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!
Brrr! It might be chilly outside but with this issue’s snuggly slippers and chic Cotton + Chalk cardigan in our sewing armoury, we’re yet to feel anything except cosy and warm. We’ll be stitching up the cardi in a plain knit for everyday wear, and then an on-trend print in heavier-weight jersey for a statement cover-up – because you can never have too many winter warmers, right? Don’t forget to share your cosy makes with us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter using #simplysewingmag…
ABI DYSON Abi started her sewing blog, www.thecraftypinup.co.uk, in 2016 and has since launched her own YouTube channel. She also runs a lingerie business at www.myretrocloset.co.uk. Sew her quick-make heart patch pockets on page 53. KATE SMITH Kate founded The Makery, a haberdashery and workshop space, in 2009. She has since published two books and opened a workshop in John Lewis on Oxford Street. Sew her moccasin slippers on page 65, and see her favourite make on page 98. JENNI SMITH Designer Jenni grew up in a crafty household and has been sewing for the last 25 years. She now runs her own studio based in Yorkshire teaching classes in dressmaking, quilting and textile art. She shows you how to make a tie on page 83. ROSIE MARTIN Rosie Martin…
SHAPE SHIFTER These new designs from Victory Patterns have us oohing and aahing – and firing up our sewing machine! The three mix-and-match patterns play with classic silhouettes for modern basics with a twist: staple trousers have been given an upgrade with Esther’s overlapping pleats; a plain tee can be made into a wow frock with Frances’ circle-skirt variation; and the classic cardi goes luxe with Samara's kimono style. Visit www.victorypatterns.com HAPPY BIRTHDAY SQ! Sewing Quarter is celebrating a year on air – and what a year! From sewing a menagerie of soft toys with Jo Carter to welcoming iconic designer Kaffe Fassett to the studio, it's been an inspiring 12 months. Watch on Freeview 78 (Sky channel coming soon!) and online at www.youtube.com/sewingquarter PINEAPPLE PAL A professionally…
We’ve found sewing to be one of life’s best mood-boosters – give us a free afternoon, a stitching project and a cup of tea, and we’re happy! And it seems that The Make Arcade’s Ruth Oliver is a crafter after our own heart. Her DIY kits are joyously colourful and full of fun, and include everything from ‘more gin please’ slogan hoops to a sloth keyring kit. Ruth has always had a passion for crafting, coupled with a quirky sense of style. “I have loved making since I was really little! After a series of interesting fashion statements and entrepreneurial endeavors in my teenage years (I made and sold scrunchies in the early 90s!), I moved to London to study fashion accessory design.” After a career working in “various accessory…
ANIMAL QUILTS Juliet van der Heijden (£16.99, SewandSo) Tigers and swans and peacocks, oh my! Take a walk on the wild side with these 12 animal designs to stitch. Master foundation paper piecing with the detailed step-by-step instructions and learn how to resize and adapt the quilt blocks to suit your project – a mini quilt would make a thoughful gift for a little animal fan. www.sewandso.co.uk 1000 MINI CROSS STITCH MOTIFS Sharon Welch (£12.99, Search Press) Your sewing shelf isn’t complete without this invaluable resource for cross stitchers. Inside you’ll find a myriad of motifs to mix and match, from flowers and animals to sweet treats and travel, grouped into popular themes, plus ideas for how to display your stitching as samplers and greetings cards. www.searchpress.com HOOP ART Cristin…
Try a twist on the classic work shirt with a statement collar and win at transitional style by layering with your fave knit for an unexpected collar-pop. 1. The staple white blouse has been given a Cath Kidston makeover with an oh-so-sweet embroidered floral Peter pan collar. £50, www.cathkidston.com 2. Already got the perfect white shirt in your wardrobe? Add these laser-cut cactus collar clips to take it from workday to weekend. £30, www.finestimaginary.com 3. This beautiful stitched butterfly collar has set our hearts a-flutter! Designer Connie Abbott embroiders each shirt by hand, so no two are the same. Approx £75 from www.conniemabbott.etsy.com…
