What a week! We are so pleased to see the return of the Great British Sewing Bee. During the opening sequence, it looked like there was going to be some major competition with what looked like some lovely garments. (Did you see that stunning red jacket)? We thought that during this season we would write a weekly blog during the show and share our tips and patterns with you. Let's start with the shell top that was made as project 1 Claire loves a simple shell top, it's something ... continue reading...
Pom Pom Puddings
You have likely found this post after watching my YouTube tutorial to make pom pom puddings If you are looking for the PDF instructions and templates you can download them here: Pom Pom puddings If you'd like to find out when I upload new tutorials to this blog, videos to my YouTube and share my top tips then please make sure you sign up to my mailing list to be notified of all the exciting free content that's available. There is a nice big box to the right of the screen that you can ... continue reading...
Small simple sewing projects
Looking to make some super simple sewing projects? Making for Christmas or for a craft fair or stall? I've put together all of my projects both FREE and PAID FOR into one big list so you can easily access the items you want to make. FREE PROJECTS Teabag holder Hair scrunchies Scissor keeper Needlebook Patchwork pin cushion Baby blanket Tissue pouch Pattern weights Poundland tote bag - cushion All my YouTube tutorials can be found in 1 handy playlist ... continue reading...
How to cut fabric accurately
This video forms part of our course, Learn to sew from scratch - Beginners Sewing 101 We thought it was a useful video to share with the world, so have now made it free to view. If you like what you see and fancy trying our beginners course then it is currently on sale during the Coronavirus pandemic lockdown. Cutting Out from Claire Mackaness on Vimeo. ... continue reading...
Beautiful Things Loo Roll Challenge
This weeks kids craft is a little bit different. A 'LOO ROLL' CHALLENGE!!! Watch the live stream below and then scroll down for more details Rules: There are 2 categories Kids & Adults Create something fun and amazing from loo rolls You must share your FINISHED MAKE on social media and tag Beautiful Things on either Instagram or facebook by midnight on Sunday 17th May for it to be entered Only loo rolls can be used in the creation of your project, no kitchen paper ... continue reading...
All the stash busting sewing tutorials in 1 place!
Those of you who have followed Beautiful Things for some time will know I have a YouTube channel where I post a weekly behind the scenes vlog of my working life as well as lots of craft tutorials and videos. On that channel is a playlist of all of my tutorials. You can find it HERE But I thought I'd go through it with a fine-tooth comb and post some of the sewing ones that you can do while you are in isolation with little to no materials. If you are a crafter you've doubtless got a good ... continue reading...
FREE online craft classes for kids during the school closure
Hi, I'm Claire Mackaness, owner of Craft Classes @ Beautiful Things. I would like to invite you to join me for some craft classes with your children. These classes came about as a way of home educating my own children during the current school closure caused by the Covid-19 Pandemic. All parents are having to join forces to try and offer their children a varied schedule of work that allows them to continue to be educated whilst trying to maintain jobs and family life. It's going ... continue reading...
Spring themed Cricut project
Here are the details for the Spring themed embroidery frame I made recently on my Facebook Live (Video will be uploaded here after the event) You will need the following materials Cricut Maker Machine (All other models will not cut bonded fabric) Fabric (Ideally 100% Quilting cotton) - The spring fabric used is linked HERE Steam-A-Seam or Heat n Bond An embroidery hoop HTV You will need to download the PNG Files Here by right-clicking the image and saving to your ... continue reading...
Pimp up your tote sewing tutorial – Zip pouch and handle switch out
Take a plain tote and pimp it up with the addition of a zipper pouch and a handle switch. Sew up a pouch and add it to the front or inside of your bag and replace the handles with something funky. Watch the YouTube video below for full instruction or scroll down further for written details and sizes. Here's how: Cutting guide - 14" x 10" Pouch outer (cut 1) | 14" x 10" Pouch lining (cut 1) | 26" x 5" Handles (cut 2) | 12" zipper (minimum) Place outer and lining right ... continue reading...
How to make a vinyl or faux leather scissor keeper
These sweet little scissor keepers are really quick and simple to make. You will need to download your Scissor keeper (vinyl) PDF (this is different from our fabric scissor keeper PDF) and gather together some basic materials before you start. You will need: Small piece of vinyl or faux leather Small piece of felt KAM snap or press studs Co-ordinating thread for your sewing machine Instructions: Print out your Scissor keeper PDF (print at 100% or actual size) Cut ... continue reading...
How to sew your own simple needle book
These sweet little needlebooks make a great addition to your needlework bag. Use them to keep your sewing needles, pins and darning needles safe and sound. They are a great little scrap buster and make ideal presents or craft fair sellers. You can watch a video tutorial on our YouTube channel. You will need 2 rectangles of fabric measuring 7.5" wide x 5.5" tall. One for your outer and another for the lining. (These can be different patterns). Cut 1 piece of fusible ... continue reading...
How to make a scissor keeper – SEWING TUTORIAL & PATTERN
These sweet little scissor keepers are really quick and simple to make. You will need to download your Scissor keeper PDF and gather together some basic materials before you start. You will need: Wadding and 505 spray or fusible fleece Quilting cotton in 2 patterns (1 for outer and 1 for lining) KAM snap or press studs Co-ordinating thread for your sewing machine Instructions: Print out your Scissor keeper PDF (print at 100% or actual size) Cut out your paper ... continue reading...
