Friday 26 July 2013

Review - Sewing World Magazine

Last Monday I heard a gentle thud on my doormat, too heavy to be a bill but too light to be a fabric order, it sounded like a magazine, but my regular subscription had already been deposited. It was in actual fact a magazine (a pretty good one as it goes), the lovely people at Sewing World magazine had asked me to review their new look publication! How nice are they?!


Now as I'm sure you'll have noticed it has been a very busy time here at evajeanie, what with the world and their Granny ordering bunting and my little Eva finishing playschool (it was emotional to say the least) there has been very little time to sit down and give this job the time it deserved.

But this morning, in between bunting orders and shipping Eva off to the Library with Ninny (that's my Mum - I know, it just stuck and it is quite fitting, we all call her Ninny now),  I managed to carve some time for a bit of R&R. A sweet brew, a Kit Kat and a wonderful new magazine, what could be better?!


The first thing that struck me was how vibrant and enticing the articles looked just from the previews on the contents page, also the volume of projects impressed, it's literally chock full of lovely things to stitch - thirteen in fact!


I always love a shopping page and this one doesn't disappoint, it features this natty little Button Sewing Box, I am a button fan, especially if it that helps me keep my sewing stash under control, I am definitely going to invest in one of these for the studio.


Then we get down to the serious business of sewing. Specifically Using a Multi-Size Pattern, gulp! Now I like to think I am well-qualified in the art of stitchery, along with a BA (hons) I also have a variety of C&G certificates in my bottom drawer, but the thought of using a pattern is still a little disquieting. No idea why, I just prefer to you my own patterns and tend to make smaller things. But it's okay, you can come back out from behind the sofa, there's nothing to be frightened of, it's going to be okay, Sewing World have got it covered, I promise!


This (not tricky or in the least bit scarey) section is exactly what the tags on the top of the page claim it to be - a Masterclass! It explains what a pattern is, why you need one and ultimately how to use one. Genius! Even I can follow this guide (and believe me I was reluctant to try) but it really is effortless. It is simply written and fully explains instructions so you will feel armed to go forth and tackle that dress pattern you have lurking in your sewing box (I'm talking to myself here too!) It would also be a handy guide to cut out and keep.



The next section 'Projects' is definitely more my comfort zone. There is a gorgeous preview page for July Makes which makes you want to just jump straight in! Be it a funky tote bag, a handy sewing machine cover or the super-cute Pippi doll, there's something for everyone!



I particularly liked the Pippi Doll, inspired by the Scandinavian elf dolls, you may have seen them as advent calendars. The pockets on the front store small trinkets or sweets and I am tempted to make one with Eva as our summer project. It will be a lovely way to use up some of the pink/lilac scraps that I have been hoarding as they are too nice to throw away. I also thought it might be nice to add in some fabrics from some of her lovely baby dresses so that it will make a lovely memorable keepsake.


The instructions look clear, fun and above all easy to follow!


Another gorgeous project is this flirty floral top, the instructions are once again straightforward and beautifully laid out. You know, I'm tempted to have a go at this one too!


There is a special patchwork ruffle skirt, perfect for a little girl and yes I do have one in mind! The fabrics and colourways used for this project are especially inspiring. There is also a delightful matching headband to make.


The features section is also most intriguing, the first section is written by Editor Julie Briggs and is dedicated to M Makower & Co Ltd as 2012 saw the 150 anniversary of their beautiful fashion fabrics. A most absorbing read.


An example of one of the easy to follow patterns:


An enlightening feature of Choosing a Sewing Machine, this focuses on mid-range models and allows you to compare price and features on the USP of each machine, a real must read if you are thinking of investing or just want to find out what you are missing out on!


 There is also a feature on 'Men Who Sew' apparently there are some that do, although they are in short supply at evajeanie HQ, I must address this sharply!


There are far more appealing articles and delightful projects than I can't squeeze into this blog post. But I strongly hope that I have encouraged you to try out a magazine that might be considered to be focused on the more 'serious' side of sewing, don't be afraid, embrace it, it can be fun and Sewing Magazine certainly demonstrates that at it's very best!

Big Thumbs up from evajeanie!!!

Tuesday 9 July 2013

Baby Bee, Baby Shower Bunting


I was asked last week to make some special Baby Shower bunting, with bees on. 'I don't do bee's' is what my brain said, 'yes of course' is what I typed. The Mummy-to-be wanted it as a decoration for her baby shower this weekend and I wasn't going to disappoint.

We agreed upon colour schemes and fabrics via text using picture messaging as it is so fast, the brief was to keep things neutral (but not too neutral), once we had some fabrics chosen we were both happy with I set to work straight away. The wording for the bunting is 'What will it Bee" with a bee flag in between each word. So this was a longer run of flags than usual, but I do like a challenge.

The bunting is all ready to be posted today, here's how it looks (you will see some of the lovely Riley Blake fabric featured that is available through my giveaway here).


Monday 8 July 2013

Giveaway time!


It's been a couple of months since I had a giveaway on here and thought it was time to put it right!

I am opening a new etsy shop selling lovely fabricy bits and bobs, some of which will be from my own personal vintage stash these will be joined by some new pieces, all will be lovely (promise) and I'd like your help to think of a name for said shop. I have a few ideas but thought it would be nice to open it up to you lovely people.

In return, for the shop name I like best I will be giving away:

• Riley Blake - Apple of my eye fabric, perfect for a sunny project
• Chunky vintage ric-rac braid in tomato and rose
• 1 pack of bluesy buttons on a hand screen printed evajeanie card

The Giveaway:

So if you fancy a bash at winning this lovely summer stash, then enter my giveaway, here's how, there are many ways to enter.

Please include your email address in each entry below:

1. Put your thinking cap on. Come up with a fab/quirky/original name for my new shop. Come back here and leave a comment with your email address so I can contact you if you win!


2. Follow me on Twitter @evajeanie  Tweet about this giveaway. Copy and paste the following tweet "Enter to win a lovely craft stash from @evajeanie on her blog http://evajeanie.blogspot.co.uk/2013/07/giveaway-time.html"  Include the link and your email address in the comment below.


3. Follow eveajeanie on pinterest. Include your email address in the comment below. Pin the giveaway image from this blog post and mention the stash giveaway in the caption. Include the link and your email address in the comment below.


4. Share this giveaway on your blog or tumblr. Include the link and your email address in the comment below.


You need only do one of the above, but the more ways you enter the higher your chances of winning are.

Each comment counts as a separate entry. My favourite name will be the winner. Please leave your email address or some form of contact in the comments below so I can let you know if you win. This giveaway will end on Wednesday 24nd July and I will announce the winner on the Friday 26th July.

Good Luck!!!