Haberdashery yummy ness

I love haberdashery, I fact I'm obsessed, I have tons for sale in my little shop, ranging from fabric, needles, chalk and scissors I love it all 

I also love my tacky charity shop Bambi, well all things tacky really.

As well as buying haberdashery I've been sewing up some samples, I just love this little mermaid inspired top and skirt, I may have to make myself one ( in a much larger size)

As well as haberdashery and skirts I've been spending time with the bunnies, Darth Elvis has settled in brilliantly and he is really part of the family now, the only problem is that I now want more bunnies, how many is too many do you think?

Right I'm off to do some cross stitch, I've been doing a lot recently and I'm developing my own range of naughty and nice cross stitch kits which should be online very soon ( I hope ).

The first day of the 6 weeks from hell

Ok so we are not even half way through the first day but every time I sit down at my sewing machine my kids decide that they want to kill each other so I'm not going to stress, I'm going to sit here play referee and do a spot of blogging. 

Again I have been a very bad blogger, I just keep forgetting to update it. Also my laptop is broken so I'm not able to update my website which is a massive pain in the bum but I can still blog from my phone and as always I do my best to keep Facebook up to date. 

Lots has been going on over at the bunny base, we had two new additions in  the form of baby duck and queen bee our bunnies, unfortunately queen bee died under anaesthetic and we had to get another bunny quickly so that baby duck didn't get depressed. Along came darth bunny ( or as I like to call him Elvis ) 

I loved queen bee tons and darth will never replace her but we had to do the right thing for baby duck. 

He is very well behaved and he and baby duck get on really well.  ****phew****

On the sewing front things have been going well, I start my new job working for Stafford college in September it's only two evenings a week but I really cannot wait to get started, the course is 5 weeks long and a bargain at £42. You can sign up for it and get more info from the Stafford college website. 

I've also been expanding my fabric range to include fleece, calico and jersey. I still stock cotton and poly cotton and all the usual haberdashery as well as buttons, trims etc 

I'm going to try and post most days throughout the holidays so keep popping back. I'm also going to try putting up some free tutorials as soon as my laptop is fixed. 

Wow where did the time go?

Its that time of year again, I've been a bad blogger. I just can't seem to keep on top of it. Hey ho I'm here now and I've been up to loads. First off the sewing classes have taken off on a big way. I'm teaching all ages now and I love it. I did another patchwork cushion workshop on Saturday morning and then an apron workshop in the afternoon. I really do love teaching sewing, it's a valuable skill that should be taught in schools. It give you an amazing sence of achievement and you make some thing pretty too. Everyone seems to go away happy and enthusiastic so that's the main thing.

Patchwork cushions

Aprons

 The fabric side of the business is also doing well, I've expanded so now I have quite a few rolls and a bit of haberdashery too. My little studio looks a (very messy) shop. 

Sugar skull pin cushions 

Lots of lovely fabric

Sewing kits and FQ bundles

So if you would like some awesome fabric at a great price or you would like to learn to sew please visit my webpage. It has all of the information you need on workshops, lots of lovely photos and even a shop. It's 

www.beccibunnymakes.co.uk

Please pop by x

January dress challenge week 1

So it's January and I've started my dress challenge, I'm so rubbish at making things for myself so I've given it until the end of the month to complete it.....properly, no cutting corners! No bodjing it together at the last minute and definatly not ...just popping it in the WIPS basket never to be seen again! 

So I decided to make another pattern from the one I've purchased. There are three reasons for this,

1) I hope to make this dress many times in all different sizes for you lovely bunnies so I didn't want to cut the original pattern.

2) pattern paper rips by just looking at it! Honestly it's so damn thin, never drop any sort of liquid on it because it will dissapear before your very eyes! So I've used some nice sturdy dots and cross paper.

3) I'm often in between sizes, by making my own pattern I can add bits and tke them away making it the perfect fit for me. Although I was lucky this time, I was bang on with my measurements.

When you look at the back of a dress making envelope it may shock the hell out of you. It did me, according to simplicity I should be a UK size 20 ( not that there is anything wrong with that size) I know I'm not a 20 I'm a 16. Don't worry about it at all don't even look at the dress sizes go on the measurements and you will get a great fitting dress (hopefully). 

I like to read all of the instructions before I start.......just kidding, I don't do that but you really should it gives you a greater understanding of the pattern before you have even cut anything.

If it's a multi pattern read the instructions and I like to circle the pattern pieces in using so for example I'm making dress B so I need pattern pieces 1, 2, 4, 5 and 6. Ok now we can start.

I intended on taking lots of photos but me being forgetful it didn't happen so here is what I've got for you:-

My supplies

My dress pattern, a loooonnnng ruler, French curves ( not in the photo, helpful I know) a tape measure, a tracing wheel, dots and cross paper and a can of tescos own baked beans ( any can really but I love beans)

First of all I cut the relevant original pattern pieces out and put the rest away because I would only confuse myself other wise. Then All I did was weigh the pattern piece down with the can of beans and trace over all of the lines that corisponded to my measurements, in this case I made a size 18. I lined up the straight edge of the pattern piece along a line of dots and crosses on the paper, I went slowly and marked all of the lines carefully pressing down as I went so the tracing wheel pins marked the dots and cross paper underneath, mark everything! Circles, darts, notches, everything. Make sure you take your time and do it accurately because if you make a mistake on your pattern piece your finished dress will be way off.

*TOP TIP* gently iron your original pattern pieces on a low heat before you begin to make sure your measurements are bang on, I did not do this, I'm lazy it will probably serve me right when my dress is too small.

Mark your darts and pleats accurately. Once you have gone over your lines with the tracing wheel take your pen and go over them again so you can see them better. Check back to the original pattern piece from time to time to make sure you are getting all the info. I like to write the pattern number, size and any other info on my new pattern piece so for example the front bodice piece has the pattern number, the size, how many pieces I need to cut ( one lining and one outer fabric, both on the fold ) I also put any information about hem allowances and ease on to my new pattern piece because if I don't I will definatly forget and be all angry with myself for not doing it in the first place. Basically make an exact copy of the original pattern piece but in your size only.

Like this. 

Right so all of my pattern pieces are cut and I'm ready to cut my fabric. I will do it in the next few days.....promise, I'm not the authority on this by any means and there are tons of techniques but this is just the way I like to do it. It works for me. any questions feel free to message me or leave a comment.

Mwah ❤️ Bunny x

Lots of things going on but still no dress

Wow! January has been mega busy. I've had orders for all sorts including band patches, clothing and tons of hair bows. 

The one thing that surprised me was panties. I made a pair from a kit I brought from liberty's last time I was in London, I was surprised how easy they were to make and how much I lived making them. I posted a photo on my facebook page and Instagram and it went mental. Since then I think I've made about 80 pairs of panties, ranging from cute to kitsch, horror, geeky and even a bit kinky! Here are a few please excuse my big bum.

Spider-Man cotton panties with matching nipple pasties

BMovie horror panties.

Ouvert panties.

I'm running a knicker making workshop on Saturday 8th February visit the website for more details.

Another thing I have been doing is splitting the business in two. I now have beccibunnymakes.co.uk for all of the fabric, haberdashery and courses and zombunnydesigns.co.uk for all of the hair accessories, clothing and jewellery. I've been thinking about splitting it for a while now and one of my very talented friends designed me the logo for shits and giggles and I loved it so I took the step and split the business. It seems to be working real well so far so I will keep you all updated.

I've been teaching every weekend so I've not had time to update the dress making but I'm hoping to get some done on Sunday afternoon I'm also hoping to pin down some dates for a dressmaking courses so check back soon. 

New year, new projects

So in the new year I'd like to do more dress making. It's something I have done and can do fairly well if I have the time to sit and read patterns etc. I'm going to kick start this new bit of my business with making something for me. 

I'm going to use this awesome Cynthia Rowley dress pattern, I'm going to make the green version of the dress ( second one down) but maybe lengthen the skirt a bit. I might also give the jacket a go if I get time.

I'm going to make it from the day of the dead lightweight cotton and fully line it in black as it is a bit thinner than the other cottons I have. I think it will also make it feel more like a party dress and add fullness to the skirt, we will see. Once I've tried it out in cotton I'd like to have a go at denim, I haven't a clue how that will turn out, probably crap but I won't know untill I try ......right? 

I will be using my trusty dressmakers book to help me if I get stuck, it's not ever let me down yet. It's an brilliant book to have on hand incase you forget how to do something, it explains linings, inter linings, zips, pockets ( oooohhh pockets, there is an idea! My dress will now have pockets!) and tons of other stuff that you can't possibly cram in to your brain. So I'd recommend it.

I'm going to start by tracing the dress size as close to my own size on to dots and cross paper, then I can adjust it accordingly to get the best fit possible. I'm going to try and remember to document it and blog my progress but you all know what I'm like. Rubbish that's what. 

Anyway I'm going to do all of this during January ready to begin teaching a dress makers course in March so if you would be interested in signing up please get in touch via my website 

www.beccibunnymakes.com

Or facebook

www.facebook.com/Beccibunnymakes

The course will start off with the basics like pockets, seams and zips. You will produce samples of each and once you are happy you will make a mock up of your intended dress (I can't decide wether to provide you all with the same pattern and sew along together or  you can bring in your own pattern).

Once you are happy with the mock dress you can move on to your real dress and hopefully get it all finished. I might even organise a night out at the end if the course where we can all wear out dresses, Whadda ya think? I love the idea, any excuse for a party.

Right so step 1 will be deciding on my size and making a pattern. I'll let you know how I get on

Bunny x x x 

Lots of lovely leopard print

Leopard print features heavily in my life. I just love it! I even use it in my product photos. 

A lot! 

Jack and Sally hair bows available on my facebook page

Our lady of Guadalupe embroidery sampler also available to order.

I wear it a lot as well

I even have it on my glasses. It's just so retro and lush, it reminds me of Betty page. Although I would never ever ever wear a real leopard, it's all faux ( like you couldn't tell anyway)

Anyone else love leopard print? 

The shop in the square

This is the shop in the square. It's located right in the center of Wolverhampton and it's well worth a visit. The whole shop is run by one very lovely manager called Charlotte and a team of dedicated volunteers and sellers. It is made up of 33(ish) local start up businesses and the stock includes candles soaps, woodwork, stationary, wire work, jewellary and of course sewn items and machine embroidery. There is even a supplies section where you can buy kits, beads, fabric and haberdashery. It's totally amazing how it fits all under one little roof. The quality of the work at is sold through the shop is amazing and because it is all handmade it is unique. I will be doing tons of my Christmas shopping here this year. I love buying and receiving handmade things. I find that I look after them more knowing the love and care that went in to each item and I get a warm fuzzy feeling knowing that I have helped another artist/ crafter/ small business make a bit of money and give them confidence to carry on being creative. Not everyone appreciates handmade things but it would be awesome if we could all buy or make at least one crafted item this Christmas and the shop in the square is a good place to start! 

The shop in the square

Queens square

Wolverhampton 

(Opposite the man on the horse) 

Some hair accessories made by me and scrabble rings by Katie at the oldskooleretrokitsch boutique.

Lovely memo boards and cushions by oldskooleretrokitsch boutique, glasses cases by minty pink custard and sock monkeys by cuddles and snuggles

A bit of haberdashery by me and wood work by crafty owls creations.

Embroidery samplers and some lovely jewellary 

There is tons more including soaps, chocolates, fascinations and even stained glass! 

Visit he facebook page for info on events and special shopping evenings

www.facebook.com/shopinthesquare

The Sew Cool Sewing School

 

 

New Years Workshops

 

Saturday 11th January 2014 to Saturday 1st February 2014

 

Learn to love your machine beginners workshops.

 

Group 1:- 9.30am to 11.30am

 

Group 2:- 12.30pm to 2.30pm

 

these workshops will be run every Saturday for 4 weeks.

 

you will learn maintenance, troubleshooting, stitch types and lots of techniques to help you produce a pin cushion, a drawstring pouch, a cushion cover and applique bunting.

please visit the workshop info page for more workshops, prices and information

 

The cost of the workshop will be £60 per person for the 4 week course, that's a saving of £5 per lesson. you will also receive a cute little sewing kit to put in your drawstring pouch.

all materials, tutorial printouts and refreshments are provided and i have lots of fabrics and haberdashery to choose from.

 

if you would like to book a space on any of the workshops please email me at becci@beccibunnymakes

places are limited to 4 people per session.

 

or contact me on my facebook page

 

Becci Bunny Makes

Lollipop Christmas decoration tutorial.

Morning bunnies, hope you are all ok, I've done a quick tutorial for you. These lollipop decorations look super cute on a Christmas tree or hung in a window. You can make them from fabric scraps so they are a brilliant stash buster and they are super easy to make.

This is my first tutorial for this blog so if it's rubbish let me know. Also I do have it saved as a PDF so if you would like a copy I can email you one. I can't figure out how to post a PDF from my iPad so the screen shot shoud do for now until I can figure out how to work it properly. I hope you have fun making these as much as I do. 

Lots of lovely things

Hi all, wow it's been a loooong time again hasn't it? I have an app for my iPad now so I hope these blog posts will be easier and quicker and more frequent.......I just have to figure out how to use it properly! 

Anyway if you guys are interested here is what I've been up to.

I now have a website, it's www.beccibunnymakes.co.uk most of the things are on there, events, products etc.

I also have a facebook page it's www.facebook.com/Beccibunnymakes

And a twitter. Becbecbunbun.

And an Instagram it's beccibunnymakes. I love instagram at the moment. My news feed is just full of very talented bag makers, bow makers, jewellary makers and artists. I love how easy it is to edit your crappy photos to make them look good. 

 

I mean look at this photo. I took it on my dining room table at 9pm! Awesome sauce! 

This is just one of the amazing embroidery designs from urban threads. I stitched it out on my (fairly new) embroidery machine, her name is big bad Bertha. She is a beast of a machine and I am utterly in love with her. I know a lot of people think embroidery machines is sort of cheering but I don't care. You still need a bit of creativity about you to make it work and to come up with ideas such as glue gunning pom-poms to your work.

You can also do things like this to dresses.

And this to skirts. Yes it's fair to say I 💚💜❤️💙💛 Bertha. I will share tons of things from her with you soon.

Right I'm off to write a tutorial and hopefully share it with y'all soon.

Bunny x

Buying handmade for Christmas

Hello lovelies, I'm slacking in the blogging department again. I'm super busy with Xmas orders so ill try my bestest to blog when I can.

I recently did a brilliant vintage and craft fair, the atmosphere was great, the stall holders  were awesome, it was the best one ever. Over 1500 people came through the doors on the day and I was in between my two fave vendors the first was Katie at http://oldskoolretrokitschboutique.co.uk/ she is mega ace and I love working next to her, 

she always has a pen which is usefull as I always forget or loose mine and her cushions and 

cake stands are super lush! The second was Zoe At http://www.deliciousinspiration.co.uk/ her cake is amazing and she always makes me a breakfast

Peanut and bacon muffin. 

I'm not sure about fairs for next year, I love doing them but I've not got any booked in.

I'd love to run one from my own house/ garden, is it doable? Have any of you

Ever done it? Advice on this would be amazing. 

Right I'm off, I'm hoping I will have more time to blog in the future but untill then happy

Christmas and a merry new year x x x

craft fairs and treasuries

Hello there, how are you all? im ok, ive been a busy bunny on etsy this week and ive made some fab treasuries

 

This is my shop link:- http://www.etsy.com/shop/Beccibunnymakes

 

and here are the links to my treasuries:- 

 

my moustache treasury:-

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Nzk0MTM0MHwyNzIwNjkyMjA5/moustache-heaven?index=2

 

my Haloween treasury:-

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Nzk0MTM0MHwyNzIzNDEzMDg4/tis-the-season-to-be-spooky?index=1

 

and my bag treasury:-

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Nzk0MTM0MHwyNzIzNDUzMDIw/bloomin-brilliant-bags?index=0

 

i am a bit obsessed with them at the mo, i think they are a brilliant way to showcase yours and other talented makers items.

 

in other news, i recently did this fair, it is run by two fab ladies called Ellen and Dawn they work really hard and it always pays off i just love doing their fairs

 

   

 

                                

and this is me manning my stall

 

and these are my next two events, im soooooo looking forward to them if you are in the midlands please pop over

 

right im off to bed i hope you are all well

x Becci x

 



Tis the season to be spooky

Autumn is here, it is my most favorite time of year, the smells, the colours, the feeling of the frost in the morning (although i could totally do without the effin rain).

 

My workshop/dining room/ conservatory is getting very cold which is a shame as i love to spend time in there, i have to put 3 pairs of socks on to stop my toes getting frostbite on the tiled floor whilst im sewing! i think its time to get on at hubby again about underfloor heating and some blinds, do you think i could write it off as a business expence?

 

 

as the nights have been drawing in i have been thinking about Halloween, its my daughters birthday on the 27th of october so halloween has always been fun and i love love love to dress up. what should i be this year? She wants to go in to birmingham and spend lots of money on trendy clothing and eat at a posh restarant (she is only 13!) and i want to get dressed up and take her trick or treating but apparently that is lame!. They grow up far to fast

 

 

this is my spooky halloween etsy treasury, its got some of my favorite halloween items on it all made by a crafty bunch of people.

 

http://www.etsy.com/treasury/Nzk0MTM0MHwyNzIzNDEzMDg4/tis-the-season-to-be-spooky

have a little peek and maybe buy something handmade this halloween, sometimes all the mass produced crap just gets a bit to much.

 

 

 

 

and this is my handmade halloween contribution so far:-

 

 

Its mostly bags to be honnest but i love to make them, im really trying to buy more handmade items this year, i love getting handmade things you can see all the love and hardwork that goes in to them and its ace to support small businesses.

 

in other news, ive started my dressmaking course, its going ok. we have covered seams and this week is zips and i got to use the overlocker so im getting there.

 

hope you are all well, im off to bed, night night

Becci x