GillyMac Designs

✨ Another Incredible Finish ✨

On Tuesday, Ivy completed her half-zip sweatshirt — and what an achievement it is! From mastering tricky construction techniques to creating a beautifully professional finish, she has worked so hard on every detail of this garment.

This was far from a beginner project, and the confidence, patience, and skill Ivy has shown throughout have been truly impressive. Seeing her so proud of what she created — and excited to wear it this weekend — is exactly what makes these teen sewing classes so special.

There is nothing better than watching young makers realise just how capable and talented they are. ✂️🧵✨

The fabric is from and the pattern is the Dale Sweatshirt and Expansion Pack by

✨ Ice Dyeing and Thermofax Printing ✨

It’s been a few years since I last worked on a piece using a thermofax screen, but for this project it felt absolutely perfect. The screen was created from Ella’s handwritten words, which adds such a beautiful layer of personality and meaning to the work. I love how thermofax printing can capture those fine, expressive details so effectively.
Ice dyeing also creates the most wonderful surface to print onto — the organic movement of colour and texture makes every piece completely unique and gives the printed layers real depth.

As this is Ella's competition piece, so I can’t share the full project just yet, but I’ll post little snippets along the way.

Have you tried screen printing or thermofax printing before? I have my screens made by , and I also buy all my textile screen-printing paints from them. Their products and service are consistently excellent.

✨ Latest WI project ✨

This month’s project has been a blend of hand and machine sewing — a reminder that progress doesn’t always come from speed. The slower rhythm of hand stitching has been a welcome balance to what has been an incredibly full and fast-paced May.

What I’ve been reminded of this month is that busy seasons are often the most rewarding when they are grounded in purpose, creativity and connection. Every weekend away has brought fresh inspiration: new friendships formed, old ones strengthened, and countless conversations about quilts, patchwork and sewing that have sparked even more ideas for the months ahead.

There’s something powerful about making time to create, even in the busiest periods. Piece by piece, stitch by stitch, good things come together.

May has turned out to be a truly brilliant month. ✨

Last weekend I was supporting and Sew Creative at the Quilts UK Malvern Show. As normal, there was lots of interest, demos and sales of the Janome products. It's great to be in the position to ask customers what they enjoy sewing, and what they might want to sew in the future, and help them narrow down the best machine.

Thanks to Marie and Mike for making me feel so welcome and to all the people who came and said hello or waved at me as they wandered past.

Here is my sample piece sewn using my interpretation of Kawandi Quilting. It was built from the outside in, directly hand quilting the fabric pieces (scraps) onto wadding and backing.

My small project incorporates some dressmaking fabrics as well as quilting cottons. This use of several fabric types, and the dense hand quilting, provides a wonderfully textured piece.

I’m going to turn this into a table mat for the plates of cakes to sit on. It’s great to stretch my brain and try new ideas.

Yesterday we had Raspberry Crumble Bars … a crumble base, then a layer of (homemade) raspberry jam and fresh raspberries topped with another layer of crumble!

Very tasty !

Recipe: janespatisserie

😊 THIS IS MY WHY 😊

Teaching the GillyMac Junior Sewing Bee and all the child/teen classes is not just good for them, it’s fantastic for me. The younger class all do the same project - like this rag doll. Each member of the Junior Sewing Bee has made a dolls, created the face and made bespoke clothes. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

As the kids get older, they are proficient enough to be doing different projects. This transition can take some getting used to. At this point they need to be reading patterns, and starting translate that into actions for themselves.

Once we get to my A-level superstars. We are perfecting techniques (sewing machine, overlocker & coverstitch machines), looking at designs and themes, as well as practising skills to get them the best marks in exams and the most comprehensive portfolios.

What a privilege … and it all comes with jokes and laughter and biscuits !

Pic of Darcey’s Doll 👏🏻👏🏻👌🏻🙌🏻

In 2024, I started teaching for the Women’s Institute Online Learning Hub — and it’s been such a rewarding experience! ✂️🧵

All of the classes are just one hour long, making them easy to fit into busy lives. I teach a mix of quick one-hour makes and short series for larger projects, so there’s something for everyone whether you want a speedy sew or a deeper dive into a technique.

One of the best parts has been connecting with so many enthusiastic sewists who are always keen to learn and create together. 💛

If you’re already a WI member — or thinking about joining — I’d really recommend exploring the Learning Hub. There’s such a huge variety of classes available, and it adds so much value to your membership.

Have you tried any WI Learning Hub classes yet?

👀 WHAT DO YOU SEE 👀

Brilliant work Mimi !!!! ….

✨ Only 1 place left for the Noodlehead Fieldstone Tote class on 23rd May — and just 3 spots remaining for October! ✨

Create your own beautiful, versatile tote bag in this hands-on class. Choose between two sizes, add a zipped closure or keep it open, and customise the inside with either a two-part slip pocket or a zipped pocket.

This is a fantastic project for building skills while making something you’ll use again and again.

Secure your place now via this link! 🧵👜

https://www.gillymacdesigns.com/product/new-new-new-fieldstone-tote-bag-class/