textiles Archives - It's Sew Simple

Sewing is a Life Skill

9th March 2023 by Jenni McGill

Jenni McGill

Sewing is a life skill that can save you time and money. In addition to those practical savings, sewing can be a tool for teaching important life skills such as perseverance, patience, concentration, and creativity. This week I have been busy doing a couple of personal, money saving sewing jobs…

The Benefits of Sewing

18th January 201918th January 2019 by Jenni McGill

Jenni McGill

Make sewing your New Years resolution, Whether you’re a creative type or not, sewing is a hobby you should add to your list. The simple act of sewing has proven health benefits that will enhance your wellbeing, amongst many other things: The benefits to learning to sew A Unique Look…

I love the Simple Sew kimono dress

22nd May 2018 by Jenni McGill

Jenni McGill

Simple Sew Kimono dress This may sound ironic considering the name of these patterns, but I was quite surprised how simple this dress is to make. As soon as I opened the instructions and saw the 6 steps, it was evident this would not take me long. My ethos is…

What’s your sewing story?

21st May 201821st May 2018 by Jenni McGill

Jenni McGill

What's your sewing story? Sewing has always been part of my life. My grandmother (she is featured in the cover picture) introduced me to sewing, arts and crafts, at a very young age, she had a black singer sewing machine. She would make teddy bears with me, make lemonade, and…

A pattern for the adventurous beginner

4th May 2018 by Jenni McGill

Jenni McGill

The Chelsea collection by Simple sew Sewing the skirt: The seams are quick and easy to sew, make sure you sew the right panels together, the notches are important and each paper pattern has side front or side back written on it. This all helps. Not forgetting that the opening…

We have a passion for fashion!

28th April 201828th April 2018 by Jenni McGill

Jenni McGill

Sewing with a friend. My son Freddie started Primary school nearly 3 years ago now, and I have made some really good friends whilst standing in the playground waving goodbye to my son each morning. One of my new friendships is with Maria, Max' mum. We soon discovered that we…

Can sewing skills help your child’s well-being?

19th February 201819th February 2018 by Jenni McGill

Jenni McGill

How can my sewing skills help my child's education? My son is in his 3rd year at Primary school and I have found myself making or buying costumes nearly once sometimes twice a term. School day-to-day is routine and activities are structured and offer a sense of stability and make…

Learn to sew with @ItsSewSimple

21st January 201821st January 2018 by Jenni McGill

Jenni McGill

Workshops My new workshops start next week at The artsDepot and I still have some places left. I am starting with a 4 week beginners course, then I have created a family programme. For the beginners course book here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/beginners-sewing-workshop-tickets-39613833041 The Family course will be designed for a parent and…

Google first think later?

4th January 20184th January 2018 by Jenni McGill

Jenni McGill

Where do you get your inspiration from these days? If you were tasked with answering a question, what would your first step be? Would you scribble down your thoughts — or would you Google it? Now, with the advent of personal assistants like Siri and Google, that aim to serve…

Do you have a favourite fabric?

23rd November 2017 by Jenni McGill

Jenni McGill

Fabric shopping My all-time favourite fabric is Liberty cotton, anything liberty basically! it is versatile, soft, presses so well and great for beginners fabric. I also love silk, there are less liberty silks available and they tend to be very dated. The Liberty prints on the other hand are endless.…