Melinda Make.Do.Sew

Melinda Make.Do.Sew Sewing and creative craft courses for all abilities and ages. Learn new skills and create something beautiful.

With the recent interest and retro revival of all things homemade and the success of television programmes such as The Great British Sewing Bee and Kirstie's handmade Britain, more and more people are wanting to learn these skills for themselves. I am here to help you dust off those sewing machines, pull out those knitting needles and get crafting, teaching and guiding you in those areas you may n

ot feel so confident. Get in touch with your creative side and get making! My classes are designed for small groups or one to one tuition and are very much focused on what you want to learn or create. Please contact me if you want to make a particular item or learn a particular skill and I will try to plan a class/course to cover this. I have recently opened a bijou Etsy shop if you'd like to purchase any of my handmade items. https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MelindaMakeDoSew

A bit about me...

I have always loved sewing and making things, having done so since childhood. Assisted by my lovely mum, I first started to use a sewing machine and make clothes using printed sewing patterns about the age of 9 or 10. I very quickly got the bug and began making, altering and embellishing clothes to add an individual touch to my wardrobe. At university I studied performing arts, but in my 2nd year I took a large side step to focus on costume making and design, making further use of the skills I had started to develop earlier in my life. Aided by my fabulous instructor, Ginny (See www.facebook.com/aliceandginny) I learnt skills in pattern cutting and manipulation, fabric dying and more advanced sewing methods. After University, I worked as a costume technician (instructing others as well as putting my own skills to full use) and freelance as a costume designer, maker and supervisor. Later, I trained as a teacher and hold a full post graduate teaching qualification (PGCE) and have over 15 years teaching within local primary and middle schools. I am now combining both of these skill sets and offer classes and courses in sewing, and other textile based crafts. I hope you will be inspired to join me and unleash your creativity!

Exciting new things afoot! (Or a-hand...) Pretty colours and freehand nail art. Watch this space...
13/03/2023

Exciting new things afoot! (Or a-hand...) Pretty colours and freehand nail art. Watch this space...

OK. So this is a bit of a long shot. Does ANYBODY have *Simplicity 8723 pattern* that I can beg, borrow or steal? Can on...
17/08/2022

OK. So this is a bit of a long shot. Does ANYBODY have *Simplicity 8723 pattern* that I can beg, borrow or steal?

Can only find it in US or Aus on ebay or Etsy with extortionate shipping and import tax.

12/04/2022

A quick little make last week for my son's wedding outfit. His biggest brother got married!

I love this beautiful fabric - 100% cotton poplin by Rose and Hubble bought from fabriclove.co.uk. £6.80 a metre, 112cm wide https://fabriclove.co.uk/products/silver-ditsy-flower-pink-100-cotton-poplin?_pos=24&_sid=374248881&_ss=r

Sewing pattern - simplicity S9056. Very simple pattern. No collar stand or back yoke (which I would have liked as I wanted this to be a formal shirt) but a great little pattern. I added fancy buttons to the cuffs to give the impression of cufflinks.

See second photo in comments.

Knitted this sweet 'Mini' Chloe Cat as a Christmas gift. Used supersoft fluffy wool instead of the yarn suggested in the...
29/12/2021

Knitted this sweet 'Mini' Chloe Cat as a Christmas gift. Used supersoft fluffy wool instead of the yarn suggested in the pattern. I was rather pleased with the end result- a very sweet cuddly p***y cat.

The pattern is from the book Robyn Octopus & Friends by Claire Gelder and the patterns are divine.

Robyn Octopus next for my Kraken obsessed boy!

&friends

I have opened an Etsy shop! Have a little browse and see what you think. It's bijou right now but more items being added...
14/11/2021

I have opened an Etsy shop! Have a little browse and see what you think. It's bijou right now but more items being added.

See what you think and if you like it, press the share button!

https://www.etsy.com/uk/listing/1102783812/sparkly-trees-christmas-cushion-cover?ref=shop_home_active_4

https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/MelindaMakeDoSew

Get cosy at Christmas and add extra seasonal cheer to your decor with this Sparkly Trees Christmas cushion cover. This original design is created using appliqué and free-motion embroidery. It has a traditional envelope opening at the back for easy removal. Main cover is made from 100% cotton.

When you have chosen not to find out if your baby is a girl or boy, but want a bit of colour in your baby's newborn ward...
12/03/2021

When you have chosen not to find out if your baby is a girl or boy, but want a bit of colour in your baby's newborn wardrobe, yellow 💛 or green 💚 could be they way to go - or even a combination of both.

Baby was a girl, so I added flower buttons.

It was great to get the knitting needles out again and now I am on to the next knitting project...

31/08/2020

There is something quite therapeutic about sewing name tags into clothes.

Had to be beach ready for drop off and pick up from pool at recently restarted swimming lessons, so I decided I ought to...
06/08/2020

Had to be beach ready for drop off and pick up from pool at recently restarted swimming lessons, so I decided I ought to create something that could easily be popped on and off, soak up excess dripping, keep littley warm but also be fun. Found some cow print towels at Asda, and as cows are a big favourite in our house, I thought I'd create a towelling cow pop over hooded robe. Needless to say, it's been a hit and is currently living up to expectation on all counts.

Happened upon this little gem of a programme. It's on iplayer and well worth a watch.
21/03/2019

Happened upon this little gem of a programme. It's on iplayer and well worth a watch.

Amber Butchart explores the lives of historical figures through the clothes they wore.

12/09/2018

Big Bundle Giveaway!! To win this Fabric& Pattern Bundle:
1. Follow our page
2. Like this post
3. Share
We will announce the lucky winner on Sept 22nd
Good luck! 😀

Happy summer holiday folks!
06/08/2017

Happy summer holiday folks!

A taster session 'Time for Me' at Beccles Children's centre where a plethora of very fine cushions were made.
26/07/2017

A taster session 'Time for Me' at Beccles Children's centre where a plethora of very fine cushions were made.

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Suffolk
NR338SR

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 9pm
Tuesday 8am - 9pm
Wednesday 8am - 9pm
Thursday 8am - 9pm
Friday 8am - 9pm
Saturday 8am - 9pm
Sunday 8am - 9pm

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