Bluprint Class Review: Couture Dressmaking Techniques and Couture Finishing Techniques

First up...I used these classes through Craftsy. It's now been taken over by Bluprint. Everything is still available, it's just under a different name. I have only dipped into the new platform but it seems to work the same...
So many people have recommended Craftsy for online classes that when they were on sale last, I had to have a go! I signed up for two classes by Alison Smith; Couture Dressmaking Techniques and Couture Finishing Techniques. I figured it was time I tried to improve what I was making, and was interested in the kinds of techniques that I could use to achieve a really professional finish to my handmade garments. If you are also thinking about spending more time on the quality of your makes, read on to find out more about these classes - I definitely recommend giving them a go.

How to get the most out of the Knitting and Stitching Show...plus free tickets!

Seeing as I have 5 pairs of tickets to giveaway for this year's Spring Knitting and Stitching Show in Olympia, I thought I would share with you my best tips on how to make the most out of your visit. I'm sure plenty of you will have your own advice as well so please do leave a comment...I'm sure there's plenty I'll have missed because there's so much going on! Details on the giveaway and how to get discounted tickets are right below....

Joji Locatelli Jujuy shawl in Eden Cottage Yarns

As many of  you will have noticed I have recently expanded my making and crafting addiction to include knitting. I have tried out a kitting kit from We Are Knitters as well as a Craftsy class on how to knit socks. Over the summer I decided to try my hand at a pattern all on my own. I chose a shawl because I figured that if it didn't fit or my gauge was off it wouldn't be the end of the world! Obviously I'm really proud of my first shawl...but boy did it take time! If you are also taking up knitting and thinking of your next project, have a read on to see how it was for me. If you are experienced, you can read this and probably chuckle at my rookie errors....

Most worn - Longline Seamwork Astoria sweaters

In 2017 and 2018 I tried a lot of different patterns and really expanded my wardrobe with lots of different types of garments. I really enjoyed developing my skills and exploring different types of patterns that I might not have tried. For 2019, I'm not looking to take part in another challenge, but am looking to make more of the types of garments that I wear most often. I'm looking for clothes that are comfortable and that might also be able to do double duty, at home and at work, for maximum wear....starting off with the Seamwork Astoria.

Tilly and the Buttons Francoise dress with collar and cuffs

It feels like a lifetime ago that I made my first ever dress using the Francoise pattern from Tilly and the Buttons, but when I was faced with a sizeable remnant of suiting fabric, this immediately sprung to mind. The Francoise dress has a classic sixties shape and is quite a simple pattern to put together, and paired with this collar and cuffs it is perfect for work. 

Cuff down socks for a beginner knitter

After my first pair of socks, worked toe up, I decided that my next pair should be cuff down to compare methods and see which I preferred. This pair uses methods from a number of sources and worked out pretty well... to a point that I think that I prefer cuff down to toe up actually!