Celebrating Gingham at Stitch! 24.06.22
Glorious Gingham
Today we are celebrating all things gingham. As we pass the summer solstice this week we are pondering why we love this versatile fabric so much.
Gingham has a simplicity and geometry that in these complicated times is pleasing to look at and to sew with. It's no surprise that we come back to it time and time again.
There is something reassuring and comforting about a red print gingham tablecloth, a children’s checkered school uniform or a swishing gingham skirt. Perhaps it nostalgically reminds us of Dorothy trying to get home in the Wizard of Oz.
Gingham was first used in Asia, possibly in Malaysia; the Malay word "genggang" provides the root for the English “gingham”. It became popularly used by the Dutch and English in the 18th century, with the mills in Manchester starting production.
By the 19th century gingham became the choice for men and women alike as it was seen as practical, durable and cheap. In the US a fashion designer in Kansas City called Nelly Don designed a one dollar pink gingham dress which sold out in a day. Previously to this women would have either worn “mother hubbard” dresses (long wide, loose gowns with long sleeves and high neck) and usually sewn by themselves. The arrival of the gingham dress may have felt liberating to women, freeing them from sewing and was an introduction to being part of a consumer culture.
Hollywood sweetheart Doris Day wore gingham in the 1940s, a 24 year old Brigitte Bardot got married in the 1960s in a pink gingham dress continuing the popular fashion trend for the next decade. From Marilyn Monroe to Taylor Swift posing in a Mango Midi gingham skirt for her Folklore album photos in 2020 gingham shows no signs of going anywhere. Versatile, the solidness and structure of the pattern means that it really does work on all body shapes. Gingham will always endure and that's fine by us!
If you feel like you need more gingham in your life shop our collection below....
WORKSHOP NEWS
• We were so excited to see the Japanese art of Sashiko in the transformation challenge and Kimono making on the Sewing Bee this week.
We have been teaching Sashiko for a while now and rightly so it is becoming a very popular technique with our customers. Brilliant to see denim upcycling take centre stage and people taking an interest in repairing an item that may otherwise be discarded. Our next 2-part sashiko class with Tricia is running on Sat 30th July & 6th August.
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Sashiko-Learn-the-art-of-visIble-mending-Saturday-30-July-10-30-12-30pm-and-Saturday-06th-Aug-10-30-12-30pm-p461466260
As promised we now have a simple version kimono class scheduled for beginner/intermediates Saturday 6th August 10:30-2:30pm, £55.00
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Learn-to-make-a-Kimono-Saturday-06th-August-10-30-2-30pm-p472237267
• We will be running a series of TEEN SEWING WORKSHOPS in the school holidays, full dates will go up shortly. And if you have any teenagers that are interested now they've finished their GCSEs in us running any denim upcycling workshops in their free time then please get in touch.
• There is still time to book onto Learn To Use a Sewing Machine tomorrow at 10.30 https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Learn-To-Use-A-Sewing-Machine-Saturday-25th-June-10-30-12-00-p449307039
and also on Saturday's sewing technique workshop Lose your fear of zips. 1-2.30pm, £25 with Pat. You will cover sewing zips in different settings, semi exposed zips, using zips in soft furnishings or bag making. All materials will be provided including the use of our Janome sewing machines.
• And it would be lovely to see more people at our Macrame-knots for pots workshop this Thursday 30th June evening with Jennifer. The perfect activity to do with a friend over a glass of wine and nibbles that will be provided! Your macramé plant hanger will make the perfect addition to your home or the special handcrafted gift for a loved one.
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Macramé-knots-for-pots-workshop-Thursday-30th-June-6-30-8-30pm-p454403255
We successfully placed our jubilee collage at Enfield Town Library this week, still on display tomorrow and then back in Enfield Town in The Culture Palace, 29 Palace Gardens Shopping Centre, Enfield EN2 6SN, 10th July – 16th July.
TOY STUFFING
Did you know Stitch sell toy and cushion stuffing perfect for all craft projects? Super soft, premium grade polyester fibre suitable for the most delicate and intricate of projects it is £6.20 for a 250g bag.
CLASSES TIMETABLE!
Weekly Knit & Natter (FREE) Tuesday 28th June, 10.30-12pm
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Weekly-Knit-&-Natter-FREE-Tuesday-29th-June-10-30-12pm-p448402270
Make new friends in Stitch! Bring your knitting or sewing project, make new friends and enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and biscuits. This session is free. You could book online or just drop in on the day.
Sew and Make With Seamstress Pat, next session Wednesday 29th June, 12-1.30, £30
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Sew-and-Make-with-Seamstress-Pat-Wednesday-29th-June-12-1-30pm-p464100642
Come along with a simple item or garment you are currently making, adjusting or starting and that you need help from Pat with. This is a continuous running class which you can book week to week. We have Janome sewing machines for you to use, cutting mats, scissors and rotary cutters.
Introduction to Patchwork with Pat (every Thursday) Thursday 30th June, 12-2pm, £35
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Introduction-to-Patchwork-Thursday-23rd-June-12-00-2-00pm-p464098865
This is an introduction to patchwork course for sewers/ quilters starting out or continuing your journey in patchwork machine sewing. In this course you will learn the basics of how to make a patchwork cushion, wall hanging or lap quilt. You will ideally be proficient on a sewing machine.
Learn To Use a Sewing Machine, Saturday 25th June, £40
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Learn-To-Use-A-Sewing-Machine-Saturday-25th-June-10-30-12-00-p449307039
Are you a complete sewing beginner looking to make sense of how to use a sewing machine? This is a one-off class for beginners perfect for you! Hosted by expert seamstress Pat Stevens. You will earn your way around the workings, parts and components of a sewing machine, learn how to set up and thread a machine and how to wind a bobbin and learn how to set the correct tension. Learn how to sew straight seams, change the needle, use a zipper foot and a 1/4 inch seam foot. You will practice some stitching in order to gain the skills you need to tackle your future projects.
Sashiko - Learn the art of visible mending! 2-part workshop- Saturday 30 July, 10:30 - 12:30pm and Saturday 6th Aug, 10:30 - 12:30pm, £50.00
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Sashiko-Learn-the-art-of-visable-mending-Saturday-11th-June-10-30-12-30pm-and-Saturday-18th-June-10-30-12-30pm-p461466260
Are your favourite garments becoming unwearable with holes and frays? Are you keen to learn how to repair them rather than buy new ones? We are all learning more about the resources required to make our clothes and the problems of ‘fast fashion’. Give your garments a longer life and learn how to repair them in this 2 part workshop using the Japanese art of visible mending: Sashiko.
Sewing Technique Workshop: Lose your fear of zips! Saturday 25th, June 1-2:30pm, £25.00
http://https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Sewing-Technique-Workshop-Loose-your-fear-of-zips-Saturday-25th-June-1-2-30pm-p467962201
Does the thought of zippers give you the shivers? Then this is the workshop for you! With guidance from expert seamstress Pat Stevens you will soon conquer that fear. By concentrating on just zippers will focus on the technique and different ways of inserting zips so when you leave you us you will have examples to look back on and reference for your future sewing adventures.
Learn to sew a Summer Skirt, Saturday 2nd July 10:30am-2:30pm and Saturday 9th July, 10:30am-2:30pm, £75.00
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Learn-to-sew-a-Summer-Skirt-Saturday-2nd-July-10-30am-2-30pm-and-Saturday-9th-July-10-30am-2-30pm-p468382755
A perfect skirt for all shapes and sizes. This summer skirt is a good all rounder and always on trend. A great project for any ability and by the end of the class you will have a finished skirt that would be a great addition to your summer wardrobe. Wear it with a sweater or just a t-shirt, boots, trainers or sandals to show off your creation! Classes will be taught by our fabulous seamstress Pat and with our small class sizes she will be on hand to to give you individual guidance when you need it.
Learn to sew a Wrap Dress with Pat Stevens, Saturday 16th July 11-3pm and Saturday 23rd July 11am -3pm, £75.00
http://https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Learn-to-sew-a-Wrap-Dress-with-Pat-Stevens-Saturday-16th-July-11-3pm-and-Saturday-23rd-July-11am-3pm-p467216437
This is an intermediate sewing class on how to accurately cut out and adjust a pattern to make a wrap dress with confidence. This workshop will introduce you to the more advanced principles of dressmaking. Individual attention is assured with only 6 places available.
Learn to make a Kimono, Saturday 6th August, 10:30-2:30pm, £55.00
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Learn-to-make-a-Kimono-Saturday-06th-August-10-30-2-30pm-p472237267
Summer is coming and what better way to update your wardrobe than with an airy, breezy Kimono. In half a day you will learn this easy design, enhance your garment sewing skills and the end result will be that you have a beautiful kimono that can be used any time of the year.
EMBROIDERY
The ABC of Embroidery - Beginners and Refreshers, Thursday 7th, July 6:30-8:30, £50.00
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/The-ABC-of-Embroidery-Beginners-and-Refreshers-Thursday-07th-July-6-30-8-30-p466648789
Come and join Sharon to learn the amazing stitch art of embroidery. This technique is a useful skill to have, allowing you to embellish garments and even use for mending and disgusting wear and tear off clothing, giving them a new lease of life. With our instructor Sharon Wallin guiding you in this class, will learn the basics to jump start your embroidery journey.
An introduction to Blackwork Embroidery, Thursday 28th July 6:30-8:30pm, £50
http://https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/An-introduction-to-Blackwork-Embroidery-p466774056
With the talented Kay Dudman you will be taught this historical form of stitching that dates back centuries. Historically, Blackwork has also been known as “Spanish work” as it was popularised by Katherine of Aragon, the first wife of Henry VIII. Portraits of Jane Seymour and Elizabeth I show that Blackwork continued in popularity for some time, and it was commonly used on the garments of the ladies and gentlemen at court. As well as being decorative, it also served a practical function of reinforcing cuffs and collars.
CRAFTING
Macramé-knots for pots workshop! Thursday 30th June, 7-9pm, £40.00
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Macramé-knots-for-pots-workshop-Thursday-30th-June-6-30-8-30pm-p454403255
The perfect activity to do with a friend over a glass of wine and nibbles that will be provided! Your macramé plant hanger will make the perfect addition to your home or the special handcrafted gift for a loved one.
KNITTING
Stitching Circle, Next session Wednesday 13th July, 7-9pm, £5 (then runs every other week)
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Social-Stitching-Circle-Wednesday-22nd-June-7-9pm-p435761361
Join our bi-weekly Stitching Circle community for some lovely knitting and crafting chat - and share your knitting and sewing projects in a welcoming environment with wine, tea, coffee, biscuits.
CROCHET
Tunisian Crochet, Friday 22nd July 10:30-12:30pm, £40.00
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Tunisian-Crochet-Friday-22nd-July-10-30am-12-30pm-p466583315
With Sharon Wallin learn this effective yet simple design which uses a combination of knitting and crochet techniques. Tunisian Crochet (also known as Afghan) makes a dense and squishy fabric with a beautiful texture. This workshop is suitable for those who have never tried this technique before but have ‘ordinary’ double and treble crochet skills.
Corner to Corner Crochet, Saturday 23rd July 10:30am-12:30pm, £40.00
https://www.stitch.org.uk/shop/Corner-to-Corner-Crochet-Saturday-23rd-July-10-30am-12-30pm-p466661519
C2C crochet is a beautiful and inspiring stitch that can be turned into lovely textured projects. This technique is ideal for blankets, throws, cushions, shawls and much more – it grows really quickly and is great fun, it’s easier than it looks! So come and join Denise of Natural Yarn Barn and give it a go!
USE OF SEWING MACHINES!
Our M100 Janome sewing machines are available for use at certain times in the shop at £8 an hour. Please email Suzanne at hello@stitch.org.uk if you would like to book a slot to use.
OPENING HOURS
Tuesday and Thursday 10-5
Wednesday 10-2
Friday 9-2
Saturday 10-3
Have a lovely weekend everybody!
Warm Wishes Suzanne and the team at Stitch!
