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!
Welcome to our 100th issue! Sewing really is far more than a hobby – it’s escapism, a statement, a community; and this milestone feels even more significant after such a turbulent couple of years, so a special thank you to you – our lovely readers – for keeping us going. Hitting triple figures isn’t all we’re celebrating this month, though. October marks Black History Month, so we’re also celebrating the wonderful Black makers who contribute so much to our fantastic community. And finally, we know how important it is to get a head start on festive making, so we’re also kick-starting Christmas! Let’s get stuck in… WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING#SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…
I'm so tremendously proud of this issue, our 100th in print. What a fantastic achievement − a big thank you to all of our talented contributors who make it all possible. As well as reaching triple figures, we're celebrating Black History Month and all the wonderful Black makers who contribute so much to our sewing community. Africa in Fashion author, Ken Kweku Nimo, shares an exclusive piece on the heritage of Kente cloth (p44) and Rumana Dawood revisits her #SewInColour campaign, reflecting upon the positive changes we've seen take place in the industry too (p60). What a joyous issue − enjoy!…
CARLA DIOGO Pattern cutter Carla is the creative designer behind the Roxy Raglan Coat – this issue’s cover star (p24). You can find other designs from Carla at Set Square Patterns (setsquarepatterns.com) or attend a workshop at her lovely Bristol-based store. ALEXIS BAILEY There’s something calming in reading about slow, sustainable sewing, and Alexis’ column piece (p54) is a must-read for some peaceful reflection on your own sewing practice. Enjoy her gentle approach to making at @helloalexisbailey. KEN KWEKU NIMO Ken is a Ghanian researcher, designer and master of all-things fashion. He recently published Africa in Fashion, and in this issue he’s introducing us to a traditional textile of Ghana – the vibrant and symbolic Kente cloth (p44). MISTER LARRIE If arts and crafts enthusiast Larrie King isn’t already lighting…
STAY COOL Once you’ve worn the Piqué Tunic you won’t want to take it off! This oversized lounge tunic is designed for all and is perfect for days at home, at the beach or on holiday. It’s beginner friendly and easily customistable, with instructions given for changing the length, the depth of the plunging neckline and height of the side seam split. Available in sizes XS–4X from christinehaynes.com. OUR 100TH ISSUE! We’re so proud of how our magazine has grown over the years, and so grateful to our lovely readers for joining us along the way. To celebrate, we’re offering our biggest ever subscription discount (50% off!) and some amazing competition prizes on pages 16-19! FESTIVE TREATS Make December extra special with a small sewing treat every day in the…
WALLA, MAKE WITH MANDI For a relaxed fit and effortless wear, Mandi’s Walla Jumpsuit is a must-make. With an elasticated waist and button front, this design is all about comfort, and it comes with those all-important pockets. It also features long and short sleeve options, so you can make this in a lightweight viscose for the summer and a heavier twill for an autumn–winter staple. Available in UK sizes 6–26, makewithmandi.com. LIN JUMPSUIT, SELKIE PATTERNS Lin is a slightly more formal jumpsuit with a fitted bodice, a square neckline, a tie waistband and optional puff sleeves. However, by mixing and matching sleeve and trouser styles you can make this to suit any occasion and season. Available in UK sizes 6–22, thefoldline.com. MIRRI JUMPSUIT, PAPERCUT PATTERNS Mirri is another option which…
THE MAGIC OF POCKETS Jess Driscoll ($12.95, Microcosm Publishing) Pockets are such an important feature of any garment, so why do so many of our clothes not have them? Jess Driscoll is here to transform your wardrobe with a guide to adding pockets to your favourite clothes. Most of them can be sewn by hand, so as the nights start to draw in, we’ll pass the evenings stitching pockets. You’ll also learn the history of pockets, and why they’re so hard to find in RTW clothing. SEWING WITH SCRAPS Debbie von Grabler-Crozier (£6.99, Search Press) There’s no such thing as a scrap too small in Debbie von Grabler-Crozier’s latest book. Even the tiniest offcuts can be used to make one of the 20 projects included in this book. Sew patchwork…