Boxing Day Sale on the Eco Tote Bags!

The Eco Pattern Bodice and Sewing Box Bags are the perfect way to carry around your sewing essentials.

You can now save 20% on the Eco Tote Bag Range in the Boxing Day Sale on my Etsy Store!

Use coupon code: BOXINGDAY2016 at the Checkout.

(*Offer available until January 6th 2017)

To buy yours now, Click Here

Huge thank you to The Sew Magazine (@sewhq) for featuring myself and The Sewing Cafe (@thesewingcafeuk) in your January issue, which is now available to buy in stores!

The article features some good hints and tips for how to get started and be successful at pattern drafting.

New pattern drafting courses are now available on The Sewing Cafes website for 2017 to learn how to draft a skirt or bodice. You can book them at the following links:

Skirt: 25th February, 11th and 25th of March:

http://www.thesewingcafe.co.uk/pattern-drafting-starting-with-the-skirt/

Bodice: 12th and 26th of January, and 9th of February:

http://www.thesewingcafe.co.uk/pattern-drafting-the-bodice/

Book now to save your place! I look forward to seeing you.

For other pattern cutting and sewing courses that I teach, head over to my courses page to find out more.

#sewing #patterncutting #patterndrafting #sewcialists #hinckley #sewersofinstagram #sewingpatterns #2017 #fashion #courses #teaching

Still struggling for gifts for your crafty friends? The Eco Sewing Tote Bags are the answer!

Still looking for last minute gifts for your sewing friends?

Then pick up one of my Eco Sewing and Pattern Cutting themed tote bags for the perfect Christmas gift! (Order before Sunday for Christmas delivery).

Head over to my Etsy store to purchase yours now!

#sewing #patterncutting #sewcialists #eco #sustainable #fairtrade #totebag #patternbodice #sewingbox #christmas #gift #sewersofinstagram

BLACK FRIDAY EVENT: Save 25% on the Eco Tote Bag Range

Head over to our Shop page or Etsy store to purchase your tote!

The Perfect Christmas gift for the Sewing and Pattern Cutting enthusiast!

*International shipping available

19th-20th November: Introduction to Pattern Cutting at MAC Birmingham

An amazing weekend at @mac_birmingham teaching introduction to #patterncutting . Lovely to see so many wonderful skirts and trousers . Hope to see you on the next course! #fashion #teaching #course #sewing #sewingproject #birminghamuk #patterndrafting #sewingroom #sewersofinstagram

A photo posted by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Nov 20, 2016 at 10:46am PST

New Courses!

New courses now available for MAC Birmingham and The Sewing Cafe.

Head over to the Courses page for full details.

A Happy Customer

Thank you @carmencitablog for the lovely mention. Hope you're enjoying your pattern bodice bag. For anyone looking for the perfect way to carry your pattern cutting equipment, head over to the shop page on my website (link in bio) to buy yours now! Repost from @carmencitablog using @RepostRegramApp - Merci #fiskarsfrance le massicot c'est génial pour les patrons pdf 🇬🇧 Thanks Fiskars, the paper cutter is pretty amazing for pdf pattern assembly. (Tote by @sianrileystudio ) #sewing #patterncutting #totebag #sewcialists #sewinglife #sewersofinstagram #sewhappy

A photo posted by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Nov 5, 2016 at 11:47am PDT

Pattern Drafting Course at The Sewing Cafe

Fabulous final day of my #patterndrafting workshop at @thesewingcafeuk in #hinckley . The #trousers look amazing and the #fabrics are wonderful . Looking forward to seeing everyone on the #bodice #patterncutting #course in 2 weeks! . #sewing #sewcialists #thread #stitching #learning #sewingproject #sewinglife #sewersofinstagram

A photo posted by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Oct 29, 2016 at 10:01am PDT

For more information about the workshops I teach, head over to my courses page

To see other pattern drafting courses at The Sewing Cafe, take a look at their website

#SewSaturday: Pattern Drafting Classes at the Sewing Cafe in Hinckley

A great day at @thesewingcafeuk teaching #patterncutting on #sewsaturday celebrating independent fabric stores and haberdashers with @sewhq and @simplicity_creative_group . Looking forward to seeing everyone's pieces in 2 weeks . #pattern #sewing #sewcialists #hinckley #stitching #fabric #thread

A photo posted by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Oct 15, 2016 at 9:39am PDT

For more information about the workshops I teach, head over to my courses page for a full list.

Repost from @EnglishGirlatHome

Love these #sewing themed bags from @sianrileystudio 😍

A photo posted by Charlotte Powell (@englishgirlathome) on Oct 3, 2016 at 1:13pm PDT

A huge thank you to @Englishgirlathome for her post about the Eco Sewing Box and Pattern Bodice Bags.

The bags are now available to buy on Etsy.

Each design is screen-printed by hand on 8oz cotton canvas totes in natural and black.

The bags are manufactured by hand in a fair trade factory and are made from sustainable, ecological materials that are produced in an ethically responsible way.

As each design is individually printed by hand, some differences may occur in printing.

For bulk and International Shipping, general and wholesale enquiries, please email:studio@sianriley.co.uk

MAC Birmingham: Introduction to Sewing Course-8th and 9th October 2016

A great weekend was had by all who attended my Introduction to Sewing course this weekend. Thank you to everyone who came and I look forward to seeing you again on my courses in November and December.

To see the new course listings, head over to my courses page for more information.

The Eco Sewing Box bag is now available to buy on Etsy

Sian Riley Tote Bags: Product Catalogue

The Sewing Box and Pattern Bodice Eco Tote Bags product catalogue is now available to view on Issuu.com. Press play on the lookbook below to take a look.

Available in two designs, the ‘Sewing Box’ and ‘Pattern Bodice’ are a fun take on the nuances of sewing and pattern cutting. Each design is screen-printed by hand on 8oz cotton canvas totes in natural and black.

The bags are manufactured by hand in a fair trade factory and are made from sustainable, ecological materials that are produced in an ethically responsible way.

For more information including wholesale enquiries, please email: studio@sianriley.co.uk

To purchase the bags, head over to the Sian Riley Studio shop on Etsy for the perfect way to carry around your sewing and pattern cutting supplies.

About Ypres: The Poppy Cenotaph

The Poppy Cenotaph is the creation of Terrance Clark, who wanted to create a poignant memorial to those lost in the First World War and the history surrounding that time.

Centrepiece by Terrance Clark
(Photo: Sian Riley)

Design Model of Final Piece
(Photo: Sian Riley)

The centre of the memorial is a 7 metre high by 2 metre wide sheet of steel, with an inverse and 'out-verse' symbol of a poppy cut out of the side. At the base of this, 2016 poppies have been hand-made by blacksmiths from all over the world. No two poppies are alike. There is also one single white poppy to remember all those who suffered from shell-shock and were branded 'cowards' at the time.

(Above: Photos: Sian Riley)

Surrounding the base of poppies are 25 individually made panels, designed and made by blacksmiths from around the globe and are their personal responses to the events that occurred during the First World War.

For a complete list of all of the Panel Designers, click on the link: http://www.ypres2016.com/design/masters-panel-designs/

Here are some of my personal favourites:

By Ambrose Burne, UK
(Photo: Sian Riley)

By Sandra Dunn, Canada
(Photo: Sian Riley)

By Steven Laurijs, Netherlands
(Photo: Sian Riley)

In addition to this, a wreath of poppies has been made by the blacksmiths and local school children, and was presented at one of the nightly memorial services at the Menin Gate on the 5th of September 2016.

Poppy Wreath
(Photo: Sian Riley)

The Poppy Cenotaph, poppy base and surrounding panels have now been moved to a permanent memorial site in Langemark-Poelkapelle in Belgium.

To find out more about this amazing project, take a look at their website: http://www.ypres2016.com/

Travel Diary: Ypres 2016 Blacksmith Event, Belgium

So #thishappened tonight on my trip in #belgium . In #ypres experiencing the #international blacksmithing event where blacksmiths from all around the world contribute to the cenotaph in the #grotemarkt by #designing and #creating 25 individual panels to be displayed with it. Absolutely loved the piece by #ambroseburne . A must see if you're in Belgium over the next few days . #ypres2016 #worldwar1 #beautyinart #100years #poppycenotaph

A photo posted by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Sep 4, 2016 at 12:14pm PDT

To find out more or to purchase a poppy, head over to their website: http://www.ypres2016.com/

The Results: 5 Day Young Designers Sewing School at MAC Birmingham

Some amazing work was created during the 5 Day Young Designers Sewing School. Here's a little sneak peek at some of the things that were made. Hope to see you all again soon!

For more information on up-coming courses, head over to my courses page for listings and dates.

Tomorrow: Young Designers Sewing School at MAC Birmingham

Tomorrow is the beginning of my 5 day Young Designers Sewing School at MAC Birmingham.

Looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing my love of all things sewing!

There are still a few places left for the course starting tomorrow. Head over to
https://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/summer-school-young-designers-sewing-school-sc304 to find out more.

Tomorrow: Introduction to Sewing Juniors at Mac Birmingham

Final preparation for my introduction to sewing juniors course tomorrow at Mac birmingham .

Packing everything up in my sewing box bag, now available on etsy . Head over to the shop page to buy one. Looking forward to meeting everyone!

Although the sewing juniors workshop tomorrow and on the 1st of September are both sold out, there are still places left on my Young designers course next week and sewing juniors workshop in October. Click on the links below for more information:

Young designers Sewing School . 12-17 years
https://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/summer-school-young-designers-sewing-school-sc304

Introduction to Sewing : Juniors . 8-11 years
https://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/introduction-to-sewing-juniors-sc313

Eco Sewing Tote Bags featured in Megan Nielsen Patterns Facebook Page!

A huge thank you to Megan Nielsen Patterns for featuring my Eco Sewing Tote Bags on their Facebook page.

To buy the bags in the UK, head over to my Etsy store: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/SianRileyStudio?ref=search_shop_redirect

To buy the bags in Europe or Internationally, email me on: studio@sianriley.co.uk

Pattern Drafting course at the Sewing Cafe in Hinckley

Fabulous 3rd and final day of #pattern #drafting at @thesewingcafeuk in #hinckley . Some excellent work created and fun and laughs had by all. Looking forward to the next #patterncutting class at the end of #august . #sewing #sewingproject #sewcialists #dressmaking #fashion #fashioncourse #learnsomethingnew

A photo posted by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Jul 30, 2016 at 10:53am PDT

Product Launch: Eco Sewing and Pattern Cutting Bags

I'm really excited to announce my new project!

Introducing a new range of Sewing and Pattern Cutting Themed Bags

Show off your love of all things sewing with these two canvas shoppers, perfect for carrying your sewing and pattern cutting essentials.

The bags are manufactured by hand in a fair trade factory and are made from sustainable, ecological materials that are produced in an ethically responsible way.

As each design is individually printed by hand, some differences may occur in printing.

For bulk and international shipping, general and wholesale enquiries, please email: studio@sianriley.co.uk

To buy the bags, click on the buy now button below to shop in my Etsy store.

1 day to go: Creative project launch tomorrow!

There's 1 day to go before the launch of a new creative project!

Check back tomorrow for the big reveal.

@sianrileystudio on Facebook, Instagram and Pinterest

New Project Countdown Continues: 2 days to go!

2 days to go until the launch of an exciting new project! Stay tuned for daily updates.

Exciting New Project! 3 days till launch!

Alongside teaching sewing and pattern cutting classes at MAC Birmingham and The Sewing Cafe, I've also been developing a new creative project that will be launched in 3 days.

Check back here for daily updates or follow the countdown @sianrileystudio on Facebook and Instagram

First Day at The Sewing Cafe in Hinckley

Fabulous first day at @thesewingcafeuk teaching #pattern drafting. Looking forward to seeing everyone's #toiles next week! #patterncutting #thesewingcafe #hinckley #sewcialists #courses #sewing

A photo posted by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Jul 16, 2016 at 10:38am PDT

Next Week: Pattern Drafting at The Sewing Cafe, Hinckley

Next week, I will be starting my new Pattern Drafting-Starting with a Skirt course at The Sewing Cafe in Hinckley.

Over the course of the 3 classes, you will learn how to correctly take your measurements, use them to draft an accurate skirt pattern, create a toile for fitting and make any alterations before finally creating a final skirt in a fabric of your choice.

There are still places available on the course starting next week, although the course starting in August is already fully booked.

To book a place or to find out more information, head over to http://thesewingcafe.co.uk/workshops#patterndraft to find out more.

Pre-Summer Season Adventures

I'm currently doing a bit of traveling before my summer season of sewing and pattern cutting courses start.

Take a look at some of the things I've seen by following @sianrileystudio on Instagram and Facebook.

Facebook: @sianrileystudio

Instagram: @sianrileystudio

(Above: Philadelphia Magic Gardens by Isaiah Zagar)

(Above: Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright)

We're now on Facebook!

You can now follow our adventures on Facebook!

Head over to @sianrileystudio to stay updated on all short courses and creative projects.

NEW: Pattern Cutting Courses with The Sewing Cafe in Hinckley

I'm excited to announce that I will be teaching pattern cutting courses at The Sewing Cafe in Hinckley!

The class focuses on how to correctly take your measurements and draft a simple skirt pattern from them. A toile will then be made to check the fit before you create your finalised piece in a fabric of your choice.

The Sewing Cafe is a fabulous shop in Hinckley, hosting lots of great workshops and selling wonderful fabrics and haberdashery items. Both The Sewing Cafe and the Pattern Drafting class were recently mentioned in Sew: Home and Style Magazine.

The 'Pattern Drafting-Starting with a skirt' course is running in July, August and September but is filling up fast!. To find out more and to book your place, head over to my courses page or click on the direct link below: http://thesewingcafe.co.uk/workshops#patterndraft

Recycled Fashion: The Pieces

In honour of my recycled fashion class this weekend, I decided to experiment with different paper and plastic recycling products and see if I can turn them into something that can be worn.

The idea of paper dresses originated in the 1960s where disposable cellulose fabric was used to create throwaway dresses for publicity or marketing purposes. Originally created by the Scott Paper Company in 1966, they were described as

"Created to make you the conversation piece at parties. Smashingly different at dances or perfectly packaged at picnics. Wear it anytime...anywhere. Won't last forever...who cares? Wear it for kicks--then give it the air." (Scott Paper Company, 1966).

(*Cited from Glamoursplash.com. Reference Below)

For the paper piece, I explored different cutouts, paneling and layering and for the plastic, I created samples of plastic fusion, chain links, layering and melting. The pieces demonstrate how packaging can be recycled in an artistic and fun way and given a 2nd life.

To learn more about how you can create fun and artistic pieces to re-purpose your recycling, come along to my Recycled Fashion: Household Materials to Clothes workshop at MAC Birmingham this Saturday (14th May)

To book your place go to: https://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/recycled-fashion-household-materials-to-clothes-sc134

You can see other examples of my work in plastic and paper here

*Quote reference: Fierro, P. (2008). The Disposable Paper Dresses of 1967. [Online]. Available at: http://www.glamoursplash.com/2008/11/disposable-paper-dresses-of-1967.html. Accessed: 12/05/2016.

Recycled Fashion: Household Materials to Clothes (14th May)

Learn how to reuse your household recycling by turning it into clothing!

Recycled Fashion: Household materials to Clothes workshop at MAC Birmingham looks at fun and artistic ways to recycle your recycling into creative pieces that you can wear!

(Above Image: MAC Birmingham Website)

The one day course is this weekend on Saturday 14th May at MAC Birmingham. For more information and to book a place on the course, go https://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/recycled-fashion-household-materials-to-clothes-sc134

For enquiries, please feel free to email me on sian@sianriley.co.uk.

Next Week: Introduction to Sewing (2 Day Course)

Do you want to learn the basics of sewing?

Introduction to Sewing at MAC Birmingham looks at the basic techniques of sewing that can then be used to make a simple top or skirt.

(Above Image: MAC Birmingham Website)

The two day course is next week on Thursday 28th and Friday 29th April at MAC Birmingham. For more information and to book a place on the course, go to https://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/introduction-to-sewing-sc095

For enquiries, please feel free to email me on sian@sianriley.co.uk.

Next Weekend: Fashion Accessory Design course at MAC (Saturday 16th April)

My next workshop at MAC is fast approaching!

Accessory Design looks at ways of creating and embellishing your own unique fashion accessories. With a wide range of patterns to choose from, you will explore different decorative techniques to apply to them and make something that suits your personality!

(Above Image: MAC Birmingham Website)

The one day course is next weekend on Saturday 16th April at MAC Birmingham. For more information and to book a place on the course, go to https://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/fashion-accessory-design-sc093

For enquiries, please feel free to email me on sian@sianriley.co.uk.

Customisation: My finished piece

After a great first customisation class (thank you to everyone who attended), I decided to create a customised piece as part of #miymarch16, showcasing all of the great techniques that can be used to enhance a simple top.

Starting with this...

And developing it into this...

...by applying different decorative techniques from fabric paint, applique, decorative embroidery stitches, fabric pens and hand stitching.

See more of the design development process below;

Close up of the final decoration;

Coming Soon: Customisation Workshop (Saturday 19th March)

The next workshop in the series is coming soon!

Customisation looks at creative ways to update old and tired clothes with decorative stitching, motifs, applique, fabric paint, patches and lot of other fabulous things.

(Above Image: MAC Birmingham Website)

The one day course is next weekend on Saturday 19th March at MAC Birmingham. For more information and to book a place on the course, go to https://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/fashion-customisation-sc091/

For enquiries, please feel free to email me on sian@sianriley.co.uk.

There are lots of things you can do with customisation. Take a look at my samples below for a little inspiration...

The Weekend: Introduction To Pattern Cutting Course

A fabulous weekend teaching pattern cutting at @mac_birmingham. Lots of wonderful skirts, tops and trousers made! Huge thanks to @englishgirlathome and everyone else who came.

Hope to see you all on the next course :) #fashioncourses #patterncutting#madeoffabric #macbirmingham #teaching

Follow me on Instagram: @sianriley5

For information on future courses, visit MAC Birmingham's Website link below:

https://macbirmingham.co.uk/search/?keywords=sian+riley&date-start=&date-end=&section=courses&accessibility-options=&course-season=&course-subject=&age-range=&course-day=&course-time=&course-level=&view=

Coming Soon: Introduction to Pattern Cutting Course (Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th February)

Its time for the next workshop in my series of fashion courses!

Introduction to Pattern Cutting focuses on developing a pattern from scratch from your own measurements, making a toile to check the fit and constructing a final piece that you can wear.

(Above Image: MAC Birmingham Website)

The course is on Saturday 27th and Sunday 28th February at MAC Birmingham. For more information and to book a place on the course, go to https://macbirmingham.co.uk/event/introduction-to-pattern-cutting-sc087/

For enquiries, please feel free to email me on sian@sianriley.co.uk.

New and updated work on Coroflot!

Alongside my teaching work, I continue to work in the fashion industry and develop creative projects, meeting some amazing models, photographers, artists and designers along the way.

I've recently updated my online portfolio with new projects.

Click on the link below to take a look;

http://www.coroflot.com/sianriley