Innholdsfortegnelse for 42 i Simply Sewing

Weddings, summer soirées, a day at the races, or afternoon tea with friends… whatever the occasion, we don’t need much encouragement to stitch up a posh frock, and this month’s free Sophia pattern – a sophisticated take on the cut-out panel trend – is ‘the dress’ that we have been dreaming of. Bold blooms, watercolour splashes... only the most crush-worthy prints and tactile jacquards will do for this leading lady! Finish your me-made with our sparkly sequin shrug and a chic clutch by Lisa Lam and get ready for the compliments to start rolling in. Event season, we’re ready for you!…

BIRTHDAY GIRL Hang up the bunting, ice the cake and get ready to paint the town red, white and blue – it’s Cath Kidston’s 25th birthday, and to celebrate the brand has launched a range of limited-edition pieces for your home and wardrobe in an iconic palette that honours its British heritage. Hip hip hooray! See more at www.cathkidston.com TIMELESS TEES You can’t beat a jeans-and-a-nice-top combo for, well, pretty much every occasion we can think of, and Cashmerette’s Montrose is the ultimate staple top for dressing up our fave denims. It's designed for wovens with drape, so think silks, lawns and voiles. PDF approx £10, pattern £13, www.cashmerette.com PRACTICAL MAGIC If you've planned an action-packed summer of camping, hiking and exploring, do it all in me-made style…

Woodstock London's adorable animal headbands, handmade in Liberty fabrics, are proof that kids get to wear all the best outfits! Fuel hours of fun and play dress-up in Liberty style; animal-loving little ones can pick out their favourite from rabbit, cat and mouse ears, all sewn up in classic florals. Also included in the Woodstock collection are crowns, garlands and flower crowns, perfect for finishing their party look for weddings, birthdays and other special occasions. £28 each, www.woodstocklondon.etsy.com…

We’ve teamed up with the lovely people at Liesl + Co. and Oliver + S to give away four amazing new pattern bundles, worth £250 in total! Liesl + Co.’s latest designs for adults include the Terrace Dress, an Extra-Sharp Pencil Skirt, and a Weekend Getaway Blouse + Dress, while the new Oliver + S range features two new patterns for little ones – a Girl on the Go Dress + Top set, and a Cartwheel Wrap Dress. They’re hot off the press, so if you fancy being one of the first to get your mitts on all five designs, enter now at www.simplysewingmag.comand visit oliverands.com to browse the full range. See www.simplysewingmag.com  to enter today! (UK only, see competition rules on p6.)…

Behind every red-carpet frock, sharp suit or breathtaking bridal dress is a super-talented seamstress, tailor or costumier – the unsung heroes and heroines of our special occasions, who create stunning pieces that make us feel a million dollars and are worn for some of our most memorable moments. Whether it’s for a friend, family member, or as part of your own business, making dresses and outfits for events is a huge privilege. Not only are you playing an important role in the celebrations, but your work is on show for all to see. The detail and finish must be flawless, the fabric handled beautifully, and extra time and patience is required for those all-important fittings. Here, four of these behind-the-scenes superstars share their passion and process for working with luxury…

YOU WILL NEED Sweatshirt sewing pattern Main fabric: 154cm (60in) width x 1.5m (1¾yds) Plastic chunky open-end zip: 18in (45cm), no.5 weight Stretch ribbing: 50x130cm (20x51in) in a similar weight to the main jacket fabric Matching thread Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED LindenSweatshirtfrom Dhaliascubainlightgrey. Plainribstretchjerseyknit dress fabric, silver grey. ADAPTING THE PATTERN Step one Select a sweatshirt pattern that has a relaxed, loose fit or is a size or two larger than your actual size. Step two We started by making a few pattern alterations to the basic pattern: • We added 1.5cm (5/8in) to the centre front (CF) line to accommodate the zip. • We raised the front and back necklines, and the top of the raglan sleeve by 2.5cm (1in) as the jacket requires…

YOU WILL NEED Outer fabric: 46x56cm (18x22in) Lining fabric: 46x56cm (18x22in) Iron-on interfacing: 46x56cm (18x22in) Iron-on fleece: 46x56cm (18x22in) D-ring: 12mm (½in) Swivel bolt snap: 12mm (½in) Tongue lock: 3x3.5cm (1¼x13/8in) Matching thread Basic sewing kit FINISHED SIZE Length: 20.5cm (8in). Height: 10cm (4in). Depth: 12mm (½in). MATERIALS USED All interfacing and hardware available from www.u-handbag.com Simply Sewing readers can get 10% off their order using the discount code SSDATE. Code expires 24th May 2018. Excludes clearance, seconds and bulk buy items. NOTES • Download the templates from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads • Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance unless otherwise specified. CUTTING OUT Step one Download all the pattern pieces and print then cut them out. Step two From the outer fabric cut: Pocket outer: one piece using the pocket template. Front…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 50x75cm (20x30in), for main body Contrast fabric: 35x35cm (14x14in), for under ears, snout, hand, feet, tail Narrow elastic: 10cm (4in) Pair of 12mm plastic safety eyes Stranded cotton Polyester toy filling Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Main fabric: Shannon Solid Cuddle 3 in Baby Pink. Contrast fabric: Kona Cotton Solids in Medium Pink, Robert Kaufman. FINISHED SIZE Approx 38cm (15in) tall. NOTES • Download the templates from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads • Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. • As the ears, arms, legs and tail are sewn directly into seams it is advisable to sew over the joins to make sure they are well secured. CUTTING OUT Step one Download, print and cut out all the template pieces. They include seam allowances…

It feels ah-mazing when you finish any me-made, but there's something extra satisfying about sewing an occasion dress. I'm not sure if it's the thrill of working with luxe fabrics, creating an unusually lavish design, or just knowing that you’ll be the best-dressed guest at the party, but whatever the reason (or reasons), that ta-da moment is everything. Sew this month’s Sophia Dress (p34), and you’ll see for yourself! PS: SEWING MACHINE WORTH £99 when you subscribe (see p18)…

High on our list of sewing essentials (along with an endless supply of tea and biscuits) is something entertaining to listen to while we’re stitching, be it a playlist of our favourite tunes or a chatty podcast – and, since we discovered Love to Sew, the latter is our current crafting soundtrack of choice. Launched by two sewing-loving pals, Helen Wilkinson of Helen’s Closet (www.helenscloset.ca) and Caroline Somos of Blackbird Fabrics (www.blackbirdfabrics.com), this inspiring listen covers everything from facing sewing fears to sewing yourself a capsule wardrobe, all with a healthy dose of humour, a heartening have-a-go attitude, and an impressive guest list of celeb stitchers. The idea was sparked when the friends discovered there was a lack of dressmaking-led podcasts. "We had joked to each other that it would…

GOLDEN TOUCH Golden swirls, bubblegum-pink dashes and sumptuous velvet make this cushion a must-have. £28, www.oliverbonas.com SUMMER LEAVES Brighten up your home in more ways than one with this colourful layered leaf lamp. From £199, www.annajacobsart.com MARBLE MAGIC Count down to tea-break o'clock on this modern marble-design timepiece. £30, www.artwow.co TWICE AS NICE How to make sure no one steals your favourite mug? Buy a matching set so you'll always have a spare. £23.50 for two, www.printerandtailor.com CANDY STRIPES This delectable hand-painted mini plate is the perfect size for serving up sweet treats. £12 for two, www.notanotherbill.com…

COLOUR POP! Maxi dresses, boho bags and twirly skirts... we’re already dreaming of our summer memades, and we can tell you they’re going to be our most colourful yet! In anticipation for this new and exciting season of stitching, we’re investing in some equally colourful new threads for our sewing stash and using them to create our very own rainbow. Those shown are just a few of the scrummy colours from Gütermann’s Sew-All thread range that are tipped to be 2018’s must-have shades. £1.80 each, www.sewingquarter.com LIVE everyday · FREEVIEW CHANNEL 78 · SKY CHANNEL 678 · www.sewingquarter.com Online only. Offer valid for new customers only. Use code 5SS42 at checkout to redeem. Discount codes will be limited to one code per person, to be used on one order. Discount codes will…

EMBROIDERED CARD Shop-bought greetings can get a bit samey, which is why we're looking to our sewing machines to create bespoke cards for the most special occasions in our calendars. This clever machine-embroidered cake design includes space for the happy couple's initials as well as the date of the big day. You can't get much more personal than that! And the design can also be used for milestone anniversaries. FABRIC FLOWERS Arranged in a jug or vase, these everlasting fleurs will brighten up any space, from a grand wedding reception to a humble kitchen table, so make a lovely keepsake. They don’t require any watering (phew!), are free from sneeze-inducing pollen, and will provide you with year- round colour for next to nothing. Bloomin' marvellous! CONFETTI BAGS Rice, paper, dried…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: see instructions for measurements, sequin Lining fabric: see instructions for measurements, soft cotton Bias binding: see instructions for measurements, to coordinate Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTE Ease, seam and hem allowances have been included in the calculations for this design. The seam allowance is 1cm (3/8in), and the hems are finished with bias binding so do not require a hem allowance. TAKING YOUR MEASUREMENTS Step one Tie a length of ribbon around your waist and let it settle in the most comfortable position to determine your natural waistline. Step two Take and write down the following measurements to use for making your pattern: Bust. Waist. Side neck to waist: this is measured vertically over the back, following the curves of the body and not…

"The new wave of denim hitting the high street will be tailored." “Shorts are going to be everywhere this summer – gone is the mini-skirt!" We’ve started to spring-clean our handmade wardrobes to make a list of what we want to make for the new season. This can feel like a bit of a daunting task, but it’s great to get everything out and try it on to see if it’s still a garment you want to wear again this year. It’s also the perfect opportunity to work out if you need to make a new top to go with your shorts, or need a few more frocks for an upcoming holiday. Looking forward to the months ahead, we've curated some of the season's key trends and paired patterns to…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 120x112cm (47x44in), for bag outer Contrast fabric: 150x112cm (59x44in), for bag lining and pocket Solid fabric: 50x112cm, (20x44in) for piping and binding fabric Medium-weight iron-on interfacing: 2.5m (2¾yds) Heavy duty zip: 70cm (28in) Zip: 18cm (7in) Medium piping cord: 3m (3¼yds) Baker’s twine or ribbon: small scrap Wooden coat hanger Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED The fabrics used are from the Bee Kind Collection by Lewis & Irene. For stockists visit www.lewisandirene.com Main fabric: Allium and Poppies on Blue. Ref: A281.2. Contrast fabric: Pinky Red Honeycomb. Ref: A282.3. NOTE • Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance unless stated otherwise. • Download the template from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads CUTTING OUT Step one Download and print out the template. This pattern is for a bag 1m (39in)…

YOU WILL NEED Top fabric: 100x100cm (40x40in) Base fabric: 100x100cm (40x40in) Wadding: 100x100cm (40x40in) Walking/even-feed foot Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED We used needlecord in pale pink and lilac from Fabric Inspirations at www.fabricinspirations.co.uk FINISHED SIZE Approx 70x90cm (28x35in). NOTES • Download the template from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads • Wash and press all fabrics well before starting. LAYERING THE FABRICS Step one Download and print out the template then stick it together along the lines to make the whole leaf shape. Step two Lay out the wadding flat on a table. Step three Place the top fabric right side (RS) up on top of the wadding, and the base fabric RS down on top of this. Step four Pin all three layers together at regular intervals to secure. Step five…

YOU WILL NEED Linen fabric: 25x45cm (10x18in) Lining fabric: 15x35cm (6x14in) Press fastener Stranded cotton in a selection of colours Embroidery hoop Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES • Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance. • Download the template from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads. • 8-10cm (3-4in) embroidery scissors fit nicely within this case, but you can adjust the pattern size to fit different scissors. WORKING FERN STITCH Step one Work this stitch along a straight or curved line, working from top to bottom. Come up a short distance from the line and bring the needle down through the fabric on the line, forming an angled stitch.01 Step two Come up from the back on the line and then go back down on the line in the same hole as the end of…

ELLBIE CO. Ellbie Co. make the happiest craft kits on the planet! Full of colour and cute designs, with easy instructions they are perfect for beginner crafters, and all handmade in Brighton. From cross-stitch kits to DIY embroidery patches theres a big variety to choose from! ellbie.co/shop SUNNY BUNNY CRAFTS Sewing machine project kits suitable for all abilities - baskets, bags, home projects and more. Each kit includes full colour instructions and all fabric and haberdashery items are cut and ready to use. Prices start from £9. etsy.com/uk/shop/SunnyBunnyCraft RUTH TILLMAN DESIGNS Crafty creature kits were originally designed for Ruth’s sewing classes. Sewing skills from embroidery to how a simple pattern is put together are used in each kit. This hands on experience is great for kids and adults. Learn to…

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

ELSPETH JACKSON Self-confessed fabric hoarder and colour-lover Elspeth Jackson teaches the art of rag rugging with her Ragged Life brand of beginner-friendly kits, launched in 2012. Learn how to rag rug and make a bath mat with her workshop on page 87. LISA LAM Brighton-based Lisa Lam is the founder of U-Handbag, stocking hard to find, covetable bag-making accessories. She’s also the author of bestselling books, The Bag Making Bible and A Bag for All Reasons. Sew her mini clutch on page 59. SAARA AND LAURA HUHTA Helsinki-based sisters Saara and Laura Huhta set up their pattern label, Named, in 2013. Their sewing patterns are inspired by “Scandinavian clean-lined simplicity.” They share details of an exciting new launch coming soon on page 70. LANA RED Lana is the founder of…

DIY KIDS’ DRESS UP Jessica Near (£14.99, SewandSo) Fuel hours of imaginary play with this wonderfully whimsical collection of 36 sewing patterns for dress- up accessories in quick-sew felt. Choose from magical creatures, birds of paradise, superheroes, wild animals and more, with patterns for the basic shapes to add details to – great for getting the kids involved in the crafting fun. www.sewandso.co.uk BOHO EMBROIDERY: THE PATTERN COLLECTION Nichole Vogelsinger (£20, Lucky Spool Media) Following her bestselling Boho Embroidery, Nichole is back with her signature fabric-collage-meets-embroidery stitching style with a book of boho-cool designs, stitches and techniques. Go bold with bright threads, shimmery beads and sequins for the book’s 30 original motifs. www.luckyspool.com FIRST TIME GARMENT FITTING Sarah Veblen (£12.99, Creative Publishing international) Achieve the perfect fit with your dressmaking…

11-13 MAY The Handmade Fair. Ragley Hall, Warwickshire. Enjoy the ultimate creative day out with hands-on workshops and handpicked sellers. www.thehandmadefair.com 16 MAY Make your own leather espadrilles. Leather Needle Thread Studio, Bristol. Learn how make your own pair of luxury leather espadrilles, with four designs to choose from.www.leatherneedlethread.com 25 MAY Edinburgh College of Art Fashion Show. National Museum of Scotland. See fashion’s rising stars showcase their collections in the museum's Grand Gallery. www.nms.ac.uk 25 MAY-23 SEPTEMBER Orla Kiely: A Life in Pattern. Fashion and Textile Museum, London. Discover what inspires iconic print designer Orla Kiely at this 150-piece exhibition. www.ftmlondon.org…

SHORE THING ALOHA BY JOSEPHINE KIMBLERING FOR BLEND Surf's up! Designer Josephine Kimberling has used a riot of clashing tropical colours for these coastal designs with a retro vibe. Prints include pastel palm leaves, cute swimming sea turtles in pop-art shades, foliage in a medley of pinks, greens and blues, and vintage cars and bikes on their way to the beach – which, once we've sewn ourselves a new summer frock, is exactly where we'll be heading. www.blendfabrics.com CITRUS ZING LIMONELLA BY BRENDA WALTON FOR BLEND When life gives you lemons, sew with them! Bring some zest to your projects with these lemon, lime and orange prints in a pretty painterly style. We'll be using them to give our kitchen a new look with tea towels, pot holders…

From prom nights to garden parties, weddings to anniversary celebrations, summer events offer sewists so many opportunities to get creative with luxurious fabrics – think beautiful brocades, sumptuous jacquards, floaty crepes and statement cotton prints. Of course, special fabrics like these call for a special pattern, and we've got just the design: The Sophia Dress, in UK sizes 6-20 (US 4-18/EUR 34-48). This chic number has swoon-worthy details to play with for a different look every time you make it, including optional cap sleeves, statement cut-out side panels and a twirly skirt in two lengths – perfect for social butterflies with lots of occasions in the calendar to sew for! YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 140cm55inwidth x 2.3m (2½yds) for all sizes 140cm55inwidth x 1.9m (2¼yds) for all sizes Lining…

YOU WILL NEED Drape fabric: 150cm (60in) width x 3m (3¼yds), satin-backed crepe Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTE You may need more fabric than this depending on your measurements. Calculate this before you buy your fabric following the instructions. TAKING THE MEASUREMENTS Step one Measure around your waist. Step two Multiply this measurement by 1.5 then multiply it again by 4. Step three Divide this measurement by 3.14 then halve the number you calculate to find your skirt waist radius. Step four Measure from your waist to your ankle, or however long you’d like your skirt to be. This is your skirt length measurement. Step five Divide your skirt length measurement by two – this is your taper point measurement. The taper point is where the skirt is cut…

YOU WILL NEED Fabric A: 6x43cm (23/8x17in), outer row of beads Fabric B: 8x37cm (31/8x145/8in), middle row of beads Fabric C: 6x31cm (23/8x12¼in), inner row of beads Fabric D: 20x30cm (8x12in), strap Stranded cotton to contrast with the fabrics Gold thread Polyester fibrefill Necklace clasp: 9mm (3/8in) with bell closer ends Craft glue Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES • Download the template from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. MAKING THE FABRIC TUBES Step one Fold Fabric A in half lengthways with right sides (RS) together and pin together down the length. Step two Sew together down the long edges then trim the seam allowance to 5mm (¼in). Step three Turn RS and press out with the seam in the centre of one side to make a…

YOU WILL NEED A top that fits you, for taking measurements from Vintage bed sheet Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES • Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. 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 long sleeves. This is your guide garment. Step two Take the following body measurements and write them down: Full bust. Full actual hip: the bony part of your hips where your jeans waistband normally sits. Nape of neck to knee. CUTTING OUT THE FRONT AND BACK Step one Use the formulae below to calculate the width and height of the rectangle for the robe front and…

YOU WILL NEED Print fabrics: sixteen prints, 15x15cm (6x6in) of each Solid fabric: 75x112cm (30x44in) Wadding: 50x50cm (20x20in) Zip: 40cm (16in) Cushion pad: 45x45cm (18x18in) Matching thread NOTES • Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance • Stitch all fabric pieces right sides (RS) together. • Press seams to one side as you go, alternating the direction of them to help the finished blocks lie flat once joined. FABRICS USED The fabrics used are from the Lemon Tree Collection by Tone Finnanger for Tilda. For stockist info email groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk CUTTING OUT Step one Cut each of the print fabrics into: Large block square: 6x6cm (23/8x23/8in). Small block square: two pieces measuring 7x7cm (2¾x2¾in). Step two Cut the solid fabric as follows: Large block square: 6x6cm (23/8x23/8in). Small block square: two pieces…

LEARN THE TECHNIQUE Rag rugging is a fabulously thrifty craft whereby old clothing and fabric scraps are cut up and woven through a hessian backing to create beautiful rugs and textile pieces for the home. It was incredibly popular during the Victorian times, when lower-income families embraced rag rugging as a way to make the most out everything they had. They took the clothing that was no longer fit for purpose and worked their magic to make wonderful rugs for the cold, stone floors. Nowadays, rag rug making remains largely unchanged, as we still only use a few basic tools, hessian and fabric. The main difference is in the designs, colours and fabrics that are used. Textile artists, like me, Elspeth Jackson from Ragged Life (www.raggedlife.com), are bringing it into…

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 SOUTH WEST INCHES FABRICS Fabrics, Wools and Haberdashery. Buttons, Ribbons and Patterns. Knitting and Sewing lessons. 39 Parsonage St, Dursley, Glos, GL11 4BP inchesfabrics.co.uk SOUTH SEW BUSY Stockists of Makower, Robert Kaufman, Clothworks and Windham, ribbons, haberdashery, sewing goods and classes. sew-busy.co.uk NORTH SEW IN THE CITY Sew in the City sells a carefully curated range of quality fabric from its Sheffield city centre shop and online. sewinthecity.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 ROMY’S SEWING ROOMS Bright, friendly shop for all sewers, selling patterns,…

"MY LILY DRESS IS SUPER SPECIAL to me as it’s the first one I made using fabric I designed myself! It was inspired by a trip to the V&A museum in London, where I saw a beautifully simple waterlily jug from 1848 in the glass section. I loved how around this time the artist Ruskin started to create designs with 'appropriate ornament: water vessels decorated with waterlilies, or a sherry decanter with bunches of grapes.' My name, Suzanne, derives from the Hebrew name for Lily, meaning 'to be joyful, bright or cheerful'. So, I decided that an 'appropriate ornament' for me would be a dress decorated with lilies. I drew sketches of several waterlilies from photographs, then coloured them in digitally using Photoshop. I layered them over each other and…