Sewing enthusiasts, mark your calendars! On the 5th of January, something magical unfolded at Sewing Direct Beeston. Our store played host to a thrilling Baby Lock Demonstration Day, featuring the expertise of none other than Katy from Baby Lock. From 10 AM to 2 PM, the event promised an immersive experience into the world of Baby Lock, and it certainly delivered.

The Excitement Builds:

As the doors opened at Sewing Direct Beeston, anticipation filled the air. Sewing enthusiasts and curious crafters gathered to witness the wonders of Baby Lock machines firsthand. With Katy at the helm, the event promised to be an enlightening journey into the cutting-edge technology and innovative features that make Baby Lock a household name in the sewing community.

Katy's Expertise:

Katy, a seasoned expert from Baby Lock, brought her wealth of knowledge and passion for sewing to the forefront. Attendees were treated to insightful demonstrations, where Katy showcased the full range of Baby Lock machines, highlighting their unique features and functionalities. From the user-friendly Symphony to the advanced technology of the Solaris, Katy guided attendees through the diverse lineup, offering tips, tricks, and personalized insights along the way.

Hands-On Experience:

The Baby Lock Demonstration Day was not just about watching—it was about doing. Attendees had the chance to roll up their sleeves and try out the machines for themselves. From the precision of the needle to the ease of the touchscreen interface, participants experienced firsthand why Baby Lock is synonymous with quality craftsmanship.

Exclusive Offers and Discounts:

To sweeten the deal, Sewing Direct Beeston offered exclusive deals and discounts on Baby Lock machines during the event. It was an opportunity for attendees to take home their dream machine at an irresistible price, ensuring that the magic of Baby Lock could continue in their own crafting spaces.

Community Building:

The event went beyond a mere product demonstration; it was a celebration of the vibrant sewing community that thrives at Sewing Direct Beeston. Attendees had the chance to connect with like-minded individuals, sharing stories, tips, and project ideas. Friendships were forged, and the sense of community that permeates the world of sewing was strengthened.

Conclusion:

The Baby Lock Demonstration Day at Sewing Direct Beeston on the 5th of January was more than just a showcase of machines; it was a celebration of creativity, innovation, and community. Katy's expertise, combined with the hands-on experience and exclusive offers, made this event a memorable experience for all attendees. As the sewing community at Sewing Direct Beeston continues to flourish, the magic of Baby Lock will undoubtedly play a significant role in shaping the future of crafting for years to come. Stay tuned for more exciting events that bring the joy of sewing to the forefront of our creative endeavors.

Tassel ghosts look great and are so easy to make! All you need is some white yarn, black felt, scissors, a small book or firm cardboard, glue, and away you go!!

I've used a glue gun for quickness, but any fabric glue will work.
TOP TIP: If using fabric glue, use a cocktail stick or cotton bud to apply the glue for a mess free experience!

First of all, take your book/cardboard and wrap your wool around it about 30 times.

Carefully remove the yarn and tie a further piece of yarn approx 20cm long firmly at one end.

Cut the other end, take another piece of yarn, and tie around approx 3cm from the first tie. This forms the head!

Carefully cut out eyes and a mouth from the black felt and glue them to the head. Alternatively, you could use small beads, pom poms, or buttons instead of the felt.
Finally, give your ghost a trim!

You could further decorate your ghost by adding a bow-tie, ribbon, ears - let your imagination run wild!
Make as many as you like, tie them to a length of yarn/ribbon/tape/cord for unique bunting to decorate your home this Halloween.👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻👻

You will need scissors, a needle, fabric, stuffing, strong thread or twine, and cinnamon sticks.

Start off by cutting a circle out of your fabric - it doesn't have to be perfect!

Sew a running stitch around the edge about 2.5cm in, leaving a good length of thread at the beginning and end.

Holding both ends tightly, pull to gather up your fabric to form a bowl shape.

Fill with your stuffing, and pull the threads tighter to close up your pumpkin, leaving a small hole to push in the fabric edges later on.

Tie your thread ends, ensuring they are nice and tight. Trim the threads to about 3cm.

Thread a needle with a good length of either your strong thread or twine and tie a knot in the end to prevent it from pulling through the fabric.

Thread from the top around the outside, dividing your pumpkin in half, and thread through the top to secure this long stitch. Pull a little taught, creating an indent on the outside of your pumpkin.

Continue doing this until you have divided your pumpkin up into 8 segments (4 times around the outside).

Tie your thread or twine tightly at the top and trim off to about 3cm.

Carefully tuck in the excess fabric and thread ends into the hole you left in the top of your pumpkin.

Take a cinnamon stick and push it firmly into the top.

Congratulations, you now have a beautiful pumpkin!!

We get asked a few times when the Great British Sewing Be is on what sewing machine they use on the Sewing Bee?

Below is a list of sewing machines that are very similar to the Sewing Bee Sewing machines

In the Pfaff Sewing Machine range, we have

Pfaff Smarter 140s - https://sewingdirect.co.uk/product/pfaff-smarter-140s-best-starter-sewing-machine/

• Needle Thread
• Top loader bobbin
• Jam proof
• Foot Pressure adjustment
• Drop Feed – for free motion
• Led Lighting
• Easy Grip Adjustment
• 3 step manual buttonhole

Pfaff Smarter 160s - https://sewingdirect.co.uk/product/pfaff-smarter-160s/

• Needle Thread
• Top loader bobbin
• Jam proof
• Foot Pressure adjustment
• Drop Feed – for free motion
• Led Lighting
• Easy Grip Adjustment
• 1 step automatic Buttonhole

Pfaff Ambition 610 - https://sewingdirect.co.uk/product/pfaff-ambition-610-free-extension-table/

• 110 built-in stitches
• 29 needle positions
• 1-step buttonhole
• Intuitive button controls
• LCD display
• Large sewing space for greater ease of use
• Start/Stop button with speed slider control for pedal-free adjustment
• Adjustable thread tension
• LED-lit sewing area
• Free-motion sewing 

In the Singer Sewing Machine Range.

Singer Heavy Duty 4423 Sewing Machine - https://sewingdirect.co.uk/product/singer-heavy-duty-sewing-machine-model-4423/

This is what the chaps used as their home sewing machine. 😉 (2022 Sewing Bee)

23 Built-In Stitches
• Fully Automatic 1-Step Buttonhole
• Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
• Automatic Needle Threader
• Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure
• Drop Feed System
• 4 Snap-On Presser Feet
• Free Arm with Accessory Storage
• Horizontal Thread Delivery
• Extra-High Presser Foot Lift
• Provision for Mounting in Cabinet or Table

Singer 3321 Sewing machine - https://sewingdirect.co.uk/product/singer-model-3321-talent-keeping-it-simple-with-the-talent/

• 21 preset stitch patterns
• Automatic needle threader and 4-step buttonhole
• Personalise the stitch length and width with an easy-to-use dial
• Top drop-in bobbin 
• Robust, high-quality metal frame
• Integrated storage

Singer Confidence 7463 Sewing machine - https://sewingdirect.co.uk/product/singer-confidence-7463-sewing-machine/

• Entirely computerised
• 30 distinct stitches
• Automatic needle threader and tension adjustment
• Easy to use top loader bobbin
• Simple button press for stitich selection

In the Bernette Sewing Machine

Bernette B33 Sewing Machine - https://sewingdirect.co.uk/product/bernette-33-sewing-machine/

• 15 built-in stitches with 14 utility stitches
• Drop feed
• Automatically winding bobbin
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• 4-step buttonhole sewing
• Built-in needle threader
• LED-lit sewing area
• Manual thread cutter
• Sews up to 860 stitches per minute
• Twin needle function

Bernette B35 Sewing Machine - https://sewingdirect.co.uk/product/bernette-35-sewing-machine/

• Automatic 1-step buttonholes
• 2-step presser foot lift - easily sew through multiple fabric layers
• Ergonomic design
• 23 stitches including 14 utility stitches
• High piercing power
• Adjustable stitch length
• Built-in needle threader
• LED-lit sewing area

Still unsure which machine is the right one for you? Take a look at the range of sewing machine brands we offer.

If you need any further assistance, please either give us a call 0115 922 3904 or jump on the web chat. If you would like to see more machines please click here