Supplies needed.  Fabric, preferably upholstery/decor weight or if using quilting cotton sandwich 2 layers together, you could also use interfacing in between. 1. Cut your fabric 28cm * 36cm 2. Fold in the long edges , turn them over twice approx 1cm (just under is better than just over) each time  press the folds, pin if needed and using a straight stitch sew along the edge. 3. Fold in the short edges the same way, press, pin and stitch. 4. Fold in the short ends, one end 5cm and the other 7cm. Press and pin. 5. Pin the 5cm folded end approx every 4cm, these will mark out your 6 pockets for the block crayons. Pin the 7cm approx every 3cm, these will mark out your 8 pockets for the pencils/pencil crayons. 6. Stitch from the fold to the seam, doing a few stitches back and forth at the end, this will help secure the stitches.  7. If adding a tie use ribbon (seal ends with a lighter for a few seconds), pin at a mid po...

We are lucky enough to have the lovely Pru modelling the dress and her mum Kirsty behind the camera. Beautiful photographs in the Autumnal sunshine, there could even be a few fairies in the dappled sunlight if you look close enough.... Fabric: Moon Gazing Hare Pattern: Hi Low Dress Model : Pru Photographer: Kirsty Hopley over at Schoolhouse Photography Custom items in this fabric can be ordered from the  Dark Star Designs  page, message me and talk to me about what you would like.

Sneaking in an extra unplanned blogpost as I've just tested a lovely hat pattern for MBJM , when this pattern releases there will be 25% off all patterns (code below) so now is the time to buy if you've been thinking about trying one. AJ Aviator Hat Good fit, clear instructions and comes in all sizes from baby to adult. Here are the pictures of my test hat, I'm yet to decide if this is something I will be offering from Dark Star Designs but if you would be interested in having one made for you let me know. This one has cotton for the outer (picked by the model) and a soft faux fur for the lining. Outers could be cord or fleece for example, inners could also be fleece. Ears covered, protected from cold and wind Back comes down but doesn't interfere with neckline of jumpers or coats  Supersoft fluff for the lining, fleece would also work Discount code for MBJM patterns is AMYJ25

This is not a forever list as new pattern designers are always coming through, so it's definitely worth checking out the Facebook sewing groups for reviews on new patterns from the testers. You can click on all the brand names and go straight to their website. In no particular order..... Brindle and Twig My current favourite from here has to be the T-shirt dress Elliedactyl My favourite from here are the Zane Joggers Fishsticks Designs Been around for a long time, some good basics. Love Notions Trendy Tunic is a tunic with a bit of a twist and pockets which are always a winner MBJM A UK based pattern maker for a change, lots of good staple patterns including harems and the hot chocolate hoody Peekaboo Patterns Classic Oxford button up shirt Purperita Love the harem dungarees with the moon pocket Twig and Tale Ahh what's not to love, the Wild Thing Coat and the wee pixie hats are a firm favourite here Tiedyediva Another one that has been ...

A straightforward skirt simple for beginners or make it more complex by adding pockets and trims. Materials Needed: Sewing machine (although it could be done by hand) Fabric - cotton or linen for example Matching thread, reel and bobbin Elastic - 3/4" or 1" wide enough to go round the waist Iron I choose a perfect Autumnal fabric because it's Autumn (and nearly Halloween!!) This is a 100% cotton fabric from  The Sewing Studio First you need to measure the waist and length from waist to desired hem length, just on the knee works well. I decided to pop a hem in a complementary fabric on the bottom so added enough for the seam allowance when joining the 2 fabrics together. Use the whole width of your fabric then cut your desired length PLUS 1/2 inch  (allowance for bottom hem) PLUS 1 1/2" (allowance for elastic channel for the waistband). Example - if your skirt length needed was 10.5" the total depth needed would be 12.5...