NEEPS North East Eco-friendly People's Site    FAQ   Search   Memberlist   Usergroups   Join! (free) >   Profile   Log in to check your private messages   Log in  Make do and mend - Needlecraft is sew this year          NEEPS Forum Index -> Views on the news View previous topic :: View next topic   Author Message Maria Moderator Joined: 10 Sep 2008 Posts: 1908 Location: Huntly-ish Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 9:57 pm    Post subject: Make do and mend - Needlecraft is sew this year Quote: Tony Bulford is wiping the perspiration from his forehead as yet another customer hands over their machine hoping the tension or puckering problem they're experiencing isn't terminal. The Sewing Machine Centre has been at the same spot on Deptford High Street in south east London since 1947 and although Tony's father retired some 10 years ago, people still ask after him. Over the last few months business has been booming and the shelves are crammed with sewing machines. "I don't know why it's so busy," says Tony. "Recently there's been a big rise in the number of people dusting down their old machines and taking up sewing again. I've got a two-week waiting list for repairs." Sew-It-Yourself as it's become known, is on the rise. Tesco recently reported that sales of sewing machines had reached two a minute and even Top Shop is selling Stitch Your Own stationery and books on Make Do And Mend. But sewing isn't something people are necessarily learning at school. Whilst it's still taught at primary level, sewing and textiles are optional for those aged 11 to 14, where they're part of the design and technology curriculum. The Crafts Council wants to reinvigorate the teaching of these basic skills in our schools. A new project called Craft Club, launched last month, will see volunteers go into schools to pass on their knowledge. Katy Bevan, learning and resources manager at The Crafts Council, believes it's vitally important. http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/magazine/8283615.stm _________________ Better late than never! Back to top Townie Moderator Joined: 04 Jul 2007 Posts: 2724 Location: Fife Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 10:09 pm    Post subject: I was terrible at sewing at school... I was the one that was always sent back to unpick the mess i'd made   Back to top coire Mini-Neepster with staying power Joined: 19 Mar 2009 Posts: 92 Location: Tarland Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 12:24 pm    Post subject: I always managed to break the machines Back to top Julie Landlady/Moderator Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 2706 Location: Cornhill Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 5:05 pm    Post subject: As far as I know, it isn't taught as a single subject any more. You might get a module or two thrown in with the home economics curriculum, but it's worse than useless when they do because there are only a couple of techniques that you can introduce when making an oven mitt. Bring back the full course up to A level. My skills have adapted themselves to everything else from reupholstering a Subaru, to carpet laying and covering a polytunnel. Its all about making stuff fit onto odd shapes _________________ It is better to light a candle than to rail against the darkness VOTE WITH YOUR FEET! Back to top Smooth Hound Neepster Joined: 14 Aug 2007 Posts: 8684 Location: near turriff Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 5:14 pm    Post subject: a subaru     Back to top Julie Landlady/Moderator Joined: 06 Jul 2007 Posts: 2706 Location: Cornhill Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 5:27 pm    Post subject: It was a freebie pick up. My friend gave it to us when was medically retired and had to give the company car back. I gave it new shocking cerise pink bucket seats, with some seriously heavy duty taxi seat velour that Gordon bought when his works discontinued the colour. I just gave Dale the bolt of beige stuff that I never used to cover their boat seats with. It's heavier than leather to work with, she won't thank me for it _________________ It is better to light a candle than to rail against the darkness VOTE WITH YOUR FEET! 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