Introductions

Hi Hayley & Everyone. I am Elaine and I live in Lancashire.I started to sew in lockdown and I am a total beginner as regards sewing. I do knit and crochet though too. As  I have mental health issues, re anxiety,lack of confidence etc this has been a big step for me to take and I am hoping it will give me another focus to keep my mind occupied and learn something new. I am very slow with my sewing but hopefully will pick up and learn lots from all you clever people. I am a box subscriber ,but only recently. I have to say I have not been dissapointed and I cant wait for my box to arrive when its due.  I do need to find some beginner friendly patterns in order for me to start using my lovely fabrics.

Hi  Everyone I'm Maria from Melbourne Australia of Italian heritage and have stitched and sewn since I was a child, (found out it's in my ancestry with tailors in the family). Have done alot of cross stitch, tapestry and dressmaking over the years and love it! Used to buy the UK Prima and Me magazines back in the late 80s and 90s and I love all crafty things UK!  Predominately use Prima Patterns (yes the old 90s patterns fashion are back lol) and  the big 4 but my next favourite is Sewgirl aka Fiona Hesford (her patterns were in the sewing mags) First year subscriber to SHJ box and it's fantastic bit pricey for me in Australia but totally worth it as it challenges me plus  I like to see what others make.!  MY fav vloggers are Bec, Ruan, Tamlyn, Rachel, Adele. 

Hi Maria, so lovely to have you hear all the way from Australia! I still love Prima magazine! 

Hello, Kirsten here from Stoke on Trent, started seeing again in 2020 but nothing major and this year I've really got in to it! Love watching all the sewing vlogs, and collecting loads of lovely fabrics and patterns. I do make the occasional garment, but my sewing is much slower than my fabric buying! 

Hi everyone. 

I'm Alice, and I live in Hampshire, not far from Hayley's studio. I've been sewing since the end of 2021 and am absolutely hooked! Can't wait to read about all your projects. 

Hi Kirsten, welcome! Hope you find some inspiration here!!

Hi Alice! That's so great that you started sewing in '21! So happy to have you here, fellow hampshire girl

Hi everyone! I'm Debbie and I live in Hampshire with my husband and 2 young girls (5 and 8). I'm quite new to sewing and I'm about to borrow my Mums old machine, so I'm excited to get learning. I've been using a mini machine and it struggles with projects. I love crochet and also eager to learn cross stitch and embroidery. I just like anything crafty! I've recently been made redundant so I'm taking a little time out to explore my hobbies more. 

Hi Debbie, welcome!! So happy to have you here and so exciting that you've just started sewing!

Hi all. I'm Tina I'm English but lucky enough to live in beautiful Pembrokeshire, West Wales. 
I dabbled a bit with sewing for years, but was always frustrated with poor fit. I then lost weight and was pleased to be able to buy ready to wear clothes until I discovered how poorly they fitted!

So about 18 months ago I decided to try to learn to sew 'properly'. I quickly became obsessed, and am now on a mission to have a completely me-made wardrobe. 

The turning point for me was making a Fabric Godmother Peony dress. I decided wrongly or rightly that if I could manage that, complete with invisible zip, I could make anything I set my mind to. 
I document my makes on instagram with the same username that I have here. 
I absolutely love SHJ boxes; it's a proper treat every month. 

Hello everyone!

I am Susanne and I am living in the Netherlands with my husband and two daughters (3 and 6 yr) who's hands are faster than the speed of light to grab the sweet treat as soon as I open the monthly box.

Looking forward being inspired from all the makes of you fellow sewists. And also hopefully get to know some Dutch-Sew-Hayley-Jane-Subcribers for possible future fabric swaps :) 

Congrats and thanks Hayley for the hard work creating this space!

Hi Tina, that's amazing that you've started sewing 18 months ago - and absolutely you can make anything you set your mind to!

Hi Susanne, thank you so much for joining us and the lovely words! Really happy to have you here! 

Morning my name is Lee at the moment writing to you all from our Static caravan in Norfolk on a miserable morning, looking forward to going home and getting my Machine out of hideing this is because we had the whole family over at Christmas, absolutley loved them all coming but my other baby is put away. Looking forward to being part of this new community. happy new year everyone

Oh no hope the weather brightens up! Happy New Year to you too!

Hi all, 

I'm Laura and have been teaching myself to sew since January 2023. 
I live in Newcastle Upon Tyne with my hubby and two children Phoebe 15 (going on 21) and Eddie 11 (going on 50) 😂 I'm hoping this group will push me out of my comfort zone and give me the confidence to believe that "I can do" xx

Hi Laura,

Haha, I feel like Eddie and I would get on well as a couple of old souls! 

Yes Laura, you can totally do it! Have you got a project on the go at the moment?

Hi Hayley, 

He is most definitely an old soul 😂

I've nearly finished my wearable Pogonip toile. Xx

Hi,  I rediscovered sewing during Covid after a very long break. Im only 4ft 10 so have always struggled to find clothes the right length in the body and/or sleeves.    I try to sew sustainably, buying deadstock fabrics and habadashery from a sustainable source. I make clothes, bags, and homeware. Dor Mills

Hi everyone, 

Thank you Hayley for setting this up - such a great idea! 
My name is Vicki and I live just outside of Bristol. 
i used to sew with my nan as a child but then rediscovered my love for it in 2016 and haven't looked back! 
I mostly prefer dressmaking, and my favourite fabric is a floaty, bright, floral viscose! 
Really looking forward to getting to know everyone - hope you're all getting some time to sew over Christmas!