www.thethriftystitcher.co.uk

Sewing machinesPlease note I do not receive a commission from recommending this company. I have personally found them to provide good service, and the machines are ones that have been personally checked out and that we would recommend in good faith. These machines come with free sewing kits, and provide excellent value. Sewing machines direct – an online company based in Wrexham, who also have a shop in Neasden

•JanomeSMD500–£99–astandardentrylevelmachine,comeswithadarningplatewhichisgreatifyoufancy trying out some free-hand embroidery. http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/JanomeSMD500_info.htm

•JanomeSMD1000–£149–comeswithafewmorefeetthanthe£99version,andthisonehasa1stepbuttonhole, so it’s great value. http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/JanomeSMD1000_info.htm

•Amachineat£199–greatvaluecomeswithahardcase. http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/JanomeSMD2000_info.htm

•Themachineswehaveattheschool–£259–comeswithhardcover. http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/Janome5018_info.htm

•AgreatsimplemechanicalmachinewithreliableGermanengineering–£229pfaffhobby1132. http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/pfaff1132_info.htm

Haberdashery and fabric suppliersCentral London haberdashers•MacullochandWallis–anestablishedshopoffOxfordStreet.http://www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk/

•Asohoshopspecializingininterestingtrimmings.http://www.kleins.co.uk/

•JohnLewisisaconvenientLondonstore. http://www.johnlewis.com/Electricals/Sewing/Sewing/SubCategory.aspx

•DalstonMill–haberdasheryandcheapfabricsinDalston.http://www.dalstonmillfabrics.co.uk/default.asp

•WilliamGee–wellestablishedhaberdashersinDalston–veryreasonableprices. http://www.williamgee.co.uk/

•VVRouleaux–theRollsRoyceofribbons–alittlepricey! http://www.vvrouleaux.com/products/index_retail.asp

•ButtonQueen–Justsellsbuttons,lotsofthem. http://www.thebuttonqueen.co.uk

•TraynorsHaberdashers–Awholesalehaberdashers–verycheap,retailspendmustexceed£25.02077910505

Onlinehaberdashers•Agreatonlinestore–usedthisoneregularly,goodservice. http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/acatalog/Haberdashery.html

•Lotsoffabtools&habyplusgreatfabrics–specialistinfatquarters.http://www.cottonpatch.co.uk/

•Agoodonlinestore–usedacoupleoftimes.http://www.sewessential.co.uk/

•Adeliciouswebsitewithgreatstuff. http://www.raystitch.co.uk

TheThriftyStitcher’slittleblackbook of sewing supplies

www.thethriftystitcher.co.uk

Fabric shops in London•ThecurtainfactoryoutletinFinchleynorthLondonoffersagreatselectionofcheapfabrics.

http://www.curtainfactoryoutlet.co.uk/

• IKEA(variouslocations)hassomegreatdesignsforreasonableprices.

ForsupercheapfabricsheadtotheCostumiersfavourite–Shepherd’sBushmarket/Goldhawkroad.Loadsoffabricshopsthereincludingmyfavourite–A1fabrics.

•JoelandSonsonChurchStreetcarriesexclusivedressfabrics,includinggreatprints,silks,cottons,beautifuldevore velvets, and tailoring fabrics.

•Liberty–Famousforit’siconicprintedcottonsandlawnfabrics.

•BerwickStreetinSohoLondonhasafantasticselectionoffabricshops.Althoughtheycanbeexpensive–there are numerous shops there inc our favourite –

•TheClothHousehastwoshops,onethatspecializesincottonsandlinens,andanotheronethatstockssilks,jerseys, wools, gorgeous prints and some very special and unusual fabrics.

Online fabric sites•Seamstar–oneofmyfavouritesforunusualprints–http://www.seamstar.co.uk/

•Volkesfaden–agreatonlineEuropeanshop,quickservice–http://www.volksfaden.de/

•SewBox–Agreatshopsellingfabrics,patternsandhaberdashery–http://www.sewbox.co.uk/fabrics.html

•PatchFabrics–greatselectionofquiltingcottonsandribbonselectionpacks–FreeP&Pwiththiscode–Tsca(refundviapaypal)–http://www.patchfabrics.co.uk/

•Backstitch–agreatsitewithlotsofreallygreatpatternsandfabrics–http://www.backstitch.co.uk/

•FabricLoft–abeautifulsitewithlovelystock!–http://thefabricloft.co.uk/

•DunhelmMill–cheapfabric,tools,curtains,flowers&cushionpads– http://www.dunelm-mill.com/shop/fabric-and-sewing/

•FabriclandUK–Cheapbasicsincdenim–http://www.fabricland.co.uk

•Goodallroundfabrics–http://fabricsgalore.co.uk

•Yummyfabrics!–goodservicetoo–http://www.fabricrehab.co.uk

•Lotsofgreatfabrichere–alsosellAmericanpatternsandotherlovelystuff–http://www.eternalmaker.com

•FabulousAmericanprintsandquiltingsuppliesincludingfatquarters–Ilovethisshop!

http://www.beyond-fabrics.com/index.html

•Spoonflower–designyourownfabricandtheyprintit.AnUSsite,withgoodshipping– http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome

•Fabricpress–anEnglishcompanyfordesigningyourownfabric–http://www.thefabricpress.com/

Miscellaneous and fun haby and knitting supplies•Etsy–Globalwebsitesellinghandmadethings– http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?ref=auto&q=uk+-only

•Folksy–AsmallermorelocalversionofEtsywithlotsofsewncrafts–http://www.folksy.com/making

•JosieRose–astunningselectionofunusualtrimmings–http://www.josyrose.com/

•Spoiltrottenbeads–lotsofyummybuttonsinthemedbagsandbeads–http://www.spoiltrottenbeads.co.uk/

•Verysmallcraftysupplier–buttonsetc–http://www.coriandr.com/

•Cheapribboncompany–http://www.fantasticribbons.co.uk/acatalog/index.html

•AnothergreatsiteforribbonsthatIuseregularly–http://www.craftyribbons.com

•Buttoncompany–lotsofgreatstuffandagreatblog–http://www.buttoncompany.co.uk/sort-by-product

•Buttonstrims,ribbonsetc–http://www.habbycraft.com/index.asp

www.thethriftystitcher.co.uk

Books I recommend or just love!•DIYCouture–abrilliantseriesofinstructionbooksexplaininghowtoeasilymakegreatmodernandfashionableclothes,veryinspired!–http://www.diy-couture.co.uk/

•LottaJansdotta’ssimplesewing–Areallyniceprojectbook,withpatternsincludedandclearinstructions– http://amzn.to/vnpBu5

•LottaJansdotta’ssimplesewingforbaby:24easyprojects.Areallygreatbabyandtoddlerprojectbook. Easy clear instructions and great design – http://amzn.to/rYlFRU

•MakingChildren’sClothesbyEmmaHardy–reallyniceprojects–http://amzn.to/vZUUwa

•TheReadersDigestGuidetoSewing–anabsoluteclassic,willcoveranyaspectofsewingyouwilleverneed!This is the link to the original book, there is a new updated version too – http://amzn.to/uaV6yJ

•Sewitup–afabclearhowtoguide–http://amzn.to/vuOgnm

•Howtosew–Haseasyclearinstructionsandacheapbook–http://amzn.to/s5U2Sd

•Theultimatesewingbible–clearinstructionsandalovelylayout–http://amzn.to/t7YgDt

•ChicandsimplesewingbyChristineHaynes–acapsulewardrobetomakebyseason–http://amzn.to/tPfuhv

•BuiltbyWendydressesbyWendyMullin–greatbookonmakingdresses–http://amzn.to/rZVIqz

•SewwhatskirtsbyFrancescaDenHartog–agreatlittlebookfullofskirtsthatdon’trequireapattern–http://amzn.to/rD4JWf

•SewLiberated–Agreatprojectbookwith20projectstoinspireyou–http://amzn.to/sIugGM

•GrowingupSewLiberated–Agreatprojectbookforchildren’sclothes–http://amzn.to/IVQemO

•Zakkasewing25Japaneseinspiredsewingprojects–http://amzn.to/sA9nYD

•Ribbonwork–aninspiringbookonmakingribbonflowers–http://amzn.to/uRDdGu

•Easyguidetosewing–tops&tshirts,skirts&pants.Greatintermediatebook–http://amzn.to/vExxX7

•Alterationsandrepairs200questionsanswered–NanLIdes–http://amzn.to/wFHi7C

•Fitforrealpeople–agreatintermediatebookonadjustingpatterns–http://amzn.to/vwtPoz

•Fitforrealpeoplebasics–agreatDVDcoveringsomeofthemostcommonpatternadaptations– http://amzn.to/rPBrDV

Magazines for inspiration•Threadsmagazine–anAmericanpublicationwhichhasthebestdressmakingarticlesavailabletosubscribe

and articles available online – http://www.threadsmagazine.com/fitting

•SewToday–publishedbyButterick–agreatwaytobrowsepatternsbyseasonandhasgooddressmakingarticles – http://www.sewdirect.com/acatalog/Sew-Today-quarterly-membership--UK-direct-debit.html

•Greatsiteandgorgeousinspirationaltextilemagazine.Nicebrowsingwebsiteforinspiration– http://www.selvedge.org/default.aspx

•Clothmagazine–anewishpublication.Availableinprintandonline,lotsofgreattutorials–

http://www.clothmagazine.co.uk/techniques/index.php

•Makingmagazine–astylishmagwithalltypesofcrafting–http://www.makingmagazine.com

•MollieMakes–astunningnewmagazine–http://www.molliemakes.com/

•Thisisalong-standingsewingmagazine–http://www.sewingworldmagazine.com

Free online sewing advice/tutorial websites•Wereallylikethissite,itisclearandcontainsadviceandtutorialsformostsewingtasks,andit’sfree!

http://www.startsewing.co.uk/

•Thisisafairlynewsite,manyofthecontributorsarefromsewingworldmagazinearealsotheexperts.Ithasadvice for both beginners and seasoned sewers – http://www.isew.co.uk/

•Thesewingdirectory–Greatresourcewitharticlesandadviceandlinkstosuppliers– http://www.thesewingdirectory.co.uk/beginners-sewing-kit/

www.thethriftystitcher.co.uk

Free patterns to download•Australiansitewithbothfreeandcheapdownloadablepatterns–verymodernandfunky– http://www.fitzpatterns.com/collections/free

•Sitewitharangeoffreeinstructionsforprojectsanddownloadablepatterns– http://www.sewingfreebies.com/

•Sitewithbothknittingandsewingpatterns,andlinkstoothersites–someareAmerican– http://freepatternsite.com/

•AmyButlerisaveryhipAmericanfabricdesigner,andherprojectsarevery‘now’–shehassomefreedownloadableprojectsonherwebsite.JohnLewishaslotsofherfabricsandcontemporaryprojects. http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns.php

•Americansite,withawideselectionoffreeprojects. http://www.sewingsupport.com/sewing-how-to/free-patterns-and-projects/title-page.html

•Ridtheworldofplasticbagsbyusingthisdownloadabletutorial–http://www.morsbags.com

Patterns to buy•Gorgeouschildren’spatternsfromOliverandS,andcontemporarypatternsfromHeatherBailey,and AmyButler.http://www.milliemoonshop.co.uk/#/oliver-s-childrens-patterns/4533070382

•Sewcurvysellspatternsandkitstomakecorsetswithlotsofadvice–http://sewcurvy.com/

•AgreatAmericanwebsitewithsomeUKretailers–vintageinspiredpiecestofitmodernwomen. http://www.colettepatterns.com/

•Simplicityhavebeenmakingpatternsforever–theyhavearangeforalllevels,andalsodofancydress–available on the high street – http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=34

•Vogue,macallsandbutterickpatternscanallbefoundhere–http://www.sewdirect.com/

•Kwiksew–agreatselectionofunusualpatternsincludingunderwear–www.kwiksew.com

•Ottobre–bothonlineandinprint.Dogreatkidsandwomen’spatterns–www.ottobredesign.com

•HotpatternsaregreatforverycontemporarystylingavailableinUK–www.hotpatterns.com

•Sewaholicpatterns–yummyAmercianpatternsavailableinUK–http://sewaholic.net

•BurdaareaEuropeancompany,andofferaneconomicalpatternoption– www.burdastyle.com

Knitting networks•http://www.ukhandknitting.com/

•Ravelry,agreatonlinecommunityofknitters–https://www.ravelry.com

•StitchLondonknittinggroup–http://stitchandbitchlondon.wordpress.com/about-stitch-and-bitch-london/

•Greatshopsellingkits/haberdasherymadefromrecycledstuffandrunsgreatknittingclasses. http://www.fabrications1.co.uk/

•Bethnalgreenbasedcrochetandknittingclasses.http://www.prickyourfinger.com/

Projects just for fun•Hereisafreeonlinetutorialformakingcupcakepincushions–thereareloadsoutthere! http://www.ivillage.co.uk/make-a-cupcake-pin-cushion/79573

•Clothkitsprovideacompleteprojectincludingthreadsetc–wasa‘70scompanybuthasbeenreinvented.http://www.clothkits.co.uk

•Lovelylittlehand-sewingprojectsmostlyinfeltforkids–soldinJohnLewisandonline. http://www.buttonbag.co.uk/

www.thethriftystitcher.co.uk

Websites and Blogs with tutorials info / useful products•LazyStitching–agreatBritishblogdocumentingonewomen’sjourneyintodressmaking– http://lazystitching.wordpress.com/2011/12/23/2143/

•Patternreview–agreatsitetocheckoutotherpeople’sexperiencesofpatternsbeforeyoubuy– http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readall.pl

•Gertie’sblogforbettersewingisagreatplacetogetlotsofadviceandconnectwithothersewers– http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/

•TheRTWsewingbloghasgreattipsfortailoring–http://buzzybeesworld.blogspot.com

•Thissiteisfab–lotsandlotsofprojectsandthefabricsarescrummy–http://www.modabakeshop.com/

•Thepurlbee–ablogfromaManhattansewingshop,greatideasandtutorials–http://www.purlbee.com/

•AmyKarol–aprolificstitcher/designerwith2greatbooksand3greatblogs–http://www.amykarol.com/

•Sublimestitching–agreatwebsitedevotedtomodernembroidery–http://www.sublimestitching.com/

•TheSewingForumisagreatwaytoconnectwithothersewers–http://www.thesewingforum.co.uk/

•SewRetro–Agreatblogwithpeopleinterestedinvintagestylecontributingfromallovertheworld– http://sewretro.blogspot.com/

Events to attend•Knittingandstitchingshow–yearlyatAllyPallyandHarrogate–http://www.twistedthread.com

•Creativestitchingshow–aseriesofeventsthroughouttheyearandalloverthecountry– http://www.ichf.co.uk/

•Clothesshowlive–haslotsoffashionworkshopsandstitchingdemos–http://www.clothesshowlive.com/

•Thetextilefairheldyearly–http://www.biztradeshows.com/trade-events/london-textile-fair.html

•Festivalofquilts–annualshowinBirmingham– http://www.biztradeshows.com/trade-events/festival-quilt.html