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!
With the countdown to the big day officially on, we’ve got plenty of projects to help you tick things off your list. From partywear and accessories to gifts and decorative table makes, you’ll find heaps of inspiration inside. If you’re after some pressie ideas for little ones, we’ve got some fun ideas for you − sew Buttons the mischevious little elf who can visit them in December, or make their Christmas magical with cape and mask so they can be superheroes for the day. Treat yourself to something new to wear too, with a classic wrap dress or a casual colour-block jumper. Merry Christmas! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING#SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…
As the countdown to Christmas starts, I'm getting all the feels for bold, bright and playful makes. The change in weather makes me want to splash around a bit of colour to cheer everyone up! The easiest way to add colour or print to your wardrobe is with a simple silhouette like our floaty wrap dress (p24). Nothing quite beats a classic Christmas dinner table set-up and I think this kitsch, retro-inspired look (p28) is our best yet. Trifle, anyone? And there's plenty of time to get started on some handmade gifts − I can highly recommend our superhero cape and mask (p42), my kids love it! What are you sewing for Christmas?…
LUCY WARD Lucy is a wonderfully talented toy designer and she regularly sews the sweet characters featured in Simply Sewing. This issue she’s designed an elf toy (page 40) ready for December. This cheeky chap is sure to start a magical Christmas tradition! ZWDO COLLECTIVE The Zero Waste Design Collective is paving the way for sustainable sewing by creating a central resource for education about zero-waste design. Get to know the creative and experienced team behind this platform in their feature on page 62. CHINELO BALLY Chinelo first appeared on our screens in 2014’s Sewing Bee, and has graced our magazine and Insta feeds with stunning makes and sewing inspo ever since! This issue she’s sewn a party jacket that’s perfect for the holiday season (page 57). ROBERT SEXTON Not…
COSY KNITS The range of Minerva Exclusive fabrics just got bigger with the launch of cosy sweater knit fabrics! Minerva’s new fabrics are soft, beautiful to touch and have a good drape. They’re the perfect transitional fabrics for autumn and sew up beautifully for cardigans, light pullovers, sweater dresses (see page 11!), skirts and more. See all ten designs at minerva.com. A REAL CRACKER Make your table decorations extra special and eco-friendly this year with reusable fabric crackers. With a kit from Skimming Stones you’ll get everything you need to make these beautiful DIY crackers or your own stocking. skimmingstonesdesigns.com/sewing-kits TRIM THE TREE Let your love of sewing take centre stage this festive season by adding a vintage sewing machine decoration to your Christmas tree! This nostalgic black and gold…
ANDIE DRESS, VIKISEWS We love this chic design from Vikisews! The straight-cut maxi dress has bust darts for a subtle fit, and a turndown collar makes it both smart and comfortable. The long sleeves feature thumbholes too to keep you extra toasty in the winter months! Available in EU sizes 34–52, vikisews.com. TURME JUMPER, PH7 PATTERNS This loose-fit design will be so cosy to throw on on a cold winter’s day! The simple shape makes this a great basic to style with anything – wear it over a pair of jeans or leggings for a casual outfit or over with some glittery tights or pleather leggings for a party look! Available in sizes A–J, ph7patterns.com. JODIE JUMPER, SIMPLY SEWING This simple-sew features raglan sleeves and patch pockets for a super…
LOTTA JANSDOTTER EVERYDAY PATTERNS Lotta Jansdotter (£21.99, Abrams Books) Create a seven-piece wardrobe with basic patterns that can be easily layered and styled together. For each garment – a skirt, shirt, shirt dress, tunic, trousers, jacket and robe – Swedish designer Lotta offers ideas for trims, pockets, sleeves and hemlines for the chance to get creative and personalise the designs. There are also patterns for unique accessories included. THE COSPLAY BOOK OF BALLGOWNS Regan Cerato & Kelley Kullman (£15.99, C&T Publishing) Cosplay couple Cowbutt Crunchies have published their third book to walk sewists through making magical ballgowns. The world-champion duo guide you through the basics, including materials and project planning followed by detailed chapters on undergarments, skirts, bodices, and those all-important finishing touches. THE EMBROIDERED CLOSET Alexandra Stratkotter ($24.99, Abrams…
