What is an overlocker/serger and what can they do?
Overlocker/sergers 101. Learn exactly what they're used for, how to easily thread them, what to do when it's not working and so much more!
Hello, I'm Sarah
I run The Sewing Retreat and here you'll find out more about ethical sewing, pattern cutting and everything related
Grab a cup of tea and come and join me
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- Apr 26
Sewing and pattern cutting terms, annotations and symbols
Discover a list of essential sewing and pattern cutting terms and learn exactly how to annotate your sewing patterns
- Feb 25
5 pro tips for creating perfectly fitting clothes - Part 3/3
It's so frustrating when you create something and it just doesn't quite fit but I'm here to help you create clothes that fit you perfectly!
- Feb 12
How to begin working with pattern blocks - The basics of pattern cutting - Part 2/3
Before you begin your pattern cutting journey, it's really important that you know the difference between pattern blocks and sewing patterns
- Jan 27
The one thing you need to know to upgrade your sewing game - Part 1/3
With just a basic understanding of pattern cutting, you can really transform your sewing projects and go from OK creations to dream garments
- Jan 12
What do you need to start designing your own sewing patterns?
This list shows you what you really need to start creating and pattern cutting your own sewing patterns
- Dec 1, 2020
4 fun and simple ethical Christmas sewing makes
It's time to get in the festive spirit and put your creative skills to use!
- Oct 12, 2020
How to design and make your own clothes - Sewing- Part 4/4
This is both the most exciting and most scary time in any project. You're excited to see your creation come alive but terrified to cut out y
- Oct 7, 2020
How to design and make your own clothes - Toiles- Part 3/4
You've pattern cut your design and now it's time to cut out your pattern pieces and create your top.
- Sep 20, 2020
How to design and make your own clothes - Pattern Cutting - Part 2/4
Pattern cutting is like writing a recipe for a cake (for me that's a chocolate cherry roulade at the moment!).
- Aug 21, 2020
How to design and start making your own clothes - Designing - Part 1/4
You don't have to be a designer to design your dream clothes.
- Jun 10, 2020
Natural fabric dyeing with avocados and bamboo silk
Naturally dye your own fabrics and trimmings with avocado using this step by step recipe guide
- Jun 9, 2020
Book review - Fashionopolis by Dana Thomas - An insight into the fashion industry
A truly eye-opening, up to date, read on the impact the fashion and textile industry is having on our world and our people
- Jun 9, 2020
Book Review - Metric Pattern Cutting for Womenswear by Winifred Aldrich
A bible for anyone wanting to make their own sewing patterns and create better fitting garments.
- Jun 9, 2020
Book review - The Fashionary Womens A5 Sketchbook for quick and easy fashion design
The perfect sketchbook for drawing quick designs and practising fashion illustration.
- Jun 9, 2020
Book Review - The Pattern Magic book series by Tomoko Nakamichi
Inspired by nature and geometry, this Japanese series of Pattern Magic books offers us the chance to be more playful with pattern cutting