For sew amazing projects, news, tips and sew much more!

For sew amazing projects, tips, gossip and much much more!
Ruby Summer........Vintage Inspiration

Monday 25 March 2013

Oh Knickers!

Today I finally faced the scary and humongous task of sorting out my wardrobe! To be honest the fact that clothes were falling out was a quite a big hint that it needed tackling!
I discovered that I own more knickers than I thought possible - certainly the shareholders of Marks and Sparks must love me!!!! Needing more space for all my tops I took all the undies out of the wardrobe drawers ( or should that be I took my drawers out of my drawers?) and wondered what the heck to do with them all. My solution is in the photographs below! A reversible knicker bag that can hang in the wardrobe. I'm really pleased with it. Hope you like it too!
Have a fab crafty week
J xxxxxx

Monday 11 March 2013

Which frame for my wedding bag? Help!!!

Just a very quick post.
I need you help!
I'm getting ready to design my wedding bag this week but I can't decide which frame to use for it! Please can you help me? Let me know which one and why- I think it just might be what I need to stop being so flipping indecisive!!!!
Thank you my darlings xxxx

Wednesday 20 February 2013

Should I iron? Hell yes! (ok, with caution!)

I've had a wonderfully mad week making up a couple of designs I've been working on. Tomorrow sees the start of my sailing inspired design come in to fruition!
Until I started sewing seriously I always thought that the word "iron" was a four letter letter word in good company with some of those other well known four letter expletives! But I have been reformed! Okay I admit the ironing of clothes is minimal and I love a stretchy, easy care filled wardrobe but when it comes to my sewing do I iron? Hell yes!
It doesn't feel like ironing mind you. I picked up a great idea from my fabby sis in law when we visited her in Los Angeles last year - its a portable ironing mat. It is laid across the top of a chest of drawers in my studio and hey presto I've got a non ironing board that I actually love using!
Now, I'm not so sad that I love sewing ironing just for something to do. It's because it's the only way to get a truly professional finish to your work. Yesterday I was creating a patchwork star. This needs super sharp points etc.
If I still haven't convinced you have a look at the pix below. Notice the difference in the length of the ironed strip compared to the non ironed one. Also look at the backs of the strips too.
Are you convinced? I hope so or you might as well not waste your time and money trying to create something of beauty!!!!
Until next time.......happy sewing xxxx j xxxx

Friday 1 February 2013

Hey you! Yes YOU! I'd love your thoughts.......

Hello everyone!
Okay, so lots of pattern writing and testing is going on in the studio right now but it got me wondering........
How do you prefer to buy your sewing patterns and where do you look to buy them? Do you prefer a cd, emailed link or paper based? Do you prefer to purchase from a shop or online? Which store?
As I constantly strive to ensure that my customers get customer service which is over and above their expectations I value your opinions.
Can't wait to hear from you!
As ever have a happy crafting week
J xxxxxxxx

Friday 25 January 2013

Design, aeropilates and my number one supporter!

Next week I am doing nothing else but designing and Pilates !
I Have been having a wonderful time drawing so now these sketches need to be translated into patterns for my lovely sewists and stockists!
My studio is now half tidied but hey it's tidy enough to work in! I had planned to have it ultra tidy by now but like many of you I succumbed to the flu and a chest infection. If you did get it I can only hope that you are feeling a lot better by now.
I am also busy preparing my lovely shop on folksy. Times are super busy but super exciting!
Got to get a wedding organised too!!!!'
In the meantime I have popped a gorj pic of my number one supporter in this post. To quote a fave song ,"without you I'm nothing" xxx I couldn't do Amy if this without my darling man.
Here's wishing you have a wonderfully happy crafting weekend
Janie xxxx
Ps as well as drawing ideas I take pics of inspiring things I see. Loving the floor I spotted whilst away recently x

Monday 7 January 2013

Win win win!!!!!! Can you answer this question???

A belated Happy 2013 to all my Rubynistas out there. Hope the festive season was fab and that you are back in to the swing of crafting!
We have had the flu in our house and so the mojo disappeared for a few days. It's now back and raring to go so I've got some busy weeks ahead pattern writing! It's a really exciting way to start the new year for me.
This will be my first full year doing my own thing. I already feel happier than I have been in years. If you are dithering about whether to go it alone be brave and do it!
I asked you in the blog title if you could solve the answer to a question I've got...........
Why could it be said that people who sew are bad tempered?
If you've got a brilliant answer please comment below or tweet or even Facebook me the answer. The most imaginative and witty one will be sent a stitch ripper and a bag of fabric scraps for you to get creative with in 2013.
Can't wait to hear from you!
Keep your eyes peeled for the new patterns coming out very soon.....
Wishing you a really creative 2013
J xxxxxxxx

Wednesday 2 January 2013

Make 2013 the year you get creative!

Creativity nourishes the soul: get creative, do the things you love and feel the pleasure that it brings. (Katie Piper)
Check Katie out she is truly inspirational xxxxc

Happy 2013 everyone xxxxx