Indholdsfortegnelse for 49 i Simply Sewing

When families get together for the holidays it’s all about sharing meals, playing board games and singing Christmas songs (badly), right? Make this year even more memorable with handcrafted homewares, gifts and kitchen accessories - your friends will be so impressed when you say “I made that!” Stash-bust your festive fabrics, embellish your Christmas jumpers and deck your halls with handmade fabric baubles…because it’s time for the most joyous season of the year, and we can’t wait.…

MAGIC MAKING The long, dark, magical winter nights are the inspiration behind the two bewitching new patterns from Deer and Doe. Magnolia is our statement winter frock of dreams with a plunging neckline and floaty skirt, while the Opium swing coat has us shopping for luxurious wools and silky linings. Find the patterns at www.deer-and-doe.com TAILOR MADE Level up your sewing skills with some classic tailoring courtesy of Cashmerette’s timeless Chilton Trench Coat pattern. With so many construction techniques involved to add to your repertoire, this fully lined coat is fun to make (and to show off to your sewing pals!). Get the pattern at www.cashmerette.com ALL IS CALM W Shopping, cooking, sewing, party-going – Christmas can be a whirlwind of activity, often with little time to actually…

1. This classic wool coat is work-ready, but will smarten up a jeans-and-a-jumper combo at the weekend, too. £99, www.marksandspencer.com 2. Not ready to wear head-to-toe tweed? Tip your hat to the trend (literally!) with a stylish trilby by Becksondergaard. £27, www.printerandtailor.com 3. Give your home a country-house vibe with this cosy pure wool throw blanket in a fishbone check design – it's one of a selection from the National Trust made in the UK by Tweedmill, based in Flint. £35 from shop.nationaltrust.org.uk…

The Creations at Korbond range of craft storage designs are so stylish, you’d be forgiven for thinking they were from a designer interiors store! From structured wool felt storage bags with rustic wooden handles, to portable knitting needle wraps and vintage-style wooden sewing boxes, there’s something for every creative hobby. One lucky reader will win a complete set comprising of the following: Felt Craft Bag, Textured Inlay Square Sewing Box, Round Sewing Box, Crafters Mini Carry Away and Kitting Wrap. Even if you don’t make use of all these gorgeous designs to store your sewing stash - imagine what wonderful gifts they’d make for your creative pals. That’s your Christmas gifts sorted! To be in with a chance of winning the whole set enter today at www.simplysewingmag.com, or view the…

Along with making jeans, inserting invisible zips and working with slippery fabrics, coat-making is one of those scary sewing techniques that actually isn't all that scary when you try it! And that's especially true of this issue's cover star, The Eloise Set – this simple unlined style is the perfect first coat project, or a speedy sew for an experienced stitcher. You'll master working with coating fabrics, adding buttonholes and buttons, inserting sleeves and attaching facings for a neat finish. Plus, the pattern also includes the option to make an easy-wear sleeveless pinafore dress, too. So, here's to tackling those not-so-scary sewing techniques, boosting our dressmaking skills – and stitching a beautiful new coat for our everyday wardrobe! YOU WILL NEED Mainfabric 115cm45inwidth x 4m (4½yd) for all sizes…

YOU WILL NEED MainfabricForsizes1 and 2: 115cmx2m (45inx2¼yds)For sizes 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8: 115cmx2.5m (45inx2¾yds)For size 9: 115cmx2.75m (45inx3yds) Tape interfacing: 1cm (3/8in) wide x 4m (4½yds) Bias tape: 4cm (1in) wide x 70cm (27in) Narrow ribbon or cord: 3-3.5m (3-4yds), for the ties Quilting ruler and rotary cutter (optional), for making bias binding Basic sewing kit NOTE Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. SUGGESTED FABRICS Choose a lightweight fabric such as double gauze, cotton, silk or chiffon. Make sure that your fabric has drape – a stiff or too-heavy fabric will not work for this loose-fitting style. CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric cut: Bodice front (A): one on the fold. Bodice back (B): one pair. Sleeve front (C): one…

INTROTOSEWINGCOATS,SEWOVERIT This class for making Sew Over It's Chloe Coat is aimed at sewists with dressmaking experience. It’s a classic design with simple details and an exquisite finish. It's available to do as an online class, or you can head down to the London-based studio. For class details visit www.sewoverit.co.uk STITCH SISTERS COAT-MAKING COURSE The Stitch Sisters have designed their own pattern, complete with princess seams, a shawl collar and belt closure. Offering a gentle introduction to coat-making, the design includes new techniques but is simple enough to sew in one weekend. 26-27 January 2018 at Bristol Textile Quarter. See more at www.bristoltextilequarter.co.uk SIMPLICITY SEWING,CREATIVEBUG Create a stunning, swooshy new coat using a Simplicity Pattern. You’ll learn how to work with bulky fabrics, sew princess seams, stitch a double collar,…

YOU WILL NEED 2jumpers Black stranded cotton Sequin trim Embroidery hoop Merino wool Felting needle Felting mat Circle cookie cutter Basic sewing kit JOINING THE JUMPERS Step one Take your two jumpers and decide which one will be the top and which one will be the bottom piece. Calculate where you would like the seam to be and then mark a line across the width of the jumper.01 Step two Cut the jumper 1cm (3/8in) below the line and repeat for the other jumper to cut the bottom piece, this time cutting 1cm (3/8in) above the marked line. Be careful when handling the cut jumper pieces as knitted fabric will unravel easily. Try not to stretch the cut edges or pull at any loose threads as this could create…

YOU WILL NEED Denimorothermedium-weightfabric: 55x115cm (22x45in) Copper faux leather: 20x50cm (8x20in) Mixed corresponding fabrics: six measuring 4x18cm (2x7in) of each, for feathers Black fabric scrap, for eyes White fabric scrap, for wing curves Bondaweb: 20x20cm (8x8in) Toy stuffing Basic sewing kit NOTES • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. • Download the template from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads CUTTING OUT Step one Download, print and then trace two copies of the swan template: one as the body without the beak, and a second with the beak included (this second template need only be the head section, as this is for trimming the head to shape). Step two From the medium-weight fabric cut: Swan body: Cut a pair using the template. Step three From the faux leather cut: Crown: 18x20cm (7x8in). Beak: Cut…

Our origami stars (p77) have us inspired to deck the halls with as much fabric as possible this Christmas! And these scrap-happy baubles from Scandi Christmas by Christiane Bellstedt Myers are the kind of speedy project we need to fit in around the festive rush. There's no sewing required to make them – simply press the fabric edges into a styrofoam ball using a sharp knife, add twine, and voila! If you really can't resist getting your sewing kit out, though, you could also hand-stitch the pieces in place, or even add some embellishments. This bauble project is one of over 45 festive things to make in Scandi Christmas by Christiane Bellstedt Myers, published by CICO Books (£12.99). Photos by Caroline Arber © CICO Books. Visit https://makeetc.com/…

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. TAILOR’S CHALKSX Chalk temporarily marks fabric and can be easily brushed away. SEAM RIPPER This sharp blade cuts through and unpicks stitches. THIMBLE Wear to protect your fingers when handstitching. PINKING SHEARS These cut a zigzag edge on fabric to neaten. PINS Stainless steel pins with sharp points are best. FABRIC CLIPS Use these instead of pins when sewing thicker fabrics. 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…

"Although I’ve made far more complicated rag rug pieces over the years, this simple shirt cushion is still one of my favourite creations. It’s nothing fancy, but it’s special to me. One of the things I love most about the rag rug technique is that it's the ultimate ecofriendly craft. You can transform any old clothing or fabric offcuts into something beautiful and unique for the home. Using fabrics that have a sentimental value – old baby grows, favourite dresses and school uniforms, for example – for a rag rug project imbues memories and feelings into the finished piece of homeware, which makes it truly special. This particular cushion was made using some of my grandad’s shirts and it always makes me smile and think of him, although he’s no…

Trying new things can be scary, but it always feels good afterwards, right? This issue we've got a few new (never before featured!) ideas for you to try. Rag rug a vase of hydrangeas (p63), embroider an unusual hoop wreath (p65) and get the low-down on coat-making from the experts (p44). If you've never made a coat before, you'll find the sleeved-version from The Eloise Set is a wonderful overcoat for beginners - no big zips! This, and the Sade Blouse from Named are at the top of my list. What's on yours?…

It’s the special, one-off details that make us fall in love with a pattern, and the Maven Patterns collection is full of them! From the Kitty Dress' unique bust darts and the funnel neckline of the French Dart Shift (a customer favourite, says Mrs Maven, also known as Mrs M: “she’s so versatile”), to the Rochester's gathered high neckline (so on-trend right now), there's sure to be something that'll catch your eye. Having worked in pattern cutting for the high street, Mrs M says she's “not interested in going back to producing garments just for the sake of it. I’m happier enjoying the process and releasing fewer styles with longevity in mind.” Ideas for new pattern designs are most often sparked by what she needs in her own wardrobe –…

22-25 NOVEMBER The Knitting & Stitching Show. Harrogate International Centre. Stock up on supplies and learn new skills at this inspiring show. www.theknittingandstitchingshow.com 25-26 NOVEMBER Crafted. Castle Ward. Soak up the festive atmosphere at a Christmas craft fair at Castle Ward, an 18th-Century Georgian mansion and stableyard. www.nationaltrust.org.uk 1 DECEMBER Crafty Fox Market. Mercato Metropolitano, London. Get your Christmas shopping sorted with handmade gifts for all the family (and maybe a few for you, too!) at this monthly market. www.craftyfoxmarket.co.uk UNTIL 12 MAY 2019 Anni Albers. Tate Modern, London. Discover textile artist Anni Albers with this major retrospective of her thought-provoking woven artwork. www.tate.org.uk…

To be honest, I am a big fan of light and airy summer garments, the feeling of drapey fabrics against my skin and vivid floral prints. I also absolutely love to design summer clothing, especially all kinds of heavenly sun dresses. Every year I make big plans for my summer wardrobe, anxiously waiting for the warm and sunny days, seeing myself enjoying the season in my newly made garments! I absolutely love summer in all possible ways – I simply live for it. Despite all I just said, though, winter is still undisputedly my favourite time to sew. It is, of course, partly due to the weather – in the summer you are much more tempted to stay outside and enjoy outdoor activities and the long days with plenty of…

YOU WILL NEED Aloose-fittingT-shirt Pre-pleated fabric: 1-2m (11/8-2¼yd) Lining fabric: 1-2m (11/8-2¼yd) A length of elastic long enough to encircle your waist Basic sewing kit CUTTING THE T-SHIRT Step one When gathering supplies for this project it is advisable to check the fabric content of your T-shirt and fabric. Synthetic fabrics melt and burn easily under the heat of an iron, and you will need to preserve pleats in the fabric which pressing could remove. Step two Fold the T-shirt in half lengthways. Measure down approx 45cm (18in) from the shoulder seam and mark this point.01 Step three Try the T-shirt on before cutting to make sure that it’s the correct length for you, then add an extra 3.5cm (13/8in) to the marked point for seam allowance – this…

I AM MIMOSA Craft a comfy, cosy Mimosa coat, complete with a wide rolled-down collar and pockets. Beginner Go to www.iampatterns.fr WIKSTEN KIMONO Ebony's recommendation: “An accessible pattern – you could make one out of just about any fabric.” Beginner Visit www.shopwiksten.com CASCADE DUFFLE COAT Grainline Studio’s duffle has an interchangeable collar and hood, so you can customise the end result. Intermediate See www.grainlinestudio.com GAIA COAT Laura says: "If you loathe setting in sleeves, this design has a nice, unique sleeve construction!” Advanced Visit www.namedclothing.com BAMBOO COAT A stunning coat by Waffle Patterns that’s particularly striking when made with a contrast lining. Advanced Find it at www.thefoldline.com SAPPORO COAT A bold jacket by Papercut with a dramatic cocoon silhouette and angled seaming. Super stylish. Intermediate Available at www.backstitch.co.uk RUMANA COAT…

YOU WILL NEED Strandedcottoninwhite brown and pink 15cm (6in) embroidery hoop Embroidery needle 20cm (8in) ribbon, for hanging Bondaweb Water-soluble sticky-backed interfacing or tracing paper Linen: 25x25cm (10x10in) NOTE Downloadthetemplatesat WORKING WRAPPED BACK STITCH Step one Begin with a line of regular back stitch. Working in a second colour, come up from the back at the end of the first stitch. The new thread should come from behind the stitch without coming through the back stitch. Pass the thread over the back stitch and then slide the needle under the stitch.01 Step two Pass the thread over the line of stitching and slide the needle under the next stitch. Repeat along the entire line of stitching. Wrap the stitches in either direction, but be consistent.02 Step three When…

YOU WILL NEED Fabricoffcutsoroldclothing Hessian with a 10 holes per inch weave Rag rug spring tool Rag rug gauge (optional) Glue gun/PVA glue 6 x thick twigs Vase White spray paint or matt paint Marker pen Basic sewing kit SUGGESTED FABRICS Chiffons, cottons and lightweight fabrics work best for these flowers as they will move in a similar way to real flower petals. We chose patterned fabrics that mimicked the colours of real hydrangeas. NOTE • Download the templates from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads PREPARING YOUR STEMS Step one Cut each of the twigs to approx 30cm (12in) in length. Remove any large side shoots. Step two Spray paint one side of the twigs white and leave them to dry. Turn the twigs over and spray paint the other sides, making sure…

YOU WILL NEED 30fatquarterssee notes for details Wadding: 128x203cm (50½x79in) Backing fabric: 1.85m (2yds) Binding fabric: 45x115cm (17¾inx½yd) White cotton thread, for piecing and quilting Seam roller (optional) Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES • Download the templates from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads • Press all fabrics before cutting out. • The fabrics used are from Well Said by Sandy Gervais for Moda Fabrics. • The sample quilt is made using five colour groups (blue, green, orange, navy and white) and each colour group has six designs, with a total of 30 fat quarters. • The kite pattern in the quilt is created by sewing a series of long and short triangles together. Each kite is made up of one long and one short triangle, so consider the long/short pairings when cutting…

YOU WILL NEED Greenfelt70x150cm(28x60in), for the tree Red felt: 40x25cm (16x10in), for the base Orange felt: 40x25cm (16x10in), for the pockets Bondaweb: 2mx44cm (2¼ydx17in) A4 sheets of brightly coloured felt, for the decorations Printable cotton poplin (optional) Black stranded cotton Ribbon to decorate and form a loop for hanging Assorted glitter fabrics Assorted ric-rac braid and ribbons, to decorate 6 pom poms Self-adhesive Velcro Wadding, to fill the shapes Embroidery needles Basic sewing kit NOTES • Download the templates from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads • We used printable cotton poplin from www.cottonpatch.co.uk for the numbers. CUTTING OUT Due to its narrow width, you may need to piece together the Bondaweb to create an entire tree/ base shape. Step one Download, print and cut out the templates. Step two From the green felt…

ONCE YOU HAVE FINISHED stitching your seam, it’s best to press it open on the wrong side so it lies flat. Sometimes it’s better to press it to one side to reduce bulk but the pattern instructions will tell you this. Usually the seam allowances are left as they are as they help to strengthen the seam, but sometimes they cause too much bulk so they are trimmed to half their original width. If your fabric has a tendency to fray you should neaten the raw edges after you have worked the seam. There are several ways of doing this. To machine-finish them, set your sewing machine to the zigzag stitch then stitch close to the raw edge all the way along. The zigzag must be small enough to stop…

SAARA AND LAURA HUHTA Helsinki-based sisters Saara and Laura set up their pattern brand, Named, in 2013, with designs inspired by Scandi simplicity. Discover Laura’s winter sewing plans on page 34, and make The Sade Blouse from their new book on page 36. JOANNA HEPTINSTALL Talented upholsterer, lampshade-maker and author Joanna Heptinstall teaches workshops at the Traditional Upholstery School, which she founded in 2016. Find out why she’s on a mission to pass on her heritage craft skills on page 68. ELISALEX DE CASTRO PEAKE Elisalex is the co-founder of indie pattern label By Hand London. Their patterns are inspired by and named after the stylish ladies they admire, and offer a new take on classic designs. Add a pleated skirt to a T-shirt with her refashion on page 40.…

A BEGINNER'S GUIDE TO BAG MAKING Estelle Zanatta and Marion Grandamme (£12.99, Search Press) You'll never need to buy a bag again with this book of 20 classic bag styles to make, from simple-sew totes and shoppers to duffel and bucket bags – and even a Chanel-style design! Along the way you'll learn all the key bag-making skills for a neat finish, including adding the handles, lining and pockets. www.searchpress.com WELCOME TO WEAVING: THE MODERN GUIDE Lindsey Campbell (£21.99, Schiffer Publishing) Lindsey Campbell, the weaver behind popular blog Hello Hydrangea, has filled this book with 50 techniques and 20 stylish projects for weavers of all abilities. It takes you through the whole process, from making your own simple loom and the basic terms, to more advanced weaving projects to grow…

BOHO BLOSSOMS Bright-hued blossoms really stand out on this beautiful black cotton lawn. £8 per half metre from www.sewoverit.co.uk GARDEN PARTY Stroll through a herb garden with this charming Rifle Paper Co botantical print, on canvas or quilting cotton. www.cottonandsteelfabrics.com EXOTIC FLIGHT Paradise birds flit from branch to blooms on this silky polyester satin, perfect for party frocks. £6.49 per half metre, www.sewingquarter.com BUSY AND BOLD There's a lot going on in this detailed floral – and we love it! Available in knit or cotton, from the Silkroad Fusion range at www.artgalleryfabrics.com LITTLE LEAVES This ditsy small-scale print packs a big punch with its autumnal purple, red and green hues. From the Kimono collection at www.makoweruk.com…

SLOGAN BANNER At this time of year, we don't need much of an excuse to cosy up at home, but it's nice to have a reminder! This fun slogan banner is great for using up precious fabric scraps (not to mention honing your appliqué skills!) and can be adapted to feature any seasonal message you like. TEA TOWELS If your New Year's resolution is to start sewing – or to teach someone else – why not begin now with simple tea towels? They're ideal for practicing pressing and hemming, and are quick to make for last-minute gifts, too. Plus, there's so many options for customising them, from stitching embroidered motifs to adding contrast borders. OVEN GLOVES The holiday season is all about two things: festivities and food. So serve up…

At the moment I'm finding our very own fabric stash super inspiring! We tend to roam around fabric shops a lot, and when we see something fabulous, we juust have to buy it for our stash - for possible future use! I think the majority of fellow fabric hoarders and seamstresses can definitely relate to that. Unfortunately, the Named stash is growing a bit too big for its cabinet, so we have decided to stop buying new fabrics (for now!) and use whatever we have in our stash instead.…

“WE CAN CREATE THE DESIGN WE WANT. THE PERFECT COLOUR, THE PERFECT STYLE AND FIT." Winter is coming and it’s time to bring out the trusty coats and jackets. But how many of us are truly happy with the high street outerwear we put on each year when the weather turns colder? Perhaps it’s the colour or poor-quality feel of the lining fabric, the not-quite-right length, the buttons that are in the wrong place, the slightly-too-small pockets, or simply a design detail that doesn't feel like 'us'. Despite how much we wear our coats, sometimes they're just not quite right. And it’s no surprise, really – it’s a lot of pressure to bestow on one garment. Coats are, by their very nature, often seen as investment pieces: we need them…

YOU WILL NEED Outerfabric40x115cm(16x45in) Lining fabric: 46x57cm (18x22in) Iron-on wadding: H630 46x57cm (18x22in) Iron-on Decovil I light interfacing: 46x57cm (18x22in) 2 screw button studs: 6mm (¼in) Tan leather or faux leather: 30x30cm (12x12in) Leather hole punch Clear drying glue Basic sewing kit NOTES Downloadthetemplatesfrom Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. MATERIALS USED The main fabric used is Beatrice Light from The Denim Company. Visit www.thedenimcompany.co.uk Vlieseline from Lady Sew and Sew. Visit www.ladysewandsew.co.uk CUTTING OUT Step one Download, print and cut out the satchel templates. Step two From the outer fabric cut: Front outer: one using the template. Back outer: one using the template. Flap outer: one using the template. Gusset outer: 7x41cm (2¾x161/8in). Strap: 5.2x138cm (21/8x54in). Step three From the lining fabric cut: Front…

YOU WILL NEED Mainfabric45x80cm(18x32in) Contrast fabric: 40x40cm (16x16in) Elastic or hairband Button Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED Main fabric: Flower Ball from the Confetti range by Dashwood Studio from www.sewcraftyonline.co.uk NOTE • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric cut out the following pieces: Bag bottom: two pieces 26x40cm (10¼x15¾in). Handles: two strips 8x50cm (31/8x20in). Step two From the contrast fabric cut out the following pieces: Bag top: two pieces 18x40cm (71/8x15¾in). MAKING THE FRONT AND BACK Step one Place one top and one bottom piece right sides (RS) facing and pin together along one long edge – for directional prints, this should be the bottom of the top piece and the top of the bottom piece. Step two Fold the hairband…

YOU WILL NEED Embroideryhoop30cm(12in) Embroidery hoop: 15cm (6in) Medium-weight cotton canvas: 40x40cm (16x16in) Off-white felt: 15x15cm (6x6in) Felt: 32x32cm (13x13in), for backing 2B pencil Tracing paper: 4 x A4 sheets Punch needle (optional) DMC stranded cotton: 934 dark green, for stitches on petals; 3813 pale blue, for flower centres; 3818 dark green, for fan pine fronds; 704 bright green, for sprigs; 433 dark brown, for three-pronged pine frond stems; 991 teal green, for three-pronged pine frond needles and small dark leaves; 564 mint, for small light leaves; 3863 mid-brown, for berry stems; 350 red, for berries; Ecru, for French knots Basic sewing kit NOTES • The tension in the weave of your fabric is important for punch needle embroidery, so test a sample first. • Download the template from…

YOU WILL NEED Quilting-weightcottonfabric30x32cm (12x13in) per star Gold cord: 1-2mm thickness x 1m (1/8in thickness x 11/8yd) Large needle Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED The fabrics used are from the Winterfold collection by Dashwood Studios. Icicles, Copper Metallic. Trees, Copper Metallic. Snowflakes and Frost, Copper Metallic. For stockists visit www.dashwoodstudio.com CUTTING OUT Step one From the cotton fabric cut: Star strips: four strips 30x8cm (12x31/8in). PREPARING THE STRIPS Step one Fold one strip in half wrong side (WS) together, so the long edges meet, and press with a hot iron. Unfold the strip and now fold both long edges to meet the centre crease you have just made. Press along the folds. Step two Re-fold along the centre crease and press again.01 Step three Fold a strip in half…

LADDER STITCH Used to join together and close two turned-under edges invisibly, such as on a dress lining or soft toy. Bring the needle up at 1 on one side of the seam, then in at 2 on the opposite side and out at 3, so the stitch is 3mm (1/8in) long. Push the needle back in the opposite side at 4 and out at 5. Repeat this to close the edges. SLIP STITCH This stitch is used most often for hems where you need to stitch a turned-under edge to a flat piece of fabric using small, almost invisible stitches. Bring the needle up at 1 on the turned-under hem then back in at 2 and out at 3. Make this horizontal stitch as small as possible so it…