If you've bought one of our Christmas Party Dress bundle kits (or you're thinking about purchasing), why not take a look at how our blogger Neela got on with her kit? Click read more to view her detailed, informative, helpful, step by step tutorial!

When Sam sent us a photo of a top she wanted to make, we were instantly backing the idea because the top was so unusual but gorgeous and stylish. We set about deciding which fabrics would be best and Sam chose from the swatches we sent. Read on to see how her make turned out.

According to research statistics, 80-85% of women are wearing the wrong bra size. It's not exactly an appealing idea to trot off to Marks & Spencers to get measured on a busy, sweaty Saturday afternoon or pay some of the high prices out there just for one piece of underwear. So what can you do to save money and ensure the perfect fit? Make your own of course.

Our affordable bra kit gives you enough supplies to make 2 bras with. That's just £15 for the most comfortable bra you will ever wear. Maria from How good is that? has road tested the bra for us, with fantastic results. She also collaborated with us on the idea of the kit, bringing to our attention the fact that there is a real need out there for an all in one bra kit. Take a look below.

Bra Kit Test

Here's a sweet convertible bra using powermesh, lace and bra notions from White Tree Fabrics UK. This is an idea Lisa was happy for me to work on and I've used Kwik Sew 3300 as my bra template. I say template because the pattern doesn't provide the cross back feature. This bra style is something I developed following a 'ready to wear' bra that I own.

The power mesh is soft and stretchy so I've used two layers of powermesh on the bra band. This gives the bra band more stability and I've cut one layer on grain and one layer cut off grain.

Now the flesh colour tricot fabric and underwire piping was from my stash. The bra hooks provided by White Tree Fabrics give you the convertible version (slider, o-ring and garter hook).

What I found is the best result for bras is to have the notions either the same width or wider than the bra strap.

I used the lace across the top of the bra cup only and I tried to balance the bows in the lace.

Here's where I was deciding on how long the underwire piping should be. I ended up lining the whole cup with underwire piping even though this hemline underwire is a half wire shape.

I wore this bra on a humid Summer's day and it was very comfortable and supportive.

The cups are lined and all the seams are enclosed so I think that helped me feel comfortable.  The bra you see has been wash a couple of times now so I know this bra is durable as well as lovely. Thanks White Tree Fabrics for letting me indulge in sewing a new bra using lovely lace for Summer.

Since we're talking about bras - what better time to encourage all of our lovely female readers out there to remember to regularly check their breasts? WhiteTree are proud to be working with Butterick Sewing Patterns, who in turn support the Eve Appeal, fighting against women's cancers.  You can read more about how buying a sewing pattern will benefit this worthwhile cause. Butterick are donating to the Eve Appeal for every Walk Away dress pattern sold. Now there's some lovely news!

If you're new to the world of sewing but raring to get started, you'll first need to kit yourself out with some essential sewing supplies. You can begin with the bare essentials and then of course add to your tools as you go along. There's so much out there that you might wonder what counts as an essential starter item, and what can be added on later. Here's what we recommend to get you started.

Storage
You'll need something to keep it all in unless you're very lucky and already have a sewing space kitted out with shelves and drawers, that is! Unsurprisingly, there are lots of options. Sewing stools, sewing boxes, traditional wooden storage, as well as moden print fabric storage. There's clear plastic boxes, craft bags, tin and box sets and probably more. The choice is yours - click here to take a look at our selection.

Fabric Scissors
We suggest you invest in some high quality fabric scissors.  It's probably not a good idea to buy a cheap pair - you want strength, durability, good steel blades and our recommendation would be to look to recognised brands to ensure peace of mind. Fiaskars and Prym are both top quality brands and you can learn more about them here. There are fabric scissors available for right or left handed people, and these scissors are able to handle cottons, jersey, demin, embroidery and more. You might also want to invest in some thread snippers, which are easier to handle at the sewing machine than your larger fabric shears. 

Cutting Mat
This is definitely an essential if you want to avoid scratched, marked work surfaces.  Use your cutting mat with your rotary cutter, tracing wheel, scissors and more - and your tables and worktop will escape unscathed! Cutting mats are also a good, flat surface for laying your out fabric on. Choose from a selection of sizes here.

Fabric Markers
Marking up your fabric ready for cutting is an important part of the process and multiple options are available. From slabs of tailor's chalk to chalk pencils, from water erasable markers to tracing wheels - we have got a great selection and once again, the choice is yours. Some of the markers we have available are clever, award winning innovations but if you want to keep it simple (and cost effective), opt for a slab of chalk in a holder, just £3.00 to get you started. Refills £2.10. Click here to browse all available products.

Tape Measure
You'll need to invest in a flexible style because you'll be measuring more than just fabric. All of our tape measures fit the bill - it's just a case of choosing imperial or metric, and deciding if you want a retractable measure or regular. Basic tape measures start from just £3.12 each, and retractable tape measures start from £3.54. Don't opt for a cheap 99p one from eBay - you will use this particlar tool so much, and you need good, long lasting quality. Take a look at our affordable but durable tape measures here.
 

Pins & Holder
You can pick up a pack of basic pins cheaply pretty much anywhere. However, pinning your pattern to your fabric is another part of dressmaking that must be done just right. It's better to make things easy on yourself by using pins that will hold your fabric securely, are easily visible and have coloured glass or plastic heads so they are easy to grab, handle, insert and remove. These pins will be used again and again so represent good value for money. Our glass head pins start at just £2.64 a pack. Take a look at what we have on offer here. On this page you will also find pin cushions, wrist pinny's and magnetic dishes - all for holding your pins so they are easy to locate.

Seam Ripper
Once you've laid out your fabric, pinned your pattern and done your cutting you will move on to sewing your garment. Realised you've sewn something the wrong way? Or inside out? The seam ripper easily and efficiently unpicks your stitches so you can make the necessary alterations. These are such popular and indespensible items that sewers often own more than one!  You'll find a choice of seam rippers here, starting at just £2.16. As you can see, they're such necessary items that they are often included as an extra with sets of sewing threads.

Needles
Whether you're hand sewing, or using a sewing machine, needles are one of the most important items you will use. To start out with, you might be better getting an assorted pack of general all rounders. You can add to your collection as you go along (i.e. using special needles for denim, for stretch fabrics, etc). We have a good selection here, from just £1.38 per pack. To make your sewing an easier experience, we would once again advise buying good quality needles. They aren't expensive as a rule generally, but don't think you have a bargain if you get some 99p needles - you might find yourself fighting with fabric as these cheap needles struggle to cope.

Iron
Pressing your garment is the final, most important step. This is when you should press your seams to lay flat, and establish the shape you want your garment to take. Plus, you want your make to look neat and perfectly finished! Take a look here, as we have the perfect mini iron that won't take up too much room in your sewing space. Plus, this iron will be your dedicated dressmaking iron and you won't be tempted to use it for the weekly laundry!

Multi-Buys
This handy kit contains 3 of your essential items along with a bonus product to store your needles. The kit comprises: stitch ripper, tracing wheel, chalk wheel and the needle twister. This is a great way to get your sewing kit started. 

Of course, you are going to need other supplies for your project. Assuming you have a lovely new sewing machine and once you have your kit together, you then have to choose your sewing pattern, fabric, thread, zipper, buttons.....simply look at the menu to navigate and you will find all of these items and much more in our online store.

If you want to take the guess work out of putting your kit together, we've actually done the hard work for you with our complete Starter kit. For just £114, you will receive: 

1 x Pattern Master
1 x Pattern Notcher
1 x 26cm Tailor/fabric shears
1 x Quick stitch unpick/snips
1 x cms/inches tape measure
1 x Bobbins & bobbin case
1 x 250g tub of quality dressmaking pins
1 x Ergonomic Awl
1 x Ergonomic Tracing Wheel
1 x Ergonomic stitch ripper
1 x Ergonomic chalk wheel/stick
1 x Pair small general use scissors
1 x 100m white thread
1 x 100m Black thread

We'll also discount the 2 tier plastic storage container for you! This kit contains lots of Prym branded tools, so you can expect top quality supplies at discounted prices.

Whenever you're ready to begin your journey, take a look at out blog. You will find hundreds of inspirational projects and makes that can help you decide what to sew and what fabric to use.

Happy Sewing!
 

One thing WhiteTree fabrics are proud of is our extensive selection of laces. Stretch, rigid, with a scalloped selvedge, without, floral, geometric, all different colours and designs.....we have over 700 designs to choose from. So when we saw that The Greart British Sewing Bee were going to be using laces in series 3 of their show, we reached out to our bloggers to ask them to create some fantastic lace projects.

Maria not only created a fantastic outfit, she also documented every step to bring you this fantastic how-to sew with lace guide!

Be sure to stay tuned for part 2 and a very special photoshoot.

GBSB Lace Challenge

Sewing with great lace

A lace as lovely as this needed some planning to get the best result. You can see in the picture below I checked how it was cut and ran a ruler across the top edge

I clipped along the edge of the fabric so the circles all ran straight. There was a risk that I would cut out the fabric at an angle which I didn't want to risk. Below is the back pattern and I've lined the grainline along the circles.

Now to cut out the next layer for the back, I laid the first layer on the second layer so the circles match along the same grainline.

Now for the front and the front front facing. Scary but do-able. I laid the front pattern grainline following the circles. Then I laid the front facing piece on the front and drew the large circle on the pattern piece so I could match the circles. I took my time when I cut this out and I made sure there were no distractions in the house too.

Here's a closer look at the circle markings being transferred onto the front facing pattern.

You can see below where I've marked the large lace circles on the pattern piece on the bodice so the large circles would run level across the body.

Then the 'easy' part was to cut out the knit lining. I decided to sew both fabric layers together as I sewed the jumpsuit together.

Both fabrics are 'knits' and don't unravel. This made construction a whole lot easier after I managed to cut each piece out separately and aligned to the lace circles.

The buttons selected by White tree fabrics blended in so well I decided to hand sew the button holes and each buttonhole is place in the centre of each large circle.

As I've already made this jumpsuit before the proportions worked well for this fabric. The leg width was slimmed down from the first version I made and I had raised the arm curve to suit my needs.

This is lace jumpsuit a keeper. Thank you White Tree Fabrics for asking me to do this special project post. Both fabrics have been great to sew and this outfit has been easy to wear in our hot Summer weather.

It's time for Part 3 of our sew-a-long Christmas Party dress with Amanda.

In our previous blog posts, Amanda has showed you how to get started and how to work on the bodice of the dress. To make a start, you obviously need the dress kit, which you can buy here. We've discounted this especially for our readers to ensure you save money and get a bargain!

Today's instalment is all about the skirt, and joining the bodice and skirt together. Over to Amanda!

The skirt was also an easy sew on the Christmas party dress. The style is a blouson effect and has an elastic casing to bring the fabric in at the waist.

I made sure that my skirt was going to be the correct length so I could use the scalloped edge of the lace for the hem.

The scallop of the lace, shown here is one of the other available colours. This product code is 7888. Click here to see more.

It was at this point that I needed a real try on with my shoes. I also wanted to make sure that the length was right and where to hem the lining to. The pattern has a slit in the back of the skirt but due to the lace I decided to miss it out on my dress.

The last part of the sew along will be the finishing touches. I love choosing these parts of a dress and I usually have an idea already planted in my head- I can’t wait to show you!

So it's time for Part 2 of our sew-a-long Christmas Party dress with Amanda.

If you aren't already taking part but would like to, click here to purchase a kit and click here for part 1.

Pin the lace to the bodice lining, right sides together. Use pins to mark where you need to sew around armholes and neckline. See photograph below.

Sew with a sewing machine, trim seam and then under stitch in to the lining as far as possible, as the photo shows.

Follow steps 6 and 7 on the sewing pattern. I loved sewing this part. It was a great sewing moment when you say…"Ahhh! I get it now!"

The bodice is so neat and precise. The back matches perfectly too. It is the pulling through the shoulder seams that seem to give it that perfect look. It does say it is a ‘Very Easy Vogue’ pattern and I am inclined to agree with that. Simple but perfect so far!

Tools to help you with the bodice:

Dressmaking pins

Sew All Thread

Bobbins & more

Stay tuned for part 3 coming soon!

Meet Amanda, our lovely blogger and the leader of our Christmas Party Dress sew-a-long.

Amanda was one of the first people to join our team earlier this year and has also been one of our most productive bloggers, having notched up an impressive 7 makes since June 2014. That's more than a project a month! Amanda always has such fantastic ideas about which fabric will work with which pattern and so when she suggested a Christmas dress sew-a-long, we started to investigate and research. We came up with the fabrics and the sewing pattern and got really good feedback on all of them. So, if you want to see what we selected and buy the kit, click here.

We'll be making Option B.

Now to kick off with Part 1 of the sew-a-long: Getting Started!

As a WhiteTree fabrics blogger, they send me the fabric of my choice to make into something beautiful! I have managed to create some beautiful makes with their fabric over the past 6 months. This post is slightly different as I asked WTF if I could make a party dress and do a sew along. I offered some ideas and with Lisa and her ability to network we came up with Vogue 8241. 

I was delighted when this fabric and pattern were chosen as it is an easy pattern with a lining, which works well with our fabric choice. This is a vintage lace in a sapphire grey. It has a slight stretch and is absolutely beautiful.

It will not need a hem due to the lovely scalloped edge, which will make it an easy sew for us.

PART 1 : MEASURING & CUTTING

 I cut out my pattern first and pinned it onto my mannequin just to check it would fit.

I then decided to cut the lining out first and once again checked it would fit the mannequin.

Once I had checked it was definitely going to fit I carefully cut out the lace. Take care with where the fold of your bodice is and make sure you are happy with where the flowers on the lace will be. I was very careful with the lace cutting as it is so delicate.

I measured the length I wanted my dress to be. I am going for a full length style with a scalloped hem so I measured from my waist to the correct length. I then folded back 3 inches of the pattern so the hem would be the scallop.

And guess what…..I pinned it to the mannequin! I also used post-it notes to remember which side is the right side.

So….cutting out all done and we are ready to sew. Join us for Part 2, coming up really soon. 

Essentials shopping list

Sew-a-long complete kit

Pattern cutting scissors

Fabric Shears

Learn more about the lace and other colour options available

Are you ready for our Christmas Party Dress sew-a-long? Due to kick off this Wednesday with Part 1 : Getting Started, the rest of the series will proceed with the following instalments:

Part 2- The bodice

Part 3- The skirt

Part 4- A perfect Finish

A final post will be made after the Christmas party that our blogger Amanda is wearing her dress to, which will be 14th December. We're so looking forward to seeing the dress if the sneak peek photos we've seen are anything to go by!

To purchase your Christmas Party blogger dress kit, click here. Each kit has been specially discounted for our customers, saving you up to £9 by buying the complete kit as opposed to buying the supplies separately. The kit includes lace, lining fabric, sewing pattern, thread and a beautiful button to create the perfect finishing touch to your dress.

You can choose from other lace colours and the lining fabric is also available in Black.

We hope you can join us and we hope you feel inspired to create your very own seasonal dress.

Every sewer knows that a good quality cotton fabric helps to make your project an easy sewing experience. Sewers who are familiar with these fabrics might be loathe to take on something as fiddly as lace, especially when it might mean extra sewing hours, tons of unpicking, trying to master special seams and trying to figure out how to sew with a fabic they're just not comfortable with. However, WhiteTree fabrics make it easy for any sewer at any experience level to sew with lace and achieve amazing results. We have 2 Bonded laces in our range, available in fantastic Autumn/Winter colours.

What is bonded lace?
Bonded lace features a pretty lace design fixed (bonded) to a complimentary coloured matt satin background. This has many benefits, not least of which is the fact that you won't need a separate lining so you won't have to cut twice! The backing fabric gives the lace stability which means it's easier to cut, and also a dream to sew with! This lace offers you the means to achieve that on trend lace look, but with all the ease that sewing with a cotton fabric gives you. These laces have been tried and tested by some of our bloggers. Here's what they had to say:
 

"Isn’t the fabric fabulous? It is a white bonded lace, courtesy of White Tree Fabrics. Basically it is a lace that is already bonded onto a satin back. So instead of you layering two fabrics together as I did for my wedding handbag it is done for you. This makes the fabric incredibly stable. As easy as sewing cotton." 
- Lucie of Love, Lucie.
 

"I used the black satin bonded lace that WhiteTree have on offer. Have you seen Lucie’s Honeymoon bag for which she used the white version of this fabric? Exquisite! That’s what I say! Sewing with this fabric is a dream."
- Simona of Sewing Adventures in the Attick. 

Here's the bag that Lucie made using product code 1329-03:

Bonded laces are the perfect 2-in-1 product, saving you both time and money. While product 1329 is available in lighter colours and is perfect for accessories and everyday casualwear, our other bonded lace 9729 offers a darker colour palette and is just the thing for evening wear, party fashion and Christmas dresses.

WhiteTree fabrics understand that our customers like to try before they buy so that they can get a feel for the fabric, perhaps match it against other fabrics they're using in a project....that's why we offer a sample service. Did you know that we will send you up to 10 samples at no charge - you'll only pay for P+P? See here for more information. So don't be afraid to give sewing with lace a try - this fabric will help you build your confidence so that you can move on to something more adventurous. Lace is set to be huge in the coming months, so why not give it a go and request your sample today?