STITCH YOURSELF HAPPY
Sewing patterns, workshops & retreats from
the studio of Lizzie Everard.
THE BETTY SILK STORE
Paper pattern – A0
The Lalas are a beginner-friendly pattern while the experienced sewist will also find plenty to delight in. There are two main views – straight-legged or barrelled with the addition of a box-pleat at the ankle. Slimline cargo-style pockets in vertical side panels create a neat line. An ultra wide leg option is also indicated on the pattern – a secret View C!
A best friend of a trouser, Lalas range between hip measurement 92cm / 36” and 148cm / 58” with generous sizing bands which can handle fluctuations in body shape.
Fabric: 2.2m of cloth, either 115cm or 150cm. This pattern works really well with lighter fabrics for a swishy, barely there feel. Choose light linen, viscose or cotton lawn. For a dressy option, make them in bamboo silk, satin, velvet or crepe. Medium-weight cloth, denim for example, gives a more structured finish. Avoid real heavy weights though, or the waistband gathers will bulk.
This elasticated waist pattern is designed to reduce bulk and work for all shapes and sizes – elegant and flattering.
The ‘Betty’ sewing pattern is a minimal waste dress design.
Created by Lizzie for her Sewing Bee ‘Garment of the Week’ winning kaftan design, Betty is the every day wearable version as a dress or a top. The design works really well in fluid, drapey fabrics, equally happy in hot weather or on glam nights out!
The pattern—in true minimal waste style—includes one sole pattern piece along with fully illustrated instruction booklet, which will walk you through all fitting, measuring and cutting notes.
It’s a JOY thing!
The ‘Betty’ sewing pattern is a minimal waste dress design in poster form, ready to adorn your sewing space!
Created by Lizzie for her Sewing Bee ‘Garment of the Week’ winning kaftan design, Betty is the every day wearable version as a dress or a top. The design works really well in fluid, drapey fabrics, equally happy in hot weather or on glam nights out!
The poster includes a complete pattern — with pattern pieces — on the left and an A2 poster on the right. Hang it up as is and work directly from it, or frame the poster and bring extra beauty to your sewing space.
It’s a JOY thing!
WORKSHOPS
* Early Bird discount until end of August *
DATES: October 31st - November 1st
A weekend of sewing deliciousness with Lizzie at Clevedon Craft Centre
Two devoted days with kindred spirits to sink in to the practice you love so much, in a beautiful part of the world. Bring your big project that needs a nudge, or try out one of Lizzie’s patterns and get expert help and tuition all the way.
We’ll stitch together during the day. On Saturday evening, there are options to find food in the town, stroll on the beach, go for a cold water dip in the marine lake if that’s your thing. In true Lizzie-style, there’ll be plenty of help and encouragement on hand with a love for reflective practice, so expect to go home refreshed, accomplished and inspired.
Solo travellers always have a warm welcome.
Clevedon Craft Center is a lovely collection of farm buildings housing artist studios, a gallery and (weather permitting) a fab outdoor café (did someone say blankets, coffee and chat?). The workshop space is above the studios and it’s all set in a beautiful part of the North Somerset countryside, just five minutes off the M5 south of Bristol.
Accommodation is not included, so you can choose your own style of mini-break.
More details to follow nearer the weekend.
Never picked up a needle? Or you have a machine, but either don't know or can't remember how to use it? Come and figure it all out with Lizzie in her ‘New Seams’ course.
Running for 2.5hrs each week, over 4 weeks Lizzie will get you stitching confidently, ready to tackle bigger projects.
First, we'll create a samples bundles of the basic techniques for you to refer to. Then we’ll work through the ‘Betty’s Bag’ project bag pattern designed for complete beginners. This introduces you to some of the key terms you’ll find in sewing patterns and will set you up to have a go at beginner-level garment patterns. Finally, we’ll start work on ‘Francesca’ – LIzzie’s minimal waste studio apron pattern which uses a variety of techniques to apply and practice what you’ve learnt.
The course takes place at Lizzie’s studio in central Bristol, in a working textiles and tailoring space. Small groups, maximum 6 people, with a choice of either daytimes or evenings.
Please bring your own machine, or there are 2 available to book free of charge
Patterns included but you must bring your own fabric
On this Deep Dive day, we’ll take a good look at pockets and create a sampler of different techniques and styles. Starting with fabulous patch pocket style-ups and adding in-seam pockets, we’ll then get technical with welt pockets and zipped pockets too.
The workshops take place at one of two venues:
• Lizzie’s studio in central Bristol, in a working textiles and tailoring space, or
• Clevedon Craft Centre
Small groups, maximum 6 people (studio) and 8 people (Craft Centre).
Time: 10am – 5pm
Please bring your own machine, or there are 2 available to book free of charge
You will need to bring your own fabric and requirements will be sent out prior to the day
Where is Lizzie?
After a wonderful Stitch Festival teaching over 130 students in the spring and a gorgeous weekend at Thread, Lizzie is having a little studio time to develop patterns and course plans for 2026-27.
Join her at No Frills Knitting in Bristol for the OCTOBER fabric pop-up weekend, which will be our last one of the year. Expect new patterns in person!
In October and November, Lizzie will be teaching at Knit + Stitch, both Alexandra Palace and Harrogate with her regular selection of classes. Use code WT26 to get £2 off standard adult / concession tickets.
And you can book Lizzie for talks about her time on the Great British Sewing Bee and more. If you would like to book a tailor-made stitching session with Lizzie for yourself or you and a few friends drop her a line to find out more.
For the love of stitching
A MANIFESTO
Is it enough just to stitch?
Yes. It is enough.
Why?
Every stitch has love in it.
Even in a sore-finger moment or drift of concentration, stitching is an intentional move to create something. It is making, repair, joining together, invention.
Stitching is belief in something, and nurture.
Stitching is a beautiful curiosity.
And curiosity takes us forward in life.
Stitch, for your life.
It, and you, are enough.
Betty Silk Journal
The Cutie Wrap Top
We’ve just had another really amazing Glow Sew retreat at fforest this March, making up the Cutie from my new Pattern Poster. It’s such a versatile pattern! As we worked on it, I realised there are a couple of points that need slightly more clarification, so I figured a little post would be a helpful reference point.
A Project That Takes Its Time
This is a project that definitely takes its time. It’s the collaboration I’m doing with Raystitch as a guest maker… oh my, it’s a dream! They gave me run of the shop to choose fabric and I can make anything I like with it. I have nearly fallen over with happiness several times.
A Sunday Project
Today’s project felt good. A Sunday morning with the radio on and a sewing project to play with. Sun streaming in. My little rodent pin cushion stands to attention, eager to assist.
A Place to Sit
Sometimes, it’s so hard to switch off the churning thoughts. Writing always helps, although I’d forgotten that. Write it all down! See it laid out plain, understand it, inspect it. Just express it.
And stitching. In stitching, there’s a quiet…
Peace, Serenity & Grace
Yesterday, half way between a misty valley and a sunny peak in the middle of a gigantic gorge, the insatiable need to create struck. No sketchbook, so I played with leaves to try and capture what was going on in my head…