Innehållsförteckning för 58 från Simply Sewing

The British summer may currently be living up to its reputation, but that’s not going to dampen our sewing plans! We’re making sure we’ve got our me-made capsule wardrobe ready for when the sun makes an appearence, from our ultimate maxi dress to an easy-sew staple vest top. It’s not all selfish sewing around here, though – we’re discovering the inspiring ways we can use our skills to help others (read more on page 76) and stitching kid’s space-themed bedroom makes, not to mention the most adorable romper and dungarees. Here’s to a summer of making! Share your progress tagged #simplysewingmag WWW.SIMPLYSEWINGMAG.COM #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

SUN SEEKER Cashmerette’s Holyoke Maxi Dress & Skirt pattern has plenty of design features to swoon over: the sophisticated swishy silhouette; the oh-so-flattering princess seams; the button-up fastening; the bra-friendly wide straps; the cute maxi skirt option. The best thing of all, though? It has pockets! In sizes 12 to 28 and three cup sizes, from www.cashmerette.com THAT 70S LOOK Two cute styles have joined the Tilly and the Buttons pattern gang! Channelling 1970s cool, the wide-leg, high-waist Jessa trousers have a gentle flare and patch pockets, and can be made as shorts, too. Pair them with the Romy top in a rainbow stripe for a full-on 70s vibe. Go to www.tillyandthebuttons.com A FINE ART W We love the look of hand-stitching, be it a hand-sewn hem or a stitched…

From threads and needles, to cotton and felt - we’ve teamed up with Sewing Quarter to curate this giant bundle of sewing goodies from all your favourite brands. In this bumper prize you’ll find: 26 reels of thread from Gutermann and Aurifil, 18 packs of John James needles, a Prym quilting starter set, 70 pieces of Tilda fabric, 20 sheets of felt, tailors shears, and more! Sounds pretty epic, right? Enter our competition to win at www.simply sewingmag.com and watch Sewing Quarter on Sky 687, Freeview 73, on YouTube and at www.sewingquarter. com – where you can shop online too! EXCLUSIVE PRIZE WORTH £500 See www.simplysewingmag.com to enter today! (UK only, see competition rules on p6.)…

While these straps might look like they would be quick and simple to whip up, many sewists can find strap-making frustrating. The process itself – cut, sew, turn and press – is relatively simple, but the grain of the fabric, the length of the stitch and the pressing all make a difference to the quality of the finished straps. Some straps are cut on the bias grain as opposed to the straight grain; bias-cut straps have a little stretch to them and can be easier to turn through to the right side, but they can be a headache for beginner sewists if the true bias grain is missed by the slightest amount. FABRIC GRAIN It is really important that the grain of the fabric for spaghetti straps is accurate. If…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Shirt or shirtdress in your size ■ Carbon paper ■ Backing/stabilising fabric ■ Small embroidery hoop ■ Embroidery needle ■ Stranded cotton ■ Black seed beads and beading needle ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ The number strands of stranded cotton used are as follows: ■ Back stitch: 2 strands. ■ Satin stitch: 6 strands. ■ Straight stitch: 2 strands. ■ French knot: 6 strands. ■ Download the templates from www.simplysewingmag.com/ downloads EMBROIDERING THE BUGS Step one Decide which bugs you would like to embroider from the templates and where you would like to place them on the shirt. Step two Trace out your bugs on dressmaker’s carbon paper and when you’re happy with them, transfer them. We used blue pen so that it would show…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric A: 45x55cm (18x22in) (yellow) ■ Fabric B: 35x35cm (14x14in) (blue) ■ Fabric C: 25x20cm (10x8in) (pink) ■ Medium-weight canvas: 90x110cm (36x44in), for the lining and backing ■ Toy stuffing: 500g bag ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED The fabrics used are from the Kona Solids collection by Robert Kaufman. Grellow. Ref: K001-476. Slate. Ref: K001-1336. Shell. Ref: K001-1271. To find your nearest stockist visit www.robertkaufman.com CUTTING OUT Step one From Fabric A cut: Outer arc: one using template A. Backing: three using template A. Step two From Fabric B cut: Centre arc: one using template B. Step three From Fabric C cut: Lower arc: one using template C. PREPARING YOUR PIECES Step one Lay out one of the backing pieces and lay…

Sewing and embroidery has long been used as a tool for creative expression, communication and storytelling. Taking the time to put needle and thread to fabric and creating something from nothing, gives us a time to connect: with the cloth, with like-minded friends, loved ones, strangers – and ourselves. As Clare Hunt confirms in her beautiful new book, Threads of Life: A History of the World Through the Eye of a Needle (www. sewingmatters.co.uk), “sewing is a way to mark our existence on cloth: patterning our place in the world, voicing our identity, sharing something of ourselves with others and leaving the indelible evidence of our presence in stitches held fast by our touch.” Sewing also has the ability to affect how we feel and deal with life’s challenges. In…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 20in (50cm) each of nine light pink and white fabrics ■ 20in (50cm) green-and-white striped fabric, for sashing ■ 22in (55cm) multi-coloured striped fabric, for binding ■ 4½yd (4m) floral fabric, for backing ■ Cotton wadding: 2¼yd (2m) square ■ Rotary cutter, mat and ruler ■ Matching cotton thread for piecing ■ Basic sewing kit RECOMMENDED FABRICS It is important in this quilt to have a good mix of pattern values. For this Rosewater design, several different large and medium-sized florals have been used, with spotted fabrics and other graphics to create interest and keep the eye moving around the quilt. FINISHED SIZE ■ 70½x70½in (179x179cm) square. ■ Twin (single) quilt: 60½x83½in (153x212cm). 12 rows down (six full rows and six with a half block at…

It's raining outside as I write this note (which isn't exactly a promising start to the summer), but I'm in high hopes that when you're reading this, the sun will be shining! Get holiday-ready with suitcase essentials such as the easy-sew beach cover-up on page 44, a halterneck sun dress made from floaty scarves (yes, scarves!) on page 38, and our gorgeous maxi wrap dress on page 32. Plus, there's a playful romper and dungarees pattern set on page 72 (notice someone familiar?) for the kids to wear. Share your holiday me-mades with us #simplysewingmag, I'd love to see what you've been making. Until next time...…

Production Editor Michelle picks must-have skirts for your me-made collection. WATTLE BY MEGAN NIELSEN With four views to choose from, Wattle is a super-versatile skirt pattern to keep in your stash and make again and again. I love the elegant movement of the bias-cut midi version – and the possibilities for playing with stripes and other directional prints. www. megannielsen.com DEER AND DOE’S AGAVE An update on the 1960s-style A-line skirt, the Agave is a high-waisted wrap with unique asymmetrical panels. And that’s not the only unique  thing about this skirt: version A is reversible, so it’s two skirts in one! Find the pattern at shop.deer-and-doe.fr TILLY AND THE BUTTONS' NESS Everyone needs a denim skirt in their wardrobe, so you’re sure to get lots of wear out of Tilly’s…

17 AUGUST Imogen Top Workshop. Sew Me Something, Atherstone on Stour. Make Sew Me Something’s elegantly simple Imogen Top pattern and learn techniques for a pro finish. www.sewmesomething.co.uk 5-7 SEPTEMBER The Creative Craft Show. EventCity, Manchester. Join like-minded stitchers for a weekend of all things crafty with shopping and demos. www.stitchandhobby.co.uk 6-8 SEPTEMBER Ginger Jeans: 3-Day Workshop. Backstitch, Barton. Master even the trickest jeans-making techniques at this three-day Ginger Jeans workshop. www.backstitch.co.uk UNTIL 24 MAY 2020 Victoria: Woman and Crown. Kensington Palace. See rare pieces from Queen Victoria’s private collection, including a simple cotton petticoat and silver boots. www.hrp.org.uk…

DOOR HANGER Three...two...one...lift-off! Stitch a rocket-motif hanger for your little explorer's door, complete with a 'window' to personalise with a stamped name or saying. A speedy project with appliqué details (can you spot the fussy-cut sleepy moon?), it's a fun stash-buster for scraps – and a nifty last-minute gift idea, too. DUVET COVERS AND PILLOW SET They'll have sweet dreams under the stars, moons, planets and rockets (oh, and animal astronauts!) with this duvet cover set. It's one of the simplest projects you'll ever sew, but, with a print as awesome as this one, it'll earn you serious cool-parent points! DRAWSTRING BAG Pack all their space-mission essentials in this drawstring bag, decorated with the same rocket motif as the door hanger on p19 and the hot water bottle cover on…

1 Use a stitch length of 3mm for stitching spaghetti straps. The stitches need to be close enough together that the fabric is held together well and do not rip out when turned right side out. 2 Use a thread that matches your fabric type. A general all-purpose polyester/ cotton thread works well for most fabrics. It is always worth spending a little more on brand name threads as cheaper threads tend to break and tangle easily. 3 Use your machine’s standard presser foot and a straight stitch. If your machine allows you to change the needle position you can move it to accurately space your seam allowance so that the raw edge is against the right-hand side of the foot and the needle is at the seam allowance point.…

There 's been a lot of conversation around textile waste recently and how we can be more environmentally conscious with our sewing. Keeping this in mind (and wanting to clear some space up inthe house), I' ve been inspired to delve into my stash and my wordrobe. I made my ness skirt and nora top using up remnants leftover from other makes and repurposed a skirt i' ve had for six years into a cardigam. I'm sure I'll be doing more of this in future.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Linen fabric: 1mx115cm (11/8ydx45in) ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES 1m (11/8yd) of 115cm (45in) wide fabric will make a top up to a UK size 18. For larger sizes, use wider fabric. This cute summer tie top can be made with just 1m (11/8yds) of fabric, so is a great stash-buster. The top is made up of two main fabric pieces and four fabric strips which create the two tie straps. Use contrasting fabrics for the top and the straps, or cut the fabric tube in several strips for a colour block finish. You can make your top any length you like by altering the tube length. Lightweight fabrics such as cotton or linen could be used for a summer top, or for…

New to dressmaking? Welcome, you're going to love it! Especially if you start with a fun-to-sew project like this issue's Staple Vest, the ultimate vest top for your everyday wardrobe. This simple, beginner-friendly pattern is made using skills-boosting techniques, from constructing a simple top, to adding the neckline and armhole facings and sewing a neat curved hem. You'll have your very own Staple Vest sewn up before you know it – and be ready to make the next one! YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric: 1.6mx115cm (2ydsx45in), or 1.4mx150cm (1¾ydsx60in) ■ Fine universal needle (80/12) ■ Iron-on interfacing ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC SUGGESTIONS Light to medium-weight woven cotton fabrics such as tana lawn, lawn, cotton poplin, cotton voile, cotton blends, silk charmeuse, sandwashed silk and viscose. NOTES…

HOST A CRAFTERNOON Get together with friends and loved ones on Saturday 20th July to sew, chat, drink tea, eat cake and fundraise for brilliant mental health charity, Mind. Sign up and get your Crafternoon kits from www.mind.org.uk MAKE A BLANKET OR QUILT Project Linus UK Firm believers of the idea that “A quilt is a hug you can keep,” this wonderful organisation first started in the US back in 1995 and was then launched in 2000 in the UK. It has a large network of volunteers across Britain who donate their time and skills to create beautiful blankets and quilts for sick, disabled or disadvantaged children. Find out how to get involved at www.projectlinusuk.org.uk Siblings Together Quilt Group Siblings Together (www.siblingstogether. co.uk) is a UK-based charity that promotes positive…

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.…

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…

"This bejewelled velvet blazer was inspired by a selection of crystal-studded blazers from the Balmain menswear collection a couple of years ago. At the time I saw these gorgeous blazers, I never dreamed I’d be able to make my own (or ever afford the real thing!), but it all came together and the project has proved to be a milestone in my sewing confidence. It was definitely the most time-consuming garment I’ve ever worked on – there were a multitude of decisions I had to make before I could even get started on the construction. First off, I couldn’t find a pattern with the right silhouette, so I had to drastically alter an old Burda pattern to get the style and fit – I even cut up my old bed…

RUMANA LASKER Junior doctor, Great British Sewing Bee series 4 quarter finalist and sewing blogger, Rumana is passionate about inclusivity in craft (see her #sewincolour campaign online). Read about how sewing has helped her confidence on page 42. EMMA WARREN Emma has always been a maker, leaving trails of threads, beads and sequins wherever she goes. After studying textile design at university, she found herself gravitating to embroidery. Find her bug motif shirt refashion on page 53. DUNCAN CARTER Duncan is a menswear home-sewer with an interest in quirky fashion, modern design and colour. He was a contestant on The Great British Sewing Bee series 5 and now writes for Minerva Crafts. See his favourite ever make on page 98. SARAH FIELKE Australia-based quilter Sarah is also a teacher, designer…

Be it recycling, eating less meat or embracing slow fashion, living more sustainably is all about making simple lifestyle changes and using our creativity to find ways to reduce, reuse and recycle. Our next sustainable swap? Wrapping paper for beautiful, reusable linen wraps from indie business, FOLDS. Its founder Sarah had a lightbulb moment on Christmas Day in 2017, “surrounded by wrapping paper carnage,” she explains. “I realised that there wasn’t really an ecofriendly alternative. There were a couple of businesses offering fabric gift wrap but they weren’t using environmentally friendly materials.” So, she set about creating a “truly sustainable alternative to wrapping paper. We only use OEKO-TEX standard certified linen from the EU and GOTS certified cotton from India. They’re natural fibres that are naturally biodegradable, with no harmful…

CUSTOMIZE YOUR CLOTHES Emma Warren (£12.99, Kyle Books) Give your old jeans, jackets, tees and more a new look with this ideas-filled book by embroidery designer Emma Warren. Inside are 20 on-trend projects for updating your existing garments, from a slogan tote bag and pet-adorned T-shirt to a monogrammed jumper. Psst! Turn to page 53 for an embroidered shirt project from the book. www.kylebooks.com BASKETS Tabara N’Diaye (£14.99, Quadrille Publishing) Learn a tactile new craft with Tabara N'Diaye, who explores the history and origins of basket-making through her Senegalese roots. Each of the four chapters tackles the different materials and their techniques, including grass, rope, twine and cane; you’ll learn how to add pattern and colour to your woven creations and make 15 decorative storage accessories for your home. www.hardiegrant.com…

There's a reason wrap dresses are a trend that never goes away – feminine, timeless, romantic and so easy to wear, they're the go-to for pretty much every occasion summer throws our way. Whether we're heading to a wedding, birthday, brunch, barbecue or just a day at the office, we'll be wearing our wrap dress! And this issue's Maria Dress is the dreamiest of them all, with elegant flutter sleeves, a delicate waist tie fastening and midi and maxi lengths to sew. You'll learn how to work with lightweight fabrics such as crepe and viscose, insert flutter sleeves, sew facings for a neat neckline, and add the finishing touch: those pretty ties! YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric: Dress A: 4.3mx140cm (4¾ydx55in) Dress B: 3.7mx140cm (41/8ydx55in) ■ Stay tape for the…

YOU WILL NEED ■ A large rectangular or tube scarf in lightweight fabric ■ Jersey fabric: approx 50x115cm (20x45in) ■ Elastic lace ribbon: 60cm (24in) ■ Elastic tape: approx 15cm (6in) x 1cm wide (6x3/8in) ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. ■ You will need a slightly bigger scarf and a larger width and height of stretchy fabric for a dress larger than a UK size 16. "You'll tick off lots of skills with this beginner-friendly summer dress project – sewing with jersey, stitching with lightweight scarf fabrics, drafting your own pattern and working with elastic and lace," says designer Karoline. CUTTING OUT Step one For the bottom part of the dress we need a round tube scarf. They come in…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric: 2mx150cm (2¼ydx55in) ■ Ruler and erasable fabric marker ■ Basic sewing kit ■ Matching thread NOTES ■ Use a 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance. ■ The instructions will create a multi- size garment to fit a UK 8-16. For larger and smaller sizes, increase or decrease the width and length of fabric as required. FABRICS USED The fabric used is Classic Stripes in rayon from the AGF Studio collection by Art Gallery Fabrics. See more at www.liveartgalleryfabrics.com and find stockists at www.hantex.co.uk Designer Portia says: "Two simple squares or rectangles of fabric is all you need to make this stylish beach cover-up for lazy days on the beach." CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric cut: Two rectangles measuring 75x100cm (30x40in), see notes for sizing.01 MAKING…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Gingham fabric: 18x18cm (7x7in) ■ Linen fabric: 18x30cm (7x12in) ■ Elastic: 14cm (5½in) x 2cm (¾in) wide ■ Embroidery needle ■ Stranded cotton in white and a coordinating colour ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Use a 6mm (¼in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. ■ Download the templates from www.simplysewingmag.com/ downloads LAZY DAISY STITCH Step one Come up through the fabric and go back down in the same location, leaving a loop on the surface of the fabric.01 Step two Bring the needle up through the fabric a short distance from where the thread is coming through the fabric. Catch the loop of thread with your needle and then pull the thread to tighten the loop.02 Step three Go back down through the…

From running around in the garden to getting messy at crafternoons, kids sure know how to have fun – and the same goes for their clothes! This issue's Play Set pattern by Wild Things (www. wildthingsdresses.com) is all about colour, cute details and comfort, and is sized for ages three months to four years with romper and dungaree styles to sew. Made in a durable fabrics such as denim, corduroy, mediumweight cotton or canvas, and featuring a patch pocket and optional appliqué sail, it's the perfect combination of practicality and playfulness. Ready, set, sew! YOU WILL NEED For the romper: ■ Fabric: 50x150cm (20x60in) For the dungarees: ■ Fabric: 70x150cm (28x60in) For both: ■ Pocket fabric: 30x30cm (12x12in) ■ Straps and facing fabric: 20x150cm (8x60in) ■ Boat sail fabric: 30x30cm…

SOUTH SEW BUSY Stockists of Makower, Robert Kaufman, Clothworks and Windham, ribbons, haberdashery, sewing goods and classes. sew-busy.co.uk SOUTH WEST SEW AND FABRIC Family-run fabric & haberdashery, quality dressmaking & craft fabrics as well as lessons – now stocking new Liberty cotton collection. 01726 75385 SOUTH WEST BECKFORD SILK Silks & velvet. Natural, printed and dyed. Small quantities at wholesale prices. 01386 881 507 beckfordsilk.co.uk WEST MIDLANDS HOUSE OF SMOCKING Fabulous fabrics, Swiss, batistes, broadcloth, lawns, patterns & pleaters, lace & threads. Hand smocking tuition. Coupon code SS0519. houseofsmocking.co.uk WEST MIDLANDS ONLINE FABRICS Largest selection of textiles at your fingertips. Samples available of our whole range. No minimum order level. online-fabrics.co.uk  • 02476 687 776 EAST GATHER ‘N’ SEW Whatever your project, we have a wonderful selection of luxury dressmaking and…

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

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. 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 can’t be seen from the front. Repeat this by making a vertical stitch back into the turned-under edge then continue…