Sewing

Sewing has really taken off recently and there are a number of reasons for this from television shows through to the economic climate. Next year Calico Laine celebrates it's 40th birthday and we have seen many things over years come and go but sewing and dressmaking always remains a very popular hobby and pastime. Next year we have a number of...

Here, at Calico Laine we love nothing more than seeing what gorgeous creations our customers come up with. Over the years we have been awed and inspired by the wonderful (and yes, sometimes weird!) designs which have been showcased both on our website and our social media channels. We know that many of our customers, some with many years experience...

For someone making their first attempt at Sewing, using a zip in your dressmaking project can be a little daunting if you're not sure how to install it in your garment. In today's blog, I'll be walking you through a tutorial on how to sew a zip into your dressmaking project. What you'll need: A regular dress zip measuring your...

Whether you're Sewing that beautiful evening gown or a cool, billowing blouse for everyday wear, it's important to choose the right fabric to work with. Using a sheer fabric can completely change the look of a garment, or add a new dimension to one by acting as a floaty overlay. In today's blog, we'll be talking about the sheer fabrics...

Sewing is one of the oldest textile arts in the world and is used within a variety of industries, most notably fashion and footwear. Before the industrial revolution, sewing was still very much a skilled industry with many people working out of their own homes, offering their services as seamstresses and tailors. With the invention of the sewing machine by Thomas...

Haberdashery covers such a large and wide choice of different items. At Calico Laine we have amassed a great selection of haberdashery that will keep any dressmaker or sewer going. In my entry today I am going to cover some of my personal favourites from our extensive range of haberdashery. Bias Binding: This really is a must have item to...

Any dressmaker has that one item in their sewing kit that they can't work without - whether it's a stitch ripper or a needle threader, there's always one tool that makes a dressmaker's work that much easier. In today's blog, we'll be talking about some items that we think are essential to anyone's sewing projects. Needles - Obviously a big...

Sometimes, that item of clothing you've just finished making (or even one that you've bought!) needs a little something extra to give it that final sparkly touch; or maybe you have a bag that you think could use a little sprucing up before Christmas time this year. Here at Calico Laine, we offer many different types of diamante items that...

If you are a regular dressmaker or a keen sewer like me then you are bound to have favourite items that you like working with. In my entry today for Calico Laine I am going to talk through some of my favourite items! Dressmaking Scissors: I have to hide my scissors in my house and in the past people have...

Although it is one of the oldest textile arts, sewing is still one of the most loved pastimes there is and continues to grow in popularity from generation to generation. Whether you are a professional seamstress or somebody who enjoys sewing for purposes of rest and relaxation, every sewer needs a kit bursting with accessories to help you make the...