Indholdsfortegnelse for Issue 6 i Simply Sewing

CHARLIE MOORBY Editor, Charlie, has always loved sewing and crafting. When she’s not making bold floral print dresses or birthday cards, you’ll find her gardening on her allotment or posting photos on Instagram. Find her online at www.thesavvycrafter.co.uk REBECCA REID Technical Editor, Rebecca, has been stitching since she was a child and has worked on many craft magazines as well as running her own curtain-making business. She made all the projects for Fresh Looks starting on page 26. LISA JONES Art Editor, Lisa, has worked on a variety of craft magazines. Her favourite part of the job is styling the shoots for the gorgeous projects. When she’s not doing that you’ll find her posting on Instagram or tweeting about her favourite font! MICHELLE GRADY Production Editor, Michelle, started sewing again…

TAKE A BANDANA Jemima Schlee (GMC Publications, £12.99) The bandana has been a design icon since the days of the Wild West. This fun book is full of ideas for sewing with and transforming those rock ‘n’ roll squares of fabric. There are 16 projects for your home and garden including a pin cushion, knitting bag, camera strap and notebook covers. 50 FAT QUARTER MAKES Ame Verso (David & Charles, £15.99) It’s time to use up your fat quarter stash with this charming book. There are 50 ideas by 11 different designers, with projects varying from quick-and-easy makes that use just one fat quarter, to quilts, cases and cosies that need up to 10. A super colourful and inspiring book to add to your collection. SEWN TOGETHER Jenny Doh (Lark…

We can’t get enough of vibrant coloured cushions; we’ve made so many we have run out of sofas and armchairs on which to put them! This gorgeous graphic couple come from a brilliant new DK book called Handmade Interiors . Packed with really useful contemporary sewing projects for the home, it’s an inspiring read and great for reference too. And we’re lucky enough to feature a project from the book in this issue; turn to page 78 for the terrific teepee tent! www.dk.com…

YOU WILL NEED Outer fabric: see instructions for details Inner fabric: see instructions for details Tissue box Matching sewing thread MEASUREMENTS The finished tissue box cover will fit your tissue box. FABRICS USED The fabrics used are from More Hearty Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda. Find your nearest stockist at www.modafabric.co.uk Outer fabric: Ships in Dark Ocean Ref: 1354/11 Inner fabric: Sea Marram in Pearl Ref: 1371/16 NOTES Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance. MEASURING UP Step one To make a cover to fit any size tissue box you first need to work out the measurements of fabric to cut out. Box top: Measure the top of the tissue box and add 3cm (1¼in) to the width and 3cm (1¼in) to the length. Cut one piece each from…

YOU WILL NEED Cotton fabric: see instructions for details Fusible web: see instructions for details Towel, navy Matching sewing thread MEASUREMENTS You can applique an initial or motif on any size bath/hand towel. FABRICS USED The fabrics used are from More Hearty Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda. Find your nearest stockist at www.modafabric.co.uk Appliqué fabric: Sea Marram in Pearl Ref: 1371/16 APPLIQUÉING THE INITIAL Step one Print out your initial using the font and to the size you want to stitch on your towel. There are lots of websites where you can download free fonts or just use one already installed on your computer Step two Trace over the initial onto tracing paper. Turn it over to the wrong side (WS) and place your fusible web paper side…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 60 x 43cm (24x17in) Backing and appliqué fabric: 60 x 65cm (24x26in) Interlining: 60 x 43cm (24x17in) Fusible Web: 32 x 22cm (13x9in) Wooden dowel: 1.5 x 46cm (½x18in) Cotton tape Matching sewing thread MEASUREMENTS Banner measures 50 x 40cm (20x16in). FABRICS USED The fabrics used are from More Hearty Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda. Find your nearest stockist at www.modafabric.co.uk Main fabric: Woven Texture in Dark blue Ref: 1357/11 Lining and Letters fabric: Sea Ripples in Dark blue Ref: 1373/22 NOTES Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance. CUTTING OUT Step one Cut your main fabric into a point to make the banner shape, following the measurements on the diagram on page 96. Step two Cut the backing fabric to the same shape…

Use your new-found stitching skills to make a funky belt! On page 41 we show you how to sew couching stitch, with our fun idea of family hands in a hoop. Here, we use the same stitch, worked in a geometric Aztec-type pattern. You’ll find the templates for this on pages 95-96. To make the belt, we used 4cm width webbing and two D-rings, available from good haberdashers. Experiment with different colours and thread (metallic anyone?) or stitch onto wider webbing to make into fashionable fabric cuffs.…

YOU WILL NEED 3 fat quarters: Pearl Bracelets – Cosmonaut; Moody Blues – Cacti; Andover Chambray – Blue. Fabrics supplied by otherfabricretailersare available). Basic sewing kit Iron Sewing machine Designer Jennie says: ‘This issue, I’ll be showing you how to make a classic bento bag by piecing together and folding three fabric squares.’ Step one Cut three pieces of fabric to form the sides and bottom of your bag. The two side pieces should measure 40x42cm (15¾x16½in) and the bottom piece should measure 40x40cm (15¾x15¾in). 01 Step two Take one of the side pieces and turn the top edge over by 1cm (3/8in) twice then stitch down to hem. Repeat with the left edge. Take the other side piece and do the same along the bottom and right edges. With…

YOU WILL NEED Various pairs of old jeans, in contrasting blue shades (we used UK size 14 and up) 1m of dark blue cotton fabric (for the backing) Thread (we used Coats Duet standard thread, colour 9068) 2 wooden dowels (ours were 68cm (26¾in) long and 1.5cm (5/8in) thick 1.5m cord Sewing machine (fitted with a size 100/16 jeans needle) Basic sewing kit Cutting mat Ruler Rotary cutter Air erasable pen Notes Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance throughout Over the last few months in Denim Upcycle, we’ve shown you smaller projects to make using singular pairs of old jeans. In this issue, Jess has chosen to showcase a variety of denim shades and jean pockets, and has used several pairs to make a handy hanging wall organiser in a…

YOU WILL NEED 6 metres (6 ½ yds) medium-weight furnishing fabric Matching thread 30x30cm (12x12in) clear plastic table covering 6 wooden dowels, 18mm (¾in) in diameter, 180cm (6ft) long Pattern paper Ruler Pencil Compasses Long stick Basic sewing kit Iron The templates for this project are on pages 95 and 96. MAKING THE PATTERN PIECE Step one Plan your panels so that the maximum width of each panel is half the fabric width. Draw a 140cm (56in) line down the centre of a piece of pattern paper. Measure and mark 9.5cm (3¾in) either side at the top of this line. Draw a line to join these two points. Step two At the bottom of the centre line, measure and mark either side of it half the maximum width of each…

SEAM RIPPER You’ll find this odd-looking tool invaluable for cutting through seams and removing stitches. The hook slips under the stitches while the sharp blade at the back cuts the thread. Replace it if it’s getting blunt – they’re cheap. MARKING TOOLS Tailor’s chalk and water- or air-erasable pens and pencils make pinning and tacking much easier as you can see where you’re meant to be sewing. They come in different colours to contrast with your fabric. ROTARY CUTTER If you want to get into patchwork or dressmaking, these make short work of cutting out a lot of fabric and pattern pieces. Always cut away from yourself as they are very sharp. You’ll need a cutting mat and special ruler to use these. PINS AND NEEDLES Indispensable stainless steel pins…

COUCHING STITCH HANDS TEMPLATE PAGE 41 MAIN OUTLINE ACTUAL SIZE BUILDING BLOCKS PAGE 55 MAIN OUTLINE ACTUAL SIZE BANNER DIAGRAM PAGE 40 MEASUREMENT GUIDE TEEPEE DIAGRAM PAGE 78 MEASUREMENT GUIDE COUCHING STITCH PAGE 43 BELT OUTLINE 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 website, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Copyright law protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.…

“THIS IS A PROJECT I was commissioned to create for Mollie Makes magazine. I normally do a lot of machine sewing for my hair accessories label, but this was my first ever foray into the world of hand embroidery and I really enjoyed the challenge! There is something very therapeutic about preparing the hoop and gently stretching the fabric so it has just the right amount of tension; the moment that you stop to admire that blank canvas, open to so many possibilities. Then comes the satisfying pop as needle pierces fabric and the first stitch is formed. From that point on you’re committed and bit by bit the artwork appears before your eyes. Stitches become petals, stems, leaves and tendrils. You work at a steady pace, gaining momentum but…

We’ve created four fabulous projects for you to make with the faux suede fabric that came with this issue – see the booklet for full instructions. But there are so many great ways to utilise faux suede – here’s some of our favourite makes from other designers. As well as embellishing and accessorising for yourself, we loved the idea of using our tan-coloured faux suede on menswear, especially as it works so well with denim. Then there are all the different ways you can include the fabric in a bag, be it a clutch, tote or purse... USE YOUR FREE GIFT!…

OPEN UP These sweet umbrella buttons look good rain or shine. £1.40 for ten. www.pocketandpin.co.uk CARE BEARS The natural wood of these bear buttons dials down the cute factor for grown-up garments. £1.50 for ten. www.rebecca  bren.folksy.com GLITTER GLAM These sparkly buttons would add a pink colour pop to a shirt or cardigan. Ten for £1.30. www. centibeadsupplies. folksy.com LOLLIPOP LOVE We can’t decide if these buttons are sweet or spooky. Eight per set for approx £2. www. moonbeamgifts. etsy.com HAPPY HEARTS With 100 candy-coloured buttons in a pack, the crafty possibilities are endless. £2. www.thebutton  store.co.uk…

YOU WILL NEED For each block White cotton or linen, 18x18cm (71/8x71/8in) Air or water erasable fabric pen Embroidery hoop, 12cm (4¾in) Three stranded cotton embroidery threads, in dark brown, white and light pink Embroidery needle Ruler Five 11cm (43/8in) squares of patterned cotton – two each in two fabrics, and one in a third fabric One safety-standard foam cube, 10cm (4in) Matching sewing thread Sewing machine Basic sewing kit NOTES • The embroidery templates are printed on the paper pattern sheet provided with this issue and are also on page 95. • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance throughout. EMBROIDERING THE BOOS Step one Each of the blocks is embroidered with a different tumbling Boo. Place your white cotton square centrally over one of the motifs from the pattern…

ROOFTOP FABRICS This Stunning new range from Dashwood Studio is called “Secret Garden” and would be perfect to make a huge range of projects this summer! From £2.70 a fat quarter this is a wonderful range of prints to start your fabric stash or add to your must-keep fabrics. Come and check out Rooftop Fabrics, who knows what you might find today! TEL 01420 260036 WEB rooftopfabrics.com DUCK EGG THREADS These pretty Liberty Tana Lawn prints in teal compliment each other beautifully. Capel, a single colour floral and Claire-Aude with pops of pink and yellow. A perfect combination! Duck Egg Threads is an online fabric shop selling gorgeous Liberty Tana Lawn, we carry a large range of prints and specialise in smaller cuts of fabric, so you can treat yourself…

Blogging is one of the 21st century’s simple pleasures. Providing you have an internet connection, all you need to do is find a topic you’re passionate about and you’ll be ready to start sharing. For sewing bloggers, this can be your projects, triumphs, failures, favourite fabrics – just about anything that catches your eye. Tilly Walnes of www.tillyandthebuttons.com started blogging five and a half years ago “as a way to connect with other sewing geeks, as at the time I didn’t know anyone into making their own clothes. Luckily sewing has become more popular since then, and I’ve met some good friends through blogging. Later on, the purpose of my blog evolved to become a platform to provide sewing tips, tutorials and inspiration, with a particular focus on people who…

YOU WILL NEED Outer fabric:Small: 60 x12cm (235/8x44in)Medium: 100 x 112cm (39x44in)Large: 60 x 112cm (63x44in) Cotton lining fabric, cream:Small: 60 x 112cm (24x44in)Medium: 100 x 112cm (39x44in)Large: 160 x 112cm (63x44in) White mount board:Small: 1 A2+ sheetMedium: 3x A2+ sheetLarge: 6x A2+ sheetMount board is from refWMB04 Double-sided tape Matching sewing thread MEASUREMENTS Small box measures 20cm (77/8in) Medium box measures 30cm (117/8in) Large box measures 40cm (15¾in) FABRICS USED Fabrics from More Hearty Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda. For stockists visit www.modafabric.co.uk Small box: Sea Marram in Dark Ocean Ref: 1371/11 Medium box: Seagulls in Pearl Ref: 1350/23 Large box: Ships in Dark Ocean Ref: 1354/11 NOTES Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance throughout and press all seams open as you go. CUTTING OUT From the outer…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 85 x 30cm (33x12in) Lining fabric: 85 x 30cm (33x12in) Cotton tape, navy: 25cm (10in) Matching sewing thread MEASUREMENTS The finished toilet roll holder measures 82 x 12cm (323/8x4¾in). FABRICS USED The fabrics used are from More Hearty Good Wishes by Janet Clare for Moda. Find your nearest stockist at www.modafabric.co.uk Main fabric: Ships in Dark Ocean Ref: 1354/11 Lining fabric: Sea Marram in Pearl Ref: 1371/16 NOTES Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance throughout and press all seams open as you go. CUTTING THE FABRIC Step one Cut the main fabric into two pieces each measuring 85 x 15cm (33½x6in). Step two Cut the lining fabric into two pieces each measuring 85 x 15cm (33½x6in). ASSEMBLING Step one Place the two main pieces of…

Give your stash a brilliant boost by being one of the lucky readers to receive this fine selection of fabrics from Maud’s Fabric Finds. The fabrics - in 20 different designs of one metre length - include exclusive prints from Inkalily; modal, viscose and cotton batiste from the latest Atelier Brunette collection; organic chambray and cotton sateen made in France, plus super soft 100% organic cotton interlock knit. Maud’s Fabric Finds stock names such as Birch, Monaluna and Cloud9, Oli Ola and is passionate about finding new designers. The company has built up a large selection of French and european designers, and offers a good selection of high quality, ethically produced fabrics. For more info, go to www.mauds-fabric-finds.com See www.simplysewingmag.com  to enter today! (UK only, see competition rules…

PSST: Try experimenting with the pocket placement, size and fabric to change up the look of the dress. YOU WILL NEED 1 length of dress fabric (see the A-Line Dress Sizing Chart) 1 length of lining fabric if making lined dress option (see the A-Line Dress Sizing Chart) Tailor’s chalk Contrast fabric for pockets, if desired 18cm (7in) matching zip (optional) Button (optional) Matching sewing thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance throughout. You will find all the pattern pieces you need to make this A-line dress on the pull-out pattern sheet that comes free with this issue. Or you can visit anddownloadtheprintableA4 document. The cool and classic A-line shape of this dress is perfect for bold, funky prints and playing with colour with contrast bindings,…

Whether you want to update an existing scheme or revamp your space, curtains are the finishing touch that can instantly lift a room. They're a great way to make a style statement, which is why it's so much fun to sew your own. Stitching curtains yourself also ensures a made-to-measure fit that you just won't get buying them off the shelf. Making a pair of simple curtains is achievable for all – the key is to ensure you measure up accurately. Our two-page guide will take you through the whole process step by step, from calculating how much fabric you need to adding a lining and stitching on heading tape. Beautifully adorned windows shall be yours!…