New Liberty Tana Lawn instock at Sewbox … but 1st the new Colette Hawthorn pattern has just been launched an hour ago …

Here’s a sneak preview

Turn heads in this curve-hugging classic that combines gamine styling with a flattering and feminine fit.

A semi-circle skirt provides volume without the extra bulk of pleats or gathers at your waist, so you get a clean, streamlined look that’s still beautifully feminine. The bodice is fitted with waist darts, while still providing just enough room to keep things comfortable.

While a flat collar and fitted shape give Hawthorn that late 1950s charm, menswear-inspired details like the sleeve cuff and placket lend classic touches that never go out of style. You’ll be wearing Hawthorn year round, easily styling it with belts, cardigans, and jewelry.

Version 1 is a short sleeved peplum blouse, which pairs perfectly with a pencil skirt or our slim Clover pants. Version 2 has 3/4 length sleeves with a cuff and menswear-style placket. Version 3 is sleeveless, with armholes finished with bias tape inside (so no annoying facings poking out).

As I say just launched today, the patterns are en route from the US due here any day now.  If you would like me to reserve you a pattern e-mail me on susan@sewbox.co.uk and I’ll let you know as soon as they arrive. The Colette Hawthorn sew-along starts next week!

Now back to the new Liberty Tana Lawns – Capel (Red), Meadow and more…..

Capel Red and Meadow have been requested by customers who have already purchased the corresponding Bias Binding on the Site and now wanted the fabric.

Both look good with a plain block colour to set them off.

The fabrics are £16.95/M and the bias is on special at £2.60/M.  Several other Liberty print bias bindings to choose from as well ….

New Pattern ranges here any day now…

Sewbox will now be stocking the Victory patterns from Canada (paper versions) and the 1st pattern from the BlueGingerdoll range – the Billie Jean Dress from Australia.  Watch this space.

Billie Jean Dress

Happy Sewing

Susan

18 June, 2013

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New fabrics & Patterns at Sewbox ….

by Susan on June 9, 2013

New John Kaldor 2013 range fabrics…..

Pretty fuchsia pink, small print, John Kaldor 100% cotton tana lawn (145cm wide) at special price of £8.99/M

John Kaldor Cotton Tana Lawn - Castello

Stunning print in aqua tones – John Kaldor 100% cotton poplin with a slight stretch – (145cm wide) at special price of £9.99/M

John Kaldor Cotton Poplin - Marrakech

both fabrics ideal for summer dresses, tops & skirts.

New Serendipity Patterns ….

2 latest Serendipity patterns – The Marilyn Dress and the Naomi Dress – £9.50 each


Marilyn

Let your inner starlet shine with the Marilyn Dress!  Design details include a full gathered knee length skirt, close fitting V-neck bodice with subtle gathering at the bustline, and a wide pointed waistband that fits just above the natural waist. The back features a V-neckline and center zipper. Variations include bias trim at the waist and hem as well as the use of contrasting fabrics for the waistband. This dress is perfection when paired with a great border print!

Naomi

Bask in simple style this spring and summer with the Naomi Dress.

This beginners dress pattern is a simple pull-over design, so there is no pesky zipper to worry about! The bodice features three pleats at the front neckline, optional keyhole detail at the back neckline, and small cap sleeves. The elevated waistband has a curved center front with elastic that extends around to the back for an easy custom fit. The A-line skirt has the option to be longer in the back or layered in multiple fabrics. Would make up beautifully in John Kaldor or Liberty Tana Lawns on the website.

New Eliza M Pattern plus Tracing Paper

Latest pattern from Eliza M is these lovely button front shorts (£10). Easy to make and easy to wear. Ideal for hols, and when you don’t want to take your bag – just pop your hotel doorkey in one pocket and a few euros in the other and you’re off.

Eliza M button front shorts

ANNOUNCEMENT – Please Note – All Eliza M Patterns are now multi-sized UK 10-18

Eliza M Dressmakers Tracing Paper - We are now selling dressmakers tracing paper from Eliza M.  Available in 2 sizes: 1M x 1M  (£1.30) and 1M x 2M (£2.60) lengths.  Durable and translucent to trace your pattern off from the original to keep it intact.

I asked Claire from Eliza M why it is so important to use tracing paper to trace out your patterns … “ it makes your pattern last so much longer by tracing them off.  Using this fantastic new grade dressmakers’ tracing paper you can keep using your patterns again and again for years and years.  A good idea as shapes and sizes change over time!  You simply place over your original pattern and trace or wheel over your desired pattern markings and your pattern stays as new!”

Free Gift & Prize Draw Entry in June

We have continued the Free Gift offer and Prize Draw on for a further month and all Sewbox orders placed in June will receive a Free Gift for your Sewing Box/Stash PLUS will automatically be entered into the Free June Prize Draw.  1st Prize is – the Great British Sewing Bee Book and there are 2 Runner-Up prizes.   Congratulations to our May Prize Winners – Dee from Hampshire, Amelia from London and Joan from East Sussex.

Happy Sewing

Susan

9 June, 2013


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I was lucky enough to meet up with the lovely Anna from Superstitchers the other day and was so impressed by her newly launched range of Childrens Sewing Kits  - we are now going to stock some of the range at Sewbox.

Molly Mushroom keyring

Anna is a textile design and craft teacher and has personally developed each of the kits.  I asked Anna all about the kits and these are her responses.  Firstly, why she felt sewing it such an important skill for children to learn.

“sewing helps children become creative thinkers, it’s educational, it’s good for hand/eye co-ordination, fine motor skills develop through the use of the hands and it builds self esteem.”

Dilly Dog

What made you decide to set up Superstitchers … “More and more parents were asking me to put together kits they could give as birthday presents.”

And the kits are used at birthday parties?  – Yes, many parents buy a collection of kits and now host their own children’s sewing parties. The kit doubles up as the party leaving present and is proving really popular as well as very cost effective – every parents delight!

What are your plans for developing the range     “I have lots of ideas and test them all out in my after school clubs with children aged 4 – 11. I am currently working on a chambray tote bag with Liberty fabric applique’ shapes for the more advanced Superstitcher.  A larger sized cosmetic purse is about to go on sale too.  In the hand sewing range two new brooch kits are being developed  – one kit is layered felt made by needle felting.”

Superstitcher parties & workshops!

A sewing machine range, why?  “Children naturally progress and often from the age of 8 ask for a sewing machine.  However, commercial patterns are very difficult to follow and many parents now cannot sew or understand the pattern jargon. I saw a gap in the market and the need for simple kits that can be machined. The kits are a stepping stone for a child to want to learn and understand more about machining.  It’s a natural progression.”

Are the kits suitable for teenagers? “Definitely – Superstitchers kits have been designed to be challenging enough to keep children of all ages engaged in the activity and also want to learn more.  Every kit can be made more difficult by choosing harder stitches that are free to download from www.superstitchers.co.uk”

Make-up bag

Why pre cut kits?  “I decided to pre cut every Superstitchers kit for a number of reasons.  Many households do not have fabric scissors; time is very precious and often short; parental involvement cutting out pattern pieces, pinning them onto the fabrics accurately, and then cutting out, can be too much for some.  Having everything ready to sew, the child can identify the pieces and start stitching almost straightaway.”

Whats the QR code for?  “Every box has a special code on it which when zapped with a smartphone takes the viewer into a video and shows the kits actually being used by children aged 5 – 9. Lots of tips – splitting thread, tying a knot and some stitches as well as how much thread to use – are shown.”

Thanks Anna – and all the best with Superstitchers.  Brilliant idea re the Children’s parties and the QR code …. really cooooooool!  I know these kits are really going to take off and am so pleased that Sewbox is an early stockist.

Enjoy your Super stitching …

Susan

21 May, 2013

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Liberty Tana Lawn fabrics .. range increased …..

Have just unpacked the new delivery of luscious Liberty lawns ….. greens and aquas – Betsy and Capel

Betsy

Capel

reds to pink – Wiltshire, Rock and Roll Rachel, Meg’s Garden and Sarah’s Secret Garden

Wiltshire

Rock and Roll Rachel

Meg's Garden

Sarah's Secret Garden

darker tones – Tomary and Helena’s Party

Tomary

Helena's Party

and ditsy … Rosy

Rosy

100% cotton tana lawn – 135cm wide – priced from £13.95 to £16.95/M

View the whole range of Liberty Fabrics on the Sewbox Site … be inspired … and get sewing!!

Free Gift and Prize Draw in May ….

We have continued the Free Gift offer and Prize Draw on from April and all Sewbox orders placed in May will receive a Free Gift for your Sewing Box/Stash PLUS will automatically be entered into the Free May Prize Draw.  1st Prize is – the Great British Sewing Bee Book and there are 2 Runner-Up prizes.   Congratulations to our April Prize Winners – Sonia, Yvonne & Corinna.

Enjoy your Sewing

Susan

12 May, 2012

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New Sewing patterns at Sewbox …

by Susan on April 14, 2013

Lots of new Sewing patterns added to Sewbox stock this week ….

Hot Patterns Deco Vibe Shadow Woven T-shirt & Tunic and Hot Patterns Wong Singh-Jones Maharajah Jacket

We are delighted to be stocking the 1st offering from Cake in Australia – the Tiramisu Knit Dress

Cake Tiramisu pattern

This beautiful summers dress from Papercut in New Zealand

Papercut Midsummers’ Night Dream Dress/Cami
Plus 2 new fab numbers from Eliza M … Lucy Loo is a dress, skirt and top so very versatile

Lucy Loo Peplum Wiggle Dress

Eliz M Marilyn Halter Dress – ideal for the summer and holidays
Lots of Sewing patterns for men as well ….

Hot Patterns have their Mr H.P. range with 3 patterns for men so far.

There is a huge selection of patterns for men and boys in the Kwik Sew range

Free Gift and Prize Draw in April ….

All Sewbox orders placed in April will receive a Free Gift for your Sewing Box/Stash PLUS will automatically be entered into the Free April Prize Draw.  1st Prize is – the Great British Sewing Bee Book and there are 2 Runner-Up prizes of Gutermann threads.

Enjoy your Sewing

Susan


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Start Sewing with Sewbox …

by Susan on April 3, 2013

The Great British Sewing Bee ….. Get Started

I hope you enjoyed the 1st of the 4 sewing programmes last night as much as I did. Even my 21 year old son really enjoyed it and was glued to the TV!  Our household was rooting for Tilly (tillyandthe buttons.com) well known sewing enthusiast and blogger, who has done so much to promote and inspire already. The 8 contestants are so diverse and a brilliant mix, showing that sewing is a real leveller, can span an age range of more than 80 years+ and  be enjoyed by anyone from any walk of life and any level of experience.  We all know that sewing and crafting have had a huge revival … and hopefully this media coverage will encourange and empower more and more to get started.

A good Beginner A-line skirt skirt pattern to get started on could be the Colette Ginger Skirt?

Colette Ginger Skirt

Just in case you missed it – BBC2 TV 8pm for the next 3 Tuesdays. A really worthwhile watch – a pressurised competition that is informative and amusing with easy to sew Projects instruction.  Good luck Tilly – keep going!

New Liberty Lawns being added  …

Lodden

Liberty Tana Lawn – Lodden in green – £16.95/M   135cm wide

Dorothy Watton

Liberty Tana Lawn – Dorothy Watton in purple/mauve – £13.95/M  135cm wide

Free gift with every order throughout April  …

Every order placed with Sewbox is sent out with a free ’sewing related’ gift – at the moment it is a Quick Unpick and will be changing soon to 1M lengths of ribbon.

Happy Sewing and enjoy The Great British Sewing Bee …

Susan

3 April, 2013

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What’s new at Sewbox for Easter ….

March 26, 2013

New Colette Laurel Dress pattern in stock …

Looking for a stash-buster that will work with a wide range of fabrics and nearly any print? This chic and simple shift dress is easy to sew, astoundingly versatile, and comfortable to wear year-round. £12.50 (Beginner)
New Sewaholic Robson Coat is here …

£12.95 (Advanced)
New Cake [...]

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New Sewaholic Robson Coat + Country Living Fair

March 16, 2013

New Sewaholic pattern – the Robson Coat….

Tasia launched her newest pattern yesterday… the Robson Coat!

In Tasia’s words “Every woman needs a classic trench coat. Even better if it’s in a fabulous colour with shiny gold buttons!”

She continues “Rounded edges at the collar, flaps and pocket welts are feminine and retro-inspired, for a [...]

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New Liberty Tana Lawns at Sewbox ….

February 8, 2013

New Liberty Tana Lawns in stock at Sewbox …..
Special Price of £12.95/M 135cm wide – from ditsy to larger prints – just being loaded onto system.

New Liberty Tana Lawns

Liberty Lifestyle – Bloomsbury Collection and New Stile collection
60 plus in stock – £14/M or £3.50 FQ  100% cotton

Thank you all for keeping [...]

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By Hand London – new patterns at Sewbox + give-aways …

January 27, 2013

By Hand London patterns – Charlotte Skirt and Elisalex Dress in stock …..
By Hand London is an independent sewing pattern label for women who love to dress up, stand out and customise their own wardrobe. The designs themselves are an up-to-date take on classic silhouettes and so act as [...]

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