Innholdsfortegnelse for Issue 106 i Simply Sewing

This month, we’re focusing on slowing down and getting mindful in the best way we know how, just in time for Stress Awareness Month. In our Mindful Makes set, we’ve got six projects for you to find self care in the process of making and using once they’re finished; get some soothing hand stitching in with our upcycled shirred T-shirt; cosy on down with the Pyjama Bottoms from Crafty Sew & Sew; and spend some quality time crafting ten sweet projects for the little ones with our Sewing For Kids booklet. And, of course, treat yourself to making our cover star this issue, the beautiful Marie Dress! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

PIP, PIP, PIPPA! Back for 2023 with a brand-new pattern release, please welcome Sew Over It's dreamy Pippa Dress! Featuring a modern, asymmetrical design with a line of decorative buttons (yep, that's right, no buttonholes needed!) trailing down the front, three sleeves and skirt lengths to choose from, and even an optional slit for a dash of sass, the Pippa Dress pattern is packed with versatility, so you can wear her across the seasons. Available in UK sizes 6-30 from sewoverit.com. POCKET-SIZED STASH Say hello to Stash Hub, your new favourite app and organisational bestie, Helping sewists get more organised, one download at a time! Create a fabric catalogue, store all your patterns in one place and document your projects seamlessly. stashhubapp.com SEW BRILLIANT! Did you know that we have…

That’s right! Five lucky winners will get chance to pick their choice of £50 worth of stunning fabrics from the new Minerva Exclusive range! There are 200 beautiful designs to choose from in the Minerva Exclusive viscose challis collection, all printed onto buttery soft and drapey viscose fabric, just perfect for dresses, tops, jumpsuits and even light, summery trousers. If you’re more of a knit fabrics fan, you can choose from the brand-new viscose jersey range or soft and cosy cotton French terry. To check out all the must-have fabrics, tools and accessories that Minerva have to offer in the meantime, head on over to their website at minerva.com. See gathered.how/sew_comps to enter today! (Competition is open to UK residents, aged 18+. Closing date is 23.59 on 12/04/23. Full T&Cs…

MINDFUL MAKES QUILT Perfect for displaying on a bed or wrapping up in on the sofa, Jess' quilt is a fabulous opportunity to brush up on your quilting skills and make something lovely for your home. PILLOW You're going to love us for this one! Fold up your beautiful stitched quilt when it's not in use and pop it in your matching cushion cover to make a pillow. A quillow! Safe and tidy. TEA COSY AND WATER BOTTLE CARRIER Here's a project for both home and away. Stitch a handy water bottle cover for when you're out and about and sew a matching tea cosy for when you get home and you're in need of warming up. TROLLEY COIN POUCH Once you've made your tea cosy, pop the kettle on…

Gabby Brown (@ladygrift) is an American apparel industry professional with a background in construction, design, fitting, and grading. ■ Remember that everyone is asymmetrical! Try not to get hung up on perceived figure ‘flaws’ – we’re all just living in our bodies, and the more clinical and no-nonsense approach you can take for the endeavour, the better. Learning to speak about your individual characteristics without attaching emotion and shame is a valuable skill. ■ Take photos of yourself, front, back, and both sides. Mark the floor with tape, so you can stand in the same place, and either have a fitting buddy, or a tripod mounted camera, and take photos. This is so useful to be able to see which side of your body is higher and if you have…

PILLOW YOU WILL NEED ■ Various non-stretch fabric scraps for the pillow’s front ■ Front backing fabric: 46x46cm ■ Back panel fabric: 35x115cm ■ Rotary cutter and cutting mat ■ 40cm square pillow insert ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm unless otherwise stated. ■ If using a thrifted pillow, it is recommended to put the pillow in a dryer on high heat for 1 hour to sanitise. ■ ‘Squaring off’ the fabric scraps (trimming them into various shapes with square corners) will make them easier to piece together for the pillow front but is not necessary if going for a more organic look. ■ For the front backing, use light coloured fabric that won’t show through the front. RECOMMENDED FABRICS ■ Old jeans…

CROWN YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 62x17cm ■ Lining fabric: 62x17cm ■ Felt: 62x17cm ■ Velcro: 8cm ■ Pom pom: 6 ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm. ■ Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates. MAKING THE CROWN Step one Place the main fabric on top of the felt, right side (RS) up, and then the lining fabric on top, RS down, so RS are together. Step two Place the template on top of the fabric layers and trace the shape with a marker around the fabric. Step three After marking the pattern on the fabric, pin the layers together and mark a 5cm opening to turn the crown through. 01 Step four Sew around the marked line, backstitching either side of the 5cm…

THRIFTY MAKES UPCYCLE YOU WILL NEED ■ T-shirt ■ Fabric scrap in a similar material ■ Hand sewing needle ■ Erasable fabric marker ■ Matching thread NOTES ■ We would recommend testing out the technique on a similar weight scrap of fabric. Adjust the scale of the smocking if desired. ■ We are using contrasting thread in the sample to show the technique more clearly, however in the final project use thread to match the T-shirt colour. ■ Ensure the grid plotting and stitching is done on the reverse side of the fabric/T-shirt. ■ Test the erasable fabric marker on a scrap of fabric to make sure the ink can be removed easily. SUGGESTED FABRICS ■ Cotton jersey is recommended. We used an Art Gallery Fabrics Solid Cotton Jersey Stretch…

WINNIE THE HEDGEHOG PAGE 77 ACTUAL SIZE 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. All templates are available to download from our website. Scan the code to go straight to the templates page!…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 1m cotton jersey knit fabric ■ Elastic: 2cm wide ■ Stretch sewing machine needle ■ Tailor’s chalk ■ Matching sewing thread ■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED ■ Amne Midnight Cloud print organic cotton jersey knit (ours was from lovelyjubblyfabrics.co.uk) NOTES ■ Find the template for this project at www.gathered. how/sewing-for-kids ■ RS = Right side(s). ■ WS = Wrong side(s). PREPARATION Step one Pre-wash and dry the fabric first to prevent shrinkage when washing later, then press well before commencing. Step two Cut the fabric in half with the main stretch across the width of the fabric. Step three Download and print out the templates. Following the marked directions, draw out the pattern pieces to the required size using tailor’s chalk then cut out. MAKING…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Quilting-weight cotton: 50x100cm, for the outer ■ Quilting-weight cotton: 50x100cm, for the lining ■ Quilting-weight cotton: 40x50cm, for the bedding ■ Thick wadding (see notes): 40x100cm ■ Small amount of toy stuffing ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm unless otherwise stated. ■ For a more structured basket you could use foam interfacing instead of wadding. FABRICS USED ■ Hedgerow collection by Bee Brown for Dashwood Studio, dashwoodstudio.com CUTTING OUT Step one From the cotton outer fabric, cut: Outer: 12x95cm Base: 37x22cm Handles: Two 20x8cm Step two From the cotton lining fabric, cut: Outer Lining: 12x95cm Base Lining: 37x22cm Step three From the cotton bedding fabric, cut: Pillow: Two pieces 12x16cm Blanket: Two pieces 22x22cm Step four From the wadding, cut: Outer Wadding:…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Canvas fabric: 1mx75cm ■ Grey webbing, 3cm wide: 3m ■ Yellow webbing, 2.5cm wide: 2.6m ■ Scraps of quilting-weight fabric in: Bright green (for the Tree Circle), Dark green (for the Tree Shapes), Burgundy (for House One), Blue (for House Two), Mustard (for Roof One), Rust (for Roof Two) Brown (for the Tree Trunks) ■ Single-sided interfacing: 20x35cm ■ Small amount of white yarn ■ Erasable fabric marker ■ Walking foot (optional) ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm. ■ Measurements are WxH. ■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates CUTTING OUT Step one Lay out your canvas and cut two rectangles, each 75x50cm. Set these aside for now while we prepare the trees and houses which we will decorate the mat with. 01…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Beige plush fabric: 45x30cm ■ Light-blue plush fabric: 28x33cm ■ Red plush fabric: 17x27cm ■ Black plush fabric: 35x37cm ■ Teal plush fabric: 32x15cm ■ Yellow plush fabric: 6x3cm ■ White wool felt: 4x4cm ■ Medium weight interfacing: 1m ■ Black stranded cotton ■ Polyester toy filling: 150g ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download the templates gathered.how/ss-templates. ■ Butterfly approx 18cm tall. ■ Arrows on the templates indicate direction of plush fabric pile. Note on Antennae the nap on the plush pile runs upwards. ■ Seam allowance is 6mm. Seam allowance is included in the templates. PREPARATION Step one Download, print and cut out the templates. BUTTERFLY Step one From the beige plush fabric, cut: Body: One pair Step two From the light-blue plush fabric,…

DRESS PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x 4 ■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: Sizes 6-20: 3mx115cm or 2.6mx140cm, Sizes 22-24: 3.3mx115cm, Sizes 22-30: 3.1mx140cm ■ Iron-on interfacing: 40x60cm ■ Zip: 56cm ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTE ■ The seam allowance is 1.5cm unless otherwise stated. FABRIC SUGGESTIONS Light to medium weight cottons, crepe, rayon, viscose or linen. SIZE CHART WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Supplied by Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company), Bristol, BS1 4ST. For individual, private use only and not for commercial or manufacturing purposes. Not for resale. CUTTING LAYOUTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing magazine. Supplied by Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company), Bristol, BS1 4ST. For individual, private use.…

As a working mum, I really understand the importance of 'me-time' when it comes to managing stress. Whether that's a quiet cuppa with a pal, a brisk walk in the countryside or some slow embroidery in front of the TV, I relish those moments of calm. April marks Stress Awareness Month in the UK, so I hope that our mindful projects (p26) will encourage you to do more of the above, too. There's a clever (and satisfying) fabric manipulation project to try (p75) and cute embroidery (p81) if you're after some slow hand-stitching. For those itching to get behind a machine, you'll find the Marie Dress a dream to sew – and even more of a delight to wear!…

SARA STRETCH FLARE PANT, AT THE SEAMS PATTERNS Ideal for beginner sewists, the Sara flares are a quick make with minimal sewing. Choose stretch knit fabric for a casual feel or go full glitz and glam with a shimmer fabric. Available in sizes XS-XL from AtTheSeamsPatterns. etsy.com DAPHNE BELL PANTS, SAMANTHA MARIE DESIGNS These must-sew pants come in a wide leg and flare option as well as bells. Plus, with both child and adult sizes, you can match with your mini-me too! Available in US sizes NB-16 years and adults 0-32 from samanthamariedesign.com FLARE LEGGINGS, GREENSTYLE PATTERNS Check out these bang on trend flares, featuring four waistband options. Available in sizes B-M in standard, petite and tall, these leggings are practical as well as pretty – wear them for both…

LUNA WRAP PYJAMAS This super-simple design from Sew Over It has been created with beginners in mind. It makes a stylish matching set, with a wrap-over top that ties at the side and a pair of elasticated trousers that have no side seams, making them super comfy to wear and speedy to sew. sewoverit.com PATTERN INSPIRATION Make your own nightwear with our pick of the best pyjama patterns available right now. 1 CAROLYN PYJAMAS These thoughtfully tailored pyjamas from Closet Core are based on the classic button-up, with a notched collar, piped edges, a curved hem, breast pocket and more. Choose between long straight-leg trousers or comfy shorts. closetcorepatterns.com 2 REEF PYJAMAS Megan Nielsen's design is another that's ideal for warmer weather, creating a relaxed cami and shorts co-ord. The…

DRAFT YOUR OWN! SEE-DRAFT YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 1mx140cm ■ Elastic: 3cm wide (see instructions for length) NOTES ■ The split on this skirt can be orientated to the side or the back according to preference FABRICS USED ■ 1m of Fizzy Rust Viscose Twill from atelierbrunette.com ■ 3cm wide plush elastic from frumble.co.uk BEFORE YOU BEGIN Step one The skirt width (W) = your waist measurement x 1.8. If W + seam allowance exceeds the width of your fabric then double your yardage and make your skirt from two rectangles that are each (W ÷ 2) + seam allowance Step two Cut a length of your elastic to fit your waist and stretch over your hips (with seam allowance for joining if you overlap). CUTTING OUT Step…

You may have noticed that it's no secret that we love our loungewear and comfies here at Simply Sewing! We stand firmly by the idea that style isn't just for the clothes we don to leave the house in. Whether you're grabbing 40 winks, heading for some beauty sleep or in need of a PJ day full of films, blankets and popcorn, you're going to love Crafty Sew & So's Pyjama Bottoms – perfect for stitching up in a variety of fabrics. Will you make luxurious loungewear out of a silky viscose, or stick to the principles of cosiness with a poplin or jersey? Complete your look with a plain white tee. We used the My Handmade Wardrobe (@mhwpatterns) '3 by 3' Tees pattern by Crafty Sew & So. Shop…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 1mx115cm or 1mx150cm ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit FINISHED SIZE ■ Little bag: 28x33cm (WxH) ■ Regular bag: 35.5x40.5cm (WxH) ■ Little 3D: 25.5x30.5x5cm (WxHxD) ■ Regular 3D: 32x37x7.5cm (WxHxD) NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.3cm unless otherwise stated. ■ The strap is a bit longer on the regular-size bag; feel free to customize the strap length or size if you’d like. You can sew both a little and a regular size from just one yard or meter of fabric. We’ve made these in linen, cotton canvas, thin denim, and some squishy waffle knit found in a thrift store as a pair of old kitchen curtains. This bag is one you can take in a lot of directions, depending on the fabric…

TOY YOU WILL NEED ■ Light green fabric: One fat quarter ■ Mid green fabric: 5in square ■ Floral or plain fabrics: Fifteen prints, approx. 2yds total ■ Brown wool felt: 4in square ■ Stranded embroidery thread: White and brown ■ Toy stuffing FINISHED SIZE ■ 14x9½in NOTES ■ Seam allowances are 5mm, unless otherwise noted. Templates include seam allowances where necessary. ■ Mark positions and openings on the reverse of the fabrics using a pencil. ■ Clip notches into the curves and corners for a smooth finish. ■ RS = Right side(s). ■ WS = Wrong side(s). FABRICS USED ■ Body fabric is a Kona Cotton Solid by Robert Kaufman in Zucchini. ■ Inner ear fabric is a Kona Cotton Solid by Robert Kaufman in Pickle. CUTTING OUT Step…

HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF ACCURATELY ALWAYS MEASURE YOURSELF BEFORE you choose a pattern size to cut out. The sizes do vary greatly from pattern to pattern, so it’s always best to measure yourself accurately and then refer to the pattern’s size chart to find your size. The chart will usually be printed on the pattern envelope or on the instructions inside. Measure yourself in your underwear and preferably in the bra you’ll be wearing underneath your garment as this can alter the measurements slightly. Use a fabric tape measure as it’ll curve around your body well for accuracy. You can measure on your own if you stand in front of a mirror, but, for best results, ask a friend to help so they can check the tape measure is sitting…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Jersey or sweatshirt fabric: 1m ■ Contrast rib for the welts: 6x80cm – if rib isn’t available, self fabric can be used ■ Yarn for pom-poms ■ 35mm pom-pom maker ■ Basic sewing kit SIZE ■ The patterns are for ages 6-18mths, 18m-2yrs, 3-5yrs and 6-8yrs. NOTES ■ Use a 1cm seam allowance. ■ Download the pattern from gathered.how/ss-templates CUTTING OUT Step one Measure a dress that already fits your child well and check this against the finished measurements chart to choose the best pattern size. Step two Cut out the patterns following the lines for the correct size. The bodice front and bodice back use the same pattern piece, but the necklines are different. For the bodice front, trace around the pattern piece and the…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Light-pink cotton: FQ ■ Metallic grey cotton: FQ ■ Cream cotton: FQ ■ Patterned cotton: FQ ■ Dark-grey cotton: FQ ■ Zip: 29cm zip ■ Iron-on fleece interfacing ■ Medium-weight interfacing ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm. ■ Download templates from gathered.how/ss-templates. ■ Use a zip foot to insert zip and assemble the pencil case. ■ When using zip tape, tack the ends closed before starting. ■ PP = Pattern piece. ■ FQ = Fat quarter (18x22in). ■ RS = Right side(s). CUTTING OUT Step one Cut out and press medium-weight interfacing to the pattern pieces. Step two From the light-pink fabric, cut: PP1: Two Step three From the metallic grey fabric, cut: PP2: Two Step four From the patterned fabric, cut:…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 25x115cm (10x45in) ■ Waterproof shower curtain fabric: 25cmxWOF (10inxWOF) ■ Insul-Bright: 25x115cm (10x45in) ■ Canvas webbing: 3x25cm (1¼x10in) ■ Bias binding: 2.5m (2¾yds) ■ Velcro: 12cm (4¾in) ■ Erasable fabric pen ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED The fabric used is from the Matte Laminates collection by Cloud9 Fabrics. Sweet Cats. Ref: 214101. For stockists visit www. hantex.co.uk NOTES ■ WOF = Width of fabric. ■ The shiny side of the Insul-Bright needs to rest against the waterproof lining. ■ Use a specialist insulating lining such as Insul-Bright to ensure that the bag can keep food cool/warm. CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric, cut as follows: Bag main panel outer: 72x20cm Bag side outer: Two 25x15cm Step two From…

BOTTOMS PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheets x2 ■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ 2.6mx110cm wide cotton for sizes XS-XL ■ 2.7mx150cm wide cotton for sizes XS-4XL ■ Elastic: 2cm wide elastic the same length as your waist. ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.5cm unless otherwise stated ■ Start and end all stitching with a back stitch unless stated otherwise ■ Ease included in pattern 5cm at hips ■ Measure your hips at the widest point and use this to choose pattern size. ■ Measure your leg length and fold up pattern to shorten if necessary, ensuring to include 5cm for the hem FABRIC RECOMMENDATIONS ■ The pyjamas can be made with any woven cotton, including lawn, poplin, bushed cotton. They also make…

JENNY HASSLER The fabulous Jenny is a wife, mother, grandmother, CPA, and artist, living and working in western North Carolina. Check out her exclusive column on page 38 to hear about her inspiring sewing journey and her mission for more inclusivity! FREYA GILBERT You’ll love this issues’ cosy pyjama bottoms pattern by Freya – one half of the dynamic duo behind Crafty Sew & So. Grab a soft and fleecy brushed cotton or a silky viscose and turn to page 56 to get sewing and stay cosy. TENDAI MURAIRWA Yorkshire based, self taught sewer Tendai loves to sew and create with vintage and African print fabrics and is a genius for self-drafting garments – turn to page 60 to find her stunning and prismatic self-drafted infinity dress. FINN HOWELL Analytical…

FASHION BAG & ACCESSORIES Darla-Jane Gilroy (£28, Quercus Books) Explore fashion bags, purses, wallets, clutches, cases, gloves and belts, through a creative design approach and get your cogs working as you learn about the key construction of these stylish staples with Darla-Jane Gilroy. Evolve and expand your sewing knowledge and discover the craftsmanship and skill that goes into creating practical and iconic accessories. COMPLETE BOOK OF SEWING TECHNIQUES Wendy Gardiner (£16.99, Landauer Publishing) Perfect for beginning sewists and seasoned stitchers alike, this new, second edition of Complete Book of Sewing Techniques features step-by-step instructions, friendly advice and top guides, from hand stitching, to hemming, to adding darts and mor – from internationally accredited sewing expert, Wendy Gardiner. FUN WITH FAT QUARTERS Wendy Gardiner (£9.99, Search Press) From sewing guru, Wendy…

We love how gorgeous dresses can make for a one-and-done trip to the wardrobe when you need an outfit to wow with minimal decision-making effort! The Marie Dress (in size UK 6-30) slips seamlessly into this category, so you know you can count on her no matter the occasion. Whether you've got a big meeting coming up at work, an interview for your dream job, an exciting proposal to deliver to that all important investor, make a good first impression with the Marie Dress (then hit them with that wow-moment when they ask you where you got your dress and you get to say "oh, this? I made it myself." Once you've conquered the day, head out into the evening. Whether it's drinks with pals, dinner with someone special, or…

Every body is beautifully unique and asymmetrical in some way, but those with scoliosis are likely to be more asymmetric than most. Scoliosis is when the spine twists and curves to the side, and it can cause shoulders to be uneven, one shoulder blade to jut out, or one hip to be higher than the other. Clothing can be uncomfortable to move around in, or even painful if a garment is pressing on or digging into areas like the hips, waist and shoulders. However, armed with a sewing machine, stitchers with scoliosis have the power to craft a wardrobe that's custom-made for their back’s curve. Although her scoliosis wasn’t the reason that Laura – @green.circle.textiles on Instagram – started dressmaking, she says it's helped her to feel "more at home…

Name: Georgina Li (she/her) Instagram handle: @heysewgeorgie Pattern used: ZW Tier Dress by Birgitta Helmersson Fabric: Joy! Cotton Poplin by Hey Sew Sister Fabric Stockist: heysewsister.co.uk I had been wanting to try a zero waste pattern, in particular Birgitta Helmersson’s patterns, for a while and waited for a pattern that suited my style. This was it! Dresses featuring tiered skirts constructed from rectangles are often lower waste as they tend to use up a good amount of the fabric requirement. For a tiered dress to be zero waste and use up ALL of the fabric is really exciting as I am always conscious about reducing my waste. MY STYLE I am a huge believer of dressing cute yet comfortable and, for me, that involves a lot of maxi…

DRAFT YOUR OWN! YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric: 3mx140m ■ Interfacing: 30x90cm ■ Zip ■ Tailor’s chalk ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.5cm ■ Interfacing can help to stiffen your waistband but is optional FABRICS USED ■ African print 100% cotton fabric MEASUREMENTS NEEDED ■ Woven fabrics such as polyester or knit fabric TAKING YOUR MEASUREMENTS Step one Measure around your waist, placing the tape measure where it would feel most comfortable for the skirt waistband to sit (we placed our tape measure at the narrowest point of our waist but this is up to you). Step two Your waistband length will be the measurement you have just taken + seam allowance of 5cm. The waistband height is up to you, this time…

A GOOD READ For many makers, online communities are an integral part of our making experience. Whether it’s posting photos of our latest makes on Instagram; sharing our thrifty fabric finds on a forum; or writing our experiences on a blog. The likes, shares, comments and direct messages add up to create powerful communities where support meets inspiration. While some of these online relationships stay on-screen, others bleed out into the real world, bringing the magic of making with them. Four years ago, the team behind All Well Workshop were two strangers on the internet. Amy Bornman from Pittsburgh and Amelia Greenhall from Seattle were two sewists and creatives sharing their work online. Fast-forward to today, and they’re the dream team behind a creative sewing studio publishing simple, intuitive and…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Pre-washed cotton fabric: 10x10cm ■ Stranded cotton (see notes) ■ Iron-on stabiliser: 10x10cm ■ Erasable fabric marker ■ Bondaweb: 10x10cm ■ Embroidery hoop ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates ■ This pattern used DMC stranded cotton in the shades: 899, 352, 743, 472, 3811, 3849, 210, 156, and 310 PREPARATION Step one Press the iron-on stabiliser to the back of your cotton fabric. Next, trace or transfer the pattern to the front of the fabric. Always do this after adding the stabiliser because pressing the traced pattern can blur the markings or make them permanent. 01 Step two Place the stabilised fabric in an embroidery hoop and embroider the design however you like. Remove the pattern markings and then cut around…

MY FAVOURITE THING "Since before I even started sewing, I gravitated towards a similar or neutral tone top and bottoms followed by a bold jacket. So, it’s no surprise that when I taught myself how to sew, I received the most comments regarding the jackets I created. My statement jackets always give me a boost of confidence. As someone who is autistic, I love interesting textures and color visually, but I can’t necessarily tolerate them against my skin so a jacket is where I throw all of my wildest ideas at. As a trans person, a jacket can make a big impact on your silhouette for those extra dysphoric days. Here are some of my go-to tricks to get inspired… "When I don’t know what to make, I like to…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Pale pink plush: 50x50cm ■ Bubblegum plush: 16x16cm ■ Black stranded cotton ■ Elastic: 9.5cm long ■ Extra strong thread ■ Length of satin ribbon ■ Doll making needle ■ Polyester toy filling ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download the templates gathered.how/ss-templates. ■ Seam allowance is 6mm. ■ Finished size: 16.5cm tall. ■ Arrows on the templates show the direction of fur pile. ■ The fabric nap should run downwards, except for the ears where it runs upwards. CUTTING OUT Step one Download, print and cut out the templates. Step two From the pale pink plush, cut: Side Body: One pair Head Gusset: One Underbody: One pair Front Trotters: Two pairs Back Trotters: Two pairs Outer Ears: One pair Tail: One Step three From the…