Indie pattern love

We all know about the Big Four pattern producers.  But there are some really fantastic indie pattern creators that are definitely worth investigating!

Some of my favourite indie pattern designers include Tilly and the Buttons, Sewaholic, By Hand London, Colette, and Closet Case Patterns.  They are all great in different ways, for different tastes, and different body shapes.  Indie patterns are created by small designers, with the pattern development process being supported by many hobby sewists all around the world who pattern test, ensuring that the final version is perfect for you and me.

Which is your favourite small pattern house?  Any emerging talents that I might not have heard of yet? 

The perfect Valentine's gift

For Valentine's Day this year Mr Deravelled booked me on a one day course at Guthrie & Ghani, to help me finally get to grips with my overlocker that he bought me two Christmasses ago!  The course was led by Layla Totah, and it was fabulous.  I went in not even knowing how to thread an overlocker, and came out not only confident in my ability to thread my overlocker, but also able to create a wearable top!  If you have an overlocker that is gathering dust because you're too afraid to turn it on, then you're in luck!  They have another class coming up in July, and currently there are still some spaces left!  Go go go!

With Layla's excellent tuition, I now feel assured that I can use my overlocker with confidence - amazing!  It was also lovely to spend the day with a room of like-minded sewists, chatting about sewing-related stuff and drinking copious cups of tea.

Red velvet cake from the Persian cafe down the road - what else?!

I would highy recommend a Guthrie & Ghani sewing course to anyone who wants to learn a lot in a short space of time, and really push their knowledge to the next level.  I loved it so much, I've booked to go back for a two day course in the summer.  Watch this space!

A wonderful gift from Mr Deravelled

On a recent trip down to London with Mr Deravelled and the Moomin, we happened upon the historic London landmark - Liberty of London.  Having never been inside Liberty before (although an avid viewer of the documentary), we went in for a look around.

After negotiating the ground floor full of beautiful accessories, cosmetics and chocolate, we made our way up the creaking staircase to the fabric floor.  It was smaller than I imagined, but still fabulous.  It was at this point that Mr Deravelled said that he would buy me three metres of the fabric of my choice (lucky me!).  After squeeing a lot, I started the serious business of trying to choose just one design.  After very nearly going for the Strawberry Thief, I instead decided upon the above tana lawn, in Morris A.  Thank you, Mr Deravelled!

It really is an experience shopping in Liberty.  They take so much care over the cutting of the fabric, and wrap it so beautifully in Liberty tissue paper.  They even put it in a fancy purple gift bag, emblazoned with the Liberty crest in gold.  Just as well, really, as the fabric is very expensive.  So expensive, in fact, that I am now too afraid to use it!  Do you ever have that problem?

A cheeky hour on Goldhawk Road

Flamingo madness!

So I was down in London for a business lunch recently, and after it had finished I had a few hours to kill before my train, so I jumped on the tube and took a trip to Goldhawk Road.  Having heard so much about this magical place on other blogs, I knew I had to visit myself.

For those of you who don't know, Goldhawk Road is a bit of a fabric haven - you really can get almost every type and colour of fabric imaginable.  It's really easy to get to by tube - it has its own station, served by both Hammersmith & City and Circle lines.

There is a whole row of about ten fabric shops, some really cheap, others quite expensive, depending on the type of fabric and notions they sell.  I nabbed the above flamingo cotton whilst there, from Toni Textiles.  The sales team were great fun, and as soon as they learnt that I love flamingos, one of the guys started bringing me various bolts of fabric in different colourways and patterns.  However, I was firm, and just came away with three metres of this lovely cotton.  I think I'd like to make a dress out of it, but as we all know, best laid plans and all that.  But at least it will look pretty draped on my ironing board....

Jamie Oliver silk for Liberty

I also went into Classic Textiles, where, amongst other bits and pieces, bought one metre of this funky Liberty silk, designed back in 2013 by Jamie Oliver, of all people.  I love the colours, and thought it would make a cute scarf.

I curbed my stash enhancement duties at this point, as three metres of quilting weight cotton is quite heavy when you're lugging it around London on the tube.  I will definitely make another trip to Goldhawk Road, when I've got more time and probably a pull along trolley on wheels!

From Japan, with love

My parents recently went to Japan, and asked me if I would like anything bringing back.  As well as the usual tabi socks, I requested some double gauze, a uniquely Japanese fabric that is lightweight and cosy.  They didn't disappoint, and came back with three metres of this beautiful Nani Iro double gauze, called Joy Flower. 

They also picked up three metres of the lovely cotton canvas next to the double gauze in the photo.  It is reminiscent of a toile de jouy, but with little rabbits on it picking apples.  This fabric is for the Moomin.  She hasn't decided what she wants me to make for her out of it yet.  It's pretty thick, so may be too stiff for a dress.  Maybe a bag or a coat.  Any suggestions?

V&A Museum Liberty ART Fabrics find

Spade Liberty Art Fabric for the V&A

On a recent weekend in London with Mr Deravelled and the Moomin, we went to the V&A museum (one of my favourite places - yay!).  After having a lovely stroll through the rooms and exhibits, and having a delicious (if very expensive) lunch, we made our way to the gift shop.  And I'm so glad we did!  I found, in the sale bin, one metre pieces of Liberty Art Fabrics cotton, taken from a collection they did in collaboration with the V&A a few years ago.  I chose two pieces of a design (the mathematicians amongst you will know that I bought two metres altogether) that was based on a quilt that dated from the mid 18th century.  How amazing is that?  I wish I'd bought three metres now. 

I have no idea what I will use the fabric for.  However, it will make a great addition to my stash!

Maybe I'm back...maybe

Watch this space, friends of Blogland...