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Alison Smith MBE DL

@sew.alison

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Inspirational Teacher, Author,The Sewing Book,The Dressmaking Book, The Tailoring Book. Teaching in person and online Schoolofsewing.co.uk
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We all love a little look at other people’s craft rooms, right?! We teamed up with our friends at @janomeuk to create a guide to setting up your perfect sewing space! It is free with issue 152, which is out now! #sewistsofinstagram #sewingreels #sewingroomtour
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Finally, the long-awaited event arrived. Thank you to @londonfrocktails for all their hard work organising a fun event where we got to catch up with like-minded people, meet fellow Instagrammers IRL, show off months of hard work and bop the night away. How amazing is this- on a trip to Athens last December, I met up with @eleni_sews to go fabric shopping. I saw some lovely liquid satin but managed to resist it- she only went and gave me some last night! I’m so so touched and grateful. Thank you again Eleni. Then, in an embarrassment of riches, I won a raffle prize which I’d been thinking of buying! Thank you to @sew.alison for the 6 month membership. It’s no secret I’m a huge fan of Elsa Schiaparelli so I wanted to make an outfit in homage to her. I tried to incorporate a blend of original and modern touches from the House. My initial inspiration is from @danielroseberry, @schiaparelli - see photo. Elsa ‘invented’ shocking pink so I was very happy to find this cheap upholstery fabric on a trip to París, where I also bought the navy silk cady. She was an early adopter of the zip - preferably chunky plastic ones, hence mine in the back. Beading is a big feature in Schiaparelli so this was my first attempt- each of these was individually sewn on- thanks to @zestandlavender for encouraging me. Schiaparelli worked with many surrealists for whom body parts were important symbols. Thanks to @marianguillenp_ for drawing the hands. I was totally over the moon to find the earrings in a charity shop which I then sprayed. I thought I’d finished there but another visit to the exhibition inspired me to embark on what turned out to be a challenging, lengthy sew to make a turban. I wasn’t convinced about it but was persuaded to stick with it. It’s been a fabulous few days with my sewing buddies @sandra.stitched, @fionio1 and @i_still_have_nothing_to_wear Sewing brings me such joy, so many friends and fun opportunities. This is my longest post ever, thanks for reading and …. Happy Sewing! #londonfrocktails#iwearwhatiwant#schiaparelli #vintagepatterns #surrealism
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Borrow or buy review: The Sewing Book by @sew.alison YouTube link: https://youtu.be/M7mbW1zrKKs I originally borrowed Alison's books from the library. Then she agreed to be on @seworganisedstyle and I was provided with her latest edition. The info has been really helpful working with my pattern blocks to create detailing that I want. Fitted waistband Welt pockets Side seam pockets Collars #bookreview #sewingbook #sewing
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NEW INTERVIEW: "It’s a life skill, and I think that everybody should know the basics, even if it’s how to fix a zip and sew a button on. And it’s just not taught anymore." Alison Smith MBE, author of "The Sewing Book", recommends the best sewing books for beginners #Sewing #SewingForBeginners #LearnToSew #SewingBooks
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Week 1: Let’s Talk Trousers ⠀ It’s week 1 of the @guthrieghani #ggsewtember and the 1st prompt is on nailing the fit for trousers.⠀ ⠀ In true honesty, this is a journey I’m still on.⠀ ⠀ I’ve tried many patterns, had many of them fitted. I’ve even got my block done to draft trousers that fit my body. ⠀⠀ But the journey is not as simple as that. It’s about the style, the fabric and how I feel in them; not just at the start of the day but also at the end. ⠀ I’m learning a lot about the style and the fabric choices I must adhere to, for me to like how they look and wear throughout the day. I’ve learnt a lot about my body shape and proportions and how it changes. ⠀ I’m being patient and trusting the process as I experiment to find the perfect fitting trousers. ⠀ Trousers in the video:⠀ 1) @fabricgodmother #fgcallatrousers⠀ 2) @truebias #hudsonpants⠀ 3) @megannielsenpatterns #mnashjeans⠀ 4) Self Drafted (@sew.alison & @izzosewstudio )
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Been meaning to take part in the @braugust_challenge I found in my @stash_hub app all month! It’s been hosted by @emeralderinsews and @brabuilders Today’s prompt was ‘sewing machine’. I’ve made this one bra so far, pattern by @sew.alison and have it in the back of my mind to branch out further. Not quite got there yet though. This is my trusty sewing machine that I’ve sewn so much on and feel confident it will serve me well when I do get there! The @janomeuk DKS100 Thank you to today’s sponsor @hariitolingerie
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✨️ THE LADY McELROY & DEADSTOCK FABRICS ROADSHOW IS COMING BACK TO TAMWORTH! ✨️ Come and join us this Friday (28th August) at our Pop-Up Shop at Wilnecote Parish Hall near Tamworth to see, feel and shop a huge selection of our gorgeous fabrics. 🛍 📅 DATE - Friday 28th August 2026 🕙 OPENING TIMES - 11am - 12.30pm 📌 VENUE & DIRECTIONS Location: Wilnecote Parish Hall, 40 Watling Street, Two Gates, Wilnecote, Tamworth, B77 5AD Wilnecote is situated about two miles (3.2 km) south-east of Tamworth in Staffordshire. The hall is opposite Wilnecote Motors and a Texaco Garage on the B5404. 🅿️ Car Parking is available on site. 🚆 Wilnecote Railway Station is just a short walk from the Parish Hall, with links to Birmingham, Nottingham and Cardiff. ♿ Has disabled access and accessible toilets on site. 💳 We will be taking card and cash payments. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE! 😊🛍️ 🥰 Please share with all your sewing friends and any sewing groups in the Tamworth area. #tamworth #tamworthsews #sewistsofinstagram #fabricshopping #fabricsale offers discounts dressmakingfabrics Staffordshire westmidlands popupshop Staffordshireevents
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✨️ THE LADY McELROY & DEADSTOCK FABRICS ROADSHOW IS COMING TO LEICESTER! ✨️ Come and join us this Friday (28th August) at our Pop-Up Shop at Evington Village Hall in Leicester to see, feel and shop a huge selection of our gorgeous fabrics. 🛍 📅 DATE - Friday 28th August 2026 🕙 OPENING TIMES - 4.30pm - 6pm VENUE & DIRECTIONS 📌 Location: Evington Village Hall, Church Road, Evington, Leicester, LE5 6FA. Evington Village Hall is located in the village of Evington to the east of Leicester City Centre. 🅿️ Parking is available on site. 🚆 The nearest station is Leicester which is a 13 mins drive (2.8 miles) away. ♿ Has disabled access and toilets on site. 💳 We will be taking card and cash payments. WE LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU THERE! 😊🛍️ 🥰 Please share with all your sewing friends and any sewing groups in the Leicester area. #leicestersews #sewleicester #leicestershopping #sewistsofinstagram #fabricshopping leicestersewist fabrichaul Leicestershire fabricsale East Midlands popupshop dressmakingfabrics discounts offers
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One of the things that makes London Frocktails so special is the incredible support of our sponsors. Whether it’s helping us create memorable experiences, contributing thoughtful gifts, or supporting the event behind the scenes, their generosity plays a huge part in making London Frocktails such a wonderful day. We are truly grateful for each and every one of them. Over the coming week, we’ll be introducing our fantastic 2026 sponsors and sharing a little about the people and businesses behind them. We hope you’ll join us in showing them some love! 💕 First up... Alice & Co Patterns @aliceandcopatterns 
Designed in London by mother-and-daughter team Alice and Lilia, Alice & Co Patterns create modern sewing patterns with a focus on great fit and timeless style — garments you’ll love to make and wear. Anglepoise @anglepoise 
Since 1935, Anglepoise has been an icon of British lighting design, creating innovative, spring-balanced lamps that combine beautiful form with exceptional function. School of Sewing – Alison Smith MBE @sew.alison 
Alison Smith MBE is one of the UK’s leading educators in dressmaking, tailoring, corsetry and couture techniques. Through the School of Sewing, she shares her wealth of knowledge with a focus on fit, precision and craftsmanship. Claire Tyler Couture @clairesthreads 
An experienced seamstress and dressmaking tutor, Claire has taught at knitting and stitching shows across the UK and now runs inspiring dressmaking workshops, helping makers develop their skills and confidence. Corries Fancy Goods @corriesfancygoods 
Founded by Corrie Lewis-Bishop, this independent UK brand creates beautifully handcrafted ceramic jewellery, brooches and small sculptures using traditional slip-casting and hand-carving techniques. Corrie’s work is inspired by her background as a ceramicist, dressmaker, jeweller and art historian. Thank you to these wonderful businesses for being part of London Frocktails 2026. We can’t wait to introduce you to more of our amazing sponsors over the coming days! 💖 #Frocktails #SewingCommunity #SupportSmallBusiness
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Brown capsule All unplanned. Linen trousers using @theselvedgesociety fabric. Block trouser pattern changes using @sew.alison The Sewing Book. Fly front; Back welt pocket; Belt loops. Great technique instructions by Alison🤓 Top using Kwik Sew 3740 and rayon print knit from my fabric stash. Secret: The body was tight but once I washed the fabric, it relaxed and now fits nicely😇 Brown knit tops and brown wool jacket were previous @minervadotcom makes. Jacket pattern is Burda 6581. These pieces all work together. #stylewinter #mymakesjuly26 @sewmuchtodesign
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The Isla Trench Coat ⠀ Some final pictures of this beautiful coat. Despite technically being in the summer months, I’m still getting some wear out of this trench coat. That’s British weather for you! ⠀ This one I made as part of a sew-along with @sew.alison and I really enjoyed it and learned some new techniques along the way. Coats are one of my favourite things to make and this one is up there as one of the best I’ve made to date.⠀ ⠀ I didn’t make many changes to the coat. I reduced the length slightly but other than that I made it straight out of the packet. ⠀ Really happy with how this piece turned out. And it will be one that will be around for many years. ⠀ Pattern: @namedclothing #islatrenchcoat⠀ Fabric: Outer - @fabricgodmother #fgwardrobe gaberdine, Inner - @guthrieghani viscose lining
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➡️ El gran libro de la costura. Nueva edición actualizada 👉 Alison Smith @sew.alison ✔️ Nueva edición actualizada del best seller de costura 🔸 Esta guía, éxito de ventas en todo el mundo, cubre más de 300 técnicas, con fotografías paso a paso, que te enseñan a realizar todo el proceso, desde costuras básicas, pinzas y frunces hasta dobladillos, bajos y ojales. Descubre todo lo que necesitas saber sobre los materiales esenciales y el equipo de costura, incluida la máquina de coser, la elección de los tejidos adecuados para lo que quieras confeccionar y cómo modificar los patrones con el fin de adaptar una prenda para un perfecto ajuste. 🔸 El libro se completa con 10 proyectos y patrones descargables que te ayudarán a poner en práctica los nuevos conocimientos recién adquiridos, puntada a puntada. Una guía imprescindible para realizar cualquier labor de costura a mano o a máquina y emplear la técnica necesaria en cada caso. 👉Alison Smith MBE se formó como profesora de moda y tejidos, y enseñó durante muchos años en una de las principales escuelas de Birmingham, de la que también fue jefa del Departamento de Textiles. En 1992 fundó la School of Sewing (la primera de su clase en RU), donde se enseñan todos los aspectos de la costura, como la confección, la sastrería y la corsetería. Alison también ha impartido clases en la Liberty Sewing School de Londres y en la escuela de costura de Janome de Stockport. En 2004 abrió una tienda de telas en Ashby-de-la-Zouch para ampliar la escuela de costura. En 2013 recibió la Orden del Imperio Británico (MBE) por sus servicios a la costura y la corsetería. #ElGranLibroDeLaCostura #CosturaCreativa #CosturaFacil #AprenderACoser #ManualidadesConAmor #HechoAMano #CosturaHechaConAmor #CosturaModerna #TécnicasDeCostura #CoserEsMiTerapia #CosturaArtesanal #CosturaPasoAPaso #CosturaConEstilo #DiseñoTextil #AlisonSmith #CorteYConfección #SchoolOfSewing #CosturaADomicilio #CosturaParaTodos #CoserYCrear #DIYCostura #PatronesDeCostura #HechoConPasión #CosturaConMaquina #CosturaHechaAMano #CosturaDeRopa #ProyectoDeCostura #IdeasDeCostura #InspiraciónCosturera #CoserEsVivir
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