Don't forget Father's Day (Sunday 21 June): Our Top 5 Father's Day Gifts

We’ve got a whole bunch of great ideas for Father’s Day over on our Pinterest board. From gadgety gifts, to awesome and quick DIYs for a handmade token of affection, there’s a host of options to show your Daddy he’s the coolest. Here's our top 5 picks:

1. DIY Pretzel Pincushion
I don't know how many of you have dads who sew, but this is the kind of gift that Great British Sewing Bee winner Matt Chapple would love! It's fun, easy and cute.

Tutorial from www.whileshenaps.com

 2. Ministry of Craft Screen Printing Course

 Your dad will be in his element printing up his very own band tshirt under the expert tutelage of our resident screen printer Nell Smith

Cute cine camera print by one of our past cusomers

3. Sew-it-Yourself Denim Tool Roll 
Does your other half store his tools in a big pile in the bottom of the cupboard or shed like mine does? Encourage good storage habits by sewing this space-saving manly roll-up tool organiser. Great for tools, knives, or any other equipment which shouldn't be stored in a pile at the bottom of a cupboard. (Ps- we run a course where you can learn to sew a pouch like this, check it out here)

Tutorial from www.instructables.com

4. Fred Aldous Block Printing Kit
This kit is the bees knees. I have just bought one for a friend: it's THE PERFECT gift for someone with a creative side, who likes beautiful packaging and who wants to try printing from the comfort of their own home. Just gorgeous.

Kit from www.fredaldous.co.uk

5. Home-made Rosemary & Mint Shaving Cream
Whip up a storm with this organic rosemary mint shaving foam. Find yourself a lovely vintage storage jar (you can buy them from Fred Aldous) and voila: home made, fresh-scented foam to combat those pesky shaving ouchies. Time to get rid of that embarassing hipster beard, Dad.

Tutorial from www.foodformyfamily.com

Don't forget we've got a REVERSIBLE APRON course happening this weekend, so come along if you'd like some help to make a thoughtful and useful gift for your Dad or husband. **NOW AT THE SPECIAL PRICE OF £30** use code APRON30 at the checkout.

You can always buy gift vouchers from Ministry of Craft too - so if you think he'd like to choose a craft course to attend himself, then that's a good option. Why not come along too and have some quality father-and-daughter time? 

Happy Father's Day to all of you lovely lot, enjoy your Sunday!

Beginners Sewing

You may have noticed that we are offering more Beginners sewing workshops than ever before and they all approach teaching you to sew in different ways. One exciting new addition is our Learn to Sew workshops run by the tremendously talented Deborah Simms. 

But with all these new options it can be hard to know which one is for you, so we've put together this handy little chart which will hopefully steer you in the right direction.

It's June next week and if you are still slipping on your New Year's resolutions to learn to sew THIS YEAR, let us help, we promise you won't regret it!

View all beginners sewing courses here 

Reinvention of an Apron

Ah the humble apron, so useful and yet so overlooked. For me it's one of those things that you never know how much you use it until it's not around and you get flour all over yourself!

Well listen, I know we've had our ever popular Sew your own apron course for some time but we've reinvented it and we think you're going to love it!

Not only can you still make the beautiful, Stepford-wives-esque vintage apron, you can now choose to make a mans apron or an apron for a wee child. Those ones have a pocket as well, so handy!

 We're spoiling you here and we also know that choosing which one to make will be the hardest part of the class!

That's because our top class tutor Alison is an expert at getting even the most unconfident sewer sewing up a storm and creating things that they really didn't think they would ever produce!

So with Fathers day coming up and the summer holidays not far behind you should probably get
yourself a place booked and reap the rewards of being so well organised.

Hand made presents are always more appreciated than shop bought ones. To book on this fabulous course click here

Book Review & Giveaway: Torie Jayne's Stylish Home Sewing

Is your Mum is a dedicated sewist or have-a-go crafter? Are you looking for a special DIY project for Mother's Day on March 15th? Or do you just want to drop a massive hint to your own children by sending them a link to a quality gift that you actually want for Mothering Sunday?

I think I might have found the very thing you've been looking for...

Stylish Home Sewing by Torie Jayne, published by CICO Books, is the perfect book for Mother's Day and to welcome in the Spring. 

I'm happy to report that this book is chock full of stylish DIY sewing projects, there's not a dud in there. It's all killer and no filler! Torie Jayne, who studied fashion, is a paragon of style; her blog toriejayne.com gets 100,000 hits a month (that's right: A MONTH!), and she has designed for many high street brands such as M&S and Zara.

Her style is very feminine and pretty, using a trademark palette of tasteful pastels, which makes this book feel like breath of fresh air. Even if you don't share the same taste in florals and linens you could still make up your chosen projects in geo-inspired prints and neon colours.

It's all about sewing for the home, and the projects are grouped into rooms: hallway, kitchen, bedroom etc. There's also a very handy how-to section at the beginning with very easy to understand instructions and helpful illustrations.

 

I particularly like the bags and baskets which feature these chic leather handles. I'll be running up some of the sturdy storage baskets to address the 'tidiness issues' in my house (kids: I'm looking at you!). My other fave projects are the doily bunting (so simple, so effective and a great excuse to start treasure hunting for vintage doilies in my local charity shops), the rose garland fairy lights (absolutely gorgeous) and, for practical reasons, the drawstring bread bag (watch out for my make - coming soon!).

The lovely team at Cico Books have given us a copy of Stylish Home Sewing to give away to one of our lucky followers. To be in with a chance of winning head over to our Stylist Home Sewing Facebook photo album for further instructions.

For Mother's Day, or just as a treat to yourself, this book is the bees knees.

Stylish Home Sewing by Torie Jayne, photography by Sussie Bell, published by CICO Books, rrp £14.99

Top 10 Ministry courses to put a Spring in your step in 2015

This is your year: 2015 is going to be great! Disposable fashion and mass produced homewares be gone: this year why not make your own clothes or furnishings, save money in the process and learn a host of new creative skills into the bargain?

The trend for Make Do and Mending continues to grow and at Ministry of Craft we are proud to help our customers take their first steps into the Craftiverse. As well as learning useful and practical skills, social crafting makes you happier! Whether it’s joining a local knit and natter group, or taking part in the virtual shared hug that is #MeMadeMay (a social media celebration of DIY dressmaking), getting together for a spot of making en masse is proven to be relaxing, therapeutic and it’s a whole lot of fun too!

So this January why not dust off your knitting needles, seek out your old sewing machine and make a New Years resolution to join the crafting masses?

We’ve got courses galore on our website, something for everyone no matter what your level of ability or crafty preference: sewing, knitting, printing, jewellery making and much, much more. Our most popular course has always been ‘Conquer Your Sewing Machine’, the perfect way to get started with sewing or to rekindle your love of stitchery (which may have lain dormant since your school days), but we’ve upped the ante in response to our dedicated customers’ calls to offer bolder and more challenging courses (Fair Isle knitting anyone?!).

We’ve got super cool classrooms at FredAldous (a brilliant art and craft supplies store, recently voted one of the top 5 indie shops in Manchester) which is located in the heart of the Northern Quarter. So after a morning of crafting with our expert tutors you’re perfectly placed for a bite to eat or even a fancy cocktail if you’re so inclined.

Here’s my top 10 pick of the courses we’ve got coming up in 2015 (between now and April), these are courses I have either been on myself or would like to try this year. For the full complement of all courses go to www.ministryofcraft.co.uk. We look forward to welcoming you into the fold!

1. Sew your own tunic dress or top
Saturday 24 January
Wardrobe staples have a special place in every girl’s heart, and you NEED to make this one! Trust me, I have made two and I'm about to start my third.

2. Tailormade fabric lampshade
Saturday 24 January
If you want a bespoke look when it comes to lighting up your room, but can’t find the right lampshade, why not make it yourself? I made a shade for my baby daughter's nursery and I bodged it. I should've come on this course first!

3. Beginners Quilting: Snuggle or baby quilt
Sunday 25 January, 22 February, 29 March
I REALLY want to do this course in 2015. They say everyone has a ‘book in them’ - well we think every stitcher has ‘a quilt in them’ - and this gorgeous patchwork quilt is the ideal way to get started. Check out photos of our recent graduates here.

 

4. Knitting skills - How to knit Fair Isle
Sunday 1 February
What’s a winter without a bright Fair Isle knit? Come down to Ministry and learn the decorative techniques of Fair Isle Knitting for yourself. I'd love to knit myself a Christmassy jumper this year. FIRMLY on my list!

5. Beginners sewing: Classy clutch bag
Saturday 7 February
Perfect with any outfit, a clutch bag is an essential item of every girl’s wardrobe and now you can sew your own to match every outfit you own! I routinely borrow a bright orange clutch from a friend for all the weddings and parties I attend. It's time to make my own.

 
6. Introduction to curtain and blind making
Sunday 15 February
You can put up wallpaper and paint but can you suss out curtains and blinds?  Nope, me neither. This is the course that saves people HUGE SUMS OF MONEY because bespoke curtains and blinds don't come cheap. I'll be making myself a lovely long pair of yellow curtains this year, after I've attended this course!

7. Sew a gorgeous girls dress
Saturday 28 February
Make a little girl’s day with a gorgeous A-line dress! Perfect for the princess in your life. I've made a Red Riding Hood cape for my little girl, Sylvie, and I'd like to make a dress like this to go with it.

 

 

8. Beginners sewing: Patchwork Pouf
Saturday 14 March
At the end of a busy day there is nothing better than putting your feet up and relaxing, with this perfect handmade pouf. Mine is adored by the whole family. I LOVE this course.

  

 
 

9. Paperperfect: Decoupage jewellery
Saturday 14 March
Loved sticking and gluing as a child? Well now you can try the more sophisticated version as a grown up! Create your own ‘paper perfect’ jewellery and master the French art of decoupage! My next target is a battered old sewing table - I'm going to decoupage it with vintage comics to hide the coffee rings!

10. Sew your own knickers!
Saturday 21 March
Don’t let your underwear let you down – simply sew your own knickers! Bring your knicker drawer to life with these fantastic briefs in our bright flowery fabric and stretchy scarlet lace. I can thing of nothing better for 2015 than sewing smalls with a group of strangers. Bring it on!

Ministry of Craft Tutorial - Easy DIY Handwarmers

Sew your own handwarmers this Christmas! This is a great project to use up your stash of fabric offcuts and can be easily completed with inexpensive household ingredients. These cute little guys are essentially mini bean-bags which can be heated in your microwave (so don't make them for people who haven't got a microwave!) and then popped into your pockets or gloves to keep your hands toastie on crisp winter mornings.

Now, every body loves a roaring fire at Christmas, but seriously you must only make these out of pure cotton or natural fibres as anything synthetic will probably melt and potentially catch fire. As with anything warming in the microwave - my advice would be to heat these babies for 10 seconds at a time until you're happy with the temperature. I made mine out of 100% cotton, a lovely mustard fox print which I used earlier in the year to make a tunic, so I was happy to be able to use some of the offcuts. They are filled with rice and I have added dried lavender from my garden which I try to use every year in the gifts that I make, so they not only look good but they SMELL great! Here's how I made mine:

Ingredients:

100% Cotton or linen fabric (perfect for offcuts from your stash)

cotton to match your fabric

card

tailors chalk

fabric scissors

pins

needle for hand finishing

teaspoon

funnel

rice

lavender (it's a nice touch but not absolutely necessary)

 Make a 3 inch square template from a piece of card

 

Use your template to mark out squares of fabric to cut, using tailors chalk to draw your lines (these lines can be brushed off afterwards). I folded up my fabric like a concertina and pinned it (pictured) so that I would be able to cut several pairs of squares in one go to save time. You'll need 2 squares for each handwarmer, a front and a back, so 4 squares to make a pair of handwarmers!

Cut out your squares, and arrange in front of you so that you cut an even number to get as many pairs of handwarmers as you desire.

Pin the squares right sides together to keep them from skewing while you sew.

Fill your bobbin with the same thread that you will be using on your machine, I chose this fun neon orange thread which I had from a previous project.

Using a straight stitch sew all the way round your square leaving half of the last side open, back stitching at the beginning and end so that it doesn't unravel. You'll need to leave the opening so that you can turn it the right side out and add the rice at the end. Before you turn your square the right side out, snip the corners so that you can get a nicer and less bulky finish.

Turn the square the right side out and press well with a hot iron. Get right into the corners to really push them out and get a nice shape.

Next set yourself up with a tray, a teaspoon and possibly a funnel (but only if your funnel has a nice wide spout!).

I used a small teaspoon in the end to spoon in the rice and lavender. Fill the bags up so that they are full but still have a little give in them.

Then pinch the opening shut, turning the insides under, pin to secure and then hand sew shut with a slip stitch and lock it off with a couple of stitches on top of each other.

 

And you're finished! They are super neat and very pleasing! I have seen other versions on Pinterest which use contrasting fabrics for the front and back, they look great especially in florals. 

 

Another twist on the same principle would be to cut your squares slightly bigger with pinking shears and top stitch through the fabric (no need for turning inside out) so that it resembles a pleasing fabric ravioli. Both look great and they are sure to be a hit with your friends and family. Good luck and let us know how you get on. 

Don't forget that you can come and join any number of sewing classes for beginners at Ministry of Craft, and walk away with a finished item. Why not try our SIMPLE REVERSIBLE TOTE or FOLKSY MAKE UP BAG courses on Saturday 3 January? Use our special offer code YULE5 to get £5 off either (or both). These courses make great gifts and are an excellent way to step up your sewing in the New Year!

Christmas Gift Guide - Ministry of Craft Style

Only 19 more sleeps! If, like me, you're not yet fully organised and still have to complete your Christmas shopping, allow me to offer up some ideas. We've got craft courses galore happening next year and there's something for everyone, plus we know some really REALLY great small, independent businesses who are worthy of your support. Read on!

Gifts for Crafting Wannabes

CONQUER YOUR SEWING MACHINE - Saturday 3 Jan - Our most popular course! Half a day of all the sewing machine basics; from threading up the machine through to experimenting with fancy stitches. THE place to start! 

BEGINNERS SEWING: FOLKSY MAKE UP BAG - Saturday 3 Jan - A brilliant choice for the novice sewist (suitable for complete beginners) who would like to learn how to use a sewing machine and leave with a useful, pretty product at the end. 

KNIT 123: BEGINNERS KNITTING - Tuesday 13 Jan (runs each Tuesday evening for 3 consecutive weeks) - Knitting is cool but oh-so-cosy! Buy the gift of knitting tuition for your loved ones and give them a hobby for life. They may knit you a sweater of thanks in return!

Gifts for Super Sewists

STEP UP YOUR SEWING MACHINE SKILLS - Saturday 17 Jan - Buy this course for THAT person who is already going great guns with their sewing projects but who would love the opportunity to hone their skills and learn fancy schmancy techniques (such as pin tucks, french seams, stitching leather) from an expert tutor. 

OVERLOCKING FOR BEGINNERS - Saturday 10 Jan - For experiences sewists who would like to give their sewing projects (especially clothing) that professional finish. If you buy them an overlocker machine too they will love you to the moon and back!

SEW YOUR OWN TUNIC DRESS OR TOP - Saturday 24 Jan - A dressmaking course for advanced beginners. A very good way to dip a toe into garment making and leave with a wardrobe staple (I'm not kidding, I have made two of these tunics!). Anyone who loves the Great British Sewing Bee will love this course.

Gifts for Teens

If you're looking for a crafting experience to attend together, or if you're happy to chaperone your teen (be they daughter, son, niece, or nephew), then these are great courses for crafty beginners:

PAPER PERFECT: DECOUPAGE JEWELLERY - Saturday 31 Jan - It's glueing and sticking and it's the best fun EVER. Brilliant for kids and adults alike. Make your own sets of decoupaged jewellery to take home.

BEGINNERS SEWING: SIMPLE REVERSIBLE TOTE BAG - Saturday 3 Jan - For the young person who's raring to go with a sewing machine, or who really loves textiles at school, come and sew this simple reversible tote bag. Bring your own fabrics and make a totally original piece or make a matching set together.

Gifts for Guys

Hey! We're all 'the guys', there's no sexism here! But if you want something less sewingy for a boy, or something that will appeal TO ANYONE, then how about these courses? 

SCREEN STARS: INTRO TO SCREEN PRINTING - Saturday 7 Feb - It's messy, it's graphic, it's as colourful and bold as you want it to be. Learning to DIY screen print is mega fun.

INTRO TO LINOCUT PRINTING - Saturday 7 Feb - Buy this course for the creative person in your life. They'll learn to make their own prints using cool and slightly dangerous cutting tools. Skills that can transfer easily to the kitchen table at home.

Gifts for the Craft Averse

If your kith and kin wouldn't be caught dead crafting (the fools!) but still appreciate local products, lovingly made by Manchester's finest, then take a look at the following:

Jelly Button Jewellery - Our tutor Michelle's handmade jewellery will satisfy the sweetest tooth!

Lines Form Spaces - Our knitting tutor Rachael is also an award-winning artist and she makes these hand drawn letter forms to order. Each one a complete original!

Nell Clothing - gifts for kids and the young at heart, screen printed by hand by our Nell (printmaking tutor)

Vinegar & Brown Paper - not strictly Manchester based but worth a looksee online to marvel at the beautiful etched glass products. Unique and fun!

So Satsuma - jewel coloured, beautifully hand-knitted hats, scarves and cowls in Italian merino wool. 

And that's Christmas all wrapped up for you! Support small businesses this Saturday (especially because it's SMALL BUSINESS SATURDAY) and buy super awesome craft-flavoured gifts for your loved ones this Christmas. 

Thanks for reading!