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Category: Sewing

And So to Sew and Embroider, Week 8!

We’re up to bulletins 8a and 8b in the Needlework Development Scheme’s “And So To’ series already!

And Sew to Sew bulletin 8a

In “And So To Sew” bulletin 8a, poor Jamie learns how to choose garments that best suit her figure, instead of becoming a slave to fashions that don’t let her look her best. The leaflet covers style advice for all body types, how to care for 1950’s clothing, and common mending tips. Even if you don’t sew, it worth downloading for the illustrations!

Two fabric samplers, showing ways to manipulate check fabrics to create different looks.

“And So To Embroider” 8b is one of my favourites. It contains a pattern and instructions for making the sun bonnet on the cover, plus lots of information on manipulating fabrics to change the way they look. The photo above shows just two of the mini samplers from the leaflet, with others showing spotted and striped fabrics.

These techniques are then shown in two projects, an apron and a cushion.

As always, I have included video and photo tutorials for all of the techniques mentioned for my fellow visual learners.

If you’d like to see all of the vintage leaflets and books that I have available for download, check out the “Vintage Sewing and Embroidery Books” section, and sign up to be notified whenever I post more. (On the left on laptop, or under this post on tablet and mobile).

Sarah

Sew and Embroider a Vintage Look Sewing Kit

I’m very excited about this week’s “And So To” bulletins. Regular readers will know I’ve gone on a bit of a pincushion bender lately, and to be honest, it’s set to continue for a while yet 😉

Because of this slight (haha) obsession, “And So To Embroider” leaflet 7b is making me very happy.

And So To Embroider bulletin 7b

“And So To Embroider” leaflet 7b contains the full patterns and instructions for a work bag with exterior pocket, pincushions, scissors holder, and needle book. I’ve also included modern video tutorials for sewing tailor’s buttonhole stitch, and sewing those really cool scalloped edges that you can see on the work bag pocket.

“And So To Sew” bulletin 7 introduces us to sewing with wool (one of my favourite fabrics), a pattern and instructions for a girl’s jerking/tabard, and all of the techniques used to sew a simple pinafore dress from a commercial pattern.

And So To Sew leaflet 7a

Again, I have included modern videos or photo tutorials for every technique so these leaflets will be of use to as many people as possible. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have to go and raid the stash for some polka dot cotton…

Sarah

Vintage Accessories and New Embroidery Stitches with the NDS!

This week’s embroidery and sewing instructions feature full patterns for plaid hats and accessories in “And So To Sew” bulletin 6a

Leaflet 6a includes patterns and instructions for sewing two bags, two hats, a scarf and cuffs for your gloves.

Tartan hats, bags, scarf and cuffs from And So To Sew leaflet 6a
Sew these vintage style accessories with instructions from the NDS
And Sew to Embroider leaflet 6b
Learn 8 new embroidery stitches and add learn to add motifs and borders

“And So To Embroider” bulletin 6b teaches you eight new embroidery stitches, with ideas for placing motifs and borders on waistcoats and boleros.

As always, I have included video or photo tutorials for every stitch and technique used, because I wanted to make the techniques and patterns in these leaflets accessible to as many people as possible!

I hope you’re enjoying the Needlework Development Scheme leaflets. If you’d like news of new downloads and patterns, including embroidery, sewing, knitting and crochet, please sign up for updates (in the left hand menu on desktop, or underneath this article on mobile and tablet).

I have a fascinating little knitting pattern coming up this week, so keep an eye out!

Sarah