Innehållsförteckning för 79 från Simply Sewing

We love when our cover gifts align to make a complete outfit, and this issue is one of those gems! Pair the Wrap Dress with the casual Carrie Cardigan, throw on a pair of ankle boots and grab your Twiggy Tote and you’re good to go! For now though, the Wrap Dress and Carrie Cardigan pairing is perfect comfy-but-smart attire while we’re still working from home. We’re also seriously excited that spring is definitely on the horizon. You’ll find six makes for a spring refresh on page 28, and while it’s still a little chilly, cosy up in our hot water blanket (page 79) as you sew for the brighter season ahead. WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

DRAMA CHAMELEON Pattern Cutting Deconstructed has launched the understated and elegant Chameleon Dress Pattern, designed by V&A fashion educator and ex-Alexander McQueen draper, Monisola Omotoso. Check out patterncuttingdeconstructed.com for more on this gorgeous design and to see Moni’s new Sleeve Pattern Making Kit and recent collaboration with the V&A. JEANS OF YOUR DREAMS The quest for comfy yet stylish jeans is over! Muna and Broad’s Noice Jeans are designed to be comfortable, even with heavyweight denim. There are two designs to choose from and both are gorgeous! Visit munaandbroad.com for more details. LABEL LOVE For fans of Dovetailed’s stunning African wax print patterns, fabrics, and kits, you can now add the perfect finishing touch to your handmade garments with a sweet little label (and with it, show some support to Dovetailed…

Working in repertory theatre was one of the happiest times of my whole career. Making costumes for a variety of shows during the day and then dressing the performance that was playing in the evening was sheer bliss to me. However, you don’t do a job like that for the money and I knew I couldn’t go on forever earning so little when, one night, in the theatre bar, I didn’t have enough cash to pay for my post-show drink! Things, however, began to change when I got a call one day from one of my besties, Dawn. “I’m getting married!” she squealed. “And I want you to make my dress!” She had seen some ballgowns I had made previously for my mum, so knew she would get something special.…

TISSUE POCKET Whether you've got a sniffly nose from the cold weather, are gearing up for hayfever season, or just prone to coffee spills, a pack of tissues is a year-round essential. Sew up a pretty and practical tissue pocket and never be without. FABRIC BANNER Pay homage to your sanctuary with a ‘Happy Home’ banner, decorated with a simple rainbow made from your favourite fabric scraps. This will sit perfectly in your hallway as a sweet welcome home message to make you smile. STORAGE TUBS If you’re in spring clean mode and looking to organise your home, these storage tubs are just what you need. Sew them up with a contrast lining and a chunky rope handle for a unique and professional-looking finish. PEG BAG Amongst other things, spring…

Adaku Parker is the barrister turned designer behind African wax print fabric company, Dovetailed. Adaku’s love of the colourful fabrics began early in her childhood. “My parents are Nigerian so these print fabrics were always in the house when I was growing up.” As a criminal barrister, Adaku often had to attend black-tie events. “I’d go to high-street stores to look for a dress and end up with something hot and uncomfortable,” she recalls. “At one event I saw someone I knew wearing a sari and thought, right, at the next one of these I’m wearing something in African fabrics. I found a picture of a dress I liked the shape of, bought the fabric, took it to a tailor my mum knew, and never looked back.” "AT ONE EVENT,…

Sewing is my main love. I do like to dabble in other crafts but sewing holds a big place in my heart. I love when my other crafting pursuits Fit into my sewing too, like drawing, embroidery, and paper crafts. I’ve sewn for a few years now, but only garments. Over the summer, I took some quilting lessons and now I’m absolutely hooked. I’m really excited about how I can use my new skills to not only make quilts, but garments too. I’ve already made a patchwork quilted coat which took ages but is one my favourite handmade things ever! It’s also the perfect way to use my scraps. I’d love to learn paper piecing next, I just need more hours in the day!…

SPIRITUAL In many faiths the rainbow is used as a symbol – usually referring to enlightenment or a divine connection with a higher power as the rainbow touches earth but also illuminates high into the sky. SUPERSTITION In some cultures, the rainbow, particularly a double one, is seen as a good omen. It’s viewed as a good luck charm and a promise of happier times ahead. NATIONAL HEALTH SERVICE During the Covid-19 pandemic, the rainbow was championed as a symbol of hope. After the rain, comes the rainbow. Hand-drawn rainbows popped up in windows all over the UK as a show of solidarity and appreciation for our National Health Service. PRIDE The spectrum of colours has also been adopted by the LGBT+ community and Pride – a movement of peace,…

The Twiggy Tote included with this issue is ideal for a trip to the shops or a stroll in the winter sun. It’s a great size and features a boxed base for maximum capacity. This brand-new design comes from Anna Alicia (@aalicialondon), a favourite here at Simply Sewing and a total bag whizz! We love the Twiggy Tote made up in this fun print from Ruby Star Society. It’s called Brushwork in Teal and it pairs so well with the hardwearing paper-effect base fabric. We’d love to see your totes; tag us with #simplysewingmag…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Hot water bottles: three, 25.5x14cm (101/8x5½in) wide ■ White/cream woollen blankets or wool fabric: 180x172cm (70x68in) ■ Contrast woollen fabric: 70x90cm (28x36in) ■ Dylon machine dyes in a variety of colours ■ Sewing machine with a heavy needle (100) ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm (3/8in) unless otherwise stated. DYEING THE FABRIC Step one Take a white or cream coloured woollen blanket and, following the manufacturer’s instructions, dye the blanket in the washing machine. If you’re going to use a variety of colours, cut the blanket into large sections and dye each separately.01 CUTTING OUT Step one Cut the dyed fabrics into rectangles, each measuring 22.5x30cm (87/8x117/8in). Arrange to make a pleasing pattern and take a photograph to remember…

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.…

Welcome to another bumper issue – my first as Acting Editor. I’m excited to be working on such a beautiful magazine with an incredibly talented team – not to mention our fantastic contributors and you, our lovely readers! The days are gradually stretching out and spring is starting to creep in, so refresh your home with our bright and beautiful spring makes for a dose of instant optimism (p28), and get out into the fresh air with our easy Japanese knot bag (p76). Here’s to a year of inspiring makes, new skills and an ever-increasing fabric stash. Share your latest makes with us@simplysewingmag.…

Lucy started out on her creative journey at a very young age. She grew up with an extremely creative family who constantly encouraged her to find new crafts to enjoy. One of her earliest memories is collecting all the wood up from when her family were having a conservatory built and piling it high ready for her next creative project – along with all the cardboard boxes she used to collect, too. She thinks this is where her craft materials obsession comes from! Lucy was constantly thinking of new ways to create things and longing to be a carpenter, although that didn’t quite work out! Many years later, Lucy studied graphic design at university, but was always more drawn to the hands-on, creative side of things and spent her spare…

BACKTOSCHOOL! The Royal School of Needlework has a range of classes to suit every skill level. You can also request private embroidery tuition to work on a specific piece or technique. royal-needlework.org.uk SUSTAINED LEARNING If you’re interested in sustainability and sewing and are looking for regular inspiration, an exclusive The Table membership at Selkie Patterns could hold the key. See more at selkiepatterns.co.uk CAPSULE WARDROBE Fancy a four-week course learning how to create your own capsule wardrobe, but a bit strapped for cash to fork out for course fees? Check out this free workshop from Wearologie! wearologie.com…

This is a dress we’ll be getting maximum wear out of this year! Made in soft jersey, it’s perfect for feeling dressed up but still staying comfortable while working from home, and it’ll be a wardrobe staple when we’re out and about again too. With a range of sleeve lengths to choose from, you can have a Wrap Dress for every season. YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: ■ Short dress with short, above elbow, or ¾ length sleeves: 1.8mx150cm (2ydx59in) ■ Short dress with long sleeves: 1.9mx150cm (21/8ydx59in) ■ Long dress with short, above elbow, or ¾ length sleeves: 2mx150cm (2¼ydx59in) ■ Long dress with long sleeves: 2.1mx150cm (2½ydx59in) For all versions: ■ Invisible zip: 56cm (22in) ■ Lightweight iron-on interfacing: 30x10cm (12x4in) ■ Invisible zip presser foot for your…

1 This clever digital jersey features a realistic print that looks like delicate hand embroidery. mysewingbox.co.uk 2 This colourful sports jersey is perfect for activewear and swimwear. fabricgodmother.co.uk 3 We love this bold Tigris Lollipop jersey from Jessica Swift’s Tallinn collection for Art Gallery Fabrics. artgalleryfabrics.com 4 This jacquard jersey from Modelo Fabrics features a wonderful woven animal print design. hantexonline.co.uk 5 Cloud 9 Fabrics’ range of Breton stripe jerseys are perfect for soft, casual T-shirts and tops that never seem to go out of style. cloud9fabrics.com…

We can’t wait to wrap ourselves up in our cosy Carrie Cardigans! This loose-fit cardi goes with pretty much any outfit – we particularly love it worn with a jeans and a T-shirt, but we also think this would look lovely worn over the Wrap Dress pattern included with this issue. Wear it open to show off a printed tee or style it with a belt for a flattering shaped waist. You can find more styling and fabric inspiration on Delia’s website (deliacreates.com). YOU WILL NEED Fabric (all versions): ■ XXS–S: 2mx150cm (2ydx59in) ■ M: 2.25mx150cm (2.5ydx59in) ■ L: 2.75mx150cm (3ydx59in) ■ XL–XXXL: 3.5mx150cm (3¾ydx59in) NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.3cm (½in) unless otherwise stated. ■ Fabric used: Cotton Cable Knit fabric in army green from Minerva (minerva.com). RECOMMENDED FABRICS…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric: 1m (11/8yd) ■ Craft wire: 1m (11/8yd) ■ Wire cutters ■ Matching sewing thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ All seam allowances are 1cm (3/8in) unless otherwise stated. ■ Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates FINISHED MEASUREMENTS ■ 85x6cm (33½x2½in) CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric cut: Hair Tie: two using the template MAKING THE HAIR TIE Step one Stitch both Hair Tie pieces together with right sides (RS) facing, leaving a 10cm (4in) gap on one of the long edges. Step two Insert the length of craft wire into the ditch of the seam allowance. Stitch the raw edges together using a zigzag stitch, enclosing the wire between the seam and the zigzag stitches. Start and stop stitching either side of the…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Light- to medium-weight woven fabric: 2m (2¼yd) ■ Lightweight iron-on interfacing ■ Erasable fabric marker ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ The specific measurements given will give a finished garment that will fit a UK 10-14. For larger and smaller sizes simply increase/ decrease the width of the front and back pieces. MATERIALS USED ■ Rico Foiled Double Gauze in Grün. CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric cut: Front/Back Bodice: two 55x55cm (215/8x215/8in) Sleeves: two 50x40cm (19¾x15¾in)01 CREATING THE NECKLINE Step one With the Front and Back Bodice pieces RS together and folded along the warp/grainline cut out a 2.5cm (1in) deep and 12cm (4¾in) wide shallow neckline through all layers, from the folded edge as shown in the image. Step…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 2mx145cm (2¼ydx57in) ■ Elastic, 1.5in wide: approximately 1m ■ Paper to draw out your pattern (optional) ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm (3/8in) unless otherwise stated. ■ We used a stretch crepe fabric; if you choose a stretch fabric you will need to use a ballpoint needle to avoid skipped stitches. FABRICS USED ■ Plum stretch crepe fabric from Minerva; visit minerva.com MAKING THE PATTERN You can use paper to create a pattern that you can keep and reuse or simply draw your measurements straight onto the fabric. Step one Measure around the widest part of your hips, divide by four and then add 5cm (2in) to this measurement. For example a size 10: 92cm (36¼in) divided…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Patterned fabric 1: 40x25cm (16x10in) ■ Patterned fabric 2: 20x20cm (8x8in) ■ Coral fabric: 25x75cm (10x30in) ■ Pale pink fabric: 20x60cm (8x24in) ■ Orange fabric: 20x80cm (8x32in) ■ Stiff cardboard: 20x20cm (8x8in) ■ Lightweight wadding: 25x50cm (10x20in) ■ Toy stuffing: 250g bag ■ Ribbon: 1.5cm (5/8in) wide scraps ■ Circle rotary cutter ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm (3/8in) unless otherwise stated. ■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates MATERIALS USED ■ Terracotta Markings and Artisanal Blocks from the Terra Kotta range by Art Gallery Fabrics Studio, thefabricfox.co.uk ■ Kona Cotton Solids in Coral (1087), Shell/Pale Flesh (1271), and Orangeade (853) woolwarehouse.co.uk CUTTING OUT For the Base and Tower Step one From the coral fabric cut: Base Outer: two 22cm…

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…

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…

DELIA RANDALL Delia is the designer behind the super cosy and comfortable Carrie Cardigan included with this issue. Delia is a self-named omnivorous maker and blogs about her various creative adventures at Delia Creates – you’ll find some free tutorials there, too! ANNA ALICIA Anna is a regular designer behind many projects in Simply Sewing, and this issue we’ve included her gorgeous Twiggy Tote as a cover gift. We love the unique paper base on this handy bag and a boxed base means we can fit even more in! ADAKU PARKER This month our Profile is all about Adaku Parker of Dovetailed. Read about her transition from barrister to designer on page 48, and find an exclusive project extract from her brand-new book, Sewing with African Wax Print Fabric, on…

DUO CINDY, I AM PATTERNS As far as we’re concerned, a skater skirt knows no age restrictions! And this pretty panelled, circular skirt, suitable for both young and older alike, proves just that. We adore the cute details, including the sweet pockets either side and an invisible zip on the waistband which is concealed with a button. Available in seven sizes at iampatterns.fr/en COTTESLOE COWL, MADE BY JACK’S MUM This top is adorable on all members of the family and we LOVE that it’s not gender specific. It’s also great for seeing you through from autumn to spring as it’s designed to be super  lightweight, working best in sweatshirting and French terry fabric. It’s not a complicated project, either. Available in sizes XXS to 5XL, madebyjacksmum.com BOMBER JACKET BUNDLE, REBECCA…

BEAUTIFULEMBROIDERED ACCESSORIES Lexi Mire Brantman (£16.99, Page Street Publishing) Packed with 25 projects, Lexi Mire Brantman uses an easy template-tracing method which will appeal to the novice in particular. Learn to jazz up a basic baseball cap with cheerful stitched daisies, or take a plain tote from sensible to sweet with some bright fruit-embroidered accents. There’s also a pretty headscarf we can’t wait to try! PATTERN CUTTING, SECOND EDITION Dennic Chunman Lo (£45, Laurence King Publishing) This practical guide explains how to take accurate measurements, introduces key tools, and takes you from simple pattern-cutting ideas to more advanced methods. With step-by-step illustrations, you can grow confidently, adapting basic ideas into your own designs. There’s also a great chapter dedicated to digital technology. SEW BEAUTIFUL Kennis Wong (£18.99, Page Street Publishing)…

ROMY DRESS AND TOP This design from Tilly and the Buttons has a modern loose fit and high slash envelope neckline, with the option of cap, three-quarter or full-length sleeves to choose from. It was designed specifically with knit fabrics in mind and can be stitched as a knee-length dress or shorter top. tillyandthebuttons.com…

PICK YOUR FABRIC While jersey is a specific ‘type’ of fabric, there are many different forms that this soft, stretchy material can take. From lightweight cotton T-shirt jersey to thick double-layered scuba knits and even jacquard jersey, the amount of stretch the fabric has and the fibre it’s made from can have a huge effect on how it handles. If working from a pattern, always check the fabric suggestions given to make sure your finished garment ends up as intended. MEASURE THE STRETCH In a pattern’s fabric suggestions, a certain percentage of stretch is often recommended. It’s not essential to get this spot on, but it definitely makes life easier to ensure your fabric behaves correctly for the design. To measure the stretch percentage of a fabric, lay a swatch…

In this workshop our Senior Technical Editor Roisin looks at the standard/zigzag presser foot in detail and shows you how to make the most of the foot. LEVELLING BUTTON Pressing this button in will allow you to sew over bulky sections, such as seams, with ease. PRESSER FOOT HOLE This hole dictates the maximum stitch width a foot can sew, be careful as if your needle hits the foot it will break! SNAP ON BAR This bar connects the foot to your machine. Simply lower the lever onto the foot and it will 'snap' in place. Starting out on your sewing journey will inevitably lead to your first sewing machine. The machine comes with a range of accessories which will help you conquer most projects, and additional accessories won’t be…

Having some disabilities and chronic health conditions means I don’t always have a huge amount of energy to sit at my machine and sew a garment. During these times, planning takes centre stage for me, and having a way to work around my disabilities is very important. I like to keep a sewing journal that I can open in bed when I’m too unwell to sew. I use this to plan my future makes. It has a small pocket in the back to keep swatches of all the fabrics I’m planning to make things with. There’s always a floral one in there and some denim, which are materials I love to work with, and having the samples to hand gives me a feel for the fabric textures and colours. I…

Throughout history, the mantra of ‘think positive’ has spurred on many things. During the coronavirus pandemic in particular, the need for an optimistic outlook has become more important than ever. When times are tough, we are encouraged to adjust our mindset to ‘look on the bright side’ – but could this bright side be rather more literal than we realised, with positive messaging filtering down to our fashion choices, too? A scroll through social media or a browse through your fave fashion site will present a sea of colour, cute rainbows and positive slogans. It appears we’re collectively turning to fashion for an injection of optimism. Dig out your slogan tee or pull on your rainbow jumper; it’s time to dress yourself happy... "FASHION HAS BEEN DESCRIBED AS A LANGUAGE.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Blanket: measuring at least 130x170cm (52x67in) ■ Belt of your choice ■ Buttonhole foot for your sewing machine ■ Erasable fabric marker ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm (3/8in) unless otherwise stated. FABRIC RECOMMENDATIONS ■ A close weave fabric is easier to work with as it won’t unravel. Fleece, boiled wool or an acrylic blend blanket are ideal choices. CUTTING OUT Step one Fold the blanket in half, the folded edge will be the top edge. Measure the halfway point of the blanket along the folded top edge and the bottom edge and mark with a pin.01 Step two Using an erasable fabric marker or chalk and a plate or circular item approximately 19cm (7½in) in diameter, mark a…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Linen fabric: 20x20cm (8x8in) for the outer ■ Quilting cotton fabric: 20x25cm (8x10in) for the lining and hanger ■ Stranded cotton in coordinating shades to your fabric ■ Thin cotton wadding: 20x20cm (8x8in) ■ Insulated wadding: 20x20cm (8x8in) ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ To work Cretan stitch, it helps to have the leaf outline with two contoured guide lines inside the leaf as well. ■ It is important to use insulated wadding for pot holders as this will prevent surfaces (and your hands!) from heat. CRETAN STITCH Step one To start the stitch, come up on the left side of the leaf and go back down at the top point of the leaf, leaving a loop of thread on the surface. Bring…

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…

I don’t know about you, but I didn’t really leave the house in 2020. The school run was the only place anyone except the people I live with saw me in person, and my makes throughout the year were definitely a reflection of this! Lately, my favourite outfit has been my shortie dungarees, which I made with the Yanta Overalls pattern by Helen’s Closet in a soft ponte roma. I’ve always loved the look of dungarees, but I never really found the relaxed fit I was looking for in the shops, and it’s a tough ask to find dungarees with legs that match my 27” inseam! I know they’re not a showy make. They’re about as blend-into-the-background as a garment gets, but that’s what makes them so special. I know…