Flo-Jo Boutique

Monday 27 June 2016

A Little Bit of Jersey.

One of the best things about the Sewing Bee is that you see people working out of their comfort zone. On the back of this I though it was about time that I started sewing more with stretch fabrics. With a shop full of beautiful print cottons it's easy to get stuck on what you know, but as we expand our stretch section it's time to challenge that.


This vibrant digital print was just the incentive I needed.

As a starting point I decided to copy a cute gypsy top I bought last year which, although I love, has always been a bit too short and shown too much tummy for my liking.


Don't be afraid of copying a pattern of a favourite piece of clothing. Just remember to start simple, get yourself some pattern paper, a tape measure and always add in a seam allowance. It is also a good idea to make a mock up, or toile, in some cheap fabric to check if you have got the pattern right, but of course I didn't do that!


Having made my pattern I started sewing. The side and raglan seams were sewn on the overlocker but could have just as easily been done on a normal sewing machine with a stretch stitch. The key tip when sewing jersey on a normal sewing machine is to change your needle. A stretch or ball point needle will ensure your stitches don't skip. 


Once I had made my casing for the elastic, I then had to do one of my least favourite jobs and thread the elastic through. Why have I never used a bodkin before? It made it so easy, no more wrong size safety pin getting stuck or caught. I can't recommend this tool enough for your sewing kit!


So there you have it....
One made to measure gypsy top, in vibrant tropical print and a new love of sewing with jersey.
Just need a bit of sunshine and summer now!





Sunday 19 June 2016

Great British Sewing Bee Inspired African Dress

I watched the Sewing Bee last week and loved International Week... my latest favourite.
The dressmaking challenge was to use Batik Cottons which are made in the Netherlands.  I thought these fabrics were made in Africa but it turns ourt they're made in the Netherlands. The Dutch copied the original designs from Java in the 19th century and were going to sell them in Indenisia but stopped of in West Africa on the way and ended up selling them there instead. The designs then were influenced by Africans more and more over years.
The weight of the fabric it lends itself to creating great sculptural shapes. The peplum is a popular shape that is used at the waist to enhance the hips or from the knee to create a fish tail. Traditional west African women make the most wonderful sculptural headresses with it.

Drawing inspiration from The Sewing Bee and then pictures of African dresses I decided to make a dress from two differnet patterns, the top half of the Colette Eclair pattern and the skirt of the New Look 6124. I used a navy and white print cotton with an orange viscose for the lining and sach/tie. I decided to add in straps which I made so they can be worn straight over the shoulder or crossed at the back.






Saturday 18 June 2016

Flo-Jo Tote bag kit

We get asked about kits for beginners and projects for a rainy afternoon quite often in the shop. Would you like to learn how to sew an applique and how to sew a bag? The Flo-Jo Tote Bag kit is great start!
The tote bag kit comes in three different motifs. Which one is your favourite pick?
Pineapple, Raincloud or Cherries?
With the kit you get all of the pieces to make one bag including denim for the bag, straps, your chosen applique and an inside pocket as well as instructions and a cutting pattern.
The kits are available in the shop or online for £18!
Cut back on plastic bags and learn the skills to make a stylish bag!
The pineapple bag is my favourite!

Friday 3 June 2016

Sewing Bee inspired Q & A

When the Great British Sewing Bee is in full swing we all get inspired to try something new.
The lovely people from Sew magazine choose us to ask about sewing lingerie after week 3 ...'Lingerie week'
We were happy to share some tips from our years of making.

Follow the link below to see what was said.

http://www.sewmag.co.uk/blog/tips-for-sewing-lingerie-by-flo-jo-boutique


About Me

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Bristol, United Kingdom
Flo-jo Boutique is the creative baby of Delia and Erika two seamstresses from Bristol specialising in lingerie and vintage styled garments. Designers of sewing kits and creators of sewing parties their shop in Bristol and online shop are home to a gorgeous range of quality fabrics and haberdahsery, craft kits, books and handmade gifts.