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!
This month we invited two very special little ladies to our photo shoot; our Digital Editor Zoe's daughter (Eve) and my very own mini-me (Bea). We had such a blast! The studio was full of giggles, dancing and clapping whilst Eve expertly modelled our Kitty Pinafore (p66) and Bea ran around in her hooded bath towel (p70). Do you like sewing for children? If so, what do you make: dressing-up outfits, everyday clothes, soft toys or accessories? I'd love to hear from you. Email me at simplysewing@immediate.co.uk…
CLAIRE-LOUISE HARDIE Claire-Louise, aka The Thrifty Stitcher, runs sewing classes in London, is a freelance costumier, and has worked as a Sewing Producer on BBC’s The Great British Sewing Bee. Read about the machine that’s revolutionised her sewing on page 98. ANGELA UMPLEBY Angela always enjoyed making clothes for herself and her family. She’s been able to focus more on sewing since retiring from the NHS, selling at exhibitions and shows and taking commissions. Make her kid’s hooded bath towel on page 70. FRANCESCA STERLACCI Designer and author Francesca is the founder and CEO of the University of Fashion. Enter our giveaway to win her three new books, Draping, Sewing and Pattern Making, on page 14, and try her buttonholes masterclass on pages 29 and 54. JOE LYCETT Comedian Joe…
GOOD AS GOLD Put your me-made glad rags on – it’s I AM Patterns’ third birthday, and they’ve released a capsule collection to celebrate! I AM Friendly's five chic patterns are dedicated to all the seamstresses that have supported I AM since the beginning (that’s you!), so it would be rude not to add them to our stash, right? Visit www.backstitch.co.uk TWICE AS NICE Love wearing (and sewing) knits? You’ll love Friday Pattern Company’s two new patterns designed for stretch fabrics: the statement-sleeve Adrienne Blouse, and the super-smart Joan Trousers – a comfy trouser-and-legging hybrid. Hello, office-ready secret pyjamas! Visit www.fridaypatterncompany.com LIGHT TOUCH Here’s a bright idea for your next crafty project: make a lovely lampshade for every room! It’s easy with Dannells wide range of DIY kits…
Fashion designer, author and entrepreneur Francesca Sterlacci has been in the business for over 30 years, from launching her own label in 1980, to teaching at the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Most recently, she has revolutionised the way fashion is taught with her unique learning platform, www.universityoffashion.com,which offers online classes teaching every facet of fashion design and business, from pattern-making to product development. Having seen hundreds of aspiring designers turned away from fashion colleges each year due to either a selective admission process or quota, she "vowed to find a way to somehow bring high-level fashion education to them," and realised the exciting potential of new technologies after a move to Silicon Valley in 2004. "I began thinking about how to deliver fashion education, 21st-Century style,"…
GREAT OUTDOORS Pick a timeless style and durable denim for jeans he'll get years of wear out of. The Fulford Jeans from www.threadtheory.ca SMART THINKING Have every smart occasion covered with McCall's 2447 pattern, with a waistcoat, tie and bow tie to make. £9.99 from www.sewingquarter.com IN THE HOOD Don't forget your little man, too! Two Stitches' unisex Charlie Hoodie is a comfy kids' classic with a geometric twist. £12.50, www.sewingquarter.com WHAT A CARD This stylishly minimalist card wallet design fits easily into a jeans pocket, and is great for using up denim fabric scraps. www.threadtheory.ca PERFECTLY TAILORED Try your hand at tailoring and stitch a versatile staple with this polished shirt design. All Day Shirt from www.oliverands.com…
1. You'll be sitting pretty on this peachy pouffe; made in water and stain-repellent fabric, it's perfect for chilled outdoor gatherings in the summer. £69.99 from www.beanbagbazaar.co.uk 2. Inspired by the magical sunsets of Gili Air in Indonesia, these hand-dyed tassel pretties will give your look an effortless beachy vibe. Approx £26, www.madebyastrid.etsy.com 3. Bring a touch of five-star-resort chic to your home with this oh-so-luxurious plush velvet cushion cover. £46 from www.amara.com…
