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Beautiful Things HQ

Sewing and Craft Classes in Brentwood, Essex

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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!

free sewing pattern

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

free sewing 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...

What sewing equipment do I really need?

Glass headed pins

When you first start any new hobby it can be really easy to feel totally daunted by the options available to you. Some people feel like they need to buy absolutely everything before they get started and others worry that they need lots of things, but have limited funds to get started. To help you make a decision on what to buy we have written the following guide of things that are 'Essential to have', 'Nice to have' and 'A treat to have' Most of these items are available to buy from ... continue reading...

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Saturday at 12.30 join Claire on oyr YouTube chann Saturday at 12.30 join Claire on oyr YouTube channel for a LIVE sewalong.

Learn how to make our super cute teabag wallet.
This can only mean one thing...... BTHQ live is c This can only mean one thing......

BTHQ live is coming back!!!

Starting soon, online, live sewing tutorials.

The best bit?........

They will be FREE!!

What would you like me to sew with you?
Today we start tidying up. Getting ready to re-ope Today we start tidying up. Getting ready to re-open just as soon as we can
March 1st. Our new online sewing course launches.. March 1st. Our new online sewing course launches.....

Draft your own Super Simple Skirt!

Make a pattern from just 2 simple measurements!

Then sew it together and add pockets if you wish!

Super comfy. Super YOU!

Available to pre-order now. Link in the bio and more details on stories
In light of todays announcements we are still a lo In light of todays announcements we are still a long way off from being able to resume normal activity at BTHQ.  I have to admit it is worrying and very concerning to me financially but I will do all I can to ensure that BTHQ remains standing for you to return this summer. 

Your support of our online learning offering and fabric shop has been amazing and I thank you all from the bottom of my heart for continuing to support me.

Until non - essential retail can re-open we will remain CLOSED and continue to offer a postal and click and collect service for supplies.

Hopefully on the 12th April we will open the shop again and you will be able to come inside and purchase.  This will be for reduced hours though.  It is simply not viable for me to open 5 days a week 9am - 5pm.  Until I have a guarantee of this date I will not be making any plans regarding hours etc.

Opening the shop does not allow me to be able to resume teaching.  This will sadly likely start in May or even June.

As you know BTHQ doesn't fall into any business category and for the entire year I have had to make up the rules as I go along!

It is my feeling that once we can mix in small groups indoors again in cafes etc then it will be safe for us to resume some form of classes.  Again I will be waiting until this time before making any plans and will not be taking any bookings or scheduling any classes until I know more.

At this point I would prefer to wait until the 21st June when hopefully full lockdown will be lifted.  Whilst I can potentially offer some sessions before this time it does need to be financially viable for me to do so.

In the meantime as the weather warms up I will be resuming BTHQ Alfresco as and when the weather plays ball and you will be welcome to meet outside for knit and natter or any lap based crafting with your friends. 

Please keep an eye on our social media for any updates and bear with me as I do my best to follow the somewhat wobbly 'roadmap' that has been given to me today.
Can you ever find the perfect skirt? Too long, too Can you ever find the perfect skirt? Too long, too short, too tight, too floaty.

No? Then make your own!

When I was younger, I always used to wear the shortest, tightest thing I could find, but as I've got older, I want and need to cover my knees and divert the attention away from my tummy!

Yes, I've found some skirts that are almost right. But I could never find the perfect one until I made my own!

I've just launched a brand new sewing course designed for all levels of sewist and for the next week you can pre-order it at a reduced price ahead of its release on the 1st March.

Find out more and pre-order your course on our website in the online sewing course section.
Look at this lush order I've just cut. I cannot wa Look at this lush order I've just cut. I cannot wait to see what it will become @elainessweetlife
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