My Best 9 Instagram Posts of 2015

https://www.instagram.com/clairesews/

My 2015 best 9 on Instagram 📷😁 #2015bestnine.

What are your favourite picks from the photos I've posted to my IG account?

Make your own collage here: www.2015bestnine.com it picks the 9 images with the most likes from this year's feed.

PRIMA Magazine - December 2015, Strapless Dress & Skirt

There's until the end of this month to order the December 2015 PRIMA Magazine patterns by phone. 

For December 2015, Prima Magazine are offering 2 patterns. There's a strapless dress, and a skirt patterns both come in 2 different lengths. The patterns as usual come in Sizes 10 - 20 (UK).

See my old post here on tips for ordering their patterns: PRIMA Magazine: How to Order Their Sewing Patterns.

For my some of my thoughts on PRIMA Magazine's sewing patterns - and how I'd personally like to see them change to make things better and easier for sewing-fans - please see this link here Claire's Tuppence Worth... .

Delta OL-1000 Overlocker: PDF Instruction Manual for Download.... "Paying it Forward!"

My old 'Delta OL-1000 Overlocker' (Serger)
(More pics here)

Sometimes you just gotta read the manual right ;-)? I was browsing the web (as you do!) and I thought I'd look up my first Overlocker (Serger) model that I bought 2nd hand way back in October 2010. These days I'm totally loving the Brother 1034D that my lovely Hubby bought for me a birthday pressie coming up to 4 years ago - but I was curious to see if many people had my old machine.

My old machine is a Delta OL-1000 Overlocker, and my first taste of using it was at a class that I attended back in 2011 with Karen. I never got to use it too much at the time, and sadly I never got the hang of adjusting the tension to adeptly (I suspect I may be better at that now that I've made upteen T-Shirts on my Brother machine haha!). Less than a year after the class I got my 1034D and it's been happy overlocking all the way ever since :-) yay!

My browsing around brought up a few links where people had picked it up as a second-hand buy, or... where someone was desperate to get a hold of a copy of the instruction manual as their pre-loved machines were missing the user guide.

Well now - this struck a chord with me. And, being the helpful soul that I would like to think that I am, I decided to scan my own copy of the manual and to upload it to the world-wide-web for all and sundry to find. (I.e. my way of paying it forward!)

So, if you've come across my blog whilst searching for a copy of the guide book then your in luck folks! Here are 2 different places where I have uploaded the PDF file (it's around 17MB). I hope that it helps anybody who has been struggling to find a copy to print off. (NB: The pages are sized to A4 - so adjust your printer settings as you feel necessary peops!)

Download a PDF copy of the Instruction Manual for the Delta OL-1000 Overlocker Sewing Machine here:

Issu: http://issuu.com/clairesew-incidentally/docs/delta_ol-1000_overlocker_sewing_mac

Google Drive: https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2Wg8u0BpVn-aGNVQ1JPb1lzcDQ/view?usp=sharing

Here's an embedded preview from Issu.com:

Enjoy!!!

PRIMA Magazine - November 2015, Easy Sew Poncho or Wrap

There's still a few more days until the end of this month to order the November 2015 PRIMA Magazine pattern by phone. 

For November 2015, Prima Magazine are offering 2 quick and easy to make simple patterns. They are a loose-fitting poncho or wrap. The patterns as usual come in Sizes 10 - 20 (UK).

See my old post here on tips for ordering their patterns: PRIMA Magazine: How to Order Their Sewing Patterns.

For my some of my thoughts on PRIMA Magazine's sewing patterns - and how I'd personally like to see them change to make things better and easier for sewing-fans - please see this link here Claire's Tuppence Worth... .

PRIMA Magazine - October 2015, Easy Slouch Top & Peasant Blouse

There's until the end of tomorrow to order the October 2015 PRIMA Magazine pattern by phone. 

For October 2015, Prima Magazine are offering 2 patterns. Simple, easy slouch top has a dipped back hemline, three-quarter length sleeves and can be made with either a boat neck or V-neck. The peasant blouse has a drawstring neckline, dipped back hemline and long raglan sleeves gathered at the wrists. The patterns as usual come in Sizes 10 - 20 (UK).

See my old post here on tips for ordering their patterns: PRIMA Magazine: How to Order Their Sewing Patterns.

For my some of my thoughts on PRIMA Magazine's sewing patterns - and how I'd personally like to see them change to make things better and easier for sewing-fans - please see this link here Claire's Tuppence Worth... .

My Haul - Walthamstow, Saturday 3rd October 2015

I had the pleasure of visiting the bargain fabric-centre that is Walthamstow last Saturday in a great meet-up organised by the lovely Marilla.

Needless to say I was helpless to resist the wares and came away with quite a few purchases :-)!

There was a fair sized group of ladies in attendance - including Rachel & Kate from the new sewing community site thefoldline.com! If you haven't checked it out yet, then please do.

Here's my haul from the day -->

Saeed's Fabrics: Grey Rib-Knit 1.5m (£6.00/m).

Fabric Store (No. 80 High Street): Dark-Grey Cotton/Lycra Jersey 1.5m (£2.00/m), 3m each of Moss-Green and Navy light-weight woven cotton 3m (£1.00/m), and Navy & White Striped Ponte 1.5m (£2.00/m).

Market Stall: 4x Standard Zips (Blue, Green & Yellow, £1 for 4), and 1x Coral Thread spool (40p).

Beads & Buttons (No. 138): 4x 10" Beige Standard Zips (4 for £1), 3x 14" Beige Standard Zips (3 for £1), and Coral Thread spool 50p.

Fabric Market (shop at No. 134): Medium-weight, dark stretch Denim 6m (£5.00/m).

 

The Textile Centre (No. 223-225): 
Lots of light-weight printed Viscose's, all £2.20/m - 1.5m each of: Blue & Hearts, Black & Birds, Blue & Birds and *Aqua Blue Cameras. (*I also picked up 3m on behalf of Vicki too.)

I also got a quick pic in of me, my infamous pink-trolley and Saeed (of 'Saeed Fabrics' shop no less).

On the day I wore one of my latest me-mades, my 6th version of the 'Deer and Doe' FREE 'Plantain' T-Shirt pattern. And, yes I know - I've been a bad, bad blogger - I should've posted about the 5x other Plantain tee that I've made already (and the 7th & 8th that I finished earlier this week too haha!). I love this pattern it's definitely a TNT (tried 'n' true) one for me now!

Happy sewing peops!

PRIMA Pattern, September 2015 - Fit 'n' Flare Gathered-Front Dress

There's until the end of today to order the September 2015 PRIMA Magazine pattern by phone. 

For September 2015, Prima Magazine are offering a  Fit 'n' Flare Gathered-Front Dress. The dress pattern comes in 2 sleeve lengths (just above or below the elbow), and 2 hem lengths (just above or below the knee). It has a draped front band and a gathered skirt panel - and fastens with a centre back zip. As usual the pattern comes in Sizes 10 - 20 (UK).

See my old post here on tips for ordering their patterns: PRIMA Magazine: How to Order Their Sewing Patterns.

For my some of my thoughts on PRIMA Magazine's sewing patterns - and how I'd personally like to see them change to make things better and easier for sewing-fans - please see this link here Claire's Tuppence Worth... .

PRIMA Pattern, August 2015 - Kaftan, Tube-Dress & Skirt... Beach Cover-Ups

There's until the end of this month to order the August 2015 PRIMA Magazine pattern by phone. 

For August 2015, Prima Magazine are offering 3 patterns. The kaftan has a wide-scoop neckline and waist gathers - omit the gathers for a looser fit. The short dress is a simple tube, elasticated at the top and can be worn also as a long skirt. The long dress has an elasticated waist and decorative waist tie.The patterns as usual come in Sizes 10 - 20 (UK).

See my old post here on tips for ordering their patterns: PRIMA Magazine: How to Order Their Sewing Patterns.

For my some of my thoughts on PRIMA Magazine's sewing patterns - and how I'd personally like to see them change to make things better and easier for sewing-fans - please see this link here Claire's Tuppence Worth... .

Say Hello to "Leslie" Folks!

Nope! You're not seeing double folks ! I do indeed own 2 vintage 'Novum New Mark IX' sewing machines. And, you could consider them "Sisters" rather than "Twins".

My two vintage Novum New Mark IX sewing machines.
LEFT: Low-Shank model, RIGHT: High-Shank.

My fav machine (on the R) is the High-Shank model (bought back in August 2010 for under £26.01 inc. delivery). On the L is my newer purchase the Low-Shank version. I think that I call her "*Leslie" - I bought her in April 2013 (for £57 inc. postage).

Leslie's Hook timing is out - so she won't stitch, but her light, motor etc. all work just fine.

So, I've printed off a tonne of stuff from the Web and I'm having a bash at fixing her.

Wish me luck!

*Leslie = L for Low, and S for Shank!

PRIMA Pattern, July 2015 - Women's & Girl's Halterneck Dresses

There's until the end of this month to order the July 2015 PRIMA Magazine pattern by phone. 

For July 2015, Prima Magazine are offering 2 patterns for Halterneck dresses. The women's dress has a fitted bodice on a flared skirt. The halter neck ties at the back and the dress fastens with a centre-back zip. The girl's A-line dress is elasticated across the back for a snug fit and the halter neck ties at the back. As usual the Women's patterns come in Sizes 10 - 20 (UK), the Girl's in 2 - 8 (UK).

See my old post here on tips for ordering their patterns: PRIMA Magazine: How to Order Their Sewing Patterns.

For my some of my thoughts on PRIMA Magazine's sewing patterns - and how I'd personally like to see them change to make things better and easier for sewing-fans - please see this link here Claire's Tuppence Worth... .

PRIMA Pattern, June 2015 - Women’s Skort & Shorts, and Girls Skort

There's until the Midnight on Tuesday 30th June this week to order the June 2015 PRIMA Magazine pattern by phone. 

For June 2015, Prima Magazine are offering 3 patterns. Women's classic knee-length shorts with side-pockets and fly-front zip. Women's skort - in 2 lengths (without pockets) has an added front wrap and fastens with a zip at the back. The girl's jersey skort is a flared skirt with shorts underneath, attached to a stretchy waistband. As usual the Women's patterns come in Sizes 10 - 20 (UK), the Girl's in 2 - 8 (UK).

See my old post here on tips for ordering their patterns: PRIMA Magazine: How to Order Their Sewing Patterns.

For my some of my thoughts on PRIMA Magazine's sewing patterns - and how I'd personally like to see them change to make things better and easier for sewing-fans - please see this link here Claire's Tuppence Worth... .

PRIMA Pattern, May 2015 - Sleeveless Dress & Edge-to-Edge Jacket

There's until the Midnight on Sunday 31st May this weekend to order the May 2015 PRIMA Magazine pattern by phone. 

For May 2015, Prima Magazine are offering a sleeveless dress has a fitted bodice with a square neckline, and a knee-length skirt with soft pleats at the waist. The edge-to-edge unlined jacket has a raised back neckline and waist darts for a streamlined fit.The patterns as usual come in Sizes 10 - 20 (UK).

See my old post here on tips for ordering their patterns: PRIMA Magazine: How to Order Their Sewing Patterns.

For my some of my thoughts on PRIMA Magazine's sewing patterns - and how I'd personally like to see them change to make things better and easier for sewing-fans - please see this link here Claire's Tuppence Worth... .

My First Ever Me-Made-May!

I've decided that my me-made wardrobe is sufficiently full enough to warrant my first-ever participation in Zoe of SoZo blog's Me-Made-May this year #MMMay15!

'I, Claire of www.sew-incidentally.com,

sign up as a participant of Me-Made-May '15.

I endeavour to wear 1 me-made item each day

for the duration of May 2015'.

I'll be documenting the items I wear daily for MMMay on my Instagram account here: http://instagram.com/clairesews (feel free to follow me if you like - I'm @ClaireSews).

Are you taking part? Do you like me hope that it will spur you on to make more everyday use out of your self-sewn clothes?

What do you think that you will wear the most? :-)

PRIMA Pattern, March 2015 - Classic Lined Jacket & Knit Tube Skirt

There's until the end of this month to order the March 2015 PRIMA Magazine pattern by phone. 

For March 2015, Prima Magazine are offering classic lined *jacket and figure-skimming tube skirt in medium weight knit fabric. The skirt comes in 2-lengths: a short mini-skirt, or a longer knee-length pencil skirt. The patterns as usual come in Sizes 10 - 20 (UK). (*A very Chanel-esque silhouette in my humble opinion!)

See my old post here on tips for ordering their patterns: PRIMA Magazine: How to Order Their Sewing Patterns.

For my some of my thoughts on PRIMA Magazine's sewing patterns - and how I'd personally like to see them change to make things better and easier for sewing-fans - please see this link here Claire's Tuppence Worth... .