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About

Me

Hello, my name is Alice, and I have too many hobbies! 

 I work full time, and am a mummy to an amazing little girl, Freya. There is no doubt that I enjoy a busy life. My passion for sewing is probably quite obvious, and at the moment I am particularly enjoying making matching outfits for Freya and me. I also enjoy travelling, photography, and aerial fitness.

 I grew up in Beijing, and have somehow found myself enjoying life in the beautiful Surrey Hills (just outside London, for my international readers) in the UK. 

 Here's my new sewing space - get ready to swoon please! 



My sewing journey

I bought my first sewing machine back in 2010. The rest, as they say, is history. 

In 2011/12, as an almost complete beginner, I spent almost a year making my wedding dress, which was simply the biggest project I've ever taken on. I am so glad I was brave enough to undertake such a huge project and it made the day even more special. I even got featured in a magazine here! 

 I bought an overlocker/serger in 2015, and started sewing with knits. It was slow going, but became a skill that came in very handy when I was pregnant in 2018. Hell, I even made a top when I was in labour! You can read about how sewing has changed my life here. 

This blog

 I started this little blog of mine in 2011 when I turned 25 (what I would like to call my 'quarter life crisis') primarily to document my journey with the wedding dress. 

 Sure, documenting the project (and many others) it did, but little did I know, putting pen to paper (so to speak) has introduced me to the warmest, kindest and most supportive online community there ever is. My solitary hobby, via this little blog, has turned into one that lead me to meet (some virtual, some face to face) amazing people along the way. 

Although I don't do affiliated links (and have no problem with anyone who does use afflinks), I've also been doing a bit of guest blogging for other websites on and off, which I really enjoy. My views and opinions, as always, are my own. 

I do hope you enjoy reading my blog. Any comments and questions are always welcome, and please feel free to email me at xinyuealice0803(at)gmail(dot)com

11 comments:

  1. Katho8 October 2012 at 12:03

    Hi! I'm in love with your Blog! My goal is to make my own wedding dress one day. I really loved yours, such a beauty! Thank you for the inspiration!

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    Replies
    1. Alice8 October 2012 at 18:57

      Thank you Karen, that is so sweet! Welcome to Moonbeam and I'm glad you like it :D

      That's great about your plan to make your own wedding dress - it will be well worth it!

      Delete
  2. didyoumakethat4 November 2012 at 18:36

    Do you know, I grew up near Buxton and last Christmas stayed in a B&B in Buxton! It was so nice to meet you this weekend. Must go and check out Fabricland...

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    1. Alice4 November 2012 at 19:54

      Wow Karen, I had no idea! Was Sallie Moonbeam there when you were growing up? I could only imagine lots of giddy children nearby! X

      Delete
  3. cozy cotton23 March 2013 at 07:07

    Hi Alice. I found your blog very inspiring. I have a little similar life journey like yours when I moved to Australia from Guangzhou at my 17. Guest what - I was once an accountant before I work for the government. It must take a lot of determination to make your own wedding gown. Good work. Keep it up.

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    Replies
    1. Alice25 March 2013 at 00:37

      Hello and thank you for stopping by!

      Thank you so much for your kind comments. It's great to see someone with a similar life journey, except that yours sounds a lot warmer than mine :p

      Delete
  4. Anonymous23 June 2013 at 17:07

    Hi, i really love you blog. Im also small on top and decided to try and make my own clothing. As you it is also a trail and error story. :-) But your blog gave me now some new inspiration. I love your patterns and can't wait for my dressmakers dummy to arrive in 2 weeks. Im from South Africa
    Take care

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    Replies
    1. Alice27 June 2013 at 22:04

      Hello, thank you for stopping by. I am really pleased that you are finding the blog helpful :) That's exciting about your dressmakers dummy -- personally I can't live without mine! Good luck with your sewing adventures :)

      Delete
  5. Unknown14 March 2014 at 21:20

    Hi there!

    I work for 25/7 Productions -- an LA TV company (The Biggest Loser, The Vineyard, Flip Men) -- and we're doing a new show about brides who make their own wedding dresses. I would love to Skype interview you about your experience making your beautiful dress! Would you be willing to do a little Skype with us? And/or do you know any other DIY Brides who'd like to chat? Please let me know if you'd like to talk! Email me at holly@257tv.com. Thanks for your time! I hope to hear from you soon!

    Best,
    Holly Golden
    Development Producer
    25/7 Productions
    257tv.com

    ReplyDelete
  6. Unknown26 October 2014 at 18:07

    Recently I started reading your blog. I think it's awesome, You are awesome. Thank You for sharing your sewing experience here.
    some time ago I was looking for some site about sewing and find yours. It inspired me. And I started my own blog, also about sewing. I'm still learning how to make clothes.
    I read all your posts. I love your blog so much.

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    Replies
    1. Alice3 January 2015 at 17:07

      Thank you for your kind words. I hope you like the new theme, too. Happy sewing!

      Delete

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