makedomend; knitting, crochet and sewing workshops in London and the South east

We're on the move!!

2011-09-19T16:01:00.002+01:00

Just to say that the Menders' offices are being redecorated for the season while Bee is away on her hols and Claire is involved in a production of her own. All news of that little production when it arrives!!

While we're away from our fabric-festooned desks please continue to visit the blog and send us emails (makedomend@live.co.uk) as we'll answer them as soon as the internet connection allows Bee on her US road trip (sorry, just had to mention that!).

You might be surprised when you make your next visit to see that we've moved just up the digital road with a new address and new look!! You can use all the same addresses but remember to change the address on your favourites when you can to http://www.makedomenders.co.uk/ *

*from 26 September

a make do mend wedding!

2011-09-16T13:10:00.013+01:00

This summer, the 'menders put our own make do and mend principles to good effect in an impromptu, relaxed and thrifty wedding! With the average wedding nowadays costing tens of thousands of pounds, we thought we would share some of our tips for cost cutting.

A key tip to saving money at your own wedding (if you can bear to leave much to lady luck!) is to hold the wedding at the height of the sales, and cross your fingers that you find some wonderful bargains! I was very lucky and managed to find both the perfect dress and shoes from my favourite designers at bargain basement prices, you just need to research well and rummage! Check out the dress, a bias cut silk satin, beaded number bought from a Jenny Packham sample sale for a quarter of the original price and the butter soft cream leather, stack heeled Chie Mihara shoes, which were purchased at our favourite store, Liberty of London, at the height of the summer sale the week before the wedding for a third of their original cost.

To finish the outfit, I needed the traditional something old, something new, something borrowed and something blue! I already had the something old, which was my beautiful engagement ring, passed down from my great aunt on my father's side, the new was a diamond necklace bought for me by the groom, the something borrowed was a lovely pearl bracelet, lent by a good friend and the blue was a ribbon that I forced my husband to be to embroider before the wedding, which I then sewed into the lining of the dress.

The bridesmaids wore dresses from the Monsoon sale, fabulously glamourous and brilliantly cheap! My flowers were white Hydrangea and roses from a local florist, which I tied with some of my antique lace to match the dress, while my maid of honour had lilac and pink hydrangea with pink roses. Now, flowers are probably one of the most costly expenses at a wedding, so if you can hand tie your bouquets and floral arrangements, this is a great way to cut costs. I know of brides who did a cheap but effective florist course before the wedding, then popped off to the local flower market a few days before the wedding and saved hundreds of pounds by arranging spectacular centrepieces for their reception. In spite of my lack of flower arranging knowledge, I do happen to have a stunning hydrangea in my garden consisting of cream, lilac and pink flowers, so I hand tied a posy of these and some white roses in some matching antique lace from my stash for my littlest bridesmaid, and despite them being absolutely free, she loved them!

The reception is where another bulk of the costs go in any wedding. We decided that having fun with the family was the most important thing to us on our day, so we made sure the bulk of the cost went on food and drink. Therefore, we cut costs in other places. The wedding cake was a plain white iced fruit cake ordered from Waitrose and decorated with cream ribbon and more of those hydrangea cut from the garden! This is one of my top tips, as cakes can cost hundreds of pounds - ours was about £30 and looked and tasted amazing! Alternatively - get a family member to make you a delicious cake and decorate it to your taste as a wedding present - so it is absolutely free!

We found a restaurant with fairy lights and a fab ambience so that little decorating was needed and the decorations we did add were home made to continue the thrifty theme.

The table decorations at the local restaurant consisted of jam jars of wild flowers and roses, retro champagne glasses filled with after dinner sweets and vintage tea cups brimming with chocolates. I also made some bunting out of some paper doilies bought from a local pound shop, hung on satin ribbon. More traditional fabric bunting, like that made at our popular bunting hen parties, would also be fabulous decoration at a relaxed summer wedding.

We had a perfect day, despite, or perhaps even because of the time and cost restrictions and managed to create the exact atmosphere that we wanted with little compromise - here's hoping that even if you are having the full, lavish works at your wedding, we have managed to inspire you to create some of your own, personal touches at your own weddings, and if you lack ideas or know-how, simply get in touch and arrange your own, crafty, bespoke wedding to let us help you to achieve it!

yummy cupcakes!

2011-09-13T13:48:00.006+01:00

This weekend was a real test for the menders with hen parties and crochet classes filling the diary!

On Saturday, we hosted a very successful cupcake-decorating hen party which certainly kept the large party of merry-makers occupied with sprinkles, sparkles and a real sugar-rush of icing.

With many thanks to Cupcake Diva Kate and her firm grip on the icing bag the girls started to raid the groaning pile of nude cupcakes to dress them up in vanilla buttercream and dinky little hearts and flowers.

We were really pleased with the pretty aprons and cupcake boxes we had sourced for our parties which gave the proceedings our MakeDoMend twist.

Hannah looks a very happy bride-to-be and her fellow hens were equally beaming with pleasure at all the dolly-good cakes they'd made!!

Vintage patterns - crochet on a Sunday

2011-09-09T16:14:00.003+01:00

Last Sunday the makers hosted a pretty intensive 4 hours of crochet aimed at creating a complete piece taken from some original vintage patterns.

Bee has collected a large number of beautiful 1940 and 50's pattern books which are just crying out for revival in addition to some lovely patterns from the legendary Stitch in Time Volume 1 from Jane Waller and Susan Crawford.

In direct homage to Susan we were pleased to offer everyone a selection of her new yarns in collaboration with John Arbor, Excellana and it was soon a concentrated effort to tackle the patterns we brought.

Project Crochet is a fantastic opportunity to extend crochet skills a little further and we're already planning further sessions looking at bead crochet and some more fun with symbol patterns so watch this exciting space!

Handprinted wedding and event stationery

2011-09-06T09:17:00.002+01:00

Did you hear that little cheer going up from Menders' Central? We haven't quite reached the peak of excitement that will break out when our Claire comes out of the maternity suite but we certainly are in a state of merriment when we see these adorable cards from our friends at YieldInk.

What's brilliant about the Scottish company is that you can pretty much choose your colours and the look of your stationery with expert advise and encouragment safe in the knowledge that you're supporting a small, thriving UK business. Yes, you can hoorah now. Yay.

The menders love the chucklesome part of the styling and the real quality of the cotton card they use in addition to their letterpress print. You can choose your colours, send an image and even discuss bespoke designs. We recently asked Yield to design and print some labelling for a project of ours and were so pleased with the result that we wanted to pass the pleasure down the line.

The full-scale wedding season may be coming to a close but there's some serious planning going into future weddings and if you're reading this right now and wondering what your invites might look like then hop over to YieldInk. Another cheer? Yeah, go on.
Of course, the wedding may be a happy memory and you might be moving on to the next stage. The stage that requires some redecorating and visit to the nursery shop. Once the happy event has arrived then it's showtime and some more reasons for lovely stationery!

Hip hip hooray.

Soon we'll be announcing our own arrival!!!

post!

2011-09-02T15:16:00.003+01:00

A little flutter of excitement in the offices of the 'menders as we have been sent some extra squares for a hen party quilt, all wrapped up rather beautifully by the bride herself, Polina, who had such a pretty hen at Bake a Boo, and an even more beautiful vintage inspired garden wedding - take it from us, we have seen the pictures!

These fabulous granny squares were all made by Polina - we still cannot believe that she had never crocheted before her hen party in July! Keep your eyes peeled for pictures of the fabulous finished mixed media quilt, coming very soon!

Beginners' crochet - 11 September 1-4pm

2011-08-30T08:52:00.009+01:00

I know the days are getting a wee bit shorter and there's a distinct nip in the air but don't despair!! The Makedomenders are here to sweep away any autumn blues with a happy spell of crochet. You definitely need a way to spend those lengthening evenings and this skill could be just the one to unlock a lifetime's dedication!!
At the workshop you will cover all the basic stitches from making a foundation chain to completing a piece in treble stitch which, potentially, could become a cosy scarf for cooler days. If you really get a wiggle on you might be venturing into the mysteries of granny squares. Ooo, steady!!
The workshop is being held in Kings Cross at Drink Shop & Do on Sunday 11 September, 1-4pm and costs £35 which includes all materials and a slap-up tea and cakes to keep the momentum going. The simple part is to click on Book Online at the top of this page and follow the instructions there. We'd love to see you to help us kick off autumn.

And for all those who already know what fun crochet can be, we have 2 places left for our Vintage Hat and scarf workshop this Sunday 4 September, 12-4pm, £40 for all materials and tea. Booking as above.
If you would like further information, then don't hesitate to contact Bee at makedomend@live.co.uk.

nautical quilting hen party

2011-08-25T21:22:00.010+01:00

There was a distinctly nautical theme at Emma's hen party at Drink Shop Do this weekend, due to the fact that all the suitably attired hens were off on a Thames boat trip later that evening. Strangely enough, even though we were not pre-warned, both 'menders also felicitously turned up in fabulous blue stripey outfits, so we fitted in perfectly!

This quilt will be a total stunner, check out the gorgeous squares that were carefully embroidered by the clever hens.

If you like the sound of the quilt workshop for your hen party with prices starting at £30 p/h for 10 hens, then contact us at makedomend@live.co.uk

The Arthouse - a b + b with a difference

2011-08-23T14:55:00.007+01:00

In Canterbury there is the most wonderful box of tricks. A guesthouse with an eclectic difference. I've know Anna Deacon and John Taylor for a very long time and first discovered them when John wheeled a wonderful cart up and down Canterbury High Street, selling his and Anna's fabulous hand-made cards. Both artists they're well-known as designers of the opulent chandeliers that I'm sure you've seen in shops like Liberty and Heals.
With their company, Delusions of Grandeur, they were able to fully indulge their artistic inspirations and alot of this is on display in the guesthouse they now run, The Arthouse.

With two rooms available, the former firehouse has a really home-from-home quality, but the sort of home you'd give your eye-teeth for.

I recently called in for a warm welcome and a tour of the house. Of course, I wanted to take everything away with me but then I'd ruin the entire 'look' that they've created.
This dinnerware was designed by John.

G-plan never looked so good.

Cosy corners

and no vacancies!

Smell the coffee!!

This pair might have to be adopted by me!

The wee birdies come from Frank in Whitstable.
Try working it out!!!

If you would like to book a stay in this artist's colony then contact Anna and John on 01227 453032 and then maybe book in to one of my classes at the Sewing Shop, that Claire wrote about last week!!!

canterbury tales....

2011-08-18T19:53:00.010+01:00

When we 'menders are not having a fabulous time hosting hen parties and workshops, we love nothing more than traipsing round the prettiest parts of our stomping ground, searching out cute little shops and cafes.

The latest sojourn took us to Canterbury, where we had an inspirational stroll around the cathedral, took lunch at a very cute little cafe, then indulged in afternoon tea at yet another cafe (the place is full of em!)

The real reason we were here was to visit this fantabulous little sewing shop, but of course, on a sunny summer's afternoon a scone with clotted cream in a traditional tea room down a quaint cobbled street is a must!

Getting back to the sewing shop, this little gem is full to the brim with fantastic printed cottons and yummy haberdashery and also has some very cute little workshops upstairs with wonky ceilings and a fab view of the cathedral. If you are ever in the area, you have to visit, but be prepared for the credit card to take a bashing!

There are some very cute handmade products for sale, made by the fair hands of one of the lovely ladies who works in the shop, as well as fabby buttons made by a local resident.

Bee and I ended up buying loads of fabric - check out our wares, below! - for some very special projects, which we shall tell you about very soon!

It's a family affair - happy hens sew up a storm

2011-08-12T09:05:00.009+01:00

Smiles all round at the start of a very happy day for bride-to-be Anna and her sister Jane at the start of a lovely afternoon's crafting hen party.It was a lovely smiley flock of hens that rounded off Saturday last weekend. We love all our hen parties but the gathering of family and friends can be among the best. The mums, sisters and the bride's lifelong buddies all working away over tea and cakes!As always, there was fair smattering of brooches and they all looked wonderful and we're now gaining quite a gallery of gorgeous hair accessories too.

More smiles at the end of the workshop means that they certainly all had a good time together. What a special way to celebrate the forthcoming happy day in a few weeks!!

Prints charming - lovely morning hen party

2011-08-08T17:16:00.007+01:00

Makedomend's trademark prints had serious competition last Saturday when the menders hosted this printastic hen party. We carefully choose our fabrics for their colours and lovely design and they were really complimented by the hen's and their junior guest's summer-bright dresses. It was a lush-looking party at Drink Shop & Do and it certainly inspired everyone to make some delectable corsages.
Cutting and snipping was well underway once the bubbles and cakes arrived and soon the table was piled high with fabric and ribbons.

With some nifty tidying up soon the plates were being used for more than brownies and the stickiest of orange cake.
Even Baby B got into the swing of things and was an absolute star from beginning to end. It might even inspire her in later life.
One thing all our hens enjoy is a good natter to old friends and a lovely, relaxed chance to meet some new friends in preparation for the 'big day'. The final creations used everyone's ingenuity and as well as brooches there were hairpieces too.

I'm glad to see that Bea wasn't left out as the party set off to continue the day in true print perfect style.

A fairy story - 'A Whitstable bride and her henparty'

2011-08-04T10:29:00.011+01:00

Once upon a time, there was a beautiful young woman of Whitstable whose friends decided to celebrate her hen party with lots of lush creativity with makedomend.
There was even an almost glass slipper!!
They were all granted three wishes. Oodles of concentration and lots of bubbles and cakes to keep them working so hard.

Nobody pricked their finger and certainly no ugly sisters to spoil the fun.

And they all had beautiful corsages to wear and lived happily ever after.

Project crochet - everything about granny squares

2011-08-02T08:53:00.003+01:00

What is it about granny squares? They still capture the imagination and are inspiring the catwalks for Autumn/Winter 2011. Just check out this amazing print from the House of Holland collection and you can find the real thing in the collection of our very own Christopher Kane (top picture). That's enough proof for even the most sceptical. I know lots of people think crochet and, more especially, granny squares are made by white-haired little old ladies living in picture-book cottages. Where are they??! Maybe someone who we've helped to crochet lives somewhere like that but they haven't told me!

On Sunday 14 August, 12-4pm, you can come and try your hand at your own take on this crochet classic. Makedomend's workshop will give you all the yarn and patterns you need to create some beautiful examples and to let you into the secrets of joining them without the frustration on sewing in hundreds of loose threads. At the same time you can enjoy all the tea and cake you can eat, and maybe feel a bit like that sweet lady in her chocolate-box cottage!

The workshop costs £40 for all materials, tuition and refreshments at Drink Shop & Do, Kings Cross, and you can sign up on the blog and follow the Book Online link.

By the way, grannies are welcome!!!

Small but perfectly formed - corsages at Drink Shop & Do

2011-07-29T09:20:00.009+01:00

Last weekend's corsage hen at Drink Shop & Do might never have happened. The chief organiser sadly had to cancel her place at the makedomend table due to a period of bed rest preparing for the arrival of a very important person in September! We quickly put a goody-bag aside so she can clip and stitch happily in her boudoir. Our best wishes go to Wendy and her bump-in-waiting back in Leeds. So you might have thought that without the creative force behind the organisation that an air of panic might set in. Not a bit of it. Seamlessly, a slightly smaller party emerged into the lovely room at DS&D prepared to be surprised by what had been organised.

Corsages!!! With the makedomend kit temptingly arranged with buttons, beads, sparkles and heaps of gorgeous (by request, purple) print fabrics and felts.

Everyone set to work almost before the bubbles were poured!

We're gradually collecting a really sensational choice of different corsage patterns for beginner and more experienced alike. No one need be concerned that they won't come away with an inspiring creation!!!

This bunch of hens didn't disappoint! Despite a couple saying they had never, never lifted a needle and thread, the creativity was positively inspiring. So now, here are the results!!

As you can see, we've got so many lovely trims and ribbons to choose from and always plenty of letter beads to create message wristlettes for all the hens.

It finishes the afternoon perfectly and you need never forget your name by the end of the evening!!!

mixed media quilt hen party

2011-07-26T15:45:00.008+01:00

Last week, we headed to West Hampstead for a beautiful quilting hen party, where the weather was dirty but it didn't keep the party's spirits down!

Polina arranged a fabulous, vintage themed hen party at Bake-a-Boo and couldn't quite decide what her hens may want to make, so we went for a mixed media workshop, where some people knit, some crocheted and others sewed.

The bride to be has a Russian heritage and one of her hen's used the Russian characters for the bride and groom's initials on her square, while hearts were a very cute favourite motif.

The resulting squares were adorable, and Polina even managed to sew a square AND learn to crochet a granny square with no prior crochet knowledge. We 'menders were mightily impressed.

Polina said afterwards:

"Claire, A big, big thank you for all your work and patience on Saturday!

I am still smiling form the day it was truly amazing and so relaxing - a little step into the past :-) !!!

I have made few more squares and planning to make two more at lunch time today - it is so so addictive. "

Polina gets hitched this week in what sounds like a beautiful vintage garden themed wedding, so we wish you all the best and will get you a beautiful quilt very soon!

Birthday party corsages - children's sewing party

2011-07-21T09:17:00.005+01:00

One half of the Menders' team, Bee, set off on Sunday to a lovely, cosy home in a charming village in Buckinghamshire. Yes, we do travel that far and are very happy to look into any enquiry that requires us tearing ourselves away from the more urban celebrations! Within reason, we'll go anywhere!!!

Back to Sunday. Happily settled in a lovely light-filled family room the table was soon set for a very special birthday party - corsage-making for twelve-year olds and two very lucky eight-year olds!

The Menders love the children party requests as a chance to enjoy the enthusiastic approach of the guests to the workshops. Getting elbow-deep in the pretty prints we bring along and making sure they get the prettiest buttons and beads, the girls can get down to the serious work of cutting out and...gossiping.

With all our workshops, Claire and Bee realise that the chat-side of the entertainment is perhaps the most important component. So we give it lots of room to expand while the work continues.

Keeping the afternoon fuelled with biscuits and sandwiches to follow, the girls were really creative and, with a wee bit of help, the young 'uns stole the show with their beautiful headbands.

The older ones had plenty of homework to do but I know that they got their's finished in good time for pictures to be taken! And a special message for the teacher as well.

Thank you too for inviting the Menders to such a lovely day.

cupcake decorating hen party

2011-07-18T17:37:00.007+01:00

It is hard to look at these beautiful and scrummy cakes from our latest cake hen without getting a little hungry! The party almost didn't get going at all as Bee was left trapped with the cupcakes (both red velvet and vanilla) and buttercream icing on a train into London, but fortunately she made it just after the party got started, giving the hens time for an extra glass of bubbles and some sweets before the decorating began in earnest.

When the cakes arrived, there were hearts, stars, flowers, sprinkles and glitter galore, along with some fun piping and of course the scoffing! We had to do some demo cakes to show the ladies how to pipe the buttercream, and of course, it goes without saying that those needed eating too, so the 'menders managed a sneaky bite and the cakes were delicious!

Watch out for a special post with the recipe we use for our cupcakes very soon!

Behind the scenes Pt 3 - cupcake decorating

2011-07-15T09:35:00.005+01:00

The menders are sharing more of their 'behind the scenes' wizardry that goes into their hen party preparations. We like to modestly say that we do have quite a few talents at our finger-tips and are glad to spread the 'happy' around. Sewing, crochet, knitting and...baking! Oh yes, we are great bowl-lickers here at Makedomend Towers. Last week the makedomend kitchens were wafting with the sweet smells of vanilla and chocolate as we prepared for our weekend cupcake hen and, of course, we had to keep trying our mixtures out. Vanilla and red velvet cupcakes with all the best ingredients were in and out of the oven until 48 of the beauties were sitting cooling on the work surface.
Then came the icings ready for the hens to load up the icing bags and get squeezing. Cupcake decorating hens are a whole lot of fun as it all goes a bit Blue Peter and a wee bit messy. The menders offered yummy pink and chocolate sugar icing.
For the red velvets though we wanted to offer something a bit more special and the cream cheese frosting was mixed up and ready to make it's journey to London for Saturday. That's when the wooden spoon had to be licked clean. Double yummy!!
Our next post will show you what happened to the cakes next!!! And don't forget, if you would like to arrange a cupcake decorating party with makedomend, contact the menders at makedomend@live.co.uk

behind the scenes part II - knitted patchwork

2011-07-11T18:12:00.018+01:00

As Bee has already outlined, she is the sewer, quilter and patchwork-squares-maker-upper extraordinaire! Meanwhile, I have the equally fun job of putting together all the woolly patchwork pieces.
This week, my task was to create a fun and colourful cushion cover for Nicki's new arrival, made out of all the fabulous squares knitted and crocheted by her friends at the baby shower. Firstly is the most boring part, which is to block all the squares into more even shapes. I usually simply pin small shapes like this to my ironing board to the desired shape, then dampen slightly and steam lightly.

Top tip - never press down with your iron on knitting or crochet as this will flatten the stitches of your fabric.

Once the squares are completely cool and dry, you can unpin them and fingers crossed they will stay in the same shape you blocked them to. Then comes the fun bit!

Next, I play with the squares, positions and combinations so that the colours look bright and the squares fit within the cushion shape. This can take a while, many variations are tried out

and I arrange.....

and rearrange.....

and rearrange some more!

Finally, once happy I begin sewing the squares together. You can either use a mattress stitch or a simple whip stitch. If using a whip stitch, you can make a feature of the sewn seams rather than trying to hide it, and sew all seams in a bright or light contrast colour.

As this is a cushion cover, I mattress stitched the squares together for a neat finish and hid the resulting seams on the reverse side of the fabric.

Back to the ironing board once more. As Bee expressed in the last post, preparation and neat finishing - which often involves the iron! - can make the difference between a professional or untidy finish. Once the seams are steamed lightly to set and the fabric is cool and dry, it is time to sew to the cushion!

You could sew your own cover and use it as a backing to the knitted piece of fabric, but I like to use a readymade cushion in an appropriate colour for ease. This meant all I had to do was stitch the knitted patchwork square neatly to the cushion all round the perimeter with a matching sewing thread and needle.

And Voila! A colourful and jolly cushion cover, perfect for a new baby's nursery! All that was left to do was wrap in a ribbon with a sweet bow and post to the new arrival.

Behind the scenes Pt 1 - quilt-making

2011-07-08T08:42:00.012+01:00

As you can see from the testimonials, we do have some very happy hens who come away from the makedomend workshops with lots of very kind and enthusiastic comments on how much they've enjoyed themselves. Of course, alot of the workshops would not be possible without their enthusiasm but also without alot of organisation on Claire and Bee's side.
We're constantly looking out for the next fun activity and methods of creating some of the gorgeous things we let our hens make; corsages, bunting, sourcing pretty fabrics and ribbons and styling our workshops. Two of the organisational parts of our job are very behind-scenes but we thought you might like to be let into their secrets. In the next two posts that's exactly what we're going to do.Today's is quilt-making, the part Bee loves the best, making-up using all the squares the hens have created in the quilt workshop, to make the bride a beautiful and personal quilt for her special day. We always start with a not-so-neat pile of sewn and cut squares ready for making-up, all rough edges and dangling threads.

So out come the scissors, rotary cutter and my favourite needle (I can be very fussy about that!).
Now, fire up the iron and get to pressing all the crumples and creases out.

That's better - now the dark arts of the sewing machine. It's essential to match up the seams, but sometimes not entirely possible after a particularly merry afternoon of sewing and bubbles for our hens! Now the squares are beginning to take a more coherent shape and the lovely appliques and decorations can be seen more clearly and crisply.
Meanwhile, I've been back and forth to my trusty iron, pressing as I go (again, pretty fussy about that) and now the quilt is ready for backing. On our simple quilts we line the back with calico and pink and trim the edges. There is a more complete finishing service if the bride wishes. Just ask the menders and we'll supply you with details.
Perfect, we're almost finished!

Lastly comes the special message and label from makedomend which truly makes the quilt something to keep and cherish.

And here is what Alexandra had to say about the finished item!

"Bee and Claire

I am so THRILLED with my quilt! The finished design is so fantastic and I love how all the individual squares come together into the overall design. Each of the squares is so different. I have had fun showing all my hens and everyone has proudly pointed out that is mine and so is that! Thank you so much for sewing all the squares together and for the lovely message on the back. My quilt is definitely going to feature in our new home and it is so fun to have all the different fabrics from my dress and from my mothers and my sisters too.

I know how much everyone enjoyed their afternoon with MakeDoMend but not as much as me – so many hens surprised themselves with how much fun they had and I know have been quilting since…..

With so many thanks and best wishes

Alexandra xx"

The workshop is a special occasion for everyone concerned, makers and menders alike, and we always love to see the quilt sent to it's bridal destination, tucked neatly in it's tissue-paper, waiting to be opened hopefully to squeals of delight.

If you like the sound of the quilt workshop for your hen party with prices starting at £30 for 10 hens, then contact us at makedomend@live.co.uk

knitting baby shower

2011-07-05T12:57:00.005+01:00

On what must have been the hottest and stickiest day of the year so far, the 'menders made it down south of the river to London Bridge for a very lovely baby shower. Nicki is due to have a little boy in a couple of weeks and her gorgeous friends had laid on a magnificent spread for her, as well as inviting Make Do Mend around to instruct them in knitting. Lucky girl!

Despite the heat and a few cute baby-shaped distractions, the girls battled on bravely and managed at least one square each, with one brave knitter even trying out some crochet! We worked out that there would be more than enough squares for a very sweet cushion for the new arrival and we are working on it as we speak - more pictures soon when it is complete.

If you want to arrange your own baby shower with Make Do Mend, we can come to your door from £25 per head. Drop us a line at makedomend@live.co.uk

Corsages and flags - hens at Drink Shop & Do

2011-07-04T08:57:00.008+01:00

It was hen party central at Drink Shop & Do on Saturday with 8 parties competing for bestest fun for brides-to-be and their buddies.
Makedomend's hen celebrations started out with a bit of a flag-waving theme on arrival and high spirits continued throughout the afternoon with sparkling glasses of fizzy stuff, gooey yummy cakes and stacks of corsages to build.

Every one of Ellie's friends set to with a cheery will and by the end of the workshop they all had a pretty brooch or hairpiece to sport for our team photos.

It was also a very special occasion for friends from the bride's different life stories to meet up, often for the first time, before the wedding and really make a connection. It's one of our favourite parts of arranging these hen parties and we know the hens love it. Here's what Charlotte, one of the organisers, had to say the following day. 'Just a quick note to say huge thank you for a fab afternoon yesterday, we all had a great time and thought the venue fantastic.'

Squeals of delight - birthday corsages

2011-07-01T17:10:00.004+01:00

The menders love a birthday party and especially love hosting one. The latest birthday craft extravaganza was for a very chirpy bunch of 11-year old girls celebrating their best friend Florine's special day. Doorbells ringing brought the sun and the guests to this house in leafy West London and a delightful table groaning with makedomend's signature goodies. Beads, sparkles and some very pretty prints and felts to make their own accessories for their end of school party in late July. Children's parties in the past would have had a table load of sticky buns and sickly sweets but this one brought gasps of glee and they all set to with a-snipping of scissors and needles and thread flying.

Two hours later and you can see some very impressive headgear and pins which might even make Karl Lagerfeld give his approval. Ribbon roses and blooming peonies were order of the day. The birthday girl was very happy that she and her friends were able to not only mark her latest birthday but give a lovely farewell and good luck to her many friends who are about to set off on new school careers. A real makedomend best wishes to all of them for their moves to new schools and a very special Happy Birthday to Florine."Thank you so much for making Florine's party such a special one! All the girls thoroughly enjoyed every minute and Florine said that it was the best party ever! On Friday most of them went to school wearing their new hair pieces and they got lots of compliments. They were so proud! The photos are super, and the ones on the website look great too. We really hope to invite you back one day..."

Makedomend is not just about hen parties and classes. If you would like to create a unique craft celebration and party, please contact the menders at makedomend@live.co.uk

sew fantastic!

2011-06-28T10:23:00.007+01:00

Another fabulous meeting at Drink Shop Do for Louise's sewing hen, where corsages and roses abounded.

Some beautifully original pieces were made as the hens basked in beautiful sunlight.

Here is what the bride herself had to say about the party:

'I had the most incredible time ever and feel like the luckiest girl alive to have such amazing friends.... I cannot thank you enough for organising the perfect hen do (you know me inside out!), and making it so completely unforgettable. I feel incredibly spoilt...'

If you want to arrange your own party with Make Do Mend, beginning from £30 per head, drop us a line at makedomend@live.co.uk

busy bees and a naughty quilt!

2011-06-22T22:23:00.007+01:00

We have been very busy of late and as a consequence have a backlog of gorgeous blogs to post for you, as well as lots of exciting things planned for the future. In the meantime, here is the first of the lovely hen parties we have had recently but been too busy to blog about!!

We must here add a note of warning though, this hen party was our first slightly naughty one - see if you can spot the errant hen's square in the last piccie - you may need to look away if you are underage....

Quilt hen in Oxfordshire

2011-06-14T09:04:00.016+01:00

The menders' polished the motor and set off on a lovely jaunt to Oxfordshire for a quilt-hen set in a beautiful rural setting with abundant roses and veg patches watched over by the occasional deer!! Clare, the blushing bride (!) and her trusty hens, were excitedly gathering in the sunshine to make their special quilt for the wedding day and beyond. The menders had collected a beautiful palette of fabrics for them to choose from with the addition of pots of sparkles and vintage buttons. As with all our hens even the less crafty-experienced was able to join in and enjoy themselves and contribute to the general good fun. Lucy and hens had organised a groaning table of delectable cakes and sarnies and the prosecco and Pims was great for quenching the thirst. Or that's what they said!! Already their crafty credentials had been proved by the lovely handmade bunting festooning the party setting.Here's what the lovely Lucy had to say once the dust had settled over on Facebook -

'Thankyou for a fabulous hen this weekend, can't wait to see the finished quilt! Bride-to-be had a brilliant sunny crafty afternoon. x'

We love organising 'away games' at hen's or brides' homes or chosen venues and they can be really relaxing environments to enjoy the activities. We bring all the materials and, after our stint, we whisk everything away and you're left to get down to the serious business of enjoying the party!

Double beginners' crochet at Drink Shop & Do

2011-06-09T09:25:00.006+01:00

We menders love a good beginners' crochet and last Sunday was no exception with two classes taking centrestage at Drink Shop & Do. First off was a mother and daughters' team from Scotland catching up on their gossip and learning a new skill! I think they'll be crocheting up a storm in Aberdeen this week!!

With just enough time to snaffle some of DS&D's fabulous brownies the next band of crochet victims appeared and we were off again with hooks and yarn flying! It was doubly lovely to have a gentleman crocheter in our midst and they all proved (yes, that means you too Tamsin!!) that you can learn a craft with a pretty fearsome reputation for beginners in just three hours.

They all really could show off their dexterity by the end of the afternoon and have even been sending pics of granny squares to prove how good they've become.

So, as the rain started to bounce off the pavements they set off happily with hooks and yarn tucked safely away, ready and prepared for future crochet events. A good afternoon all round!!

crafty corsage hen party

2011-06-02T16:32:00.010+01:00

A lovely, relaxed and creative hen party was had at the beautiful Bake-a-Boo in West Hampstead last weekend. While donning feather boas and sparkly hair pieces, the hens busily set about sewing together a bunch of stunning corsages and ribbon roses while supping bubbles. The peonies looked fabulous next to some real life versions on the table and I had to get a shot as these are my favourite blooms.

The blushing bride, beautiful Kim below, after being forced against her will to wear a plastic tiara managed to change to a handmade ribbon rose corsage - much prettier in our book!

And a stack of colourful corsages were completed by the end of the two hours, after which the hungry hens tucked into a lovely spread of afternoon tea, and deservedly so!

Here's what they had to say about the party:

"Just wanted to email you to say a big 'thank you' for the corsage making party last saturday. We all really enjoyed it and came away with something to remember a special day with. I would recommend you to my friends in a instant!"

If you want to book a hen party at Bake-a-boo, prices start from £55 per head for 2 hours tuition, plus 2 hours of afternoon tea, email us for more info makedomend@live.co.uk

Private crochet class at Drink Shop & Do

2011-05-26T14:54:00.007+01:00

Bee enjoyed teaching a lovely group of friends (with beautiful relaxed babe) who asked the menders to organise a private tuition class for beginners' crochet. We love these classes as they're a wonderful opportunity to really get to the crochet nitty-gritty and encourage some excellent crochet skills. The 3-hour class is ample time to get on top of any difficulties or problems that some beginners encounter and to feel real confidence with what you've learnt. Drink Shop & Do is an ideal environment to relax and learn but it's also possible to choose your own location at home or at friends.

The classes cost from £40 (4 minimum) each for 3-hrs tuition, materials and few wee extras and tea and DS&D's world-famous (well makedomend famous at least!!) cakes. You will receive a lovely ball of Drops Nepal wool with angora, crochet hook and instructions and all with makedomend's expert tuition to set you on your way. Contact Bee and Claire at makedomend@live.co.uk and we'll help you craft your own private class.

fabric corsage hen

2011-05-19T18:12:00.007+01:00

Gorgeous Hen Party at Drink Shop Do in London this weekend, pretty corsages abounded!
And here are some words from the beautiful bride to be herself, thanks Katie!

'Thank you for a wonderful time at my hen party on Saturday. Drink Shop Do is a wonderful venue and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves making our corsages! Everyone said afterwards how much fun they had and also how delicious the cakes were!! I would definitely love to come along to another workshop!
I can't wait to try my hand at the ribbon roses again soon.' Katie x

cupcake hen

2011-05-16T15:40:00.005+01:00

Last weekend we had a lovely cupcake decorating hen party at Drink Shop Do, which was great fun and very sticky! The hens all went off with a colourful box of cakes to enjoy later in the evening. Here are some pictures of our cake baker Catherine and the hens and some wonderful finished cakes.

project crochet - grannies!

2011-05-10T17:46:00.009+01:00

Not long to go now until the eagerly awaited next project crochet class which is based around granny squares and inspired by the wonderful collection of Japanese crochet books that the 'menders collect.

We 'menders are massive fans of the simple granny square and it's so easy to really give this vintage classic a modern twist. The Japanese are the real experts here and their craft books have become a huge cult must-have for all crocheters. In the class, we'll take a long look at these wonderful patterns and really get to grips with reading patterns from a symbol diagram which does away with those pesky words and allows us to crochet straight from the picture!

All refreshments are included as well as a starter palette of yarn which will be enough to complete a cushion cover (cushion pad included in your exciting kit!) or if you want to buy more scrummy Drops merino yarn, you can get it from the very gorgeous Nest knitting shop in Crouch End to complete a full blanket masterpiece! The shop will soon be getting online, so no excuses for not stocking up on this fab yarn.

You will have two pretty colourways to choose from - brights or pastels, so let us know which you require before the date. Only a few places left, so hurry up and book now! The class is on Sunday 22nd May, 12-4pm at Drink Shop Do and is £60 for 4 hours tuition, all refreshments and a bumper bag of goodies to work up your grannies.

Book online at the top of the page or email us at makedomend@live.co.uk

quilt hen party

2011-05-09T11:50:00.009+01:00

Hen party number two from the last bank holiday weekend was a delightful quilting party. The hens had brought along their own fabrics to mix with ours, including some fabric from the bride's and mother of the bride's dresses and some beautiful samplers made by the bride's granny. The theme was mainly blues so the quilt should look simply stunning when it is finished! We shall post pictures here when we have completed the sewing up of all the very cute, creative and eclectic squares.

corsage hen party

2011-05-07T14:33:00.006+01:00

Here are some more fun packed pictures from our bank holiday weekend hen extravaganza! The first party was corsage making and we had some really spectacular and pretty pieces being made. Hope some make it onto the wedding outfits this weekend!

If you want to have your very own corsage party to learn how to create these fabulous pieces, contact us at makedomend@live.co.uk

Next up - the very industrious quilters from the patchwork blanket hen.

hen parties galore!!

2011-05-03T14:35:00.007+01:00

It was fitting this Great British nuptials-packed weekend that the 'menders were very busy, with not one, but two fabulous hen parties at Drink Shop Do. Here's a little sneaky peak at the fun festivities, with more stunning pictures coming very soon...

Our Royal tribute

2011-04-29T11:33:00.007+01:00

In the true tradition of such an occasion the menders like to acknowledge some crafty makers and this is no exception.
Bee's daughter Laura may work in the fashion world but can certainly turn her hand to a bit of design work too! Her Westwood-inspired top was simply draped out of 3 flags and zipped up on the sewing machine in a twinkle of Kate Middleton's eye.
We love a bit of adaptability and maybe for a hen party the bride's friends could all pool their favourite scarves or even flags (!) to make a just such a wonderful top for her. Draping and adaption are very much at the heart of makedomend and we would be happy to create a special workshop to show you how to use these skills yourself.
Just contact us on makedomend@live.co.uk for further information.
As a last word, a huge, huge makedomend congratulations to Sarah Burton at McQueens for a beeoootiful dress. It makes our wee stitching fingers click with pride.

baby blanket finished!

2011-04-25T15:16:00.004+01:00

Check out these adorable pictures of baby Grace snuggling under her blanket, lovingly made from the fair hands of many aunts, great aunts, grannies, cousins and friends at the baby shower at Christmas. She is a darling little girl, with the most beautiful eyes, and she sure looks comfy under the very pretty blanket, which we are told will be making its debut at her Christening!

A lovely bunch of nice words

2011-04-13T09:17:00.004+01:00

We host some lovely hens and makers. That's not bragging, it's fact! The hen parties have been bursting with talent and some very nice people and we're very pleased to be involved with the festivities and the classes are building nicely. We're getting to be rather experienced in this and are beginning to collect some nice comments from our alumni. We thought that even if you're not planning a hen or coming to a crochet class you might like to read some of their kind words. If you are planning a party of a crafty nature then some testimonials never go amiss. As they say, Enjoy!

'I just wanted to say thank you so much for such a fun afternoon yesterday. I can't believe how much we got done - the girls were so dedicated!'

'Thank you SO much for a wonderful afternoon!! It was a perfect event that set the tone for the rest of our day and I know that the hens loved it. I'm so chuffed with my corsage I'm proudly wearing it on my handbag (hoping to get comments from workmates, strangers, anyone who'll listen...) Drink Shop & Do was also the perfect venue - thank you for organising such a great place.'

'I thought that the class was wonderful today and, even though my crocheting was a tad behind, I thoroughly enjoyed learning something new, meeting up with similar-minded women and, of course, the wonderful surroundings - well done for finding Drink Shop & Do.'

'Claire, you're such a patient teacher. It's true that even the non-knitters produced a square or two for the blanket and it was a really satisfying afternoon. Thank you!'

'Just to say that my bunting looked fabulous draped around the centrepiece on the bridal table at the wedding! Thank you to you and - of course - my girls.'

bunting hen party

2011-04-09T21:31:00.022+01:00

A fabulous hen party at Drink Shop Do this weekend. The theme was hand made bunting for bride Nora to hang at her wedding. And boy, did these hens make some bunting! We had over 30 triangles in all and a rather spectacular final string of bunting which will look fabulous at the wedding reception.

If you want to book a hen party at Drink Shop Do or elsewhere with Make Do Mend, get in touch at makedomend@live.co.uk

Crochet for Beginners

2011-04-08T13:29:00.008+01:00

Here are some lovely pictures from our latest crochet beginners class at Drink Shop Do at the weekend.
Hmmm...cocktails are tempting, but not great for the hand-eye co-ordination!

Bee demonstrating the basic chain and holding techniques...

..leading to the first crochet chain completed. We are on our way!

New dates will be added soon, and you can book now for the class on the 5th June, so if you are desperate to crochet and enjoy some tea and cake at the same time, get booked on!

Classes for spring/summer with makedomend

2011-04-05T09:01:00.006+01:00

The menders are now happily settled with their new venue at Drink Shop & Do in Kings Cross and filling the calendar with lots of bookings for hens and classes. We've got our pens out and marked in our spring/summer plans for crochet classes but are very happy to take requests for knitting and for simple quilting so don't hesitate to contact us (makedomend@live.co.uk) if you're interested in classes in these lovely skills.
Project Crochet - Sunday 22 May, 12-4pm £60 per person - Granny square Bonanza
Just the most perfect way to spend an early spring afternoon, messing about with lots and lots of lovely colour and fabulous patterns and motifs. The menders and makers are massive fans of the simple granny square and it's so easy to really give this vintage classic a modern twist. The Japanese are the real experts here and their craft books have become a huge cult must-have for all crocheters. In the class, we'll take a long look at these wonderful patterns and really get to grips with reading patterns from a symbol diagram which does away with those pesky words and allows us to crochet straight from the picture almost! You will have a sympathetic palette of colours to work from to create your own blanket or scarf and to set yourself up with a project to see you through the summer (remember, English summer!!!). All materials and refreshments are included. There is a minimum of 8 for this class and we've already got 2 booked and paid for so if you want to join in don't dawdle!!!
Beginners' Crochet - Sunday 5 June, 3.30 - 6.30 pm, £35 per person
The classic learn-a-new-skill! We love our beginners' classes and really enjoy seeing happy crocheters in the making troop out of the door after this class. All materials and refreshments are included.
Intermediate Crochet - Sunday 10 July, 12-3pm, £35 per person
This one is for those troopers who have completed beginners' crochet (basic stitches and handling hook and yarn) and want to learn more. The devils!! Yes, now you've got the basic stitches but what next?? Well, crocheting in the round for starters, and zig-zagging, and clustering. All over the place!! The intention is that after this class you will have all the skills to hand to go and tackle your own patterns and even make a start at designing your own. All materials and refreshments are included.
Granny squares - Sunday 14 August, 12-3pm £35 per person
Similar to our Project Crochet in May with a granny-theme. This is for the improving student who wants to try their hand at crocheting more in the round. Basic granny square patterns and some more challenging ones. You'll have lots of lovely yarns to play with and maybe even the start of a blanket or scarf before you leave! Materials and refreshments are included.

All classes take place at Drink Shop & Do and can be pre-booked through our Book Online service on the right-hand side of our blog page. Classes must be pre-paid to confirm your place and are subject to our terms and conditions.

Drink Shop Do and Project Crochet

2011-03-21T08:59:00.006Z

The menders are very happy with their new favourite venue in Kings Cross, Drink Shop & Do, tucked just off Pentonville Road in a former Victorian bath house with a lovely atrium restaurant and a very special function room housed in what I like to think might have been the turkish steam room under an atmospheric dome roof. This was the room we settled down in last week for our first Project Crochet of the year.
As many crocheters already know, there are some wonderful patterns from the 40's and 50's for anyone who can get hold of them. In particular are the glamorous Jack Frost designs for cordette bags and clutches and we have our very own copy so we were happy to pass our passion for these wicked bags to our projectors! With some of the last reels of cordette from the great Texere yarns we tackled the very spare instructions realising that they're easier than they look!!
Thanks to the fantastic team at DS&D we had plenty of tea and yummy cake to keep us going and everyone was very enthusiastic about our new location.
Plans are already afoot for the next Project and we're going to be discussing another crochet classic for fans - some of the wonderful examples of patterns in our favourite Japanese craft books. Tuition in how to read the symbol patterns and choosing the right yarns and colour management. The workshop is planned for Sunday 22 May, 12-4pm £60 per person. As you may know by now, you can book online. Just follow the button on the right-hand column of the blog!

Booking a class

2011-03-16T10:15:00.003Z

The menders are very happy to tell you of our new 'online booking' system that we've set up on our blog! We'll still let you know of our lovely new classes and we'll contact you if you're on the mailing list but it's now really easy to book yourself on by just clicking on the Book Online button on the top right of our front page. You're then guided through our home page with bookwhen and everything can be done there. The number of places available, booking, payment and waiting lists are all sorted out. Hurrah!! So even if the class is full we'll know there's a growing band of keen craftettes waiting for us to make more classes! Double hurrah.

Obviously, we're still here at the end of the email if you've got any problems or queries and we love to hear from you.

So get booking!

Project Crochet - Vintage Style Bag

2011-03-09T20:09:00.007Z

There is (just about) still time to sign up for our popular vintage bag workshop.

It is taking place at the wonderful Drink Shop Do, this Sunday, 13th March from 12-4pm and is £60 for tuition, materials and refreshments. Project Crochet is an opportunity for intermediate and advanced crocheters to tackle a one-off project with plenty of support from the 'menders, using unusual yarns and patterns that aren't available in the shops. You can sort out any problems and queries with the tutors and come away with a lovely creation that has given you pleasure to make!

Sunday's project is inspired by the wonderful cordette bags designed in the American Jack Frost design studios. With their wonderful 'noir' styling, these patterns have cult status amongst the vintage-lovers of the crochet world.

In your delectable canvas goodie bag, hand screen printed with a fabulously desirable print from Model Robot design company, you will find all the hooks, yarn and notions needed to complete a bag along with a complimentary issue of Inside Crochet magazine, issue 15. This is the vintage issue and has a bag pattern inside with a modern take on the Jack Frost designs, as well as exciting new patterns designed by the 'menders themselves!

All this alongside tea, cake and fabulous company, we hope to see you there!

crafty hen party

2011-03-03T14:13:00.008Z

Another lovely hen party was held last weekend in Drink Shop Do with a lovely bunch of ladies making all kinds of corsages, some even walked out wearing - count 'em - three different types, including headbands, brooches and wristlets. The 'menders were most impressed!

If you want to book a hen party at the hospital club or elsewhere with Make Do Mend, get in touch at makedomend@live.co.uk

upcoming classes

2011-02-26T11:56:00.004Z

Project Crochet, Cordette Bag

Sunday 13 March, 12-4pm,

£60 for tuition, all materials and refreshments

Project Crochet is an opportunity for intermediate and advanced crocheters to tackle a one-off project using unusual yarns and patterns that aren't available in the shops.

Beginners' Crochet

Sunday 3 April, 12-3pm £35 for

tuition, all materials and refreshments

Cupcake decorating

Sunday 10 April, 12-2.30pm

£35 for tuition, all materials and refreshments

More coming soon!!!

beginners crochet class at drink shop do

2011-02-25T11:23:00.000Z

Our first crochet class of the year at the new venue of Drink Shop Do went with a swing last weekend. A great setting, yummy cake, lashings of tea and some very competent beginners all added to the fun!

More classes here very soon, let us know if you are interested in a beginners class, the next workshop is our fabulous Project Crochet bag class

Project crochet - 40's style cordette bag

2011-02-22T09:19:00.004Z

Our next workshop at Drink Shop & Do is on Sunday 13 March, 12-4pm, £60 for tuition, materials and refreshments. Project Crochet is an opportunity for intermediate and advanced crocheters to tackle a one-off project using unusual yarns and patterns that aren't available in the shops. You can sort out any problems and queries with the tutors and come away with a lovely creation that has given you pleasure to make!
This spring's project is inspired by the wonderful cordette bags designed in the American Jack Frost design studios. With their wonderful 'noir' styling, these patterns have cult status amongst the vintage-lovers of the crochet world.
At the workshop you will be able to choose from 3 patterns and from a rainbow choice of 'gimp' or cordette yarns some of which are no longer available. Skill levels are intermediate and, provided your experience covers double, treble and working in the round, you should have no problem creating one of these fabulous retro items.
If you are interested in confirming a place on the workshop please contact Claire and Bee at makedomend@live.co.uk.

Cupcake decorating classes at Drink Shop & Do

2011-02-19T13:58:00.005Z

The menders are very excited now with our spring plans. Classes at Drink Shop & Do are about to kick off with our beginners' crochet class on Sunday 20 February which is a sell-out. Whoo-hoo!!! Our hens make their first appearance next Saturday and we're already cooking up (literally) some new classes to tempt you.
First off are our plans for cupcake decorating classes with our lovely Catherine Knight. Catherine has just given birth to the Arthur, brother to Edie (who's grown quite a bit since our picture was taken). Catherine has already hosted some hen parties before Arthur came along and now he's well and truly 'in the house' she's ready to pick up the spatula again. Catherine worked in journalism until domesticity and creativity lured her from the evils of Fleet Street to country bliss and a kitchen. Thank goodness, otherwise we wouldn't be able to welcome her talents here at makedomend. Catherine was there with us at the beginning and we're sooo pleased to dust off the welcome mat for her return.
As you can see she is a very talented baker and decorator and you can almost taste the icing on her website, cate bakes cakes, which will give you a real sense of her cleverness! Her classes are certainly fun events and sporting your pinny with rolling pin in hand you can create the wee prettys too. Cate will provide the baked cakes, paste and icing and the rest is up to you. She'll introduce you to the complexities of making sugar roses which give everything a real professional look.
Classes at Drink Shop & Do for a 2.5 hr session are £35 with all materials and refreshments included. Hen parties start at £30 per hen for 10 hens and over, including afternoon tea. Our first class is planned for Sunday 10 April, 12-2.30pm and if you're interested in coming along for a sugar-rush then please contact us at makedomend@live.co.uk.
To secure a place on the class list you will need to pay in full either by paypal or bank transfer as the classes get filled very quickly.

More craft classes at Drink Shop & Do

2011-02-08T08:44:00.003Z

The menders have added some more craft workshops to their list at Drink Shop & Do in Kings Cross! The 3-hour workshops will cost £35 per person and will include all the materials you will need and a lovely afternoon tea served from the delightful cafe at DS&D.
For the knitters there's an intermediate knitting on Sunday 27 March, 12-3pm for all those who can already knit, purl, cast on and off and will cover shaping, rib and rib variations, finishing - seaming with mattress stitch and picking up stitches for necklines, so people can move on from scarves/accessories.
The sunday following, 3 April, is another beginners' crochet, 12-3pm and will cover all the basic stitches and techniques and give a good grounding to go on to more complex stitches and start reading patterns and instructions.
These are the first in our series of craft classes at DS&D and we'll be adding to them on a regular basis so keep your eyes on the blog and if you would like further information or be added to our mailing list then contact the menders at makedomend@live.co.uk.

Don't forget the beginners' crochet on Sunday 20 February, 12-3pm and Project crochet on Sunday 13 March, 12-4pm.

Why not make the bride a quilt at your hen party?

2011-02-02T08:58:00.016Z

The 'menders' are always happy to tackle a crafty challenge for their hen parties! As well as the ever-successful corsage-making and the sprinkling of stardust across cupcakes we love a wee bit of sewing. Bunting-making is a lovely way of creating that oh-so retro look for your wedding and we're planning a lovely post just about the possibilities of creating a fun hen party around the making of bunting. First, however, we would like to show you how to create a lovely quilt similar to the one we helped create for Isabel in the divine Bellini Bar at the Hospital Club just before Christmas.
First take 20 very excited hens many of whom have no idea what's in store for them!
Check out the wealth of gorgeous fabrics to choose from with additional beads and ribbons to decorate with and you're set to create your very own quilt.
Settle down in your seats and start stitching and snipping your squares.
Throw in the added delights of refreshments supplied by smiling bar-staff and you're in for a fun afternoon!
Once the girls are off to the next night-spot, the menders gather up the finished squares and whisk them away to their ivory tower where the sewing machine is warming up ready to complete the quilt and send post-haste to the hen organisers and the presentation to the happy bride.
If you love the idea of a crafty and creative hen party then don't hesitate to contact Bee and Claire at makedomend@live.co.uk and we'll be happy to help you organise the perfect afternoon's entertainment.

Crochet classes at Drink Shop Do

2011-01-27T09:12:00.004Z

Hello from the menders!
We've been so excited getting our ideas worked out, our venue booked and our workshops sorted. We now have the first dates for workshops and hope you'll be just as excited and want to book onto one of them.
Our venue will be Drink, Shop, Do in the Caledonian Road, just off Pentonville Road and a spitting distance (perhaps don't try!) from Kings Cross and St Pancras stations. Just like it says on the front of the shop, this lovely venue offers all the delights of a modern crafty space. You can sit and sip dainty teas with delicious cakes and pastries or even indulge yourself with a glass of something stronger.
Our workshops will include afternoon tea and a taster selection of cakes, all materials you'll need for the class, work-sheets and, of course, expert tuition from Bee and/or Claire (depending on size of class).
Our first classes are going to be the Beginners' Crochet and Project Crochet but we're confident that there will be others appearing shortly on the schedule.
Beginners' Crochet - Sunday 20 February 12-3pm
A 3-hour class specifically aimed at giving total beginners and those whose skills need a little boost a real grounding in the basics of crochet. You will learn the main stitches, chain, double crochet and treble crochet and, depending what rate you like to work at, an introduction to crocheting in the round.
The class costs £35 per person for the tuition, materials (crochet hook, yarn, worksheets and relevant haberdashery in your own personalised carrier bag) and afternoon tea and cakes.
To reserve a place on the class you will need to pay in full at least 2 days before the course is due to start. Payment can be made to the makedomend Paypal account (only if you hold your own Paypal account) or by BACS to our personal account.
Project Crochet - Sunday 13 March 12-5pm
A 4-hour class specifically aimed at giving more intermediate students of crochet a complete project to start and (maybe) finish in the class. Our March offering will be a choice of the wonderful 1940 patterns for cordette handbags that set many a crocheter's heart a-flutter.
The class costs £60 per person for the tuition, materials (crochet hook, yarn, worksheets and relevant haberdashery in your own personalised carrier bag) and afternoon tea and cakes.
To reserve a place on any of the classes you will need to pay in full at least 2 weeks before the course is due to start. After that time, payment will be accepted only at makedomend's discretion. Payment can be made to the makedomend Paypal account (only if you hold your own Paypal account) or by BACS to our personal account. Cancellation/refund can only be accepted for extreme circumstances or if we can fill the space.
The classes are for 10-15 people so don't think too long about whether you want to join in. Take a leap for the new year!!
To reserve your place please contact Claire or Bee at makedomend@live.co.uk
Best wishes and look forward to hearing from you.
Bee and Claire

crafty corsage hen at hospital club

2011-01-23T13:54:00.007Z

Another fabulous hen party at The Hospital Club, this time corsages, both sewn and knitted were made in abundance, even by the self-proclaimed uncreative types. Very pretty cocktails were swigged as the sewing got underway and there was also something of a pompom and ruffled ring frenzy - the hot trend for next season we predict!

If you want to book a hen party at the hospital club or elsewhere with Make Do Mend, get in touch at makedomend@live.co.uk

Craft workshops for 2011 - learn a new skill this year

2011-01-19T08:54:00.000Z

We're making a list!!

But we need your help. If you're based in London and are in desperate need of some fitness training for the brain and fingers then how about some 'modern craft' workshops courtesy of makedomend? Claire and Bee have been scheming behind the scenes and concocted an absolute treasure chest of goodies to choose from.

Workshops for Beginners
Crochet - a 5-hour workshop that will get you and a crochet hook well-acquainted. By the end of the session you will have learnt all the basic skills necessary to go onto the intermediate level and to tackling the granny square class. Chains,double crochet, trebles, crocheting in the round; these will all be dealt with in a fun and friendly atmosphere. From £50 per person for tuition and materials.
Knitting - a 5-hour workshop that will give you the basics from knit to purl to go onto more complex stitches and projects. From £50 per person for tuition and materials.
Quilting - a 5-hour workshop that will help you with your sewing skills and, if you've never held a sewing needle before, will give a grounding in the basic sewing stitches required. You'll be able to set up and piece a small quilt which can be added to after the class. From £50 per person for tuition and materials.
Workshops for Intermediate level
Crochet and Knitting classes - a 3-hour class for those who already have a firm knowledge of the basic skills and would like to develop further. From £50 per person for tuition and materials.

Granny squares
This 5-hour class is for those with a good grounding of basic crochet stitches to come and tackle a project. Granny squares are such a lovely way to stretch your crochet knowledge and actually to create something which can grow and grow. You would be learning the various methods involved in differing granny styles and patterns to choose from. From £50 per person for tuition and materials.

Project Crochet
This 5-hour class is aimed at the crochet-experienced to come and learn a specific stitch skill involved in a unusual pattern that you might not have come across before. This spring we're hoping to look at some of the lovely vintage bag patterns of the 1940's and the unusual 'cord' yarns used at the time. From £60 per person for tuition and materials, including a bag of goodies to start your own bag.

Now it's down to you!! Feast your eyes on our lovely selection and e-mail Bee and Claire at makedomend@live.co.ukyour choices. Once we have our names we'll give you the dates (all will be early spring) and venues and then you can start counting the days to your modern craft moment!

Liberty print

2011-01-17T23:52:00.016Z

Gotta love Liberty's new season fabric designs, all collaborations with or inspired by children's illustrators, including my childhood favourite, Quentin Blake.

Simply fabulous! We shall be indulging for the fantastic Make Do Mend quilting parties!

crafty hen parties info

2011-01-08T12:38:00.009Z

If you are planning a hen party for yourself or for a friend prior to her 'big' day then we hope you'll consider a truly creative party with makedomend!

Bee and Claire are both experienced tutors in a number of creative crafts including crochet, knitting and decorative sewing and we can call on the services of our very own master baker for cupcake decorating workshops.

The last year has seen our number of happy hen parties increase and we have many very successful events to our name in London and the South-East. Parties range from intimate tea parties at Bake-a-boo in West Hampstead awash with gorgeous cakes to sumptuous cocktails at the Bellini bar at the Hospital Club, Covent Garden. Alternatively, Make Do Mend will travel to the venue of your choice, mainly in London and the South East, however we will travel further if you really, really want us to! *

Whilst quaffing your favourite Singapore Sling or munching on chocolate gateau crochet hook in hand you can get to know your fellow hens, have a giggle and take away your clever creations.

Prices start at £25 (per hen) ** for tuition and all materials included so you can organise your own venue if you want. Otherwise, take a look at the lovely choices of location we have to offer.

Our venues have all been handpicked by ourselves and we have wonderful relationships with all of them so we can cater for your every need.

Our venue du jour at the moment is Drink Shop & Do in Kings Cross which is the cutest retro tea shop and our hens have all come out into the night ready and raring to get on with their jolly-making, armed with their creations and having enjoyed the loveliest of afternoon teas (and even bubbly, if they so wish)! Prices start at £35 per hen ** for the afternoon tea package and workshop of your choice.

Next up is our very own club, the Hospital Club in Endell Street, Covent Garden and prices here start at £55 per hen** with your very own barman to endulge each of your lazy bones!

For the North London vibe come to the Tea Rooms in Stoke Newington where the cakestands groan with homemade delights and the tea comes in dainty china. Prices here start at £25 per hen**.

For a tea-party you won't forget we have Bake-a-boo in West Hampstead where the table is laid as if Marie Antoinette was the special guest and as well as the beautiful cakes and delicacies served there are favours for each of the guests. For their package prices start at £55 per hen***.

*Outings to date have been to Sussex, Kent, Oxford and Hertfordshire. Just give us a shout if you want us to come to you, prices will vary dependant on distance.

**Prices quoted are for a hen party of 15-20 girls. If there are less than that number then please ask Claire and Bee for a quote and to discuss costs at makedomend@live.co.uk

***Prices at Bake-a-boo are for 8-12 hens

baby shower knitting

2010-12-28T17:06:00.006Z

A very festive baby shower was held for Felicity and her bump on bank holiday Monday. Christmas cake was consumed with a zest that belied the Christmas over-consumption by most parties present (not least the 'menders...), we knit in front of a magnificent Christmas tree and the whole warm and homely atmosphere was a fabulous antidote to post Christmas day blues.

Instead of feeling sorry for ourselves and our bloated tummies, we ladies gathered for a light afternoon tea of cake and sandwiches while determinedly knitting for Felicity and Simon's first baby. Dr Felicity could not help but notice on the scan that she is expecting a little girl (hardly a surprise as Felicity herself comes from a family of four beautiful girls) so she chose a soft and pretty palette of yarns for the huge stash that we brought along, accented with some choice zingy brights.

The group was a great mix of accomplished knitters and complete beginners, and everyone managed to complete one square, most finishing two or more - a first at any Make Do Mend blanket party. The 'menders were terribly impressed, especially with theunderlying threat of holiday fatigue! The final blanket is sure to be a stunner.

We are positive that when the final squares come through the post, so Claire can finish sewing it together, the resulting patchwork blankie will be a beautiful heirloom piece for babygirl Blain to cherish forever. Good Luck with the arrival of your beautiful baby in the New Year Felicity!

Happy Christmas!

2010-12-24T14:06:00.003Z

This picture from Stitch craft, December 1951 sums it up for us: Have a Merry Christmas one and all!

Love Claire and Bee x

quilting hen party

2010-12-13T23:01:00.011Z

Our first hen party last weekend at the fantabulous Hospital Club in Covent Garden went swimmingly. The drinks were flowing, the hands busy and the surroundings suitably decadent.

Isabel's hens chose to create her a beautiful patchwork quilt and this seemed very apt amongst the fabulous surroundings of the Bellini Bar, where Julie Verhoven's stunning collage and drawings patchwork the walls.

We shall post pictures of the finished quilt very soon, which is being busily sewn together by Bee's fair hands as we speak.

Congratulations to Isabel and Tim, who do not get married until next year, so plenty of time for us to get the quilt shipped!

If you want to arrange a party at this wonderful venue, send us an email for more information

Lewes hen party

2010-11-27T18:04:00.006Z

Here, as promised, are some pictures of the fantabulous hen party in Lewes last weekend.

The wonderful friends of the gorgeous Bride, Heather, had hired out a Youth Hostel in the Sussex countryside and decorated it in vintage style. We loved it, what a lucky girl!

These ladies were not necessarily a crafty bunch, but you would not have known it, as some wonderful pieces were made including corsages, bunting and the beginnings of knitted scarves!

Heather is having a truly make, do, mend style wedding in December, which looking at the evidence of the hen party, will be a fabulous day, the 'menders wish you lots of luck and happiness

If you want the 'menders to travel out to your hen party, just give us a shout at makedomend@live.co.uk

Got Needles, Will Travel

2010-11-25T22:14:00.004Z

Last weekend the 'menders went on a little field trip to Lewes for the most fabulous hen party out in the middle of the countryside, pictures of the party to follow, but firstly here are some indulgent pictures of the picturesque town itself.

We also managed to fit in a trip to the original Bill's for some scrummy lunch and a fruit juice smoothie as we had a little meeting to plan more workshops!! More on that soon too...

vintage crockery galore

2010-11-08T18:04:00.008Z

The 'menders have noticed a fabulous website, The Vintage Table which provides vintage crockery for hire at a party of any size.

We love their style and think that any bride who enjoys our crafty afternoon tea hen parties complete with mismatching pretty crockery would love to hire these beauties for their wedding, so here's your chance!

Claire, the owner of this delectable tableware, has an impeccable eye for a stunning piece of china and with an antique dealer father, she had a head start with her collection, meaning she has hundreds of place settings at her disposal; perfect for sit down weddings.

New for 2011 - hen parties at the Hospital Club, London

2010-10-25T09:20:00.008+01:00

The menders are in top-excitement mode at the moment as we've just been negotiating a wonderful new venue for our London hens with the glamorous Hospital Club in downtown Covent Garden. This is really the best of collaborations as the club is a private members location for the creative industry (hello!!) and we have been privileged to come to the attention of Caz, as events co-ordinator, to produce a very creative collaboration! For our hens we'll be able to offer the decorative delights of the Bellini room which can accomodate up to 30 over-excited crafty hens with the additional delights of a well-stocked bar or yummy tea and cakes!Our makers haven't been forgotten in all this and we'll be launching our 2011 program of events with Project Crochet in the new year in the Bellini room. A cosy, central London venue to snuggle up and create a wonderful crochet piece from scratch. In addition to our familiar classes we'll be setting up other events to come and learn a new creative skill to add to your already busy lives!!
For further details please contact Bee and Claire at makedomend@live.co.uk and we'll be happy to quote for your special girltastic day or for a workshop.

crafting with kids part deux

2010-10-21T20:05:00.008+01:00

Here is part two of Chrysoula's pretty birthday tea and knitting party.

We all had a great time, as I think you can tell!

crafting with kids

2010-10-12T20:24:00.009+01:00

This weekend we 'menders hot footed across town to the divine Bakeaboo to give a bespoke crochet and knitting lesson to some adorable twelve year olds.

Here are some piccies of the beautiful tearoom decorated by Zoe and finished off with freshly baked scones, brownies and cupcakes as well as a whole lactose free version for the birthday girl's little sister.

The popcorn was darn good too!

Couldn't fit all the lovely pictures in, so more of the actual crafting very soon!

stitch and knit show

2010-10-10T18:56:00.008+01:00

This weekend was the world famous craft fair the Stitch and Knit show at Alexandra Palace and I was there to teach a few workshops. We were only given an hour so I decided to run a very simple crocheted necklace class, to demonstrate how to create one of my favourite accessories.

If you want to learn how to make these simple yet beautiful necklaces, contact us to arrange your own bespoke lesson!

Drink, Shop, Do

2010-09-25T20:49:00.007+01:00

At Make, Do, Mend we love a quirky, local independent business, especially one with craft ties and a three word name! So therefore we were overjoyed to hear that Drink, Shop, Do is back for good after its short pop up shop incarnation over Christmas last year.

Bee and I took a peek at the new look shop and cafe this week before a trip to Origin craft fair, which you can read more about on my blog

We loved running workshops at Drink, Shop, Do last time and will hopefully be running more there now it is a more permanent fixture. The cosy Dome room (below) is perfect for parties.

The food is great, there is a fully licensed bar with intriguing sherbet cocktails (which we have to go back to try), you can buy everything that is not nailed down and it has a great shop selling small and interesting designers' work. I recommend a visit, and do let us know if you fancy arranging a class or party there!

Makedomend go to Oxford for a hen

2010-09-13T09:12:00.006+01:00

It's been a funny old summer with Claire and myself preoccupied with alot of things away from makedomend but we packed our knapsacks and hi-ho-ed off to Oxford for a delightful bunch of 'chicks' and their lovely friend/bride-to-be, Catherine, for a special party amongst the rather pesky wasps and a glass of something to keep the merriment going.Catherine had asked us to throw the mdm kitchen sink at her unsuspecting friends and so we gave them the run of our yarn and fabric treasure box to learn some new skills and revise some old ones.Everyone it seemed wanted to start with something new so it was the crochet hooks and knitting needles that got the most use!
Despite the attentions of some buzzing things round the beers, there was alot of furrowed concentration and the day ended with everyone getting a good basic knowledge of their new skills.Makedomend will be making an album for Catherine of pictures and memorabilia (including everyone's creations) of the afternoon for her to keep and cherish!!

Do you have plans for a hen party outside London? Why not contact makedomend to see if we can bring our special crafty party to your door.

Hens and corsages - London workshop

2010-09-07T09:20:00.004+01:00

Another lovely hen party for makedomend and the first part of an action-packed day for Bex and her pals in deepest Olympia, West London. Meghan, as chief organiser, had happily given up her cosy flat to the clever-fingered friends to have a happy afternoon of corsage making and chat. I love hosting the hens just to see old and new friends of the prospective bride get together - some going back to school days - and share a few laughs over the creations they make and even, dare I say, some admiration. As with all the hens we have hosted, there are some savvy crafty types and some who've rarely dipped their toe in the water with needles (both knitting and sewing), yarn and thread. The lovely thing is that there are no tears or tantrums, just the odd tiara and alot of giggles.Of course, we have our work to do! Setting up a lush spread of tea and cakes. Yummy!Enjoy the pictures and look out for more happy hens later in the week.

vintage workshops

2010-08-20T20:45:00.003+01:00

I was at the Vintage at Goodwood festival this week, teaching our vintage inspired workshops, including darning, beginners knitting and crochet and corsages.

It was a lovely weekend with lovely people dressed up to the nines! See you there next year?

Put up the bunting - West Hampstead hen+

2010-08-11T19:29:00.007+01:00

Small but perfectly formed hen parties are such a dream. There's a chance for everyone to chat to each other and for old friends to catch up at the same time as they try out their hands at new skills. Lovely people make lovely friends and this was certainly the case with Annika's hen party in West Hampstead on Saturday.

Tina had gone to alot of trouble to organise just the right day for her soon-to-be married friend, Annika with chocolate tours of Mayfair (mmm, divine!) followed by bunting-making at the best little tea shop in Mill Lane, NW6. The girls were already being plied with groaning cake stands of finger sandwiches, brownies, scones and cupcakes when I arrived with my equally groaning bag of fabrics, ribbons and lace. Delicately wiping away the crumbs we got to grips with the bits and bobbins and soon everyone was stitching, snipping and chattering away. Some of the hens hadn't lifted a needle in crafty way since their schooldays so it was a bit of a revelation to them that they still had the knack!

Bunting making is a very nice way to spend your hen and if you are thinking of what to plan or organising the event then it's a really good choice. It's deceptively simple and can appeal to both the craft junior and those who are skilled embroideresses. Just contact the menders at makedomend@live.co.uk. Maybe you would like to join us a Bake-a-boo where lovely Zoe arranges everything for you with a super 'hen package' of activities (including ours), cakes, balloons and gift boxes for each hen. Contact Zoe at info@bake-a-boo.com

Hopefully with a bit of finishing off (we did get a bit carried away with each little bunting!) the lovely string of personalised flags will be festooned at the wedding party for everyone to admire.

Have a wonderful day, Annika, from the mender team!!

Busy makers and their productions

2010-08-02T09:05:00.005+01:00

The menders have received a lovely e-mail from a favourite maker, Sally, who has been busy since her last class!! She has a lovely nephew in New Zealand who's going to be very cosy and happy in his aunty's beautiful blanket. We thought you might like to share her enthusiasm!

"Well, I've finally finished it, my first ever project! I'm so proud of the way it's turned out, I was expecting something much more wonky than this! It's not perfect, I think I'd do the border differently next time, but I'm so pleased with the final product - so much time and love has gone into it, I hope they love it as much as I've loved making it.
Thank you so much for introducing me to the fabulous world of crochet and for giving me the tools to be able to make something so cool for my little niece or nephew.
On to the next project :-)
See you soon"
Sally

The menders love to see past makers creations so do keep us posted if you've been especially creative since your classes.

baby shower blanket

2010-07-27T22:03:00.005+01:00

We thought you might like to see the beautiful blanket produced at the baby shower we held for Gemma in May, and the even more beautiful baby boy, Austin, she produced!

Here he is, three weeks old and cute as a button. The blanket

ain't bad either!

Summer holidays the makedomend way

2010-07-18T12:25:00.005+01:00

Here's a fun game to play when the rain is dripping on the roof. Where do the makers and menders go for their summer hols. It might be somewhere hot with a cool terrace to sit and crochet a little beach wrap or it may be a windswept beach with miles of sand and warm, knitted cardigan you've just whipped up in a trice back at the hotel.
Alternatively, it might just be on your back-door step here in the dear old British Isles. Well, one of them. The Isle of Wight to be precise with the fabulously titled Vintage Vacations. You can pick a variety of bijou padettes ranging from airstreams to shacks and all tricked out in adorable retroness. Kitschy-kitschy-cool, as they say! I particularly warmed to the Bungalow which is almost bursting with real Kidston kit as you can see in the picture above.Still, the one that really appealed to me for it's makedomendedness was the Mission, the former Blackgang Mission Hall, and I think you'll instantly recognise my favourite bit...the granny square rug casually hanging by the fire!! So it's off we jolly well go.