Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 14 i Simply Sewing

TILLY WALNES Tilly’s company, Tilly and the Buttons, creates step-by-step patterns and teaches workshops in London and online. She is also the author of award-winning sewing book, Love at First Stitch. Join her bow blouse sew along on page 40. LISA COMFORT Lisa Comfort is the talented designer, sewist and entrepreneur behind the Sew Over It sewing shops (in London and online), dressmaking patterns and workshops. Lisa shares her sewing plans for spring/summer 2016 with us on page 36. SUSANNAH HAMLIN STANLEY Suzannah Hamlin Stanley is a DIYer at heart (she even made her own wedding dress!) and set up her popular sewing blog, www.create-enjoy.com, in 2009. She shares a zip jumper update from her book, DIY Wardrobe Makeovers, on page 55. SONIA LUCANO Paris-based crafter, designer and author Sonia…

MACRAME JEWELLERY & ACCESSORIES Lucy Hopping (CICO Books, £12.99) The ultimate 1970s craft has had a 2016 revamp! This book shows you how to turn threads into on-trend accessories, including a tassel necklace and striped shopper. www.rylandpeters.com THE GENTLE ART OF QUILT MAKING Jane Brocket (Pavilion, £14.99) Jane’s beautiful guide is out in paperback for the first time. There are 15 inspirational patchwork projects to try, plus tips and techniques. www.pavilionbooks.com THE CRAFTER’S YEAR (DK, £14.99) Never have a dull day again with this book of 80 seasonal crafty projects, including cushions, toys and bags to sew, as well as jewellery, candle-making and cookery. You’ll have every technique mastered by the end of the year! www.dk.com PEN TO THREAD Sarah Watson (Interweave, £17.99) Finish off your makes with a little…

COSMETICS CASE Stay stylish on the go and keep clutter at bay with a roomy cosmetics case. Experiment with a contrasting zip for a unique finish. PATCHWORK CUSHION Get to grips with self-covered buttons and use coordinating printed and plain fabrics from your stash to stitch up this sweet patchwork cushion. HANGING STORAGE Keeping surfaces clear is an easy task with this tidy. Make its compartments as narrow or as wide as you choose to fit in the essentials. As you may have guessed from our selected items, we think it’s ideal for holidays in the sun! QUILTED SLIPPERS Treat your feet with a pair of made-to-measure cosy slippers in your favourite shades, complete with comfy quilted soles. Perfect for mooching around in your room. FABRIC-COVERED CLOCK Create a timepiece…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 80x95cm (32x38in) Pocket fabric: 75x95cm (30x38in) Binding fabric: 20x112cm (8x44in) Interlining: 77x46cm (303/8x181/8in) Wire coat hanger: white Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED The fabrics used are from Anna Elise by Bari J for Art Gallery Fabrics. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf Main fabric: Rhythmic Hatch, Dream. Ref: AGFANE77501; Pocket fabric: Poetic Saddle, Vibes Ref: AGFANE87506; Binding fabric: Rhythmic Hatch, Vivid. Ref: AGFANE87501 NOTES • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. CUTTINGTHE FABRIC Step one Cut the main fabric into two pieces 79x46cm (311/8x181/8in) each. Step two Cut the pocket fabric into the following pieces: Top and middle pocket: two pieces 36x46cm (141/8x181/8in) each. Bottom pocket: 38x46cm (15x181/8in). Step three Cut the binding fabric into the following pieces: Pocket binding: three strips 4x46cm (15/8x181/8in) each. Hanging binding:…

Glue a length of braid or ribbon around the to p and bottom of the shade to add a pretty finishing touch. YOU WILL NEED Cotton fabric: see instructions for sizing Lampshade: plain fabric covered Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED The fabrics used are from Anna Elise by Bari J for Art Gallery Fabrics. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf Bunny Binkies, Funk (Metallic). Ref: AGFANE87505 CUTTINGTHE FABRIC Step one Measure around the circumference of your lampshade, then measure its height. Step two Cut a piece of fabric 5cm (2in) bigger than these dimensions. It doesn’t have to be exact at this stage. STITCHINGTHE COVER Step one Roll the fabric around the lampshade right side (RS) down and pin it together so that it fits tightly but without pulling the lampshade out…

YOU WILL NEED A jumper: we used a raglan-sleeve style to get this look Coordinating zip: 23-28cm (9-11in). It needs to be slightly shorter than the front shoulder/sleeve seam on your sweater Iron-on interfacing: 12x3cm (5x1¼ in) Zip foot Basic sewing kit Designer Suzannah says: “I love a long, comfy sweater, but sometimes they’re a little too plain. Metal zips that are designed to be exposed are available in a variety of colours and lengths, so you can have your pick. Choose one that matches – or boldly contrasts – with your jumper. This technique works beautifully on a raglan-sleeve sweater, but you could also add this embellishment on a side seam near a hem, or along the shoulder seam of a basic crewneck with straight shoulder seams.” ATTACHING INTERFACING…

YOU WILL NEED Felt or fleece (or any other fabric that won’t fray at the edges, such as suede or leather): moustache, 7x40cm (2¾x15¾in); beard, 16x30cm (63/8x12in) Stranded cotton: brightly coloured, 2m (2¼yrds) Elastic Wadding or cotton wool Dressmaker’s carbon paper Basic sewing kit NOTES You will find the templates needed for this project on the pull-out pattern sheet provided with this issue, and on page 94. MAKING THE MOUSTACHE Step one Trace the moustache template then cut it out roughly outside the lines. Step two Fold the moustache piece of fabric in half lengthways. Pin the template to the fabric then carefully cut along the lines to make two moustache shapes. Step three Remove the template and pin the two pieces together. Starting in the centre of one side,…

YOU WILL NEED • Cotton fabric: 70x90cm (28x35in), for the outer bag • Cotton or linen fabric: 85x85cm (33x33in), for the inner bag lining • Iron on interfacing: 30x90cm (12x35in) • Velcro: 1m (40in) • Basic sewing kit NOTES • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. • The template for the bag end is on the pull-out pattern sheet provided with this issue. A new bit of kit can really renew your enthusiasm for a healthy pastime, and this yoga mat bag by Leah Farquharson will help you look the part and get into the right frame of mind before you even begin. You can opt for any cotton quilting fabric that appeals, but for optimum results we recommend choosing something in a colour and pattern you…

GETTING STARTED You’ll need wool or thread to match your jumper. For a small hole you can use an ordinary sewing thread in a matching colour, as the stitches won’t be seen. For larger holes the stitches will be visible so use a wool or yarn that matches your jumper in weight and colour. If this isn’t possible, then stranded cotton works well and comes in a huge range of colours. For our photos we’ve used a contrast thread just so it shows up. You’ll need a sharp pointed needle for smaller holes and a darning needle, with a blunt point and large eye, for larger holes. Using a darning mushroom keeps the edges of the jumper flat and taut but anything with a rounded edge will do, like a…

Machine appliqué is surprisingly easy to do with a little practise and quicker to work than hand appliqué, though you get quite a different effect. The appliqué shapes are more securely sewn on, so if your item is going to have a lot of wear then machine appliqué is the perfect option. ATTACHING YOUR APPLIQUÉ SHAPES The easiest way to machine appliqué is by sticking your fabric shapes to your base fabric with Bondaweb before you start sewing. This will keep them securely in place, which is particularly important when you're moving the fabric under your machine needle. If you want to appliqué a shape that isn’t symmetrical, you must first reverse the shape. To do this, trace the shape then turn the tracing paper over and draw over the…

Cushion pads are widely available either online or in your local craft shop. There are various shapes available, but one of the most popular is the standard square cushion pad. Cushion pads are filled with either a synthetic or feather filling, and tend to have a different feel to them. Feather filled pads have a more luxurious feel and are squashier to touch, while synthetic cushions tend to remain plump as they will ‘spring’ back into shape. They’re also better for those with allergies. Here’s a list of standard cushion pad sizes. Keep a note of them to help with future projects… STANDARD CUSHION PAD SIZES 30x30cm (12x12in) 35x35cm (14x14in) 40x40cm (16x16in) 45x45cm (18x18in) 50x50cm (20x20in) 55x55cm (22x22in) 60x60cm (24x24in)…

Step one Depending on the thickness of your fabric, you may need the help of a lightbox to help illuminate the design through the fabric. Or you can use a window and trace against it. Either way, tape the design securely in place. Step two Place your fabric in a ring frame with the right side of the fabric face down. Now turn the frame over so the right side of the fabric is face up and place the frame over the design so that it sits flush with the flat surface. Using a ring frame or ‘hoop’ helps to keep the fabric taut. Step three Check the fabric is square to the design and start to trace the design using a light blue coloured pencil or water soluble pen.…

Thank you for making these projects from Simply Sewing. The copyright for these templates belongs to the designer of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to enjoy, so please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission. Please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to others through your website or a third party, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Copyright law protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.…

ZIP IT Don’t forget your fastenings! Finish off with these undyed organic cotton zips. Approx £1. www.stitchorganics.co.uk CHEAP FRILLS Treat yourself to some trim with this organic cotton ribbon, handmade in Japan. £8.90/roll. www. kawasakiribbon.fr STRIPE HYPE Keep it sweet with this candy-stripe organic cotton ribbon, available in green, red and blue. £4.50/5m. www.thecrafterie. co.uk BRAIDY BUNCH Add a bit of sass and colour to your stitching with some hand-dyed, Peruvian organic cotton braid. £13/ spool. www.honey  begood.com THINK PINK Wrap up in natural dyed organic habotai silk ribbon from Lancaster & Cornish. £12/3m. www.lancaster  andcornish.com…

Use a shower curtain as a waterproof lining for your cosmetics case to give it a wipe-clean finish. YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 20x112cm (8x44in) Contrast fabric: 10x112cm (4x44in) Lining fabric: 20x112cm (8x44in) Heavyweight interfacing: 40x60cm (16x24in) Continuous zip with two sliders: 70cm (28in) Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED The fabrics used are from Anna Elise by Bari J for Art Gallery Fabrics. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf Main fabric: Tribal Study, Aura. Ref: AGFANE87502; Binding fabric: Rhythmic Hatch, Vivid. Ref: AGFANE87501; Lining fabric: Rhythmic Hatch, Dream. Ref: AGFANE77501 NOTES You will find the templates for this project on the pull-out pattern sheet provided with this issue. Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. CUTTINGTHE FABRIC Step one Cut the main fabric to the following: Lid and base: two pieces, 20x25cm (77/8x97/8in).…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: see instructions for details Contrast fabric: 15x45cm (6x18in) Interlining: 15x45cm (6x18in) 4mm felt: see instructions for details Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED The fabrics used are from Anna Elise by Bari J for Art Gallery Fabrics. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf Main fabric: Rhythmic Hatch, Dream. Ref: AGFANE77501; Contrast fabric: Tribal Study, Aura. Ref: AGFANE87502 NOTES You will find the template for the slipper soles on the pull-out pattern sheet provided with this issue. Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. CUTTINGTHE FABRIC Step one Trace the slipper sole template and cut it out. To check it fits, place it on the sole of a pair of your own shoes. You can lengthen or shorten it by cutting along the lengthen or shorten line on the template…

YOU WILL NEED Printed cotton fabric: floral, see individual projects for sizing Cotton fabric: white, see individual projects for sizing Lightweight iron-on interfacing: for the collar and headband Bondaweb: for the denim shirt patches Wadding: for the eye mask Toy stuffing: for the pincushion Ribbon: white, 2 metres (2¼ yds), for the drawstring bags and collar Fold-over elastic: white, 53cm (21in), for the eye-mask and headband Wool: turquoise, for the pincushion Stranded cotton: turquoise, for stitching the pom pom onto the top of the pincushion Topstitch thread: blue, for the shirt Pom pom maker: 45mm (1¾in) Air or water erasable pen Tracing paper Basic sewing kit TEMPLATES You will find the templates needed to make these projects on the pull-out pattern sheet included with this issue. HEADBAND Step one Trace…

“OUR CREATIVEBUG CLASSES ARE EDITED TO BE CLEAR AND CONCISE SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO COMMIT TO HOURS OF WATCHING, AND YOU CAN TAKE A CLASS AT ANY TIME.” Getting involved with a community sewing project, working from the same source of inspiration, or joining a group online or otherwise can make us happier sewists. It gives us the chance to develop our skills, and the courage to tackle new challenges. But when it comes to becoming part of a crafty community, be it online or real-life meet-ups, it turns out there are more options than you might expect. We explore a few that share inventiveness and bags of positivity among their qualities. INGENIOUS IDEAS Allison Sadler of lifestyle store People (www.thepeopleshop.co.uk) came to our attention when she launched the…

The simple style of this minimalist leather tote means it’ll go with everything. Play around with leather colours and textures for a different look every time you make it. YOU WILL NEED Tanned leather: 50x75cm (20x30in) Extra strong thread: orange Contact glue Rotary punch Bradawl Craft knife Clothes pegs MAKING THE BAG Step one Using the craft knife, cut the leather: Bag front and back: two pieces 37x40cm (145/8x15¾in). Bag handles: four strips 2x65cm (¾x355/8in). Step two Glue a 5mm (¼in) strip down the sides and across the bottom on the wrong sides (WS) of the bag front then stick the bag back on top WS together. Step three Run the rotary punch along the three glued sides, 8mm (3/8in) from the edge. Use the bradawl to double their size.…

YOU WILL NEED Cotton duvet cover: double size Dylon dye: Goldfish Orange Calico: 150x150cm (60x60in) Velcro: 140cm (55in), sew on Beanbag filling Pom pom trim: turquoise, 4m (4½yds) Basic sewing kit Paper for the pattern NOTES • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. The designers say: “We love the idea of making this pouffe from dyed recycled fabric. The glowing orange we dyed the fabric is a great background for the tile design and the turquoise pom pom trim adds eye-popping colour and texture.” CUTTING OUT Step one Dye the duvet cover in the washing machine following manufacturer instructions. Step two Draw a circle with a 63cm (247/8in) diameter to use as a template: Top: use the whole circle as your pattern. Base left: cut the circle in half down…

SEAM RIPPER You’ll find this odd-looking tool invaluable for cutting through seams and removing stitches. The hook slips under the stitches while the sharp blade at the back cuts the thread. Replace it if it’s getting blunt – they’re cheap. MARKING TOOLS Tailor’s chalk and water- or air-erasable pens and pencils make pinning and tacking much easier as you can see where you’re meant to be sewing. They come in different colours to contrast with your fabric. ROTARY CUTTER If you want to get into patchwork or dressmaking, these make short work of cutting out a lot of fabric and pattern pieces. Always cut away from yourself as they are very sharp. You’ll need a cutting mat and special ruler to use these. PINS AND NEEDLES Indispensable stainless steel pins…

You’ll need stranded embroidery cotton and a sharp or tapestry needle, depending on the fabric you use. See below for a guide for transferring a design – one of the simplest ways is to trace it directly on to your fabric. We use a pale blue coloured pencil – very forgiving against a light-coloured fabric if any lines remain once the design is complete. BACKSTITCH Use backstitch for a neat outline. Bring the needle up and take it back over the fabric, as shown. Push the needle back up in front of where you started, making sure you keep all the stitches neat and even. STEM STITCH With stem stitch, work from left to right, in regular small stitches along the line of the design. The thread always emerges on…

“I REALLY ENJOYED THE SHIRT REFASHIONS I did for the Refashioners project last year ( www.makery.uk/the-refashioners ). This one gave me an excuse to try an idea that had been rattling around my head for a long time – it was so satisfying to see that idea become reality and work just as well as I’d hoped. I spent my whole masters degree working with recycled textiles and there was something very calming about going back to working in that way again. I love the meanings, histories and stories literally woven into old textiles. As a designer, I think it’s far more of a challenge to work within strict restrictions and boundaries; it forces you to get truly creative. All I used to make this dress were three…

“Bags always fit!” rejoices Samantha Hussey, aka bag pattern designer Mrs H. “You never have to worry about them suiting you, they look great and they’re not that complicated to make.” Samantha learned to sew at school before leaving after her GCSEs and working in various catering and retail jobs. “I would probably say that real life got in the way. When I moved to Wales as a newlywed, I started by making gifts before realising I should make my own patterns to keep my creative life fresh! This is definitely the most creative job I’ve ever had.” The majority of her bag pattern designs have been created in order to meet a specific need. “I wrote The Nappy Bag pattern when I was expecting my daughter Elvis,” Samantha says.…

THE FABRIC LOFT At The Fabric Loft you’ll find beautiful cottons and cotton voiles from Art Gallery Fabrics as part of our range of fabulous fabrics for quilting and dressmaking. Art Gallery Fabrics come in stunning designs and feel utterly gorgeous which will mean that your project will be a treat to sew and use. If you’re learning to sew and looking for a bargain, there’s always something on the “On Sale” page. Visit the website to see what’s in store. TEL 01235 519409 WEB thefabricloft.co.uk SEW HOT At Sew Hot we have a huge stock of fabric, patterns and notions for all your sewing needs. With over 2,300 bolts of gorgeous fabrics, you can find a large selection of cottons, denims, linens, batiks, and Kona solids, including collections from…

Blanket stitch is a cunning way to sew appliqué motifs onto a project and add a touch of embellishment at the same time. Rather than hiding your stitches, choose a contrasting of complementary thread shade to show them off, and make them part of your design. Turn to our guide to interfacings on page 48 to find out how to use Bondaweb to give your motif some stability, then play with thread thicknesses and colours until you achieve the effect you’re after. Get started with our blanket stitch workshop on page 45.…

“You can join in by sharing a picture of something you’ve made – it can be anything. As long as it’s handmade, we want to see it! Tag your pictures with #makeitsewcial and your work will appear in the Instagram Make it Sewcial gallery. It’s as easy as that!” Allison Sadler, Make It Sewcial, www.thepeopleshop.co.uk “We offer our kits as one-offs or a subscription. Both include the materials kits and online tutorials, or you can access just the tutorials for £10 every two months. You can also share your makes using #wemakecollective on Instagram. ” Francesca Stone, We Make Collective, www.wemakecollective.com “Joining is as simple as creating an account and watching a class. With a two-week free trial, you can access every class on our site (there’s nearly 600!), so…

YOU WILL NEED Main body fleece: white, 100x75cm (40x30in) Fleece A: pink 44x18cm (18x7in) Fleece B : blue, 28x52cm (11x21in) Fleece C: green, 22x14cm (9x6in) 2 safety eyes: black, 12mm (½in) Felt scrap: white, for eye fixing Polyester toy filling Stranded cotton: 1 black and 1 pastel shade Water-erasable pen or pencil FABRICS USED Main body: Cuddle Dimple, Snow White. Fleece A, B and C: any pastel shades of plain fleece fabric. FINISHED SIZE Approx: 35cm (14in) sitting. NOTES Find the templates to make this project on the pull-out pattern sheet. Seam allowances included. Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one Trace and cut out all of the template pieces. Seam allowances are included and the arrows indicate the direction of the fabric pile…

YOU WILL NEED 1 pair of blue jeans: straight leg Cotton fabric print: 10x10cm (4x4in) (ours is Clown Stripe by Michael Miller) Bondaweb: 10x10cm (4x4in) Bias binding: pink, 12cm (4¾in) Cotton thread: dark blue and bright pink Button Basic sewing kit Designer Jenny says: “You can embellish this easy-to-make lunch bag however you like. I’ve kept mine simple with a healthy apple motif, but you could personalise yours with appliqué initials, embroidery or even have fun with fabric paint. To make the bag, you need as wide a pair of straight leg jeans as possible. Men’s jeans are great for this, though ours are a larger sized ladies’ pair with a 24cm (9½in) wide leg.” APPLIQUÉING THE MOTIF Step one Cut the bottom 40cm (15¾in) off from one leg –…

As much as we love the charm of lovingly hand-stitched decorative details, sometimes we crave a quick sewing fix and this is when machine appliqué comes into its own. This easy-to-master technique is a speedy and simple way to add shapes and motifs to just about anything, from soft furnishings to children's clothing and accessories. Most machine appliqué is done using a secure zigzag stitch, making it ideal for items that will get lots of wear – so no need to keep your finished project hidden away! Follow our machine appliqué how-to overleaf to get started, then learn how to sew a retro-look telephone motif cushion using the technique. Briing! Briing!…