Millie Moon Haberdashery Boutique

Knicker making workshop with Flo Jo Fancy Pants

2012-02-14T08:30:00.000Z

Sunday 5th February and the snow fell in Somerset, however nothing stopped 3 of our lovely ladies from making their way to the first Knicker making workshop at the Wells shop. Erica from "Flo Jo Fancy Pants" travelled from Bristol to teach our group how to make their own beautiful knickers.

They all picked their fabric from Millie Moon, to match with the beautiful trims that Erica had brought with her. Elasticated lace trims in every colour were pulled from her bag. Girlie Tanya Whelan Rosie dot Pink, Retro blue stripes and Colourful Kaffe Fassett, all very different fabrics to match the ladies different personalities. Ruth, Sue and Patricia worked very hard only stopping to drink tea and eat Homemade carrot cake muffins.

All ladies were very happy with their finished knickers, beautiful cottons, lace, ribbons and bows. A very girlie morning. The next Knicker workshop is in the Frome shop on Saturday 24th March. The kits are available to buy in both shops.

A big thank you to Erica and Flo Jo Fancy Pants for a lovely morning.

Yummy projects by Angie Somerville

2012-02-05T16:25:00.000Z

Hello its Angela here,

Well this week I bumped into Angie Sommerville (a familiar face to the Millie Moon team) and whilst having a good natter Angie showed me some pictures of the projects she had been up to. I was so impressed I had to share with all.

The cushion is a dresden plate design that Angie has taken from a Cath Kidston book. She has made it into a cushion rather than a bag which is featured in the book. Its so lovely, I want one. The quilt Angie has produced ( so so beautiful ) will most definitely keep her toasty over this February freeze; has been made using stash fabrics from Angie's ever increasing selection of Millie Moon fabrics and left overs from the quilting course that she did with Caroline. Don't know about you but definitely makes me want to make a quilt, very inspiring, thank you Angie.

Come visit us in store to show off your projects, the Millie Moon team love to nosey over whats keeping you creative and smiling.

Sewing Club reminder

2012-02-03T14:00:00.000Z

Just a short post to remind you all that it will be Sewing Club at the Frome branch of Millie Moon on Tuesday (7th February) evening from 6 to 8. Bring something to work on, or pick up supplies on the night!
Hope to see you there.

Happy New Year 2012!

2012-01-04T11:04:00.000Z

We had our first Sewing Club of the New Year on Tuesday night, and it was super to catch up with everyone's crafty progress over the Christmas break. We hope that you found some time for making over the holidays as well.

This beautiful pink fabric is destined to become a cushion.

Sewing Club meets on the first Tuesday of every month at the Frome shop, from 18.00 to 20.00, and there's tea, coffee and biscuits. It's great to catch up with what everyone has been up to, and there are always lots of people around to give advice and opinions if you need another pair of eyes on a project.

This lovely turquoise fabric is going to be a skirt.

I didn't end up doing much sewing myself, but instead did lots of chatting and browsing of the new Little Bits Quilting Bee book that I got for Christmas.

Getting ahead for next year?!

Caroline was working on some Christmas tree decorations ready for next year (that's scarily organised, isn't it?!). And there were some beautiful fabrics being sewn together ready to make a border for a quilt top.

Beautiful combinations of pinks, greys and aquas.

We do hope that you will join as at a Sewing Club in the future. Next month it will be on Tuesday 7th February. Hope to see you there!

New arrivals!

2011-12-13T13:43:00.000Z

There are few new arrivals in the shops that we thought you might like to see...
First up are these delightful prints from Riley Blake:

The combination of orange, blues and browns is fresh, and would be perfect for any number of sewing projects for little (or big!) people.

Secondly, we are now stocking these delightful blue, white and red print fabrics from Westfalenstoffe:

I have the perfect quilt design in my head for these - they have a beautiful Scandinavian feel to them.

And last but by no means least, we are now stocking a range of the hugely popular Colette dress and blouse patterns:

If you read any sewing blogs, then you are bound to have seen some of these beautiful patterns made into gorgeous dresses. Here are a few of my favourite examples of finished Rooibos dresses:
Lladybird
Gertie's
Ruby Slippers

If you would like to get your hands on any of these items, then do call the shop (01373 464650). Did you know that you can now leave details of gifts you would like to receive? The perfect answer if your friends and family aren't sure what you might like! Just ask in store to add some items to our gift list book.

Freemotion Machine Embroidery

2011-12-12T10:00:00.000Z

Hi! It's Angela here. I would love to tell you a bit about my Freemotion Machine Embroidery classes. Let me tell you a little about a class I recently ran...

Freemotion Machine Embroidery is a technique where you use the sewing machine to draw - the needle and thread act like a pencil and you can produce some exciting and unique work. Alternatively, it's a way to add your creative touch to finish off your projects. It's only once you begin to experiment and practise with freemotion embroidery will you become confident. Don't expect perfection! It's generally the wobbly lines and imperfections that make the work stand out.

We begin the class by attaching the embroidery foot and setting up the machine. The clever thing about this technique is that you generally have everything you need already. Once that is done, we dive right in with different techniques to build your confidence and control over machine. You are also shown techinques on how to 'colour in', how to sketch and follow intricate designs. Once you are happy with the techniques, we use them to build your own picture design.

In this particular class, we had a range of abilities and ages, who used the technique in diverse ways - to build a picture, to create text and to apply surface pattern. I was very impressed at how quickly everyone adjusted to the technique and also their enthusiasim for it - some even worked through lunch!!

The next Beginner's Freemotion Machine Embroidery class is on Sunday 22nd Jan 2012 from 10.30am to 3pm and costs £55 including materials. Do call the Frome shop if you would like to book a place in a class (01373 464650).

Rosie was really pleased with her finished owl!

Introducing... Becki Noble

2011-12-07T10:00:00.000Z

Becki will be well known to most regular customers of Millie Moon. She co-owns the shops with her sister Rachel. It has taken us a little while, but we've tracked Becki down, and interrogated her. Read on to find out more...

1) How did you learn to sew?
I have always been crafty (I think I came out the womb with a glue stick in my hand!), but I can't really remember when I started stitching. Whilst doing my art foundation course, I realised it could be more than just a guilty secret thanks to a very enthusiastic tutor, who persuaded me to do a fashion degree. (Much to my parents' horror I think, though they never said. I wanted to be a sensible teacher before that!)

Becki really enjoys cross stitching.

2) What sorts of things do you like to make?
I love projects that I can do in an afternoon. If they take too long, I get bored and something else comes along that I have to do right away. My home is full of unfinished projects that I have to make myself finish when I run out of space. I have recently re-found my love for dressmaking, due to our lovely tutor Anne, but again it has to be quick and simple. I must admit that I have a passion for cross stitch. I love the fact I can pick it up and put it down, but again it's got to be small pieces. On a recent romantic trip to London, my husband was shocked to find me get it out on the train (the cross stitch that is!) and very quickly pretended not to know me! I'm not very good at photographing anything, which I must start doing, so can I have a camera for Christmas, please Santa?

3) What gadget could you not live without having?
I don't really have a favourite sewing gadget or supply, I am not terribly loyal to anything as I don't look after my tools. They tend to be scattered around the house, which I know is bad. I do love a good magazine, but read so many I wouldn't know where to start. I guess I would be lost without an unpicker and my daughter's critical eye. She always gets it right when I can't decide.

4) Who or what inspires you to create?
I am really into the whole Scandinavian look at the moment and keep stroking the pile of classic Westfalenstoffe fat quarters that I have got from the new range that has just arrived in the shop. I have a terrible habit of not being able to cut my latest fabric purchase, as no project is ever good enough for them! Until the next bundle comes along that is!

Thanks so much for talking to us Becki! We look forward to seeing you in the shop soon.

Blog Review: Make Me A Dress

2011-12-01T22:05:00.000Z

From quilting to gorgeous vintage-style dresses! This week's blog review takes us to see the delights of Make Me a Dress.

Alexandra's Pink Elephants dress
©Alexandra King

Alexandra has been blogging since late 2008, and her posts record the development of her online bridal and womenswear label, Make Me a Dress, but the blog is so much more than that. Her vintage dress designs are completely inspiring, and the photography is absolutely beautiful as well. Alexandra takes inspiration from a wide range: 'golden age' couture, old movies and 1950s fashion, and a love of bows.

This is one of Alexandra's many
inspiring dresses ©Alexandra King

Alexandra has just started using Millie Moon fabrics in her designs and is a big fan of the Michael Miller prints which work very well with the style of dress she makes. Recently, Alexandra has made a beautiful dress with Michael Miller's "Pink Elephants" including a rock 'n' roll petticoat. The dress is currently on display in the Wells shop and will be moving to the Frome window very soon.

Girl's dresses also feature trimmings
from Millie Moon ©Alexandra King

Anna Vickery also works with Alexandra, and she has just whipped up some adorable girl's dresses. Do you recognise the lovely buttons on this lovely bright paisley dress?

Next year Alexandra has kindly offered to do two workshops with Millie Moon in the Wells shop. Choose from, rock 'n' roll petticoats and 50's swing skirts. Please see our website for more information.

Charm pack quilting

2011-11-28T10:30:00.000Z

We now have a nice selection of Moda Charm Packs in both Frome and Wells, so we thought we would show you a quilt that Jen A-C, one of our customers, recently completed.
This is a simple quilt, made using the Disappearing Nine Patch design (the link takes you to a basic tutorial on creating this design).

Materials:
2 Moda Sophie Charm Packs (or 81 x 5" squares),
30cm of pale cream fabric for the framing border,
1m of brown spots for the main border and binding,
1.5m of wadding
1.5m of red gingham for the backing.

These materials make a finished quilt that is approx. 125cm square. This is a reasonable size to machine-quilt without needing a special long-arm quilting machine. Jen quilted hers using the shadow technique, with lines around each of the blocks in the centre panel. She quilted the border more densely, with parallel lines every cm or so. The finished quilt is already in much demand in her sitting room!
You can read more about Jen's quilt over on her blog: JenACKnitwear's Disappearing Nine Patch Quilt
Do call the shop if you would like the supplies to make your own quilt (01373 464650).

Introducing... Angela Lai Yen

2011-11-24T13:00:00.000Z

This week we are delighted to tell you a bit more about Angela! We caught up with her at her studio at the Black Swan.

1) How did you learn to sew? Is it something that you've always done?
I really can't remember when I started sewing, it sounds like a cliché, but I've been sewing for as long as I can remember. When I was little I didn't like hand-sewing as I couldn't stand the feel of felt! I do however remember doing lots of cross stitch and that was all self taught. I just muddled through it - you should have seen the backs of my stitching - it was a right old mess!

2) What is your favourite type of sewing project?
I love freehand embroidery. It's like drawing with the sewing machine. It's quite difficult to get to grips with but if you keep at it, the rewards are endless. I find I still stumble across new techniques and ways to create images. I love that you don't lose your individual style and messiness is good, as it all adds to it.

3) How did you come to work at Millie Moon? And what do you enjoy most about being part of team Millie Moon?
Becki and I we used to work together in a non-creative job. She would juggle that job with trade fairs and the beginnings of Millie Moon, whilst I would every so often dash off to do various workshops. Back then she would say to me, "So when are you going to do workshops for me". One day I pulled my finger out and the rest as they say is history. The best thing about being a part of the Millie Moon team is that because we all come from creative backgrounds, we are really supportive of each other. We bounce ideas off one another, and ideas of all sorts are continuely flowing. Becki and Rachel are great - they are not afraid to try new things and have interesting ideas of their own. They have such vision its really inspiring!

Angela runs classes to make freehand-embroidered plaques

4) What gadget or tool could you not live without for crafting?
Without a doubt it would be my silver stork scissors. They are small, sharp and really useful for snipping as you sew. Once I lost them, along with a lovely tin I had full of pins, I was devastated. Now I always store them somewhere safe.

5) Who inspires you? And why? - Tempting links ahead warning!
As well as textiles and sewing, I love printmaking and I'm forever finding new people who inspire me. At the moment I'm enjoying the work of printmaker Angie Lewin. I love the earthy colours in her work and she takes the floral theme and infuses it with a comtemporary aura.
I also adore the intensely detailed and decorative screen prints of Clare Halifax, you have to see her work in the flesh to really appreciate it. Every so often I will wonder over the Rostra and Rooksmoor Gallery in Bath to gaze at them. Highly recommended.
Laura Amiss is an illustrator and designer that I have newly discovered from Holland. Laura works with textiles to produce delicate handmade canvas inspired by the everyday.

Thanks so much for talking to us Angela! If you would like to see more of Angela's work, then you can visit her blog (Angela Lai Yen) or pop in to either the Frome or Wells branches of Millie Moon, and she also has a studio at The Black Swan in Frome. If you would like to try your hand at Freehand Embroidery, then Angela runs regular workshops in Frome. Do call the shop for more information, or to make a booking (01373 464650).

Blog Review: I'm a Ginger Monkey

2011-11-20T21:21:00.001Z

As we were updating our blog list (on the right of the main blog homepage), we thought we would explain what makes our favourite blogs so special.

First up is I'm a Ginger Monkey. Monkey Do (AKA I'm a Ginger Monkey) is a blog of pure quilting enthusiasm. Katy shares her projects and designs with a sense of joy that is dangerously infectious.

This recent quilt is particularly stunning, isn't it?

Katy made it with her own adaptations, starting from a design in Issue 5 of Fat Quarterly.

There are many reasons for making I'm a Ginger Monkey a regular blog read, but over and above the regular posts, there is also a wealth of information in the tutorial section. It contains downloadable instructions for some lovely projects and techniques. The instructions on binding a quilt are among the clearest we've seen, and we're loving the quilt designs as well. The instructions and photography are clear, leaving no questions about how to carry out each step.

Katy also does regular reviews of the latest fabric lines and gadgets. Her posts regularly send us scurrying off to check out the newest arrivals from our suppliers. She visited Quilt Market in the States just last month, and her round-up of booths left us more impatient than ever for next season's fabrics to arrive.

Finally, Katy is part of the team at the modern quilting e-zine, Fat Quarterly. If you haven't heard of FQ, then, do head straight over and download an issue. It's a must-read for quilters wanting to try new ideas and hear about the latest products.

Which blogs to you read regularly? Please do let us know.

Introducing... Vickie Piper

2011-11-17T10:39:00.000Z

Vickie is absolutely the newest member of the staff team at the Frome shop. She shares some of her crafting loves with us...

1) When did you first get bitten by the crafting bug?
I suffered through needlework classes at school, and it wasn't until I went to the local comprehensive school that we were allowed to design our own projects. I made a pink satin cushion in the shape of a scalloped shell. I loved it, and they put it in the cabinet in reception!

I then had a bit of a break until I became a Mum, and was inspired to start making things again. I wanted fun, funky things for my son, and decided the best way to do that was to make my own.

2) What sorts of things do you like to make?
I mostly make things for children, and particularly for boys. I love to make presents for friends and family - soft toys, dressing up outfits and all sorts really. I recently developed a bag to use on the front of my son's scooter. He uses it to keep things in while he is out and about. They have been really popular!

Vickie's Scooter bags have been a real hit!

3) Which tool is indispensable in your sewing kit?
I am completely in love with disappearing ink felt-tips. They are the most brilliant invention ever! We sell them in the shop, and I use them for marking out before I cut fabric, and particularly felt. They are super for small appliqué projects as well. You can use them for any type of marking on fabrics and I wouldn't want to be without mine.

4) Who inspires you creatively?
I really enjoy reading other people's blogs. Even if I don't do their craft, I love to see what people are up to. One of my favourites is Male Pattern Boldness. He's a New Yorker who sews up wonderful creations from vintage dress patterns - often for himself.

I also love Mollie Makes - the new craft magazine from Future Publishing. I find it really inspiring reading. It's like a blog digest, with ideas from all round the world.

If you want to keep abreast of Vickie's crafting adventures, then check out her blog: Fromemaid. Vickie also Tweets as Fromemaid. She is also booked to run some crafting workshops in the new year, so keep an eye out for the new season's workshop programme, or call the shop (01373 464650) for further information.

Introducing... Gaynor Ringland

2011-11-10T09:25:00.000Z

Gaynor has been running workshops at Millie Moon for a couple of years, and has recently joined the team working in the Frome/Wells shop. We caught up with her to find out more about her sewing habits.

1) How did you learn to sew? Is it something that you've always done?
Ummm... I'm afraid that I taught myself the basics, but my Mum did show me how to do embroidery when I was a girl.

2) What is your favourite type of sewing project? Do you have a picture you could share with us?
I really like to make collages using paper and fabrics. I love the combinations and the different textures and messing around until they look good (see picture below).

3) How did you come to work at Millie Moon? And what do you enjoy most about being part of team Millie Moon?
I am the new girl! I have been running workshops for Rachel and Becki for a couple of years and I supply the shop with some of my goodies (finished collages as well as collage kits). I was so glad when they asked me to be part of the team, as I love spending time in the shop. It's very inspirational!

4) What gadget or tool could you not live without for crafting?
Well I suppose my main tool is my sewing machine. I'm not very good with gadgets as I am rubbish at reading instructions. I just want to get on with it!

5) Who is your favourite fabric designer/ textile artist/ sewing-related person? And why?
I love Abigail Brown's fabric birds (follow these links at your peril - this is a temptation warning!), they are gorgeous. Also, Tamar Mogendorff makes lovely birds and houses. Anyone that makes birds is a winner, oh and Poppy Treffry, I think her work is very distinctive and very English.

6) Where can we see more of your work?
You can find my work in Millie Moon shops in both Frome and Wells, and I shall be at the Christmas at the Barn in Mells at the end of November.

Finally, Gaynor runs workshops regularly, so keep an eye out for the new timetable and do call the shop (01373 464650) to find out more!

Introducing... Rachel Le Page

2011-11-03T08:26:00.000Z

Have you wondered who makes the quilts? Which team member creates wonderful collages? And who loves nothing better than to bake cakes?

Each week we will be interviewing a member of Team Millie Moon, and all of the answers will be revealed!

Rachel will be a familiar face to most Millie Moon customers, as she owns the shop jointly with her sister, Becki. We caught up with Rachel in the Frome shop, and asked her about her sewing habits...

Rachel loves to bake... and quilt!

1) How did you learn to sew?
I had needlework lessons at school when I was growing up. They weren't very inspiring, and the projects were mostly pretty horrid. But it must have sparked something in me, as I started to make things at home. I borrowed my Mum's sewing machine, and made clothes. I remember, I must have been about 14, and I used to lay dresses onto fabric and cut out pieces. I didn't know what I was doing, but I enjoyed it.

I then had a break for quite a few years before picking up my sewing needle again, about 8 years ago, when I had my first child.

2) What sorts of things do you like to make?
Cakes! I adore baking... Oh, sorry, did you mean sewing?

I mostly make quilts. I love combining fabric for specific projects - making gifts for friends and family. I rarely sew for myself, and I lack the precision needed for dressmaking!

3) What gadget could you not live without having?

Rachel made this quilt for her niece

Undoubtably my rotary cutter. It's brilliant for cutting pieces for patchwork. It gives me precision. I love it!

4) Who inspires you to create?
At the moment I'm having a hard time holding myself back from the new Aneela Hoey Little Apples layer cakes. They are absolutely gorgeous! I think they would make a wonderful quilt for a child or an adult. I'm also a big fan of anything Scandinavian. I adore the Tilda fabric range - such simple beauty.

Rachel also looks after the Millie Moon Twitter account (@MillieMoonShop), so do say hello and share pictures of what you've been making either on our Facebook group, or on Twitter.

Tape Maker: My favourite gadget

2011-10-24T12:58:00.000+01:00

I want to sing the praises of Tape Makers. They take all of the fiddle out of making (bias) binding.

These handy little gadgets can save your fingers from the perils of the iron! I own 3 different sizes, from 50mm to 18mm, and I use them all the time.

The instructions that come with the tape maker will tell you how wide you need to cut your fabric for each size. Just in case you've mislaid your instructions, here is a reminder:

6mm tape = 13mm fabric

12mm tape = 25mm fabric

18mm tape = 36mm fabric

25mm tape = 48mm fabric

50mm tape = 96mm fabric

The only tricky part is getting them threaded in the first place, but I've discovered that if you cut a bit of taper into the end of the fabric strip, it makes it simple. You just feed the end of fabric in, and use a pin to help work it through, if needed.

Once you have some fabric appearing out from the other end, pull a little through, so that you are past the tapered section.

You then pull the tape maker along, and press the tape with your iron as it comes out the end. You can really get some speed going with this handy gizmo!

Fabric to tape in a jiffy!!

I love this shot of my long strip of fabric in the foreground, with the newly made tape in the background.

I used 10 jelly roll strips, trimmed to size, and this made binding for all 3 of the quilts in my jelly roll post. Once the strips were sewn together, it took maybe 5 minutes in total to turn them all into tape. Gone are the days of burnt fingers!

And voila! A whole roll of finished tape. I'd better get on with quilting those crib quilts hadn't I?

Jelly Roll Love

2011-10-20T15:32:00.000+01:00

Jelly rolls have been literally flying off the shelves in both Frome and Wells, so we thought we would share some jelly roll quilt ideas with you.

First up, what is a Jelly Roll?
It's a set of strips of coordinating fabric, that are cut and ready to use in a range of projects. Strips are 2.5in/approx. 6cm wide, and are the length of the width of the fabric (so usually approx. 44in/112cm). The number of different fabrics in a roll depends on how many fabrics are in that range, or simply on the size of the roll.

Which fabrics come in rolls?
We're really pleased to announce that we are now Moda stockists, and will be getting our first proper shipment in the new year. Whoop, whoop! In the meantime, we have a couple of Moda Sophie Jelly Rolls (top right in the picture above), and some Rooftop Garden Charm Packs to keep us out of mischief. Do call the shop if you would like either of these (01373 464650).
We have a good supply of Westminster Fabrics rolls as well (see the selection in the picture above). There are plenty to choose from!

What can I do with a roll?
The possibilities are endless. Rolls can be used in so many ways, so here are a few simple ideas to get you started...

Striped crib quilt
Sew the strips together, and add a simple border, to make a striped quilt top. I joined 14 strips, and then cut the piece in half to make two crib quilt tops. Simple!

Weekend quilting idea
This quilt was completed over the weekend, but probably only took a total of 7 hours (including hand-sewing the final edge of the binding).

It is a simple design, so here are the instructions:
Put together 3 sets of 5 strips.

Join each group of 5 to make long striped rectangles, and then measure the width, and cut the rectangle into 4 squares. My rectangle was 10.25in wide (26cm), and I cut four 10.25in squares from each piece.

I then laid out the pieces so that the squares alternated between horizontal and vertical, and joined to make 3 strips of 4 squares. Those strips were then joined to make the rectangle pictured above.
I added a 4in (10cm) border around the outside, and then basted the quilt top together with wadding and a plain orange backing.
I tend to use simple geometric shapes for quilting, and here I just followed the edges of the squares, around 0.5in (1cm) from the edge. This is a really forgiving quilting method. If you quilt "in the ditch", then it's really obvious if you stray even a little. When you move out by a little distance, then no-one will notice if your quilting lines are slightly less than perfect. I finished the quilting by sewing around the outside border - again at the same distance from the actual seam.

There were plenty of strips left over from the roll, so I trimmed them down to use for binding. You can see that the colours change around the quilt border - you could keep to one side more coordinating colours, but I like the contrast effect!

So from my one jelly roll, 0.5m of border fabric and 2.5m of backing, I have 3 quilts! Two small crib quilts (27in x 33in/69cm x 84cm) and a larger child's quilt (38in x 47in/97cm x 120cm). Not bad for a weekend of sewing, is it?

Do you have any Jelly Roll hints and tips?

Spooky new arrivals!

2011-10-14T09:30:00.000+01:00

Halloween is just round the corner! Where has the year gone to? I think that we've been too busy having fun in the new shop and sewing away all of our spare minutes.

There are some lovely spooky fabrics in the shop, as well as little pumpkin brooch kits and the perfect embroidery flosses for a Halloween crafting fiesta!

If you are looking for craft activities for younger children, there is a Halloween craft workshop on 26th October with Gaynor, which is perfect for little ones from age 5 upwards. Do call the shop (01373 464650) or drop in to book a place.

It isn't all spooky crafts though... There are some delicious new fabrics in store as well. These new prints from Joel Dewberry are among my favourites.

The birds on the turquoise background are absolutely delightful, aren't they? I am sorely tempted to whip up a skirt using this - maybe paired with one of the new fine corduroys. What would you make with these?

Welcome to Wells!

2011-10-12T20:21:00.000+01:00

I can't begin to explain how excited we are to be the proud owners of a new shop in Wells!

You will find the new show at 14A Broad Street, Wells, Somerset, BA5 2DN, and we are stocking lots of beautiful fabrics and haberdashery supplies.

We have a great range of jelly rolls, charm packs and other quilting supplies, as well as a selection of fabulous pattern and crafting books. If you are in the area, please do stop by and say hello to us!

We will be dividing our time between Frome and Wells, and we are delighted to have Anne, Angela, Gaynor and Vicky working across the two shops. Over the next few weeks we will be sharing some more information about the expertise of our team, so if you have a question you would like to put to one of us, then please do leave a comment. Hope to see you soon!

Kids Birthday Parties

2011-09-05T11:12:00.000+01:00

Sundays Birthday Party

Millie Moon's birthday parties are creative fun. Once the 'Happy Birthday' bunting goesup, out come the boxes of colourful socks, felts, and buttons. Here aresome pics from the latest party. A group of 8 year old girls had a fabulous time making cuddly sock monsters. All individual, all with different characters to match their makers.

The finished monsters

christmas projects

2011-09-05T10:58:00.000+01:00

So September is here and the kids have gone back to school. Its time to start thinking about christmas. We have all our christmas fabric now in stock from designers, Michael Miller, Alexander Henry and more. Its already selling well, with the fat quarters being the most popular. We also have christmas ribbons, buttons and bells. We will be adding to the christmas range but there will be no more christmas fabric orders, so once its gone its gone, so don't leave it too late to start those projects.

These lovely christmas bunting and patchwork cushion cover were made by Gail, a regular customer, with our christmas fabric.

Gorgeous new wool Felt

2011-08-24T21:53:00.001+01:00

We have just had a delivery of gorgeous new wool felt. Isn't it fabulous. Just look at all the colours. Lovely, Lovely Lovely.

Our first Fashion Show

2011-08-18T22:24:00.000+01:00

Frome Festival Charity Fashion Show

We recently took part in the Frome Fashion Show. It was our first every show and we were a bit nervous but all our models did us proud. A big thank you to Julie, Debs, Caroline, Anne, Maria, Millie, Millie, Meg, Tilly and Tilly for your wonderful creations and taking part. All our models made their own clothes during workshops at Millie Moon including our junior dressmakers. We would also like to thank Angela for her help behind the scenes, Deadly is the Female for the net petticoats and Bramble andWild for the flowers.

We hope you like the pictures x

Its been so long...

2011-05-31T21:47:00.000+01:00

Wow, I can't believe that the winter has ended, spring has sprung and now we are heading into summer. This blogpost has been a long time coming, but with the shop being so busy and demand for our workshops increasing it has been pushed to the back of the queue.

I would like to share with you some pictures of what our wonderful customers have

created. They are all very creative people who love to share their work with us and I have promised to share them with you all too.

Thank you to Sally Amy butler bags, Beth's patchwork, Elaine's pyjama quilt (made from her kids old pjs) and Julie's Amy butler liverpool shirt dress.

I hope you enjoy their work x

Happy New year

2011-01-07T16:04:00.000Z

Dear all,

A big Thank you to all our customers, you have been so loyal and supportive. Thanks for all your lovely comments. Its good to hear feedback from you all and its great that you are writing about us on your blogs too. We look forward to seeing you again soon. Let’s get those New Year projects started!

SALE

Selected fabrics and Christmas gifts now on sale in the shop and on the website

Valentine’s Day

Now is the time to start those Valentines presents and decorations. We have a great selection of fabrics, ribbons, buttons and sparkles. (Gifts For you too, just give them a nudge into Millie Moon and we can help them find your perfect present... a lovely fat quarter bundle maybe?)

New Quilt Club

Caroline is going to be a running a quilt club, once a month for those of you who have specific patchwork and quilting projects. Open to all abilities, Caroline will be on hand to help and guide you. (Machines will be available). Drop in and have a chat with Caroline about your next quilting project. First meeting WEDNESDAY 26^th JANUARY 2011 2 – 4.30pm £5

Just arrived

New season Tanya Whelan Delilah collection has just arrived in the shop. Beautiful fresh spring flowers prints in pinks greens and blue. The new Amy Butler Soul Blossoms collection is due in very soon. We also have a lovely range of handmade ceramic buttons by local artist Jo Lucksted.

Don’t forget we stock a wide range of sewing basics, including: felt, calico, wadding/batting, toy stuffing, cushion pads, haberdashery items, aida, embroidery threads, felt making kits, buttons and much much more.

We value feedback from our customers. Please let us know if you have any suggestions or requests for making Millie Moon even better.

Pop in and see us soon...

2010-10-01T23:40:00.000+01:00

Bigger and Better Mille Moon

The new shop is beautiful and the most exciting part is the new designated workshop space. We have so many new workshops coming up midweek, evenings and weekends. Collage,Quilting, Freehand embroidery, needle felt, dressmaking, toy making, Aprons, bunting, doorstops, shopping bags and Christmas stockings to name a few. Hopefully something for everyone, including kids workshops during ½ term week. Angela is also offering a 1 to 1 personal tuition. Please contact the Shop for more information or take a look on the website.

Sewing Club

The Sewing Club meet once a month at the shop to talk over ideas, work on projects, help each other out, meet new friends and generally have a good chat over a cup of tea. We are looking for new members so please feel free to come along to the next meeting and join us on Tuesday 12^th October between 5.30-8pm (membership details on website)

Just arrived

Christmas is on its way, fabrics from Tilda, Michael Miller and Alexander Henry plus ribbons, bows, button, felt, kits, books, bells, papers, everything to make those Christmas decorations and gifts.

Alexander Henry fabrics just arrived from the USA, from delicate lawn cotton butterflies and peacocks to retro route 66, tattoo and skulls.

Pop in and see us soon...

The New Shop

2010-09-07T22:44:00.000+01:00

Well we have finally moved into the beautiful new shop. We re-opened on Saturday 4th September and have had a really positive reaction from all our customers old and new. Thanks for all your support. Heres a few pics for you, hopefully we will see you all soon. x

We are on the MOVE

2010-08-11T16:17:00.000+01:00

Very exciting times... Millie Moon haberdashery boutique and sewing school are moving. Yes we are going to a bigger more beautiful shop just across the road. We will have a permanent workshop area with more workshops taking place during the week as well as weekends and evenings.

The shop is much bigger and is so bright it will show off all the amazing fabrics, ribbons and buttons. Hopefully a bit more room for some new goodies... Looking at new suppliers now to find lovely things for you all.

I will keep you updated with the progress but we hope to be open in the next two weeks. The other shop is staying open until the last minute when we need to do the changeover. This is a picture of the new shop front, busy being painted by our lovely Dad.

Christmas for CLIC

2010-08-11T16:06:00.001+01:00

The christmas for CLIC day was a great success. We raised over £100 for CLIC and everyone had an enjoyable day doing the workshops and eating mince pies!
Thank you to all our lovely customers who came along and supported the day and a special thankyou to Caroline, Gaynor and Angela who gave up their time to do workshops and to support a fantastic charity.

The christmas fabrics, ribbons, buttons and bells are available to buy in the shop. The fabrics this year range from the beautiful and elegant TILDA to the crazy and qwirky designs of MICHAEL MILLER

Start making.... ONLY 136 sleeps til christmas!!!

Birthday Time

2010-06-14T19:47:00.000+01:00

Happy Birthday to Millie Moon

Wow, would you believe two years of beautiful fabrics, buttons and bows. Thank you to all our lovely customers. We couldn't have done it without you.

Christmas is coming... No I am not joking....

To celebrate our birthday and to give you all a little sneaky peak, we are having a christmas party on Sunday 4th July 2010. There will be demonstrations and workshops to inspire from 10am - 5pm, also christmas fabrics ribbons and buttons to start you on those handmade gifts ready for christmas. Come along after the market for a mince pie and a glass of mulled wine. We would love to see you all there, maybe wearing on of your own creations.!

Summertime Workshops

2010-05-27T23:03:00.000+01:00

Exciting news and we have listed the new summer workshops on the website, www.milliemoonshop.co.uk Such wonderful things to make for Kids, Beginners and the more advanced crafters. Here are a few pics to tempt you.

Stitch and Creative craft show, Bath and West showground, Somerset.

2010-04-22T21:10:00.000+01:00

Stitch and Creative craft show, Bath and West showground, Somerset. Here we are at the end of day one. Wow how many of you crafters are out there? It was so lovely to meet everyone today and we are looking forward to the next three days at the show. We still have the shop open too, so its all hands to the deck at the moment. Here are a few pics of the stand. Come along and say hi if you are in somerset this weekend. x

2010-04-07T16:27:00.000+01:00

A fabulous Easter Parade took place on Sunday during the first Catherine Hill Market this year. What a great day. The sun was out and the ribbons, eggs, paper flowers filled the streets. Shoppers and browsers were out in their sunday best and the street band played. A great day. See you at the next one, Sunday 2nd May 10-2pm

New fabrics

2010-03-12T20:10:00.000Z

Ok so i am now trying to manage the blog, facebook and twitter and update the website! too much time on the pc and not enough time working with the beautiful fabrics we now have in the shop. Amy Butler Love collection, Brighton Rocks, Michael Miller and now TILDA...woo hoo its all so lush. Twitter is now on the blog pages so i may put more regular updates on there. keep checking.

AMY BUTLER VISIT

2009-08-01T14:35:00.000+01:00

we are very excited that AMY BUTLER will be coming to the shop on SATURDAY 15th AUGUST 2009. Amy will be doing a talk and slide show are inspiration and design as well as signing books etc in the shop.

Please come along if you are free that date.

So exciting....!!!!!!

wow how long has it been?

2009-08-01T14:12:00.000+01:00

Dear all sorry its been so long. Had no idea I hadn't updated since January. What a six months we have had!
The shop has been going from strength to strength. We have just celebrated our first birthday with a little party at the shop. Thought you would like to see some pictures.

We have also just held our first kids workshops in this summer holidays.. good job we did too with this rotten weather. The girls aged 8+ all made self portraits from felt, buttons, ribbons etc

sew hip magazine

2009-01-17T18:09:00.000Z

Hi Sew hip magazine. How good is that? so nice to have an up to date, stylish sewing magazine for all us sewing fans.

New Year already!

2009-01-17T17:58:00.000Z

wow here we are in 2009. When did that happen. From October to Christmas it has been crazy in the shop, hence no blog updates for some time. SO whats been happening with Mille Moon.

What a fabulous christmas we had in the shop. After the fun of putting up the decorations and xmas tree, We were very busy making gifts to sell in the shop but the nicest thing was finding out what our customers were making for their family and friends this year. Lovely customers bought fabrics, buttons, ribbons, books etc to make gifts. How nice is it to receive something that has been handmade and thought about as a gift. I was certainly inspired and managed to fit in (not sure how) making a few gifts for my family too. The Grandmothers were given lovely patchwork quilted cushions, hampers of homemade fudge, chutneys, pickles etc made by all the family including my two girls, doorstops, cards, all wrapped in beautiful ribbons (from millie moon of course).

SO here are well into January. The Launch of the Millie Moon Sewing school is taking up most of our time at the moment, and the beginners patchwork class is already going well. Take a look at our website for our other classes.

Well now I am back on the Blog, i will try to keep you posted with news on a more regular basis.

Happy New Year to you all.

the first group of quilters

2008-10-21T20:52:00.000+01:00

here they are, the fabulous ladies from the first beginners quilting class with their quilts.

Caroline, Anne, Alice, Rose, Angela, Jean, Margaret.

Also, (not in picture) Ruth and Nora

thanks to everyone

halloween on the hill

2008-10-21T20:49:00.000+01:00

Dear all, Halloween aproaches and catherine hill is ready for the fun. From 5-7pm on friday 31st october the shops on catherine hill will open for the children to do thier trick or treating. there will be prizes for the best costumes and pumpkin carvings. see you all there.

the millie moon halloween window

The Millie Moon Sewing School

2008-10-03T20:38:00.001+01:00

Hi all, here are the ladies from the current beginners patchwork and quiliting course. As you can see everyone is working very hard. The quilts are fabulous. Well done everyone, only two weeks to go.

Next course is January 09. Book up now!

Workshop with Charlotte Liddle

2008-09-22T18:34:00.000+01:00

Charlotte Liddle

My Bag and corsage

Sat 20th September, Becki and I went to Libertys in London. What a fabulous place it is. Its always and inspiration for us both to visit the store. This time our visit was to attend a workshop with the creative designer Charlotte Liddle. Charlotte has a fabulous book called 'Stitch and Sparkle' (available at Millie Moon). Take a look at her website for more amazing products. www.charlotteliddle.co.uk

The afternoon was amazing. A small group of 5 ladies sat in a small initmate corner of Libertys at the back of the haberdashery department. Charlotte explained the instructions and away we went with some fab fabrics (amy butler). We all made a clutch bag with a great corsage on the front. Half way through we were brought tea and cakes, far too much for the group. Bags finished we said our farewells to Charlotte and the group and spent more time wandering amongst the amazing fabrics and trimmings that they have.

Thank you to the other members of the group Mercy, Jess and Dionne pictured with Becki above.

some new pics

2008-09-08T20:43:00.000+01:00

Clothkitty Doll , how cute is she.

Inspired by Millie Moon, created by you

made by you... we need some more pictures please. Bring in your photos or projects for our wall

Chocolate Lollipop fabric - Daisy

All our fabrics are now available to buy on our website www.milliemoonshop.co.uk

Kaffe Fasset - wow
need i say more.

Good news

2008-09-06T18:50:00.000+01:00

Very exciting news today, we are featured (all be it very small) in the BBC Homes and Antiques magazine this month! woo hoo!!!
World domination here we come...

Back to School

2008-09-04T16:06:00.000+01:00

As the kids start back to school and the weather doesnt seem to be getting any better (what happened to the idian summer we were promised?) Now is a great time to start a new project for the cold winter evenings. How about sewing a dress, making a bag, making christmas cards, quilting, patchwork, embroidery, cross stitch, the list is endless! Pop into Millie Moon for some inspiration.

I have just finished the cloth kitty doll and doll poppy dress. So cute. She has the most lovely Red hair which reminds me of my baby girl Freya. I have sat her in the window of the shop for everyone to see but I think she may have to come home with me very soon for Freya.

We have just taken delivery of the most amazing, beautiful ribbons. There is such a mixture of colours, sizes and textures. Fabulous...

Bank Holiday weekend

2008-08-22T10:27:00.000+01:00

Well here we are at the end of August already. Becki and I have started planning xmas at Millie Moon already. We have some great gift ideas coming up for you all to buy and to make.

We are going to the Wedding of Ben and Natalie tomorrow so unfortunately we are shutting the shop at 12.30pm. Just in case any of you bloggers were visiting Frome this weekend. We will be open from 10-12.30 on saturday and then not again until Tuesday.

have a good weekend everyone and lets hope the sun shines.

another rainy tuesday

2008-08-19T20:59:00.000+01:00

What is happening to the summer? Its making it quiet in Frome as people are not keen on shopping in the rain. Every morning I put the dry bunting outside the shop and every evening I take it in wet. At least the inside of the shop is bright and refreshing. It always makes me smile when i unlock the door and step in.

we have just set up a new display in the shop. "Inspired by Millie Moon, created by you..." This give us a great opportunity to show photographs of projects copmpleted by our customers.
I will try to get some photos on here tomorrow for you to see.

lets hope for the sunshine

new fabrics

2008-08-14T21:53:00.000+01:00

fantastic new fabrics arrived today from ALexander Henry USA. They are so bright and vibrant. They are going to make a fantastic display in our window.

We are currently trying to recrute people for our beginners quilting classes at the shop so if anyone is interested then please contact me.

Photos of the shop

2008-08-09T15:12:00.000+01:00

Our beautiful Shop

2008-08-09T14:41:00.000+01:00

We have just opened our first shop in the gorgeous market town of Frome in Somerset. As you walk up the cobbled Catherine Hill, you will see Millie Moon haberdashery boutique on the left hand side. A beautiful double fronted white shop with red spotty bunting hanging outside. One window is dressed with AMY BUTLER fabrics including a cute little vintage deck chair that has been re-covered with the fabric, bags and cushions. The other window has some fantastic mannequins dressed in items made from fabrics by Katie Jump Rope for Freespirit. A vintage singer sewing machine takes pride of place on a glass table surrounded by sewing luxuries, lovely ribbons and buttons.