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!
When families get together for the holidays it’s all about sharing meals, playing board games and singing Christmas songs (badly), right? Make this year even more memorable with handcrafted homewares, gifts and kitchen accessories - your friends will be so impressed when you say “I made that!” Stash-bust your festive fabrics, embellish your Christmas jumpers and deck your halls with handmade fabric baubles…because it’s time for the most joyous season of the year, and we can’t wait.…
Trying new things can be scary, but it always feels good afterwards, right? This issue we've got a few new (never before featured!) ideas for you to try. Rag rug a vase of hydrangeas (p63), embroider an unusual hoop wreath (p65) and get the low-down on coat-making from the experts (p44). If you've never made a coat before, you'll find the sleeved-version from The Eloise Set is a wonderful overcoat for beginners - no big zips! This, and the Sade Blouse from Named are at the top of my list. What's on yours?…
SAARA AND LAURA HUHTA Helsinki-based sisters Saara and Laura set up their pattern brand, Named, in 2013, with designs inspired by Scandi simplicity. Discover Laura’s winter sewing plans on page 34, and make The Sade Blouse from their new book on page 36. JOANNA HEPTINSTALL Talented upholsterer, lampshade-maker and author Joanna Heptinstall teaches workshops at the Traditional Upholstery School, which she founded in 2016. Find out why she’s on a mission to pass on her heritage craft skills on page 68. ELISALEX DE CASTRO PEAKE Elisalex is the co-founder of indie pattern label By Hand London. Their patterns are inspired by and named after the stylish ladies they admire, and offer a new take on classic designs. Add a pleated skirt to a T-shirt with her refashion on page 40.…
MAGIC MAKING The long, dark, magical winter nights are the inspiration behind the two bewitching new patterns from Deer and Doe. Magnolia is our statement winter frock of dreams with a plunging neckline and floaty skirt, while the Opium swing coat has us shopping for luxurious wools and silky linings. Find the patterns at www.deer-and-doe.com TAILOR MADE Level up your sewing skills with some classic tailoring courtesy of Cashmerette’s timeless Chilton Trench Coat pattern. With so many construction techniques involved to add to your repertoire, this fully lined coat is fun to make (and to show off to your sewing pals!). Get the pattern at www.cashmerette.com ALL IS CALM W Shopping, cooking, sewing, party-going – Christmas can be a whirlwind of activity, often with little time to actually…
It’s the special, one-off details that make us fall in love with a pattern, and the Maven Patterns collection is full of them! From the Kitty Dress' unique bust darts and the funnel neckline of the French Dart Shift (a customer favourite, says Mrs Maven, also known as Mrs M: “she’s so versatile”), to the Rochester's gathered high neckline (so on-trend right now), there's sure to be something that'll catch your eye. Having worked in pattern cutting for the high street, Mrs M says she's “not interested in going back to producing garments just for the sake of it. I’m happier enjoying the process and releasing fewer styles with longevity in mind.” Ideas for new pattern designs are most often sparked by what she needs in her own wardrobe –…
A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BAG MAKING Estelle Zanatta and Marion Grandamme (£12.99, Search Press) You'll never need to buy a bag again with this book of 20 classic bag styles to make, from simple-sew totes and shoppers to duffel and bucket bags – and even a Chanel-style design! Along the way you'll learn all the key bag-making skills for a neat finish, including adding the handles, lining and pockets. www.searchpress.com WELCOME TO WEAVING: THE MODERN GUIDE Lindsey Campbell (£21.99, Schiffer Publishing) Lindsey Campbell, the weaver behind popular blog Hello Hydrangea, has filled this book with 50 techniques and 20 stylish projects for weavers of all abilities. It takes you through the whole process, from making your own simple loom and the basic terms, to more advanced weaving projects to grow…
