Innehållsförteckning för 94 från Simply Sewing

If you’re after a bit of R&R or have a relaxing night away booked in, take a look at our getaway gifts on page 30. We’ve used sustainable, ecofriendly fabrics from Organic Textile Company for these, so you can be kind to the planet whilst being kind to yourself. Be sure to take your copy of Simply Sewing away with you too so you can catch up on our fab features all about the wonderful sewing community. If you’re starting to think about your summer wardrobe, there’s plenty here to inspire – we think Portia Lawrie’s wrap skirt would pair perfectly with the Anita Camisole. Take a look inside! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

SECRET PYJAMAS Sew Liberated’s Nocturne PJs pattern are the ultimate secret pyjamas! Depending on your fabric choice, you can make a nightwear set in luxurious silk or a cosy flannel, or if you need a new office outfit for the summer opt for a patterned poplin for a chic top and cool linen for a stylish pair of paperbag waist trousers. Find fabric and styling inspiration at sewliberated.com. ANOTHER DIMENSION The colours, the shapes, the impact – we love everything about ByGraceAmbrose’s dramatic accessories. Self-taught designer Grace pays homage to her Nigerian parents and the vibrant community she grew up in with her striking designs. bygraceambrose.com GREEN LIGHT W The much-loved Miniking Thread from Sew-All Gütermann is now made from 100% recycled materials and comes in plastic-free packaging. The 1,000m…

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. DRAFT & SEW A SHIRRED DRESS Learn to draft and sew a made-to-measure dress at your own pace and with the guidance of Elisalex from By Hand London. This beginner course – with 100% positive reviews – guides through the process every step of the way. Search for By Hand London on domestika.org to sign up and get started whenever suits you. THE CREATIVE CRAFT SHOW 24–26 JUNE 2022 Visit the NEC in Birmingham for a wonderfully crafty day out. As well as workshops and tutorials from your favourite industry experts, there’ll be rows on rows of stalls for you to top up your stash…

ARMS UP Choose from classic shirt sleeves or a billowing bishop option YOKE’S ON YOU Irma features a traditional back yoke with a large box pleat UP AND DOWN Irma features a fashionable high-low hemline PATTERN INSPIRATION Whether you opt for a classic button-down design or something a little different, don’t miss these patterns from our favourite designers 1 REETA MIDI SHIRT DRESS This pattern from Named Clothing creates a classic, loose-fitting shirt dress with simple but thought-out details, including pleated breast pockets, a sharp collar and a gathered waist. The dress also features casual T-shirt sleeves and a vented midi-length hem for a comfy, carefree fit. namedclothing.com 2 ELLSWORTH SHIRT Look smart without sacrificing comfort with this oversized design from Merchant and Mills that’s perfect for layering. Ellsworth is…

Name: Atia Azmi Instagram handle: @thebrightblooms Website: thebrightblooms.com Pattern used: Solange dress by Atelier Jupe Fabric used: Atelier Jupe viscose, Green with Pink Flowers Fabric stockist: Atelier Jupe (atelierjupe.com) I chose to make the Solange dress from Belgian fabric and pattern company Atelier Jupe. This is a simple and elegant midi-length dress with a V-neckline, wrap bodice and a gathered waist. This dress would look great in a variety of different prints, and I opted for a lightweight patterned viscose. It has some subtle style details including gathering on the front shoulders and wide grown-on sleeves with a cuff. I love that it’s a simple yet elegant design which you can throw on in the summer. You could also choose to layer the Solange dress with a T-shirt or thin…

If you fancy trying more projects like Lucy Ward’s red panda on page 73, sign up to our sewing newsletter to download a copy of our hugely popular Beginner’s Guide to Toy Making bookazine - for free! The projects inside will help you build your toy-making skills, and with 29 plushies to make, you’re sure to find the perfect one. Head over to gathered.how/bonus-gift to get your free digital edition book. Already a newsletter subscriber? Check your email inbox for the download, which will be included in your weekly newsletter.…

We can guarantee that introducing the Patsy Overalls to your wardrobe is not a decision you’ll ever regret! This gloriously comfy pattern from Readytosew (@ready_to_sew) was designed with beginners in mind, so you won’t see any closures around here! Patsy is the ultimate lazy day wear, or something to pop on over your favourite tee if you’re heading to the shops or to meet a friend for coffee. So easy to wear and style, you’ll want to live in these throughout every season. If you’re looking for styling or fabric inspiration for your Patsy Overalls, you’ll find tons by following the hashtag #PatsyReadyToSew on Instagram. There’s also a wide range of resources on Readytosew’s website (readytosew.fr) for Patsy – there’s a sewalong to follow as well as guides for cinching…

@sewpippa Pippa lives with her partner, cat and fabric stash. She is aiming to sew her entire wardrobe. @theonearmedsewist Gill started sewing in 2018 and loves being able to make clothes that fit her properly. @whatsophiesewed Starting to sew was the best thing Sophie’s ever done! It’s opened up her world again. @purplesewingcloud Samantha is a passionate sewist making invaluable changes to the industry. @sewdisabled Gina started #SewnShownSeated, which has made such a difference to so many. @natalie_sew_k ‘Slowly does it’ is Natalie’s motto for making, inspired by the online disabled community.…

YOU WILL NEED Medium-weight knit fabric: approximately 2m Press stud (optional) Matching thread Basic sewing kit MEASUREMENTS NEEDED Waist = W Hip = H Vertical distance between waist line and hip = HL (hip line) Desired Length = L FABRICS USED We used a ponte from Craft and Thrift, DRAFTING THE PATTERN Step one Cut three identical rectangles where the width is half of H + a little for seam allowance, and the length is the same as L + a little for hemming allowance. If you’d like a looser fitting skirt you can add 1–2in to the width of your rectangles. Step two Mark a point at the sides of the rectangles equivalent to HL. Then mark points along the top edge that mark out half of W…

YOU WILL NEED Main fabric: 40x40cm Lining fabric: 40x40 cm Strap fabric: 76x8cm Snap fastener Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 1cm. Measure the strap before cutting in order to adjust the size. RECOMMENDED FABRICS Main fabric: canvas or cotton Lining fabric: cotton or satin FABRIC USED Sun Candy from Under One Sky by Pip & Lo, CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric cut: Outer: two 40x40cm Step two From the lining fabric cut: Lining: two 40x40cm Step three From the strap fabric cut: Strap: two 76x8cm Step four Cut a 6cm square away from each bottom edge of the Outer and Lining pieces. MAKING THE STRAP Step one Press the long edges of the Strap to the wrong side (WS) by 1.5cm. Fold…

@SewQueer A place to meet and share with queer sewists, founded by @rare.device. @blkmakersmatter A space for Black sewists and crafters to unite, founded by@thatssewmonica. @ChronicallySewn A space for chronically ill sewists, founded by@andiewellsstudio. @AsianSewistCollective A podcast and blog co-founded by @i.hope.sew and @nicoleangelinesews. @CurvySewingCollective A body-positive platform for curvy sewists by @idlefancy and @cashmerette. @SewOver50 A community for sewists over 50, founded by@judithrosalind.…

YOU WILL NEED Rustcuddleplushfabric 50x45cm Chocolate cuddle plush fabric: 60x55cm Ivory cuddle plush fabric: 23x21cm Black wool felt: 6x3cm Black stranded cotton thread Ivory stranded cotton thread Polyester toy filling: 200g Basic sewing kit FINISHED SIZE: Approximately 45cm tall. FABRICS USED: Shannon Cuddle Plush fabrics in Rust, Chocolate and Ivory. NOTES: Find the templates on page 82 or download and print from gathered. how/ss-templates. Fabric measurements are WxH. Use 6mm seam allowances. Arrows on templates indicate direction of plush fabric pile. Cut pair = cut mirror image. Fasten off at the beginning and end of stitching, unless otherwise indicated. Remove tacking after sewing. CUTTING OUT Step one: Download and print the templates. Step two From the rust fabric, cut: Back Body: one Head Front: one pair Head Back: one…

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…

YOU WILL NEED Leatherorfauxleatherbelt Stranded cotton in two similar shades Large pointed needle Embroidery scissors Quilting ruler Awl for leather work (optional) EMBROIDERING THE BELT Step one Cut a metre-long piece of each of the two stranded cotton colours. Separate out a single strand from each and hold them together. Next, fold the strands in half and thread the ends through the needle. Set this aside.01 Step two Use a ruler and the point of the awl or the needle to mark where the holes will go on the belt. For the zigzag design shown, make a poked mark every 5mm at a 45-degree angle. After you mark the first line, continue to step three.02 Step three Hold the belt with your fingers, supporting it from behind but not…

There's so much to celebrate this issue! A really colourful collaboration with Nerida Hansen fabrics (see p24 for a 15% off code) has resulted in possibly my favourite ever cover star pattern - The Lulu Shirt Dress! Marie Lawlor has written a fab piece (p46) on how important representation of the disabled sewing community is to driving meaningful change and inclusivity for all - something as a brand we are committed to continuing to work on. Getting connected online is a great way to be inspired, share makes and start conversations (see p66 to get started). Do join in - get in touch @SimplySewingMag.…

HACKNEY SHIRT, SEW OVER IT This classic shirt pattern has all the traditional features you’d expect – a collar with collar stand, back yoke with box pleat, cuffs, grown-on button stands, a slightly curved hem and a patch chest pocket. Sew this in a cotton lawn for a smart workwear piece, and in flannel or needlecord for a weekend essential. Available in UK sizes XS-XXL, sewoverit.com. MAGGI SWEATER, MELILOT This beginner-friendly project is so versatile. It’s unisex, comes with two sleeve lengths and can be made either  as a sweatshirt or a hoodie with the addition of a hood and pocket. If you’re new to sewing knit fabrics this comfy layer is a great place to begin. Available in EU sizes 32–64, melilot.no. THE TEE SHIRT, MERCHANT AND MILLS This…

YOU WILL BE ABLE TO SEW YOUR OWN CLOTHES BY THE END OF THIS BOOK Juliet Uzor (£19.99, Octopus Publishing) What better way to start your sewing journey than with Sewing Bee’s Juliet Uzor as your instructor? If you’re looking to ditch fast fashion and create sustainable pieces for yourself and your family, this book is the perfect starting point. Juliet walks you through the basics and then you can begin making the 15 projects included in the book. SEWING MACHINE BASICS FOR CHILDREN Angela Pressley (£12.99, Ryland Peters & Small) Have you got a little one at home who always watches when you get the sewing machine out? This beginner’s guide for children aged seven and up is perfect for harnessing their creativity. There are 30 toy, bag, accessory…

1 SIZE MATTERS Most classic button-up shirts or shirt dresses will be designed for non-stretch woven fabrics such as cotton, linen or silk. Therefore, picking the correct size is vital to achieving a comfortable, flattering fit – even more so when the garment is fastened with a line of buttons front and centre that (if fitted incorrectly) will strain and pull. Choose your shirt size based on the widest point of your torso, which for many stitchers is the full bustline. You can then make adjustments to the rest of the pattern from there as needed. 2 TRANSFER YOUR MARKINGS With several different elements to take into consideration, it’s important to make sure that you transfer all pattern markings across to your fabric when making a shirt. There are several…

1 Get ready for summer with this dark blue floral print from Atelier Jupe’s spring/ summer collection. (atelierjupe.com) 2 Think pink with this beautiful pink and lilac floral viscose. Perfect for summer dresses, blouses, skirts or breezy culottes. (atelierjupe.com) 3 Try making a Solange dress of your own with this pink and green combo. The soft viscose is perfect for a glamorous day trip or a holiday wardrobe staple. (atelierjupe.com)…

OVERNIGHT BAG YOU WILL NEED Fabric A: 70x110cm for the main bag Fabric B: 20x30cm for the pocket and zip tabs Fabric C: 50x25cm for the binding Zip: 60cm Webbing, 3cm wide: 3m Erasable fabric pen Matching sewing thread Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED Crossweave Linen Look and Denim Natural Seeded and Red Soft from Organic Textile Company, organiccotton.biz. NOTES Use a 1cm seam allowance. Use a walking foot if you have one. Our bag is made with a heavy natural denim with a softer denim for the zip tabs and pocket. This means we haven’t needed to use interfacing. CUTTING OUT Step one From fabric A cut: Front and Back: two 65x54cm, cut a 12cm square from each of the bottom corners.01 Step two From fabric B cut: Pocket:…

The sewing community as a whole has undergone a kind of reckoning in the last couple of years. Progress is continuing to be made to ensure that marginalised groups are being seen and listened to. When I first began sewing in 2016, I didn’t see anyone visibly disabled on my Instagram feed, and certainly not in wider publications and in the media. My interest in sewing began during rehabilitation from a particularly gruelling surgery. My occupational therapist felt that I would benefit from starting a hobby, just for the sake of enjoyment. I dusted off my unused sewing machine from my wedding 14 years previously. I read the manual, and without a clue on what seam allowance was, or that you should change the needle after a while, I made…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: ½ydx45in (50x108cm) ■ Lining/backing fabric: ¾ydx45in (70x128cm) ■ Wadding: 80/20 cotton/polyester ■ Black polyester zip: 18in ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is ¼in (6mm) unless otherwise stated. MATERIALS USED ■ Outer: floral print cotton lawn in Pine/Ecru, blackbirdfabrics.com. ■ Lining: sandwashed cotton in Deep Sage, blackbirdfabrics.com. ■ Wadding: Heirloom 80/20 Cotton Poly Blend, Hobbs Batting. ■ Zip: patternsbyannie.com ■ Thread: Wonderfil DecoBob in Dove Gray. CUTTING OUT Step one From the wadding cut: Wadding: four 17x13in Step two From the main fabric cut: Outer: two 17x13in Step three From lining/backing fabric cut: Lining: two 17x13in Outer Backing: two 16.5x12.5in01 QUILTING THE EXTERIOR Step one Place two of the Wadding rectangles on top of one Lining panel on the…

1 Create an A-line version by swinging out the side seams when you are drafting the initial pattern. 2 Play with different lengths, this skirt would look great as a mini, midi or maxi length design. 3 Bind the edges in a contrasting colour instead of hemming. 4 Consider alternative fasteners like kilt buckles, D-rings or buttons. 5 Omit the tie element and use buttons to fasten the skirt. 6 Make a ‘faux wrap’ version out of a stretchy jersey and gather into a simple folded jersey waistband. 7 Add in-seam pockets for a handy place to store your essentials. 8 Make your skirt in a medium-weight denim or corduroy for cooler months.…

Sewing and crafting is hot online: it’s a whole new world for makers joining the online sewing realm, and an ever-evolving but steady club for more seasoned members of the crafty community. Many makers go online to be inspired by what other people are sewing and equally to ask for advice or support. When Samantha from @purplesewingcloud started sharing online, she remembers she was worried that people would criticise her sewing techniques, but now she is an established member of the sewing community, sharing her makes and her experience of sewing with disabilities: “[Online] I often find new tools or techniques that help me sew with my health; I find it’s the most important thing I share.” A common side effect of sharing sewing online is making new connections and…

YOU WILL NEED Olive green felt: 20x30cm Baby pink, dusky pink, burgundy, purple and lilac felt: three pieces in each colour measuring 20x10cm Baby pink satin ribbon: 1m Olive green shimmer organza ribbon: 1m Burgundy grosgrain ribbon: 1m Olive green sewing thread Pearl bead branch (optional) Matching thread Basic sewing thread NOTES Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates This headband is not a toy or meant for children under three years old. When making accessories for children, always add a recommended age and adult supervision. Make sure all parts are stuck securely and stitching is properly finished off. Finished size: 30x10cm. MAKING THE TEMPLATE Step one Use the templates to cut all the headband pieces from felt in the colours indicated on the templates. Pin the oak leaves either end of…

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…

RED PANDA ACTUAL SIZE 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.…

“I think an apron is a symbol of action. It means that I am working, learning, making a mess, and perhaps also making a masterpiece. When I wear my apron I give myself permission to take creative risks, to dive deep and to try something new. Interestingly these are also the foundations of the content I create online as Mister Larrie. I wear my apron when I present art and craft tutorials on the internet, and it has become a colourful signal to my viewers that they are in a creative safe space – a space free from judgment and intimidation. Trying a new means of self expression can be daunting, especially for adults who are often prescribed to a more muted routine. My goal is to share new ways…

READYTOSEW The designer behind your new favourite comfy dungarees (p44) is French fashion designer Raphaëlle Bonamy. Readytosew’s patterns are minimalist and easy, making the process enjoyable and leaving you garments you’ll love to wear. TAMMY HANDMADE Tammy loves wearing clothing that feels free and floaty, and that’s easy to see with her lovely Anita Cami pattern (p60) included with this issue. This wardrobe staple is putting sunny days with easy outfits and plenty of time outdoors in our minds. ATIA AZMI Sewist and content creator Atia of the Bright Blooms makes the most gorgeous, colourful clothes. This month, Atia is reviewing Atelier Jupe’s Solange wrap dress for us (p26), and we’re so excited to show you her take on this elegant summer pattern. MISTER DOMESTIC Mister Domestic’s Instagram is pure,…

Founded in 2015 by sisters Petra and Eva, Atelier Jupe is a Belgian fabric and pattern company which focuses on creating elegant and feminine designs for the modern sewist. From vibrant florals to contemporary monochromes, their fabric and pattern selection complement each other perfectly. Search Atelier Jupe’s new fabric and pattern ranges online at atelierjupe.com. As a treat for Simply Sewing readers, Atelier Jupe is offering 20% off of all PDF patterns using code SIMPLYSEWING20. This offer is valid until 14 May 2022. Happy shopping!…

TAKE A BREAK Breaks are the most important feature of pacing, and we all know how easy it is to get lost in a project. It can seem like everyone is quickly making things, and sometimes it can feel like you are being left behind. When I talk about my slow-paced activity, I have received messages from people who appreciate that slowing down is being normalised. It is a skill that anyone could benefit from, especially those who are short on spare time. You would be surprised at how much can be achieved by pacing activities. BATCH SEWING Read through the sewing instructions and batch together certain tasks such as preparing and sewing a collar. I may rearrange the order of operations to avoid unnecessary movement. If step 1, 10…

I revelled in having unique clothes, and the power to make something special out of scraps. I love unusual trims and special bits and bobs you won’t find on ready-to-wear clothes. Although I don’t remember learning to sew, I do have vivid memories of childhood projects and shopping trips: selecting remnants from the local fabric shop; dipping my hand into a tub of sequins and stitching them onto felt ornaments; the sensation of ‘grown up’ scissors easily cutting through salmon-coloured faux fur. These recollections guide my material choices to this day. I’ve always been drawn to bright colours, rich textures and embellishment, and through sewing I can incorporate these into my everyday life. My earliest sewing projects were stuffed animals and patchwork throw pillows to decorate my bedroom, but before…

This simple cami from Tammy Handmade (tammyhandmade.com) looks anything but basic when sewn up in a vibrant print! The floaty bodice and thin straps make this comfortable and easy to slip on and wear too, even on the warmest days! Sew a couple of these in different fabrics to wear with skinny jeans, a maxi skirt, high-waisted shorts or even over a plain T-shirt – whatever you pair it with the Anita Camisole will suit, giving you an effortlessly stylish summer outfit. This is an easy-sew project, but with the addition of French seams you’ll also have a chance to boost your sewing skills. If you need a little help, you can follow the sewalong on YouTube – search for ‘Anita Camisole Pattern Sew-along Tutorial’. Be sure to share your…

1 BROWSE HASHTAGS See a pattern you like? Follow the pattern’s hashtag to see what other makers are doing with the pattern and get inspired. 2 CHALLENGE YOURSELF Join in with a sewing community challenge like #MeMadeMay and chat and share with other makers. 3 JOIN SEWALONGS Join a free online sewalong, hosted by a pattern designer or a brand. Sew Over It and Tilly and the Buttons run lots of these. 4 WEEKLY READ Follow The Fold Line’s blog for pattern releases and sewing chat, including tips to recreate TV and high-street looks.…