Christmas Sale: Eco Sewing and Pattern Cutting Tote Bags

Its that time of year again!

Save 25% on my Eco Sewing and Pattern Cutting Tote Bags on my Etsy Store.

The perfect gifts for the sewing, pattern cutting and dressmaking enthusiasts in your life!

Made from fair trade and sustainable materials, they are a great way to transport your dressmaking essentials.

To buy yours now, head over to my Etsy store and type coupon code: ECOXMAS17 at the checkout for your discount.

#Croydonschoolofart

As many of you  following me on social media may have guessed by now, I have started a new teaching adventure at Croydon School of Art.

My 3rd year students are starting to develop their final collection and are creating some brilliant work.

Follow their adventures on Instagram by following their accounts listed in the posts below:

#teacherslife at #croydonschoolofart . Some lovely work has been created this week by the BA students . To follow their #creative journeys, follow @loosenthesechains @sawrapfashion and @sowsowsow123 . @kellyjacksonartist @eastcroydon #fashion #sewing #patterncutting #dressmaking #teaching #toiles #sewersofinstagram

A post shared by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Nov 24, 2017 at 10:09am PST

#fashion #studio at the #croydonschoolofart open event . Being #creative with @loosenthesechains @sawrapfashion @mina.zeno @misu.london @patienceattohquarshie @sowsowsow123 @ferocedonna @hanny666666 @tadozro . #sewing #patterncutting #makeityourself #finalcollection #university #fashionstudent

A post shared by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Nov 29, 2017 at 9:22am PST

The Sewing Cafe: Bodice Workshop-Week 2

Another lovely #bodice #workshop session at @thesewingcafeuk . Lots of #toiles made to create a #custommade #pattern and another pattern bodice #eco #totebag heads off to a new home . #patterncutting #sewing #teaching #makeityourself #sewingtime

A post shared by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Nov 25, 2017 at 9:53am PST

The Sewing Cafe: Bodice Workshop

Its been a great start to the 3 part Bodice workshop at The Sewing Cafe.

Session one involves measuring the key dimensions involved in pattern drafting the bodice, and following my specially written handouts to create a custom fit bodice pattern.

Looking forward to seeing everyone's toiles in 2 weeks time!

A great first session of #patterndrafting : the #bodice at @thesewingcafeuk . Looking forward to seeing everyone’s #toiles in 2 Weeks . #fashion #sewing #patterncutting #makeityourself #workshop #teaching #custommade

A post shared by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Nov 11, 2017 at 10:05am PST

#teacherslife: Halloween

#halloween in #croydon . #boxparkcroydon #eastcroydon #teacherslife #foodstagram

A post shared by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Oct 31, 2017 at 1:37pm PDT

Sewing Juniors at MAC Birmingham

Another fabulous Introduction to Sewing Juniors class at MAC Birmingham!

Lots of fabulous mini-makes created...particularly in love with the lion!

oh...and lets not forget the mice :)

MAC  are now taking booking for February 2018 half term!
To book your place, click on this link. Places book up fast so book soon to avoid disappointment!

Exhibition: Diana; Her Fashion Story at Kensington Palace

I recently visited the 'Diana: Her Fashion Story' Exhibition at Kensington Palace. This show displays a wide range of her outfits; some infamous, some unknown, from her life and the variety of designers that dressed her.

"The outfits in the exhibition track her evolution as a princess, trend-setter, humanitarian, and woman, whose ability to connect with people remains powerful today"

-Kensington Palace


On display are iconic pieces from her Royal tours, the beaded Versace gown from her Patrick Demarchelier Harper's Bazaar photoshoot, and the Victor Edelstein dress from her dance with John Travolta at the White House.

The exhibition is well worth a visit for those interested in Diana's life and her clothes, but is also wonderful for dressmakers and fashion enthusiasts who can take a close up view of the beautiful details that feature in the clothes she wore.

Also worth a look is the amazing illustrated wallpaper by Julie Verhoeven which features beautiful drawings highlighting key moments of her life.

Designer: Catherine Walker

Designer: Victor Edelstein

Designer: Catherine Walker

Designer: Bruce Oldfield

Designer: Catherine Walker

Designer: Gianni Versace

#daytrip . Loving the #julieverhoeven #illustrated wall at #kensingtonpalace . #dianafashion #illustration #fashion #art #inspiration #london #drawing @historicroyalpalaces

A post shared by Sian Riley (@sianrileystudio) on Oct 22, 2017 at 8:04am PDT