Beautiful fabric is one of life’s necessities… well, perhaps luxuries, but I’m sure I’m not the only one who finds it difficult to resist! The colour, texture and possibilities can be enough to set a new project in motion before we’ve even left the ...
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From the Workbasket
Welcome to From the Workbasket, where I share sewing stories, practical tips, useful techniques and a little bit of sewing history.
Whether you’re just beginning your sewing journey or have been stitching for years, you’ll find ideas, inspiration and plenty to explore — all drawn from my years of sewing, teaching and creating.
So, pull up a chair, reach into the workbasket and let’s see what we can discover together.
From Childhood Treasures to Symbols of Power, Seduction and Trade I think we all have fond childhood memories of the button tin. I could spend hours rummaging for treasures—searching through large buttons, small buttons, all kinds of ancient fastene...
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The Story of the Thimble Through the Ages Threads Through Time Thimbles may seem like simple sewing tools, but their history tells a much richer story. These small finger protectors evolved from simple bronze implements into elaborate symbols of sta...
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Threads Through Time - sewing history and fascinating facts We put a great deal of thought into certain sewing tools; it's possible that we could spend weeks selecting a sewing machine, carefully compare different pairs of scissors, or be rathe...
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Stitching Skills for Future Generations I’ve always believed that sewing and handcrafting are more than just practical know-how—they’re living threads that connect us to generations past and those still to come. Yet in today’s fast-paced, throwaway ...
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From the Workbasket — practical sewing knowledge Whether you’ve been sewing for years or you’re just threading your first needle, having a sewing space that works for you can make such a difference. It doesn’t have to be a beautiful, Pinterest-wort...
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From the Workbasket — practical sewing knowledge Walk into any sewing shop today and you’ll find an astonishing array of tools and gadgets, all promising to make sewing easier, quicker or more enjoyable. Some are genuinely useful, while others ar...
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From the Workbasket — practical sewing knowledge “I’ve finally bought the sewing machine… now what?” If you’ve ever brought a brand-new sewing machine home and then sat looking at it wondering where on earth to begin, you’re certainly not alone. ...
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From the Workbasket — practical sewing knowledge What does it actually take to become good at sewing? You might think you need the perfect sewing machine, a beautifully organised sewing room, expensive equipment or years of experience. You don't. ...
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