The Thrifty Stitchers little black

book of sewing supplies

Sewing machines
Please note I do not receive a commission from recommending this company. I have personally found them
to provide good service, and the machines are ones that have been personally checked out and that we would
recommend in good faith. These machines come with free sewing kits, and provide excellent value.

Sewing machines direct an online company based in Wrexham, who also have a shop in Neasden
Janome SMD500 99 a standard entry level machine, comes with a darning plate which is great if you
fancy trying out some free-hand embroidery.
http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/JanomeSMD500_info.htm
Janome SMD1000 149 comes with a few more feet than the 99 version, and this one has a 1 step
buttonhole, so its great value.
http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/JanomeSMD1000_info.htm
A machine at 199 great value comes with a hard case.
http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/JanomeSMD2000_info.htm
The machines we have at the school 259 comes with hard cover.
http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/Janome5018_info.htm
A great simple mechanical machine with reliable German engineering 229 pfaff hobby 1132.
http://www.sewingmachines.co.uk/pfaff1132_info.htm

Haberdashery and fabric suppliers

Central London haberdashers

Maculloch and Wallis an established shop off Oxford Street. http://www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk/

A soho shop specializing in interesting trimmings. http://www.kleins.co.uk/
John Lewis is a convenient London store.
http://www.johnlewis.com/Electricals/Sewing/Sewing/SubCategory.aspx
Dalston Mill haberdashery and cheap fabrics in Dalston. http://www.dalstonmillfabrics.co.uk/default.asp
William Gee well established haberdashers in Dalston very reasonable prices.
http://www.williamgee.co.uk/
VV Rouleaux the Rolls Royce of ribbons a little pricey!
http://www.vvrouleaux.com/products/index_retail.asp
Button Queen Just sells buttons, lots of them.
http://www.thebuttonqueen.co.uk
Traynors Haberdashers A wholesale haberdashers very cheap, retail spend must exceed 25. 0207 7910505

Online haberdashers
A great online store used this one regularly, good service.
http://www.jaycotts.co.uk/acatalog/Haberdashery.html
Lots of fab tools & haby plus great fabrics specialist in fat quarters. http://www.cottonpatch.co.uk/
A good online store used a couple of times. http://www.sewessential.co.uk/
A delicious website with great stuff. http://www.raystitch.co.uk

www.thethriftystitcher.co.uk

Fabric shops in London

The curtain factory outlet in Finchley north London offers a great selection of cheap fabrics.
http://www.curtainfactoryoutlet.co.uk/
IKEA (various locations) has some great designs for reasonable prices.
For super cheap fabrics head to the Costumiers favourite Shepherds Bush market/Goldhawk road. Loads of
fabric shops there including my favourite A1 fabrics.
Joel and Sons on Church Street carries exclusive dress fabrics, including great prints, silks, cottons, beautiful
devore velvets, and tailoring fabrics.
Liberty Famous for its iconic printed cottons and lawn fabrics.
Berwick Street in Soho London has a fantastic selection of fabric shops. Although they can be expensive
there are numerous shops there inc our favourite
The Cloth House has two shops, one that specializes in cottons and linens, and another one that stocks silks,
jerseys, wools, gorgeous prints and some very special and unusual fabrics.

Online fabric sites

Seamstar one of my favourites for unusual prints http://www.seamstar.co.uk/
Volkesfaden a great online European shop, quick service http://www.volksfaden.de/
Sew Box A great shop selling fabrics, patterns and haberdashery http://www.sewbox.co.uk/fabrics.html
Patch Fabrics great selection of quilting cottons and ribbon selection packs Free P & P with this code Tsca
(refund via paypal) http://www.patchfabrics.co.uk/
Backstitch a great site with lots of really great patterns and fabrics http://www.backstitch.co.uk/
Fabric Loft a beautiful site with lovely stock! http://thefabricloft.co.uk/
Dunhelm Mill cheap fabric, tools, curtains, flowers & cushion pads
http://www.dunelm-mill.com/shop/fabric-and-sewing/
Fabricland UK Cheap basics inc denim http://www.fabricland.co.uk
Good all round fabrics http://fabricsgalore.co.uk
Yummy fabrics! good service too http://www.fabricrehab.co.uk
Lots of great fabric here also sell American patterns and other lovely stuff http://www.eternalmaker.com
Fabulous American prints and quilting supplies including fat quarters I love this shop!
http://www.beyond-fabrics.com/index.html
Spoon flower design your own fabric and they print it. An US site, with good shipping
http://www.spoonflower.com/welcome
Fabric press an English company for designing your own fabric http://www.thefabricpress.com/

Miscellaneous and fun haby and knitting supplies

Etsy Global website selling handmade things
http://www.etsy.com/search/handmade?ref=auto&q=uk+-only
Folksy A smaller more local version of Etsy with lots of sewn crafts http://www.folksy.com/making
Josie Rose a stunning selection of unusual trimmings http://www.josyrose.com/
Spoilt rotten beads lots of yummy buttons in themed bags and beads http://www.spoiltrottenbeads.co.uk/
Very small crafty supplier buttons etc http://www.coriandr.com/
Cheap ribbon company http://www.fantasticribbons.co.uk/acatalog/index.html
Another great site for ribbons that I use regularly http://www.craftyribbons.com
Button company lots of great stuff and a great blog http://www.buttoncompany.co.uk/sort-by-product
Buttons trims, ribbons etc http://www.habbycraft.com/index.asp

www.thethriftystitcher.co.uk

Books I recommend or just love!

DIY Couture a brilliant series of instruction books explaining how to easily make great modern and
fashionable clothes, very inspired! http://www.diy-couture.co.uk/
Lotta Jansdottas simple sewing A really nice project book, with patterns included and clear instructions
http://amzn.to/vnpBu5
Lotta Jansdottas simple sewing for baby: 24 easy projects. A really great baby and toddler project book.
Easy clear instructions and great design http://amzn.to/rYlFRU
Making Childrens Clothes by Emma Hardy really nice projects http://amzn.to/vZUUwa
The Readers Digest Guide to Sewing an absolute classic, will cover any aspect of sewing you will ever need!
This is the link to the original book, there is a new updated version too http://amzn.to/uaV6yJ
Sew it up a fab clear how to guide http://amzn.to/vuOgnm
How to sew Has easy clear instructions and a cheap book http://amzn.to/s5U2Sd
The ultimate sewing bible clear instructions and a lovely layout http://amzn.to/t7YgDt
Chic and simple sewing by Christine Haynes a capsule wardrobe to make by season http://amzn.to/tPfuhv
Built by Wendy dresses by Wendy Mullin great book on making dresses http://amzn.to/rZVIqz
Sew what skirts by Francesca DenHartog a great little book full of skirts that dont require a pattern
http://amzn.to/rD4JWf
Sew Liberated A great project book with 20 projects to inspire you http://amzn.to/sIugGM
Growing up Sew Liberated A great project book for childrens clothes http://amzn.to/IVQemO
Zakka sewing 25 Japanese inspired sewing projects http://amzn.to/sA9nYD
Ribbonwork an inspiring book on making ribbon flowers http://amzn.to/uRDdGu
Easy guide to sewing tops & t shirts, skirts & pants. Great intermediate book http://amzn.to/vExxX7
Alterations and repairs 200 questions answered Nan L Ides http://amzn.to/wFHi7C
Fit for real people a great intermediate book on adjusting patterns http://amzn.to/vwtPoz
Fit for real people basics a great DVD covering some of the most common pattern adaptations
http://amzn.to/rPBrDV

Magazines for inspiration

Threads magazine an American publication which has the best dressmaking articles available to subscribe
and articles available online http://www.threadsmagazine.com/fitting
Sew Today published by Butterick a great way to browse patterns by season and has good dressmaking
articles http://www.sewdirect.com/acatalog/Sew-Today-quarterly-membership--UK-direct-debit.html
Great site and gorgeous inspirational textile magazine. Nice browsing website for inspiration
http://www.selvedge.org/default.aspx
Cloth magazine a newish publication. Available in print and online, lots of great tutorials
http://www.clothmagazine.co.uk/techniques/index.php
Making magazine a stylish mag with all types of crafting http://www.makingmagazine.com
Mollie Makes a stunning new magazine http://www.molliemakes.com/
This is a long-standing sewing magazine http://www.sewingworldmagazine.com

Free online sewing advice/tutorial websites

We really like this site, it is clear and contains advice and tutorials for most sewing tasks, and its free!
http://www.startsewing.co.uk/
This is a fairly new site, many of the contributors are from sewing world magazine are also the experts. It has
advice for both beginners and seasoned sewers http://www.isew.co.uk/
The sewing directory Great resource with articles and advice and links to suppliers
http://www.thesewingdirectory.co.uk/beginners-sewing-kit/

www.thethriftystitcher.co.uk

Free patterns to download

Australian site with both free and cheap downloadable patterns very modern and funky
http://www.fitzpatterns.com/collections/free
Site with a range of free instructions for projects and downloadable patterns
http://www.sewingfreebies.com/
Site with both knitting and sewing patterns, and links to other sites some are American
http://freepatternsite.com/
Amy Butler is a very hip American fabric designer, and her projects are very now she has some free
downloadable projects on her website. John Lewis has lots of her fabrics and contemporary projects.
http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/products/patterns.php
American site, with a wide selection of free projects.
http://www.sewingsupport.com/sewing-how-to/free-patterns-and-projects/title-page.html
Rid the world of plastic bags by using this downloadable tutorial http://www.morsbags.com

Patterns to buy
Gorgeous childrens patterns from Oliver and S, and contemporary patterns from Heather Bailey, and
Amy Butler. http://www.milliemoonshop.co.uk/#/oliver-s-childrens-patterns/4533070382
Sew curvy sells patterns and kits to make corsets with lots of advice http://sewcurvy.com/
A great American website with some UK retailers vintage inspired pieces to fit modern women.
http://www.colettepatterns.com/
Simplicity have been making patterns for ever they have a range for all levels, and also do fancy dress
available on the high street http://www.simplicitynewlook.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=34
Vogue, macalls and butterick patterns can all be found here http://www.sewdirect.com/
Kwik sew a great selection of unusual patterns including underwear www.kwiksew.com
Ottobre both online and in print. Do great kids and womens patterns www.ottobredesign.com
Hot patterns are great for very contemporary styling available in UK www.hotpatterns.com
Sewaholic patterns yummy Amercian patterns available in UK http://sewaholic.net
Burda are a European company, and offer an economical pattern option www.burdastyle.com

Knitting networks
http://www.ukhandknitting.com/
Ravelry, a great online community of knitters https://www.ravelry.com
Stitch London knitting group http://stitchandbitchlondon.wordpress.com/about-stitch-and-bitch-london/
Great shop selling kits/haberdashery made from recycled stuff and runs great knitting classes.
http://www.fabrications1.co.uk/
Bethnal green based crochet and knitting classes. http://www.prickyourfinger.com/

Projects just for fun

Here is a free online tutorial for making cupcake pincushions there are loads out there!
http://www.ivillage.co.uk/make-a-cupcake-pin-cushion/79573
Cloth kits provide a complete project including threads etc was a 70s company but has been reinvented.
http://www.clothkits.co.uk
Lovely little hand-sewing projects mostly in felt for kids sold in John Lewis and online.
http://www.buttonbag.co.uk/

www.thethriftystitcher.co.uk

Websites and Blogs with tutorials info / useful products

Lazy Stitching a great British blog documenting one womens journey into dressmaking
http://lazystitching.wordpress.com/2011/12/23/2143/
Pattern review a great site to check out other peoples experiences of patterns before you buy
http://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readall.pl
Gerties blog for better sewing is a great place to get lots of advice and connect with other sewers
http://www.blogforbettersewing.com/
The RTW sewing blog has great tips for tailoring http://buzzybeesworld.blogspot.com
This site is fab lots and lots of projects and the fabrics are scrummy http://www.modabakeshop.com/
The purl bee a blog from a Manhattan sewing shop, great ideas and tutorials http://www.purlbee.com/
Amy Karol a prolific stitcher/designer with 2 great books and 3 great blogs http://www.amykarol.com/
Sublime stitching a great website devoted to modern embroidery http://www.sublimestitching.com/
The Sewing Forum is a great way to connect with other sewers http://www.thesewingforum.co.uk/
Sew Retro A great blog with people interested in vintage style contributing from all over the world
http://sewretro.blogspot.com/

Events to attend
Knitting and stitching show yearly at Ally Pally and Harrogate http://www.twistedthread.com
Creative stitching show a series of events throughout the year and all over the country
http://www.ichf.co.uk/
Clothes show live has lots of fashion workshops and stitching demos http://www.clothesshowlive.com/
The textile fair held yearly http://www.biztradeshows.com/trade-events/london-textile-fair.html
Festival of quilts annual show in Birmingham
http://www.biztradeshows.com/trade-events/festival-quilt.html

www.thethriftystitcher.co.uk