Innehållsförteckning för Issue 15 från Simply Sewing

From baby showers and prom, to engagement parties and weddings, as the invites start to pile up, so do our sewing projects. Spring is a busy time for sewists! We’re making fluffy lamb toys for new arrivals (who could resist?), pretty bathroom accessories for pals who are moving house, and for the wedding season we’re getting started on The Daisy Dress. It’s so flattering, you’ll want to wear it again and again. Share your makes using #simplysewingmag…

MINT CONDITION Vintage sewing notions adorn this pretty tape from Light and Co. Approx £1.50 each. www.lightandco.etsy.com BUTTON IT Our button tin may be overflowing, but we always have room for another roll of washi tape. £3.95. www.the  lovelydesk.co.uk STITCH UP Brush up on your machine-stitch know-how with this tape printed with different stitches. Approx £2.50 each. www. intheclear.etsy.com PASTEL PRETTY We’d love a sewing machine in every colour, but for now we’ll happily make do with a roll of this pastel-hued tape. £1.95. www. cwlcrafts.etsy.com HEART’S DESIRE Jazz up your notebooks and wrapping with cross-stitch hearts. Approx £2 each. www.dancingquinn. etsy.com…

Jane Brocket’s dazzling Tulip Field quilt from her latest book, The Gentle Art of Quilt-Making, shows what can be achieved when experimenting with prints. The quilt was inspired by an end-of-April visit to Holland’s tulip bonanza. Rather than creating a literal version of the scene, Jane interpreted the explosion of shape and colour using an eclectic selection of fabrics instead, with really extraordinary results. Find The Gentle Art of Quilt-Making at www.pavilionbooks.com, and who knows what you’ll make after your next holiday?…

WHEN IT COMES TO DRESSMAKING, everyone knows that the quality of your tools is just as important as the fabric you’re working with - and that’s something this Dorset-based business knows a thing or two about. For 112 years, Hancock’s has been making exquisite chalks and marking materials for professional tailors, dressmakers and garment manufacturers across the world, from Australia to South America. Now in its fifth generation, this family-run enterprise continues to innovate sophisticated marking materials that push the boundaries of modern dressmaking. Expertly crafted using a special chemical formulation (and quality clay from their nearby clay mines), Hancock’s chalks are slowly cured to ensure they’re free from grit and suitable for using on even delicate fabrics. But they’re also firm and strong in colour, so they won’t crumble…

YOU WILL NEED Fabric: light to medium weight linen 115cm (45in) wide x 1.6m (1¾yds) Iron on interfacing: 50cm (20in) wide x 1m (1yd) Six buttons: 2.5cm (1in) diameter Matching thread Basic sewing kit Pattern pieces: Lazy Day Skirt, pieces 1-5 (see Printing the Pattern for details) NOTES Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance throughout unless otherwise stated in the instructions. The bottom hem allowance is 3cm (1¼in). If using a directional patterned fabric, cut pattern pieces 1 and 2 in the same direction. This may require more fabric. This button-up A-line skirt travels well from porch swings to urban parks. Blue linen – a warm weather alternative to denim – is lightweight and breathable, and pairs beautifully with most tops. Sew the pieces together and then flex your skills…

YOU WILL NEED Vintage handkerchief or cotton fabrics Cotton fabric: natural, small scraps Paper envelope (to use as template) Iron-on interfacing Press fastener Stranded cotton White paper Glue Basic sewing kit CUTTING OUT Step one For each envelope you will need one handkerchief or a piece of cotton fabric, and one piece of cotton backing fabric cut to the same size. Iron lightweight interfacing to the back of each of the fabrics to stiffen them. Step two Carefully open up one of your paper envelopes with a sharp knife, then trace around the edge of the envelope onto each fabric.01 Step three Cut out the two fabric shapes along the traced lines.02 ADDING A LABEL Step one For each fabric piece, fold in the sides on the back like a…

A vibrant tablecloth is a simple way to update your dining space with a bold splash of colour and pattern. Oilcloth is the perfect fabric for this thanks to its wipe-clean surface and the variety of colours and prints available, and it's easier to sew than you might think. It's all about handling it with care and using the right tools, which you're likely to have in your sewing kit already! Read our guide to sewing with oilcloth overleaf, which covers the tools and techniques you'll need, then follow our tutorial to make your own oilcloth tablecloth, trimmed in bias binding. Bring yours out for children's parties, family get-togethers and outdoor dining and banish any fear of spillages!…

YOU WILL NEED Textured plush fabric: yellow, 50x50cm (20x20in) (to include back ears and limbs) or 50x35cm(20x14in) (to exclude back ears and limbs) Smooth plush fabric: ivory, 20x20cm (8x8in) (for face only) or 25x45cm (10x18in) (to include back ears and limbs) Printed cotton fabric: 26x20cm (11x8in) 2 safety eyes: black, 1cm (3/8in) diameter Polyester toy filling Black stranded cotton Water erasable pen/pencil Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Textured plush fabric: Shannon Cuddle Rose in Yellow Smooth plush fabric: Smooth Cuddle 3 in Ivory All fabrics from Plush Addict ( FINISHED SIZE Approx 34cm (13½in) tall NOTES You will find the templates needed on the pull-out pattern sheet included with this issue. Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one Trace and cut out all…

What occasions do you sew for? If you like making new garments to wear at special events then you’re going to love our flattering Daisy Dress pattern (p32), your free gift this issue. It’s a perfectly elegant choice for proms, parties and weddings. Perhaps you prefer to sew gifts? Celebrate new arrivals with a personalised baby bib (p79), embroider a make-up bag for a friend (p49), or give a soft toy lamb as a snuggly gift for little animal lovers (p87). Whatever you make, share your photos using #simplysewingmag - there’s prizes for the best!…

It’s a real family affair for Shelly Down of Gingermelon doll kits and patterns. She lives in British Columbia, Canada, with her husband and two grown-up sons and in the same building as her parents. Her mum even helps her pack her orders. “About two years ago, we were able to rent the suite next door, so my oldest son finally has his own bedroom and I have a nice area to store my supplies!” Shelly’s mum and grandmothers encouraged her creativity as a child. “I’ve always had a very creative imagination and I’ve tried my hand at clay, embroidery, glass painting, photography and card-making. I’m always looking for something new to learn.” Shelly gets her inspiration from Japanese Kawaii style, vintage Manga and Shouja art, as well as fairytales,…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: see instructions for details Lining fabric: see instructions for details Bucket spring: taken from a shop bought pop-up laundry basket Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED The fabrics used are from Playing Pop by AGF Studio for Art Gallery Fabrics. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/ agf. Main fabric: Sugar Crystals, Sweet. Ref: AGFPOP1282. Lining fabric: Sprinkles Glitch, Rainbow. Ref: AGFPOP1283. NOTES • Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance. MEASURING UP Step one First, measure the height and diameter of your bucket spring and take a note of these measurements. For the circumference, multiply the diameter by 3.142 and write that down. Step two To make a pattern for the base, half the diameter to get the radius then add 1.5cm (5/8in) to this radius measurement to add…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 60x60cm (24x24in) Contrast binding fabric: 10x112cm (4x44in) Lining: waterproof fabric, 60x60cm (24x24in) Cotton tape: to match lining, 1cm (3/8in) wide x 2m (2¼yds) Elastic: 5mm (¼in) wide x 1m (40in) Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED The fabrics used are from Playing Pop by AGF Studio for Art Gallery Fabrics. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf Main fabric: Sound Bubbles, Light. Ref: AGFPOP2288. Binding fabric: Mirage, Pure Blue Elements. Ref: AGFPE424. NOTES For an alternative waterproof lining, use a basic shower curtain. Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. The template for the shower cap is on the pull-out pattern sheet. CUTTINGTHE FABRIC Step one Trace round the shower cap circle template and cut it out to make your pattern. Step two Pin the pattern onto your fabric and…

This modern update on a classic 1950s-style fit-and-flare dress is a spring showstopper ideal for parties, weddings and proms, but it could be easily dressed down for a vintage-inspired daytime look, too. Pleats add detail at the neckline, bodice darts at the front and back ensure a flattering fit, and the flared skirt is perfect for twirling on the dancefloor! We’ve sized the pattern to fit standard UK dress sizes, from 6 to 20. Before cutting out your pattern, it’s important to take your measurements accurately and compare them to the size chart on the pattern envelope. This simple-sew project will take you through key dressmaking skills step by step, including transferring pattern markings, inserting an invisible zip, adding neckline and armhole facings, sewing neat darts and pleats, constructing a…

Collecting sewing patterns can be expensive, so we’ve hand-picked our favourite styles from The McCall Pattern Company to give away to one lucky reader. The prize includes everything from daywear to occasion frocks, and easy sews to more advanced projects, with patterns from Butterick, Kwik Sew, McCall’s and the Vogue Patterns ‘Very Easy Vogue’ and Designer ranges to get the lucky winner started on sewing their own handmade wardrobe. See www.simplysewingmag.com  to enter today! (UK only, see competition rules on p6.)…

Once the fabric has been marked, it’s best to cut or sew it as soon as possible. SHARPENING CHALK Always keep your chalk edge sharp so the lines are neat and accurate. You can buy a special chalk sharpener, or sharpen your chalk with a pair of scissors. To do this, open up a pair of scissors and run the edge of the chalk between the blades where they meet, so one blade sharpens the front and one the back edge of the chalk for a sharp line. REMOVING CHALK MARKS Once you’ve finished cutting or sewing, just brush the chalk marks off. A fine toothbrush is ideal for this or you can use a damp cloth. Chalk can be washed out if the material is washable. Pressing with an…

YOU WILL NEED 1 pair of blue jeans Lining fabric: 25x112cm (10x44in) 2oz wadding: 25x112cm (10x44in) Basic sewing kit NOTES Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance throughout. To line the buckets we used Modern Background – Newsprint Paper, Black Fog by Zen Chic for Moda fabrics. Ref: GA1312. For stockists, visit Designer Jessica says: “Give your jeans a new lease of life and make these quick-to-sew storage buckets. If you’re after larger tubs, just sew together multiple pieces of denim. If you’re making them as a gift, try personalising them with labels, appliqué or embroidery.” CUTTING OUT Step one Iron your jeans, then cut off one jean leg. Cut along the outer seam (the one without the contrast stitching) to open up the jeans. Step two Fold your cut leg…

Oilcloth is a generic term used in the UK to describe vinyls and laminated cottons most commonly used for wipe-clean tablecloths. Strictly speaking, though, oilcloth is a woven, usually cotton fabric, that has been treated with linseed oil to make it water-resistant. Laminated cotton, also known as slicker, is an ordinary quilt-weight cotton which is laminated or coated with a plastic finish on the right side. There are different finishes on oilcloths which affect their drape. The acrylic-covered cloths are more pliable which means they drape better than the PVC-coated varieties. Whichever type of vinyl, laminate cotton or oilcloth you’re using, they’re all worked with in the same way – so we’ll call them all oilcloth here for ease. WHICH PRESSER FOOT The difficulty when stitching with oilcloth is that…

Thank you for making these projects from Simply Sewing. The copyright for these templates belongs to the designer of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to enjoy, so please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission. Please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to others through your website or a third party, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Copyright law protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.…

THERESA GONZALEZ Multi-talented San Francisco-based crafter Theresa has written for numerous craft titles and teaches online courses in sewing, photography and more. Find out how to sew a button-up skirt from her new book, Sunday Sews, on page 62. KAJSA KINSELLA Kajsa is originally from Sweden and now lives in Ireland. She has published two craft books and launched her own home collection in 2015. Read about her passion for embellishments on page 70, and make her fabric envelopes on page 75. AMANDA RILEY Amanda Riley launched her Fashion Factory refashioning workshops for teens in 2009, and released her accompanying book, The Fashion Factory, in 2015. Find out how she’s inspired the next generation of young creatives on page 52. CYNTHIA SHAFFER Cynthia Shaffer is a quilter and creative sewer…

SUPERCRAFT Sophie Pester and Catharina Bruns (DK, £12.99) Keep crafting all year round with this collection of super-tempting DIY projects for your home and wardrobe. Stitch cute toys, make a cool rucksack, whip up your own espadrilles and print your own scarf with these simple tutorials. www.dk.com PIRATES AND POMPOMS Stella Bee and Jemma Bell (Laurence King, £14.95) This book is divided into pirates, woodland animals and circus themes. Make an eye patch, big top or fox mask for hours of fun. www.laurenceking.com HERE COMES SPRING Shelley Wicks and Jeanne Large (Martingale) Make believe your home is a little house on the prairie with this collection of simple country-style appliqué and quilt designs to add some springtime cheer to your space. www.shopmartingale.com MAKING VICTORIAN COSTUMES FOR WOMEN Heather Audin (Crowood,…

To make your wall art even more colourful, stitch your appliqué letters and bubbles with contrasting thread. YOU WILL NEED Background fabric: 50x50cm (20x20in) Lettering fabric: 30x30cm (12x12in) Bubbles fabric: small scraps Bondaweb: 30x30cm (12x12in) Frame: with a 27x27cm (105/8x105/8in) outer edge Mount board: white, 27x27cm (105/8x105/8in) MATERIALS USED The fabrics used are from Playing Pop by AGF Studio for Art Gallery Fabrics. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf Background fabric: Sprinkles Glitch, rainbow Ref: AGFPOP1283 Bubbles fabric: Sound Bubbles, Light Ref: AGFPOP2288; Sugar Crystals, Sweet Ref: AGFPOP1282 Lettering fabric: Mirage, pure blue elements Ref: AGFPE424 TEMPLATES • You will find the letting templates on the pull-out pattern sheet. MAKING THE WORDS Step one Trace over the lettering outline (on the pull-out pattern sheet) onto tracing paper then turn it over to…

Keep the essentials stashed in style in this 3D-flower clutch, £24.99. www.newlook.com Create a dainty look with this necklace and earring set, £12. www.mandco.com Wrap up on chilly evenings with a lace-trimmed scarf, £12. www.mandco.com Make a statement with a bold ring and necklace, both Allusions at BHS. Ring £5, necklace £12.50.www.bhs.co.uk Add flowers to your hair for a boho vibe, £4.50. www. accessorize.com…

Sew an ocean of different pencil case pals by changing the fabrics and fins. YOU WILL NEED 2 fat quarters Moulded plastic zip: white,15cm (6in) 2 buttons: black, 2.5cm (1in) diameter Basic sewing kit NOTES Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance throughout. You will find the templates needed on the pull-out pattern sheet provided with this issue. FABRICS USED Outer: Flurry by Dashwood Studio, Light Grey. Ref: FLUR 2000. Lining: Garden Botanics by Carolyn Friedlander for Robert Kaufman, Charcoal Graph Paper. Ref: AFR-14262-184. Designer Jennie says: “Zips can be slippery customers, but follow my tips and it’ll be plain sailing making this little fishy friend! Fill with fancy colouring pencils to make a great child’s gift.” CUTTING OUT Step one Trace around and cut out the templates from page 91.…

The welcome sight of blossoms in bloom is a sure sign that winter is behind us and spring has sprung. Though the blossom season may be fleeting and it’s not long before those pretty petals float away on the summer breeze, you can make it last by stitching your own blossom tree onto a plain make-up bag using colonial knot stitches. Colonial knots have a raised, textured appearance and can be sewn individually or in clusters, making them ideal for stitching floral motifs. Get started with our colonial knot guide on page 47.…

For Amanda Riley, learning to sew with her grandmother was the beginning of something truly special. In equipping herself with the skills to make, to reinvent and be original, Amanda discovered in herself a fervour she was keen to share with others. And yet, from the point of view of her beloved grandma, it was simply a case of passing on a practical skill to a granddaughter who was hungry to learn. “It was 1976 and I was eight years old,” Amanda recalls. “She taught me how to use her manual Singer sewing machine, and then produce a simple domestic dress pattern and make a garment with a lovely piece of floral printed cheesecloth, very fashionable at the time. She helped me with the pinning and cutting and then left…

Designer Harriet says: “Ruffles are easy to make and will transform an existing garment in an instant. It’s a great way to add a pretty detail to a plain, simple garment.” YOU WILL NEED Cotton shirt Cotton fabric: contrasting, 50x112cm (20x44in) Pattern paper Basic sewing kit Step one Draw a rectangle to the length and width of the ruffle you want to add to the front of your shirt. Draw a curved line starting from the bottom left corner of the rectangle and ending at the top right. Cut out along the drawn lines.01 Step two At 1.5cm (5/8in) intervals, use scissors to cut strips starting at the curved line then almost to the top of the straight edge of the rectangle, but take care not to cut all the…

“EACH ERROR HAS TAUGHT ME TO DO BETTER, SO MY ADVICE WOULD BE TO NOT EXPECT IT TO BE PERFECT FROM THE GET GO, TO TAKE THINGS SLOW AND TO FOCUS.” Think embroidery and other flourishes are old-fashioned? Think again! The beauty of additions like these is that you can choose exactly the style you want to use so your garments, accessories and homeware exude the vibe that best epitomises you. Whether you’re making an outfit for an occasion or something more casual but elegant, the options are dizzyingly varied. We discovered the talents of Jessica Aldred (www.bespokeneedlework.com) through the exquisite embroidery adorning Catherine Middleton’s wedding dress. “At the time I was Education Coordinator at the Royal School of Needlework, where I ran classes, assessed students work and taught embroidery,”…

YOU WILL NEED TO MAKE A CLOTH Main fabric: 40x35cm (15¾x13¾in) Contrast fabric: 11x35cm (43/8x13¾in) Striped trim fabric: 7x35cm (2¾x13¾cm) Towelling backing fabric: 48x35cm (187/8x13¾in) Jumbo ric rac: white, 35cm (13¾in) Basic sewing kit TO MAKE A BIB Main fabric: 25x25cm (10x10in) Contrast fabric: 12x25cm (5x10in) Striped trim fabric: 4x25cm (1½x10in) Towelling backing fabric: 35x25cm (14x10in) Jumbo ric rac: white, 21cm (8¼in) Press fastener: silver Basic sewing kit NOTES The templates needed to make this project are on page 91. We used a print flannel fabric for the main and contrast fabric and towelling fabric for the backing. MAKING THE CLOTH Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance throughout. ADDINGTHE STRIPETRIM Step one Press the striped trim strip in half lengthwise wrong sides (WS) together. Step two Pin the strip right…

YOU WILL NEED Oilcloth – see instructions for sizing Cotton fabric or bias binding – see instructions for sizing Basic sewing kit NOTES Follow the basic instructions on page 84 for stitching with oilcloth. The standard width of oilcloth is 135cm (53in) but you can buy extra-wide cloths, which go up to 175cm (69in) wide. A tablecloth for a circular or oval table will hang much better if you cut it in a curve. For a more professional finish, it’s worth taking time to shape it properly to shape and bind the edges. MEASURING UP Step one Measure the top of your table; you’ll need the length and width or diameter. Step two Decide the depth of the overhang. 15-20cm (6-8in) all the way around is about right. Step three…

SEAM RIPPER You’ll find this odd-looking tool invaluable for cutting through seams and removing stitches. The hook slips under the stitches while the sharp blade at the back cuts the thread. Replace it if it’s getting blunt – they’re cheap. MARKING TOOLS Tailor’s chalk and water- or air-erasable pens and pencils make pinning and tacking much easier as you can see where you’re meant to be sewing. They come in different colours to contrast with your fabric. ROTARY CUTTER If you want to get into patchwork or dressmaking, these make short work of cutting out a lot of fabric and pattern pieces. Always cut away from yourself as they are very sharp. You’ll need a cutting mat and special ruler to use these. PINS AND NEEDLES Indispensable stainless steel pins…

Cushion pads are widely available either online or in your local craft shop. There are various shapes available, but one of the most popular is the standard square cushion pad. Cushion pads are filled with either a synthetic or feather filling, and tend to have a different feel to them. Feather filled pads have a more luxurious feel and are squashier to touch, while synthetic cushions tend to remain plump as they will ‘spring’ back into shape. They’re also better for those with allergies. Here’s a list of standard cushion pad sizes. Keep a note of them to help with future projects… STANDARD CUSHION PAD SIZES 30x30cm (12x12in) 35x35cm (14x14in) 40x40cm (16x16in) 45x45cm (18x18in) 50x50cm (20x20in) 55x55cm (22x22in) 60x60cm (24x24in)…

BACKSTITCH Use backstitch for a neat outline. Bring the needle up and take it back over the fabric, as shown. Push the needle back up in front of where you started, making sure you keep all the stitches neat and even. STEM STITCH With stem stitch, work from left to right, in regular small stitches along the line of the design. The thread always emerges on the left side of the previous stitch. This stitch is used for flower stems, outlines and so on. SATIN STITCH For filling in blocks of colour, satin stitch gives some stunning results. Follow the outline using straight stitches made very close together. You can neaten things with a backstitch around the outline before you start. FRENCH KNOT For a French knot, come up through…

Step one Depending on the thickness of your fabric, you may need the help of a lightbox to help illuminate the design through the fabric. Or you can use a window and trace against it. Either way, tape the design securely in place. Step two Place your fabric in a ring frame with the right side of the fabric face down. Now turn the frame over so the right side of the fabric is face up and place the frame over the design so that it sits flush with the flat surface. Using a ring frame or ‘hoop’ helps to keep the fabric taut. Step three Check the fabric is square to the design and start to trace the design using a light blue coloured pencil or water soluble pen.…

“IT’S FAIR TO SAY that I’m often making clothes for other people, which I love doing, but it does mean that it’s extra-special when I do get a chance to make something for myself. It’s for this reason that I have chosen my tartan golfing trousers as my personal favourite sewing project. I wanted to make a statement garment for an annual golfing tournament and so opted for a bold tartan that would certainly stand out on the course. I brought the fabric from one of the many fabric shops along Goldhawk Road in London – one of my favourite fabric-buying haunts. Burda create a selection of patterns for men that have a modern style, so, after a bit of research, I had my pattern and was ready to go.…