Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 39 i Simply Sewing

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…

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…

3 FEBRUARY›28 APRIL 2019 Royal Women. Fashion Museum, Bath. Discover the stories behind the dresses and accessories worn by four iconic royal women.www.fashionmuseum.co.uk 9 FEBRUARY›6 MAY T-Shirt: Cult – Culture – Subversion. Fashion and Textile Museum, London. A display charting the history and culture of the ubiquitous T-shirt. www.ftmlondon.org 24 FEBRUARY Beginners Shibori. FABRICATIONS, London. Learn the key binding techniques and stitches used in shibori and create beautiful traditional Japanese patterns at this one-day workshop. www.fabrications1.co.uk 1- 4 MARCH Spring Knitting & Stitching Show. Olympia Central, London. Get inspired at workshops and demos and stock up on supplies.www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com…

MEMORY LANE POCKET FULL OF MEMORIES BY LIBERTY See a day out in London through a child's eyes with these whimsical Liberty prints inspired by some of the city's iconic museums. Take a tour through the costume archives at the V&A, gaze in wonder at the Natural History Museum's dino displays, and dream of taking flight to faraway places in the hot air balloons and rockets at the Science Museum. Sounds like the perfect day to us! www.alicecaroline.co.uk DESERT DREAMS SANTA FE BY SARAH WATTS FOR COTTON + STEEL Sarah Watts takes us on a trip to sunny New Mexico with her atmospheric Santa Fe prints. Pen and ink illustrations capture its beauty and magic, from hazy deserts to beautiful wildlife and verdant forests. Add to your stash…

PSST: Turn to page 39 for fabric and styling inspiration, and be sure to share your Drape Cardigan with us using #simplysewingmag We're firm believers that you can never have too many cardigans – from short, lightweight cardis for layering with our me-made frocks, to oversized coatigans for effortless transitional dressing, the humble cardigan can do it all! This issue's cover star, The Drape Cardigan, in UK sizes 6-20 (US 4-18/EUR 34-48), includes two essential cardigan styles with details to mix and match: Cardigan A is a short, drapey design with a flattering curved hemline, while Cardigan B is a longline version perfect for chunkier knits. Change up the look of this simple shape by getting creative with your fabric choice – choose a plain jersey for a capsule-wardrobe-worthy basic,…

One of the joys of sewing is being able to create the beautiful clothes we covet without having to spend a fortune or contribute to the disposable fashion culture that’s taken hold in recent years. Imagine, though, if you could take that a step further and recreate any garment you glimpsed or thought up without the need for a pattern? It sounds a little too good to be true but, in fact, with a bit of courage, patience and play, it's entirely attainable. This issue, four freehand fashion fans let us in on their top tips for mastering the art of patternless sewing, and how they first came to fall under its spell. ARE YOU EXPERIENCED? First things first, having rock-solid sewing skills in your repertoire will really help as…

Abi says: “This tutorial is easypeasy and recommended for all sewing abilities. This would work on multiple fabrics - I’ve added the pockets to a jersey dress, too.” YOU WILL NEED Skirt Fabric for pockets: see instructions for details Matching thread Basic sewing kit MAKING A TEMPLATE The size of your pocket will depend on your garment – for this skirt I went by eye. Step one To make your template, fold a piece of paper in half and draw one half of a heart. Step two Cut the whole heart out and pin it to your garment to give you an idea of the size then redraw if necessary. Step three Once you’re happy with the size of the heart, retrace it and add a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance…

YOU WILL NEED Linen fabric: 25x15cm (6x10in), bookmark front Cotton fabric: 18x6.5cm (71/8x25/8in), bookmark back Stranded cotton: light green, dark green and grey Ribbon or selvedge: 1x8cm (3/8x3in) Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES • Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance. • Download the template from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads WORKING FISHBONE STITCH Step one Working on one leaf shape at a time, make a short vertical straight stitch. Bring the needle up on the right side of the shape and go back down just to the left of the centre line.01 Step two Bring the needle up on the left side of the shape and then go back down just to the right of the centre line.02 Step three Repeat this process to fill in the shape. You can make the stitches…

YOU WILL NEED Fabric A: 50x75cm (20x30in), plush for main body Fabric B: 38x38cm (15x15in), plush for tummy, ear, chin and foot Felt: 24x24cm (10x10in), for nostrils, claws and spikes Pair of 10mm (3/8in) black plastic safety eyes Stranded cotton: black Polyester toy filling Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Fabric A: Smooth Cuddle 3 in Jade. Fabric B: Smooth Cuddle 3 in Ivory. From www.plushaddict.co.uk FINISHED SIZE Approx 42cm (16½in) tall. NOTES • Download the templates from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads • Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. • As the limbs, ears and wings are sewn directly into seams, it's best to sew over the joins twice. CUTTING OUT Step one Trace and cut out all the template pieces. These include seam allowances where necessary and the…

EAST MIDLANDS LEICESTERSHIRE CRAFT CENTRE Workshops and courses for adults and children of all levels, craft supplies, patterns and fabric available online and in store. leicestershirecraftcentre.co.uk NORTH HAPPY HARE An independent sewing store in Chapeltown, Sheffield, stocking a range of fabrics, including Michael Miller, Riley Blake and Tula Pink. handmadehappyhare.com SCOTLAND ABBEY SEWING MACHINES Tailored to meet your personal needs whether you are a seasoned sewer or buying your first machine. Elna, Janome, Singer, Husqvarna. 01387 249580 SCOTLAND ROMY’S SEWING ROOMS Bright, friendly shop for all sewers, selling patterns, fabric and notions. Sewing classes for all ages and abilities from an experienced dressmaker. facebook/Romyssewingrooms/ NORTHERN IRELAND MIBS FABRICS Mibs fabrics specialise in all things stretchy. A whole host of other fabrics and a great range of haberdashery too. 10% off…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: see instructions for details Old umbrella with a ferrule Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED The fabric used is from the Matt Laminates collection from Cloud9 Fabrics. On Point. Ref: C9LM165908. It is a 147cm (58in) width 100% organic cotton fabric with a PU coating, so is lighter weight and more flexible than an oilcloth but water-resistant. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk TAKING THE UMBRELLA APART Step one If you can unscrew the ferrule (the top spike of the umbrella) from your umbrella then do this first. If not, then remove the open cap (a ring which sits around the bottom of the ferrule on top of the umbrella fabric). Ease this off carefully so you don’t damage it.01 Step two Cut the threads which…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: canvas, 43x86cm (17x34in) Lining fabric: cotton print, 43x86cm (17x34in) Medium-weight interfacing: 43x86cm (17x34in) 8 eyelets: 8mm diameter Webbing: 2.5cm (1in) wide x 100cm (39in) Cotton cord: 1m (1yd) NOTE Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance. CUTTING OUT Step one Cut the main fabric, the lining fabric and the interfacing in half to make two pieces of each measuring 43x43cm (17x17in). Step two Cut a 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in) square from each bottom corner of all six pieces.01 MARKING THE EYELET POSITIONS Step one Measure 5cm (2in) from the top edge of the main fabric and draw a line across the width. Step two Mark the eyelets' positioning, measuring from the left of the fabric at: 9.5cm (3¾in), 8cm (31/8in), 8cm (31/8in), 8cm (31/8in).02 MAKING THE BAG OUTER…

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…

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…

TOTALLY MADE UP Upgrade your travel kit or dressing table with metallic-detail swan zip pouches. From £16.50, www.oliverbonas.com SLEEPING BEAUTY Make a cosy nest for your little chick in this snuggly cot bed duvet set in super-soft organic cotton. £54 from www.themodernnursery.com TAKE NOTE We won’t need to choose between our two favourite feathered friends thanks to this book duo. £14, www.papermash.co.uk TOO-CUTE TABLE Host the princess tea party of your childhood dreams with these pastel table accessories. From www.talkingtables.co.uk WEARABLE ART Pin this paint-by-numbers-style brooch crafted in laser-cut plastic to your fave coat. £25, www.finestimaginary.com…

SEWING GOODIES TO BE WON! We’ve got six stash-boosting sets of dressmaking essentials to give away! They might often get overlooked, but fabric stabilisers are one of the most important weapons in the dressmaker’s arsenal, giving shape and definition to pockets, cuffs, collars and more. Vlieseline’s versatile range of iron-on, woven interlinings provide support and shaping for all kinds of handmade projects, from garments and home furnishings to mixed media crafts. This month we’re giving away six bumper bundles of Vlieseline interfacings in a selection of weights totalling 4m, plus a pair of Hemline dressmaking shears in a cool rainbow finish. Enter at www.simplysewingmag.com for your chance to win and visit www.ladysewandsew.co.uk or email groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk for stockists. WIN! KITS FROM THE MAKERY Enter for your chance to win a set…

Pep up a neutral look with a splash of hot pink Lipstick www.primark.com, nail varnish www.marksandspencer.com Add tonal interest with a string of shaded beads, £29.50, www.oliverbonas.com Upgrade your usual T-shirt- and-jeans combo with a leather-detail tee, £6, www.primark.com Go for a rock 'n' roll vibe with subtly distressed jeans, www.evans.co.uk Chunky biker boots are our weekend go-to, £99, www.dunelondon.com…

YOU WILL NEED Fabric: see instructions for details An existing top to draw your pattern from Metre ruler Tailor’s chalk Matching thread Basic sewing kit  Designer Rosie says: "This paperbag-sleeve blouse is made from just six rectangles of fabric. One forms the front of the blouse and one the back. Each of the sleeves is made from a larger rectangle that is gathered and then split into an upper and lower part, and also a narrow rectangle which forms the ‘tie’ section." TAKING MEASUREMENTS Step one You need a top that fits you to take your measurements from. It should be made from woven rather than stretch fabric with a rounded neckline and fairly roomy sleeves. This is your guide garment. Step two Take the following body measurements and write…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 60x100cm (24x40in) Lining fabric: 50x100cm (20x40in) Zip: 45cm (18in) Webbing: 3cm (1¼in) width x 150cm (60in) 2 D-rings: 3cm (1¼in) Strap adjuster slider: 3cm (1¼in) Magnetic clasp Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTE Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance. CUTTING OUT Step one Cut the main fabric into two pieces each measuring 56x48cm (221/8x187/8in) for the front and back of the bag. Step two Cut the lining fabric as follows: Bag lining: two pieces each measuring 48x48cm (187/8x187/8in). Zip tabs: two pieces, 4x12cm (15/8x4¾in). ADDING ZIP TABS Step one Take one zip tab and fold it in half widthways with wrong sides (WS) together, then open it out and fold the two edges to this centre fold and fold it in half again, and press.…

YOU WILL NEED A pair of leather moccasin soles Outer fabric: one fat quarter in cotton, linen or jersey Lining fabric: 65x50cm (26x20in), sherpa fleece Topstitch thread Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. MATERIALS USED The moccasin soles pack comes with a pair of leather moccasin soles and the templates for making the slippers. This pack is available from CUTTING OUT Step one Cut out the two pattern pieces from your moccasins pack. Step two Fold the fleece in half then pin the lining pattern piece on top of it, placing it so there is to room to cut another pair. Cut around the pattern to make two mirror-image pieces. Repeat this to make four fleece pieces in total. Step three…

YOU WILL NEED Five co-ordinating print fabrics for patchwork: 20x112cm (8x44in) each Base fabric: 50x50cm (20x20in) Sides fabric: 50x85cm (20x34in) Handle fabric: 15x25cm (6x10in) Fusible fleece: 150x90cm (60x36in) Heavyweight sew-in interfacing: 7.5x25cm (3x10in) Polystyrene bean bag filling: 0.04m³ (1.5ft³) Large button (optional) Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED From the Bachelorette Fusion collection by Art Gallery Fabrics. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk NOTES • Download the template from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads • Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance • Use low-quality or thin paper for foundation piecing. • Shorten your stitch length to 1.0-1.5 for foundation piecing. • Use an old sewing machine needle for paper piecing, as paper will blunt needles quickly. CUTTING OUT Step one Download and print out six of template A and six of template B then roughly…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: large pouch, 32x32cm (125/8x125/8in); small pouch, 20x20cm (77/8x77/8in) Lining fabric: large pouch, 32x32cm (125/8x125/8in); small pouch, 20x20cm (77/8x77/8in) Ribbon or cord: large pouch, 140cm (55in); small pouch, 100cm (39in) • Matching thread B asic sewing kit FABRICS USED The fabrics used are from the Indie Folk collection by Pat Bravo for Art Gallery Fabrics. Verdant Bloom. Ref: AGFIFL46308; Meadow Vivid. Ref: AGFIFL56302; Kohkhloma Gloom. Ref: AGFIFL56300; Pathways Rich. Ref: AGFIFL56306. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf NOTES Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. JOINING THE FABRICS Step one Place the main fabric and lining fabric right sides (RS) facing and stitch together all the way around, leaving a 5cm (2in) turning gap in the centre of one side. Step two Clip off the corners then turn the…

Eyelets are brilliant little things that crop up on everything from clothing and shoes to home furnishings and swing tags. Once you see just how brilliant they are, you’ll want to use them on everything! Eyelets are circular metal rings which are most commonly inserted to reinforce materials, but they can also be used decoratively on fabrics, too. We’re covering both uses with this lovely bucket bag, accessorised with functional brass eyelets and a drawstring cord to fasten it. WHAT ARE EYELETS? Eyelets have many uses and selecting the right eyelet will depend on lots of things, including size, spacing, function and what you’re going to make. The type of eyelets used with fabrics tend to be metal eyelets. There are two main types – small metal eyelets which are…

MARKING PEN Transfer markings to your fabric, then wash them out when finished. TAPE MEASURE A flexible fabric tape measure will take accurate measurements. MARKING PENCIL Choose a colour that shows up on your fabric. TAILOR’S CHALKSX Chalk temporarily marks fabric and can be easily brushed away. SEAM RIPPER This sharp blade cuts through and unpicks stitches. PINS Stainless steel pins with sharp points are best. FABRIC CLIPS Use these instead of pins when sewing thicker fabrics. THIMBLE to protect Wear your fingers when handstitching. PINKING SHEARS These cut a zigzag edge on fabric to neaten. SHEARS Keep a pair of sharp shears just for cutting out your fabric. SMALL SCISSORS Use for snipping threads and cutting notches. HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF ACCURATELY ALWAYS MEASURE YOURSELF BEFORE you choose a…

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…

DRESSMAKER’S KIT here are some tools that no T dressmaker’s cutting mat (or table) should be without and now is a great time to stock up on all the essentials. Our favourites include handy marking tools for transferring designs, scissors for pattern-cutting, a French curve for creating smooth arcs, tracing paper for precise pattern edits and pattern weights for holding our patterns in place. But there’s always room for a few more... All available at www.sewingquarter.com LIVE everyday 8am - 12 noon · FREEVIEW CHANNEL 78 · SKY CHANNEL 678 · www.sewingquarter.com *£5 minimum spend. Offer is available online only and can be redeemed by using voucher code SHEAR at the checkout on www.SewingQuarter.com. Offer expires 3rd March 2018. Voucher code is not redeemable on TV promoted product within the…

MOBILE YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: knits or flannels, see instructions for details Mobile kit: wooden mobile frame 33cm (13in) wide Strong thread Polyester fibrefill Matching sewing thread Erasable fabric pen Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED The fabrics are from Field Day by Elizabeth Olwen for Cloud9 Fabrics. For stockists visit LightSprout Pink. Ref: C9FD102901. Light Sprout, Citron. Ref: C9FD102902. Cottonflower, Pink. Ref: C9FD102401. We bought our mobile kit online from NOTES Download the templates from Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. CUTTING OUT Step one Download and cut out the templates. Step two The amount of fabric you need depends on how many individual shapes you are going to make. For each shape you need – moon: 15x24cm (6x10in); star: 15x24cm (6x10in); cloud :15x20cm (6x8in). We made six clouds,…

YOU WILL NEED Simple pull-on shift dress pattern Contrasting fabrics: see instructions for details Square ruler Matching thread Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED Dress pattern: Maven Patterns French Dart Shift Tunic from www.mavenpatterns.co.uk Fabric: Polyester bi-stretch suiting from www.minervacrafts.com Portia says: "A classic shift dress with clean lines forms the perfect starting point for a little colour play. Learn how to slice up a dressmaking pattern in order to create a colour-blocked version. Great for using up smaller remnants in your stash, too!" CHOOSING A PATTERN AND FABRIC Step one Select a pattern that is simple and has as few details as possible. You want your colour- blocking to do the talking, and you will be creating additional bulk by joining fabrics. The fewer details like zips and darts you have…

YOU WILL NEED Small jumper: we used a size 10 Large jumper: we used a size 20 Closed-end metal zip: 20cm (8in) Matching thread Basic sewing kit CUTTING THE JUMPERS Step one Try your small jumper on and mark with pins where it comes just under the chest. Step two Take off your jumper and mark this line all the way around the jumper, making sure it is the same distance from the bottom edge all the way around so it is straight. Step three Cut along the line, cutting the front and then the back to ensure a straight finish.01 Step four Cut the sleeves and neckband off the large jumper, retaining as much of it as possible as this will become the skirt.02 ATTACHING THE ZIP The zip…

"THE DOLL’S FACES HAVE CHANGED AND I’VE TRIED NEW THINGS. THERE’S A LOT OF MAKING THINGS UP AS I GO ALONG AND SEEING WHAT WORKS." For Jennie Walker, a love of making and sewing began with an armful of everyday fabrics laden with sentimental value. “Before my grandfather passed away, he gave me my grandmother’s linen tea towels,” she recollects. “As they were proper linen, I wanted to actually use them. I already had a few Laura Ashley cotton tea towels, so I hand-stitched them all together to make a tablecloth. It was bizarre at the time, as I had never been interested in sewing before and I didn’t have a sewing machine. I sat night after night hand-sewing the tea towels together! It was the start of my relationship…

YOU WILL NEED For the pot holder: • Cotton prints: a selection of six coordinating fabrics, for the patchwork block, see instructions for measurements. • Fabric A: 22x44cm (8¾x18in), for the back and pocket lining. • Fabric B: 14x22cm (5½x8¾in), for the pocket outer • Fabric C: 22x9cm (8¾x35/8in), for the binding strip and hanging loop • Medium-weight iron-on interfacing: 14x22cm (5½x8¾in), • Insulating wadding: 22x22cm (8¾x8¾in) • Wadding: 24x24cm (9½x9½in) For the tea towel: • Plain cotton or linen tea towel: 50cm (20in) wide • Cotton prints: a selection of five coordinating fabrics, 14x14cm (5½x5½in) of each FABRICS USED Lagoon from Cotton + Steel. Available from www.thefabricfox.co.uk NOTE Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. MAKING THE LOG CABIN POT HOLDER CUTTING OUT Step one Using the block layout diagram…

1 SOMETHING SPECIAL Bespoke ribbons, threads and buttons, to card and jewellery making, we stock a full range of products to suit your specifications. Come visit us in Holt, Norfolk or call 01263 711275. somethingspecialofholt@hotmail.co.uk 2 SEW DIFFERENT We LOVE this new sewing pattern – the Tulip Dress – from Sew Different. Gently shaped through the bodice, it comes out into a pretty bubble hem – no zip required. Available on paper or to download. sewdifferent.co.uk/shop 3 SUNNYSIDE FABRICS UK Here at Sunnyside Fabrics UK we love to sew! That is why we pride ourselves on a wide range of delightful fabrics for quilting and dressmaking, because there is nothing better than a project made with love, care and beautiful fabric. sunnysidefabricsuk.com 4 OAKAPPLE HABERDASHERY Oakapple Haberdashery – contemporary fabric…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 75x75cm (30x30in) Lining fabric: 75x75cm (30x30in) Lightweight iron-on interfacing: 75x75cm (30x30in) Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED The fabric used is Emily Silhouette in blue from the English Garden collection by Liberty. Available from www.sewingquarter.com NOTES Download the templates from Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance. See p12 for how to work bar tacks. When you’re choosing the fabric, fold it on a 45° angle to see how it looks, as designs will appear different on a diagonal. It’s best to avoid anything with an obvious directional pattern. CUTTING OUT Step one Download the templates and cut them out as instructed below. Step two From the lining fabric cut out: Lining front – using the A template. Lining back – using the C template.…

1 Use an interlining to back your fabric to support the eyelets and to add rigidity. We used a medium-weight interfacing here. 2 Keep the spacing between the eyelets equal and use an even number of eyelets for a symmetrical finish when the fabric is gathered together. 3 Setting eyelets can be a bit tricky, so practise on some spare fabric first before tackling the finished project. 4 Check the eyelet is placed on the outer fabric, and the washer on the lining side. 5 When setting the eyelet with the hammer, keep the hammer vertical and not at an angle, to make sure the eyelet is set evenly within the fabric. Make sure you protect your work surface, too. 6 Choose a cord which passes easily through the diameter…

"MY FAVOURITE EVER MAKE IS this cute little footstool, for so many reasons! It's a project from my second book, Makery: Sewing, which I had the time of my life writing. The inspiration for the stool came from my gran. When we were little, she had several dark brown velvet footstools that my sisters and I would perch on, to watch Mary Poppins and the like on our visits. I knew that my gran had made the stools, and was led to believe they were upholstered sweet tins – the type you have at Christmas. I decided to recreate the stools with a favourite fabric, and much to my delight, it turned out perfectly! I carefully covered a hexagonal tin, and even added a note inside, in case anyone ever…