Showing posts with label #sewingrevolution. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #sewingrevolution. Show all posts

Tuesday, 27 June 2017

Book Review ~ Girl With a Sewing Machine By Jenniffer Taylor

Girl With A Sewing Machine by Jenniffer Taylor Book Review


I was so excited when I received Jenniffer's debut book, Girl With A Sewing Machine.  If you do not recognise the name let me tell you a little bit about Jenniffer....  Her sewing journey started with her wedding dress, yep she began with a small project?!?! This created a love affair with sewing and thanks to her hubby secretly applying she was a contestant on the Great British Sewing Bee. Now you can find her on the Sewing Quarter channel, teaching workshops and creating a #sewingrevolution! #CraftBlogClub has also had the privilege of her being a guest host and taking part in the upcycling challenge.

The cover says it's a no-fuss guide and that's what I love about this book the most, the get stuck in and sew!  Being a self taught seamstress there is no jargon with a no nonsense approach.

The book is great for beginners, it takes you through what essential kit you need and it goes through fabric terms and seam finishes, so lots of information to get you started.

Jenniffer is known for her upcyling, so there are lots of upcycling projects, craft projects and embellishment ideas to customise clothing.  These are fun projects for anyone looking for inspiration but if you don't feel confident in sewing these projects are a great way to dip your toe in and build up your skills before making garments.

When it comes to making clothes there are no patterns with the book instead Jenniffer shows you how to make clothes from scratch using the garments you already own and using your basic body measurements.  There are photos to show you exactly where to measure, which is helpful as not everyone knows where there true waist is. 


How to take accurate body measurements

There are some great projects that are different to what you'd see in most dressmaking books, so if you like Jenniffer's style you'll love these projects.  The whole book has easy step by step instructions with great photos and top tips throughout.

You will learn lots of different skills including construction techniques, drafting a pattern direct to fabric, machine and sewing techniques as well as changing necklines, sewing pockets, using garments to draft a pattern, altering patterns, basic fitting techniques and draping techniques. I think I've captured everything! 

I think it's a great book for beginners and anyone who is looking to improve their skills. By the end of this book you will have a greater understanding of garment construction which will unleash your creativity and the ability to create your own unique wardrobe.

Girl with a Sewing Machine is an Amazon #1 Best Seller check it out along with all the reviews over here 



I can't decide what to make first, maybe this top?....

summer top by Jenniffer Taylor

You can follow Jenniffer and her #Sewingrevolution....







Disclaimer: This book was kindly given to me by the publishers, Search Press, in exchange for a review.  I have not been paid for this review and all the views and opinions are my own.
The Amazon links in this post are affiliated.

Thursday, 4 August 2016

Upcycle project ~ squeaky dog toy....

My new puppy, Jenson, has inspired my latest crafty make for the latest #CraftBlogClub upcycling challenge.




The challenge was launched by Jenniffer Taylor of the #SewingRevolution and Sewing Bee fame and all we had to do was upcycle anything.  So using an old pair of jeans and fleece jumper I decided to make a squeaky dog toy.

What did I use....




  • Old pair of jeans. Denim should be hard wearing enough for my teething pup
  • Old fleece jumper for the chew ties
  • Matching thread
  • Polyester toy filler
  • Dog toy squeaker. I used Kong replacement squeakers which I bought from my local independent pet store but they are also available online.
  • This tutorial by Laura Griffin which includes a template.

It was a great opportunity to dust off my sewing machine.


Laura's instructions were easy to follow and it only took me a couple of hours to make.

The Finished Dog Toy!

I think it was a big hit with Jenson! As soon a I gave it to him he ran around with it and then hid under the dining room table to play, making sure no one could take it away from him! 




I enjoyed getting my sewing machine out again, I don't use it enough. I am now on the look out for my next sewing project.

Have you taken part in the challenge? Even if you haven't taken part in the challenge but have done an upcycling project I'd love to see it, please share your links below so I can check them out.





Disclaimer: The Amazon links in this post are affiliated

Tuesday, 7 June 2016

#CraftBlogClub challenge reveal....

In tonight's #CraftBlogClub chat Jenniffer Taylor, queen of the #sewingrevolution, launched an upcycle challenge!


Don't worry if you missed it you can still join in. This summer why not take part and complete an upcycle project of your choice? This could be turning a jumper into a hat, revamping a pair of jeans or turning that sad looking plant pot into fab crafty storage container.

Jenniffer will then join us again on Tuesday 2nd August as we all reveal our upcycle projects.

As with all #craftblogclub challenges please do tweet about your project using the hashtag #craftblogclub and then please do write a blog post revealing the final result. We really do love to read all about your challenge experiences.