Innehållsförteckning för Issue 112 från Simply Sewing

As the busy summer holidays draw to a close we’re taking time to slow down, reminisce and look forward to the seasonal changes ahead. Autumn leaves might not be gracing the ground just yet, but we’re adjusting our wardrobes in preparation with multi-wear garments. The Farah Set, with a tunic-style silhouette, ticks all the boxes for a comfortable any-occasion dress. The Vita Blouse, with five different options to sew, is a quick and satisfying weekend make. And The Beach Bag is guaranteed to become a much-loved essential for family days out. Plenty of room for all the rain coats! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

When Jenny Rushmore set up Cashmerette, she wanted to help make the sewing world a more inclusive space for curvy sewists. “Learning to sew transformed my body image,” she explains. “My life’s passion is helping others experience the same transformative effect of sewing clothes that fit you beautifully.” Her virtual sewing club is all about setting you up for success with monthly patterns in sizes 0-32 and cup sizes C-H, as well as teaching you the skills to achieve a fabulous fit. Jenny is offering, exclusively to Simply Sewing readers, a chance to get everything that Cashmerette Club has to offer with three All Access memberships, worth approx. £140 ($180) each, up for grabs. Visit cashmerette.com/club to find out more about the extensive benefits that come with a Cashmerette Club…

PSST: Turn the page for fabric and styling inspiration. Share your Farah Dress with us using #SimplySewingMag. This dress puts the ‘star’ in ‘cover star’! The Farah Dress Set is a classic smock design and we can’t get enough of it! Not only is it effortlessly stylish and wonderfully comfortable, it’s also a simple sew that can bridge that sometimes tricky crossover period between the seasons. For end-of-summer weddings and late evenings making the most of the light nights, pop on a pair of wedges and a lightweight jacket and you’re ready to go. And for those soon-to-come breezy days walking leaf-littered paths, layer up with a cardigan and a pair of tights for an outfit you can trust to make you feel good. Get creative with this pattern and…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 1m medium weight cotton or linen fabric (Fabric one) ■ 1m medium weight cotton or linen fabric (Fabric two) ■ Medium-weight fusible interfacing ■ Matching thread ■ Loop turner or safety pin ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Try using a heavier canvas or denim for a more hardwearing option CUTTING OUT Step one From Fabric One cut:Bag outer: Two 42x42cm fabricStrap outer: Two 60x5cm fabric Step two From Fabric Two cut:Bag lining: Two 42x42cm fabric Strap lining: Two 60x5cm fabric Step three From Interfacing cut: Two 42x42cm 01 PREPARING Step one Thread your sewing machine so the top thread matches the outer bag fabric and the bobbin thread matches the lining. Step two Iron the fusible interfacing onto the wrong side (WS) of the lining…

PSST: Share your makes with us using #SimplySewingMag and tag @_beletoile_ With so many options to choose from, you’ll definitely be adding more than one Vita Blouse to your wardrobe! Designed by Bel'Etoile (beletoile.com) this pattern is also available in child and teen sizes, so why not make a Vita for your mini me, too! YOU WILL NEED Main fabric, 140cm wide ■ All options:Sizes 8–14: 1.6m Size 16: 1.7mSizes 18–22: 1.8mSizes 24–28: 1.9m ■ Interfacing: 35x150cm ■ Elastic, 4cm wide:Size 8: 82cmSize 10: 86cmSize 12: 90cm Size 14: 94cmSize 16: 98cmSize 18: 102cmSize 20: 106cmSize 22: 110cmSize 24: 116cmSize 26: 122cmSize 28: 128cm■ Matching thread RECOMMENDED FABRICS ■ Soft fabrics with a nice drape, such as cotton lawn, Tencel, double gauze, viscose, silk, crêpe fabrics and any with a…

MY FAVOURITE THING “I’m a self-taught sewist (via my Mum, YouTube and Instagram reels!) and I started off making the odd cushion or bag. Clothes patterns scared me at first, but then I became inspired by the indie designers I was seeing on Instagram who were making trendy patterns, so I thought I'd give it a go. Now I'm obsessed! “I like to repurpose natural vintage textiles and try to source deadstock fabrics as much as possible for my makes. I have quite diverse taste when it comes to sewing styles; on the one hand I love oversized, casual styles in earthy colours and on the other I love tight, skimpy tops in sequins and neon! “I think it's because I am a DJ so I get a lot of…

AIMS WATTS Aims owns Indy Bindy Fabrics - specialising in independent designer fabrics from Japan. Aims also hosts the Indy Bindy Sewciety, where she fosters creativity through monthly classes and live calls. Sew Aims’ ruffle maxi skirt on page 68. FREYA GILBERT Freya is co-owner and workshop coordinator at Crafty Sew & So. As well as teaching award-winning beginner sewing and craft workshops, Freya develops sewing patterns and kits for the brand. Try out Freya’s self-draft pinafore dress on page 44. BIANCA SPRINGER Sewist, textile tutor and author of new book ‘Represent! Embroidery’ (out September 2023), Bianca Springer is no stranger to the powers of needle and thread. Read more about Bianca’s work on in our exclusive interview on page 60. ISABEL LAENEN Isabel, the woman behind the Bel’Etoile pattern…

Looking for your next dress project? You could try Simplicity 9740 sewing pattern, the Misses' Knit Dress in 2 Lengths by Mimi G Style (left). Or if you’re looking for something cosy to wear, try Simplicity 9644, a retro inspired knit dress with keyhole cutout (bottom right). Save 25% on all these dresses (and more!) by using the exclusive code SS112 at checkout. You’ll get 25% off all the pattern brands available at sewdirect.com. Whether that's Simplicity, McCall’s, Know Me, Butterick, Vogue, New Look or Burda − you’re guaranteed to find your next project! Offer expires 23:59 08/10/2023. Available on all items in the dresses category at sewdirect.com/product-category/category/dress-patterns/. P&P charges will apply unless your basket qualifies for free shipping. SCAN ME to shop! Terms and conditions Checkout with your voucher…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 1.25m of heavy cotton fabric, i.e. canvas, denim or corduroy (see notes for details) ■ 2m bias binding ■ Ruler/tape measure and marking tool ■ Loop turner ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Use a 1.5cm seam allowance unless otherwise stated. ■ You may need more or less fabric depending on your measurements and your preferred length and fit. MATERIALS USED ■ Denim 9oz Stretch Colourful Gingham from sewmesunshine.co.uk. CUTTING OUT Step one Measure your hips at their widest point. Divide this in half and add 14cm – this is the width of the front and back pattern pieces, including ease and seam allowance. The length will be 87cm for an above-the-knee fit, but you can adjust the length to suit your style.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 3m drapey fabric (ours was designer deadstock Viscose Marocaine from www.rainbowfabrics.co.uk) ■ Plush waistband elastic ■ Ruler ■ Chalk ■ Pencil ■ Pattern paper ■ Trouser sewing pattern (or garment) that fits you (choose relaxed or loose fit) ■ Overlocker (optional) ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES Before you start: ■ Cut waistband elastic to size - it must stretch enough to go over your hips and sit comfortably but securely around your waist ■ Measure from waist to ankle and add 5cm to give (L ■ Measure the total circumference of your hips (H) at the fullest part; decide how much ease/fullness (E) you want (we added 20cm), then make the following calculation: ■ (H + E) ÷ 2 = half hip (HH) This patternless project…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric, see notes for details■ Iron-on interfacing, see notes for details■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ If drafting the pattern directly onto fabric, be sure to note down your measurements so you can make the skirt again!■ The amount of fabric and interfacing required will depend on your measurements..■ An alternative way to hem the skirt is to do a rolled hem on a serger or on a sewing machine. This is particularly suitable for lightweight fabrics.■ If you’re not sure what length you want, go longer. You can always shorten it later. SUGGESTED FABRICS ■ Light- to mid-weight woven fabrics. Aims used a mid-weight cotton to give the skirt some structure – the Loquat fabric in turquoise from her shop, indybindy.com.au MEASURING…

SIZES 8–28 (US 4–24/EUR 32–52) PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheets x1 ■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED Main fabric, 140cm wide ■ All options: Sizes 8–14: 1.6m Size 16: 1.7m Sizes 18–22: 1.8m Sizes 24–28: 1.9m ■ Interfacing: 35x150cm ■ Elastic, 4cm wide: Size 8: 82cm Size 10: 86cm Size 12: 90cm Size 14: 94cm Size 16: 98cm Size 18: 102cm Size 20: 106cm Size 22: 110cm Size 24: 116cm Size 26: 122cm Size 28: 128cm ■ Matching thread RECOMMENDED FABRICS ■ We recommend using soft fabrics with a nice drape, such as cotton lawn, Tencel, double gauze, viscose, silk and crêpe fabrics. You can also use fabrics with a low stretch percentage. FINISHED BACK LENGTHS ■ All versions: approximately 62cm SEAM ALLOWANCE ■ Seam allowance will need to be…

MADE TO MEASURE If there's one thing we love more than dressmaking, it's combining dressmaking with other sewing skills – embroidery, quilting, you name it. Elisalex Jewell of By Hand London must have been thinking of us when she designed the beautiful gathered patchwork skirt from her hotly anticipated new book, Made to Measure. You'll also find dresses, jumpsuits, trousers and more, all combined with a wealth of knowledge to help you draft and sew your own wardrobe with confidence. byhandlondon.com TWICE AS NICE Introducing two of our new friends! Emily and Keira are the new kids on the block from the team at Sew Over It. A multi-variation cami and structured shorts, this delightful duo are sure to feature heavily in your summer wardrobe for the longrun. sewoverit.com SLEEK…

THIS MONTH... HARMONIC TOP & SKIRT SET This cleverly-constructed set from Pattern Fantastique was designed as a tribute to flag symbology and 70's disco glam, with separate top and skirt pieces to maximise wardrobe possibilities. The set features a circular keyhole neckline, balloon sleeves with a faux-shirred cuff, optional contrast facings and pockets! MIX & MATCH Make a top and skirt set to maximise outfit opportunities FAKE IT UNTIL YOU MAKE IT Faux-shirred details at the waistline and cuff add extra detail PATTERN INSPIRATION Make a scene with our pick of the best patterns featuring statement sleeves. 1 PEONY DRESS One of our favourite online sewing shops, Fabric Godmother, has ventured into pattern design – and we couldn’t be happier! Peony is the perfect dress-up-or-down frock, with cleverly placed darts,…

Whether you're a complete bag-making newbie or a seasoned stitcher looking for a project to round-up your summer, The Beach Bag is a really satisfying sew. This oversized bag has two handy pockets at the front, a durable strap and a waterproof lining... perfect for a busy day at the beach! Bag-designer Lauren Holloway (see more of her makes on p13) has made this design exclusively as a gift for Simply Sewing readers this month, but you can shop more of her patterns at laurenholloway.uk. Share your finished makes #SimplySewingMag…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cotton Leggings ■ Stranded cotton: 1 skein of white ■ Adhesive water-soluble stabiliser ■ Embroidery Needle ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Visit gathered.how for embroidery stitch guidance. ■ We use white to contrast with our dark coloured leggings, but you could switch to black stranded cotton if your leggings are pale. ■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates Prewash your leggings to prevent any pigment transferring from the fabric to the thread in future washes. Allow to dry fully before embroidering. TRANSFERRING THE DESIGN Step one Print or trace the paper airplane pattern onto the water-soluble stabiliser. Stretch the ankle area of the leggings a little bit. If possible, try them on to check for where you want to place the embroidery. Peel and stick the…

For garment maker and embroiderer Bianca Springer (@thanksimadethem), her riskiest move so far hasn't been taking a bet on a funky fabric or leaving a job to pursue a passion: it’s advocating for her rightful place in an industry that has much to learn when it comes to genuine diversity. "I am at the point in my creative journey where I have learned from being taken advantage of, used, and exploited for my talents. The biggest risks I take happen when I confront the problems I see in the industry.” Speaking up for real representation has jeopardised opportunities in almost every element of her career: “I have had brands seek to partner with me, but only in February to highlight Black History Month. When I ask to be featured in…

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…

PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x1 ■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 1.2m ■ Lining fabric: 1.2m ■ Natural round wooden O rings, 70mm: two ■ Matching sewing thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm FABRICS USED: ■ Pinball interior striped fabric, thestripescompany.com ■ Minerva Core Range heavy water resistant fabric in Turquoise, minerva.com RECOMMENDED FABRIC ■ Hardwearing canvas, waxed cotton, cotton drill or water-resistant fabric Lauren Holloway runs her own slow fashion and accessories brand. Find out more at laurenholloway.uk. © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Design by Lauren Holloway. Supplied by Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company), Bristol, BS1 4ST. For individual, private use only and not for commercial or manufacturing purposes. Not for resale. WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING YOU WILL…

SIZES 6-30 (US 4–28/EUR 34–58) DRESS A DRESS B PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheets x2 ■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED Main fabric, 140cm wide: ■ Dress A Sizes 6–18: 2.7m Sizes 20–30: 3.3m ■ Dress B Sizes 6–18: 3.3m Sizes 20–30: 3.9m ■ Matching thread ■ Lightweight iron-on interfacing: 50x150cm RECOMMENDED FABRICS ■ Viscose, cotton lawn, double gauze, broderie anglaise or linen FINISHED BACK LENGTHS ■ Dress A: approximately 93.5cm ■ Dress B: approximately 113cm BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Pattern by Becky Perry (Pattern Paper Scissors) for Prima UK, 2022. Supplied by Our Media Ltd (an Immediate Group Company), Bristol BS1 4ST. For individual, private use only and not for commercial or manufacturing purposes. Not for resale. CUTTING LAYOUTS NOTE: Pattern pieces…