Simply Sewing is a practical magazine for makers who sew, or would like to start sewing. Its contemporary look and feel, fresh attitude and ideas, beautiful photography and inspiring projects will have you behind the sewing machine from the get-go!
Well, this is a fun issue! Our cover garment is the cheery reversible Apron Dress, that you can make for you and your mini-me, from Wild Things Dresses. We have irresistible cat-themed gifts (in what might our fave fabric, ever!) and the Strip Tee from Madeit Patterns which we love for its ability to make a plain tee something so unique. We also have some really stylish makes, including a circular rope bag which has gone straight to the top of our list. And finally, the epitome of fun and style, we have the first of a new column with TV personality, costumier and sewing expert John Scott. Delve in, folks... WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…
When it comes to hobby communities, I do believe sewists are the best, but maybe I'm biased! Supportive, encouraging and empowering – it's a joy to see people sharing their passion. I joined one of John Scott's Facebook Live videos recently (@johnscottssewingworld) and it was such a pleasure to engage with his followers. Read John's new column on p16, it's a hoot! Another fab collaboration this issue comes from my pal Kirsty Hartley (designer of The Apron Dress, p21) who introduced me to photographer and Instagramqueen Hollie Flower Evans (see p24). Well, what can I say, it was a match made in heaven!…
KIRSTY HARTLEY Our Apron Dress Set pattern comes from Kirsty Hartley from Wild Things Dresses. Her colourful, playful designs are all about fun and joy, and the reversible rainbow aprons for you and a little one are no exception! See more on page 21. ANNA BRUCE & OLU FALOLA Anna and Olu are the founders of MadeIt Patterns, a pattern company which creates modern designs for all ages. They’re also the designers behind this issue’s Strip Tee pattern. Find styling and fabric recommendations for your new T-shirt on page 47. JOHN SCOTT This issue we welcome our brand new columnist – John Scott! We’re so excited to have John writing a monthly community-focused column for us. To kick things off, John’s written his review of this year’s Sewing Bee series.…
SEWING SEREN There's a Seren dress for every mood and occasion! Whichever variation you choose to make, it's a floaty and flattering dress that's sure to become a summer favourite that everyone asks you about. We LOVE it in this sunshine yellow with a flounce neckline, but check out ten design hacks on the Tilly and the Buttons blog to find your perfect version. tillyandthebuttons.com CHANGE MA›ER PINS These pins are the first in a line of products from Samantha Claridge and Portia Lawrie aimed at reflecting the power of makers to promote positive change. 100% of profits will be donated to charities that tackle forms of injustice. £7, samanthaclaridgestudio.com SEWING RULES W 2019 Sewing Bee Jen Hogg has designed her own square rulers. The rulers are 10x10cm and feature cut…
Leila Kelleher is the pattern-maker behind the plus-size indie pattern company, Muna and Broad. Leila learned to sew from her mum while growing up in Sydney, Australia and eventually went to college to study custom fashion production. After college, she worked sewing for film and theatre, as well as in fashion, sewing high-end custom garments and samples. After a few years in the industry, however, Leila decided she wanted a career change and focused her energy on a classical music career, leaving fashion and sewing behind. Her career brought her to the USA and then to Canada, and during this time she didn’t even own a sewing machine! When her two children were babies, Leila bought a sewing machine and began sewing garments and baby supplies (including reusable wipes and…
BOMBSHELL SWIMSUIT, CLOSET CASE PATTERNS The Bombshell is a flattering swimsuit inspired by the classic 1950s silhouette. You can choose a one-piece or make a high-waist bottom to pair with your favourite bikini top. We love the skirted front on this too which makes it modest and unique. Available in sizes 0–20 from closetcasepatterns.com IPSWICH SWIMSUIT, CASHMERETTE The Ipswich is a fun and supportive swimsuit that can be made as a one-piece, a high-waisted bikini, or a tankini. You can opt for an underwired foam swim bra too for ultimate comfort. PDF pattern available in sizes 12–32 and paper pattern in sizes 12–28 from cashmerette.com LOLA SWIMSUIT, LAELA JEYNE PATTERNS Laela Jeyne has a fab range of unique swimsuits – check out the lacy Lea – but we love the…
