Learn to sew with Clara and Macy

Anyone who knows me will be aware that I am a big kid at heart. I love cute silly things and have a bit of a soft spot for pigs (and pugs, but Manda reckons it’s because they are the canine version of pigs). Anyone who has read this blog for a while will know that I also love crafting. I’ve known how to sew since I was a child, but found dress making a bit too serious and time consuming for my tastes. Don’t get me wrong, I do know my way around a sewing machine – and have a home made corset, dress and knickers to prove it! – but I often prefer hand sewing something small and pointless for a bit of fun. So, this is why I was given a Make Your Own Piglet craft kit for Christmas.

The kit was designed and put together by Laura Clempson, the brains behind Clara and Macy, and is a rather beautiful thing is its own right. The sleeve is covered in her gorgeous artwork and the box and tissue paper are recycled. Inside, you’ll find everything you’ll need to make your animal – yes, there are other animals available – all you’ll need is a pair of scissors. I used pins too, out of habit, but you don’t really need them as the felt is sturdy and the pattern pieces are easy to cut. There’s felt, thread, a needle and stuffing, plus some really easy to follow instructions with illustrations of each stitch you’ll need. I found it pretty straightforward to follow and really fun to make. And, on top of all that, the kits are made in Britain from ethically sourced components. You can pretty much feel the love coming from the box.

When I made my piglet, I stopped short of putting arms and legs on him, as I thought he looked quite cute as a ‘pigball’, and decided to ask Twitter what I should do. Many people thought Pigball should stay just as he was, and perhaps become part of a juggling set. When I tweeted the name of the kit’s creator, Laura replied to me and kindly offered to send me some extra felt to make a couple of friends for him. I think I know what I’ll be doing this weekend! If you fancy doing a spot of sewing yourself, or giving one of these lovely sets as a gift, do check out the Clara and Macy shop on Not on the High Street. There you’ll find Make Your Own Animal craft kits, a personalised Make Your Own Doll kit, super simple Make Your Own Finger Puppets craft kits, and even paper dolls and an assortment of beautiful greetings cards if you can’t be bothered to sew. If you do buy something to make though, let me know how you get on!