June’s MIY Maker (& MIY Makers is a Year Old!!)

Well it was a pretty strong win this month for Tracy’s bee print Brighton Skirt from my last book “A Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts”.

Tracy has chosen her next MIY Collection pattern which is buzzing it’s way through the post to her.

And can you believe it’s already been a year of MIY Makers – here they all are! A strong showing from Brightside Shrugs and Fulwood Dresses.

If you want to win your next MIY Collection pattern for free and want to enter your next make (or a previous one) into July’s MIY Maker challenge, all the details are here. I’m looking forward to seeing your makes!!

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Vote For June’s MIY Maker

It crept up on me this month – where on earth did June go??!! Here are your four wonderfully summery choices for June’s MIY Maker. Whose make gets your vote?

Clockwise from top left:

• Sarahrose’s mini shift dress from my first book “The Beginner’s Guide to Dressmaking”
• Yaarit’s gathered waist MIY Collection Fulwood dress
• a MIY Collection Walkley vest by @ethelsimages on Instagram
• Tracy’s Brighton button-through skirt from my second book “A Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts”.

So, another crop of fabulous makes all worthy of being this month’s MIY Maker and wining their next MIY Collection pattern for free. Who do you think should win?

Leave a comment with your choice.  I’ll announce the winner on Monday. Voting is also open on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Full details on how you can enter your make for July’s MIY Maker are here.

Vote for May’s MIY Maker

Me Made May meant stiff competition for this month’s MIY Maker as sooo many great makes were shared over on Instagram, but I whittled it down to these 4. Who will get your vote?

Clockwise from top left:

• Crystal’s t-shirt from my first book “The Beginner’s Guide to Dressmaking”
• Lyndsey’s MIY Collection Longley cardi
• Another t-shirt by Claire from “The Beginner’s Guide to Dressmaking”
• Nicola’s Rusholme A-line skirt from my second book “A Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts”.

So, have your say, which of these gorgeous garments do you think deserves to be this month’s MIY Maker and win their next MIY Collection pattern for free?

Leave a comment with your favourite and I’ll announce the winner on Tuesday morning (6th June). Voting is also open on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.

Make a Roewood Jersey Skirt in Sheffield

Up North and want to take a class with me? Good news! There are still places available at my one day workshop at Running with Scissors on Sunday 4th June.

We’ll be making the Roewood jersey pencil skirt from my book “A Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts”, ideal for newbie dressmakers and those fearful of sewing knits as I’ll be showing you how to sew stretch knit fabrics using just your regular sewing machine.

There are several ways to make this skirt so you’ll end up with a finished skirt completely unique to your own style to take away at the end of the day and a signed copy of my book to make more skirts.

Full details and booking info here.  Look forward to seeing you fellow Northerners!!

A Review of the Roehampton Culottes from Beginner’s Guide to Skirts

Aimee (aka Wrong Doll on her blog and Instagram) is a prolific stitcher, I don’t know how she manages it alongside a full-time job!

She recently made the Roehampton Culottes from my book “A Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts” and I instantly wanted to steal them!  They’re so my style; Aimee’s chosen the kind of fabric I’d have gone for and wears them pretty much how I would choose to.

Her review of the culottes project and the whole book makes heart warming reading for me but here are some choice words:

“Wendy’s book is split in two – the individual projects, followed by a techniques section at the end. This format empowers you to get into the driving seat and customise each pattern according to your whim.”

“Thanks to the mode of presentation and clarity of instruction, these Roehampton culottes are by far my most well made make to date.”

It’s so satisfying to know that I’ve played a small part in improving someone’s sewing skills like this. That’s what it’s all about folks.

Read Aimee’s full review here and get a signed copy of my book here.

New Class!!! Make a Wrap Skirt

All images taken from “A Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts and © Cico books / Julian Ward Photography.

Join me for a day of dressmaking this summer. You will make the easy Granville wrap skirt from my latest book “A Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts”.

This class is ideal for beginners and there are lots of different ways to make the wrap skirt; with ties or buttons, with pockets and even a reversible version so you can really make it to suit your own style. It’s quick, easy and a gorgeous flattering skirt that’s perfect for summer.

You’ll learn how to sew accurate seams, my favourite method for neat hems, how to sew darts, how to attach a facing or lining and how to make and attach a pocket (if you choose that option!).

By the end of the day you’ll feel confident using a sewing machine and leave with a unique-to-you handmade skirt, ready for wearing all summer.

Some materials will be provided, a full list of materials needed will be sent when you book your place.

• Suitable for absolute beginners.                                                                                            
• Class size limited to just 5 people.
• £95

To book your place email Wendy on miyworkshop@gmail.com or ring 01273 693451

Signed Books Available Again!

Good news, you can pre-order signed copies of both of my books again right now!

I have only ordered limited numbers, so when they’re gone they’re gone. Make sure you don’t miss out and pre-order yours now.

Payment will be processed at time of order and books will be dispatched week commencing 15th May.

Get your copies of Beginner’s Guide to Dressmaking here and Beginner’s Guide to Making Skirts here.