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!
Welcome to 2017! We’ve got a good feeling about this one. Every new year brings new year’s resolutions - and we’ve got plenty on our list. From enrolling on e-courses and mastering French seams, to learning basic embroidery stitches and sewing with fleece - we can’t wait to get started. So let’s invigorate our inspiration boards and make plans for this year’s handmade wishlist. Dream big, folks. Share your 2017 sewing goals using #simplysewingmag…
As the new year starts, I’m making resolutions to use more challenging fabrics. From jersey and wool, to fleece and cable knits, I’ve gone all-out to redesign my winter wardrobe and you can too! Whip up an elasticated waist pencil skirt (p51) and cocoon dress (p40) for everyday wear. Then there’s Cotton + Chalk’s latest pattern, the easy-sew Waterfall Jacket (p36), for keeping cosy and stylish when you’re out and about. It’s so easy, you’ll want to make it in multiple colours! PS: BONUS GIFT WORTH £29 when you subscribe (see p18)…
MICHAEL COATES Michael has been working as a tailor since 1998, and launched The Sewing Guru (www.thesewingguru.com) in 2009. Find out about his video tutorials and visual approach to teaching as part of our e-courses round-up on page 58. WENDY WARD Wendy 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 books. Wendy designed page 35’s Granville Skirt pattern, free with this issue. GRETCHEN HIRSCH Sewing book author, designer of Patterns by Gertie and all-round sewing superstar Gretchen Hirsch knows a thing or two about dressmaking with style. She shows you how to make a staple (and super-comfy) pencil skirt on page 51. DEBBIE VON GRABLER›CROZIER Debbie has been sewing since she was…
SHOOTING STAR We’ve been looking to the night sky for sewing inspiration this issue (check out our constellation-print bedroom accessories to sew on page 20), so it seems it was written in the stars that French pattern label I AM Patterns has released a stellar new collection; titled I AM A STAR, it includes four pattern designs named after stars and constellations. Our pick is the beginner-friendly Cassiopée dress. £13.50 each, www.backstitch.co.uk MADE TO LAST When we spend hours sewing a beautiful new garment, we want it to last! That’s why we love timeless styles like these vintage Simplicity designs. From 1940s tailoring (8242) to a pretty heart apron (8232), there’s a vintage gem for every skill level. From £5.65 each, www.simplicitynewlook.com CAPITAL IDEA Blogger Sally of…
DESIGNING CLOTHES WITH THE FLAT PLAN PATTERN METHOD Sara Alm (£16.99, Creative Publishing international) Sara Alm takes you through the basics of flat plan pattern design, using basic pattern blocks and designing new shapes, style lines and details to create a whole wardrobe of bespoke garments. www.quartoknows.com STITCHED SHIBORI Jane Callender (£19.99, Search Press) Shibori teacher Jane Callender presents her comprehensive guide to all things shibori packed with ideas and inspiration, with both traditional and new innovative dyeing techniques. Great for shibori beginners. www.searchpress.com TIE & DYE Lizzie King (£12.99, Pavilion Books) Transform your home and wardrobe with a fresh new take on tie-dyeing from Lizzie King, with guides to different techniques and effects and fashion-forward projects ranging from colourful T-shirts and dip-dye shoelaces to tropical bunting. www.pavilionbooks.com THE CAPSULE…
Residents of London, Croydon and Sheffield may spot something familiar about many designs by Made by Mrs M, aka Kate Marsden. That’s because Kate doesn’t need to look too far from home for inspiration, finding it in spades from the “mid-century and brutalist architecture where I live in London, Croydon (which is just down the road from me) and Sheffield (where I have a long-standing connection) – in fact my first fabric design was of the Park Hill Flats in Sheffield.” After studying Fashion & Textiles at Lincoln (“back in the days before Lincoln University, when it was a separate art college – yes, that long ago!”) Kate had a career at a law firm in the City of London before returning to her passion for design after her son…
