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!
This issue is all about joy, love, inclusion and education as we celebrate Pride month. We’ve worked with some wonderful contributors from the LGBTQ+ community to look at the future of the fashion and sewing industry and to bring you some special Pride-themed projects. Find the Instagram handles for our makers and writers on each page and give them a follow. Also included this month is The Amena Set with three pattern variations in UK sizes 6-30. Finally, paying homage to the beautiful city we’re based in, the Bristol Backpack is a stylish accessory for summer wanderings. Enjoy! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…
We're so proud to be able to bring you this bumper issue - our biggest yet! The team have worked so hard to bring you all these wonderful patterns to sew (the Amena Set is already an office favourite!). As we dig out our brightest fabrics for our new summer garments, we're supporting and celebrating Pride month, too. Inside, you'll find fascinating features on the likes of inclusivity in craft and degendering fashion (plus lots of really fun makes to spread joy!). Sewing really is for everyone - so, come on in! It's great to have you here. Share the love, join the conversation@SimplySewingMag.…
BELLA SUNSHINE DESIGNS Melissa Prendergast has been sewing since the age of nine, and in 2015 she was inspired to start her company which she named after her daughter Isabella. Melissa now designs patterns for adults, children and dolls. Find the Maggie Top on page 60. EMILIA BERGOGLIO Emilia Bergoglio is a scientist by day and a maker of all things the rest of the time. The Tokyo-based sewist is passionate about the intersection of gender, dress and culture; turn to page 64 to read their feature about degendering fashion. HANNAH COYLE Hannah shares sewing tutorials against the beautiful backdrop of Melbourne, Australia. Whether it’s gathers, ruffles, elastic or slippery fabrics – Hannah’s got tips to help. Turn to page 51 to find out how to self-draft a cosy knitted…
KEEPING UP WITH THE BEE We are loving series eight so far! They’re such a talented bunch and each week we’re in total awe of their imagination and skill. Feel in need of a bee top-up in between episodes? Head to gathered.how/sewing-bee to find episode-inspired patterns, or search for 'Great British Sewing Bee Fans' on Facebook and join 50,000+ members in our dedicated community fan group! SEVEN WAYS TO WEAR Hélios is a seven-version design from I AM Patterns’ latest collection, I AM Brilliant. Use this versatile pattern for an entire wardrobe redesign and make a top, shorts, a skirt, trousers, a playsuit, a dress and a jumpsuit. See all the possibilities at iampatterns.fr. CLEAN CUT Unpicking isn’t our favourite activity, but sometimes it can’t be avoided. And when that…
I learned to sew as a kid, and picked it up again in 2013 when I was in grad school. I’m an art historian, so thinking about the ways we communicate through material culture and the things we make has always interested me. In 2017, I wrote a post on my personal sewing blog, Rare Device, about the frustrations I was feeling with many of the heteronormative assumptions made in the sewing world. For instance, the assumption that all sewists were heterosexual, cisgender women; that if we sew menswear it was for our boyfriends or husbands; or that we all sought the same concept of ‘flattering’ in our garments. I wanted a community space where queer and trans sewists could come together, see one another’s makes, and discuss the ways…
SAGUARO SET, FRIDAY PATTERN COMPANY The latest pattern from FPC is a woven wonder! The top has a tie closure and can be worn forwards or backwards for two different looks, and the flowy trousers feature roomy pockets and a comfortable drawstring waist. Search for #SaguaroSet on Instagram to see what others are making. Available in US sizes 0–32, fridaypattern company.com. CORA, FASHION WANDERER With a puff sleeve crop top and a ruffle hem midi skirt, this set is a summer wardrobe essential. Whether you’re at home or on holiday, this two-piece outfit is perfect for sunny days spent exploring. There’s a handy video tutorial available to help you make this set, too. Available in UK sizes 4–22, fashionwanderer.etsy.com. THE SIMONE SET, MAVEN PATTERNS A pattern that we can use…
