Innholdsfortegnelse for 52 i Simply Sewing

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…

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,"…

8 FEBRUARY - 2 JUNE Swinging London: A Lifestyle Revolution. Discover the fashion, design and art of the iconic Chelsea Set designers of the 1960s, including Mary Quant. www.ftmlondon.org 10 MARCH Make a piped box cushion. The Makery, Bath. Learn how to make a smart box cushion with contrast piping and a zip fastening at this four-hour workshop. www.themakery.co.uk 7-10 MARCH The Creative Craft Show. SECC, Glasgow. Multi-crafters will love this varied show, with plenty of shopping and demos for knitters and stitchers alike. www.ichfevents.co.uk 14-17 MARCH Sewing For Pleasure, The Creative Craft Show and Fashion, Embroidery & Stitch. NEC Birmingham. Get a combined ticket to visit three events for an inspiring craft-filled weekend. www.sewingshow.co.uk…

SLIPPERS Who knew you could make your own footwear so easily? Once you've mastered this easy quilting technique, you'll be wanting to make a set of pom pom-adorned sliders for all your friends, too. You'll enjoy saying "I made those!" when the compliments start rolling in. You're welcome. BOOK CUSHION Keep up your reading resolutions with this handy book cushion, designed with a perfectly sized pocket to store your latest tome (or tablet) within easy reach. This would make an ideal gift for kids who need a little more encouragement in the literature department. STORAGE BAG Whether it's your innumerable collection of scarves, or simply your dirty laundry, you'll always find a use for an oversized storage bag! Its large handles and quilted sides make it easy to move around…

Hello, we are Alexandra and Caroline, co-founders of Selkie Patterns! We create sewing patterns and textiles designed and produced in the UK with the environment in mind. Selkie Patterns was born out of a love for sewing, which is our passion, and sustainability, which is our future. We first met at the University of the Arts London and between the two of us we have lived in many countries, but we make London our home. The idea for creating our own sewing company was born in August 2017, and we founded Selkie Patterns in the summer of 2018 with the help of a successful crowdfunding campaign. "Our fabrics feature bold colours, nostalgic prints and sleek lines." We are currently in the process of designing our second Selkie Patterns collection for…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Mid-weight woven fabric (see notes) ■ Bias binding (see notes) ■ Basic skirt pattern in your size ■ Lightweight interfacing (see notes) ■ Pattern paper ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED Four-way stretch plain crepe. Ref: LM-1013-Sydney-Magenta. From www.minervacrafts.com NOTES ■ The fabric and bias binding quantity will vary depending on the size of skirt you wish to make and the amount of ‘flounce’ in the ruffle. We advise that you make the pattern for your skirt before purchasing fabric so that you can assess the amount needed based on the size of your pattern pieces. For our skirt we used 2mx115cm (2¼ydx45in) of main fabric and 3.5m (4yd) of binding, but this will differ depending on your skirt size. ■ As a…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Pashmina ■ Bias binding: 50cm (20in) ■ Erasable fabric marker ■ Basic sewing kit ■ Matching thread CREATING THE TOP Step one Fold the pashmina in half with tasselled ends together and the folded edge at the top – this is where the neckline will be. The side seams are already finished so they won't need hemming. Step two From the folded end, mark how long you would like your top to be and add a hem allowance of approx 2.5cm (1in). Step three Cut off the tasselled ends. 01 Step four With the folded edge at the top, mark out your neckline using a dinner plate or another round item. The bigger the neckline, the slouchier the top. You can use an existing top as…

Reattaching a button that has fallen off of a garment is often the first taste of sewing that most people will get – this is a relatively simple task that mostly concerns securing the thread properly and hiding the stitches neatly on the inside. Stitching a buttonhole, on the other hand, is a task that even some experienced sewists will attempt to avoid! Buttonhole stitches are a clever feature on modern machines but often seem like a daunting task, with their accompanying large presser foot. As with any task in dressmaking, though, having an in- depth knowledge of how a stitch works and why it is necessary will make the process less scary. Knowledge is power, after all! Once you have mastered stitching buttonholes you will find that not only…

YOU WILL NEED ■ A bath towel or bath sheet (see notes) ■ A hand towel (see notes) ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ The size of your towel needed will depend on the size of your child. ■ The hood pattern is for ages 18 months - 2 years. ■ You may need two hand towels depending on the size of your child’s head. ■ Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. ■ Download the template at www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads MEASURING UP Step one Fold the bath towel in half with the ‘finished’ patterned edges aligned. Step two Measure from your child’s shoulders to their mid-calf to determine the length of the finished hooded towel. Step three If you need to shorten the towel, cut away…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Outer fabric: 60x115cm (24x45in) ■ Lining fabric: 60x115cm (24x45in) ■ Contrast fabric: 45x115cm (18x45in) ■ Iron-on wadding: 50x90cm (20x35in) ■ Foam interfacing: 1.2mx75cm (1½ydx29½in) ■ Clear vinyl: 46x57cm (18x22in) ■ Heavy duty zips: 2 x 50cm (20in) ■ Zip: 30cm (12in) ■ Cotton webbing: 25x3cm (12x1¼in) ■ Cotton piping cord: 2.5mx4mm (2¾ydsx1/8in) ■ Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Marked Sights and Blossoming Mosaic from the Craft Bound Capsules collection by Art Gallery Fabrics. Warm Wave from the Pure Elements collection by Art Gallery Fabrics. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk NOTES ■ Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance. ■ Cut wadding/foam slightly smaller than the fabric (5mm all around) to reduce bulk in seam allowance. ■ Zips, webbing and piping cord from www.jaycotts.co.uk CUTTING OUT Step one Download…

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. 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. TAILOR’S CHALKSX Chalk temporarily marks fabric and can be easily brushed away. THIMBLE Wear to protect 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…

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…

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…

Brand new to the shelves of dressmakers all over the world comes this must-have Techniques for Beginners series of books by Francesca Sterlacci (founder and CEO of the University of Fashion) and published by Laurence King. Draping, Sewing and Pattern Making provide invaluable resources for textiles beginners. The comprehensive, step-by-step guides take readers through the basic techniques of each discipline, before moving through to slightly more advanced projects. Useful videos to accompany the tutorials from each book can be found online at www.universityoffashion.com.From manipulating fabric to dress forms, to tailoring pockets and zips, these three books give a well-rounded grounding for any beginner sewer, and make the perfect collection for their shelves! For your chance to win the complete set of books, worth a whopping £120, enter our competition online…

Whether it's a favourite fabric from your stash, or a design that matches the rest of your decor, don't underestimate the power of a handmade lampshade to add a one-of-a-kind finish. To make our shade we used a 20cm Drum Lampshade Kit and glued some rainbow mini tassels (made from embroidery thread) to the bottom. Fancy giving it a go? Visit www.dannells.com to browse the full range of lampshade kits and use code 'simply reader' to get 10% off until 28th February 2019. They're so easy to make, what are you waiting for?…

We’re both feeling inspired to update our homes as well as our wardrobes with vintage-inspired projects. While Caroline is upping her upcycling game and has been b usy painting and reupholstering secondhand furniture into stylish and original pieces to showcase in her flat, Alexandra is jealous of her progress – she still hasn’t started her upcycling project yet, a stool which has been sitting in her flat for over three weeks...…

After a long wait – nearly two years! – and an online petition to save it, the fifth season of the nation’s favourite craft show is back and better than ever. New host, comedian Joe Lycett, and judges Patrick Grant and Esme Young welcomed a new batch of competitors into the sewing room we know and love. Yet, narrowing it down to the sewists we see on screen wasn’t an easy task. In fact, this time round there were more people than ever to choose from. “Applications were up 30-40% on previous years,” says Patrick, “The first day that the online applications opened we had a deluge of entries – people must have been ready and waiting.” So, without revealing any spoilers, it’s safe to say that the sewing skills…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Linen fabric: 2 pieces measuring 46x106cm (19x42in), for the embroidered outer ■ Lightweight cotton fabric: 2 pieces measuring 46x106cm (19x42in), for the lining ■ Stranded cotton in navy, pink, mint and white ■ Basic sewing kit NOTE ■ Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. ■ Download the template at www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads EMBROIDERING FEATHER STITCH Step one Bring the needle up through the fabric at the top of the feather stitch design. Go back down a short distance to the side, but don’t pull the thread tight. Come back up a short distance below and in the center of the first two points. Catch the loop of thread with your needle. 01 Step two As you pull the needle through, it will tighten the first stitch. Next, go…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Denim shirt ■ 3 x scraps of fabric: 40x40cm (16x16in), in a variety of colours ■ Erasable fabric marker (optional) ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit CUTTING OUT Step one Spread the back of your denim shirt out on a flat surface. With a circular object, mark a circle in the centre of your shirt with tailor’s chalk or an erasable fabric marker. Step two Cut out, keeping the circle intact to use as a template later. The best way to do this is make a small snip in the outline and then carefully cut around the circle from this point. Step three Fold the raw edge of the circle outline to the wrong side (WS) by 5mm (¼in) and hold in place with pins.…

We've long suspected that kids get all the best clothes, and this issue's Kitty Pinafore pattern, for ages six months to seven years, confirms it! With its colourful details and easy-to-wear shape, we wish this cute style came in our size. Little ones will love the Kitty Pinafore's playful, dress-up vibe and patch pocket for stashing toys and treasures – not to mention how easy it is to run, jump and play in! Its button-up fastening, elasticated waist, appliqué details, embroidery and topstitching make this project a great skills-booster for you, too. Pick out a medium-weight fabric, such as denim or corduroy, for maximum durability during play, and get its lucky future wearer involved in choosing the thread colours and fabrics for the cat's face and ears for a purrfect…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 45x70cm (18x28in) ■ Lining fabric: 45x70cm (18x28in) ■ Appliqué fabric: 10x15cm (4x6in) in the following colours: peachy pink for the ears and nose, orange for the upper nose, mint green for the eyes, brown for the stripes ■ Contrast fabric: 15x15cm (6x6in), for the hat ■ Iron-on interfacing: 25x25cm (10x10in) square ■ Bias binding: 16x2.5cm (6½x1in) wide ■ Pom pom trim: 20cm (8in) x approx 1.5cm (5/8in) pom pom width ■ Black cord or yarn: 40cm (16in) ■ Toy stuffing: 250g bag ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit CUTTING OUT Step one From the orange fabric cut: Upper nose: one using the template. Step two From the peachy pink fabric cut: Nose: one using the template. Inner ear: two using the template. Step…

FEATHER STITCH ACTUAL SIZE PARTY TIGER CUSHION ACTUAL SIZE CIRCLE CUSHION ACTUAL SIZE CHOOSE happy Thank you for making these projects from Simply Sewing. The copyright for these templates belongs to the designer of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to enjoy, so please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission. Please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to others through your website or a third party, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Copyright law protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.…

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…

As every sewist knows, practice makes perfect – and to support you on your sewing journey you need a machine that’s going to grow with you. The Brother Innov-is A150 has been designed to last you a lifetime of sewing, supporting you as you take your skills and creativity to the next level. With 10 buttonhole stitches and an impressive 150 stitches to choose from, whatever you’re sewing you’ll be able to give it a professional finish. There’s even four lettering stitches to help you create labels and monograms – plus, you can mirror or repeat the stitches to create your own unique patterns. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, the result is stunning with Brother. Find out more at www.brothersewing.co.uk, and enter our competition to win this machine…

Stitching a buttonhole is a simple skill to master once you know your way around your sewing machine. Calculate the size of buttonhole you need to sew and choose a type of buttonhole using our guide here, and then turn to page 54 for how to sew a buttonhole by machine step by step. BUTTONHOLES FOR FLAT BUTTONS The correct buttonhole length for a flat button is the full width of the button plus 3mm (1/8in). 01 BUTTONHOLES FOR SHANK BUTTONS To establish the correct buttonhole length for a shank button, measure from one end of the button cap to the other and then add 3mm (1/8in). 02 MACHINE-MADE BUTTONHOLES Machine-made buttonholes come in four different shapes – keyhole, straight, rounded, and bound – depending on the options available on…

Whether you're just starting out on your sewing journey or you're an experienced stitcher looking for a simple sew, stock up on jerseys for this issue's Staple Tee. This beginner's style, with grown-on sleeves and a loose fit, is satisfyingly simple to sew and a joy to wear. It can be made as a classic tee or jersey dress, and along the way you'll learn how to sew with stretch fabrics and add a neckband and cuffs for a neat finish. So, what are you waiting for? It's time to boost your skills and your wardrobe! YOU WILL NEED ■ Knit fabric: Dress: 2.3mx140cm (2½ydsx55in) Top: 1.5mx140cm (1¾ydsx55in) ■ Lightweight ribbing (optional): 10x140cm (4x55in), for the cuffs and neckband ■ Ballpoint sewing machine needle ■ Twin ballpoint sewing machine needle…

1 CIRCLE CAPE Episode two saw the sewists tackle tricky childrenswear (and get in a right mess over gussets in the process!). The highlight of the episode was the final wool cape challenge, which inspired us to get stitching up our own swishy circle cape. 2 KNICKERS Episode three was all about sewing your own lingerie! Try making your own at home with our free knickers tutorial and pattern download. You’ll need to choose your brightest fabric, frilliest lace and prettiest ribbon for these beauties! 3 YOGA MAT BAG The quarter-final saw the five remaining sewers battled it out (in the most polite, British way possible) over activewear. Stay stylishly serene on your way to your next stretching session with our step-by-step yoga mat bag tutorial. Tune into BBC Two…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Oversized men's shirt ■ A top or shirt that fits you well ■ Erasable fabric marker ■ Appliqué patches of your choice ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Use a 2.5cm (1in) seam allowance. CUTTING OUT Step one Lay the oversized shirt out flat on your work surface and lay your top on top. Step two Mark around the edge of your top, adding 2.5cm (1in) to each edge for a seam allowance. At the waist, do not shape the shirt according to your top – men’s shirts have no darts, so it will be too tight around the bust if you curve the waist line. Instead, simply draw a straight line down from the underarm to the waistband – this will eliminate…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Faux leather: 30x35cm (12x14in), for the purse ■ Faux leather scrap, for the heart appliqué ■ Zip 22cm (9in) ■ Stranded cotton ■ Embroidery needle ■ Embroidery hoop ■ Tailor’s chalk or erasable fabric marker suitable for faux leather ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit CUTTING OUT Step one Draw a heart shape onto the faux leather scrap with tailor’s chalk. In the centre, write a quote, name or other wording. If you are drawing onto the back of the leather, make sure to write a mirrored version of your quote so it will be the right way from the right side (RS). Step two Place the fabric in the embroidery hoop and embroider the quote by tracing the letters with a basic satin stitch.…

Kirsty Hartley is best known for her charming children’s clothing line, Wild Things, which is as much adored by parents as it is the lucky little ones who get to wear it all (jealous, us?) – not to mention celebrity fans such as Lily Allen and Charlotte Church. Kirsty has also written two sewing books, Wild Things: Funky Little Clothes to Sew and Wild Things to Make: More Heirloom Clothes and Accessories to Sew for Your Children, which offer sewists of all abilities the chance to make their own versions of her gloriously whimsical kidswear. Now, though, it’s time for you to stitch an exclusive-to-us design by Kirsty – the Kitty Pinafore! Kirsty loved sewing from an early age. "I’m a prolific maker and always have been, being fascinated by…

OVEN MITT YOU WILL NEED ■ Outer fabric: 46x57cm (18x22in) ■ Mitt panel fabric: 46x57cm (18x22in) ■ Lining fabric: 60x115cm (24x45in) ■ Outer binding: 30x115cm (12x45in) ■ Inner binding: 30x115cm (12x45in) ■ Heat-resistant wadding: 50x115cm (20x45in) (see notes) ■ Binding clips (or quilting clips) ■ Basic sewing kit FINISHED SIZE Approx 33x18cm (13x7in). FABRICS USED From the Someday collection by Minki Kim for Riley Blake Designs. See more at www.rileyblakedesigns.com NOTES ■ Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance. ■ It is important to use heat-resistant wadding as regular wadding will not protect your hands from heat. ■ Download the templates from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads CUTTING OUT Step one From the outer fabric cut: Front outer mitt: one 35.5x20cm (14x8in). Back outer mitt: one 33x20cm (13x8in). Step two From the mitt panel fabric…

SOUTH REALLY MARIA For your fabric, sewing, crochet and knitting needs. Breaking the boundaries of colour! Over 500 fabulous fabrics for quilting, dressmaking & crafts. Workshops, haberdashery, Really Maria patterns and kits. reallymaria.com  • 0203 581 0909 SOUTH READS OF WINCHESTER We sell both new and reconditioned sewing machines. We service and repair all makes of machine, a small haberdashery, machines on display to try before you buy. reads-of-winchester.co.uk  • enquiries@reads-of-winchester.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 WEST SEW AND FABRIC Family-run fabric & haberdashery, quality dressmaking & craft fabrics as well as lessons – now stocking new Liberty cotton collection. 01726 75385 SOUTH EAST PURPLE-PIXIE FABRIC & CRAFT New Year!…