When things don't go to plan... new gorgeous workshop... and news...

I ran a sewing machine workshop last weekend.  I don't know why but way back when I booked the date last year something told me that it wasn't all going to quite go to plan.  Funny that!

I ran a class to make a fabric wall organiser and it was a fully booked class which I was so thrilled about but a couple of people had to cancel which was disappointing (for them as well as for me as they had paid for the class).

The class got off to a flying start, there were lots of fabrics to choose from.

The morning which flew by was dedicated to choosing, measuring, cutting out, creating pockets and then the afternoon was to be dedicated to sewing everything together.

That is where everything went wrong!!

I made the awful mistake of letting time run away, for not keeping my eye on the clock.  I don't think I anticipated the choosing of the fabrics in the morning taking quite as long and I know for next time to plan better for a bigger class.  I think I may also have created a project that was too big to re-create in a day.  It made me realise that just because I am a super speedy sewer, not everyone else is.  And also, my classes are not about rushing along, its about being relaxed, having fun and an opportunity to escape from the world to create something beautiful.

Come 4pm we were told that they were locking the gates so we needed to pack away swiftly... aaaargh!!! Everyone had their pockets and bits and bobs sewn on but the whole thing hadn't been sewn together yet.  I panicked, took charge getting everyone to pin their pieces together and get everything sewn up as quickly as possible so they could take a finished project home.  Well, that was simply disaster!  Because I panicked and got overwhelmed by it all I somehow managed to get everyone to sew it the WRONG WAY which meant that when their project was turned the right way out, the wadding that was supposed to be in the middle of the two pieces of fabric was on the outside!!  I could have died!!

Everyone was incredibly kind and understanding and were more than happy to take their project with them to finish off at home.  It was a bit of a mad dash then to get everything packed up and my ladies were even so kind as to help me carry everything back to the car!  Despite all of this I really did have such a fun day and loved every minute of it.

I have been running workshops for almost a year now and majority have been near perfect.  I guess it was only time before something went wrong!!  BUT, I am trying not to let it get to me and I just know to simplify and plan a little better next time.  I am only human and we all make mistakes from time to time as embarrassing as it is...

This is the finished project of one of my ladies' creations.  LOVE the pop of colour.

I still had wonderful feedback which was lovely and much appreciated.

AND MOVING ON...

This Saturday (25th January 2014) I am running my next class at Port Talbot Library.  It is an 11am start and will run for around an hour and a half to two hours.  I promise this will be a better organised class!!  I am used to running my library events and am confident that this one will be just perfect.

Just wait until you see what we are making:

The MOST GORGEOUS pin cushion.  We started the year by making a needle book which every sewer needs.  The other thing every sewer needs is a pin cushion just like this...

Isn't it just the cutest thing ever?

And you will be able to make your very own at this Saturday's class.

This class is at the very low price of just £5 per person.

Speaking of prices, lots of you will be aware that my business is going through a bit of a change this year - well behind the scenes its actually a massive change and there are going to be so many new things, especially when I launch my new website which will include an online sewing membership club which will be available worldwide!  From July my prices for these mini hand sewing workshops classes will be increasing .  From May I will have been running these classes a year and have become much more confident with them and its been fantastic to trial them, to get feedback etc.  I am sure many of you will agree that at the present time £5 for two hours of sewing where absolutely everything is provided, the fabric, felt, scissors, templates, patterns, sewing expertise, chit chat, lovely venue, refreshments, sweet treats and a linked book club all for just £5 is exceptional and you won't find that anywhere else.  I will be creating new and exciting classes from July onwards with a new pricing structure. These will be called taster sessions.  Again, as many of you are already aware this is now my full time job (it is a dream come true) but it also needs to put food on the table and support my family which is my reasoning behind this (and the fact that they are silly madness prices anyway).  Classes will continue as advertised at the rate of £5 per person per class (unless otherwise stated) up until July as planned so if you want to come along and try out a Sweet Williams Sewing Workshop to see if its for you, now's the time to do it!

Will be fabulous if you can make it to Saturday's class to make the pin cushion (its even cuter in real life)!

Emma xxx

New year : Get Organised!

I am super excited about my first BIG sewing machine workshop of 2014.  Even complete beginners can attend.

I ran a sewing machine workshop last year at Neath Food and Drink Festival where took two classes making vintage style aprons.  Following the success of this event I have been busy planning further machine workshops for 2014.

The first one is going to be held on Saturday 18th January 2014.  The class is a full day and will run from 10am until 4pm.  It is being held at the fab new fresh and modern community building at Victoria Gardens, Neath.

I wanted to start the year on the right foot and I am hoping to be better organised this year.  That's where the idea came from for this workshop - New Year : Get Organised.

This is what we are going to be making:

And this is a sample of it when filled:

 

 



 

NOW, the really exciting part of this workshop is that you are going to be able to tailor your gorgeous fabric organiser to what you would like to use it for.  Not only that but you will have a very large choice of colours to choose from too.

The sample I have made has been hand embroidered saying "Emma's Sewing Room", but you my choose to make one for the kitchen with pockets for recipes, to do lists, baking tools etc.  Another good one could be for a child's bedroom with space to keep special toys nice and safe.

The background fabric will be a thick cream cotton from John Lewis so it is of high quality.  The rest is up to you.  You can choose as many different colours as you fancy for the pockets.

You will be able to choose from a selection of gorgeous ribbons, lace and button to decorate your organiser.

I can only take 6 people on this class as it is going to be a busy day and I want to be able to dedicate as much of my time to everyone as possible to make sure that all 6 people take a fully completed project home.

The class is suitable for beginners right through to those who are competent at sewing.  We will be hand embroidering, but if you don't fancy that I can teach you applique instead.  The rest of the work is done by machine.  There will be 3 machines and there will be two people to a machine.

You do not have to bring anything to this class.  Everything you need is included in the price.

HOW MUCH does it cost?  It is at a BARGAIN price of just £65.  Not only does it include all of the above but it also includes a lunch bag from Tres Bien (which has sandwiches, Real crisps, bottled water and fruit).  There will be unlimited refreshments - tea, coffee and water throughout the day plus lots of sweet treats.

AND THAT'S NOT ALL...

ALSO included in this amazing price of just £65 is a sewing goodie bag to take home with you.

Each person who books this sewing workshop will get the following:


A mini roll of felt.

A mini roll of fabrics.

A pin wheel.

A selection of brooch bags, bells and split rings.

A selection of gorgeous buttons.

 

Some pre made bows.

Some gorgeous ribbon.

And also included in the FREE sewing goodie bag when you book this class will be a pack of needles, a tape measure and some thread.

You will not find this sewing workshop at this fantastic price again so its not one to be missed.

If you would like to book your place please email me at sweet.williams@live.co.uk.  Payment is required in advance.  There are several ways to pay - I can send you an invoice to pay by credit / debit card or Paypal, bank transfer or cheque.

Here are the essential details again:

Saturday 18th January 2014 10am - 4pm
Community Building, Victoria Gardens, Neath
Includes lunch, refreshments and sweet treats
Everyone who attends will get a gorgeous Free sewing goodie bag
£65 per person payable in advance.
Email sweet.williams@live.co.uk to book your place and arrange payment.

For further information about Sweet Williams please take a peek at the website www.sweetwilliams.biz.

Emma x

First Sewing Workshop of 2014

After a well deserved break over Christmas and New Year I am so excited to get back into a routine and kick the year off with some fab sewing workshops.  Oh how I have missed it!

Another thing you are going to notice is that blog posts are going to be a regular thing to keep you up to date with at least one a week.  I’ll have a newsletter coming soon too filled with sewing tips and behind the scenes gossip so stay tuned if you want to hear more.

 

The first workshop is happening this forthcoming weekend, Saturday 11^th January 2014.  It starts at 11am at Port Talbot Library and runs until around 1pm.  It is a bargain price of just £5 per person.  All of my library classes are just £5 per person which makes it a really affordable way to learn a new skill.  It is a really fun class with a bunch of wonderful people and there are different people each time.  That is the beauty with these mini taster sessions, there is no pressure to sign up to them all.  You can check out the events page on our website at www.sweetwilliams.biz and pick and choose whichever ones you fancy.  The added bonus with these library sessions is that there is no need to pre-book.  Lovely if you can sling me a message to tell me you will be coming along but not essential as you can simply turn up on the day, pay on the day and have some sewing fun.  The classes are growing all the time ranging from between 8 - 12 people each session.

 

 

The classes are aimed at adults of any sewing ability.  From those who have never sewn before right through to regular sewers who like the social aspect of getting together with a hot cuppa, some fabric and lots of chatting.  On special occasions you’ll get to use my very treasured vintage Singer too, so look out for those.

 

So, this is what we are making this Saturday (11/01/2014):

 

A gorgeous needle book using super soft wool blend felt.  I thought if you are going to start the New Year off with learning a new skill or brushing up on a skill you already have then what better way than to start with something beautiful to store all of your needles.

You will have a wide choice of felt colours to choose from and you will also have a choice of design for the front cover.

You could choose to cover it with lashings of buttons like this one here:

 

 

Or you may choose a pretty heart shape (which because of its raised feature can be used as a mini pin cushion too):

 

Or how about a star:

 

Or a flower:

 

And if none of those take your fancy and you are feeling adventurous then go freestyle and design your own!  The beauty of my classes is that there are no strict rules.  It is all about learning how to sew in a fun way using on trend products in a really friendly no pressure atmosphere.

I always have lots of sewing related goodies available to purchase at the end of each session too. Again, no pressure to look or purchase but are there if you need them.  As type this I am waiting for the courier to deliver several hundred pounds worth of new stock which I can’t wait to show you including new colour / style buttons and rolls of ribbon including one with bunnies on!!

So will I be seeing you Saturday?  11am start at Port Talbot Library.  Will be wonderful if you can make it.

Emma x

 

 

Christmas at Sweet Williams (and news)!

Hello!

Hope you have all had a wonderful Christmas.  For the first time in months I actually stepped away from the sewing machine for a few days.  I couldn't bear to put everything away so we ended up having Christmas dinner on our laps but hey ho, I've had a lovely break and plenty of family time which is what counts!

 I managed to get all my orders finished the Friday before Christmas.  My word what a week that was.  I was going to bed at 3am and getting back up around 7am just to fit everything in.  Needless to say I was absolutely knackered!!

We kicked off the festivities Christmas Eve with a brisk walk, a visit to the pantomime (Snow White), Santa colouring books (for the children), Baileys (for moi) and plenty of mince pies and chocolate all round.

Christmas Day Father Christmas left way too many presents and the boys (and myself) got a little bit spoilt.  I had some fab sewing books too :-)

In the run up to Christmas I run lots of festive sewing workshops.  A Christmas Garland workshop was amongst them which was fab.  This is the garland we made.

I made lots of these cinnamon scented gingerbread men and also sold lots of kits for my customers to make their own.  Isn't he cute?

These decorations were fun to make and smelt absolutely stunning of oranges.  65 of these sold in one week!!!

I made so many cushions I was sewing them in my sleep!!  Lots of gorgeous personalised ones too.

Lavender bags were also a popular buy this Christmas.

And my absolute fave thing to make this year has to be these luxury stockings.  They are simply beautiful in the flesh.  I shall hopefully be making lots more for Santa to fill next year.  

I have now been full time self employed for two months and it is the best thing ever.  I was absolutely petrified at the prospect of coming out of the day job but now that I've done it I have such a clear vision of where I want to take my business and am hoping it will grow into something rather big in 2014.  I have many things planned which I am super excited about.

I have got local sewing workshops booked in which are a mix of hand sewing and machine workshops right up until July 2014.  A full list can be found on the website here:  http://www.sweetwilliams.biz/events-and-workshops/4577937071

I am offering sewing sessions in schools and am in the process of planning children's sewing parties and wait for it UK residential sewing breaks!!  YES how exciting is that?  You will be able to turn up at a carefully selected holiday cottage or manor house and live the life of luxury all weekend whilst learning to sew.  Will have more information to share with you on this soon.

Another MASSIVE piece of business news which is the one that is going to grow my business the most is that I am currently in the process of building a brand new website.  I know my current one is still new but it does not give me the functions I need it to have for my new venture.  I will soon be holding online sewing workshops which will have different interactive membership levels which will offer patterns, tutorials, webinars, kits, freebies, special offers etc.  The reason I am most excited about this is because I will be able to take it international and offer it to anyone in the world.  The power of technology hey?  Give me a while though as its in the early stages and the planning is immense.  This is something which I think has the potential to be rather huge.  And the best bit is that its going to be available to anyone wanting to learn how to sew or to brush up on their sewing skills (both hand and machine) at amazing value with the option of using your own materials at home (super saver option) or to have all the kits sent out to you for each tutorial so you have exactly what you need each month (premium option).  Watch this space.

In the meantime there are a few SALE items left on the website.  Not many so be quick if you want anything.  It includes a massive £25 discount on my luxury cushions!  BARGAIN!  You can shop here if you are wanting to browse - http://www.sweetwilliams.biz/online-shop/4577937190

Before I leave you I just wanted to say thank you to all of my customers in 2013, to everyone who has purchased and / or attended a workshop.  Without you Sweet Williams would not exist.  Thank you to my family for putting up with buttons and fabric ALL over the house and for not complaining when realising we would be having Christmas dinner on laps this year!!  Thank you to Jai Eastwood, photographer and wonderful friend who has made my products and website look wonderful and to Claire Mitchell of The Girls Mean Business for making me realise my business potential.

Here's to an amazing 2014.

Emma xxx

EXCITING NEWS - It's BIG, it's HUGE, it's MASSIVE!!!

Well hello,

I think I've probably said it on every blog post in the last few months that each time I write a new one I feel like a stranger here!  It has just become so incredibly manic and time just passes so quickly.  It's right what they say you know, the older you get the quicker the time goes...

I wanted to give you an update on my business re-brand, tell you what I've been up to lately and to share my exciting news.

Since my last blog post I have been busy running various sewing workshops.  I absolutely adore doing them.

As some of you know I will be launching a luxury range of products soon.  I have realised that there are simply so many crafty businesses out there and that I need to do something to stand out and be different.  I don't want to be the same as everyone else, I want to be me and have a product and a brand that is unique to me.  I therefore decided some time ago that in order to do this I need to invest in my business.  I don't want to be known as simply a crafty type earning pocket money from a hobby.  As part of this re-brand I have had a new logo designed which you have all seen and which I absolutely adore.  I will have a new gorgeous website which will go live soon and which will showcase my new range of products and the biggest thing I have invested in so far is to employ a fantastic photographer to really make the most of my products.

Want to see a sneak peek of some gorgeous photographs my photographer has taken???  Which will also give you a sneak peek of some of my new luxury products???

Here you go...

These are large fragrant lavender bags.  And when I say large they really are large!!  They are made from gorgeous 100% cotton and the back of the bag matches the fabric of the heart on the front.  There will be lots of fabric choice to choose from.  Each heart on the front has been stitched by hand and finished off with locally sourced vintage buttons.  I have blended lavender grown in Yorkshire's award winning lavender farm and each bag has been beautifully hand embroidered and tied with jute string.

You may have seen these heart decorations before.  I have blended gorgeous 100% cotton fabric with Liberty fabric which is absolutely stunning.  Completely hand stitched (very time consuming).  Each one features locally sourced vintage buttons plus a hand made ceramic button which is simply stunning.  Finished with an elegant lace trim, filled with a generous helping of hollow fibre and an ivory satin hanger.

I really cannot wait to show you my full range of new cushions because I am so proud of them.  Just wait until you see the close ups and the detail of these.  This cushion shown here is one of my square 18" x 18" ones which is really large and squishy and really has a luxury feel to it.  I have blended 100% cotton fabric with a sumptuous duck feather pad, which is of a 5* hotel quality and which has a anti dust mite down proof fabric.  I have added locally sourced vintage buttons, elegant lace trim and beautifully crafted crochet flowers.  Each cushion front has been completely hand sewn which is incredibly time consuming given their size.  The cushion has an envelope back and has been quadruple (yes I did say quadruple) sewn to make this an investment purchase which if looked after will last a lifetime.  The fabric for the writing is the same fabric on the reverse side of the cushion which means you can use it either way for a different look.

All of these products and many more will be able to be purchased from my new website when it is up and running soon.  I cannot wait to show you my full range and the rest of the product photographs.

The last photograph I am going to show you before I reveal my BIG NEWS is this one...

This is me.  Surrounded by all of my creations, fabric, buttons and 1923 vintage Singer sewing machine.  I am completely in love with my job, it makes me so happy and because of this it does not feel like work at all...

Because of this I am so excited to share my BIG EXCITING NEWS WITH YOU ALL...

Are you ready for it?

As from the 1st November I will have left my day job as a Legal Assistant and will be FULL TIME SELF EMPLOYED.  This is such a huge thing for me.  It has come to the point where if I don't try it now I will never try it.  I have to be brave and give it a go.

I AM SO EXCITED!!!  After less than two years hard work I finally feel that this could actually work for me.  Even though I will be standing on my own two feet from the 1st, me and my husband are hoping to do something that weekend to celebrate, possibly by going on a mini break so I will start my full time self employed working week from Monday 4th November 2013.  EEEEEEEKKKKKK!!!!  

I am very pleased that some items from my new range of products are now able to be found in a lovely new shop in Taibach, Port Talbot (Bows, Flowers & Gifts which was formerly Allan's Flowers) from today which means you will be able to not only see but also purchase products from my new range before their official launch!!  YAY :-)

SO, Sweet Williams will soon have 3 elements which are: -

1.  Workshops, sewing kits and haberdashery.

The small sewing workshops will continue in libraries.  I will be organising further larger sewing workshops soon and will also be introducing group sewing machine workshops where you can come to learn how to use a machine and take away something you have made.  These will be simple workshops such as how to make a cushion cover and pegs bags and bunting etc.  I am also excited to be able to offer soon one to one sessions in your own home.  Watch this space for more information.  I already have some sewing kits available but I will be designing some new ones and which will be beautifully packaged and will make lovely gifts.  I will be stocking a lovely range of haberdashery items which will be perfect for those wanting to make their own things.

2.  Luxury Living

Luxury living is something I am so incredibly passionate about and which will make up the biggest part of my business.  Everyone can buy a cushion but a Sweet Williams luxury cushion is a real treat.  You will know you have purchased a genuine Sweet Williams luxury item if you see the gorgeous branded wooden button which is sewn onto each item.  I will be launching lots of gorgeous seasonal items soon too.  Alongside my new range of luxury handmade products I will have a small range of non handmade gifts for the home which I know you will love.

3.  Consultancy Service

Lastly, I am so passionate about business and helping others that by the New Year I should have Sweet Williams Consultancy Services up and running.  I use websites, blogs and social media sites a lot and I have learnt how important they are in business.  I see so many other businesses using them and not to their full potential or even worse, not using them at all.  I will be offering a service where I can look at how a business is using these things and how that business can improve on using them or can help in setting them up from scratch and how to maintain them.  I will look forward to helping other businesses grow and to help them make more money.

I am incredibly excited knowing that in a matter of weeks I will be full time self employed but I am incredibly nervous, stressed, worried and anxious all at the same time.  I know that the next six months in particular will be very tough and will involve hard work and plenty of sleepless nights but I am keeping everything crossed that things will work out just fine and that I shall be proud that I will be my own boss, not having to answer to anyone, providing for my family on my own, and not relying on a day job to pay my bills and put food on the table!

I would love to hear your thoughts on my new venture...

WISH ME LUCK... I think I may need it...

Much love
Emma xxx

Exciting Sewing Workshop / Club News...

Blinkin' heck its another hot one!!

I feel a Pimms and lemonade coming on later...

But before I do I wanted to share some exciting sewing workshop / club news with you all.  

As some of you may already know, I have such a passion for sewing I really want to pass on my new found skills to others wanting to learn.  I decided that launching two trial sessions during Adult Learners Week back in May this year would be a great opportunity to put the feelers out and see if there was any call for it.  I was astonished and still am at the response I received during this week.  I did not realise there would be such a demand.  A series of sessions are also being filmed by a fantastic local company called FYI Neath and will be made into a short film which I am so pleased about.

SO...

This led to me setting up monthly workshops / clubs with two local libraries.  These are often very full, and have a reserve list for many sessions.  

SO...

I have been discussing the workshops with various venues and am now very excited to announce the following: - 

VICTORIA GARDENS

Community Building

Saturday 31st August 2013 10.00am - 12.00pm

Introduction to Embroidery Hoops

£15 per person - booking and payment required in advance

Further dates to be confirmed

PONTARDAWE LIBRARY

Wednesday 17th July 2013 10.30am - approx 12.00pm

Embroider and sew your own lavender bag

£5.00 per person - payable on the day

Further dates to be confirmed

PORT TALBOT LIBRARY

All of the following sessions are 11.00am - approx 12.30pm

All of the following sessions are £5.00 per person (unless otherwise stated) - payable on the day (or you can pay in advance to secure your booking).

Saturday 20th July 2013 - Embroider and sew your own lavender bag

Saturday 3rd August 2013 - Sew your own fabric heart decoration

Saturday 17th August 2013 - Sew your own flower corsage brooch

Saturday 7th September 2013 - TBC

Saturday 21st September 2013 - TBC

Saturday 5th October 2013 - Sew a Halloween themed brooch

Saturday 19th October 2013 - Sew Halloween pumpkin decoration

Saturday 9th November 2013 - Sew your own Poppy Brooch - this session will be £6 because £1 from each participant will be donated to The Poppy Appeal

Saturday 23rd November 2013 - Sew a festive gingerbread man

Saturday 7th December 2013 - Sew a Christmas decoration

Saturday 14th December 2013 - Sew and embroider a festive fragrance bag (ideal for hanging on the tree)

I am absolutely thrilled with these dates and I hope to have more to announce shortly.  Bookings are now being taken for all sessions and you can email me at sweet.williams@live.co.uk if you would like to book your place at any.

All sessions are informal and are lots of fun.  Many involve biscuits and cake!!  You do not need to bring anything apart from yourself to the sessions.  I provide everything you need all included in these bargain prices.  At the end of each session, there is an opportunity to purchase haberdashery supplies and sewing kits should you wish to do so.

I have lots of planning and preparation to be getting on with... better make that a double Pimms and lemonade!!!

Excited... It has started...

I am very very excited!

The re-brand of my little business has been well underway the last several weeks.  I've got so many to do lists and things going on at the minute, I am feeling like a sinking ship, but today's news has cheered me right up...

The news is that I have had the most fantastic logo designed for my business.

What do you think?

I am absolutely thrilled to bits with it.  I have always stuck to pinks and purples so this is a real refreshing change for me and is going to look fantastic.

Lots more exciting things coming up in the next couple of weeks.

Lots of news on the workshop front as I have got more dates booked in right up until Christmas and as from next month will be doing two a month at Port Talbot Library.  I will pop all the dates in another blog post though once I locate my diary!

Its super hot and sunny here which means I get to do lots of sewing whilst sitting in the garden eating ice cream and drinking Pimms - perfect!

Before I go, a BIG thank you to Helen at Sorbet Design for designing my fabulous logo.  I LOVE it x