Simply Sewing is a practical magazine for makers who sew, or would like to start sewing. Its contemporary look and feel, fresh attitude and ideas, beautiful photography and inspiring projects will have you behind the sewing machine from the get-go!
We believe weekends are for relaxing, so it’s no surprise we take a relaxed approach to our weekend wardrobes. From chilled-out dungarees to pretty pinafore dresses (perfect for layering now the colder months are on their way), denim cover-ups to handy hold-it-all weekend bags, we’re all about making our me-mades work for us. We’d love to see how your capsule collection is taking shape - tag us into your photos using # simplysewingmag. Until next time...…
I wouldn’t say I’m a trend-setter, but I like experimenting with my wardrobe and trying out new looks. So I’ve packed this issue with heaps of different styles for you to try out, too! Dare to bare in a handkerchief dress (p43), sew Cotton + Chalk’s dungarees and pinafore dress set (p32), or whip up a go-with-anything kimono (p48). I’ve also been chatting about up-and-coming trends with the gals at The Fold Line (p18). Watch this space... Charlie Moorby, Editor PS: SAVE A WHOPPING 40% when you subscribe (see p36)…
SAMANTHA CLARIDGE Samantha is a craft blogger and owner of www.sewcraftyonline.co.uk. She is a lifelong sewist, crafter, artist and handmade advocate. She draws the inspiring illustrations for our Cotton + Chalk sewing patterns (see The Sunday Set on page 32). SARAH WATSON Embroiderer, fabric designer and illustrator Sarah Watson studied textile design at the Savannah College of Art and Design and is the author of Pen to Thread. Find out how her designs take shape and see her inspiring studio on page 60. DEBBIE VON GRABLER CROZIER Debbie has been sewing since she was ten years old, taught by her nana on an antique Singer machine. She is a craft author and shares patterns and tutorials on her blog, sallyandcraftyvamp.blogspot.co.uk. Debbie designed page 47’s The Weekend Tote pattern free with…
AUTUMN STROLL Inspired by English orchards drenched in late-summer amber sunshine, Cath Kidston’s autumn/winter range of clothing and accessories includes apple-and-pear-print totes, block-stripe dresses and flower-sprigged umbrellas, as well as bags, rain macs, pyjama sets and more. From £6 (for cosy Forest Animals socks). www.cathkidston.com A TOUCH OF MAGIC Little and grown-up girls alike will fall for the Magic collection by Sarah Jane at Michael Miller Fabrics. We’re enamoured with the Sally dress made in Unicorn Parade, and the Ella dress made up in Unicorn Forest. Add a pair of wings and a wand and we’ll be in heaven! Find your stockist at www.michaelmillerfabrics.com MEET CORA W Say hello to Cora, your new sewing best friend. This ingenious iPhone, iPad and iPod app will help fabric fiends stay…
KAFFE FASSETT’S BOLD BLOOMS Kaffe Fassett and Liza Prior Lucy (Abrams Books, £21.99) Indulge in this mouth-watering book spilling over with Kaffe’s trademark vivacity, along with all the tips you could need to tackle stitching needlepoint blooms and floral patchwork.www.abramsandchronicle.co.uk SEW HOME Erin Schlosser (Search Press, £18.99) Learn new sewing techniques, pick up some design skills and revitalise every room in the house with 30 projects ranging from rugs, table runners and lampshades to clever storage solutions. www.searchpress.com THE QUILT BLOCK COOKBOOK Amy Gibson (Lucky Spool Media, £20.99) With 50 block patterns to play with, plenty of variations to choose from and some rock solid sewing tips to boot, this is a truly addictive book for quilt enthusiasts, and perfect for beginner quilters, too. www.luckyspool.com UPCYCLING Max McMurdo (Jacqui Small,…
Most of us have heard the old adage that “there’s nothing new under the sun,” and in design I truly believe that every idea, every innovation, has an echo from the past. My zero-waste pattern design journey started as an experiment in sustainable innovation, but it soon became a lesson in historical garment construction. Zero-waste design can be complex, so it’s useful to refer to something well known; and the Japanese kimono is a great example. The kimono is made up of eight pieces, and is typically made from fabric woven with this specific end use in mind, at 35-40cm wide. When a kimono is constructed, there is zero fabric waste, and traditionally when it is washed the stitching is completely unpicked! Similarly, when starting a zero-waste design, the fabric…
