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Beautiful Things HQ

Sewing and Craft Classes in Brentwood, Essex

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So you want to:

So you want to learn to sew
So you want to learn to crochet
So you want to learn to knit
So you want to learn to make your own clothes
So you want to learn a new craft

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We are OPEN classes continue as normal for the for

We are OPEN classes continue as normal for the foreseeable future.

Should Essex be placed into the Very High tier we will make further announcements.

Until then please enjoy your classes as normal but please bring a suitable face covering.

There's a new video over on our YouTube channel fo

There's a new video over on our YouTube channel for all you fabric lovers.

Do go and check it out.

#sewing #dressmaker #learntosew #fabrichaul #utrechtlapjesmarkt #utrechtfabricmarket #fabricshopping #netherlandsfabric

Another fabulous day at BTHQ led by the fabulous @

Another fabulous day at BTHQ led by the fabulous @thehouseoflangford thanks fir another great class Maddy.

With Halloween fast approaching, I was reminded of

With Halloween fast approaching, I was reminded of this time 6 years ago when my son asked for a ‘Stampy’ costume.

What / who on earth is Stampy I hear you ask? Some of you parents with kids from the YouTube generation may know who I mean!

My son was a BIG Minecraft fan. He loved one particular YouTuber called Stampy Cat.

Anyway, Stampy’s Minecraft character was a bright yellow, blocky little guy.

So when my son came to me and asked me to recreate this weird little dude for him, I didn’t hesitate.

Before attempting any costume, remember that you do not have to sew everything from scratch.

Start with a body covering of some sort. In this case, a yellow tracksuit.

Then I added a big circle of fur onto the tummy and sewed some little scalloped bits onto the wrists to look like little paws...they just kind of hung over the front of his hand.

So the body was quite easy and then came the head!

I used a photocopier paper box...as you do!

We put it on his head, worked out where his eyes were and cut some holes. Then I added a cutaway at the sides to sit over his shoulders.

Next, I turned it into a Minecraft block by cutting out LOTS of felt squares in different shades of yellow and sticking all over the box, to give a brick effect.

Voila! A simple design...just a tracksuit and a photocopier paper box!

The best bit by far is that we have such fond memories of making it together.

He still loves it now (although it no longer fits of course)!

We also have funny memories of going out trick or treating when absolutely nobody knew who he was!!

But he loved it and he still remembers that now.

If you are planning to make a Halloween costume this year, remember that it is not just about how good they are. It is about the memories you are creating.

It is about the look of excitement in their eyes when they see that you have made them something amazing!

If you are stuck for ideas or are terrified of the brief you’ve been given by your child, comment below and I will share my ideas with you.

Seeing the huge resurgence in sewing and crafting

Seeing the huge resurgence in sewing and crafting in 2020 has been amazing.

People have taken the opportunity that lockdown and semi-lockdown has given us to dust off their machines and start making again. It's wonderful to witness!

I have seen real growth in my wonderful online communities and I feel incredibly lucky to have them.

I have also noticed that the online products and services that we offer at BTHQ have given people the chance to stay connected in a different ways.

You are able to take your time working through my tutorials, learning to make the projects and then share your experiences within our facebook groups.

Whether that's the free group or the paid for Sewing Club ... the support is there and everyone is very active!

So we are all adjusting.

Adjusting to these different times, where we can't connect as much in person ... but we can build upon the online connections and still get that community feel by being part of groups of likeminded, friendly folk!

Have you found any new communities this year?

Ones that you may not have sought or found without the trials and tribulations of 2020.

Tell me about them in the comments below…

And if you are interested in joining our free community please look up BTHQ on Facebook or find the link in our bio.

This morning @artyfartymack made this cute little

This morning @artyfartymack made this cute little flower.

It's a sample for a FREE zoom class we are running on Sunday.

It's an exclusive event for our Sew Beautiful Things Sewing Club members.

If you are already signed up, you will find all the details on our VIP facebook group.

If you are not signed up then doors are now open for the January term.

Full details in the links on our bio.

While Claire was off on her travels to the Netherl

While Claire was off on her travels to the Netherlands we welcomed @thehouseoflangford in to teach her 'Sew many skills' cushion class.

This one has proved so popular we have another fully booked session this Saturday too!

Is it a class you'd like to see run in 2021?

Maybe it's one we could release as an online course for you? (We'd have to chat to Maddy and work out how that might work) but let us know if you'd be interested.

Don't miss out on our half price sale on the fabul

Don't miss out on our half price sale on the fabulous Beginners Sewing 101 online course!!⁠
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Do you want to learn the key skills needed to start your sewing journey?⁠
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Maybe you've had your machine for a while and it's gathering dust!⁠
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Bring it out of retirement and get going!⁠
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You get access to 3 lovely projects with easy to follow tutorials ... perfect!⁠
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Don't stay on the fence! Spend 5 minutes clicking the link in the bio before time runs out!⁠
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