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!
It’s official: the season of selfless sewing has commenced. This month we’re compiling our Christmas lists, because it’s never too early to make a start on those handmade gifts, right? But first (admittedly on a more selfish note) we’re redesigning our winter wardrobes. From The Fold Line’s button placket dress to Lisa Comfort’s flattering pencil skirt and our own quick-to-sew faux fur snood, we’re looking forward to enjoying some seasonal glamour. Are you? # simplysewingmag…
Well, hello autumn. Didn’t you come around fast? Not that I’m too fussed because this is my favourite season for making new clothes! And we’ve got plenty for you to choose from this issue, including The Fold Line’s oh-so-flattering Joni Dress pattern (p34) - your free gift - Lisa Comfort’s Erin Skirt sew along (p60) and Portia Lawrie’s chic and comfortable poncho (p52). Not to mention our faux fur snood workshop (p68), so glamorous! PS: BONUS GIFT WORTH £52 when you subscribe (see p20)…
THE FOLD LINE Rachel and Kate set up online sewing community The Fold Line in October last year, with a pattern database, a forum for connecting with other makers, and a handy sewing resources section. They designed this issue’s Joni Dress on page 34. KIRSTY HARTLEY Kirsty is the designer behind childrenswear label Wild Things and the author of two sewing books, “Wild Things: Funky Little Clothes to Sew” and “Wild Things to Make”. Make her glittery dragon wings and mask dress-up project on page 72. WENDY WARD Wendy Ward teaches sewing classes at MIY Workshop in Brighton, has a range of sewing patterns, tools and accessories called MIY Collection, and is the author of two sewing books. She shares the story behind her sewing business and her future plans…
RETRO RULES Did you spot Tatty Devine’s new sewing-themed collection in Simply Sewing issue 20? Our favourite pick of the bunch definitely has to be this retro sewing machine necklace (£75) – and we’ve got one to give away to a lucky reader! Enter today at www.simplysewingmag.com and swoon over the full collection at www.tattydevine.com SASSY STITCHING Our ideal weekend involves lots of sewing and plenty of coffee, so it’s like Genevieve Brading has read our minds with this fun cross-stitch project from her new book, I Got 99 Problems but a Stitch Ain’t One, which puts a sassy twist on traditional cross stitch with attitude-filled slogans to sew. £10 from www.octopusbooks.co.uk NEW-IN NANI IRO Naomi Ito is the Japanese artist and designer behind Nani Iro’s dreamy collections…
MAKING LUNA LAPIN Sarah Peel (David & Charles, £15.99) Step into the charming world of Luna Lapin, a “quiet and kind rabbit with impeccable taste,” and sew your own Luna and her wardrobe of outfits. To buy a copy for £10.99 with free UK postage, call 01206 255777 and quote IM2216. Offer ends 10th December 2016. www.fwcommunity.com A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MAKING SKIRTS Wendy Ward (CICO Books, £14.99) Wendy Ward’s second book has all the know-how and patterns you need to sew up 24 skirts from eight basic shapes. Psst! Find a pattern from the book in issue 23, on sale 3 Nov. www.rylandpeters.com TAKE A SEAT Jemima Schlee (GMC Publications, £12.99) Jemima Schlee’s inspiring book shows you how to revamp old chairs using fabrics, textures, yarns and paints. The…
In my last column, I spoke about zero waste’s historical design intentions. Today, although these intentions still apply, its purpose is more focussed on the elimination of waste. To design sustainably forces us to become more thoughtful. Most innovations start with identifying a need for change, and to say that the volume of textile waste needs to change is a huge understatement. Our planet, and the people who live here, simply cannot handle the quantity of landfill we are producing. And zero-waste design is one step towards a solution. As a designer, every choice I make has an impact on people and the planet. From the textiles I choose, to the thread and other haberdashery, there are positive and negative effects. I believe that it is my responsibility to decide…
