Author Archives: The Proof Angel

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About The Proof Angel

I am a freelance editor and proofreader, working with a wide range of clients from large companies to individuals. I can help you to communicate clearly by carrying out a final check, or by suggesting ideas get your message over. I am an Advanced Professional Member of the Chartered Institute of Editing and Proofreading. I also have a sideline in textiles, as The Rainbow Angel.

Needles of a Nation: Knitting at the Great Exhibition of 1851

Posted on Jun 3, 2020 by The Proof Angel

Here is a fascinating post about knitting at the Great Exhibition of 1851, with some interesting pictures!

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Windmill banner

Posted on May 26, 2020 by The Proof Angel

My living room is on the ground floor of a windmill. The walls are the 1798 brickwork, with patches from wear and tear since. In a modern home, obviously we need cables to get power upstairs, and there are radiators … Continue reading →

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How to adjust sewing machine tension

Posted on May 18, 2020 by The Proof Angel

In these interesting times, when many of us are sewing face masks and scrubs, here is a reminder of how to check your sewing machine tension. Small changes can make a big difference. Yes, it is worth fiddling around for … Continue reading →

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Everything you need to know about sewing with a twin needle

Posted on May 13, 2020 by The Proof Angel

My now not so new sewing machine came with a twin needle thingy. When I get round to it, I’m going to play with it. When that moment comes, I’ll be starting with this post on everything you need to … Continue reading →

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Directional seams

Posted on May 5, 2020 by The Proof Angel

This is a point that I overlooked for a long time. When you sew following the grain of the fabric, you reduce the distortion. Most of us have at some point managed to stretch the edge of the fabric when … Continue reading →

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Embroidery stitches

Posted on Apr 29, 2020 by The Proof Angel

Today I’ve found a nice little guide to how to do some embroidery stitches. These stitches can be combuined in all sorts of ways to make up lots of designs.

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An Indigo Story

Posted on Apr 23, 2020 by The Proof Angel

Here is a nice, but short, video about traditional indigo processes. With some lovely photography. Just make sure you maximize it on your screen so you can see the subtitles. But you won’t see the technique in this picture with … Continue reading →

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I needed a new waste paper basket…

Posted on Apr 15, 2020 by The Proof Angel

At the end of last summer, I had a summer house built on the terrace, over the back door. I wanted somewhere to sit and enjoy the garden on the many days when it is too windy to sit outside. … Continue reading →

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Making beautiful colours without toxic chemicals

Posted on Apr 10, 2020 by The Proof Angel

Sometimes progress is not a good thing. For example, “improving” the way we obtain  indigo colour by using a synthetic substitute introduced all sorts of substances we now know are harmful to the process. This post on making beautiful colours … Continue reading →

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Shetland lace blouses

Posted on Apr 2, 2020 by The Proof Angel

This is following on with the theme of knitting from the Northern Isles. When you see knitted lace, it is usually an edging for something, or a scarf or shawl. But as these pictures show, that was not always the … Continue reading →

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