dress class (pictured above) and a Trouser Making class. It's pretty fabulous working at Sew Over It. It's a beautiful space with all the equipment you could possibly need, and cake in abundance. 

Hat-Making

The local sewing machine repair man Richard (who shared a heap of his knowledge in this post) who knows everyone in Sussex with a sewing machine, domestic or industrial, phoned me up shortly after the TRAIDremade studio closed down saying he knew a woman who was looking for a part-time machinist. When I became self-employed my income dropped to basically zilch so I contacted her with haste. 'That woman' was hatter Jill Corbett, I went for a trial and now I work for her between one and three days a week. 

Generally, I make her pork-pie (pictured above), fedora (AKA Snatch) or trilby styles in leather, canvas or moleskin using mental-looking industrial machines. It's been a real education learning how the pieces go together. I'm still getting used to making the leather ones: thick, tough leather really doesn't want to become a 3D shape! All her hats are made to order for specific customers across the globe. 

Random fact: milliners create hats for women, hatters create hats for men.

Making Stuff to Sell

This is quite a small category of activity because I'm not taking it super-seriously. Basically, I've been making lots more of the recycled wool mittens I made last Winter to sell at a couple of craft fairs on the lead-up to Christmas. I'll be sharing a stall with my mate Kirstin at this event and I'll be present (and hopefully festively tipsy) at this festive selling soiree at Super+Super HQ.

To be honest, I get a bit jealous of the sellers at all the craft fairs I visit and organise. Plus, having been thinking lots about selling due to the 'Sales for Peops...' event Pat and I have been working on, I thought I'd give selling a whirl this festive season. I won't, however, have a stall at my own event. I've learnt that at Brighton Craftaganza I need to be getting people inside the venue and checking all the sellers are ok (and eating sausage rolls), which doesn't fit well with trying to man your own stall and concentrating on making sales. I'm really excited to be the other side of the table and putting into practice the techniques I feel I've learnt. I'll let you know how it goes. Oh, and if I don't sell many, I'm all set for Christmas presents to give!!! 

Conclusion:

Being self-employed is wonderful but really hard work. I kind of imagined it would be both those things of course, but until I was actually living it, it is impossible to actually visualise how my new life will be. I thought I worked a lot when I had a full-time job and organised Brighton Craftaganza, blogged, sewed and made patterns on the side. But now I find myself working even longer hours; there is no cut-off between 'work' and 'being at home', especially after the acquisition of an iPhone, even though I have a desk space where I theoretically can walk away from. It's confusing knowing what task I should be concentrating on and when with no-one else to ask. Plus, taking time to plan for the future, even just a couple of weeks ahead, can kind of get forgotten. I'm trying to improve in these areas though. 

When I announced my self-employedness, lots of people left comments of their own experiences of redundancy and/or setting up on their own and their financial concerns. I can totally relate to many of these now. I'm making very little money right now, but I have two things I am very grateful for: 1) I live in a country that (currently, just about) has a welfare state that provided Pat and I with some housing benefit assistance that helped us out when we needed it most, and 2) Pat's recent book has been doing well, and he received a royalty cheque that meant we can keep a roof over our heads and food on the table for the foreseeable future. PHEW.

So, thanks masses to everyone who wished me well when I wrote about all this stuff previously. I'll get back to blogging about pretty dresses and refashioned T-shirts soon, promise!