by Leah Taylor on August 30, 2010
We now have a gorgeous range of Alexander Henry’s new cotton lawns in the shop. I’ve been a huge fan of Alexander Henry for ages, but until now they’ve catered solely for the quilting market. This is the first time that they’ve produced a dressmaking fabric, and ladies (and gents) it’s been worth the wait!
Alexander Henry's Fulham Road collection of cotton lawns
The Alexander Henry Fulham Road cotton lawn collection is totally gorgeous, and the fabric quality is top notch – fabric afficionado True Up’s assessment of it is that it is “equal to or surpassing the quality of Liberty“. All the designs are painted by Alexander Henry’s in-house designers and then screen-printed on to 100% pure cotton lawn with 100 threads per square inch.
The luxurious cotton lawn is so silky soft and, being designed for dressmaking, it drapes really beautifully. I have asked the manufacturers to confirm the gsm weight of the fabric, but in general terms, it’s a light to medium weight – heavier than Anna Maria Horner’s cotton voile.
The bohemian-inspired prints include peacocks, feathers, butterflies and trees that would look amazing sewn up as a silky scarf… blousey top… flowing long skirt… stunning party dress… the possibilities are endless.
These are available now at Sewbox.
by Leah Taylor on August 27, 2010
When cutting fabric for customers it is really important to me that it is cut straight, so that the customer gets the full yardage they paid for, on both ends.
I keep changing my mind as to whether it is best to cut fabric with scissors; or to snip and tear?
The pros of cutting with scissors is that the line is neat. The disadvantage, however, is that it is very difficult to cut in a completely straight line! As a result I almost always cut a spare 5-10cm minimum, to allow for a curving line.
The pros of snipping and tearing fabric is that the line will be neat and across the grain. However, I always wonder if some customers might have a problem with this technique, as the finish doesn’t look as neat, and on some fabrics e.g. jerseys it causes the edge of the fabric to roll.
What do you prefer when you buy fabric? To have been cut by scissors, or by tearing? Does it depend on the type of fabric e.g. cotton / jerseys?
Your feedback will be much appreciated – thank you!
by Leah Taylor on August 27, 2010
I first discovered Gertie’s New Blog for Better Sewing months ago when I was setting up my shop, but haven’t been able to follow any blogs really since the birth of my baby four months ago. So it was a real pleasure to rediscover this blog and to see that Gertie is hosting a Sew-Along of the Colette Patterns Lady Grey Coat Pattern.
Colette Patterns Lady Grey Coat
Since the news of her Sew-Along, the Lady Grey coat pattern has been selling like hotcakes and is now sold out in many UK online retailers. But have no fear – due to some very lucky timing on my part, my new shipment has just arrived and we have plenty of Lady Grey coat patterns in stock in the UK – so snap yours up while you can!
And you can follow the Sew-Along on Gertie’s blog here. I am going to try to take part, small babies allowing. How about you?
by Leah Taylor on August 26, 2010
I am having a wonderful week immersed in fabric. My first Liberty shipment arrived yesterday! I cannot wait any longer to share it with you, so here’s a sneak peak at what’s in store…
Liberty cotton poplin
Liberty Cotton Poplin
Liberty satins, crepes and chiffon - all silk, of course
And as if that isn’t enough, I also have the new Alexander Henry cotton lawns coming in…
Alexander Henry Cotton Lawns
… as well as some organic jerseys that will be arriving tomorrow. And there’s also some Liberty jerseys but I haven’t even unwrapped them yet.
The official launch of the new fabric ranges will be the first week of September. My newsletter subscribers will be the first to hear about the launch, along with a fantastic introductory offer, so if you haven’t already, subscribe today 
by Leah Taylor on August 22, 2010
I hope everyone is having a lovely weekend. Unfortunately I didn’t get to do the draw on Friday afternoon, but here are the results, slightly belatedly!
Thanks to everyone who entered- we had 49 entries overall.
I picked the winners using the following method: there were 49 entries in total, with 27 on the blog, 6 on Facebook, and 16 on Twitter. I then assigned a number from 1-49 to each entry, and used this random number generator to pick two winners. The winning entries were numbered 17 and 32.
So we have two winners….:
- Sarah W, who entered a comment on the blog “Please please enter me – I would love the opportunity to make something for my beeeeeautiful little girl!!!
I haven’t made anything yet to upload onto flickr so this is my only chance! 
xxxx” wins the Sewing for Baby book by Kwik Sew
- Ruth B, who left a comment on Facebook “Fab site, not ordered anything yet toooooo much to choose from:-)” wins the bundle of three baby sewing patterns from Kwik Sew
Congratulations Sarah and Ruth! Please send me an email using the contact form on the website so that I have your address to send your prize out to.
by Leah Taylor on August 17, 2010
I’m getting ready for the big fabric launch in early September, when I’ll be unveiling my gorgeous new collection of Liberty fabrics, organic jerseys, and Alexander Henry dressmaking cotton lawns, amongst others. I’ve updated this little Sewbox button:
If you like us and want to share the Sewbox love, you can add the button to your own website or blog!
To do so just add this code-
<a href="http://www.sewbox.co.uk" target="_blank" style="text-decoration: none;"><img src="http://www.sewbox.co.uk/blog/sewbox-ad.jpg" /></a>
If you do add it, thank you very much!
