Originally posted on my shop blog.

Woven labels are a fun way to add a touch of customisation to your makes. I love the pop of colour they add and the fact they make anything you make look a touch more professional. I've designed a collection of crafty woven labels in a range of colours with various quotes, so you'll be sure to find one to suit your next project!

I've only started using woven label in my makes over the past year, there's so many cute ones out there right now! So I thought I would put together a blog post to share some ways on how to sew labels into your makes. Whether you're worried you'll find labels itchy or if you want to make a statement! 

Here are a few popular ways to stitch and show off woven labels in your sewing projects:

1. The most common way I stitch in my labels, is in the facing of my makes. I sew a lot of dresses, most of which will have a neck facing and that's a classic label spot! A regular straight stitch will be perfect for my flat labels. I like to switch it up, but you can either stitch around the whole label like a box, close to the edge and pivoting at the corners. Or simply sew a straight line at either end. 

Top Tip: Instead of using pins and potentially making a hole in your garment, stabilise the label with a strip of washi tape! 

2. Do you find labels in your clothes itchy? Or perhaps you want to be extra snazzy with your stitching? Try a mini zig zag stitch! This will encase the label, making sure there are no spikey corners or edges to rub against your skin. This stitch looks super cute, why not try stitching in a contrasting colour to make a statement of it too.

3. If you have the patience, hand sewing your labels is always an option. I'm terrible at hand sewing, so if I can do it on my machine, I'd rather do that, but I'm also a knitter and to attach labels to my knitwear hand sewing is a must. I like to do a little 'X' stitch on each corner to secure a label or a couple of running stitches, but make sure to catch enough yarn! 

4. Display your labels on the outside! Again if you're worried about itchy label but still want to add them to your makes, how about attaching one to the outside of your hem?

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I hope this woven label guide was helpful and will inspire you to add one to your next make! Why not check out my Woven Label Multi Pack, that way you don't have to pick a fave!

Thanks for reading, pinups!

Abi xo

 Originally posted on my shop blog.

 

Looking for a way to show off and display your growing enamel pin badge collection? Then look no further! I've been wanting to make one of these display banners for a long time, as my ever expanding pin collection has been knocking around all over the place! I've got some in a box, some in a dish, and some lost never to be seen again! So I thought it was about time I treated my pins properly and create a cute and secure way to keep track of them, whilst brightening up my office.

 

 

To make your own pin display banner you will need:

Along with:

 

 

 

 

Step 1 - Make your pattern

Of course you can make your banner as small or large as you like. To make life easy I'm using an A4 piece of paper to make my pattern and would say it's a good medium size for a selection of pins.

Have your paper portrait and mark the centre of the bottom edge. Fold your two bottom corners in to meet the centre, creating a banner shape. Tada, this is now your pattern piece, minus seam allowance.

Step 2 - Cut out your banner

First, you will cut out 2 banner pieces from your cotton fabric. Fold your fabric to create 2 layers, and lay your paper pattern piece on top. Mark a 1cm seam allowance around the 2 long sides and pointed bottom edges. Mark an extra 1 inch at the top.

You can do this on larger paper before this step to create a pattern that includes seam allowance if you like, but this saves paper. 

Cut out your cotton banner pieces.

Depending on the weight of your fabric, you will also need to interface these pattern pieces. The fabric I'm using for this banner is actually a linen, it is quite drapey so I've used a medium-heavy weight interfacing on one piece to hold its shape. You may find 2 pieces of cotton fabric will be thick enough, or if your fabric leans more towards viscose, you will need to use interfacing. 

Step 3 - Sew your banner shape

Once you've cut out all your banner pieces and interfaced your fabric (if you needed to), it's time to sew!

Lay your fabric right sides together, and sew around the sides and bottom point edges with a 1cm seam allowance. Sew across the top of your banner but leave a gap in the centre (about 5cm) so you can turn your banner right side out.

Trim your corner points and seam allowances. This will make your points/corners nice and sharp!

Turn your banner the right side out. Press, making sure to fold in the top seam allowance where your gap is.

Step 4 - Finish your banner

Once your banner is neatly pressed. Fold over the top of your banner about 1 inch (or to fit the size of the wooden dowel you have). Pin, press and sew across. Forming a channel for your dowel.

Step 5 - Start pinning!

Insert the wooden dowel in the channel you just created. Then tie your ribbon (or string etc) around the dowel at each end to your desired length. 

Then start adding those pins! First, I placed my pins on top so I could figure out where to pin them so the weight was nicely balanced and before I started making holes. Then pop your pins on and hang up and admire!

 

If you try this pin display banner tutorial please take a photo and share it on Instagram and tag me @craftypinupshop - I'd love to see and share! 

For all the pins featured in this post, visit my shop HERE.

Thanks for reading,

Abi xo

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. Which support my content at no extra cost to you.

Find the links to everything featured here further down

It was only going to be a matter of time until this blog post appeared. As an openly obsessed Sabrina addict on Instagram, I thought it was about time I got some inspiration together to make your own Spellman looks, and honestly, I'm doing that anyway so creating this post is easy peasy.

In this post you'll find sewing patterns and fabrics to sew smart-casual looks inspired by the show (sorry no fancy dresses here, I want the everyday looks!), along with some patterns and wool for those knitwear fans out there too! Now I could spend a VERY long time on this post, but there's only so much time I can spend in this rabbit hole. So I've picked out some of my favourite inspired by looks, with a focus on indie patterns. 

Tops & Bottoms

Roll up, roll up! You need a roll neck top ASAP.

Needles at the ready witches. Tight knits, lace work and floral embroidery!

Ever since my first, I've wanted another crack at it. Mainly because my first was not very well made and hasn't stood the test of time. I don't think I did any stay stitching because I'm lazy and I think my seam allowance was off, so the resulting fit was a bit wonky to say the least. The 1960s style of the dress is something I've never fallen out of love with and every year since, I've said 'this will be the year I try it again'. The time has finally come, and it's only taken getting engaged to get my act together!

Basically, Martha is on my potential wedding dress sewing pattern list. Not only that, but it's a style that's cropped up a lot recently with some of my favourite designers e.g. O Pioneers, Vampires Wife & Batsheva So I needed to get back to it and see what this pattern could actually do for me when I act like a good sewist and make it carefully.

I'm so proud of this Martha dress. I really took my time with it (so. much. stay stitching) and my sewing has improved so much since the first. The invisible zip is actually invisible and there's no bump at the bottom and it closes neatly at the top. 

My only slightly questionable sewing moment is the dress hem. I let the dress hang for two days before hemming and it dropped quite a bit (as I expected). I knew I wanted to shorten the dress to make it a mini on me anyway so I was always going to chop a fair bit off. But by the time I came to chopping I think I had lost my previous patience with it and it's probably a bit rougher than I'd like. But unless someone grabs me by the hem and inspects the inside, no one will see the occasional tuck...

Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Tilly and the Buttons 'Martha' Pattern

Fabric: Green floral viscose crepe - watch THIS vlog for a discount code!

Notions: Invisible zip and a button.

Sewing time: Made over a couple of days. Hem needs to drop.

Modifications: Made slightly shorter.

Fit: Great! Could do with a little extra on the bust if I'm being picky.

Difficulty: Intermediate, but simple when broken down.

Watch out for: Make sure to stay stitch, it really does make a difference.

Make Again?: Yes. This pattern is a favourite of mine, it just takes a little longer to sew but it's worth it and I would love to make more. 

Disclaimer: contains affiliate links.

Possibly wrapping up blog posts for 2020 with a simple, cosy (& kind of festive) make! It's got to be pjs. Growing up we got a new pair of pjs every Christmas and this year I plan to spend the entire day being cosy and this outfit is a winner for me!

1. Mint Sewing Machine Pin

Can you tell I covered too much and then couldn't think of a name for this vlog? Whoops. It's been a while since I vlogged (or blogged for that matter), so to get back into the swing of things I thought I'd just sit down in front of the camera and see what happens! 

In the vlog I get into some of my fabric stash highlights, some maybe sewing plans, potential upcoming vlogs and even share my secret Instagram account....

You know I have a love/hate relationship with /YouTube, but at the moment I'm spending a lot of time on there consuming lots of creative content and felt inspired to make a comeback! I really hope you enjoy the catch up.

Thanks for watching,

Abi xo

>> SHOP CRAFTY PINUP FABRIC <<

The Fabric:

Vintage Wedding Style Inspiration:

Vintage Wedding Dresses:

Modern Dress Inspiration:

Modern Sewing Patterns I'm Considering:

To celebrate the release of Deer and Doe's newest sewing pattern, the Passiflore dress, I've collaborated with them to review it on my blog. You know I can't say no to a shirt dress or a wrap dress and this pattern is a great mix of the two.

As soon as I saw this pattern I knew it would be something I'd love to wear and it's different from anything I already own. The Passiflore pattern is a belted coat dress with a relaxed fit, with a double breasted style button detail. I've made option B, a knee length, long sleeve version of the dress.

Here's a peek at the pattern:


Before I get into the pattern, let's just take a moment to appreciate this truly stunning fabric! My favourite fabric to sew with and wear are rayon/viscose types. So when I saw that THIS beautiful print was rayon, I fell in love. I think it has a bit of a 60s vibe and I couldn't get over the colour palette. It's so unlike anything I own but I just thought it would make the loveliest shirt dress and would work well with my hair colour and skin tone. You can tell I may have leaned in to the 1960s secretary vibes I was feeling (and loving!).


Lets get into the pattern... Passiflore has quite a lot of pattern pieces which when printing the PDF at home I regretted pretty quickly (I'd recommend copy shop printing this one)! For the long sleeve version I was sewing, you'll also be making plackets so look out for those, coming from someone who almost binned the pattern piece. There's also a lot of small interfacing pieces you need to trace off of the main pattern so bare that in mind as it's a pretty time consuming step.


When I cut out my pattern and had finally sat down to sew, it wasn't long before I was scratching my head, as I hadn't noticed that the centre back yolk piece is cut out twice, one for a lining. By that point I had used up every inch of my fabric so had to raid my stash. Luckily I found some light weight, pale pink cotton fabric which ended up working well. Phew!

Thanks, I Made It! woven label from my shop

The sewing is reasonably straight forward if you have experience sewing collars. When I was in the zone, it all came together quite quickly. I wasn't looking forward to sewing the sleeve cuff plackets and when I got to that step I even considered abandoning them in favour of the short sleeves, but I knew it would be sacrificing the overall look I wanted for the dress so decided to buckle up and deal with it. Honestly sleeve cuff plackets aren't too difficult but I think they always look like they're going to be a headache. It actually all went quite smoothly and I was just being a drama queen!


Fit wise, I went by my bust measurement like I usually do. But because the dress is designed to have a relaxed fit, with simple princess seams and no buttons on the actual bust (for the dress version), so the fit for this is actually surprisingly simple. I could have sized down, but with the belt in place, I'm really happy with it.

I think the double breasted style button detail is an interesting design choice. Its something you're used to seeing on trench coats and I didn't know if I was going to like it for a dress. But now I've seen a few more versions on Instagram, it's grown on me. For mine, I raided my stash for buttons and as I'd chosen gold for my D rings on the belt, when I came across these vintage plastic and gold glitter buttons I knew it was meant to be. The perfect combo! As the fabric is so busy, they aren't too noticeable but when they do catch your eye it's a nice surprise.


In hindsight, I would have used a heavier weight interfacing for my belt selection as with just light weight interfacing, the belt feels more like a tie because it doesn't hold it's shape very well or sit flat against my body. Next time I sew a belt I'll be sure to use something sturdier. And yes, I did have to watch a tutorial on how to tie a D ring belt...

Sewing Summary:

Pattern: Deer and Doe 'Passiflore' Dress pattern

Fabric: Art Gallery Fabrics - Blue Bank Flora Rayon / Viscose from Catch and Release

Notions: 8 buttons

Sewing time: Best part of a day.

Modifications: None.

Fit: A little loose, but good.

Difficulty: Confident seamstresses.

Watch out for: Getting a neat collar and sleeve plackets. Lots of pressing!

Make Again?: Yes. I think this is a great pattern and an unusual mix of styles.


Overall, I'm really proud of this dress. I think it showcases a great range of sewing skills including collars, plackets, cuffs and button holes. For that reason I would recommend it for sewists with a little more experience. But the pattern's instructions are great and well illustrated if you do want to tackle it.

I think this pattern and fabric are a match made in sewing heaven. I love the 60s vibes and it feels like it could be a true vintage piece. It's so comfortable to wear and will be perfect for warmer months and but I can definitely see myself pairing this with black tights and a leather jacket for Autumn.

Thanks for reading!
Abi xo