Innehållsförteckning för 84 från Simply Sewing

With the warmer weather here to stay, it’s the ideal time to start sewing the Mayfair Dress from Nina Lee Patterns. This design will become a regular in your wardrobe, as will the Lauren Blouse from DG Patterns – your stylish new go-to for drinks with friends. You can finish off both of those me-made outfits with the Margot Bag from Lisa Lam – we went bold and sparkly for ours! You’ll also find six makes for days at the seaside inside, as well as a guide to sewing swimwear. We even have a Sewing Bee top-up if you’re missing the show; read John Scott’s series round-up on page 18. Happy sewing! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

DRESS TO BE SEEN Romantic, feminine and elegant are just a few words that come to mind for these two stunning new designs from Deer and Doe. The Orchidée and Coquelicot were both designed as antidotes to the last year and a breakaway from the less glamorous attire we spent our time in lockdown wearing. So, let’s make something special – and actually wear it out! deer-and-doe.com FRENCH FANCY Lamazi Fabrics caught our attention recently with the news that they’re now stocking these beautiful fabrics from indie French brand Cousette. There’s 19 lightweight wovens to choose from, and we want to make a summer dress in each one! lamazifabrics.com ACCESS ALL AREAS W Leave no garment unstitched with the new Stitch Dome from Clover. This latest design has been made…

Whether you’re ready to take a class in person or want to learn from the comfort of your home, there are so many out there. VIRTUAL SEWING CLASSES Ana at CocoWawa Crafts is on hand to offer all manner of sewing tips and tricks for children and adults in her virtual sewing classes. Book a custom one-to-one session at cocowawacrafts.com. CRAFTY SEWING CAMP Learn new skills and spend time with like-minded sewists at a weekend retreat in Leicestershire hosted by Crafty Sew & So! You can visit for a day or the weekend; book your ticket at eventbrite.co.uk. MAKE A WATERFALL COAT Learn how to make a flattering waterfall collar coat in an afternoon workshop with Fashion Box on 18th July. Buy some cosy boiled wool, tweed or linen and…

“I thought winning had sunk in, but when the show started transmitting on TV and I was reliving it with so many people, family and friends, I realised it hadn’t. You are all watching it and experiencing it at the same time, and because I hadn’t seen any of the episodes, the emotions felt new again. “All the Bees were amazing sewers and all the garments in the final were fabulous. We were all very supportive of each other, even up to the final. We genuinely wanted each other to do well, and there was no harsh competitiveness all the way through – there really wasn’t! “One of my favourite makes was the Dior-inspired outfit in the semi-final, when I won Garment of the Week (for the very first time!).…

1 COTTESLOE SWIMSUIT & BIKINI This fully lined pattern by Megan Nielsen Patterns includes several elements to create mix-and-match variations on classic one-piece and bikini sets, including both low- and high- scoop backs, a shelf bra, a tie back, low- and high-rise bikini bottoms, plus regular and athletic-inspired bikini tops. This is a great beginner pattern if you’re new to sewing swimwear. megannielsen.com 2 M7417 SWIMSUIT This design from McCalls comes in sizes for both women and children (ages 3–8) and is perfect for leisurely days at the beach. The rash-guard tops feature raglan sleeves, stitched hems, and several sleeve and length variations, plus lined and elasticised bikini bottoms with striking contrast variations. sewdirect.com 3 CAMILLE SWIMSUIT This stand-out design from Sirena Patterns features a fully lined one-piece swimsuit with…

SCRUNCHIES Some people pay good money for ’beach waves’, but if you’d rather keep your hair tied up and out of your face, make some fun scrunchies to do so in style. If you’re lucky enough to have hair that behaves itself in the great outdoors, these make fab accessories to wear on your wrist instead. BEACH COVER-UP Throw on this easy-sew cover-up for popping to the ice cream shop or for dipping your toes in the sea. Just because you’re covering up, doesn’t have to mean you’re blending in – choose a bright, tropical fabric and fun pompom trim for a holiday feel no matter where you are. BEACH TOWEL WITH TRIM This pretty and practical make brings a whole new meaning to being ‘beach-ready’. This towel has its…

What’s your company’s relationship with London? Joel & Son Fabrics: Spanning three generations and starting from humble beginnings, Joel & Son Fabrics has eight shops in a row, all filled floor to ceiling, in the heart of London. The shops are family run and have customers from all over the globe. Hand & Lock: London was the city that welcomed our founder M. Hand in 1767 when he fled religious persecution in France. It has been our home ever since. It was also where, in 1956, Stanley Lock set up his embroidery firm, S. Lock Ltd, the other half of who we are today. Hand & Lock! Why do you think London appeals to sewing enthusiasts? Joel & Son Fabrics: London has always influenced the world fashion market. It has…

The magpie in us can’t resist something shiny, so we’re completely besotted with this version of the Margot Bag from Lisa Lam! Paired with a rainbow strap, it’s the ultimate accessory for days out enjoying the sunshine, and we can guarantee you’ll be asked where you got your lovely new bag. We’d love to see if you go for something bold or understated – tag us in your makes using #SimplySewingMag. You can get all of the bag-making materials needed to make your Margot Bag from Lisa’s website, u-handbag.com.…

In this month’s workshop, Simply Sewing’s Senior Technical Editor, Roisin, shows us how to insert a set-in sleeve for a professional finish. SET-IN SLEEVE Garments with set-in sleeves usually have a shoulder seam and a side seam. SLEEVE DETAILS Details such as frills are usually added after the sleeve is sewn in place. Setting in a sleeve can be a tricky task that requires a little time, patience and TLC. As patience is something us sewists are known for having in abundance (right?!), this should be a simple task. Alas, patience comes and goes, and time is often of the essence when we want to wear our latest make to an upcoming rendezvous! In this workshop, I’ll talk you through a simple process to insert a set-in sleeve that will…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Fat quarters in mixed prints and colourways: x6 ■ Bias binding: 2m ■ Pattern paper ■ Self-covered buttons: x2 ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm unless otherwise stated. FABRICS USED ■ Meadow Lane by Riley Blake from lovecrafts.com. ■ Get 15% off sewing and craft supplies at Love Crafts using code SEWLC15. Valid between 5 July – 19 August. MAKING THE PATTERN Step one Take a piece of paper as wide as you want your cushion to be and fold it in half and then half again. Then fold it in half one more time so you have a triangle wedge. Step two Make a mark 20cm from the point to the base of the triangle and then again…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Beige rose cuddle plush: 75x56cm ■ Light beige cuddle plush: 17x7cm ■ Long length fur fabric: 38x17cm ■ Dark brown wool felt: 5x4cm ■ Black stranded cotton thread ■ Polyester toy filling: 200g ■ Long doll needle ■ Basic sewing kit ■ Extra long pins FINISHED SIZE ■ Approximately 45cm tall. NOTES ■ Find the templates on page 89 or download and print from gathered.how/ss-templates. ■ Fabric measurements are WxH. ■ Arrows on the pattern templates indicate the direction of any stretch. ■ Cut plush pieces for the Inner Ear pieces so the nap runs upwards. Cut the Mane piece so that the fur direction will run from the back to the front. ■ Use 6mm seam allowances throughout. CUTTING OUT Step one Download and cut…

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…

If, like us, you’re getting major withdrawal symptoms from this year’s Great British Sewing Bee, turn to page 18 for John Scott’s series round-up, plus an interview with this year’s fantastic winner, Serena. Now that we’re no longer glued to the TV, the glorious weather has got us in the mood for a day trip – whip up the seaside-worthy makes on page 28 before hitting the nearest beach! Plus, make the ultimate gingham dress on page 54 – all you need is an old T-shirt to create this patternless project. Share your sewing makes with us on Insta @simplysewingmag.…

MCCALL’S M7901 Once you discover how easy shirring is, and how comfortable it makes your clothes, you might want to replace all your tops with this pattern! There are four sleeve and length variations for this top so you can have one for every season. Available in UK sizes 6–22, patternsandplains.com. FLOREAT HACK, MEGAN NIELSEN PATTERNS The asymmetric Floreat Dress was already a must-have pattern in our books, and the urgency to sew one only went up went when we found this gorgeous version hacked with shirring from Holly! Available in sizes 0–30. Find out how to make a shirred Floreat at blog.megannielsen.com. RASPBERRY JUMPSUIT, COCOWAWA CRAFTS If there was a ’cutest pattern’ award, we have no doubt it’d go to the Raspberry Jumpsuit. Whether you choose to make it…

1950S FASHION PRINT Marnie Fogg (£14.99, Batsford) Explore post-war fashion design with fashion industry media consultant Marnie Fogg’s latest title that celebrates the themes, influences and prints of 1950s fashion. Like Marnie’s other books exploring 1960s and 1980s fashion, the book is filled with exclusive illustrations and artworks from another key decade in fashion history – fashion students and enthusiasts will love it! LACE IDENTIFICATION Gilian Dye and Jean Leader (£24, The Crowood Press) Lace is a versatile and timeless fabric, but how much do you actually know about it? In this book you’ll learn how to identify different types of lace – as well as discovering their histories and construction – and you’ll also learn how to best care for and store your lace so you can preserve your…

There aren’t many garments that suit both the beach and the office, but the Mayfair Dress from Nina Lee Patterns (ninalee.co.uk) is something a bit special. Choose from two dress lengths, each with three sleeve variations, and sew yourself a Mayfair Dress for every occasion. This versatile pattern is designed for soft jerseys, making it comfortable to wear, and with a grown-on collar, set-in sleeves and a gathered waist, you can tick off some techniques from your skills sheet, too. YOU WILL NEED Short dress 115cm (45in) wide fabric : ■ Short sleeve: 6–14: 2.5m (2¾yd) 16–20: 2.7m (3yd) ■ Mid sleeve: 6–14: 2.6m (3yd) 16–20: 2.9m (3¼yd) ■ Long sleeve: 6–10: 2.5m (2¾yd) 12–14: 2.7m (3yd) 16–20: 3m (3½yd) 150cm (55in) wide fabric: ■ Short sleeve: 6–12: 1.5m (1¾yd)…

■ “A good quality fabric is key to avoiding the material becoming transparent when wet. You also don’t want anything that will get too heavy and absorb a lot of water, such as cotton. Choose a synthetic fabric composed of nylon with a percentage of spandex or Lycra.” ■ “Cutting out swimwear fabric can be tricky as it’s slippery to handle. To make this easier, cut the fabric as a single layer, rather than doubling up.” ■ “When choosing notions for your swimwear sewing project, be careful to select materials that will cope with the environmental stresses of being exposed to saltwater or chlorine. Elastic with a rubber component will last much longer, as will nylon thread.”…

If you’ve got some ’jeans and a nice top’ events coming up, then your search for the perfect smart-casual blouse has come to an end! The loose-fit Lauren Blouse from DG Patterns (dgpatterns.com) looks so good paired with your favourite skinny jeans or tucked into a pencil skirt. With a simple colour palette switch, this blouse could be worn through all seasons; sunny yellows and oranges for the warmer months, rich purples and mustards for the autumn, and a bit of sparkle for the Christmas season. The gathered sleeves, neckline bow and curved hemline on this blouse make it anything but basic, and with a size range of 8–34 there’s a Lauren Blouse for everyone. YOU WILL NEED For all sizes: ■ Light- to medium-weight woven fabric: 2mx115cm (2¼ydx45in) 2mx140cm…

The capital of England is never short of events and activities. Time your trip wisely and you could embark on a sewing workshop or hands-on crafting exhibition. Hand & Lock embroidery From weekend workshops to focused five-day sessions, Hand & Lock are keen to share their expertise far and wide. Well-known for their impeccable goldwork, you too could learn this fine art under professional guidance. There are also courses in monogramming, silk shading and tambour beading. Moving with the ever-changing times, Hand & Lock also offer virtual classes to master the art of goldwork. handembroidery.com Sew It With Love If you are a complete novice, visit the pros at Sew It With Love. Their courses include things like learning to use a sewing machine or sewing your own face mask.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ A top that fits you comfortably with a round neckline ■ Gingham fabric: 2mx150cm ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit ■ Paper NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm unless otherwise stated. FABRICS USED ■ 3/8in check cotton gingham from minerva.com. MAKING YOUR PATTERN Step one Using one of your tops that has a boxy/ relaxed fit, fold it in half and lay it on some paper with the centre fold of your top lined up with the edge of the paper. We will be cutting our pattern pieces on the fold of the fabric, so the long edge of the paper will be our fold line.01 Step two Draw around the top, extending the shoulders down past the shoulder seam by approximately 8cm to give…

Many of us declare we intend to do something to reduce our carbon footprints. We vow, sincerely, that we will shop locally more often and support British business for both economic and ethical reasons. We make an effort to swerve fast fashion, as the evils around it are widely reported and seep into everyday conversation. We pledge it, mean it and do our bit where we can. But when you quit an enormously successful corporate career, with an enviable salary, to passionately devote your life to these beliefs and actively encourage others to consume far more consciously, this is a whole new level of commitment. This is Leigh Montague. Founder of Monty & Co – an online shop for beautiful, resilient, unisex kids’ clothes – Leigh’s vision was to create…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Medium weight canvas: 110x200cm ■ Cotton fabric for lining: 140x60cm ■ Magnetic snaps x2: 11–18 mm ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm unless otherwise stated. ■ We used sew-in magnetic snaps. If you are using magnetic snaps which require installation you will need to do attach them according to the manufacturer’s instructions before assembling the bag. FABRICS USED ■ Outer fabric is Pink Leaves canvas and Lining is Pink-Gold Dots cotton. Both from the Nature Matters collection by Rico Design. CUTTING OUT Step one From the canvas cut: Bag Outer: two 47x41cm Gusset Outer: 125x17cm Shoulder Strap: 144x20cm Front Mat Strap: 140x20cm Back Strap: 114x20cm Step two From the lining cut: Bag Lining: two 47x33cm Gusset Lining: 109x17cm PREPARING…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Outer fabric: 30x40cm ■ Lining fabric: 30x40cm ■ Lightweight iron-on interfacing (if using a lightweight fabric): 30x40cm ■ Leather cord or similar: two pieces 27cm in length ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 5mm unless otherwise stated. RECOMMENDED FABRICS ■ Quilting-weight cotton or light- to medium- weight cotton dressmaking fabric. FABRICS USED ■ All from miesjechafer.com. CUTTING OUT Step one From the outer fabric: Tool Roll Outer: 21x25cm Outer Pocket: 21x11cm Step two From the lining fabric: Tool Roll Lining: 21x25cm Lining Pocket: 21x11cm Step three If your outer fabric is very lightweight, cut a piece of interfacing the same size to match: Toll Roll Interfacing: 21x25cm01 MAKING THE POCKET Step one To make the pocket, with right sides (RS)…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Linen fabric: 10x50cm ■ Quilting cotton: 10x50cm ■ Interfacing: 10x50cm ■ Stranded cotton in blue ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 6mm unless otherwise stated. ■ Download the templates at gathered.how/ss-templates. STEM STITCH Step one Come up through the fabric and go back down to the right, leaving a small loop of thread on the fabric surface. Come up in the middle of the first stitch. Keep the thread loop below your line of stitching.01 Step two You can now pull the first stitch all the way through so it lays flat on the fabric. Go back down to the right of the first stitch, once again leaving a loop of thread. Come up near the end of the first…

When I was young I would sneak into my mother’s bedroom and try on her beautiful clothes. Her unique style definitely played a big part in my career as a creative designer today. My first experience of sewing was when I was eight years old, and by the age of 12 I had dreams of celebrities wearing my designs. I would find inspiration from small boutiques and magazines and would recreate styles that caught my attention using fabrics I’d found at a clearance warehouse. Fast forward to 2012 and I became a mature student at Rochester’s University for the Creative Arts where I studied Fashion Atelier. Nowadays, I strive to create unique clothing for women; dresses are my go-to garment and a particular favourite is my Rectangle Dress. I initially…

NINA CHANG We’re so excited about our cover star from Nina Lee Patterns this issue – the Mayfair Dress – which comes with options galore! This flattering, feminine, comfortable design will be a summer wardrobe fave. Find our styling suggestions on page 20. LISA LAM Our third pattern this issue comes from bag-maker extraordinaire, Lisa Lam. Lisa lives by the sea in Brighton where she runs her online shop, U-Handbag. You’ll find all your bag-making supplies there, plus some inspiring patterns! DANIELA GUTIERREZ-DIAZ Daniela is the founder of DG Patterns and the designer of this issue’s lovely Lauren Blouse. Before launching her own pattern label, Daniela worked as an English teacher and firefighter; she now enjoys creating modern and casual clothes for women. LINDA MAFUBA Linda is the talented designer…

It’s a Wednesday night in June and I’ve just realised that it’s time to crown this year’s winner on The Great British Sewing Bee. Can it really be nine weeks since we were introduced to the intrepid newbies entering a brand-new sewing room? And have I loved it as much as I normally do? Read on to find out more. Overall, this series has been full of intrigue and controversy. Esme’s choices of neck attire, outrageous fabric choices, surprise evictions and of course, Patrick, all added to the excitement of TV’s best sewing competition. So, before the final starts let’s have a quick romp through the highlights of the first nine episodes of this series. HIGHS AND LOWS The first challenge of episode one was the shell top. Adam shed…

MAKE IT YOUR WAY This design can be created with or without sleeves to suit your look. GATHER UP Ruched details at the shoulder and waistline add a flattering touch. SAFE AND SECURE This design is lined to be fully opaque both when on land and in the water. SEABRIGHT SWIMMER This design from Friday Pattern Company features a flattering plunge neckline, lined bodice and the choice of full-length sleeves for extra sun protection, or a sleeveless finish with ruching at the shoulders and neckline. Choose a four-way fabric with at least 50% stretch for best results. fridaypatterncompany.com…

1 CHOOSE WISELY The fabric you choose when sewing your own swimwear will make or break your project, so it’s vital you pick something suitable. We normally champion natural fabrics over man-made, but when making swimwear, the opposite is true – try to stick to synthetic fabrics instead with a high percentage of stretch, at least 10–20%. While natural fabrics like cotton look pretty, they soak up liquids easily, quickly becoming heavy and saggy – not such a great look! 2 STRETCH MATTERS Swimsuit patterns are designed with negative ease, which means that the finished garment will be made slightly smaller than your measurements so that it will stretch to fit your body. Choosing a fabric that has ample stretch is vital and ensures a comfortable fit. Two-way fabric will…

Dreams don’t always come true, but learning to sew has gotten me pretty close. It feels like I’ve been sewing for forever! I started out sewing as a teenager when it was all about finding your style and making things that no one else had. I absolutely fell in love with it! If you’d asked me then “what would be your dream job?”, my reply without a doubt would’ve been a fashion designer. Of course, a few years and a dentistry degree later, it’s clear that dreams don’t always come true. But learning to sew has gotten me pretty close! It’s only in the last seven or eight years that I’ve actually been any good at sewing, despite the years of trying! Let’s just say the majority of things I…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Woven fabric: 2,4mx115cm, 2.4mx150cm ■ Interfacing: 15cm ■ Elastic to fit your waist, 2.5 cm wide ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit RECOMMENDED FABRICS ■ Lightweight, drapey, non-stretch fabric such as a viscose. NOTES ■ The Sorja is a pattern bundle included in Building the Pattern by Named Patterns. ■ Finished length: 63cm(all sizes). ■ Download the pattern from gathered.how/sorja-skirt-pattern SIZING ■ UK size: Size 6: waist 64cm, hip 88cm Size 8: waist 68cm, hip 92cm Size 10: waist 72cm, hip 96cm Size 12: waist 76cm, hip 100cm Size 14: waist 80cm, hip 104cm Size 16: waist 84cm, hip 108cm Size 18: waist 88cm, hip 112cm Size 20: waist 94cm, hip 118cm Size 22: waist 100cm, hip 124cm CUTTING OUT Step one From the main…

Campbell Cole Also a husband-and-wife team, Ian and Felicity Campbell Cole are passionate about British, exquisitely made accessories. Their signature style is classic, timeless leather items built to last. (Coin purse featured, £56.) campbellcole.co.uk Honey and Toast Check out the gorgeous range of bags from this Somerset-run company. Absolute handbag heaven! (Tan half-moon bag featured, £120.) honeyandtoast.co.uk Billy Tannery Billy Tannery are friends Jack and Rory who operate from their own microtannery in the Midlands, where goat hide (waste from the food industry), is transformed into leather. (Large green pouch featured, £165.) Billytannery. co.uk Axe & Paddle Brighton-based husband and wife team, Steven and Kirsty Le Say, are inspired by bushcraft and ancestral skills for their stunning handmade pieces, including this must-have washbag (£45). axeandpaddle bushcraft. co.uk…

Floaty dresses are always on trend, and we hope it stays that way! Cashmerette has just launched the gorgeous Roseclair Dress, and it’s a summer dream designed for lightweight linens, rayons and cottons. You can sew this wrap dress in midi or maxi length, with a full or tiered skirt, and with bishop, puff or short sleeves. And the options don’t end there – this pattern is available in their wonderfully inclusive size range of 0–16 and 12–32, with three different cup sizes to choose from. See more at cashmerette.com.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Patterned cotton canvas for the mattress: 130x80cm ■ Plain quilting-weight cotton fabric for backing the mattress and pillow: 170x75cm ■ Patterned cotton canvas for the pillow: 40x50cm ■ Standard size (approximately 200x135cm) single duvet ■ Yarn for pom-poms ■ Lightweight yarn for knots ■ 3.5cm pom-pom maker ■ Wooden toggle button: x1 ■ Toy stuffing (or an old pillow to upcycle): 250g bag ■ Large needle ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm. ■ Fabric requirements are HxW. FABRICS USED: ■ Kona Cotton Solid in Creamsicle. ■ Wild Wonder and Forest Flourish from Meenal Patel’s Plant Peeps collection for Cloud9 Fabrics. CUTTING OUT Step one To begin, cut out the pieces for the mattress and pillow. From the main patterned…

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