We are so looking forward to The Festival of Quilts which is taking place this week!! It is one of the largest and most prestigious quilting events in the world and it is taking place in the U.K. It will attract quilt-makers, textile artists, and enthusiasts.

Marent Crafts cannot wait to visit to see all of the festival showcases, making this event a diverse and inclusive celebration of quilting as an art form.

One of the main highlights for us at this event is the display of stunning quilts and textile art pieces created by talented artists and quilters.

With lots of categories and entries including, Traditional, Two person NEW – Sustainable quilts, quilt creation, pictorial quilts, novice, pictorial, creations, miniature, modern quilts and group quilts, this will be an amazing showcase with no limits! Prizes and recognition will be awarded to each category!

Workshops and Masterclasses will be conducted by experts in the field! We will be looking forward to seeing representatives and friends Janet from Vlieseline and Sharron from Bosal, along with Kerrie from Living in Loveliness. They will showcase the amazing techniques their brands innovate.

Marent Craft has a huge selection of waddings from the brands and we are very much looking forward to seeing these made into beautiful works of art.

Wholesale Wadding | Upholstery & Fire Retardant | Marent Crafts

Some of our favourites at Marent are:

Patchwork Quilts and Sustainable Quilts using

Vlieseline/Vilene 268 Bamboo Mix 50/50

Appliqué Quilts and Heirloom quilts

Vlieseline 277 Wadding 100% Cotton | Marent Crafts UK

Memory QUILTS using

Fusible Interfacing for Quilts – 60″ x 72″ | Marent Crafts Haberdashery

We look forward to meeting the wonderful quilting community, friends John Cole-Morgan and the Quilters Guild, we will be up-dating you on and exchanging ideas and sharing the passion for quilting when we are back next week!!

Into The World Of Dressmaking

As we delve into the world of dressmaking, we are thrilled to bring you the latest updates, tips, and product recommendations to help you craft your finest garments. This month, we draw inspiration from the renowned “Great British Sewing Bee” and highlight two essential dressmaking products: Gutermann thread and Vlieseline interfacing.

Gutermann Thread: The Seamstress’ Best Friend

When it comes to sewing, one cannot underestimate the importance of high-quality thread. Gutermann, a household name in the sewing community, has been producing top-notch threads for over 150 years. Renowned for their durability, smoothness, and extensive color range, Gutermann threads are a dressmaker’s best friend.

Whether you’re stitching delicate fabrics or tackling heavy-duty projects, Gutermann thread ensures your stitches are strong and secure. Our Gutermann Mara threads are made of 100% polyester and produced from unique Micro Core technology. making it ideal for a wide range of sewing techniques. From basting to quilting, serging to hand stitching, Gutermann thread delivers exceptional results.

Create flawlessly smooth seams and apply to a range of clothing items with our wide colour selection. The tear and abrasion resistance will create a long-lasting finish whilst keeping an ideal appearance.

Pro Tip: To achieve a flawless finish, match your Gutermann thread color to your fabric or opt for a slightly darker shade. This helps camouflage any imperfections and enhances the overall aesthetic of your garment.

Vlieseline Interfacing: Elevating Your Garments

To create beautifully structured garments, one mustn’t overlook the importance of interfacing. Vlieseline, a trusted name in the industry, offers a range of high-quality interfacings suitable for a variety of fabric types.

Interfacing serves as a supportive layer, providing stability and structure to specific areas of your garments such as collars, cuffs, and buttonholes. Vlieseline’s interfacing options include fusible, sew-in, and even bi-elastic varieties, allowing you to choose the perfect one for your project.

With Vlieseline interfacing, you can achieve clean lines, sharp edges, and professional-looking finishes. Whether you’re working with delicate silks or heavy woolens, their wide range of products ensures you’ll find the perfect match for your fabric and design.

The Great British Sewing Bee: Inspiration and Education

As lovers of dressmaking, we’re sure you’re familiar with the widely acclaimed “Great British Sewing Bee” television series. This captivating show brings together talented sewers from all walks of life, challenging them to complete intricate sewing tasks and showcasing their creativity under pressure.

Watching the Sewing Bee not only serves as entertainment but also provides invaluable insight into different sewing techniques, garment construction, and problem-solving skills. Take inspiration from the contestants’ projects, study their approach to challenges, and expand your sewing horizons. The show can be a treasure trove of ideas, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dressmaker.

Sewing Bee Product Special

To celebrate our Sewing Bee inspiration, we’re offering a 10% discount on all Gutermann thread and Vlieseline interfacing products throughout the month of May. Use the code “BEESEW” during checkout on our website or present this newsletter at our physical store to avail the discount. Don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to stock up on these essential dressmaking supplies!

We hope this blog has inspired you to embark on new dressmaking adventures and explore the fantastic products endorsed by the Great British Sewing Bee. Remember, the world of sewing is as limitless as your imagination.

Looking for a simple Christmas craft to make this year?

The Christmas season is upon us, and it’s time to decorate for Santa and get into the festive spirit! This is a simple Christmas craft to make with kids aged +10, but be careful of the needle!

What you will need:

Patterns to use:

Tutorial:

Step1

Copy one of the patterns above and draw it onto the piece of fabric to match the style and size of your desired design, this will be used as a guide to work from, and will be placed on the inside of the sock or Christmas stocking.

Step 2

Tie a knot at the end of the thread before you start, then at your starting point, preferably the centre of your design, poke up from the back of the socks when stitching. 

Step 3

Trace the drawing on your piece of fabric by stitching across the lines. If you keep the same back to front movement of the thread, this will make sure the front of the stocking shows the pattern.

TIPS

1. Don’t pull on the thread too tightly to avoid ruining the design proportions
2. Tying a knot to the end of your thread is crucial to avoid it coming out from the other side so always remember to do it before you start threading.
3. Overlap your stitches, this helps to make the finished look seem fuller and helps to hide any small mistakes
4. Remember to enjoy the process and be patient, learning a new skill can be fun and ‘practice makes perfect’!

Finally 

If you’re looking for craft supplies, you can find everything you need here!