Christmas crafts!

There has been plenty of merry crafts in the Flo-Jo workshop so far in December. If you are trying to find some inspiration, look no further!

You could decorate a small hoop of fabric and add little gifts for the animals with felt for a 3D effect!

Our Tuesday evening dressmakers have finished off their different garments. I think the green dress will look fantastic on Christmas eve!

Christmas tree decorations in felt.

Another gorgeous hoop, we love the bells detail! This would make a lovely gift!

And last but not least these lovely snowflake embroidered decorations!

Merry Christmas!

Beginners Dressmaking Class Results!

On Tuesday evening it was our Beginner Dressmakers last week and we wanted to share their beautiful dresses with you!

This teal number is made from a gorgeous Art Gallery Fabrics print from our shop. Made with a slightly scooped out neckline with a facing.

 Lina made this cheerful shift dress with a Marimekko fabric she bought in Finland!

Here is the teal dress again as well as a lovely Dashwood studio print shift dress!

This artisan look dress was made with our Olive green french linen and Lou added a lovely cream bias binding around the neckline.

How perfect will this black dress with golden dots look in the Holiday season? Lovely job!

If you would love to learn where to start when making yourself a dress or if you would like to brush up on your sewing skills next Beginner Dressmaking Class is starting on Tuesday the 8th of November. Click here to book online and secure a space!

Inspiring customers!

What is more inspiring than working in a shop filled with lovely fabrics? Seeing what customers make from them of course! We are always curious of what you are planning to make with your purchases and always amazed when you show us what you made.

Here are a couple of lovely makes to inspire you to turn the tv OFF and sewing machine ON!

We love the mix of prints for this handmade pencil case, an Inprint fabric and yellow Riley Blake cotton for the lining.

This a top and skirt to be made! Those pansies❤

Choosing prints and colours for patchwork can be a seriously tricky business. We love the mix of this customers work so far! 

These cushions were made by us in our workshop for a couple and their plain two seat sofa. The hedgehog print is by Sevenberry and the swallows is an organic cotton by Birch. Pom-poms in all sorts of colours are also available in the shop!

We would love it if you'd like to share your Flo-Jo make with us on our facebook page and blog, please email us:

flojoboutique@gmail.com

A Little Bit of Jersey.

One of the best things about the Sewing Bee is that you see people working out of their comfort zone. On the back of this I though it was about time that I started sewing more with stretch fabrics. With a shop full of beautiful print cottons it's easy to get stuck on what you know, but as we expand our stretch section it's time to challenge that.

This vibrant digital print was just the incentive I needed.

As a starting point I decided to copy a cute gypsy top I bought last year which, although I love, has always been a bit too short and shown too much tummy for my liking.

Don't be afraid of copying a pattern of a favourite piece of clothing. Just remember to start simple, get yourself some pattern paper, a tape measure and always add in a seam allowance. It is also a good idea to make a mock up, or toile, in some cheap fabric to check if you have got the pattern right, but of course I didn't do that!

Having made my pattern I started sewing. The side and raglan seams were sewn on the overlocker but could have just as easily been done on a normal sewing machine with a stretch stitch. The key tip when sewing jersey on a normal sewing machine is to change your needle. A stretch or ball point needle will ensure your stitches don't skip. 

Once I had made my casing for the elastic, I then had to do one of my least favourite jobs and thread the elastic through. Why have I never used a bodkin before? It made it so easy, no more wrong size safety pin getting stuck or caught. I can't recommend this tool enough for your sewing kit!

So there you have it....

One made to measure gypsy top, in vibrant tropical print and a new love of sewing with jersey.

Just need a bit of sunshine and summer now!

Shift Dress- Beginners Dressmaking Class

On Tuesday the 7th of June, at 6.30-8.30pm we start another Beginners Dressmaking Class at Flo-Jo Boutique, making Colette Patterns Laurel dress as it has proved to be a favourite amongst our makers!

With the Laurel dress pattern you will learn how to follow a sewing pattern, sew sleeves, bias binding, a facing around a neckline as well as inserting a concealed zip. Below are some pictures from the latest class finished dresses!

Ollie made a dress for his girlfriend in this lovely blue cherries cotton print from our shop with shortened sleeves and a neckline with facing.

This is Kate's first ever garment and she finished it beautifully with a red and white polkadot binding and matching pocket!

Kelly's retro inspired shift dress was also finished off with binding as well as done with two pockets and an altered neckline.

If you want to learn how to make your own shift dress you can sign on to the next class online here! Or pop in to the shop or give us a ring 0117 9041498!

Flo-Jo Boutique - Skirt in a Day Class

Today we had the "Sew a Skirt in a Day Class" in the Flo-Jo work shop. We had two lovely makers booked in, despite the very tempting sunshine!

Ready to make their very first garment, they both chose a cotton print each to work with. If you are looking for spring summed up in a skirt they'll look something like this!

Two very concentrated sewers. They both chose to make a pleated skirt with a 5 cm wide waistband and concealed zip down the centre back seam.

 

Look at the work on this concealed zip, it's perfectly sewn. For a first zip ever, that is very impressive!

Waistband in place, time for a button and buttonhole.

After a couple of fittings, adjustments and a hem; Two beautiful handmade skirts, in one day!

Let's get Sewing Classes in January!

Let's Get Sewing level 1:
Saturday 16th of January 10-1 pm.
Perfect for the complete beginner or if you need a refresher on how to thread a sewing machine, wind a bobbin and build confidence sewing seams. A whole morning dedicated to get you feeling creative and learning a new skill! After mastering the basics you will focus on learning techniques such as sewing a patch pocket, applying binding or putting in a zip.

To secure a space you can book on the website or call in to the shop: 0117 9041498

Let's Get Sewing level 2:
Saturday 30th of January 10-1 pm.
Take your sewing skills to the next level! In this three hour class you will demystify zips and invisible zips, buttonholes and how to sew pleats, tucks and darts. All of these techniques and more to get your sewing projects looking even smarter!

To secure a space you can book on the website or call in the shop: 0117 9041498

Tote bag kit

Happy new year from Flo-Jo Boutique! Did you get a new sewing machine or maybe set a goal to start making more things 2016? Want to make yourself a carrier bag but don't know where to start? Make yourself an awesome tote bag with Flo-Jo Boutiques new sewing kit!

You've got the option of three different appliques and color ways on a dark denim fabric; Pineapple, Raincloud or Cherries! The kit contains a template for your applique as well as the felt and the webbing straps. With the help of clear instructions and diagrams this is the perfect sewing project for a beginner.

The bag also contains the material for a clever little pocket inside and a "Handmade by me label" which you can proudly add on!
If you are looking for Sewing classes to join in 2016, have a look at our website or pop in to the shop to see what classes we've got on in January!

Beginners Dressmakers results!

How gorgeous are these dresses made by our beginners dressmakers? I love the fact that even though they all made their dresses using the same sewing pattern (Colette's Laurel) they've ended up so differently!

They've learned new skills such as sewing in sleeves, bias-binding around the neckline, pockets and an invisible zip in material bought in the shop. 

If you would like to learn how to make this dress we've got a class lined up in the new year! We begin the 5 week course on Tuesday the 5th of January. You can book on to the course on our website, over the phone or come in to the shop. If you would like to give away a workshop or a class as a Christmas gift you can buy a Flo-Jo voucher!

Flo-Jo Boutique's New Apron Kit

They are here! Flo-Jo Boutique's new apron kit is officially in store!

The kit includes cotton fabric, a paper pattern, ribbon and clear instructions and diagrams for how to make your apron. It's an excellent project for a beginner and a nice gift for anyone that loves to sew.
The kit offers the option of adding a pocket and a ruffled hem or you might prefer it with just the ribbon as a detail, it's up to you!
We've got the apron kits in three different prints and colorways; red gingham, a blue rose apron kit and a pink rose apron kit.
Available in the shop, online at the Flo-Jo Boutique website or Not on the high street!

Flo-Jo Sewing classes and workshops in November

Do you want to learn a new skill or maybe make some handmade Christmas gifts this year? We have got lots of lovely sewing classes and workshops lined up to keep you busy all through November.

Lets get sewing Level 2: Saturday 31st of October
Techniques for nice finishing on pockets and zips etc, 10-1 pm.

Beginners dressmaking: Starting Tuesday 3rd of November, 5 weeks at 6.45-9 pm
Learn how to use a sewing pattern and make Colette's Laurel dress. Over 5 weeks you will cut out your pieces, set in sleeves and put in an invisible zip etc.

Flo-Jo Sewing Club: Starting 4th of November,6-8 pm.
Our new drop in sewing club offers the opportunity to get some guidance on your projects as well as meet some like minded creative people.

Flo-Jo Knicker making workshop: Saturday 7th of November
You will make a fabulous pair of knickers and leave with the skills to make many more!

Lets get sewing Level 1: Saturday 14th of November
Great for beginners, learn how to use a sewing machine. 10-1 pm.

Christmas Advent Calendar Making Workshop:Saturday 21st of November
This years calendar is a gorgeous little Christmas tree with pockets all around it, join the class and make one you too!

Boxer Short Making Workshop: Saturday 28th of November
Make a pair of boxer shorts that would make a lovely gift(or you could keep them for yourself)
10-1 pm.

To secure a space on to one of our classes and get more information on prices, click on the links above to book online or pop in or call the shop. For fabrics, sewing patterns and plenty of inspiration, visit our website:

www.flo-joboutique.co.uk

Flo-Jo Children's Sewing Club

Next week we have a break for half term so there are no classes on for our children and teen sewers but I thought it could be fun to share what they have been up to this term.

They've made wraps for their sewing tools, practicing different techniques in our Tuesday afternoon classes.

Making pockets, sewing on ribbons for pencils and pinking felt pieces for our pins to go on.

They've also practiced some stitching by hand, adding their initials to the kits and sewing a double fold bias-binding all around the edge.

If you've been inspired and would like to do some sewing yourself, have a look at our different workshops here!

General sewing class starting in October!

On Wednesday the 7th of October our "General Sewing class" starts. Between 6 pm - 8 pm you can bring along that sewing pattern you are having trouble getting on with at home or those alterations you mean to do but need a hand pinning. A great opportunity for those with some sewing experience. It is £120 for 6 weeks and each session will be a mixture of teacher lead and student lead learning. So that you can also pick up some new skills, learning different details and techniques.

If you haven't got a pattern we stock a large range of sewing patterns as well as fabric and when you book on to a course with us you get 10% off your purchase in the shop.

Here is a photo of some sewers in our workshop in action.

We've still got places left so go on! Book online, give us a ring 0117 9041498 or pop in to the shop to secure a space. We can't wait to see what you will make!

Sewing workshops in September

We are getting very close to the start of our September sewing classes, how quickly time flies! On Saturday the 5th of September you can join our "Let's get Sewing" workshop from 10-1 pm. This is a great introduction for beginners, learning how to use a sewing machine and start sewing!

 On Tuesday the 8th of September, 6.30-9 pm we start the 5 week workshop for "Beginners dressmaking" where we are making the wonderful shift dress Laurel, see pattern below. The dress features 3/4 sleeves, a zip fastener in the back, darts and different optional details.

 Colette pattern "Laurel" can be bought in our shop for £14 as well as the backdrop material with roses £6.50 per meter.

Here are a couple of photos of the Laurel dress pattern made up in a striking bird print by Freespirit. It's £14 per meter and you can find it in our shop or here on our website. For more information about workshops you can give us a ring, pop in and have a chat with us in the shop or book online! Click here for more workshops.

New dressmaking patterns in stock!

This week we have a selection of new dress making patterns in stock.

The Eliza M patterns offer a Vintage inspired collection of beautiful dresses, a perfect pencil skirt and an on trend Gypsy top. Made in the UK, working with Janome, they are suitable for beginners, those returning to sewing or the more advanced. The have clear instructions with simple diagrams to follow.

Eliza M patterns 'are especially designed with you in mind, to make stitching accessible to everybody who has the desire to create.'

Eliza M patterns £14 each.

The Tilly and the Buttons patterns are a perfect addition to anyone's sewing basket.

With their user-friendly instructions, colour photos of each step and jargon buster. They make sewing a breeze, even for new dressmakers. With a touch of retro flare, these patterns will make fantastic staples in everyone's wardrobe...and they are fun and fulfilling to make yourself! What more could you ask for?

Tilly and the Buttons Patterns £13 each.

So pop into the shop to buy our new patterns or shop online for our Colette, Sewaholic and Merchant and Mills patterns here.

We look forward to seeing your creations soon! Happy stitching! Enjoy your weekend! xxx