Innehållsförteckning för 46 från Simply Sewing

We don’t know about you, but with the jam-packed summer we’ve just had, we’re in much need of a little R&R, which of course for us means spending some quality time with our sewing machines. This month’s cool and casual Aisling Dress (p34) is a delight to sew and our go-to for laid-back lunches and summer fetes, while the boho-style Tamsyn top with its long sleeves and sweet tassel details will effortlessly take our me-made wardrobes from one season into the next. And if that R&R just sounds too tempting, we’ve got a beautiful home spa set for you to stitch up as well, which includes a chic bathrobe and kimono slippers, so you can kick back in style with a herbal tea in hand and your favourite sewing magazine.…

SUMMER LOVING Bows and buttons and frills, oh my! Tilly And The Buttons’ two new swoon-worthy styles are all about pretty details that are as fun to stitch as they are to show off to your sewing pals. The Seren Dress is a flirty button-up frock with the option to make it as a dress or separates, while the Stevie tunic and top is a simple, speedy make with a sweet tie fastening and cuffs – and we’ll be stitching them both. £12 each, shop.tillyandthebuttons.com THAT’S A WRAP Try a no-plastic way of keeping your snacks under wraps with Lily Bee’s washable 100% cotton cloths coated in beeswax, tree resin and organic coconut oil. Just use the warmth of your hands to secure it around your treat of choice for…

UNDERWATER LOVE SIRENA BY JESSICA SWIFT FOR ART GALLERY FABRICS Dive into the fantasy world of the mermaids Aquamarina and Violette and swim amongst friendly sharks, dancing octopi, bright corals, and exotic fruits and leaves gathered from the ocean's surface. Pick a classic marine palette with the sparkling blues of the Aquarmarina colourway, or Violette's punchy orange, mauve and pink combo. www.artgalleryfabrics.com FANCY FLORALS FANCIFUL BY RAE HOEKSTRA FOR CLOUD9 FABRICS Whimsical, detailed florals dance across backdrops of dusty pink, golden yellow and brick red in this lively collection. Printed on 100% cotton, the dainty designs are perfect for home projects and quilts – mix and match them for an eclectic vibe. www.cloud9fabrics.com LAVISH LIVING DECADENCE BY KATARINA ROCCELLA FOR ART GALLERY FABRICS…

GECKO DECORATIONS Dreaming of exotic coastlines, palm trees and hot water spas? These friendly little gecko decorations are guaranteed to bring a few luxury-resort-vibes to your bathroom. Unlike the real thing, these little lizards aren't going to scamper off! Make and display in your own tropical haven, right here at home. STORAGE PODS Keeping sponges and flannels at arms reach is essential for hassle-free bathing. These handy storage pods are designed for slinging over door handles, hooks and towel rails, so you'll never be without all your bathing essentials. What's best, they keep all your bits and bobs out of the way for easy bathroom cleaning, too. Pretty and practical! SLIPPERS The best thing about visiting a spa resort is being able to spend a whole day legitimately wearing a…

BUTTON-UP TOP YOU WILL NEED • Camisole pattern • Main fabric: 115cm (45in) width x 2.2m (2½yds) • Ruler • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit FABRIC SUGGESTIONS Lightweight, drapey fabrics such as silk crepe de chine, rayon, crepe or cotton lawn. FABRIC USED Printed cotton voile by Seasalt Cornwall. Available to buy from www.seasaltcornwall.co.uk NOTES • Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. • The Silk Cami pattern uses French seams throughout. Our version has been overlocked, but you can use either method to finish raw edges. • It is important to remember that the left and right front pieces refer to the position of them when worn. PREPARING THE PATTERN Step one Trace the cami front piece onto pattern paper. Trace a second piece as a…

WEAR IT WITH CASUAL COOL…

YOU WILL NEED • Main fabric: 30x112cm (12x44in), for the bag outer • Lining fabric: 50x112cm (20x44in), for the lining fabric • Iron-on interfacing: 30x90cm (12x36in) • Iron-on wadding: 30x90cm (12x36in) • Foam interfacing: 40x72cm (16x28in) • Zip: 5cm (6in) zip • Heavy-duty zip: 41cm (16in) • Adjustable crossbody strap • 2 D-rings: 1.5cm (5/8in) • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED The fabrics used are from the Yucatan collection by Annie Brady for Moda. Main fabric: Cactus Night Sky. Lining fabric: Jungle Petunia. NOTES • Use a 5mm (¼in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. • Download the template from www.simplysewingmag.com/templates CUTTING OUT Step one Download, print and cut out the handle tab template. Step two From the main fabric cut: Front and back outer: two circles 25.5cm…

YOU WILL NEED • Main fabrics: a mixture of fabrics measuring 60x112cm (24x44in) in total, for the cushion front • Backing fabric: 38x76cm (15x30in) • Binding fabric: 6x76cm (2½x30in) • Wadding: 46x64cm (18x25in) • Cushion pad: 35x50cm (14x20in) • Stranded cotton, for hand quilting • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit NOTES • Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance. • Download the templates from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads • The finished cushion is approx 36x56cm (14x22in). CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabrics cut 128 squares measuring 6.5x6.5cm (2½in) each, for the hexagons. You can refer to the photograph to see how many of each shade to use or choose your own pattern. Step two From the backing fabric cut two 38x38cm (15x15in) squares. Step three From the binding fabric cut two…

LEARN THE TECHNIQUE Gorgeous padded hangings, filled bunting and dinky shaped cushions always look lovely and are the perfect speedy summer makes! There are lots of simple techniques, tricks and tips you can use to make your stuffed hangings and ornaments beautifully smooth and even. CHOOSING THE RIGHT FABRIC Curved edges, sharp corners and narrow shapes can be a challenge, not only for machine sewing but for evenly padding the shape, too. Choosing the most appropriate fabric for your project is key. A gorgeous, lightweight cotton or cotton lawn is perfect for smaller shapes. Finer fabrics turn right sides out more smoothly, with little bulk, which is ideal for narrow areas and tricky corners. Larger filled projects, such as shaped cushions, fabric toys and shaped doorstops, will always benefit from…

1 THE CORNER PATCH The Corner Patch has a large selection of top quality 100% cotton fabrics, Mettler threads, wadding and haberdashery. We offer classes and workshops for all ages and abilities. Contact Jane on 01785 859360 or jane@thecornerpatch.co.uk. thecornerpatch.co.uk 2 JJ TEXTILES As a second generation textile merchants, JJ Textiles offer a range of fabrics for all your sewing needs. In our fantastic summer dress range we have a number of vibrant printed viscoses, crepe de chines, cottons, and much more. thefabricman.etsy.com ebay.co.uk/usr/thefabricman 3 THE SEWING HUTCH A small, online business providing a unique range of carefully selected fabrics, buttons, ribbons and more. Take a browse and breathe new life into your home crafting supplies! etsy.com/uk/shop/thesewinghutch 4 STRANGE SNAIL DISCOVERY BOXES Encourage crafting and creativity in young family members with…

MARKING PEN Transfer markings to your fabric, then wash them out when finished. TAPE MEASURE A flexible fabric tape measure will take accurate measurements. MARKING PENCIL Choose a colour that shows up on your fabric. TAILOR’S CHALKS Chalk temporarily marks fabric and can be easily brushed away. SEAM RIPPER This sharp blade cuts through and unpicks stitches. PINS Stainless steel pins with sharp points are best. FABRIC CLIPS Use these instead of pins when sewing thicker fabrics. THIMBLE Wear to protect your fingers when handstitching. 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 BACK WAIST LENGTH From the top of…

LADDER STITCH Used to join together and close two turned-under edges invisibly, such as on a dress lining or soft toy. Bring the needle up at 1 on one side of the seam, then in at 2 on the opposite side and out at 3, so the stitch is 3mm (1/8in) long. Push the needle back in the opposite side at 4 and out at 5. Repeat this to close the edges. SLIP STITCH This stitch is used most often for hems where you need to stitch a turned-under edge to a flat piece of fabric using small, almost invisible stitches. Bring the needle up at 1 on the turned-under hem then back in at 2 and out at 3. Make this horizontal stitch as small as possible so it…

What's the biggest challenge as a sewist? Finding the time to stitch! Household chores, nine-to-fives, family and friends (and all the distractions in between), ensure we don't clock up anywhere near the sewing hours we would like. And we all know how beneficial an hour or two spent at our machines can be. So, we're making a pledge (and you can too) to carve out far more time in our schedules for stitching. Whether you use it to make yourself an Aisling Dress (p34) or a chic spa set (p20), that's totally up to you!…

Functionality and fashion don’t always go hand in hand, but they work together in perfect harmony for Rosie Drake-Knight’s beautiful handmade bags. Combining classic shapes, contemporary details and practical design, Rosie’s collection of totes, purses, bucket bags, cross-body styles and hand-printed pouches are a joy to carry every day. Rosie experimented with decorative leather work during her final year of studying textile design at Falmouth University, but launching a business wasn't always part of her plan. “It was only when I started out in the real world that I realised I wanted to find a use for the decorative pieces I was creating, so I started to construct bags and pouches and things have developed from there.” Her bags and pouches are “designed for function and longevity” and are all…

UNTIL 24 AUGUST Swansea Festival of Stitch. A celebration of all things stitch with workshops, taster sessions and a textile market. www.swanseafestivalofstitch.co.uk 1 SEPTEMBER-12 JANUARY 2019 Liberty Art Fabrics & Fashion. Dovecote Studios, Edinburgh. A major retrospective of Liberty design with over 100 garments and fabrics. www.dovecotstudios.com 1-2 SEPTEMBER Cork Craft Show. Cork International Hotel. A weekend event showcasing the best in Irish craft, including pottery, art, furniture, glass and textiles. www.corkcraftshow.com 27-30 SEPTEMBER The Creative Craft Show. Westpoint Centre, Exeter. Find inspiration, learn new skills and stock up on creative supplies at this show for knitters, stitchers, hobbyists and crafters. www.stitchandhobby.co.uk…

The beauty of clothing is that it offers a fantastic tool for creative expression. What’s more, getting the colour, fit and fabric of a garment right can transform the way we look and feel. When it comes to wardrobe staples, though, it can be all too tempting to reach for the rails of our favourite retailers rather than our own sewing boxes, ultimately saving our handmade items for special occasions. But it doesn’t have to be this way. “I think we have a choice to spend our free time wandering around the shops or searching the internet trying to find the perfect wardrobe pieces,” says director of Merchant & Mills (www.merchantandmills.com), Carolyn Denham. “Some people do that and we are happy for them. But the other option is to make…

YOU WILL NEED • A T-shirt two sizes larger than your usual size • 50cm (19¾in) of lightweight fabric • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit NOTE • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one Remove the back panel from the T-shirt by carefully unpicking the side seams, back sleeves, shoulders and neck binding. Step two Use the back panel as the pattern for the new floral panel.01 Step three Following the grainline, pin the back panel on top of the fabric. Step four Trace around the T-shirt using a fabric marker, adding 3cm (1¼in) to all sides for seam allowances. At the bottom edge, leave 10cm (4in) excess to allow for the curved edge. Step five Place the T-shirt front piece on top…

YOU WILL NEED • Outer fabric: 100x44cm (40x18in) • Lining fabric: 79x44cm (32x18in) • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit NOTES • The outer fabric could be quilting fabric or a medium-weight canvas or linen. • The lining fabric should be sturdy to give your carrier some structure – canvas is ideal for this. • The seam allowance is 1cm (3/8in) unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one From the outer fabric cut: Bag outer: 79x44cm (311/8x173/8in). Handles: two 37x9cm (145/8x35/8in). Step two From the lining fabric cut: Bag lining: 79x44cm (311/8x173/8in). MAKING THE HANDLES Step one Lay one of the handle pieces right side (RS) down on your work surface. Fold the longer edges in wrong sides (WS) facing so they meet in the middle, then fold the strip…

1 The finished padded shape will end up being smaller than you think once sewn, so bear this in mind if you're designing your own. 2 Trim the seam allowance down around the stitched edge to help to reduce bulky seams. 3 Choose a straight edge or a smooth, curved side to position the turning gap. This will be a lot simpler to slip stitch together after stuffing. 4 The opening for turning the fabric right side out should measure at least 5-7cm (2-3in). A small opening will definitely make the task a lot trickier than necessary. 5 Making V-shaped notches around curved edges will help to keep them smooth and lump-free. 6 A tapestry needle is perfect for teasing out tricky corners and shapes. The blunt tip means it…

YOU WILL NEED • Main fabric: 1 fat quarter • Lining fabric: 1 fat quarter • Appliqué fabric A: 20x15cm (8x6in), for the tummy • Appliqué fabric B: 7x18cm (3x7in), for the feet and beak • Felt: 4x2cm (2x1in), for the eyes • Bondaweb: 25x25cm (10x10in) • 6mm (¼in) cotton cord: 3m (3¼yds) • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit NOTES • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. • Download the templates from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads CUTTING OUT Step one Download, print and cut out the templates. Step two From the main fabric cut: Bag outer: two rectangles 23x27cm. Step three From the lining fabric cut: Bag lining: two rectangles 23x27cm. Step four From the appliqué fabric A cut: Belly: one piece using the template. Step five From the appliqué fabric B…

JENNIFER MILLS Designer Jennifer has loved sewing since she made her first dress aged 12. She went on to do an appreticeship and study Fashion Design, and now teaches sewing. Go retro with her self-drafted skirt and petticoat set on page 38. JESSICA ENTWISTLE Jessica runs her own craft business creating everything from hair slides and brooches to bunting and quilts, and is a regular guest designer on Sewing Quarter. Sew her spa-inspired bathroom accessories set on page 20. THE NEW CRAFT HOUSE Hannah and Rosie set up The New Craft House in 2013 after struggling to find fresh and exciting craft products, and now bring traditional crafts up to date with their contemporary kits. Make their adorable quick-sew dog bow tie on page 89. ROISIN MCKENNA Simply Sewing technical…

TEXTILE FOLK ART Anne Kelly (£22.99, Batsford) Anne Kelly explores the traditional motifs used in textile folk art and shows how contemporary textile artists use these in their work today, with everything from handmade momentoes and souvenirs created in the UK and USA , to Scandinavian art and Miao folklore from China. Make your own pieces with Anne's inspiring step-by-step projects. www.pavilionbooks.com DIARY IN STITCHES Minki Kim (£21.99, C&T Publishing) Transform your doodles into stitching with this charming book by Minki Kim, with 65 motifs from her own sketchbook to get you started and six fun projects to make to showcase your stitched pieces, including a patchwork pouch and wall hanging. It's the perfect excuse to get out your sketchbook – and your sewing machine! www.ctpub.com WABI-SABI SEWING Karen Lewis…

DREAMY DOTS This breezy double gauze is dotted with a constellation of golden spots. Swoon! £16 per metre, www.atelierbrunette.com HIT THE BULLSEYE Beach day, park picnic, garden hang-out – do al fresco lounging in style with this supersize stripe towel. £62, www.amara.com LEAF IT OUT Fill up this retro enamel cup with your fave beverage, a bouquet of bright blooms, stationery – anything goes! £12.95 from www.cuckooland.com ORANGE CRUSH You can never have too many throws, especially when they're as cosy as this hand-loomed geometric design. Approx £226, www.jonathanadler.com CALLING CARD Keep buttons, bobbins and other notions neat and tidy in this handmade box. £19 from www.cambridgeimprint.co.uk…

We’re always looking for ways to lighten and brighten our sewing space – especially if it enables us to spend longer at our machines – so when we found the perfect tool for the task, which does a stellar job and looks great, we just had to share it with you. Made from beautiful brushed chrome, Daylight Company’s powerful Slimline LED Table Lamp features an easy-to-use clamp system and two unique flex points, so you can manipulate the light to shine exactly where you need it, because, let’s face it, the tiny bulbs on our sewing machines are never enough! The long arm reach gives wide, even light coverage, which is ideal for large work surfaces (yep, you can cut patterns to your heart’s content, day or night) and the…

YOU WILL NEED For the skirt: • Main fabric: see instructions for measurements • Contrast fabric: see instructions for measurements • Invisible zip: 20cm (8in) • Button: 18mm (¾in) diameter • Iron-on interfacing, for the waistband: see instructions for measurements • Erasable fabric pen • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit For the petticoat: • Cotton fabric: for the hip yoke, see instructions for measurements • Tulle: see instructions for measurements • Elastic: 18mm (¾in) width x the length of your waist • Satin bias binding: 3cm (1¼in) width x length of the second tier NOTES • CF = centre front. • CB = centre back. • The zip fastening and buttonhole is designed to sit on your left hip. • Use a 1.5cm (5/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated.…

FOCUS ON FIT Whether you’re making your own garments or altering something you already own, the fit is the most important aspect of the process, as Amanda tells us: “When tackling this, the three words you need to remember are: length, circumference and depth. You also need to know which part of the garment needs altering to fit your body perfectly.” TAKE IT SLOW The first stage of the alteration is to take the time to observe. “It can often mean looking at the garment on the body to figure out what area needs adjusting and tweaking,” says Amanda. “Keep in mind that sometimes it’s not always where you might think. Looking at how the outfit drapes, and where best the adjustments need to be made,…

YOU WILL NEED • Linen fabric: 25x25cm (10x10in) • Backing fabric: 25x25cm (10x10in) • Stranded cotton: green shades of your choice • Rectangular purse frame: 10cm (4in) • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit NOTES • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. • Download the template from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads ROUMANIAN STITCH Step one Mark a line where you would like the center of the leaf to be. Come up from the back on the left side, approx 1cm (3/8in) away from the marked line. Step two Take the needle down on the right side of the line approx 1cm (3/8in) away from the marked line, then back up just to the right of the center line. Work with the thread under your needle as it comes back up.01…

YOU WILL NEED • Outer fabric: 1 fat quarter • Lining fabric: 1 fat quarter • Binding strip: 20cm (8in) • 2oz wadding: 40x30cm (16x12in) • Medium-weight iron-on interfacing: 70x90cm (27x35in) • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED The fabrics used are from the Altitude collection by Pippa Shaw for Dashwood Studio. Available from www.purple-stitches.com CUTTING OUT Step one From the outer fabric cut: Outer cover: one 39x28cm (153/8x11in). Front inner pocket: two 18x28cm (71/8x11in). Back inner pocket: two 18x28cm (71/8x11in). Step two From the lining fabric cut: Lining: one 39x28cm (153/8x11in). Large pocket: one 18x42cm (71/8x16½in). Small pocket: two 18x12cm (71/8x4¾in). Triangle pocket: one 16x16cm (63/8x63/8in). MAKINGTHE POCKETS Step one Press the interfacing to the wrong side (WS) of all fabric pieces. Step two Fold the large…

YOU WILL NEED • Ten fabrics for the strip pieced layer: • Fabric A: 115x112cm (46x44in) • Fabric B: 115x112cm (46x44in) • Fabric C: 115x112cm (46x44in) • Fabric D: 70x112cm (28x44in) • Fabric E: 115x112cm (46x44in) • Fabric F: 115x112cm (46x44in) • Fabric G: 70x112cm (28x44in) • Fabric H: 70x112cm (28x44in) • Fabric I: 100x112cm (40x44in) • Fabric J: 50x112cm (20x44in), • Overlay fabric : 320x112cm (126x44in) • Backing fabric: 4.5mx112cm (5ydsx44in) • Binding fabric: 30x112cm (12x44in) • Wadding: 220x220cm (87x87in) FABRICS USED The fabrics are from Flower Child by Maureen Cracknell for Art Gallery Fabrics. www.artgalleryfabrics.com NOTES • Use a ¼in seam allowance. • Download the template from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads • HST = half square triangle. • WOF = width of fabric. FINISHED SIZE Approx 203x203cm (80x80in). CUTTING OUT The…

YOU WILL NEED • Body fabric: 60x50cm (24x20in) • Front ear fabric: 10x10cm (4x4in) • Nose fabric: 6x6cm (3x3in) • Quilt fabric: 30x50cm (12x20in) • Bed fabric: 35x50cm (14x20in) • Pillow fabric: 9x20cm (4x8in) • Wadding: 35x50cm (14x20in) • Two 9mm (3/8in) plastic safety eyes • Stranded cotton, black • Polyester toy filling • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Shannon Solid Cuddle 3 in Camel. Christmas Twinkle in Snow Night, from Eat, Drink and Be Ugly by Moda. Kona Cotton Solids in Mocha by Robert Kaufman. Spectrum Solid in Antique White, from Makower. Spot On in Sky, from Makower. FINISHED SIZE Bear approx 28cm (11in) tall. Bed approx 19x30cm (8x12in). NOTE Use a 6mm (¼in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one Download the toy…

YOU WILL NEED • Main fabric: 1 fat quarter • Interfacing: 1 fat quarter • 1 popper • Tool to attach popper • Matching thread • Basic sewing kit NOTES • Download the templates from www.simplysewingmag.com/downloads • Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one Download and print all of the pattern pieces and cut them out. Step two From the main fabric cut: Bow tie front A: cut two. Bow tie front B: cut two. Bow tie strap C: cut two. Step three From the interfacing cut: Bow tie front A: cut one. Bow tie front B: cut one. Bow tie strap C: cut one. MAKING THE BOW TIE Step one Interface one of each fabric piece. Step two Join the interfaced B and…

ONCE YOU HAVE FINISHED stitching your seam, it’s best to press it open on the wrong side so it lies flat. Sometimes it’s better to press it to one side to reduce bulk but the pattern instructions will tell you this. Usually the seam allowances are left as they are as they help to strengthen the seam, but sometimes they cause too much bulk so they are trimmed to half their original width. If your fabric has a tendency to fray you should neaten the raw edges after you have worked the seam. There are several ways of doing this. To machine-finish them, set your sewing machine to the zigzag stitch then stitch close to the raw edge all the way along. The zigzag must be small enough to stop…