“To make a coat extra warm
and cosy, always look out for
a high wool content in
the fabric.”
by Closet Case, and I’m so pleased it will see me
through this winter as well. If you’d like your coat to
be extra warm and cosy, the key is to look at the wool
content of your fabric. Even if a material feels thinner
than others, it will still be really warm if it has a high
wool content. I like to aim for 70-80% wool myself,
or 100% if I can.
Of course, a higher natural fibre content is
likely to be more expensive but I honestly think
it’s worth the investment. If you fall in love with
a fabric that doesn’t have that much wool in it, you
could consider adding a layer of interlining for extra
warmth. This layer of insulating fabric goes between
your main outer fabric and lining one. I find it’s
easiest if you tack it to your main fabric pieces so
they become one, then continue to construct your
coat. Whatever you decide to make this month,
I hope you enjoy some quality sewing time!H
ere at Guthrie & Ghani HQ
we’re always thinking
several months ahead – so
despite Christmas still being
a little while away, we’ve beenfeeling merry here for a while. In the run-up to the
festive period, we always have lots of different
workshops, from needle-felting and making
ceramic decorations to free motion embroidery
and calligraphy. Of course, the workshop calendar
wouldn’t be complete without some fabric-related
projects too! This year, as well as the ever-popular
advent calendar class, we also have a winter garland
workshop, and one to make a children’s Christmas
storybook that uses a really lovely panel of fabric,
printed with pages of a story.
I always have the good intentions of getting
started early on my Christmas present
making list. In reality though, running the
business – and life in general – usually gets in the
way and I end up doing things last minute. My aim
this year is to be more realistic and choose a few
handmade gifts that I know I’ll be able to fit in,
especially if I get started early. I became an auntie
to my first nephew this year and, as I made his big
sister a quilt for her first Christmas, I plan on doing
the same for him too.
We recently had some lovely new metal teeth
zips come into the shop with different coloured
tapes including a gorgeous rose gold one! They will
be great for making nice make up bags or handbag
pouches for gifts. I reckon if I make quite a few at
the same time and set up a mini production line,
I’ll be able to get through them quicker.
I can’t wait to dress my daughter Sophia up
in some really cute festive clothes either. We
have had this gorgeous lightweight sweatshirting
fabric come into the shop, which has the cutest
polar bears in a wintery scene. I think it would look
great as a cosy romper suit or even just as a simple
long-sleeved top. I might have to make both for her
- luckily we have three different colours! One of my
go to-pattern companies for cute baby clothes is
Brindille & Twigg, where there is lots of choice.
If you are planning on sewing for yourself
at all, it’s worth investing in a new winter coat.
I made a lovely one last year using the Clare pattern
Lauren’s TOP TIPS
for getting organised
Be realistic about what you can make in
the time you have. This will help keep
you motivated!Book sewing time into your diary or
better still, arrange to do it with a friend!
I find that always makes it easier to stick
to the plan when there's lots to make.To keep your sewing area tidy,
give each item a specific place and
always be sure to put it back.Lauren Guthrie
Lauren
What Lauren’s
loving❤❤
FIND FABRIC, PATTERNS, HABERDASHERY AND MORE AT GUTHRIE-GHANI.CO.UK
EDGY TEE PDF PATTERN, FROM £5.80,
BRINDILLETWIG.COMCLARE COAT BY CLOSET CASE,
£14.90, GUTHRIE-GHANI.CO.UK35(^) sewmag.co.uk
“A skirt I recently made! For me,
neat topstitching is one of the most
satisfying things to sew.”
sew DRESSMAKING