Christmas dress

Instead of wearing a Christmas jumper this year wear a dress - Jersey dress with pockets my fav!!!!!!

I am going to try out a new pattern and then compare it to a self drafted pattern .

Bag finished !!! Great end to a rainy Monday

Preparing for tomorrows sewing lesson - zipped purses .

The Encore Career in 12 months !

Reading a book at present called 'Designing your Life' by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. I love reading books especially on the subjects of self-help, neuroscience  and education.

I am currently a head teacher of a small primary school on a Scottish island though previously lived in London where I studied Costume Design and Pattern Cutting.  Before either of these careers I was an aeronautical engineer, TESOL teacher, and villa  rep!  All before the age of 40.

So reading about the encore career I was curious about how many encores one could have? And trust me I have loved most of them - I just get borred. 

But this time I am going to chart my course of how to change from one career to another as people often ask me how you do this!

1. First step is getting your finances in order espcailly if you have any dependants - of which I have. To do this you need to get the highest paid job your experience and qualifications will enable you to get and rent/buy the smallest house you can 'live' with .

2. Next step work out how long it will take you to save up about 6 months of living expenses  mine is about £20,000 then work out how much you could save a month - £1500 ( my house is TINY) Then the count down begins - I have 12 months to go - just one year .  No matter how hard the job is most can last a year no???

3 Read the book Screw Work Break Free by John Williams ( not an affilliate - just a good book and easy read) 

4. Start waking up at 5 am - this is the real secret - trust me Read the book The Morning Miracle by Hal Elrod . That also means going to bed before 9.30am so that is now - so night night, shall have more tips tomorrow.  

Beginners Sewing Lessons

I have created a six week beginners course that costs £90 but includes all fabric and sewing patterns.

Here is a breakdown of the classes

Wk1  Introduction to the sewing machine.   Threading the machine and bobbin. Practicing the straight stitch and back stitch. Creating a pattern for you envelope pillow and cutting out your fabric ( Bute Fabric used)


Wk2 Sewing the sides of your pillow using the straight and back stitch with the correct seam allowance. Learning how to sew button holes on the machine and sewing on buttons by hand. Learning how to create self-covered buttons.



Wk 3 Zipped purse. Creating a sewing pattern and cutting out fabric using scissors or a rotary cutter . Learning how to insert a zip using a zipper foot - and patience.






Wk4 PJ's/ lounge pants  Introduction to dress making and reading sewing patterns. Work out size of pattern needed and cut out pattern.




Wk5. PJ's Cut out pattern from fabric remembering to put on the correct markings . Sew PJ's together and insert and elastic waist band.




Wk6. Complete unfinished projects or if complete make a 'Bute Sewing School' Tote bag.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qxZxwvhNy4o

Sewing Studio

This is my beautiful studio on the Isle of Bute.

This is where I teach classes to both adults and children and take some time out to sew dresses and eat cake!