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!
With the new school term in full swing, we’re thinking more carefully about the durability of our me-mades. So we’ve been experimenting with different fabrics! Our wipe-clean laminate accessories for the kids are great fun for school. Then there’s a comfy cropped sweatshirt for weekend lounging and hard-wearing denim dress for everyday wear. Plus, we show you how to add handy seamed pockets to your existing garments. Get more from your wardrobe and share your makes using #simplysewingmag…
Wow, what a month. There’s so much going on here at Simply Sewing HQ, I don’t think I can give it all credit in this tiny column! From the launch of the new Sewing Quarter TV channel (see p82 for more info), to our interview with Alison Smith MBE (p58), we’ve been rubbing shoulders with lots of sewing stars! We’ve also been chatting to Matt Chapple and other toy-makers about their businesses (p78). It’s been all work and lots of play. Enjoy! PS: BONUS GIFT WORTH £40 when you subscribe (see p38)…
ALISON SMITH Alison Smith launched School of Sewing in 1992 and has since run a fabric shop, produced her own pattern range, published four sewing books and received an MBE for services to sewing and corsetry. She shares her future plans on page 58. KIRSTY HARTLEY Designer and craft author Kirsty Hartley designs fabric prints and playful childrenswear and accessories in the UK, and is the founder of popular children’s clothing label, Wild Things. Kirsty designed The Freja Dress on page 34. MATT CHAPPLE Matt Chapple won the Great British Sewing Bee in 2015 and has since launched a blog and sewing kit range called Sew What’s New with his wife Gemma. His debut sewing book is out now. He offers his top tips for making toys on page 78.…
V FOR VICTORY Forget the flowers and chocolates – the best thing about Valentine’s Day is that it offers us the perfect excuse to sew up a romantic new outfit, like the slinky Trina pattern from Victory Patterns. This elegant design has an oh-so-flattering wrap closure, flowing shape and dramatic wide sleeves and can be made as a kimono-style top or floaty dress. We love its glamorous 1930s-Hollywood vibe. Pdf pattern £9.75, www.backstitch.co.uk CUTTING IT Once we’ve planned a project, we want to skip straight to the fun bit of stitching it all together! That’s why it’s essential to have quality cutting tools in your kit like this pretty and practical rotary cutter for quick, accurate cutting of slippery fabrics and jerseys. £17.95, www.sewcraftyonline.co.uk PATCH IT UP Pins,…
If we were to sum up the work of self-confessed “colour enthusiast and pattern lover” Natalie Lea Owen in three words, quirky, original and fun would be the words we’d use. Natalie’s bright illustrations adorn everything from greetings cards to cushions, sold through her online shop launched in October 2015. If you want to add colour and cheer to your home, Natalie’s designs will certainly do the trick! So, how did Natalie discover her signature bold style? “I’ve always been very creative. I guess it all started with textiles GCSE and art A-level. I went to Camberwell College of Art before moving to Leeds, where I got a first- class degree in Printed Textiles and Surface Pattern Design at Leeds College of Art.” After graduating in 2014, she moved back…
PRINT & PATTERN NATURE Bowie Style (£19.99, Laurence King) The latest book based on the Print & Pattern blog celebrates beautiful surface design, covering everything from giftwrap and stationery to fabrics, wallpaper and ceramics. An inspiring reference book for designers and crafters alike. www.laurenceking.com LOTTA JANSDOTTER COLLECTION COLORING BOOK Lotta Jansdotter (£11.99, C&T Publishing) Try the colouring-in trend Scandi-style with Lotta Jansdotter’s modern designs, printed single-sided so you can frame your finished masterpiece. www.searchpress.com TECHNICAL DRAWING FOR FASHION Basia Szkutnicka (£30, Laurence King) Sketch your dressmaking ideas like a pro with this invaluable book, which shows you how to create a technical fashion drawing using a step-by-step method, as well as featuring over 600 technical drawings of garment types. www.laurenceking.com THE MAKER’S ATELIER Frances Tobin (£30, Quadrille) The first book…
