Pattern Review: Sew Liberated Schoolhouse Tunic

Our latest pattern review is the Sew Liberated Schoolhouse Tunic reveiwed by Ali of Domesticali.  If you don't yet know Ali, go and visit her blog, it is a wonderful mix of family and creativity.

Ali made the tunic in a lovely orange shirting.  You can read the full review here in the articles section of our website.

Related Products:

Sew Liberated Schoolhouse Tunic

Patterns by Figgy's: New kids pattern range

We're excited to announce that we have expanded our pattern range and become the first UK stockists of boutique pattern label ‘Patterns by Figgy’s’.  Click here to view the patterns in the shop.

Patterns by Figgy’s is the creation of two seamsters, Shelly Figueroa and Karen LePage, who met online through a shared love of sewing. Their first collection came in the Spring of 2010 and they are planning three collections per year, with their third ‘Fall 2010’ coming later this summer.

The current pattern range includes dresses and skirts for girls aged 12m – 6yrs and shorts and hoodies for boys aged 18m – 14yrs. These stylish patterns are very accessible to all stitchers catering from beginners upwards, and customers are well supported with tutorials on the Figgy’s blog.

Patterns by Figgy’s are also unusual in their support for the home sewer in that they have a ‘Sharing’ policy. This policy permits their patterns to be handmade into products for sale by the individual crafter, just as long as you declare that it is a ‘Patterns by Figgy’s’ pattern.

Related Products:
Mary Go 'Round Dress
Ofelia Dress and Bloomers
Ella's Bubble Bottom Skirt
Beach Bum Hoodie and Board Shorts: 18m - 6y
Beach Bum Hoodie and Board Shorts: 8y - 14y

101 Great Ways to Sew a Metre - Prize Draw & Review

I have been lucky enough to review a copy of the book '101 Great Ways to Sew a Metre' published by David & Charles, and I am giving you the chance to win my copy.  It is a really great book.  A must for any sewing library.  You can read the full review in the articles section of the website.

From the book I tested the pattern for the Picnic-tastic Lunch Mats and had great fun making up the mats in Anna Maria Horners Fortune Chocolate and Erin McMorris' Brown Poppy Dot Floral, with coordinating Klona Cottons.  I altered the pattern slightly to use a combination of printed and plain fabric, and also added a ribbon tie.  These picnic mats have already been used on our first picnic of the summer with great success. 

How do I win a copy of the book?
In order to enter to win a copy of this book you need to follow Backstitch on Facebook, Twitter or on the Backstitch Blog and then let us know (as a comment on the blog or Facebook, or by tweeting with the @backstitchshop tag) which article on the Backstitch website you find most interesting/ useful.  You can enter up to three times into the draw.  One entry via each method.  Once the competition closes, at 12:00 BST on Mon 14 June 2010, we will pick one entry at random from all valid entries.

And, if you don't win a copy of this book you have the chance to purchase it at a greatly reduced price: David & Charles are offering Backstitch customers the chance to purchase the book at the reduced price of £7.99 (rrp £16.99) with free p&p (UK only), click here and quote code R11235 at the checkout.

Prize Draw Terms and Conditions
1. Entry to the competition is restricted to three entries per person please.
2. You must be a follower of the blog/ Twitter/ Facebook to enter via that medium.
3. Prizes can only be sent to a valid UK address.
4. Winners will be chosen at random from all valid entries.
5. Winners will be contacted via blog/ Twitter/ Facebook names displayed on our website.
6. The Judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered in to.
7. The competition will run from 07 June 2010 12:00 BST until 14 June 2010 12:00 BST.
8. Backstitch is compliant with the data protection act. Our policy is such that we will not pass on your details to any third party without your prior consent.

Related Products
Anna Maria Horner Fortune Chocolate
Erin McMorris Poppy Dot Floral Brown
Klona Cotton Purple
Klona Cotton Pomegranate