Plum'S Stuff

I have not posted for a long time now so I don't know if anyone will see this update but I have decided to take a (slightly) new career path. After years of teaching sewing to wonderful ladies, children and gentlemen, I have decided to become a Secondary School teacher. I sent off my application today and so my new journey begins. Thanks to everyone who has been to one of my classes, you have been my inspiration to get a formal teaching qualification. Wish me luck!!

Elaine finished her bathroom blind in her private sewing lesson today - although she did most of the sewing last week it was more stringing today 😀

I am pleased to be able to share the details of this wonderful day festival coming up in August this year. As you may know if you have attended any of my sewing classes I am a yoga fan and may well have gone on about the benefits a little in class ☺️ I will be there and am hosting a craft and sewing corner where you can have a go at making some hand sewn and crochet projects. Children are welcome too so please come along try out some yoga and pop and see me!

Today in the studio I have shown Elaine how to cut out and sew a Roman blind for her bathroom 😊 she has made very good progress and just needs to add the rods and headrail next week!

I had a sneaky day off in Manchester yesterday- went out for a meal and went to see Gomez for my birthday treat. To top it off my husband and I stayed in the rather swanky King Street Townhouse hotel 😊 thanks to my Tuesday beginners class who for one week only are my Wednesday beginners class so I could have the night off! See you later ladies xx

I may have mentioned before but my eldest daughter works for a children's occasion wear clothing company in Manchester called Roco Clothing. Currently they are conducting a focus group. They are looking for volunteers to help them next week, you need to have a child aged up to 14. It will involve a trip to Manchester and chatting about kids clothes, there are various time slots available, food and drink will be provided and as a thank you - you will also get to take home an outfit of your choice for your child! If you are interested or know anyone who would be interested please inbox me or email my daughter Bethany - Bethany@rococlothing.co.uk

So applications are now open for the Great British Sewing Bee series five!!! Any budding sewers out there get your applications in. The question is should I apply, or even can I apply?! I’d best check out the rules, and then there is the small problem of my stress swearing 😂 https://sewing.take-part.co.uk

Have you ever tried using digital patterns that you print off yourself? There is something very therapeutic about having to make your pattern up like a giant jig saw puzzle - but easier as the pieces are in order! Sometimes it can seem like a hassle having to print off the pattern then stick it together AND then make it so I often print a pattern off when I download it, and then stick it together and file it ready for when I have time to make it up 😊

Watercolour painting on fabric- drying in the sunshine before being made into a cushion 😊 this is what we will be doing in Wednesday after school sewing club next week. Let’s hope the weather is as good ☀️

The girls have nearly all finished their skirts in after school sewing club and some have even moved onto bunting! Next week we are going to try some fabric painting 😀

The great British Sewing Bee is returning!! A few changes to the show but it is finally coming back to the BBC. I am very excited and determined to record the whole series in case I miss it this time!! Any keen sewers should keep their eyes peeled for details of how to enter 😀https://www.mirror.co.uk/…/comedian -joe-lycett-sews-up-1237…

New Fabric Friday! I don’t know if that is a thing, but it is now 😊 I’m very excited about my new fabric from Zips and Snips on Eastbank Street and now all I need to do is to decide what I will create from it!! I am currently thinking chino style trousers and a t-shirt style top ...... or maybe a pencil skirt and a dress!

My girls finally went back to school yesterday after the Easter Holidays, plus having time off to recover from a nasty stomach bug at the end of the weekend. It is quiet around the house but good to get back to the normal routine! So yesterday I had a young lady in the studio who is still on her Easter Holidays and taking the time to work on a school project inspired by Alice in Wonderland’s red queen. Hopefully tomorrow I will be able to show you the finished dress 😀

I am currently obsessed with paper bag trousers - they seem to be coming into the shops for the spring/summer season. I have just spent a relaxing hour still in bed (I love the holidays) researching patterns for theses flattering trousers. Here is my favourite selection - both tapered and wide leg options! Which is your favourite? I’m going to make some to see how they turn out with a view to a paper bag trousers sewing course in June/July 😊

Happy Easter! A bit late but we have been travelling back today from our little caravan break to Droitwich Spa which was lovely. I hope you are all having a fabulous, chocolate filled Easter 🐣

I have had a busy day with private lessons in the studio today, including a class with Kitty and her mum who made tote bags. Kitty looks very pleased with her effort and so she should - this bag was her first attempt at sewing and it’s is beautifully made with an appliquéd fairy on the front 😀

What are you #sewing goals? Maybe I can help with them 😊 I am planning a series of classes to introduce basic pattern following and sewing clothes over the next couple of months to hopefully help you build your own Summer wardrobe.