Sewing as a gift

One of the main things I have loved about learning to sew is the ability to make something for someone else. I feel that the baking craze is a similar sort of thing. Well, for me anyway. I mean, yes I love to cook (and eat!) but I do it more for the pleasure of being able to share my passion with others.

Making clothing to fit someone is such a personal gift and I just love it. I made my friend Katie a dress a few months ago (see here) and my other half a waistcoat last month (see here). My Auntie was sweet enough to commission me to make a waistcoat for my Uncle for his Birthday which I was thrilled to do. Doesn't he look fab!

Photograph courtesy of Ann and Graham Brown

If you are a beginner and thinking about sewing someone a gift, try something simple like a waistcoat. This pattern was just three pieces and the only complex thing is the pockets which aren't that hard to learn either!

Fastening at the back so the waistcoat can be adjusted to fit

Fabrics and Haberdashery

Grey Herringbone Tweed: A1 Fabrics, Goldhawk Road, London

Dark Red Polyester Satin: Universal Textiles, Goldhawk Road, London

Leather Shank buttons: John Lewis, Oxford Street, London

Keyhole with Fishtail buttonholes: DM Buttons: D'alby Street, London

Fabric Shopping in London

So I have been living as a costume student in London for just under a year now and am starting to find the best places to shop for fabrics and haberdashery goods. When I first moved to London it was quite daunting as I had no idea where to go and I feel that many people would be in my situation too. So here is my list of places that I have found useful as a 1st year student for fabric shopping.

Goldhawk Road

Circle or Hammersmith and City Line: Goldhawk Road

A road full of independent fabric shops, ideal for dressmaking, selling wide ranges of cottons, silks, polyesters, jerseys etc. and a variety of prints. Most of the shops give fabric samples although some can be quite stindgy. The shop 'Fabric House' are usually generous with samples.

Fabric House

Macculloch & Wallis - Dering Street

Jubilee or Central Line: Bond Street

Bakerloo, Victoria, or Central Line: Oxford Circus

I've heard this shop been described as Aladdin's Cave and I'd say that was pretty accurate! If I ever need something in particular I would usually go here as I know they will probably have what I'm looking for. The shop has 3 floors of fabrics, haberdashery, sewing machines, books etc. Pretty much everything you need! The bottom floor sells fabric and you can also help yourself to a maximum of 5 samples.

Macculloch & Wallis

Atlantic Road

Victoria Line: Brixton

A good selection of shops selling a variety of fabrics and haberdashery bits at cheap prices - good for dressmaking and interiors. I went to the shop Simply Fabrics with my sister and managed to pick up lots of bargains - packets of buttons, threads, fabric bundles from as low as 10p! A few other shops are dotted around that area too and I've been told that their markets sell cheap sewing bits.

Simply Fabrics

Berwick Street

Bakerloo, Victoria, or Central Line: Oxford Circus

Northern or Central Line: Tottenham Court Road

A very beautiful selection of expensive fabric shops here selling lots of silks and high quality fabric. As a student, I mainly would go here to admire and get inspiration. I have never dared to ask for samples but I'd imagine some of the shops might be generous. I have found Kleins a helpful haberdashery shop.

Kleins

Markets

There are some great markets in London that sell new and vintage fabrics and trimmings. I have never been to any myself but I have heard that Walthamstow Market (Victoria Line) is great for bargains. Also, the Vintage Fashion Fair which is on every 4 - 5 weeks (Hammersmith) is fab for unique vintage clothing, accessories, fabrics and trimmings at low prices.

Other shops / Online shopping

Liberty London - Regent Street (Oxford Circus tube station)

John Lewis - Oxford Street (Oxford Circus tube station)

Sew Box

Dragonfly Fabrics

There is also the option of buying fabrics online but I personally prefer to be able to touch and feel the weight of the fabric. Colours can also look different on a computer screen than in real life. Some companies will send out fabric samples to you on request.

I hope this has been of use to you. Hopefully I will be able to update it as I become more experienced in fabric shopping. Happy sewing!