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 festive season underway, our trusty sewing machines are full speed ahead and whirring along to the sound of Christmas tunes as we stitch up some handmade loveliness for the holidays. Pausing only for mince pies and to restock our seasonal stash, we’re sewing personalised gifts for the whole family, decking the halls with stylish decorations made from our most coveted fabrics and, of course, treating ourselves to a new party frock – or two! Let’s make this our best handcrafted Christmas yet.…
Party season is here and what better way to celebrate than making our statement Esme Dress (p36)? We’ve got two versions for you to sew, as well as this winter’s must-wear garment – the faux leather skirt (p41). If gifting is your game, then you’re in luck! There are quick-make gift ideas for all the family (p20) as well as on-trend decs (p71) and star cushions (p73) to sew. Plus, vote for your stitchy faves and you could win a £100 Amazon voucher, see p56 for details.…
TINA O’ROURKE Tina is a craft practitioner, writer and facilitator living in the west coast of Ireland. Her skills include pattern drafting and design using textiles, felt, hand and machine embroidery and crochet. Make her tabletop tree ornament on page 71. LISA COMFORT Lisa Comfort is the founder and owner of Sew Over It, a sewing haven and fabric shop in London, and has launched a new brand of handmade storage baskets at www.tokaree.co.uk. She shares her Christmas craft plans on page 44. CORINNE LAPIERRE Corinne Lapierre designs and makes beautiful felt sewing kits featuring woodland wildlife and quirky items such as miniature houses, toadstools and gingerbread men. She shares where she finds inspiration for her creations on page 64. CATHY MCKINNON AND ARIANNA CADWALLADER Designers Cathy and Arianna are…
EARTH MOTHER Finnish pattern brand Named celebrate nature and science with their new Earth Science collection. The designs take inspiration from geology and minerals, with geometric lines, interesting cuts and organic, flowing silhouettes. Panelled details throughout offer an opportunity to play with unique fabric combinations in this season’s earthy and jewel tones – perfect for a luxe party frock! From approx £12, www.namedclothing.com BRIGHT IDEAS Craft your way to a stylish and fuss-free festive season with our sister magazine Simply Christmas, packed with handy gift guides, tempting recipes, on-trend decor and creative makes, including a gorgeous Liberty-print table runner by Alice Caroline. £5.99 from www.buysubscriptions.com EFFORTLESS EVERYDAY If your wardrobe is overflowing but you often feel like you have nothing to wear, it’s time to sew up a…
CONSTELLATIONS Amber Platzer =Corcoran and Jaime Jennings (£15.99, Lucky Spool Media) Look to the stars for stitching ideas with this book of constellation patchwork. The serenity of the night sky is captured in 12 minimalist blocks, with modern makes such as a patchwork jacket. www.luckyspool.com THE SAVVY SEAMSTRESS Nicole Mallalieu (£24.99, C&T Publishing) Channel your inner fashion designer and add your own twist to your favourite sewing patterns with this guide to pattern hacking, featuring techniques and tips for switching up design details such as pockets, necklines and fastenings to create your own unique garments for women, men and children. www.ctpub.com STYLISH HOME SEWING Torie Jayne (£12.99, CICO Books) Add handmade loveliness to every room with this book of over 35 practical projects by blogger Torie Jayne in her trademark…
1. Get comfy for a Christmas movie marathon on this hand-knitted cushion in a minimalist colour-pop design. From approx £74, www.hjartslag.etsy.com 2. Feel like an extra in The Borrowers under this jumbo knit blanket, available in over 30 colours and hand-knitted by Lauren Aston using giant knitting needles. From £300, www.laurenastondesigns.etsy.com 3. Beat the chill on winter walks with this oversized scarf in goes-with-anything grey, available as a ready-to-wear scarf or as a craft kit for you to arm-knit yourself. £50, www.woolcouturecompany.etsy.com…
