What an incredible Great British Sewing Bee final! Our three talented finalists (Mia, Tony and Asmaa) battled it out to be crowned Britain’s Best Amateur Sewer, going head to head to create three garments worthy of the Met Gala. In the nail-biting episode, it was the fantastic Asmaa who won The Great British Sewing Bee 2023. The 46-year-old consultant breast surgeon wowed the judges throughout the series with her neat stitching, creative flair, and eye for detail. I can't really put into words how I'm feeling, this isn't real, it can't be me! It feels amazing. Asmaa In the final Asmaa creat ..read more

Gouache (pronounced gwaash) has traditionally been less popular than other paint mediums such as acrylics and watercolours, but it has a lot to recommend it. This medium is loved by artists and illustrators for its beautiful matte finish and dazzling colours. If you’re new to painting and keen to crack on at home, it’s a good option for beginners and you can achieve impressive results in a very short period of time. The materials you’ll need for gouache are relatively inexpensive (certainly in relation to oils), and it’s incredibly easy to get up and running. Gouache has always been highly po ..read more

Gouache can be used to paint everything from detailed illustrations to atmospheric paintings. It has a distinctive matte finish that’s instantly recognisable, which is why it’s popular with both artists and illustrators. Its fast drying time means that it’s ideal for a speedy painting session when you don’t have much time. Gouache comes in a huge selection of luminous colours with intense pigments. Many of the shades are pre-mixed, which is super useful when you just want to start painting straight away. Like any medium, knowing a few handy tips and tricks can help you to get the most out of ..read more

Rawwwww! Meet Eduardo the amigurumi dinosaur, designed by Yan Schenkel of Pica Pau. No need tobe scared though – this crochet dinosaur is nothing but a big softie! He’s more of a cuddler than a carnivore! This amigurumi dinosaur is made with some clever techniques to create unique shapes and keep joining and assembly to a minimum. This may prove a little tricky for complete crochet beginnners, but you can always check out our guide on how to crochet amigurumi. It’s a pattern that is DINO-MITE!!! You will need DMC Natura Just Cotton, 100% cotton, 50g/155m, or alternative 4ply yarn two balls i ..read more

Looking for a fashion show with a difference? Channel 4’s new programme The Unique Boutique could be just what you’re searching for. This groundbreaking show aims to create fresh new looks for people who aren’t catered for by high street fashion. The Unique Boutique will meet people from every walk of life and a team of expert designers and tailors will come together to create outfits that they’ll love. You’ll hear candid accounts from the people appearing on the show about the challenges they’ve faced in their lives and why they struggle to find what they need in the shops. The designers wil ..read more

Knitting tension square (or gauge square as it is known in the US) is really important for getting the best result from your pattern, but exactly what is gauge and why do you need to check it? In this article we’ll show you that knitting gauge squares is easy, and well worth the effort! We’ll cover: What is gauge in knitting? How to check gauge in knitting 3 knitting swatch rulers to buy What is gauge in knitting? To achieve great results from your knitting it’s important to ensure that you have the correct gauge. Gauge is how many stitches and rows can be found in a square of knitted fabri ..read more

Chloe started stitching in the hopes of cutting down her screen time. Now, the Kent-based creative uses her hobby to cure writer’s block… Image credit: Chloe Timms Tell us a bit about yourself, and how you first discovered your passion for embroidery. I’m a 35-year-old disabled novelist, freelance writer, and podcast host from the Kent coast. Funnily enough, I come from a textiles background. My mum was a clothes designer, and my grandma Maude was a fantastic knitter and crocheter – but I was never very good with a needle and thread! That changed in 2019 when I decided to take up a hobb ..read more

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