A competition! Win patterns from the shop!

We're running a competition along with The Sewing Directory.  We are providing two winners with a pattern of their choice from the shop.  All you have to do is choose a pattern, go to The Sewing Directory, fill out the form, and cross your fingers!

Good luck!

Patterns by Figgy's - New Sizes and working with knits

We recently received some new stock from the lovely Patterns by Figgy's.  They have expanded their range by adding the larger 8-14 year sizes to their Tee for Two and Little Woo patterns.  Both of these require working with knits. (perfect with our Cafe Dot interlock knits from Oliver & S)  And, don't be afraid of working with knits... they assure us that if we follow a few rules it's actually a very forgiving fabric to work with!  They have a great blog post here about working with knits, and another showing us yet more tips and tricks.

If you want more inspiration, then take a look at their Flickr pool.

The Hurricane - new and improved.

Not too long ago we added the 'Hurricane' to our selection of bundles.  This was nineteen fat quarters of each of the Klona Cottons that we had in stock.  Since then, we have expanded our range of Klona colours to twenty-nine and so a change of tactic was necessary with the Hurricane. 

Those of you who are not familiar with the Klona (not to be confused with Kona) Cotton.  This is a medium weight, wider width cotton which has a lovely quality of colour and weave.  We sell the Klona Cotton at £5.50 a metre.

Anyhow, we decided to split the Hurricane into 'Strong' and 'Soft' palettes.  The 'Strong' consists of fifteen fat quarters, and the 'Soft' of fourteen.  The bundles do not overlap in any way, so to order both gives you twenty-nine fat quarters - one of each colour in our plains range.

And, whilst we are on the subject of our Klonas, we have added a swatch card to the shop.  So now you can colour match before you buy.

Amy Butler Soul Blossoms now in the shop...

We have a selection of Amy Butlers Soul Blossoms fabric now in the shop.  A gorgeous vibrant range of prints that lend themselves very well to both craft projects and dressmaking.

This is what Amy says about the range: 'A visual interpretation of an enchanted, modern passage through the floral delights of India. Dreamy jewel toned prints in multi-hued flowers and designs - uplifting and passionate - weave together an ethnic inspired story.'

Negroni - Boys beware... we're bring the sewing to you!

We have Colettes new pattern, the Negroni shirt in stock, and oh my what a corker!

Designed for men that like a classic, slightly retro shirt with a more modern cut, this shirt pattern is just the thing. The instructions will guide you gently through every step of creating a well-crafted casual shirt: felled seams, a lined back yoke, and sleeve plackets on the long sleeve version. Subtle details include a convertible collar (also known as a “camp collar”) and midcentury style collar loop detail.

Order now and you still have time to join in with the sewalong on Male Pattern Boldness which starts on Tuesday 1st February.
And, in case you need any further persuasion, then check out Florences blog post on the matter!

New Stock... Zoo Menagerie from Eleanor Grosch

Have you had a look at the Zoo Menagerie prints from Eleanor Grosch?  Oh my, they are lovely.  Eleanor's signature geometric forms and bright colors combine in this playful menagerie of elephants, tigers, lions, and giraffes.  Perfect for kids without being cutesy.

We have four of the prints in stock, and if you can't choose, you can go for our Full Monte Bundle.

Introducing Sewaholic and the Pendrell blouse

Exciting news! We have a new pattern designer in the shop:  Sewaholic Patterns are the patterns designed by Canadian Tasia Pona.  Tasia is a self confesed sewaholic and has a great blog full of projects, tips and sewing inspiration.

The Pendrell blouse is the first pattern from Sewaholic Patterns, and Backstitch is the first to bring it to the UK.  The blouse is a feminine semi-fitted top with a choice of unique draped sleeves, flirty double ruffles or a classic sleeveless shell. A great addition to your wardrobe!

Best of all, Tasia is running a sew-along for the Pendrell on her blog which started on Monday and finishes on the 14th of February, so you've still time to hop on board and be guided through the pattern by the designer.

Just in... Innocent Crush

Anna Maria Horner's 'Innocent Crush' range now in the shop at £10 per metre.  Can be found here.  In the shop is also the new bundle of the range which we have named 'Midsummer Dream'. 

I am totally in love with this range, such beautiful tones.  I can see dresses and bags and cushions and... the list goes on.  What will you make?

Christmas book wishlist and a giveaway

Who still hasn't finished their Christmas shopping?  Well, I certainly haven't... and I'm not panicking quite yet.

I have three new book reviews on the site which would all make great gifts for a crafter. Martha Stewart's Encyclopedia of Sewing and Fabric Crafts, The Bag Making Bible by Lisa Lam, and Nancy's Favorite 101 Notions by Nancy Zieman.

The lovely people over at Charles and David have also given Backstitch customers an additional discount on these books in their shop, making it possible for you to purchase these books at better than half price with free P&P... can't say fairer than that!  The links and discount codes are at the bottom of each review in our articles section.

And, how would you like to win a copy of The Bag Making Bible and Nancy's Favorite 101 Notions?

How do I win a copy of these books?

There are two ways to enter the competition:
1. Follow Backstitch on Facebook
2. Leave a comment on this post telling us which of our bundles you would most like to recieve under the tree this year, and what you would make with it.
You can enter two times into the draw. One entry via each method. Once the competition closes, at 12:00 GMT on Sunday 19 December 2010, we will pick one entry at random from all valid entries.


Prize Draw Terms and Conditions
1. Entry to the competition is restricted to two entries per person please.
2. You must be a follower on 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/ 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 12 December 2010 11:00 GMT until 19 December 2010 12:00 GMT.
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.

What's your Christmas tipple?

We have ten brand new fabric bundles in the shop.  What will yours be?  A Golden Dawn; Metropolitan; Bellini; Brown Cow; Pink Lemonade; Blue Train; Kretchma or a Hot Apple Pie?

Our bundles make fabulous presents, with a selection to suit all budgets, and don't forget everything you buy at Backstitch comes wrapped like a gift!


Blue Train Bundle



Golden Dawn Bundle



Pink Lemonade Bundle