When it comes to gift giving, the old cliché holds true because it really is the thought that counts. Here are seven ways you can give more thoughtful presents that the receiver will love and treasure.

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Get personal

Any name can be added to products when you choose a customised, personalised gift. You can have the full name, a nickname or pet name engraved, etched, sewn or stamped, depending on the product, to make the gift unique.

Go beyond a name

Many products will have room for a slightly lengthier personalisation, so don’t feel limited to just a name. Small messages or a significant date can add a special touch to that perfect gift.

A range of gifting categories

A personalised gift shows you have put time, thought and effort into your present. There are lots of categories from which to choose, from trinkets, toys and jewellery to cushions, mugs, calendars and lap trays, which are available from stockists such as https://personalisedlaptrays.co.uk/collections/lap-trays.

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Choosing something with the recipient in mind and personalising it increases the feeling of the recipient being understood, which research shows results in more gratefulness in long-term relationships.

A practical solution

For small children, having name tags on items, such as a coat or lunchbox, aids the ability for them to find their belongings. This can help to foster a sense of independence while being a practical solution to ensure possessions aren’t lost, misplaced or mixed up. Engraving is especially beneficial here, as it won’t fade or chip away. This makes it a versatile solution for even the most played-with toys.

Gifting for young children

At an earlier age, personalised possessions and toys can help a child to identify letters, sounds and the written form of their own name, helping them to become more familiar with it and learning its spelling more quickly.

Give an experience

An experience can be a priceless and thoughtful alternative to a physical gift. These are the gifts that create memories to last a lifetime, whether a ride in a hot air balloon, a trip to the zoo, or a show at the theatre.

A gift that keeps on giving

Make the joy of receiving gifts last longer and build the anticipation with a subscription gift, such as media streaming, a magazine, wine, or a monthly beauty box.

In dressmaking, pressing at various stages has a big part to play and it can make all the difference between an okay and a fine finish. Pressing differs to ironing in that rather than moving the ironing back and forth over the material, you, in fact, press the iron onto the material for a few seconds, lift off, and press onto another part of the material.

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Pressing can soften your material, and make your dress look far better by flattening out seams and adding definition to your stitching lines. Also, it can help you in shaping your darts, and overall, give your dressmaking project a tidier and cleaner finish.

When should I press?

You should press at various points in dressmaking. The first is before you cut out your chosen fabric. If you press at this stage, it will help you to cut pieces which are more accurately shaped. If you have already cut out the pattern in your fabric and it is creased, you can press it on a low heat without any steam. Always remember to check any ink on your material will not run from pressing.

Before you stitch a hem, it is best to press it which allows you to have a flatter hem and enable you to produce a tidier finish. Every time you sew a seam, it is best to press it and then also to press it before you proceed to stitch across it.

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Where should I press?

For seams, the best place to press is whilst open or more towards the back of the piece. Also, darts are best when pressed to one side. It is best to avoid pressing gathers altogether.

How do I press?

Dressmaking fabric can be purchased online at stores such as http://www.quality-fabrics.co.uk/dressmaking-fabrics-14-c.asp but fabrics should be chosen carefully and you should ensure you check how your fabric responds to heat before pressing. Always test your iron on a small patch of the fabric you have used.

Protect your fabric by placing it under a pressing cloth, piece of cotton, or a tea cloth, and pressing onto this so it does not face direct heat. Also, press both sides of the fabric.

Pressing can help turn your dressmaking project into a fine finished product with tidy edges, clean lines, and a fantastic overall cut and finish.

Things can become a bit more sci-fi than expected for next year as artificial intelligence and sustainable design is being brought to our lives, all inspired by the fashion show, ‘Stranger Things’ from Netflix, And this is one of the most important trends that will be expected next year. With 2017 just a few days away, FashionUnited shares the top trends to come in the next two seasons and those that will define the entire year, all with Edited data. Continue reading →