The Sewing Club with Made Peachy and Vilene (Guest Appearances: Easy to Sew Cosmetic Purse and Some Cambridge Based Crafty B's)

Very recently I made a new space for my sewing machine in the hope that I would be more likely to play with it. It became apparent very quickly that I had lost my confidence with my machine and needed a bit of practice. What better place to get started then at the ICHF Sewing for Pleasure show at the NEC this month.

I was lucky enough to get myself a spot on a workshop with Laura of Made Peachy who hosted 'The Sewing Club' sponsored by Vilene. These were free of charge and participants had the chance to make things such as knotted headbands, belts, bibs and key fobs. Here is a post on Made Peachy in which Laura talks about theses items and preparing for the classes. Our workshop was all about making a cosmetic purse. Perfect, since I just bought myself a whole new load of make up and it is worthy of a new case!
The first notable things were the colour combinations of fabrics and zips next to the machines that were all set up and ready for us. They were absolutely beautiful. I sat down next to the brightest one I could see. (Note to self; must learn the art of colour and pattern combinations!) The next thing I noticed were the beautiful lace zips that we would be using. We had already been eyeballing these at Little Laura's Haberdashery and I was so excited to be shown how to use them properly. I'm ashamed to say that despite full intention of going back for a few, I completely forgot before I left on the Sunday. It's a good job they sell online. I also need to get hold of some of the backing fabric we used.

There was no pattern for us to follow during the class, just simple and easy step by step instructions from Laura. This was a really positive thing for me because one of the reasons I avoid actually getting onto my machine is because I am intimidated by complicated patterns. This project was SO simple I wouldn't even need a pattern to do it again! Thank goodness Laura has a website on which we can find more projects otherwise it would be cosmetic bags galore on the sewing machine for the foreseeable future.

The fabric was already prepped for us; cut and backed, but we were told how to do this and which Vilene products we could use to repeat the project at home. Laura also talks about Vilene products on her blog and how to use them. Then we got to sewing. Really really easy! Within a very short time we all had beautiful cosmetics purse and I had the confidence and knowledge to make the pencil case for Baby B that I keep promising him (it's on 'the list') with the fabric I bought…lets just say 'some time ago.'


This was a fab workshop to have taken part in and has given me back a bit of confidence with my machine (along with another workshop with Jennie Rayment). I have no doubt that the spectators (yes we were open to the viewing public! EEK!) were also inspired and there were lots of people picking up Laura's card. She will be inundated with new visitors to her blog (if there is room for more!) inspired by her creative talent and teaching skills.

Laura will be hosting 'The Sewing Club' with Vilene again this coming weekend in London, so if you're heading there too, go say hi and get yourself booked in to make something lovely! I feel that the workshops at the ICHF shows add something extra, giving people practical knowledge of the products they want to buy but don't know how to use as well as confidence in using them.

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