Innehållsförteckning för 41 från Simply Sewing

Longer, brighter days mean more sewing time, and we’re making the most of every available minute! From fabulous freehand fashion (cue our coverstar tunic) and the cutest toys, to chic homewares and catwalk-inspired embroidery, we’ve got a whopping number of makes for you to get stuck into. This month’s free pattern, The Emma Pinafore, is our new wardrobe staple and so comfortable to wear. Choose from two lengths and add some must-have pockets for effortless style. No time to lose, let’s get stitching!…

CREATING THE VINTAGE LOOK Ellie Laycock (£9.99, CICO Books) Give old and unloved textiles and homewares a new lease of life with this book of 35 thrifty makes for giving your home a vintage look, from upycling vintage pillowcases to transforming old crates into side tables. Psst! Find two projects from Ellie’s book in this issue’s Handmade Home project book. www.rylandpeters.com SCANDINAVIAN NEEDLECRAFT Clare Youngs (£12.99, CICO Books) Crafter and Scandi design fan Clare Youngs presents a collection of gifts, furnishings, bags, clothes and accessories to sew and embroider with Scandi motifs. You’ll learn a variety of techniques as you work through the book, including appliqué, patchwork, machine stitching, shadow work and ribbon work. www.rylandpeters.com 50 LITTLE GIFTS Susanne Woods (£20.99, Lucky Spool Media) Whether you’re a total patchwork newbie…

POTS OF JOY Each of these hand-woven pots is unique, so mix and match for an eclectic look. From £20 each, www.bohemiadesign.co.uk LOVE TO LOUNGE Kick back whatever the weather with a colour-pop pouffe designed for both indoor and outdoor use. £198, www.dashandalbert  europe.com NEW NEON This cushion’s neon print and colourful pom poms are sure to brighten up your sofa (and your day). £79.99, www.iansnow.com GET SERVED Serve up summer cocktails on this Instagrammable tray made from sustainable birch. £29, www.jonnasaarinen.etsy.com KEEP IT CLEAN Gift a pal with quirky style this gold-trimmed wash bag in a limited-edition print. £75, www.jessicarussellflint.co.uk…

PATTERN STASH Dresses, skirts, tops, trousers, more dresses... there’s always room in our collection for another paper pattern, and these timeless beauties are a few of the designs on our to-buy-next list. From floaty summer frocks to office attire, these versatile patterns are designs you’ll reach for time and time again, and will help to shape and inspire your year-round wardrobe. They’re just a hint of the fab sewing patterns available to buy from Sewing Quarter. Head to the pattern section on the website to browse the full range, and don’t forget to quote SEWHAPPY to receive 20% off your first order. Happy shopping, sewists! All available at www.sewingquarter.com GIRL BOSS Lisette for Butterick B6411, £7.99 Show ‘em who’s in charge with this easy-sew knit dress with long…

Spring weather can be so unpredictable – one minute it's gorgeous, get-your-frocks-out sunshine, the next it's cloudy and breezy – so we're sewing a transitional staple to see us through all seasons with The Emma Pinafore in UK sizes 6-20 (US 4-18/EUR 34-48). This feminine take on a utility style is perfect for layering with everything from cosy knits to favourite tees and features a V-neck bodice, gathered details, a wide waistband and two pocket styles and skirt lengths. We'll be stitching one for every day of the week. YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 115cm45inwidth fabric x 3.1m (3½yds); 140cm (55in) width x 2.7m (3yds) for all sizes 115cm45inwidth fabric x 2.2m (2½yds); 140cm (55in) width x 1.8m (2yds) for all sizes Lining fabric: 115cm (45in) width fabric x 60cm…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: see instructions for measurements Lightweight iron-on interfacing: see instructions for measurements 2 D-rings: optional for wider belt Pattern paper Dressmakers carbon paper Tracing wheel French curve (optional) Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTE Ease, seam and hem allowances have been included in the calculations for this design: Side and shoulder seams: 1.5cm (5/8in). Neckline facing seam: 1cm (3/8in). Dress hem: 5cm (2in). Sleeve hem: 2cm (¾in). TAKING YOUR MEASUREMENTS Step one Tie a length of ribbon around your waist and let it settle in the most comfortable position to determine your natural waistline. Step two Write down the measurements for your bust, waist, hip, waist to hem and shoulder to waist. This is measured vertically over the bust, following the curves of your body. DRAFTING…

YOU WILL NEED 1 shirt Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTE Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. MAKING THE SKIRT Step one Cut off the sleeves and shoulder panel. Step two Turn the shirt wrong sides (WS) out and draw a straight line from the armholes to the hem and stitch together for the skirt side seam. Step three Repeat this on the other side. Try the skirt on and trim the top or take in the sides to fit. ADDING THE WAISTBAND Step one Cut six 5cm (2in) wide strips from one sleeve then trim the lengths as follows: Four strips: the same length as the front panel plus 2cm (¾in). Two strips: the same length as the back panel plus 2cm (¾in). Step two Take one long strip…

YOU WILL NEED Linen fabric: 40x95cm (16x38in) Iron-on heavyweight interfacing: 32x44cm (125/8x173/8in) Binding fabric: 20x52cm (8x21in) Stranded cotton: lavender and white Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance. Download the template from WORKING CLOUD STITCH Step one Work several rows of evenly spaced vertical straight stitches, staggering each row. Step two Using different coloured thread, bring your needle up from the back near the area you are stitching. Slide your needle from right to left through the first straight stitch, then through the first straight stitch in the next row. Step three Repeat this, alternating between the rows, then take your needle back down.01 Step four Come up again and slide your needle from left to right through the first straight stitch of the third…

YOU WILL NEED Outer fabric: 100x112cm (39x44in) Lining fabric: 100x112cm (39x44in) Foam interfacing: 72cm (28in) width x 140cm (55in) Matching thread Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED CatNapPinkFrom Blush by Dana Willard for Art Gallery fabrics. Ref: AGFBSH78406. FloretHoneydewFromBlush by Dana Willard for Art Gallery fabrics. Ref: AGFBSH88409. For stockists visit StyleVilfromVliesiline For stockists visit NOTES Download the templates from Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. CUTTING OUT Step one Download the templates for the bed front/back and ear and cut them out. Step two From the outer fabric cut: Front: cut one using the template. Back: cut one using the template. Sides: 32x100cm (125/8x39in). Base: 32x37cm (125/8x145/8in). Ears: cut four using the template. Step three From the lining fabric cut: Front: cut one using the template. Back:…

Luxe cushions, statement lampshades, ditsy floral table linen... a few carefully chosen homewares can transform a room from drab to fab, adding all-important colour, texture and, of course, wow factor! Unfortunately for us, our funds don't quite match up to our boutique tastes, so we'll be giving our living spaces a makeover of the handcrafted kind this month and recreating the look with some inspiration from our Handmade Home project book. Between you and us, we reckon you can't beat home-stitched accessories anyway!…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: romper – 80x137cm (32x54in), dress – 60x137cm (24x54in), bloomers – 30x137cm (12x54in). Plain fabric for petals: 30x50cm (12x20in) Plain fabric for stems and leaves: 32x17cm (13x7in) Bondaweb: 30x15cm (12x6in) Narrow elastic: 1.5m (1¾yd) Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Downloadthetemplatesfrom Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. ELASTIC CUTTING GUIDE CUTTING OUT Step one Download and print the pattern pieces. Step two Decide the size then trace the pattern pieces for the garment you would like to make, following the lines for the correct size. The whole pattern piece is for the romper. The lower cutting line for the dress and the upper cutting line for the bloomers are marked on the pattern. If you want to make more than one garment, keep the pattern…

MARKING PEN Transfer markings to your fabric, then wash them out when finished. MARKING PENCIL Choose a colour that shows up on your fabric. SEAM RIPPER This sharp blade cuts through and unpicks stitches. TAPE MEASURE A flexible fabric tape measure will take accurate measurements. TAILOR’S CHALKSX Chalk temporarily marks fabric and can be easily brushed away. FABRIC CLIPS Use these instead of pins when sewing thicker fabrics. THIMBLE Wear to protect your fingers when handstitching. PINS Stainless steel pins with sharp points are best. PINKING SHEARS These cut a zigzag edge on fabric to neaten. SHEARS Keep a pair of sharp shears just for cutting out your fabric. SMALL SCISSORS Use for snipping threads and cutting notches. HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF ACCURATELY ALWAYS MEASURE YOURSELF BEFORE you choose a…

KIRSTY HARTLEY Lancashire-based Kirsty Hartley is the designer behind children’s clothing brand Wild Things, launched in 2011. Her childrenswear features bright colours and simple, retro-inspired imagery. Sew her cute petal-motif romper set on page 87. JENNIFER MILLS Designer Jennifer has loved sewing since she made her first dress aged 12. She went on to do an apprenticeship and study Fashion Design, and now teaches sewing. Try her pattern-drafting masterclass and make a tunic dress on page 39. BY HAND LONDON By Hand London is an indie sewing pattern label. Their patterns are inspired by and named after the stylish ladies they admire, and offer an up-to-date take on classic designs. Revamp a plain shirt with stitched bees with their tutorial on page 55. HANNAH READ-BALDREY Hannah is a photographic stylist,…

If you're as addicted to scrolling through posts on Instagram for stitching inspiration as we are, you'll almost definitely have double-tapped a pattern by Ana Valls, aka CocoWawa Crafts – her designs are as fun to sew as they are to wear, with cute, quirky, retro-inspired details that have us all snapping and sharing our own finished versions. Since releasing her first pattern in November 2016, she has a six-piece (and counting) collection – an impressive feat considering she sewed her first stitches just six years ago. Ana was working as a freelance reporter after moving to London from her native Spain when she first caught the sewing bug. “I was looking for something that made me happy outside of work, a hobby, as I was suffering a lot from…

16-22 APRIL World Craft Week. Celebrate the very best in crafting and share your makes with other stitchers for this online campaign, with a free digital craft magazine when you sign up to the newsletter. www.worldcraftweek.com 19-21 APRIL The Creative Craft Show. ExCel, London. Multi-skilled crafters will find plenty to inspire at this show for stitchers, knitters and hobbyists. www.ichfevents.co.uk 23-29 APRIL Fashion Revolution Week. Get involved in the #whomademyclothes online campaign for more transparency in the clothing supply chain. www.fashionrevolution.org 28 APRIL Leather Pouch Workshop. Studio 1, Birmingham. Learn to sew with leather on an industrial sewing machine and make a handy zip pouch. www.deborette.com…

Switch f›om day to night with a timeless smokey eye, £8.50, www.marksandspencer.com Add a nude lip for lowmaintainence makeup, £9.50, www.marksandspencer.com Keep it simple with minimal two-strap sandals, £17, www.dorothyperkins.com Work art-teacher chic with unusual prints and jumbo beads. Scarf £29.50, www.oliverbonas.com, necklace £25, www.whitestuff.com Try a new handbag style with this wear-with-everything circle crossbody design, www.fatface.com Scret stitched pineapples add a playful twist to these classic white sneaks. £55, www.whitestuff.com…

“We were lucky enough to move into our dream studio in East London." “We’ve got lots of silk shirts on our cutting table this month." The arrival of spring means the beginning of a new workshop schedule at The New Craft House! Last year we were lucky enough to move into our dream studio in East London and have loved turning it into a creative, inspiring place for us to work. Hannah brings in her dog Twigs every day which makes it feel even more homely and we have lots of office plants and a big bright rug to keep us feeling chirpy. At Christmas we expanded to have the whole studio room which means all of our workshops are now held in here, too. It’s great as it means…

The clothing dreamt up by Nadia Izruna and her team at Nadinoo has a passion for tailoring and crafting imbued in every stitch. Each garment is hand-tailored to order at Nadia's Rutland studio, revelling in the sheer pleasure of making. Nadia's philosophy is all about creating clothes that last; that are timeless, rather than trend-led. Style and practicality are equally considered at Nadinoo: patterns are cut with comfort and wearability in mind, and garments are sewn up in natural cloth that is as much a joy to wear as it is to look at. The brand's silhouettes are designed to suit all stages of womanhood, with no need to change style during and after pregnancy. These truly are clothes for life, and for living. With a love for slow making…

YOU WILL NEED Oilcloth: 50x135cm (20x53in) Bag of rice Polyester fibrefill Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Woven oilcloth in coral with blue/ black circle print by Stoff & Stil, 135cm (53in) width. Ref: 861558. Available from www.stoffstil.co.uk NOTE Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. CUTTING OUT Step one Cut the fabric as follows: Cushion front: 35x50cm (13¾x19¾in). Cushion back: 35x50cm (13¾x19¾in). Sides: cut two triangles 6cm (23/8in) in height and 35cm (13¾in) in length. End: 6x50cm (23/8x19¾in). Band: 6x45cm (23/8x17¾in). ATTACHING THE SIDES Step one Pin the long side of one triangle right sides (RS) together with the short side of the cushion front, matching raw edges.01 Step two Stitch into place and trim the tops so they are level. Step three Repeat with the other triangle on…

“IN 2018 A RECORD-BREAKING 23,600 VOTES WERE CAST... THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR MAKING OUR BEST ONE YET!” Rewarding and bringing together the industry's top designers, products, bloggers, brands, and more, The British Craft Awards are one of the most important and prestigious events in the stitching calendar, and one of team Simply Sewing's highlights of the year! Why? Because, uniquely, the recipients of these much-anticipated awards are chosen by you, our lovely readers, and give you the chance to get your voice heard and show your appreciation for the companies, brands and individuals that you love. 2018's awards blew us away by being our biggest and best yet, and we couldn't have done it without you! This year, a record-breaking 23,600 of you voted for your favourites and determined the…

LEARN THE TECHNIQUE The key to giving a handmade toy personality and a cute expression often relies on internal stitches within the head that manipulate the features into position, which are made by hand after the toy is assembled. These face-shaping stitches are usually worked between the eyes to bring them inwards. They can also be worked between the corners of the mouth up to the eye above to pull the mouth into more of a smile and give the cheek more definition. Face-shaping stitches really can transform the finished look of the toy. CHOOSING EYES So much of a toy’s appeal depends on its eyes, so more often than not there will be internal shaping between them. The two main options for toy eyes are plastic safety eyes or…

1 FABRIC BAZAAR Fabric and haberdashery shop offering everything from cottons to upholstery fabrics. For more information find us on Facebook and Instagram. fabricbazaar.co.uk 2 HOUSE OF SMOCKING We specialise in all things smocking, from beautiful lawns, batistes, piques and Swiss cottons, we also stock piping, lace, patterns, transfer dots and smocking pleaters. houseofsmocking.co.uk 3 OAKAPPLE HABERDASHERY Plenty of small florals, Bee Basics and feedsack reproduction fabrics in stock. 15% off your order with code Simply15. oakapplehaberdashery.co.uk 4 BECKFORD SILK Silk Printers, Dyers and Retailers in the UK since 1975. Our online shop sells quality silk fabric direct at wholesale prices all designed printed and dyed by our team at Beckford. beckfordsilk.co.uk 5 SEW IN THE CITY Sew in the City sells a carefully curated range of quality, contemporary fabric…

"OVER THE YEARS, I'VE CREATED a plethora of craft projects which I totally love and which I often use to decorate my London home or wear for special occasions. As you may have guessed, after writing my latest craft book, FlowerBomb! 25 beautiful craft projects to blow your blossoms (Pavilion), I've become slightly addicted to all things floral-themed, so my current favourite thing is the Sequinned Flower Bomber Jacket from the book. When making this garment, I wanted to echo all those couture designer brands that I oh-so love, but oh-so cannot afford! I wanted to create something truly special and unique as well as wearable. Scouring the web, I came across a wonderful website called Simply Sequins ( www.simplysequins.co.uk ), which has the most incredible collection of…

FEMININE FANCY We might be a jeans-and-jumper girl in the winter, but something happens to our sartorial choices as soon as there’s a hint of sun – away go the practical staples, and out come the swishy frocks! Colette’s new Myrna pattern has just about every ooh-worthy detail we could dream of – a floaty skirt, pretty gathers, and a flattering 1940s-throwback silhouette. Summer, we’re ready for you! In US sizes 0-26 from www.colettepatterns.com NEW-SEASON SEWING Stoff & Stil have got us ready to get started on our summer stitching with their new-collection catalogue of must-have patterns and fabrics. From everyday tops to occasion dresses, on-trend homewares to cute makes for little ones – and all with a cool Scandi vibe we love. Visit www.stoffstil.co.uk RAYON RAINBOW With…

Even the simplest of designs can be extra-special when they're made from Liberty fabrics, and it's this mix of practicality and beautiful materials that makes everything in Naadu Ashun's collection, A Bag Less Ordinary, so covetable. Stitcher Naadu hopes to bring a little luxury to everyday with her handmade zip pouches, glasses cases, tote bags and small accessories, all in colourful Liberty florals – swoon! From £10, www.abaglessordinary.etsy.com…

SOFT FURNISHINGS From drab to fab! Update your living room with this sophisticated combo of throws, cushions, pouffes and storage for a luxe look that won't break the bank. We've opted for a range of glorious, stately home-inspired prints called Chieveley by Lewis & Irene, which feature beautiful birds and oms with shimmering metallic accents. You'll want to utilise every scrap of these beauties to stitch up a set of noteworthy coasters for your coffee table and possibly a few more as gifts for your most discerning friends. We're saving ours for best, don't you know? PATCHWORK THROW We tend to associate heirloom quilts with intricately stitched designs, but the truth is these handmade treasures needn't be complicated to be beautiful, as this simple patched number shows. As well as…

YOU WILL NEED Long-sleeved knit top Square ruler Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Download the template from Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. ADJUSTING THE SIDE SEAMS Step one Select a top that fits you relatively well or is slightly looser than you want your finished top to be. This works best on more stable knits. Step two Our top has quite a flared line along the side seams. So, the first step is to create a more boxy shape. Mark a line at right angles from the underarm down to the hem.01 Step three If you’re using an overlocker simply serge along this line and the excess will be cut away as you go. On a standard sewing machine sew a stretch or mock overlock stitch along your…

YOU WILL NEED Outer fabric: 70x90cm (28x36in) Lining fabric: 70x90cm (28x36in) Heavy weight interfacing: 70x90cm (28x36in) Stranded cotton: one skein each of DMC; 915, 152, 3836, 223, 3705, 760, 712, B5200, 743, 742, 726, 518, 336, 3346, 320, 772, 3078. Zip: 30cm (12in) Bag chain strap Extra large embroidery hoop Heat transfer pencil Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTE Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated.  Hannah says: “This hand-embroidered bag looks like it’s come straight off the catwalk. Not just a pretty design, it has a secret meaning too: in the language of flowers, the camellia symbolises faithfulness, the forget-me-not, remembrance, and the daffodil, memories, all joining forces to create a bouquet that encapsulates the sentiment ‘when we shall meet again’.” CUTTING OUT Step one Make a…

YOU WILL NEED A plain shirt or blouse Stranded cotton: black, ecru and yellow Embroidery hoop Water erasable pen or water soluble stabiliser Basic sewing kit NOTE Download the template from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads TRACING THE BEE Step one Download and print out the embroidery bee template. Step two Decide on the placement and whether you’d like a random, scattered pattern or something more symmetrical. Step three Mark your chosen embroidery placement with a water erasable pen. Step four If your blouse is translucent enough to see the design through the fabric then place it on top of the bee design and trace around the outlines using a water erasable pen.01 Step five If you can’t see the design directly through the fabric then use a water soluble stabiliser (we used Solvy).…

YOU WILL NEED Six cotton print fabrics: one fat quarter of each Background fabric: 150x112cm (60x44in) Backing fabric: 130x160cm (52x63in) Binding fabric: 40x112cm (16x44in) Wadding: 130x160cm (52x63in) Matching thread Walking foot/free-motion foot (optional) Rotary cutter and mat Basic sewing kit FINISHED SIZE Approx 120x145cm (47x57in). FABRICS USED We used a selection of fabrics from the Dollhouse collection by Amy Sinibaldi for Art Gallery Fabrics. For stockists visit www.hantex.co.uk NOTES Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance. Press fabrics well and remove selvedges before cutting. CUTTING OUT Step one From the six cotton print fabrics cut a total of the following: 15 squares: 23x23cm (91/8x91/8in). 15 strips: 7.5x35cm (3x13¾in). Step two From the background fabric cut: 15 squares: 23x23cm (91/8x91/8in). 15 strips: 7.5x35cm (3x13¾in). Step three From the binding fabric cut: Six…

YOU WILL NEED To make four ladybirds Print fabric: 1 fat quarter Plain fabric: 1 fat quarter Bondaweb: 20x16cm (77/8x63/8in) Stranded cotton: to match the plain fabric 4 x pairs of googly eyes, 5mm (¼in) diameter Glue Polyester fibrefill Rice Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Download the templates from Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance. CUTTING OUT Step one Download and print all the pattern pieces and cut them out. Step two From the print fabric cut out: Base: one piece using the template. Body: two pieces using the template. Handle: one piece using the template. Step three From the plain fabric cut out: Face: one piece using the template. Spots: cut out just the rectangle at this stage. ADDING THE SPOTS Step one Place the Bondaweb paper side…

BUY THIS KIT! See this demonstrated live on air on 29th March 2018 * Live on Freeview 78 and Sky 678 * Visit page 15 for special offers and T&Cs YOU WILL NEED Fabric A: 70x50cm (30x20in), mid brown for main body Fabric B: 50x50cm (20x20in), beige for tummy Pair of 10mm (3/8in) black plastic safety eyes Stranded cotton: black Polyester toy filling Matching thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Fabric A: Smooth Shannon Cuddle in Camel. Fabric B: Smooth Shannon Cuddle in Beige from FINISHED SIZE Approx 32cm (12½in) tall. NOTES Downloadthetemplatesfrom Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. As the arms and ears are sewn into seams, it is advisable to sew over the joins so they are well secured. CUTTING OUT Step one Print…

EAST MIDLANDS LEICESTERSHIRE CRAFT CENTRE Workshops and courses for adults and children of all levels, craft supplies, patterns and fabric available online and in store. leicestershirecraftcentre.co.uk SOUTH WEST INCHES FABRICS Fabrics, Wools and Haberdashery. Buttons, Ribbons and Patterns. Knitting and Sewing lessons. 39 Parsonage St, Dursley, Glos, GL11 4BP inchesfabrics.co.uk SOUTH SEW BUSY Stockists of Makower, Robert Kaufman, Clothworks and Windham, ribbons, haberdashery, sewing goods and classes. sew-busy.co.uk SOUTH CHALK HILL BLUE FABRICS Supplier of patchwork fabrics, threads, waddings and notions. Keep up with events on Facebook! 01903 230008 FB/Chalk-Hill-Blue-Fabrics NORTH HAPPY HARE An independent sewing store in Chapeltown, Sheffield, stocking a range of fabrics, including Michael Miller, Riley Blake and Tula Pink. handmadehappyhare.com SCOTLAND ROMY’S SEWING ROOMS Bright, friendly shop for all sewers, selling patterns, fabric and notions. Sewing…