Kim Dave

01/09/2026

Thank you summer of 2026 for giving me so many memories 🥰

31/08/2026

Sewing term decoded: THE NOTCH 🔺

A notch is a small marking cut into the seam allowance of your pattern piece. Its job is simple but essential, it tells you exactly where two pieces should meet, which direction a piece should face, or where to ease in fullness.

Skip your notches, and you risk mismatched seams, puckering, or a garment that just doesn’t sit right.

Next time you’re cutting out a pattern, take the extra few seconds to snip them properly: your finished garment will thank you.

What sewing term should I decode next? Let me know in the comments 👇

28/08/2026

28/08/2026

Who says you can't make your own capsule collection? Ready for Business sewing course pre-order is now live https://shop.kimdave.com/products/ready-for-business-course-build-your-professional-sewing-wardrobe

This is a 7-module self paced course that walks you through making 5 classic workwear pieces; a blouse, tailored blazer, A-line dress, blazer dress, and trousers, so you end up with a capsule wardrobe that actually fits like it was made for you, because it was.

Each garment is accompanied by:
- Detailed pattern drafting video instruction
- Step by step sewing tutorial
- Measurement taking guide
- Fabric use/consumption guide
- Tips for caring for your self made garment

Pre-order now at £49.99, that's £20 less than the full launch price of £69.99 on September 11th 2026. Secure your spot now before the course officially launches.
The course will be sent out via email on 11th September 2026

25/08/2026

New article up on my SubStack.
https://kimdave.substack.com/p/the-currency-of-generosity?r=21llsx&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web&showWelcomeOnShare=true
Enjoy
xx
Kim

25/08/2026

Sewing terms, decoded 📖
You'll see "cut on the bias" on patterns, in fabric shops, on garment labels, but what does it actually mean?
Every woven fabric has a grain: the lengthwise grain (parallel to the selvedge) and the crosswise grain (perpendicular to it). The bias is the 45° diagonal between those two.
When something's "cut on the bias," the pattern piece is angled so it sits diagonally across the grain instead of straight along it. Cutting across the weave instead of with it changes how the fabric behaves:
→ It gains natural stretch and drape, even in non-stretch fabric
→ It moves and skims the body (hence bias-cut slip dresses)
→ It's used for bindings, because it wraps smoothly around curves without puckering
The trade-off: bias-cut garments need more fabric, more careful handling while sewing, and usually need to hang for 24 hours before hemming so the fabric can settle.
Straight grain gives you structure. Bias gives you movement. Knowing which one you're working with changes how a garment fits and falls.

21/08/2026

Catch the full episode of this video on YouTube https://youtu.be/ViSbMP3qXbY?is=Nadl2CBTtsyDQgkL
I ask strangers on the street of London to guess if my outfit was handmade or store bought? And the answers were definitely a mixed bag 🤭