Elna eXcellence 720 PRO sewing machine review About this expert: Rebecca Reid Rebecca Reid has worked in the craft industry for over thirty years as a technical writer and Editor for sewing magazines and is also a professional curtain maker. She is currently a TV shopping presenter for Sewing Street and runs her own sewing kit business, Amber Makes with her business partner Amy. She sews almost every single day, designing and making new projects and kits for Amber Makes and is lucky enough to get to work with the experts and use and play with a whole range of…
Author: Rebecca Reid
Rebecca Reid
Rebecca is founder of Amber Makes and has previously worked as Senior Technical Editor of Love Embroidery and Simply Sewing magazines. She works with sewing TV channels including Sewing Street, Yarn Lane and Sewing Quarter. She been stitching since she was a child and has worked on many craft magazines as well as running her own curtain-making business. She is known by her colleagues as a sewing oracle – you name it, she can sew it. She’s hugely knowledgeable about sewing techniques, fabrics and tools and is full of helpful advice for her fellow sewists, from the best place to buy curtain-making materials to which books and websites are handy for that sewing problem you’re stuck on.
Get the lowdown on how to choose the right sewing machine needles with this useful guide.
Making your own pillowcases can really transform the look of your bedding. It’s a great way to make sure your bed coordinates with the rest of your room without having to make a completely new set of bedding. However, if you wanted to you could go the whole hog and learn how to make a duvet cover too. In this easy tutorial, we’ll show you how to make a pillowcase with a flap. It’s really simple to follow and we’re sure that you’ll want to make pillowcases for every bed in your house. We love the way these fabric inserts…
This roomy messenger bag pattern will fit a laptop and other workday essentials, and is stylish enough to use at the weekend, too. The ultimate bag for cycling fans! We’d recommend choosing sturdy fabric to make this messenger bag pattern as it’s likely to experience lots of wear and tear – and you’ll want to protect your possessions from the rain. Webbing straps are strong and stylish, but real or faux leather would also work well. This bag would make a fantastic gift for Christmas or for someone’s birthday. Or make one for yourself! This messenger bag pattern is bound…
No party scheme would be complete without a string of bunting! Our two-strand Happy Birthday banner features mini pennant flags with colourful triangle details. Raid your stash for your brightest fabric scraps for this project! Nothing says party quite like putting up some vibrant decorations and we love this colour happy birthday garland, designed by Rebecca Reid. Opt for bright colours to set the mood and keep it ready for a special celebration. It would also make a brilliant gift for a friend or relative to keep after their birthday party to mark the occasion. Looking for more bunting inspiration?…
Dream up your next big idea or get lost in a good book on a plump floor cushion. Ours has a zip fastening for easy washing in case of spills, and we’ve appliquéd a ‘Dream Big’ motif to remind us to do just that! Looking for more space-inspired makes? Try this constellation embroidery pattern, make a star wall hanging or explore our collection of 31 constellation crafts. Read on to learn how to make Rebecca’s Dream big floor cushion sewing pattern. Materials used Main fabric: Mariao for Spoonflower: Map of our Sky. Kona fabric is no longer available, but you…
English paper piecing and hand quilting are two of the most soothing slow stitching methods you could wish for. If you’d like to try your hand at a project that combines the two, look no further. Curl up on the sofa and get settled in for a cosy evening creating your very own stool cover! f you’re new to these techniques, fear not – we’ve got some beginner guides to show you the ropes. You can read more about English Paper Piecing or check out our guide to paper piecing diamonds to learn more about sewing diamond shapes using the…
Stitch our lovely bee embroidery patterns, with honeycomb hexies by Rebecca Reid and a busy bumble bee embroidery by Georgie K Emery
Looking to discover embroidery tips and tricks to improve your skills? Rebecca Reid from Love Embroidery magazine has the advice you need
Welcome a newborn into the world with this free baby harem pants pattern and tutorial, designed by Jessica Entwistle and sewn in super-soft flannel or knit fabrics.