UK Edition: Stitchin’ Style With Sew Hip Magazine

alicejb

Story by alicejb

Published on Aug 16, 2010 in Shop

Photo by fionamacneil

Alice Blackledge is the editor of the UK’s No. 1 sewing magazine, Sew Hip. Since its launch nearly two years ago, the magazine has strived to provide fresh and exciting sewing projects to readers. Alice takes charge of commissions, but also writes and designs for the mag. To submit contributions to the UK’s fastest growing craft publication, email Alice at alice@kalmedia.co.uk.

Commissioning is hands down the most fun part of being editor at Sew Hip! It means I get to spend one week of every month trawling Etsy for amazing fabric creations and designers, and my goodness there are so many. For me it’s fabulous to see that Etsy is making it easier to source handmade goodness from the UK — it’s so important to us as an independent magazine that we champion all of our local, independent makers. Once I find an inspiring artist, I request a custom item, which is then displayed in the magazine — as well as a pattern for the unique piece.

I’d love to share with you some of my best finds, from sewing supplies to finished items, and hopefully you’ll be inspired to give your own handmade items a go! I love all things sewing, so I hope you’ll feel my enthusiasm.

You can’t go wrong with some fantastic fabric and none is more special than some of the gorgeous hand-printed beauties on offer from the UK. Whether it’s the distinctly British feel of this yellow brolly fabric by plainjanetextiles, the trademark dense details in skandi fabric from summersville or the modern clean lines in PatTheCat‘s anglepoise design, there really is something out there to suit every seamstress.

Ooh buttons. I challenge you to find a stitcher out there who doesn’t squeal a little bit at some lovely buttons! It’s my weakness, so finding just a few to share has been really tricky. Fionamacneil hand crafts such beautiful ones, like these strawberry buttons. How she has the patience, I don’t know… but I really feel like I need them in my life! Titchables is one of my first stops when I’m looking for lovely things to go in the magazine, the fabric cover buttons in this shop are always cute and these teacup buttons simultaneously feed my addiction to tea. What a great combination.

This jumbo ribbon gift box from paperandstring might just be one of the best things I’ve seen. Ever. Ribbon is just great all around; add it to anything and it’s instantly better. I’m going a little weak at the knees looking at the colour combos from Overspill, too. Not much makes me happier than lovely matching colour palettes, like this bright citrus ribbon pack

.

I think I might be going a little crazy for supplies here! Lets move on to some of the beautiful handmade things that I’ve found…

How gorgeous is this delicate little pincushion from namolio? Almost too good to use! I have such admiration for crocheters — no matter how hard I try I just don’t get it. I’ll have to stick to needle and thread when it comes to my own crafting.

 

We’re ever so lucky — lupin is going to be designing some Christmas (yes, I dare to mention it in August!) decorations for the magazine soon. What this lady can do with felt is just amazing. She’s a genius, simple as that. I am constantly in awe of the things she makes, such as this headband. I’m not ashamed to admit that I’m more than a little envious of her talents.

 

I’ve just moved house so lovely homely things are of personal interest while I’m decking the whole place out. Owls are having a bit of a moment aren’t they? Well why not, they are lovely. I particularly like this tea cosy from robinandmould — it’s hand printed in my home county of Wiltshire no less. Oh, and I’m also loving the pun in the description… you can’t beat a good pun!

Many thanks to Alice for sharing her stitchin’ style! You can also check out the Sew Hip blog.

Sew Hip would like to offer UK Etsy blog readers 15% off subscription to the magazine — call 01279 879038, quoting code SHEtsy15. Offer applies to postal subscriptions within the UK only and is valid until September 13, 2010.

 

Sign Up for the Etsy UK Newsletter!

Guest Curator Posts | Needlecraft, Crochet and Patterns on Etsy | UK Edition

Discuss: 96 comments

Related Items

96 comments

Sign in to add your own