Sew Retro
Well this has been a very exciting box to put together. A few month ago I launched a competition on social media to “design a box”. I asked for theme ideas and the one that I loved the most would get that box as a prize.
I had so many suggestions it was incredibly hard to whittle them down. Eventually I got it down to two that were slightly similar.
The first was “An 80s themed box could have in it some cool fabric like Lady McElroy artistic vibrance, sweets could be fruit salad/black jacks, the pattern could be some kind of statement shirt or off shoulder top and the gift coule be an enamel pin or iron on patch in a cassette design or roller skate” Tamlyn.
The second “90s revival. You could have denim and an overalls pattern in the luxury box and tie-dyed fabric in the others. Sew in patches and neon fat quarters with a tutorial for making scrunchies in the magazine” Kristen.
So I combined the two as I loved them both so much and named this box Sew Retro. Having just finished season 3 of Stranger Things I took a lot of inspiration from Elevens amazing outfits to get the perfect box – I’m so happy with how it all came together.
Luxury Box
I knew that the Rainbow Clouds cotton lawn from Lady McElroy would be the perfect choice of fabric for the Luxury Box but I didn’t hold out much hope of there being enough stock as it’s been doing the rounds lately. As luck would have it though they had just got a new shipment in and I snapped it straight up. I’ve got all my fingers crossed that I have enough decent sized off-cuts to put together a little something for me!
I paired the fabric this month with the Alex Jumpsuit from Workshop patterns, a fab and relaxed button down shirt with an elasticated waist and wide legs. The trousers are calf length but would be easy to lengthen to full length or crop into shorts ready for next summer.
Mini and Classic Box
Apparently I was all round indecisive this month as I just couldn’t choose between these two fabrics for the Classic and Mini boxes. Instead I rolled with the indecisiveness and chose both!
The first is pretty crazy, but I love it and it definitely gives a nod to a 90s grunge style. A reversible checked denim this fabric just sings to the teenager inside me, even though I was a teen of the 2000s! This fabric will make a great denim skirt, or funky jacket. If it’s not to your taste as a wearable fabric it also lends itself rather brilliantly to accessories – any type of bag or zipper pouch will be amazing!
The second fabric is a stunning royal blue crepe with a triangle and flower print that I think has a definite 80s feel without being too retro! This fabric has a gorgeous drape and will make some stunning blouses or dresses, maybe even a pair of culottes!!
The Classic and Luxury boxes also have a set of fabulous temporary tattoos from Pink Coat Club. These aren’t currently available to buy but Joy was more than happy to get a batch made just for these boxes! These super fun sewing themed temporary tattoos definitely take me back to my childhood – just a little bit classier!
I am in love with the colours of the Pom Pom fat quarters this month and would make some amazing hair scrunchies which I can’t quite believe are back in fashion! I included a length of elastic and a tutorial in the magazine so that you can make your own. This is probably one of the speediest projects I’ve ever made!
Matching Gutermann thread and a shiny new set of sewing machine needles complete these boxes, along with a couple of fruit salad sweets!