#sewdowndewsbury March 2019

I visited Dewsbury to meet up with the Yorkshire Spoolettes on Wednesday 6 March. Ali had kindly organised another meetup - hashtag is #sewdowndewsbury on IG.

In the  morning I took a taxi from home to the station,  Interestingly the taxi driver was a textile graduate from Huddersfield who had left the business in 1994  as the only posts available were on the death of the previous incumbent. He was apparently a thread specialist. We had a bit of a chat about the need for succession planning in these industries.

I started writing this on the train coming back from #sewdowndewsbury. My return trip was easier than my journey there. A points failure in Newcastle meant our train was stuck in the station! A later train was able to to enter and leave by a different route via a through platform - we were eventually transferred across to it. It was a faster train but delayed because of the points failure as some trains were out of place and the passenger transfer and they had to add an extra intermediate stop to the journey, I just missed my connection to Dewsbury in Leeds but my later connection was faster so I arrived only about 30 mins later than I'd planned. By this time I was wishing I had taken the car - but I gather there were problems on the A1 too. Honestly, though, it wasn’t bad and I prefer the train to the car. I wasn't the last to arrive and many had arrived just shortly before me.

My friend Margaret @thecraftycreek had looked out for me in Leeds as she thought I was due to be on the same train.

We all met in Wetherspoons. Kent and new faces. Organised as previously by Ali @akathimberlina. Everyone was still there drinking coffee and chatting. Ali gathered the fabric and patterns for the swap. I took a couple of patterns with me but no fabric as I didn’t want to be left with it or carry it all over. The first time I was at one of these meets the amount of fabric and number of patterns left over was mind boggling so we were all asked to be much more cautious with one or two pieces at the most.

I had two (three?) purchases in mind - peachskin fabric, a slightly beefier striped fabric and ribbing for it. The peachskin fabric is to replace the sandwashed silk in the silk dresses I’ve made for Helen - or rather to see if it would work as I didn’t like the last lot of sandwashed silk at all. The striped fabric is to make a top for #sew50visible though if stretch fabric it would also work for the GBSB sewalong provided I get on with it!

Margaret and I paired up. We didn’t want to be moving around in a big group.

Our first stop was Fabworks. I asked about peachskin fabric but of course that is a finish and not a type of fabric. They didn’t have anything suitable although occasionally they do get fabric with a peachskin finish. I found an organic cotton knit that I loved - lilac striped. The stripe is VERY narrow and so will be difficult to match. There was toning ribbing fabric, wide not ribbing size pieces, which I also bought. There was probably just enough on the roll to make another top.  The organic cotton was reduced by 35% so was very affordable. Two down.

We then moved to Lucky Fabrics. They did have some peachskin fabric but not in a colour that Helen would like so I didn't buy. There was a shade I liked for me but not for anything I wanted to make in the near future. I’m trying to think much more carefully about purchases! I was going to walk away but bought a navy and white striped knit with a wider stripe (easier to match and I liked it anyway) and a floral fabric with a lovely handle in my lighter colours. Both destined for specific makes.

We then went to The Cloth Quarter (previously known as £1 a Yard Fabrics) but didn't buy anything. We had a nice chat with the ladies there and learned that there is a textile college planned for that area. It's running over timetable. Those who live closer to Dewsbury might in the future have access to some interesting classes. The area is pretty rundown as I believe I’ve mentioned in a previous post but there are planned major upgrades to the shop fronts. This shop will apparently be one of the last to be done. The planned college should certainly help.

The market seems to be thriving. I say that because one of our local markets - in Chester le Street - is shrinking dramatically and now Immanuel Fabrics (Burnley) who have gone there on Fridays for years  are stopping - although there is still a market and there is still a space for them, they would have to put up their own stalls which just isn’t possible given the volume of fabric they bring. They will be going on that day to South Shields market instead; an additional day as they already go there on a Saturday. I was at the Chester le Street market a couple of weeks ago and was saddened to see just how run down it is and completely missed seeing the fabric stall. I went to South Shields market the following week to catch them (there is only one fabric vendor, though they have several stalls), when I learned of their plans. Probably only a quarter of the market space was used in South Shields - even a couple of years ago, it was full. Locals put it down to Amazon. However, in Dewsbury, the market seemed full and there were several fabric stalls

In the market I bought 4 cones of overlocker thread in a shade to match the cardigan I was wearing and I succumbed to the geometric fabric Margaret bought having turned my back on a pretty floral, also in my lighter colours. Interestingly, the prices for fabric in the market were higher than I see in our area. I got a few fabrics in a particularly good quality cotton range in South Shields for £2/m that I saw in Fabworks today for £6/m. Our market prices tend to be £2/m whereas in Dewsbury they were £4+/m. I’d like the extra choice though!

We were hungry by this time. We were due to meet up in the Creative Craft Centre with its new cafe for a bite to eat and the pattern and fabric swap a bit later but we decided to go a bit earlier to see if there was any ‘proper’ food rather than just coffee and cakes. We ordered soup and sandwiches and were glad we were early as our numbers (varying at times but up to 15, I think) overwhelmed the tiny cafe and service was extremely slow.

I hadn’t previously visited this centre. Previously it was around the corner from its current position, and I passed the old shop on my way from the station to Wetherspoons and found a dark and derelict building, not realising it had moved 18 months ago.  I hadn't been in previously because I thought it was largely a yarn shop. They now appear to do a range of classes and groups and sell Simplicity patterns, though not fabric. They still primarily deal in yarn though as far as I could see.

Others arrived and we had nice introduction to those we didn’t know and plenty of chat. No-one was really bothered about the slow service though a couple had to leave early for other appointments so couldn’t wait to be fed. We swapped IG details with others who didn’t already have them. Jen taught us (the older dinosaurs!) how to get details from someone else really quickly, not something I was aware of before. We heard about her terrific new creative space - TeesCreative in Middlesbrough, which sounds well worth going to. Accommodation is available for space users - so a weekend course, as they did recently, making Ginger jeans, becomes very possible. Middlesbrough is not that far really - easily commutable, especially at the weekend when there is less rush hour traffic, but a nice place to stay if there are a few of you. Up to 6 of you. They do dressmaking, quilting, candlemaking. The space is available for hire.

By the time we left a few others had gone but we were far from last in going. I took one pattern from the swap but no fabric.

My journey home was uneventful. I walked through my door just 2 hours after leaving the Creative Craft Centre. I did take a taxi from the station as it was raining heavily. Another interesting taxi driver which makes the 15 minute ride fly by!

Dewsbury Yorkshire Spoolettes Meet-Up

I had a lovely time today at a sewing bloggers meet-up of the ‘Yorkshire Spoolettes’ in Dewsbury,  organised by Ali of Thimberlina, whom I had never met but felt I knew.

There were about 18 of us. Some I immediately recognised from photos on their blogs - others I didn't follow and so didn't recognise. A few couldn't make it, which was sad. I feared being too old for the group but don't think that was the case. I was made very welcome and met a group of lovely ladies. I'm gutted to say I didn't take any photos - but a few were taken on the day.

We met in Kenny’s cafe, introduced ourselves, had a drink and something to eat. Then we had a fabric and pattern swap. I took quite a few patterns but not so much in the way of fabric with me as I feared having to carry it home again if no-one wanted it!  I'm particularly thinking of a piece of fabric I bought as a potential patterned MOB dress - what on earth was I thinking of? The colours don't work for me and I dislike the fabric and can't really imagine anyone else liking it.  I chose a couple of patterns, in my size, so I may use them later ‘atw’ - after the wedding! More excitingly, I was persuaded (you know - arm up my back etc)  to take a jacket length of beautiful Linton tweed, brought by Margaret of the Crafty Creek. 

The background is navy, which is my colour

I can't think of it just now but I promise I will make this up!!  I may have to compromise on sleeve length etc as being both tall and plus sized, I fear being short of fabric for the classical Chanel jacket. There were some patterns and some fabric left unclaimed at the end and I think Ali was going to pass these to a charity shop. So I wouldn't have had to take the fabric I mentioned back after all.

I'm doing a pattern hack of a dress with lots of drapes and tucks, the original made with a polyester jersey

Hack dress: Tucks on R shoulder, R waist, R skirt and styleline across dress

and I wanted to buy some viscose jersey as I really didn't like the polyester jersey I bought - and others confirmed my view that it was really too sportswear/ dancewear. That and possible replacement MOB fabrics as I'm not 100% keen on anything I have and feel that my Indian dupion silk, beautiful as it is, is perhaps a step too far with my current sewing abilities and the time I have available.

We went briefly to the market to the trims stall and I bought some turquoise bias binding (20p pm) and a royal blue beaded trim (50p pm). Very inexpensive.

Our next stop was Fabworks. I was fairly focused here. I bought some grey viscose jersey for the hack dress

and bought some lovely blue crepe back satin recommended by Karen of the Sewing Miserablist, as she has used it and can vouch for its quality.

This was also available in a gorgeous plum colour

I loved the dress Karen was wearing, both the fabric (though not my colours) and the style. The fabric was still available in Fabworks but unfortunately not in an alternative colourway. Here is a link to the dress and fabric; I'd like to make the dress at some stage and was delighted when Karen said it was available for download (she made it from the Burdastyle magazine) and to boot was a tall pattern - she had to shorten it;  I wouldn't have to. Fabworks didn't have silk organza or stretch lining.

We then went to Lucky Fabrics. I love this shop! And the tea, coffee or juice and biscuits put on specially for us! I was less focused here. I bought a grey fabric just because I liked it

This is quite heavy with a bit of stretch

ditto a floral fabric

I briefly thought MOB then thought a lovely summer fabric; jersey

- no immediate plans in mind. The self embossed stretch fabric I bought might do for the hack dress, though might be a little too thick.

I love this - I hope it works for the hack dress. If not, another more suitable style

Again, I wasn't able to get any stretch lining.

I moved on to the £1 a Yard shop, mainly thinking of buying stretch lining,  which unfortunately wasn't available there either. I was taken by a crushed red velvet (what!?)

More of a blue red in real life

 and copied Margaret’s purchase of a sewing related cotton, thinking of making a shirt. atw! 

 I didn't buy any additional lining fabrics as although very inexpensive, I decided not to add to my stash more than I had already! I already have several lifetimes of fabric in my stash.

Then we had a late lunch in Wetherspoons. As I wasn't driving I was able to have a pint of cider with my steak and ale pie, chips and mushy peas (Yorkshire caviare I was told today!). Then a quick photo and time to say goodbye - for now. I’ll be following new blogs, feel I've made new friends and feel inspired. Karen - I hope you got your car okay! Edited to say - I'm glad you got your car, Karen - what a relief. As Ali says, they'll get a good write up on her blog and a lot of kudos for staying behind.

I travelled by train as that I find is so much more pleasant than driving when it's raining and particularly as I started to read ‘The Forgotten Seamstress’ by Liz Trenow. 

The character of the title was incarcerated in a mental hospital for having become inconveniently pregnant - I won't say any more as I recommend you read the book. I met one woman like this in the early days of my training, who had been incarcerated by her family for ‘moral insanity’;  such families wanted to avoid the disgrace and shame of having a sexually active (or just at risk of being sexually active) daughter. These women became so institutionalised that they were unable to cope with the outside world and unable to leave the mental hospital despite having been free to do so for many years, as was the case with the woman I met. Very sad. Such stolen lives.

https://blog.colettehq.com/news/colette-book-club-reminder#comment-185046

Coletterie is running a book club,  link above, and this book is this month's read, which is why I became aware of it.

I continued to read on the way home and finished it this evening.

Thank you,  Ali, for organising. I gather we have a month to show something we've made from out purchases! Hopefully, mine will be the hack dress.

A Yorkshire Weekend

My plans for this weekend changed a bit.

My original plans were:

• Saturday - Travel on my own to Dewsbury (fabric shopping)
• Saturday afternoon - Visit Yorkshire Sculpture Park
• Book into guest house then go for dinner with fellow golfers at a different hotel
• Sunday - Next day travel to Oulton Hall for two day team fun golf event, staying overnight and having dinner there
• After golf, book back into guest house for two nights
• On Tuesday, go to tailoring exhibition in Leeds and meet friend for lunch and afternoon chatting and shopping
• On Wednesday, go to Northern AGM at Moortown GC; as secretary of our vets committee, I have a fair bit to take to this meeting
• Drive home on Wednesday after meeting

Initially, because of these plans, I travelled on my own rather than with a member of my team, who had offered me a lift. Then my other 3 team members decided not to travel down on the Saturday so I thought I was going to be on my own in the guest house;  we had a few teams though so I was going to go across to meet with the others for a meal on Saturday evening.

Unfortunately,  before I travelled, my friend cancelled our meeting. I had decided to stay on in order to meet her and also to visit the tailoring exhibition in Leeds. This was no longer attractive and I was able to cancel the extra hotel nights, so travelling home on Monday night; I had been offered a lift to the meeting on Wednesday, which I now accepted with gratitude. I could have changed to travelling on the Sunday with the others from my team but it was too late to cancel the guest house so I let it go.

Since then, though, the person who was giving me a lift has had a windscreen crack a foot long which won’t be repaired on time so I’m now driving back down to Leeds, tomorrow. At least I’m returning home on the same day. Also, I confess to being a poor passenger.

Saturday

I left home early, not to get to our golf destination and play a practice round as some of the others did,  but to get to Fabworks in Dewsbury which closes at 2pm  on a Saturday.

I drove through some pretty thick fog but the journey was okay, despite extensive roadworks.

Fabworks was great and I’ll return in the future.

I arrived in enough time to allow a good look around. I didn't get any silk organza or silk satin, as planned, as they only had silk chiffon (at a very good price but I didn't get any as it was all patterned). I did buy a lovely, fine dusky pink wool,  for a shirt dress, some printed ‘denim’ and a contrasting lighter piece of cotton, a sweater knit, fabric for a shirt and a bag of woollen fabric, paid for by weight. I haven't photographed the woollen fabrics - they're mainly grey and variants. I had said to one of my sewing buddies that I'd try to get some faux leather binding but I didn't see one that was suitable.. I could have bought a lot more but I did have to exercise some restraint! They're going to have a website soon so presumably it'll be possible to buy online. 

I then planned to 'pop' into Lucky Fashions and the market before going to visit Yorkshire Sculpture Park in the afternoon,  probably having a late lunch there. Quite an adventurous timetable. More so as I hadn't been able to find an actual address for Lucky Fashions but I did have the map provided by Ali of Thimberlina for a Yorkshire Spoolettes meetup, though the street wasn't named on the map. I’d also read the blog post by Love, Lucie, which included the map. Ali had also been kind enough to contact me when I said I might be going. She's also a golfer.

I got lost a bit on the way to the market area but then parked right outside a shop I'd heard about - £1 a Yard Fabrics.

 

I bought some shower proof wool and fabric (some of it Burberry, not photographed) and some linings. I liked this shop a lot. Good prices - though only the lining was £1, though that’s far cheaper than I usually pay. The patterned fabric is one of the shower proof fabrics, with a matching plain fabric. I haven't photographed the waterproof wool or the other two lining materials I bought.

I bought in metres. I had thought it was ‘the law’ to sell goods in imperial quantities but he told me a story about that - were the local bobbies going to stop McDonald’s trading for selling a ‘quarter pounder’? The owner, who told me that Dewsbury is a dying town and so is very interested in any business going his way, indicated he's happy to deal by mail,  sending samples and popping orders in the post. One of the linings I got was a plaid so that I could practice with that. I will return some day.

I had a wander through the market. I saw a couple of fabrics I liked but when I asked the price,  the stall holder offered to make me a complete (Indian type) outfit for £15. Obviously,  I didn't have time for that  but didn't get a price just to buy the fabric;  I guess it would have been inexpensive. A lot of the stalls sold Asian fabrics. I wasn't sure which of the fabric stalls was owned by Lucky Fashions;  I was going to ask the way to the shop.

I knew that the shop was close to Wetherspoons - well I found that I was parked near that - consulted the map - and I found I was parked just a few yards from Lucky Fashions! No pictures, Im afraid. This shop is only open on market days,  Wednesday and Saturday. I'm glad I found it as this was my favourite and the owner was extremely helpful. Yes,  I bought a few pieces - it's just as well I had the car, even if that was full of golf clubs, trolley, cases etc. I bought an Asian silk and a lace overlay in deep fuchsia pink, combination practice and garment for me, a couple of stretch laces for practice, a jacquard fabric, and a couple of other pieces for trousers and a tunic top. The plain navy is not in photo.

The owner has a policy that she treats customers the way she'd like to be treated; she was extremely helpful,  often suggesting I needed less than I had planned to buy and checking what I would make with a particular fabric, and my skill level. She gave me her details in case I ran into any problems. These are the fabrics I'm most excited about sewing.

I've posted a couple of photos in case anyone is interested. I do need to find a foolproof way to catalogue and store my fabric. The only photo I took the whole weekend was of a wild flower at Oulton hall!

The weather was still bit misty and overcast on Saturday afternoon, with some ominous black clouds, (which didn't come to anything) and I decided against going on to the Yorkshire Sculpture Park to see the Poppies. So I had a late lunch in Wetherspoons, which was very reasonably priced. Dewsbury may be dying but I found everyone very friendly and helpful.

By this time, I decided to make my way to my guest house. The plan was that I was going to meet some of the others for dinner in their hotel. I thought I'd have time to change etc. Well, as I drove into the car park, I was suddenly surrounded by kent faces - one of our other teams (of 4) was staying in the same place. So we went out for a meal in a local pub (on foot) and I was able to have a glass of wine as I cancelled my proposed drive to the Premier Inn. So that worked out very well.

Sunday/Monday

It’s all about the golf - end of season team event. Northern (Northumberland, Cumbria, Yorkshire, Lancashire, Durham, Cheshire) county Vets - that is, ladies of 50+.

We were very lucky with the weather. No rain. some sunshine, though cold on Monday.

Nice course

Nice company

Great chat

Great evening get-together

Good room

Good breakfast

My team did well on the second day, enough to win our internal Northumberland second day sweep (we had 6 teams of 4 entered) but not enough to have an overall place in the competition, though we were top of the leaderboard right until the end. That doesn’t matter, though, as it was about social golf.

We were out early on Monday so finished reasonably early.

On the way home I popped into an outlet centre but only bought a coffee and cake and 4 chocolate skeletons for my grandsons.

I confess I did try on 3 items - a dress, a top and a tunic, but none of them worked.

Because of my stop, I ran into some rush hour traffic but this wasn’t a huge issue.

David didn’t go crazy about the amount of fabric I bought!  I do need to get sewing though, otherwise I have enough fabric to outlive me. I still want to buy some practice fabrics for the wedding and some Pont Roma. I didn’t make it to the Knitting and stitching show at Alexandra Palace which was on this past weekend but I’m still trying to decide whether to go to the Harrogate event.

Tuesday

Recovery day!

And getting stuff ready for AGM tomorrow. Of course, I have to drive now, which I do find rather exhausting so early to bed it is tonight! I'm giving someone else a lift so won't be going to the tailoring exhibition tomorrow - I may have to take a train trip down.