A quick notice to say that Backstitch HQ is on the move. We are moving house tomorrow (eek) and so stock will be in boxes for a few days.
We will still be taking orders, but anything ordered after 10:00 this morning (Wednesday 11th January) will be dispatched on Monday 16th January when normal service will resume.
Wish us luck!
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Coats, Coats, Coats (because it's cold out there)
We've got a new coat pattern in! The very delicious Abbey Coat pattern from Jamie Christina. This coat is semi-fitted and fully-lined. It can be made with or without a flounce, features princess seams, 3/4 sleeves, and a peter pan collar... oh, and boy, is it cute!
It struck me as this pattern came in, that we have a number of coat patterns in the shop now.
We've recently had Sewaholics Minoru Jacket come in which is a great everyday coat. Then there is the class that is Colettes Lady Grey. Lisette also has a smart jacket in with the Passport dress pattern.
Then for the kids there is a whole selection. These are those pictured:
Figgy's Patterns Nituna Jacket, Patterns by Figgy's Vien and Rue Jackets, The Mr B Rock Band Jacket, Reversible Girls Jacket and Reversible Baby Jacket all from Bettsy Kingston.
Is that enough jackets for you to be getting on with?!
It struck me as this pattern came in, that we have a number of coat patterns in the shop now.
We've recently had Sewaholics Minoru Jacket come in which is a great everyday coat. Then there is the class that is Colettes Lady Grey. Lisette also has a smart jacket in with the Passport dress pattern.
Then for the kids there is a whole selection. These are those pictured:
Figgy's Patterns Nituna Jacket, Patterns by Figgy's Vien and Rue Jackets, The Mr B Rock Band Jacket, Reversible Girls Jacket and Reversible Baby Jacket all from Bettsy Kingston.
Is that enough jackets for you to be getting on with?!
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Sewing Blogger of the Year 2011
Well, what a year! It's been a busy one at Backstitch HQ... and we're really looking forward to the next. In the reflective nature of New Years, we have an exciting event planned for January 2012.
How cool is that?! Everyone gets one nomination, so you will have to think hard about who has really inspired you this year. Perhaps it is a new blogger who is breaking ground or an old favourite. And, you never know, somebody may even vote for you... Gosh, I don't think I can take the excitement!
Prizes
1st: £50 voucher for Backstitch
2nd & 3rd: Prize bundle including fabric pack, sewing book & handmade ceramic buttons.
Voter prize: £15 voucher for Backstitch
How to vote
You can send your nomination using this entry form on the Sewing Directory website, or you can put your nomination on The Sewing Directory Blog or this Backstitch blog in the comments below our posts about the awards. Please do let us know why you love your chosen blog. We know you may have many sewing blogs that you love but I’m afraid we have to limit to 1 nomination per person. You have until midnight 31st January 2012 to get your vote in.
Please do feel free to post about these awards on your blog to encourage your followers to vote for you.
You can 'grab' the Sewing Blogger awards button using the code below, then your followers can go straight through and vote!
Terms & Conditions
One vote per person, multiple votes will result in all of that person’s votes being removed. All nominations must be received by midnight GMT on Tuesday 31st January 2012; winners will be announced on the 1st of February 2012. There is no geographical limit, you can enter from anywhere in the world, and vote for a blogger based anywhere in the world too. Postage costs for your order on Backstitch will be taken out of your voucher credit. The nominated blog doesn’t have to purely focus on sewing so long as at least 25% of the posts relate to sewing. In the event of a tie break we will use a random number generator to pick the winner. A voter will be selected at random to win the voter prize.
We have teamed up with The Sewing Directory to bring some recognition to all those hardworking sewing bloggers out there. We would like you to vote for your favourite sewing blog of 2011, and we will reward the winner with £50 credit in the Backstitch shop to spend on whatever they wish!
There will also be 2 runners up prizes plus one voter will be picked at random to win a prize too.
Prizes
1st: £50 voucher for Backstitch
2nd & 3rd: Prize bundle including fabric pack, sewing book & handmade ceramic buttons.
Voter prize: £15 voucher for Backstitch
How to vote
You can send your nomination using this entry form on the Sewing Directory website, or you can put your nomination on The Sewing Directory Blog or this Backstitch blog in the comments below our posts about the awards. Please do let us know why you love your chosen blog. We know you may have many sewing blogs that you love but I’m afraid we have to limit to 1 nomination per person. You have until midnight 31st January 2012 to get your vote in.
Please do feel free to post about these awards on your blog to encourage your followers to vote for you.
You can 'grab' the Sewing Blogger awards button using the code below, then your followers can go straight through and vote!
Terms & Conditions
One vote per person, multiple votes will result in all of that person’s votes being removed. All nominations must be received by midnight GMT on Tuesday 31st January 2012; winners will be announced on the 1st of February 2012. There is no geographical limit, you can enter from anywhere in the world, and vote for a blogger based anywhere in the world too. Postage costs for your order on Backstitch will be taken out of your voucher credit. The nominated blog doesn’t have to purely focus on sewing so long as at least 25% of the posts relate to sewing. In the event of a tie break we will use a random number generator to pick the winner. A voter will be selected at random to win the voter prize.
Wednesday, December 28, 2011
New in: Hoodie's 'Catch of the Day' Collection
I love this new range of fabrics. The prints are beautifully designed, and with such fun. They are seasidey, and kitcheny, and great for kids too.
We have six of the prints in, and have a fat quarter bundle which we have named the 'Shark Bite'.
I hope you like them!
Related Products
Shark Bite Bundle
All Hoodie Fabrics
Friday, December 23, 2011
Figgy's: A new look and three new patterns
One of our most popular children’s sewing pattern brand ‘Patterns by Figgy’s’ has had a total refresh and has rebranded as ‘Figgy’s Patterns’. A subtle difference in name, but a grand difference in actuality.
Designer Karen LePage is no longer working with the brand, leaving to pursue new projects and Shelly Figueroa has teamed up with a new partner, Daniela Caine to bring a new aesthetic to the label. I spoke to Shelly about the change and she said “What's great about running your own business is you get to evolve naturally. Rebranding was like being given a second chance but with wisdom on your side. I feel the brand is authentic to my taste and style and I am lucky to share this with Daniela. Simple, modern and contemporary is exactly Figgy's and exactly us.”
Figgy’s will be releasing two collections a year, Spring and Fall, in the size range 18m to 8/9yrs. And, in Summer each year a baby line for ages Newborn – 12m will be released.
The new patterns that have been released are really refreshing. There are two outfit sets and a Jacket, and we're really excited to have them at exclusively available Backstitch. Within the UK you will always be able to get Figgy's Patterns here first.
Ayashe is a blouse and skirt set, there are two collar options to the blouse, two sleeve options and several hem options – you will definitely be making more than one of these blouses. The pleated skirt that completes the Ayashe set has deep pockets, and instructions for an ingenious way to insert elastic that can actually grow with your girl!
Sunki is a dress and leggings set. The pocket dress is brilliantly styled with great potential for contrast fabric highlights. The dress includes special pleated shoulders that give a lovely feminine touch. The leggings go together in a snap and before you know it you have an outfit.
Figgy’s Patterns will be reprinting just two of their most popular patterns from the original brand, with the remainder of the ‘Patterns by Figgy’s’ out of print and in limited stock.
Related Products
All Figgy's Patterns
Ayashe Blouse and Skirt
Nituna Jacket
Sunki Dress and Leggings
 |
| Ayashe |
Figgy’s will be releasing two collections a year, Spring and Fall, in the size range 18m to 8/9yrs. And, in Summer each year a baby line for ages Newborn – 12m will be released.
The new patterns that have been released are really refreshing. There are two outfit sets and a Jacket, and we're really excited to have them at exclusively available Backstitch. Within the UK you will always be able to get Figgy's Patterns here first.
 |
| Ayashe |
 |
| Nituna |
The Nituna jacket is a swing coat that will make your heart skip a beat. Easy to put together and less time consuming than you would expect. The jacket has options for a fully reversible version with bound edges or a lined version.
 |
| Sunki |
Figgy’s Patterns will be reprinting just two of their most popular patterns from the original brand, with the remainder of the ‘Patterns by Figgy’s’ out of print and in limited stock.
Related Products
All Figgy's Patterns
Ayashe Blouse and Skirt
Nituna Jacket
Sunki Dress and Leggings
Sunday, December 11, 2011
DSQ: Shock and Fear
I finished the Dead Simple Quilt top. It is HUGE. I did my quilt maths, I knew it was going to be 70" x 90"... look, it says so on my scrappy notes* (do your quilt notes look like this too?!) but, do you know how big 70" x 90" actually is? It is enormous.
*please excuse the poor quality of these images. This post is not about beautiful lifestyle images but about the quantity of adrenalin coursing through my veins.
Here is a picture of said quilt top in the garden*. My husband is holding it up. It might be worth pointing out that my husband is 6'4" and is standing on a step... did I mention that this quilt is big?!
I have to admit to not being a particularly experienced quilter, and so the prospect of quilting this bad boy is fearsome. Any tips for me?!!
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Flickr (at long last)
I have finally got organised enough to set up a Flickr group for Backstitch. At the moment it is looking a little empty, there are a few friendly faces in there (helloo!) and I've linked some of my makes to the pool, but what I really want to see is all of YOUR makes.
Backstitch being an online-only company, I really miss out on not meeting you, getting to chat about what you are making, and then seeing the final creation. Please use this group to share pictures of the process and the fruits of you labour.
See you soon in Flickr-dom!
Dena Designs: London - Somerset
We have three new prints in the shop, and a new cocktail bundle too. The three prints are from the London range by Dena Designs. I just could resist this one print and so we ordered it in it's three colourways: Pink, Blue and Green. The print is called Somerset which is very fitting as that is where Backstitch HQ is based!
The bundle is named Vodka Daisy and is a fat quarter of each of the prints.
Anyway, enough from me, what do you think?!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Sewing for Boys - Treasure Pocket Pants
The day that my copy of Sewing for Boys was delivered was a very happy one. I have two small boys and sewing clothes for them has never been the most exciting prospect. There are some lovely patterns available for boys, but lets be honest, the girls are catered for rather better!
This new book by Shelly and Karen of Patterns by Figgys is totally brilliant. Crammed full of wearable and practical clothes for boys aged 0-7 years. There are 8 full size pattern sheets in a pocket at the front of the spiral bound book, followed by some general tips and instructions for using the book.
Then comes a series of pages with large pictures showing all the projects in different make-ups... A great format - it makes it much easier to choose a project. After that you have the instructions for each pattern, and then an appendix at the end with instructions for particular techniques.
This week I finally got around to making a project from the book. I went for the Treasure Pocket Pants. The pattern instructions are excellent, and I found Karen's Sewalong instructions really helpful too. I used some navy needlecord that I've had kicking around for ages, and some crimson Klona Cotton.
This morning my little man wore his new trousers for the first time and off we went to climb the Tor. The pockets are properly kiddy friendly, roomy and good for putting things in (I know, but most pockets on kids clothes are not good for putting things in!). They are great for running in, and look good too!
I already have plans to make up another pair of these trousers for the smaller boy, and then I'm rather taken with the idea of the Two-in-one Jacket.
Related Products
Thursday, November 10, 2011
Sew Liberated Patterns: An article about Meg McElwee
Would you like to read the article about Sew Liberated patterns that I wrote for the September 2012 issue of Sewing World magazine?
This month we meet Meg McElwee, the pattern designer whose passions lie not just in sewing and crafting, but also in education and family life. BY ALICE SYNGE
Interviewing Meg McElwee, the woman behind the pattern label Sew Liberated, has been a great joy. You can’t help but admire this woman; her refreshing approach to life and living, and the creativity that drives it is truly inspirational.
Meg lives in North Carolina with her husband and two small boys. In these fast moving times of high commerciality she clearly has some very strong values based on the importance of family, the environment and a great respect for others and her surroundings. This provides the foundation that underpins her work. “My patterns feature simple, clean lines, and what I would call a ‘rustic, bohemian-chic’ sensibility. I design for women like myself, who like to wear comfortable, flattering clothes” says Meg of her designs. But, don’t take this ‘rustic bohemian’ the wrong way, Meg’s direction is a truly modern one, reflecting the more sensitive way that we are all trying to live right now, whilst definitely keeping it chic.
Meg also designs clothes patterns for children, and the Sew Liberated children’s designs have an easy wear, easy care quality that reminds you that children should be allowed to be children, and their clothes should enable them to play and explore the world in comfort.
Meg has a background in education and before launching Sew Liberated Patterns taught three to six year-olds in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Mexico. “My own eclectic educational philosophy, is one that prominently features Montessori, but has at its core a belief in child-led, discovery based learning - learning that is liberated from the traditional, top-down method of education”. This learning approach is one that translates very obviously into her childrens sewing patterns, and particularly her latest book ‘Growing Up Sew Liberated’ which is all about sewing items for young children that are both functional and educational. “The projects are organized in chapters that mirror a child’s day – projects for waking up and getting dressed, projects for cooking and homemaking, projects for indoor and outdoor play, and projects for bedtime” says Meg. However, this philosophy of exploratory life-learning clearly has a huge influence over the way that Meg approaches all elements of her life.
As well as the recent book, we’ve just seen three new Sew Liberated patterns hit our shops: the Mariposa Tee; the Aurelia Cardigan; and the Bohemian Carpet Bag. The Mariposa Tee and the Aurelia Cardigan are unique tops that use knit fabric alongside woven, which gives both pieces an ‘elegant-cosy’ look. “They're a blast to sew” speaks Meg of the tops “and are totally approachable projects even for someone who has never before sewn with knit fabrics. You'll also learn some fun, new techniques with these patterns that you can apply to your other sewing projects.” The generously sized Bohemian Carpet Bag is set to become a classic. “It’s my go-to travelling bag” admits Meg “it makes a great carry-on, or a stylish beach bag.” Brilliantly, the bag's construction is deceptively simple, thanks to a tubular frame closure.
We’ve also got another couple of patterns to look forward to. Due for release in October, are two new dress/tunic patterns from Sew Liberated. Going on the massive and continuing success of the Schoolhouse Tunic (have you made one yet?) which was released in 2009, we are really excited about these. “One pattern will use woven fabric, and the other will use a knit” says Meg.
When we get on to the subject of the ‘grand plan’ for Sew Liberated, Meg admits that she would like to expand. “Right now I can only come out with 4-5 new designs annually. It would be great to come out with more.” And Meg continues “Eventually, I would like to have a team of designers that do the work that I currently do, so that Sew Liberated could always have several interesting designs in the pipeline.” You can appreciate her desire for this direction; “It's such a busy time in our lives, with two young children and my husband in graduate school. We try to balance work and family, but sometimes that is very hard.”
This appreciation of the reality of her situation is humbling, and Meg shares with us her understanding to be content with her present abilities. “I really believe I must embrace the concept of creativity beyond simply making things. At this time in my life, with so many things on my plate, I must be kind to myself and be content with knowing that my sons see me living creatively every day, even if that means I don't make a lot of tangible goods with my hands. You needn't feel guilty for not being in the time or place in your life where you can sew/knit all sorts of things for your children. Just re-route your creativity to living, rather than making. We ALWAYS have time to live - sometimes we don't have the time to make. The making will come. For everything there is a season.”
Meg clearly works extraordinarily hard at making her home a haven of serenity, encouragement and stimulation for her family. She clearly has a motivation to live by her passions of “education, parenting, sewing, crafting, and family life”, and she’s making us happy too as she keeps producing Sew Liberated patterns for us to enjoy.
You can follow the online journal that is Megs blog at http://www.sewliberated.typepad.com/
Related Products
All Sew Liberated patterns
Mariposa Tee
Aurelia Cardigan
Bohemian Carpet Bag
This month we meet Meg McElwee, the pattern designer whose passions lie not just in sewing and crafting, but also in education and family life. BY ALICE SYNGE
Interviewing Meg McElwee, the woman behind the pattern label Sew Liberated, has been a great joy. You can’t help but admire this woman; her refreshing approach to life and living, and the creativity that drives it is truly inspirational.
Meg lives in North Carolina with her husband and two small boys. In these fast moving times of high commerciality she clearly has some very strong values based on the importance of family, the environment and a great respect for others and her surroundings. This provides the foundation that underpins her work. “My patterns feature simple, clean lines, and what I would call a ‘rustic, bohemian-chic’ sensibility. I design for women like myself, who like to wear comfortable, flattering clothes” says Meg of her designs. But, don’t take this ‘rustic bohemian’ the wrong way, Meg’s direction is a truly modern one, reflecting the more sensitive way that we are all trying to live right now, whilst definitely keeping it chic.
Meg also designs clothes patterns for children, and the Sew Liberated children’s designs have an easy wear, easy care quality that reminds you that children should be allowed to be children, and their clothes should enable them to play and explore the world in comfort.
Meg has a background in education and before launching Sew Liberated Patterns taught three to six year-olds in a one-room schoolhouse in rural Mexico. “My own eclectic educational philosophy, is one that prominently features Montessori, but has at its core a belief in child-led, discovery based learning - learning that is liberated from the traditional, top-down method of education”. This learning approach is one that translates very obviously into her childrens sewing patterns, and particularly her latest book ‘Growing Up Sew Liberated’ which is all about sewing items for young children that are both functional and educational. “The projects are organized in chapters that mirror a child’s day – projects for waking up and getting dressed, projects for cooking and homemaking, projects for indoor and outdoor play, and projects for bedtime” says Meg. However, this philosophy of exploratory life-learning clearly has a huge influence over the way that Meg approaches all elements of her life.
As well as the recent book, we’ve just seen three new Sew Liberated patterns hit our shops: the Mariposa Tee; the Aurelia Cardigan; and the Bohemian Carpet Bag. The Mariposa Tee and the Aurelia Cardigan are unique tops that use knit fabric alongside woven, which gives both pieces an ‘elegant-cosy’ look. “They're a blast to sew” speaks Meg of the tops “and are totally approachable projects even for someone who has never before sewn with knit fabrics. You'll also learn some fun, new techniques with these patterns that you can apply to your other sewing projects.” The generously sized Bohemian Carpet Bag is set to become a classic. “It’s my go-to travelling bag” admits Meg “it makes a great carry-on, or a stylish beach bag.” Brilliantly, the bag's construction is deceptively simple, thanks to a tubular frame closure.
We’ve also got another couple of patterns to look forward to. Due for release in October, are two new dress/tunic patterns from Sew Liberated. Going on the massive and continuing success of the Schoolhouse Tunic (have you made one yet?) which was released in 2009, we are really excited about these. “One pattern will use woven fabric, and the other will use a knit” says Meg.
When we get on to the subject of the ‘grand plan’ for Sew Liberated, Meg admits that she would like to expand. “Right now I can only come out with 4-5 new designs annually. It would be great to come out with more.” And Meg continues “Eventually, I would like to have a team of designers that do the work that I currently do, so that Sew Liberated could always have several interesting designs in the pipeline.” You can appreciate her desire for this direction; “It's such a busy time in our lives, with two young children and my husband in graduate school. We try to balance work and family, but sometimes that is very hard.”
This appreciation of the reality of her situation is humbling, and Meg shares with us her understanding to be content with her present abilities. “I really believe I must embrace the concept of creativity beyond simply making things. At this time in my life, with so many things on my plate, I must be kind to myself and be content with knowing that my sons see me living creatively every day, even if that means I don't make a lot of tangible goods with my hands. You needn't feel guilty for not being in the time or place in your life where you can sew/knit all sorts of things for your children. Just re-route your creativity to living, rather than making. We ALWAYS have time to live - sometimes we don't have the time to make. The making will come. For everything there is a season.”
Meg clearly works extraordinarily hard at making her home a haven of serenity, encouragement and stimulation for her family. She clearly has a motivation to live by her passions of “education, parenting, sewing, crafting, and family life”, and she’s making us happy too as she keeps producing Sew Liberated patterns for us to enjoy.
You can follow the online journal that is Megs blog at http://www.sewliberated.typepad.com/
Related Products
All Sew Liberated patterns
Mariposa Tee
Aurelia Cardigan
Bohemian Carpet Bag
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