Innehållsförteckning för 74 från Simply Sewing

With Christmas on the horizon, it’s all too easy to forget to treat ourselves when we’re busy trying to find new ways to spoil our loved ones. So, we’re hoping you’ll embrace The Polly Top and The Orion Set with both arms and dedicate some time to sewing something special just for you. If your sewjo is on a roll after that, you’ll find plenty of Christmas-time makes to gift or to decorate your home with in our Christmas Gifts to Sew booklet. There’s a great variety of projects in there so if you’ve got half an hour for a quick upcycle or a couple of hours for some steady stocking making, you’re all set. Happy sewing! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

SHIRRED SOFIA The gorgeous Sofia is the latest release from Victory Patterns. There are three variations to make, including two tops and a dress, and each has three sleeve options – we love a pattern with so much choice! Even more exciting, the Sofia is the first pattern to be released in their new size range and is available in sizes 0–18 and 14–30. Find it at victorypatterns.com A SWISHY STITCH The speedy-sew Lotta Dress might just be your new Tilly fave. The dress can be made in knits or wovens, with long or short sleeves, and with or without pockets, so design your dress and get sewing! There's an online workshop for Lotta, too. shop.tillyandthebuttons.com ECO ESSENTIALS Selkie Patterns has released a fab new resource for parents – the…

Handbags have featured in many of the films and red carpet looks I have created over the years – I love that finishing touch of perfection. One film I worked on was Being Human, starring the late great Robin Williams (he was a joy to work with, within 2 weeks he knew the names of every crew member and could do an impression of most of us). The film spanned five ages of man: Caveman, Roman Empire, Middle Ages, Elizabethan, and modern day. Each era had a stage direction that one of the characters reached for their bag. So, some historical research was in order. Up until the 16th century almost everyone carried a handbag or a purse. Why? Simple really, clothes did not have pockets. It wasn’t until Renaissance…

1 6316 HAREM PANTS, BURDA STYLE These loose-fitting harem pants feature a wide waistband panel with shirred detail, as well as tapered draped legs in two lengths. The pattern also includes options for handy patch pockets and a tie belt made of trim. These are a go-to for holidays or days when you're wanting something comfy. sewdirect.com 2 M7901 This pretty top from McCall's includes four different design options, featuring a variety of different sleeve lengths and styles. Each one also includes a comfortable shirred waistline, drawing the silhouette in for a flattering cut.sewdirect.com 3 OPAL TROUSERS AND SHORTS This design features a relaxed high-waisted set with mix and match options. Choose from a gathered paperbag or standard elastic waistband, in-seam or patch pockets, back pockets, belt loops, an optional…

FABRIC CHAIN GARLAND A simple but effective way of bringing a little bit of festive joy to each room. And unlike traditional paper chains, you can pack these away knowing they'll survive the storage! These will be around for many Christmases to come. CHRISTMAS TREE CUSHION There's no such thing as too many pom-poms, so this cushion with its snowball trim makes all our Christmas wishes come true! We love the playful use of different fabrics for the Christmas trees on this, too. TREE SKIRT Did you ever see a more glorious tree skirt? This will make your Christmas tree even more of a centrepiece. It'll catch all those pesky needles for you too, so you can put down the hoover and pick up your eggnog! STOCKING A homemade stocking…

In this issue’s workshop Simply Sewing’s Technical Editor Roisin shows you how to use the rolled hem foot – you'll wonder how you managed without one! A rolled hem (also known as a narrow hem) is a narrow double fold hem used to hem fine or sheer fabrics and curved hems. Rolled hems are preferred for working with fine fabrics as they hang well and the stitching is very close to the fold so is less noticeable than a standard hem. The double fold hides the raw edges completely so this is perfect for fabrics prone to fraying. WHY CHOOSE A ROLLED HEM? Rolled hems can be sewn manually using a regular sewing machine foot but this can be time consuming and relies on your ability to sew in a…

Oxfam oxfam.org.uk Donations to Oxfam shops can include clothes and soft-furnishes like curtains and blankets, so if you’re feeling generous, why not give some of your makes away? Battersea Dogs and Cats Home battersea.org.uk If you fancy whipping up some doggie coats, they would be super-grateful for the donations. Project Linus UK projectlinusuk.org.uk Any donated quilts and blankets will be given to children ‘in need of a hug’ across hospitals, hospices, and schools. Days for Girls daysforgirls.org This charity makes sanitary kits for girls in areas of poverty around the world. You can either donate or become a volunteer crafter yourself. Dress a Girl Around the World dressagirlaroundtheworld.com So far this charity has donated over…

An economics degree and early career working in banking may not be the usual route to making a living from pattern design, but that’s exactly where Celia Goldsmith, the creative powerhouse behind the beautiful Tiny Design Co. patterns brand first started out. Now, this stylish Aussie mum-of-three lives in Bali, Indonesia with her husband and children, and spends her days coming up with dreamy sewing patterns for baby and kid’s clothing. “I’ve always loved using my hands and engaging in creative activities and sewing was one of those things I dabbled in when I was at school,” explains Celia. “I got back into sewing when I was in university and met my husband, whose mum was a professional seamstress.” Despite loving the creativity of sewing, Celia let this take a…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Felt (3-4mm thick): 25cm (10in) ■ Stranded cotton in four colours ■ Water soluble marker or chalk ■ Sock stop or similar slip resistant liquid ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 5mm (¼in) unless otherwise stated ■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates ■ If the template is too small you can add 1cm (3/8in) all around to increase the size ■ Read the instructions through before beginning CUTTING OUT Step one From the felt cut: Sole: two using the template Toe Piece: two using the template01 MAKING THE SLIPPERS Step one Apply the sock stop to the soles of the slippers following the application instructions on the bottle. We used a spot pattern but you could get creative and try…

I think it's safe to say, as we're well and truly enjoying autumn (my fave season of the year), it's time we started thinking about Christmas! I expect that 'C-word' will well and truly divide our audience (I have to admit I'm still working out when is 'too early'...). As we all know, handmade takes a bit more time and preparation so I'm giving you a head start. Pop on a pair of me-made slippers (page 79) and delve into our playful makes for your home (page 28) before indulging in some selfish sewing with our transeasonal Polly Top (page 20) – which can be made with long or short sleeves. Enjoy!…

The first sewing memory Christine has is hand sewing the hem on a small white handkerchief with her nanny when she was about 5 years old. The handkerchief was an entry into the local Flower and Produce show and went on to win first prize. That was the point that Christine became hooked on sewing and making things. “I loved sewing and making projects when I wasa child. I won a book on making soft toys when I was at junior school and I think I made pretty much every project in that book." “I was always encouraged to make my own clothes when I was at school, and when I was at college I was always being asked by my friends to make them clothes. There was a trend…

8–11 OCTOBER The Knitting and Stitching Show is running a special edition of its Alexandra Palace event this year, with 160 workshops and a dedicated shopping village. See more at theknittingandstitchingshow.com 5–8 NOVEMBER Join like-minded makers at The Creative Craft Show at the NEC in Birmingham. Tickets include access to Simply Christmas and Cake International. Book your ticket at stitchandhobby.co.uk 19–21 NOVEMBER June's National Quilt Championships have been rescheduled for November. See the beautiful display quilts, browse the exhibitions, and attend workshops at the Surrey event. grosvenorshows.co.uk…

We're big fans of the gorgeous new Polly Top, designed exclusively for Simply Sewing by Fiona Hesford of Sewgirl (sewgirl.co.uk). This top is just what we need to bridge that tricky gap between seasons where we need to think layers and start preparing for things to be a little on the chilly side. Whether you choose to make the short-sleeved version and pair it with a light jacket or cardigan, or opt for long-sleeve with some skinny jeans and boots, the Polly Top will have you looking, and feeling, amazing. YOU WILL NEED Fabric (all sizes): ■ 2.4mx112cm (2¾ydx44in) ■ 2mx140cm (2¼ydx55in) ■ One reel of Gutermann shirring elastic thread ■ Lightweight soft interfacing: 20cm (8in) ■ Matching thread NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.5cm (5/8in) RECOMMENDED FABRICS ■ Lightweight…

Smocking gained popularity in the late 17th century, with smocked gowns becoming a popular clothing item for people across Britain. Nowadays it's dropped out of mainstream fashion for the most part, instead being featured in high-end couture garments and, of course, those that are handmade. However, vintage smocking guides – called design plates – can still be found in second-hand shops and online, giving you access to those same antique patterns. We adore this Roses All Around plate by Trudy Horne which was originally published in Creative Needle Magazine in 1998. It can now be found at trudyhorne.etsy.com…

My profession is always a challenging one to explain because I have several outlets I work on that make up one cumulative job as a ‘Freelance Creative’. My online platform and brand ‘Paige Joanna’ started back in 2011 when I posted my outfits on Lookbook, which in turn evolved into my own blog and YouTube channel. After completing my degree in illustration I started looking for a new creative outlet which led me down the path of social media. Since then I’ve been sharing online craft tutorials, lifestyle content, and fashion inspiration which I’ve loved every second of. MY SEWING JOURNEY I have really caught the me-made clothing bug. It feels so natural to me to make my own things. Sewing has been something I’ve enjoyed since I was a…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Light- to medium-weight fabric: approx 2mx152cm (2¼ydx60in) (see notes) ■ Light- to medium-weight iron-on interfacing: 1mx20cm (11/8ydx9in) (see notes) ■ Buttons ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Fabric and interfacing requirements will depend on the size you would like to make. The amounts listed will be enough to make a midi length skirt in UK sizes 6–16. For a longer or larger size skirt you will need more fabric. FABRICS USED ■ Aqua Viscose Linen Slub Fabric Ref: MODLV130724-5038 from Hantex. For stockists visit hantexonline.co.uk A button front dirndl skirt is a classic that will never go out of style. Even better, there's no pattern required. The main body of the skirt is made from three rectangles of fabric. Use this method to…

Choose to make a structured top with collar or add a pleated skirt to make a dress with I AM Patterns' (iampatterns.fr) elegant Orion Set. YOU WILL NEED ■ Invisible stud buttons: three 1.5cm (5/8in) ■ Single-fold bias tape: 75x1cm (29½x3/8in) ■ (Optional) Lightweight iron-on interfacing for the collar: 35x90cm (12x36in) FABRIC REQUIREMENTS ■ Dress version (110cm wide fabric): Bodice and sleeves: 1.4mx110cm (1 9/16ydx44in) Skirt: 1.5mx110 cm (1 5/8ydx44in) Collar: 35x90 cm (12x36in) ■ Top version (110cm wide fabric): Bodice and sleeves: 1.4mx110cm (1 9/16ydx44in) Collar: 35x90cm (12x36in) ■ Dress version (140cm wide fabric): Bodice and sleeves: 1.3mx140cm (1½ydx55in) Skirt: 75x140cm (30x55in) Collar: 35x90cm (12x36in) ■ Top version (140cm wide fabric): Bodice and sleeves: 1.3mx140cm (1½ydx55in) Collar: 35x90cm (12x36in) RECOMMENDED FABRICS ■ Bodice and collar: crêpe, chambray, poplin, twill…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Ticking or other fabric: 1.5mx95cm (1¾ydx38in) ■ Button or duffle coat toggle ■ Webbing, 4cm (15/8in) wide: 1.5m (1¾yd) ■ Buttonhole foot for your sewing machine ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm (3/8in) unless otherwise stated ■ We’ve made our bag and lining in the same ticking fabric. Our lining is 50cm (20in) deep and the outer is 60cm (24in) deep. CUTTING OUT We traced our pattern directly onto our fabric, but alternatively you could create a paper template and use this to cut out the fabric. Step one From the ticking fabric cut: Base Lining: Draw around a 25cm (10in) diameter plate or similar circular object and add 1cm (3/8in) seam allowance Bag Lining: Fold the Base Lining…

@ASPOONFULSUGAR As a top blogger, designer, and author, Lisa Cox’s feed is full of cute and colourful sewing projects you’ll be desperate to get stuck into. @KYLIEANDTHEMACHINE Not only does Kylie Brûlé create cool labels for your own handmade projects, she also runs an amazing Instagram account showing off her latest fashion creations. @WATTLEKIDSHANDMADE Adelaide-based designer, Lisa Jenkins, promotes slow fashion – focusing on designing timeless children’s patterns for you to sew with love. @SEWTOGROW Originally from Texas, Lindsey Rae fell in love with an Aussie and now calls Australia her home. Expect serious pattern-inspo from her glorious feed. @MEGANNIELSENPATTERNS Perth resident Megan loves to create what she calls ‘contemporary wardrobe staples’ and inspire others to do the same. From easy-to-wear dresses to cute bikinis, there’s something for everyone.…

YOU WILL NEED To make one napkin ring ■ Linen fabric: 11x17cm (43/8x6¾in) ■ Lightweight interfacing: 11x17cm (43/8x6¾in) ■ Stranded cotton in coordinating colours ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit SCROLL STITCH Step one Start scroll stitch on a line by coming up through the fabric. Step two Dip the needle down through the fabric just above the line and back up again just below the line. Bring the working thread behind the needle above the line, then around and behind the needle below the line.01 Step three Pull the needle through and slowly tighten the stitch. It can help to hold the stitch gently with your finger as you pull the thread through. Avoid over-tightening the stitch. Repeat steps one and two for each stitch, keeping the spacing…

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.…

MARIE-EMILIENNE AND BLANDINE Marie-Emilienne and Blandine are the talented sister team behind I AM Patterns and the Orion Set included with your magazine. Which version will you make? We’ve loved shopping for pleated fabric, find our suggestions on page 56. FIONA HESFORD Fiona is an indie pattern designer at Sewgirl and the creative mind behind the Polly Top. She sells her dressmaking and bag patterns on Etsy, as well as sewing kits that come with everything you need. Try her latest, exclusive-to-us pattern on page 20. PAIGE JOANNA If you’re looking for all things bright and fun, Paige Joanna’s designs and makes are exactly what you’re after! Paige is a multicoloured multi-crafter who is bringing joy to the sewing community. Get to know her better in her column on page…

MAYNARD DRESS, ELBE TEXTILES The Maynard Dress is proof that eco-conscious sewing doesn't mean having to compromise on style. This contemporary relaxed-fit wrap dress with tie closures is available in sizes A–I, elbetextiles.com/au ZERO-WASTE 006 ADONIS DRESS, MILAN AV-JC The Adonis Dress is a jigsaw-style pdf pattern designed to optimise fabric consumption. The gorgeous midi dress features a tie-front and a slit back. Best of all, this is available for free download as long as Milan AV-JC is credited if you share or modify the pattern. Check out Mylène's other zero-waste patterns, too. Available in sizes 34–48, milanavjc. com GATHER DRESS, BIRGITTA HELMERSSON The oversized Gather Dress is drawn straight on to your fabric, minimising printing and making it super easy to customise. Modelled and made here by Emily Jones…

A PARTRIDGE IN A PEAR TREE Kerry Lord (£11.99, Pavilion Books) The founder of TOFT and author of the Edward's Menagerie series, Kerry Lord, is bringing us a creative Christmas with her brand-new book. A Partridge in a Pear Tree contains crochet patterns for the 12 birds of Christmas, including Margot the black swan, Gilbert the pheasant, and of course, Felix the partridge. Perfect for decorating your tree or for giving as gifts! TEXTILE TRAVELS Anne Kelly (£22.95, Batsford) Capture and reimagine your travels in the most unique way with this new book from textile artist and author of Textile Nature, Anne Kelly. Textile Travels explores the ways in which travel informs and inspires textile art, and shows you how to harness techniques, fabrics, motifs, and colours to document your…

SIMPLICITY 9141 This feminine design from Simplicity features an all-over shirred bodice design that will hug your curves for a comfortable fit. The tiered skirt features gathers for shaping and can be made in mid-calf or mini lengths to suit your mood, and two tie-finish strap details add a fun final touch. sewdirect.com…

'Tis the season for Christmas crafting! Handmade gifts are always so much more appreciated, and what better way to pass time on a cold autumn weekend than to start sewing some up! In the Christmas Gifts to Sew booklet, included with this issue, you'll find heaps of inspiration for a merry me-made holiday. From advent calendars for your favourite countdown, to special gifts for the big day (such as these personalised gift sacks by Jacqui Ramsey, clothcuts.co.uk) you'll find lots of ideas to whet your festive sewing appetite.…

From Berkshire to Skelmersdale to the City of London, there’s a whole lot of good going on across the UK. These amazing people are working hard to give back to those in need, and we thought it was only right to share their incredible stories. From making a difference during the Covid-19 pandemic to making big plans for social enterprise, get ready to feel utterly inspired... CHANGE MAKER From local store to successful online brand, 16 years of hard work have paid off for Samantha of Samantha Claridge Studio (samanthaclaridgestudio.com). She uses her own experience and expertise to stock her shop full of tried and tested goodies, everything from the scissors that work perfectly every time down to quality fabric sourced from all over the world. But she wouldn’t be…

YOU WILL NEED To make four coasters ■ Dark patterned fabric: 25x75cm (10x30in) ■ Light patterned fabric: 20x50cm (8x20in) ■ Lightweight cotton wadding: 30x30cm (12x12in) ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm (3/8in) unless otherwise stated ■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates FABRICS USED ■ Fragment, Soiree by Dashwood Studio, available from thefabricfox. co.uk ■ Cotton Candy Pink, Grid by Ruby Star Society, available from thefabricfox.co.uk CUTTING OUT Step one From the dark fabric cut: Front Panel A: two using template A Front Panel B: four using template B Backing: four using template D Step two From the light fabric cut: Front Panel A: two using template A Front Panel C: four using template C Step three From the wadding cut: Coaster Wadding: four…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Grey cuddle plush fabric: 52x42cm (20½x16½in) ■ Pink cuddle plush fabric: 24x23cm (9½x9in) ■ White cuddle plush fabric: 6x3cm (2½x1¼in) ■ Pink netting fabric: 93x23cm (36½x9in) ■ Length of ribbon or cotton trim: 28cm (11in) ■ White flower trim: 10cm (4in) ■ Pearl beads: 2 ■ Press stud ■ Black stranded cotton thread ■ Long doll-making needle ■ Polyester toy filling ■ Matching thread FINISHED SIZE ■ Approximately 32cm (12½in) tall NOTES ■ Find the templates needed for this project on page 87 and online at gathered.how/ss-templates ■ Seam allowances are 6mm (¼in) ■ Fabric measurements are WxH ■ Cut plush pieces with the nap running downwards as indicated by the arrows on the templates CUTTING OUT Step one Download the mouse templates, then print and…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cream or white woollen blanket ■ Dylon machine dye pods in red, orange and pink ■ Tapestry wools in various shades of red, orange, and pink (or use leftover balls of wool) ■ Tapestry needle ■ Pinking shears ■ Pom-pom maker or 2 discs of card ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm (3/8in) unless otherwise stated ■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates ■ If you are using an old blanket it should be washed first to get rid of any grime or dust that may prevent the dye from adhering ■ It is worth noting when dyeing wool the colour will be more muted than when dyeing cotton and the wool will felt slightly in the machine PREPARATION Step one If you…

HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF ACCURATELY ALWAYS MEASURE YOURSELF BEFORE you choose a pattern size to cut out. The sizes do vary greatly from pattern to pattern, so it’s always best to measure yourself accurately and then refer to the pattern’s size chart to find your size. The chart will usually be printed on the pattern envelope or on the instructions inside. Measure yourself in your underwear and preferably in the bra you’ll be wearing underneath your garment as this can alter the measurements slightly. Use a fabric tape measure as it’ll curve around your body well for accuracy. You can measure on your own if you stand in front of a mirror, but, for best results, ask a friend to help so they can check the tape measure is sitting…