Indholdsfortegnelse for 86 i Simply Sewing

Put your feet up and get stuck into our visible mending feature on page 48. If you’re feeling inspired to salvage some of your worse-for-wear garments, you’ll find a sock-mending tutorial and embroidered T-shirt upcycle inside! As well as freshening up your wardrobe with Sewgirl’s Cecily Dress and Sew House Seven’s Remy Top, give your kitchen an update with a selection of new essentials on page 28. The Wild fabric collection from Dashwood Studio we’ve used makes us excited for autumn to arrive, and the quilted jacket on page 64 is just the thing for the changing season. Happy sewing! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

REFASHIONING AT ITS BEST We’re all making efforts to be more sustainable, and as well as watching our travel, our energy use and keeping on top of recycling, we can make more eco-friendly choices when it comes to our undies. Pantee was set up in 2020 by sisters Amanda and Katie and they’re creating underwear from deadstock T-shirts. Find out more and shop the range at pantee.co.uk. ALL AFLUTTER They say good things come to those who wait, and By Hand London’s Sandeep Dress and Skirt (named after Sandeep of Sister Mintaka) has been in the works for six years! It was well worth the wait. If you’ve got an extra-special occasion on the horizon, this pattern is definitely The One! Available in UK 2–38, byhandlondon.com. CANVAS TO CLOTH W…

Q Do you have any tips for converting a pattern for woven fabric to knit and vice versa? There are so many lovely knit/stretch fabrics out there! A You need to take each pattern individually and work out the pros and cons to see if it can be done or if it is worth the effort to do so. Woven does not stretch but knit does, and these key characteristics must be taken into account. If you’re going from woven to knit, check the closures the pattern has, will they work in stretch? Buttonholes may not work and fly zips are a nightmare! Match the weight of the pattern as best as possible. If the pattern asks for a heavy woven, then use scuba or a heavyweight knit; if the…

SHÉRAZADE DRESS One of four gorgeous designs from I AM Patterns’ I AM A Princess collection, Shérazade is a flattering, loose-fitting dress perfect for colour blocking. Its front and back are completely symmetrical with a V-neckline, cap sleeves, a gathered skirt and of course, handy in-seam pockets. iampatterns.fr PATTERN INSPIRATION Make the most of hidden storage with our pick of the best patterns featuring in-seam pockets 1 LYRA DRESS This recent design from Tilly and the Buttons has been made with comfort in mind! It’s an oversized, blousy bodice dress with bust darts, a button-front opening, a two-piece collar and stand, and, of course, in-seam pockets. The gathered skirt can be hemmed just above the knee, or tiered with a midi panel for a slightly different look. tillyandthebuttons.com 2 ZERO…

Update your collection of basic tees with the comfy and versatile Remy Raglan from Sew House Seven (sewhouse7.com). Mix and match sleeve and bodice options to create a range of Remy tops for day-to-day wear. YOU WILL NEED Fabric: ■ Top A, Short sleeve Size 00–2: 1.2mx112cm / 1mx147cm Size 4–12: 1.6mx112cm / 1.2mx147cm Size 14–20: 2.2mx112cm / 1.4mx147cm ■ Top A, Mid-length sleeve Size 00–2: 1.6mx112cm / 1.2mx147cm Size 4–12: 1.8mx112cm / 1.3mx147cm Size 14–20: 2.6mx112cm / 1.8mx147cm ■ Top B, Short sleeve Size 00–2: 1.5mx112cm / 1mx147cm Size 4–12: 1.6mx112cm / 1.2mx147cm Size 14–20: 2.3mx112cm / 1.5mx147cm ■ Top B, Mid-length sleeve Size 00–2: 1.7mx112cm / 1.2mx147cm Size 4–12: 1.8mx112cm / 1.3mx147cm Size 14–20: 2.6mx112cm / 1.8mx147cm ■ Top B only: one 20mm diameter button ■ Matching thread…

WASHABLE TRANSFERS If you don’t fancy going freehand with sashiko patterns, transfers are a genius addition. BEESWAX This can be used for coating needles which need to go through thick fabric (especially handy for denim). THIMBLES Thimbles are very useful when pushing needles through tough fabrics – no more sore fingers! DARNING MUSHROOM This is a wooden tool which provides a smooth surface for fabric to be placed over so you can darn with ease. There are also similar versions called darning eggs, which do the same thing but have no handle. SASHIKO NEEDLES These specially made long needles allow you to perform multiple stitches at once.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Pair of socks ■ Darning mushroom, tennis ball or similar rounded object ■ Elastic band ■ 2-ply weight sock yarn (preferably the same material as the sock) ■ Tapestry needle PREPARATION Step one Clean the edge of the hole. If there are any loose threads or if it’s an odd shape it might be best to clean it up a bit with some snips. We decided to use the darning weave stitch, but you may decide that duplicate stitch or blanket stitch would be better for your mend. Step two To make it easier to work, put the darning mushroom or a suitable substitute inside the sock so that you have a surface to work on. Centre the hole to be mended against the surface and…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cotton fabric for the outer: 138x110cm ■ Cotton fabric for the lining: 138x110cm ■ Cotton fabric for binding: 112x20cm ■ Garment bag (without zip) ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm unless otherwise stated. FABRICS USED ■ Outer fabric: Liberty Tana Lawn, Charleston Posey B, supplied by alicecaroline.com. CUTTING OUT Step one From the outer fabric cut: Front Panel: 46x100cm Back Panel: 46x102cm Side Panels: two 15x105cm Step two From the lining fabric cut: Front Panel: one 46x100cm Back Panel: one 46x102cm Side Panels: two 15x105cm Step three From the lining cut: Binding: five 112x4cm PREPARING THE PATTERN Step one Mark the centre front and centre back on the garment bag. Step two Place the garment bag over the dress…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 2mx140cm ■ Lining fabric: 2mx140cm ■ Lightweight quilt wadding: 2mx150cm ■ Chalk/ erasable fabric pen ■ Safety pins ■ Walking foot ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm unless otherwise stated. ■ Full instructions for drafting your pattern are given, and you can follow the pattern diagram on the opposite page for guidance. ■ A note on erasable pens: some pens disappear with heat but reappear with cold, so we would advise patch testing your pen on a scrap piece of your fabric. Iron to erase and place in the freezer to see if it reappears. FABRICS USED ■ Outer: Pampasgras, Azur. Lining: Blurry Camouflage, Flieder. Both Rico Design, rico-design.com. ■ Wadding: Vlieseline low loft 249, vlieseline.com. MAKING…

Add ruffles to the hems of the top and shorts for a fun summer look. Play with the width of your top straps by pinning scraps of fabric to your top first to see what you like the look of best in terms of length and width. Add gathered tiers to the top to make a nightdress. Remember to make the tiers wider as you go to ensure there is enough room for your hips. Add length to the shorts to make them into trousers. Simply measure a pair of your existing pyjama bottoms and add a seam allowance. Add simple patch pockets to the top and/or shorts. Make a matching robe in the same fabric or a coordinating design for a fun set. Make an eye mask and slippers…

YOU WILL NEED The instructions are written for standard fabric with a width of 42in. Fabric: ■ Fabric 1 (left arch): 1/3yd ■ Fabric 2 (right arch): ¼yd ■ Fabric 3 (bottom arch): 1/3yd ■ Fabric 4 (background): 2/3yd ■ Backing: 1yd ■ Batting: 28x38in ■ Binding: 3/8yd NOTES ■ Seam allowance is ¼in. ■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates. FINISHED SIZE ■ 26x36in FABRICS USED Linen fabrics are all Robert Kaufman ■ Fabric 1: Brussels Washer Yarn-Dyed Redrock ■ Fabric 2: Essex Peach ■ Fabric 3: Essex Leather ■ Fabric 4: Essex Ivory Wide ■ Backing: Essex Peach ■ Binding: Essex Ivory Wide ■ Batting: Quilters Dream Wool CUTTING OUT Step one From fabric 1 (rust), cut: Strip: 8½in x WOF. Subcut: B: one rectangle 8½x12½in A: one rectangle…

While we’re reluctant to say farewell to our sandals and sunnies, there’s something exciting about the change of season – not least the potential for some new me-mades to refresh your wardrobe! You’ll reach for this month’s versatile Cecily Dress from Sewgirl time and time again – find out how to get the most from your pattern on page 20. Plus, if it’s your home that’s in need of an update, try our kitchen makes on page 28. We’re also super-excited to bring you this month’s amazing subscriber offer – a Tailormaid dress form worth £109.99! Turn to page 14 for all the details.…

Blanca suddenly had a need to sew one night in her pre-teen years after seeing the Beatles premier on television. There was an unused sewing machine in the house and it was powered up in minutes. She just had to make a Beatles suit! With the help and patience of a neighbourhood dressmaker who agreed to tutor her, the suit was made in a few weeks, in a turquoise dupioni with gold buttons and grey lining. “Of course, it didn’t get worn much except to run errands with my mum, but it looked glorious in my wardrobe and I loved seeing it hanging there.” From that time on she was inspired by menswear and studied the fashion of James Bond films for style ideas. Suits, trousers, polo necks and collared…

LEARN WITH HOBBYCRAFT Hobbycraft has launched a fab new programme of online and in-person workshops. Take a look at the sewing workshops available at classbento.co.uk/ hobbycraft/home SEWING BASICS WITH DENISE BAYRON Denise of Bayron Handmade has created a two-hour online class for beginner sewists. Sign up at skillshare.com to learn about seam styles, basic tools, and how to sew a straight line or curved corner. KNITTING & STITCHING SHOW 2021 After the disappointment of last year’s K&S show cancellation, we’re more than ready to get back to Alexandra Palace from 7–11 October! Keep an eye out for tickets at theknittingandstitchingshow.com.…

You’re going to love sewing Cecily almost as much as you love wearing her! This modern design from Fiona Hesford of Sewgirl is the perfect dress to fill that gap in your wardrobe as we change seasons. Visit Fiona’s blog (sewgirl blog.com ) for a guide to sewing this dress, and turn to page 24 for our step-by-step guide to sewing those all-important in-seam pockets. YOU WILL NEED Fabric: ■ Long-sleeved version: Sizes 8–12: 3.2mx112cm Sizes 14–20: 3.3mx112cm Sizes 8–12: 2.5mx150cm Sizes 14–20: 2.6mx150cm ■ Short-sleeved version: Sizes 8–12: 2.9mx112cm Sizes 14–20: 3mx112cm Sizes 8–12: 2.2mx150cm Sizes 14–20: 2.3mx150cm ■ Medium-weight fusible interfacing: 120x90cm ■ Invisible zip: 22cm ■ Invisible zip foot ■ Matching thread RECOMMENDED FABRICS ■ Light- to medium-weight fabrics such as cotton, linen, chambray or viscose. FABRICS…

1 THE BASICS As with most aspects of dressmaking, there are lots of different types of pockets and each has its own techniques, applications and pros and cons. In-seam pockets are so called because they are worked within the seam of the garment, and as such can be almost completely concealed. This allows you to add handy storage to your makes without the extra bulk and distraction of a bold patch pocket – perfect for formal garments, trousers and other makes that require a smooth silhouette. 2 IN THE CURVE Most in-seam pockets will be placed along a straight seam – but that doesn’t mean you can’t add them along a curved edge, too. Simply draft the edge of your pocket bag pattern pieces to match the curve of your…

1 This Light Green Melange Soft Knit from Sew Me Sunshine is incredibly soft and suits a cosy winter take on this versatile pattern. (sewmesunshine.com) 2 The detail in this Green Pine Organic Cotton Wicker Knit from Mind the Maker adds interest and a lovely texture. (sewmesunshine.com) 3 Turn this simple shape into occasion wear with this Windy Petrol Blue Viscose Crêpe by Églantine et Zoé – just the thing for a relaxed night out! (sewmesunshine.com)…

WEAR IT WITH DAY IN DAY OUT…

SMALL STITCHES ARE MORE SECURE Although they can take more time, a larger quantity of smaller stitches will give you much more security when repairing a tear or adding a new swatch of fabric. THINK ABOUT FUTURE WASHING Before you rush into a repair, have a think about whether you’ll be machine washing the garment after as you may need stronger stitching or a more durable fabric. USE YOUR STASH Dig out those amazing buttons you found at that market and dust off your golden thread – making repairs is the perfect time to utilise precious finds in your crafting stash. MATCH MATERIALS Anything goes when it comes to mending, but as a rule of thumb, be careful to balance out the material weights of the garment you are repairing…

Little ones will love tucking up Bedtime Bear before going to sleep! This super-soft teddy from Jo Carter (twoowlsdesign.co. uk) is the perfect nighttime companion for children, and if their bed is already full with other cuddlies, he has his own sleep set-up so there’s no need to move any of the other favourites! The cute bedding is a great way to use up some of your fabric scraps; you could even sew teddy some matching pyjamas, too. Share your finished smiley Bedtime Bear with us using #simplysewingmag.…

Have the most fun with fashion with these vibrant, colourful handmade garments from Aussie brand Kablooie, founded by pattern-loving designer and self-named Chief Happiness Maker, Keneena Fanning! Sustainability is at the heart of the business, so each fabulous design is made to order and can be customised to suit your style, shape and size. The print shown here is from the Just Be You range, which is all about celebrating you for exactly who you are. Take a look at all of the other designs at kablooiestore.com.au.…

The things that hindered my confidence then allow me to share my true personality now. Creativity has always been a driving force in my life, guiding major decisions. I remember a bag full of half-cut fabrics and old sewing patterns stored deep in the back of my mom’s closet when I was a boy, packed away with her sewing machine and sewing box. Even though I was instructed to leave the ‘stash’ alone, I always found myself rummaging through it in search of treasure when mom wasn’t looking. Who knows why it was so enticing to me at the beginning; whether it was my love of textiles, engineering, or pure creative energy, but it is an enticement that still lasts over 30 years later. Growing up in a very conservative…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Linen fabric: 20x10cm ■ Fabric A quilting cotton: 10x15cm ■ Fabric B quilting cotton: 10x6cm ■ Backing fabric (we used fabric B): 10x27cm ■ Wadding: 10x27cm ■ Stranded cotton in coordinating shades ■ Ribbon shade 1: 60x1cm ■ Ribbon shade 2: 60x1cm ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm throughout. CROSS-STITCH Step one Lay a piece of ribbon on the surface of your fabric. To keep it in place as you stitch, it may be helpful to stick it down with a dab of fabric glue. Thread a needle with stranded cotton and come up through the fabric next to the ribbon. Go back down on the other side of the ribbon, making an angled stitch or half of an…

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.…

FIONA HESFORD This issue’s cover star is the Cecily Dress from Fiona Hesford of Sewgirl. As you’ll read on page 98, Fiona is a big fan of a bold print, so it only seemed right to make our Cecily Dress in wonderful Nerida Hansen fabric! Find more bright prints on page 20. SHIKIRA ALLEYNE-SAMUEL Talented Shikira of Kreative Pursuit is showing us how to transform our old tees with needle and thread this issue. Turn to page 74 for a step-by-step guide to upcycling a top with some personalised delicate embroidery. PEGGY MEAD The Remy Raglan top is going to be a big hitter in our wardrobes, and this super casual and comfy design comes from Peggy Mead of Sew House Seven. Peggy’s patterns are designed to be simple and…

Blazers A blazer instantly elevates any outfit, says Production Editor Emily Freer HEATHER BLAZER, FRIDAY PATTERN COMPANY For something super stylish and casual, it has to be the Heather Blazer. This modern, oversized design can be worn with just about anything. Extra points for pockets, too! Follow #heatherblazer for inspiration galore. Available in US sizes 0–32, fridaypatterncompany.com. PONA JACKET, HELEN’S CLOSET PATTERNS We love this design for its different length options. You can choose to make a cropped or longer jacket meaning you can make a Pona for all seasons. It’s designed to be worn open, too, so no fiddly closures. If you haven’t sewn outerwear before, this pattern is a great place to start. Available in US sizes 0–30, helensclosetpatterns.com. BESPOKE BLAZER, SEW TO GROW Play around with sleeve…

EMBROIDERING THE EVERYDAY Cas Holmes (£22.95, Batsford) If you’re feeling a bit short on inspiration, this book from Cas Holmes is just the thing to get you finding the wonderful in everyday items. Cas’ experiments working with homemade dyes and papers, vintage scraps and even teabags and biscuits are sure to get you thinking outside the box and seeing creative potential in your surroundings. CRUMB QUILTS Emily Bailey (£15.99, David & Charles) Salvage your fabric crumbs to create striking and beautiful quilts with the help of Emily Bailey. Follow step-by-step guides to creating quilt blocks from tiny fabric scraps and put them to use with 15 projects, including bed quilts, a pillow and a pincushion. You’ll also find instructions for basting and binding your projects, so you’re guided every step…

WEAR IT WITH UP AND DOWN…

BREAD BAG Banish stale sandwiches from your lunch by keeping your favourite loaf fresh in a stylish bread bag. Whether it’s for a crunchy baguette from the market or finger rolls for your BBQ, this is a simple make that you’ll use all the time. It’s one less piece of plastic in your kitchen, too. OVEN MITT Elevate your kitchen basics by making your own oven mitt with a stylish contrast trim. Line it with heat-resistant wadding to keep your hands safe when moving trays and pans around, and use the hanging loop to store it next to your oven so it’s to hand whenever you need it. TEA TOWELS If your tea towels are looking a bit tired, give your kitchen a lift with a pretty new set. The…

Kaftan Dress (theassemblyline shop.com ) With raglan sleeves, side splits and an overlap v-neck detail, this relaxed dress is a versatile wardrobe star. The Fielder (merchantand mills.com ) Based on a traditional sweatshirt shape, The Fielder has raglan sleeves and looks great made up in textured linen fabrics. V-Neck Shift Dress (themakersatelier.com) With wide, elbow-length sleeves and an inverted pleat down the front to add detail, this beautifully draped dress will see you through the seasons.…

The ‘make do and mend’ slogan may have been used in Britain during the Second World War to advise people how to be frugal during harsh rationing restrictions, but the sentiment is still alive and kicking today. Fast fashion is seeing considerable pushback from sustainable sewists who reuse, recycle and repair their clothes in order to avoid sending them to landfill. It’s time to dig out your holey socks and get your ripped jeans at the ready, because these mending experts will leave you feeling inspired to breathe a brand-new lease of life into your old wardrobe. SUSTAINABILITY The rise of sustainable fashion brands and ethically sourced materials are making waves in the clothing world, but as well as putting your pennies where your eco-mindset is, you can look a…

Kate Ward @zenstitching Find mesmerising sashiko inspiration on Kate’s feed – it’s a thing of beauty! You’ll hear all about her latest courses, too. Arounna Khounnoraj @bookhou Take some time out scrolling through Arounna’s page, filled with precise stitching, colour and pattern. Erin Lewis-Fitzgerald @erinlewisfitzgerald For repairs that are meant to be seen, head to Erin’s feed where mending is loud and proud! Shelley Zetuni @_sewingsmith_ Shelley is the queen of darning! She offers a ‘gentle yet radical revolution’ at her visible mending class and mend-alongs. Skye Pennant @slowstitchclub Skye is all about treasuring clothes and saving them from landfill, so you’ll find plenty of mending motivation here. Kazue Yoshikawa @sashiko.lab Any questions you have about the sashiko technique will be answered here! Kazue’s feed is full of knowledge and…

In this month’s workshop, Simply Sewing’s Senior Technical Editor, Roisin, helps you get to grips with your dress form for easy fitting! Many sewists dream of having a dress form, (also referred to as a mannequin or tailor's dummy) to add to their sewing room. They’re an essential tool for any garment work, from elaborate design to occasional alterations. At Simply Sewing HQ, I use a dress form to check the fit of our samples for our cover projects. A dress form with an adjustable dial allows me to check the fit and hang of a selection of sizes to make sure our patterns are true to size and drape nicely before they go to print. They’re also a handy tool for alterations, pattern hacks, hemming, and even creating your…

Although not many of us can declare that we’re ‘living the dream’, particularly after such a globally turbulent time, fabric entrepreneur Nerida Hansen truly can. Lauching her Australian-based business, Nerida Hansen Fabrics (neridahansen.com.au) in 2017, which specialises in creating beautifully patterned fabrics commissioned from some of the most exciting surface pattern designers in the industry, and running her own business creates the ideal balance between work and home life with her two children and husband, Mort, in Victoria, Australia. “I'M SURROUNDED BY GORGEOUS FABRICS THAT I'VE CURATED WITH AMAZING, CREATIVE AND CLEVER WOMEN” “I really am living my dream,” she laughs. “I feel so lucky. I’m my own boss; I can make my own rules, so I hit the gym or see a friend for a walk if I don’t…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Pair of loose-fitting trousers (as a template) ■ Lightweight fabric: 2.5mx140cm ■ Elastic for shorts, 3cm wide: your waist measurement + 5cm ■ Elastic for top, 3cm wide: your high bust measurement (under armpits) + 5cm ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm unless otherwise stated. FABRICS USED ■ We used Mirage cotton gauze in Chestnut and Forest from the Nomad Collection at atelierbrunette.com. CUTTING OUT Step one Fold your template trousers in half. Pin the inside leg and front crotch seams together and lay them on top of your folded fabric. Step two Trace down the crotch curve and inside leg from the waistband seam to 15cm below the crotch seam. Trace up the side seam on the opposite…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 50x70cm ■ Lining fabric: 50x70cm ■ Contrast fabric for straps: 150x20cm ■ Metal zip: 65cm ■ 3cm metal rings for strap: x2 ■ 3cm swivel key ring clasps for strap: x2 ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm. ■ Measure the strap before cutting in order to adjust the size. RECOMMENDED FABRICS ■ Main fabric and straps: canvas. ■ Lining fabric: lightweight cotton, linen or satin. FABRICS USED ■ Outer: Gabardine canvas in Night and Tangerine, both from Atelier Brunette, atelierbrunette.com ■ Lining: Rifle Paper Co. Primrose Navy from Cloth and Candy, clothandcandy.co.uk CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric cut: Bag Outer: two 50x62cm Step two From the lining fabric cut: Bag Lining: two 50x62cm Zip…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Brown fabric: 50x45cm ■ Dark brown fabric: 28x22cm ■ White fabric: 22x20cm ■ Small brown buttons: x2 ■ Pale yellow wool felt: 10x8cm ■ Pale blue wool felt: 10x8cm ■ Green wool felt: 8x12cm ■ Orange wool felt: 4x4cm ■ Purple wool felt: 8x8cm ■ Pink wool felt: 8x8cm ■ Brown wool felt: 23x8cm ■ Black seed beads: x15 ■ Light blue satin ribbon: 65cm ■ Black stranded cotton ■ Long doll making needle ■ Polyester toy filling: 150g ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit FINISHED SIZE ■ Approximately 43cm tall. FABRICS USED ■ Robert Kaufman Essex Linen in Nutmeg, Espresso and White. NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 6mm unless otherwise indicated. ■ Find the templates on page 90, or download and print them from…

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…

The Orla trapeze dress is one of the first patterns I designed about 10 years ago. I’ve only recently added it to the Sewgirl pattern range, but it’s still one of my favourites. I have made Orla countless times and in many different guises. A sleeveless version I made from a 70s retro flower print curtain is a real showstopper. Every time I wear it someone makes a comment – often that they had curtains just like it when they were a child! I named it after one of my all-time heroes, Orla Kiely, and it was largely inspired by my collection of retro vintage aprons from the 60s and 70s. I love how pockets on these are often edged in accent or contrasting bias binding and this influenced me…