Innehållsförteckning för Issue 115 från Simply Sewing

Crisp mornings and colder days are here and what better way to spend a dark evening than hunkering down indoors sewing up a stylish coat to keep you warm for the months ahead. The Cindy Coat features a relaxed waist tie, which means there’s no fiddly fastenings to sew. Choose between a casual oversized hood or a more sophisticated and classic collar, plus handy patch pockets. There’s also The Ruby Wrap Top which can be easily dressed-up for festive gatherings, and a cute party dress for the younger members of your family. Plus, several self-draft projects, a glittery reindeer toy and heaps of last-minute stocking fillers to sew. Happy holidays! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

MODERN-DAY JANE EYRE Maison Fauve, a chic French sewing patterns brand has launched its Autumn/Winter collection, Fauvae Botanica − inspired by the idea of mystery and timelessness of a secret garden. The collection is perfect for a modern-day Jane Eyre − patterns and fabrics that bring both comfort and elegance. The Soliflore Dress and Blouse is a streamlined straight cut, belted at the waist, and a front slit to add a touch of femininity. Pattern can be for a dress or blouse, with or without a collar. Browse at maison-fauve.co.uk STRIKE A POSE The latest new issue Vogue patterns have dropped and we are big fans of the Misses's loose-fitting jacket and wide-leg trousers (V1960). Sew them both for a stylish suit or mix and match for a more casual…

For as long as I can remember, sewing has been a huge part of my life, bringing immense joy and fulfilment. My love for sewing traces back to childhood, inspired by my talented mother's skilled hands. She dedicated hours to crafting lots of beautiful garments for my sisters and I, displaying sewing skills that still amaze me. What captivates me most about sewing is the capacity for self-expression. With each piece of fabric and every stitch, I don't only create clothing; I showcase my personality, my style, and my preferences. From fabric selection to patterns and thread colours, sewing empowers me to dress precisely as I envision. It's a declaration of my identity. SUSTAINABLE CHOICE Sewing holds a special place in my heart due to its eco-friendly and sustainable nature.…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Wool felt: 70x70cm, turquoise■ Stranded cotton: 1 skein each of brown, orange, dark peach, light peach, light pink and white■ All-purpose machine thread: dark green, mid green, light green, mustard and turquoise■ Bias binding: 60cm■ Baking paper■ Basic embroidery kit STITCHES USED ■ Couching Stitch, French Knots, Satin Stitch, Straight Stitch CREATING THE PATTERN Step one Lay your hot water bottle on your baking paper then draw around it. Then, draw a second line, 2cm away from the first, around the neck of the bottle. Draw a further line around this whole new shape 2cm away from the outermost lines already on the paper. Now, cut the shape out. Step two Cut out two more identical paper shapes from your baking paper. Cut the first one…

GLASSES CASE YOU WILL NEED ■ Outer fabric: 20x40cm■ Lining fabric: 20x40cm■ Iron-on fusible fleece: 20x40cm■ Snap fastener■ Egg cup, for rounding corners■ Erasable fabric marker■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED ■ The fabrics used are from the Faraway Places collection by Elizabeth Olwen for Cloud9 Fabrics.■ Llama Life, Mustard. Ref: 207702. Lookout. Ref: 207901. Woven Tales. Ref: 207801. For stockists visit hantexonline.co.uk NOTES ■ Use a 1cm seam allowance.■ We used a snap fastener to close our glasses case, but a magnetic fastener or hook could also be used. CUTTING OUT Step one From the outer fabric cut: Case back: one 16x18cm. Case front: one 10x18cm. Step two Press the iron-on fleece onto the wrong side (WS) of the lining fabric, then cut: Case back lining: one…

The Ruby Wrap Top is a gorgeous garment that captures the essence of the festive season. Its vibrant and deep ruby red colour excudes elegance and adds a touch of festive cheer to any outfit. The fabric drapes beautifully giving it a sophisticated look. The wrap style of the top creates a flattering V-neckline accentuating the wearer's collarbone and adding a touch of allure. Whether paired with skirt or trousers, The Ruby Wrap Top is the perfect choice for any festive gathering, adding a pop of colour and a touch of glamour to your festive wardrobe. YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 2.5mx140cm for all sizes■ Stay tape (optional, see instructions for details)■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Use a 1.5cm (⅝in) seam allowance unless otherwise stated. FABRIC…

DRAFT YOUR OWN! YOU WILL NEED ■ Sequin fabric, 1m■ Bias binding, 1m■ Thin elastic, 5cm and small button/hook and eye■ Marker pen■ Basic sewing kit Jazz up a Little Black Dress or your go-to jeans and top combo with this amazing party cape. It’s made using a drop sequin fabric with sparkles that hang freely, giving lots of shimmery movement – ideal for throwing shapes this New Year's Eve. We’re loving the Gatsby gold tone, but you could opt for space-age silver, or even iridescent mermaid hues. And, as you’ll only need one metre of shimmering fabric for this make, it’s cheaper than hitting the high street. TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS Step one Measure around your neck and add 15cm to this measurement – this will be the neck circumference.…

DRAFT YOUR OWN! YOU WILL NEED ■ Lightweight knitwear■ Cutting Mat■ Quilting Ruler■ Rotary cutter■ 15mm Vlieseline 2 way Stay tape (https://www.sewessential.co.uk/vlieseline-vilene-flexible-seam-stay-tape-15mm-wide-black)■ Stretch needles■ Basic sewing kit NOTES This is a no-pattern/self-draft project. We recommend using knitwear that is tightly knit and all of a similar light-medium weight. If possible, make all cuts with a rotary cutter, then stabilise the cut edges and sew together, with as little handling of fabric between stages as possible. Until the cut edges of your knit fabric are stabilised, they are prone to curling and stretching out of shape and must be handled with care. All seam allowances are approx 1cm in order to land within the stabilised area of the fabric edge PREP THE PIECES Step one Start by using a rotary cutter…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Pink glitter plush fabric 65x32cm■ White plush fabric 33x12cm■ White rose cuddle plush 21x20cm■ Beige plush fabric 26x12cm■ Grey plush fabric 37x18cm■ Grey wool felt 4x4cm■ Black wool felt 3x3cm■ Black stranded cotton■ White stranded cotton■ Length of ribbon 60cm■ Polyester toy filling 200g■ Basic sewing kit FINISHED SIZE ■ Approximately 54cm tall FABRICS USED ■ Sparkle Cuddle Plush in Blush and Silver, Solid Cuddle Plush in White, Sand and Steel and Rose Cuddle in Snow White all by Shannon Fabrics. NOTES ■ Find the templates on page 85 or download and print from gathered.how/ss-templates.■ Fabric measurements are given width first, then height.■ Arrows on templates indicate direction of plush fabric pile. Note that fabric pile runs upwards on the Antler and Ear pieces. CUTTING OUT…

MY FAVOURITE THING I taught myself how to sew out of a desire to make Halloween costumes, but I just kept going, challenging myself by following commercial patterns, and then by altering patterns. I started out my career as an English teacher, but when I decided to go back to school to become an Economics teacher, I took a few professional sewing classes to round out my skills, and that’s where the pattern drafting and altering really clicked with me. My favourite make, at the moment, is a rust red corduroy jacket. It took me a long time to work up the courage to cut into this fabric, because I wasn’t sure if I was ready to make it to the high standards in my mind. As I tell my…

DESIGNED BY DRESS PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x1■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric*: 1.2mx140cm■ Lining fabric: 1mx140cm■ Contrast fabric for collar and sash: 40x100cm■ Matching plain zip: 30cm: sizes 6-18m and 18m-3yrs 36cm: sizes 3-5yrs and 5-7yrs■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ You will need to add 1cm seam allowance around all edges (except where a folded edge is indicated) before cutting out■ If you are using a border print which runs along the selvedge of the skirt, allow approx. 75cm if the border is at both edges, or 150cm if not■ *1m fabric for the dress is sufficient if using a plain or print fabric■ We recommend making a toile before cutting into your chosen fabric SUGGESTED FABRICS ■ Main fabric: Light/medium-weight cotton…

As I write this letter, to mark the last month of the year, the Simply Sewingoffice is a joy with discussions of Christmas traditions and resolutions for the new year. Mine? To sew more for others. I've long been a selfish sewer (who has the time for anything else, right?), but I'm going to try really hard to make some handmade gifts this year. My little girls will love the dressing-up set on page 29, and I'm sure my friends would appreciate a nice pamper with the cosmetics set on page 39. But... the New Year hasn't quite begun so I might squeeze in one last make for me. I've got my eye on the glitzy sequin cape! See you on the dancefloor...…

JACKET AND SKIRT Biker jackets aren’t just for leather, as this double-breasted design from Mimi G for Simplicity proves. We love this two-piece set, which includes patterns for both a slim-fitting buttoned skirt and a matching cropped jacket with princess seams, zip-close pockets, snapped lapel and epaulettes. sewdirect.com PATTERN INSPIRATION Get stitching with our pick of the best patterns that’ll look wonderful in woollens. 1 VIPÈRE JUMPSUIT AND DRESS Jumpsuits are definitely having a moment right now and we love it! This design can be made up as both a jumpsuit and a dress, featuring key details such as the designer's signature pocket and dart work, a scooped neckline, and button-tab shoulders. Make it up in lightweight linen for a summertime vibe or thicker woollens for a cosier feel. maison-fauve.co.uk…

TIP: Download the templates for the star and crown from gathered.how/ss-templates DRESS UP SET YOU WILL NEED FOR THE CROWN ■ Fusible fleece, 38x10cm■ Fusible interfacing, 2 x 40.5x12.5cm■ Plain fabric, 40.5x12.5cm■ Patterned fabric, 40.5x12.5cm■ Silver embroidery thread■ Ribbon, 1m■ Erasable fabric marker FOR THE TUTU ■ Tulle fabric, approx. 3m■ Elastic, approx. 1mx4cm wide■ Silver ribbon FOR THE WAND ■ Two pieces of pink fabric, 20x20cm■ Erasable fabric marker■ Pink embroidery thread■ Silver embroidery thread■ Embroidery hoop■ Embroidery needle■ Soft toy filling■ Wooden dowel, 30cm■ Silver acrylic paint■ Fabric glue■ Selection of ribbons FOR THE CROWN Step one Cut out the crown shape from fusible fleece using the template. Step two Draw the crown template onto the wrong side (WS) of the plain fabric. Step three Mark small star…

BOW TIES BOW TIES YOU WILL NEED ■ Used garment to refashion such as a shirt or blouse■ Bow tie clasp with slider: 19mm■ Iron-on interfacing■ Loop turner or chopstick■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric cut: Main Bow: Two 25x14cm Bow Centre: 4x8cm Neck Strap: 5x55cm Step two From the interfacing cut: Main Bow Interfacing: Two 25x14cm Bow Centre Interfacing: 4x8cm MAKING THE BOW TIE Step one Press the Main Bow Interfacing to the wrong side (WS) of the Main Bow fabric, ensuring glue side is facing the fabric. Repeat with the Bow Centre and corresponding interfacing piece. Step two Take one of the Main Bow pieces and measure the centre point on each short end.…

“When I think about how crafting makes me feel, I always come back to the word ‘meraki’, which means to ‘do something with soul, creativity, or love; to put something of yourself into your work. Seeing your idea become a piece of art you can hold in your hands is another level of happiness and achievement. I take a lot of inspiration from mindfulness – my workspace is full of postcards and pieces of art that have positive mantras on them. Creativity is contagious. That’s why I chose the quote that I did for the design.” TIP: Download this embroidery template for this design at gathered.how/ss-templates Embroidery artist Jessie Newton always loved crafting, but fell in love with embroidery during her time at university Follow her on Instagram@thewilddoe.uk…

Create a stand-out Christmas jumper that is sure to spread festive cheer whenever you are wearing it. Whether it's to a cosy family gathering or a lively office party, your embroidered jumper is sure to turn heads and spark conversation! Originally featured in Love Embroidery, this gorgeous project by Christine Leech shows you how to embellish a plain garment with contrasting thread, sequins, and beads. You can find the full step-by-step tutorial in issue 46, available to purchase as a back issue from gathered.how/love-embroidery.…

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…

COAT A COAT B PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheets x2■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ OPTION A Sizes 6-18: 3m of 140cm-wide fabric. Sizes 20-30: 3.5m of 140cm-wide fabric.■ OPTION B Sizes 6-18: 2.8m of 140cm-wide fabric.Sizes 20-30: 3.5m of 150cm-wide fabric.■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC SUGGESTIONS ■ Boiled wool is ideal as it does not fray and has a double-sided effect. You could also use felts, wools, jacquard or heavy weight knits. FINISHED BACK LENGTHS ■ Option A: Approx. 95cm■ Option B: Approx. 74cm BODY MEASUREMENTS © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Pattern by Becky Perry (Pattern Paper Scissors) for Prima UK, March 2023. Supplied by Our Media Ltd, Bristol, BS1 4ST. For individual, private use only and not for commercial or manufacturing purposes.…

ADAKU PARKER Adaku runs her own African wax print fashion and sewing shop, Dovetailed, and has just written her first book Sewing for Children with African Wax Print Fabric. Browse for fabrics at dovetailed.co.uk and try out her skirt tutorial on page 43. DAVID BLAESER David is a textile artist and Home Economics teacher who lives in Vancouver, Canada, with his husband and little black cat. Find out what inspires his sewing and read all about his favourite make on page 90. AARONICA COLE Plus-sized, projector sewist, teacher and pattern designer Aaronica Cole shares how the gift of a sewing machine set her life on a very different path and how she was inspired to sew her own clothes. You will find her story on page 56. FAIYZA ABDULLAH Faiyza…

PSST: Turn the page for fabric and styling inspiration. Share your Cindy Coat with us using #SimplySewingMag This issue's cover star is an easy-to-wear woollen coat that will keep you wrapped up in warmth and at the height of fashion during the cold winter months. This coat is unlined so is a simpler make than a lined one. You can choose to make it longer for a warmer coat or opt for the shorter version for a more casual look. This coat features a waist tie for easy closure and handy patch pockets for your phone and keys! YOU WILL NEED ■ OPTION A Sizes 6-18: 3m of 140cm-wide fabric Sizes 20-30: 3.5m of 140cm-wide fabric. ■ OPTION B Sizes 6-18: 2.8m of 140cm-wide fabric. Sizes 20-30: 3.5m of 150cm-wide…

HAIR BOBBLES YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 45x25cm■ Elastic: 12mm width x 20cm■ Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED ■ The fabrics used are from the Les Petits collection by Amy Sinibaldi for Art Gallery Fabrics.■ Petits Strokes, Coral. Ref: AGFLEP810; Petits Strokes, Sun. Ref: AGFLEP813; Petits Checks, Sky. Ref: AGFLEP913. ■ For stockists visit hantex co.uk/agf NOTES ■ Use a 1cm seam allowance.■ Download the templates needed from gathered.how/ss-templates CUTTING OUT Step one Cut the fabric as follows: Band: 7x40cm. Bow: two 7x28cm. MAKING THE BAND AND BOW Step one Fold the band strip in half lengthways with right sides (RS) facing and sew the long edge together leaving 4cm unsewn at both ends. Step two Cut out the bow template then draw around it on the centre of…

CLEANSING SET CLEANSING SET YOU WILL NEED ■ 50cm of linen (Fabric 1)■ 50cm of cotton flannel (Fabric 2)■ Selvedge offcuts■ 20cm cotton tape (optional) MAKE-UP ROUNDS Step one Using a stencil (like a large lid), draw and cut out 10 circles on both Fabric 1 and 2. Step two Pin one round of each fabric together and sew around the edge using zigzag stitch. Trim the fabric as close to the stitches as possible. 01 FRINGED FACE CLOTH Step one Cut 3x25cm strips from the Fabric 2 selvedge offcuts. Step two Sew each strip on top of the other, overlapping by 1cm and aligning the selvedge fringe with the previous line of stitches. Repeat until the cloth measures 25cm square. 02 Step three From Fabric 1, cut a 25x25cm…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric—see step 1 for amount required■ Matching sewing thread■ 24in (61cm) of 1in (2.5cm) wide elastic■ Safety pin■ Sewing kit NOTES ■ All seam allowances are ⅜in (1cm) unless otherwise stated. This is a no-pattern project. Simply measure the child’s waist circumference, decide how long you would like the skirt to be, and plot those measurements into the calculations below to work out how much fabric you will need. The width of each tier ranges from 1.5 times to 2 times the waist measurement, to create the gathered effect. Tier 1 is longer than the other two tiers because this tier includes the waistband. CREATING THE PATTERN Step one To calculate the length and width of each skirt tier: TIER 1: Width = 1.5 x waist…

WORKSHOP Most woven tops and dresses are finished at the neckline with a facing, if they are not lined. As facings have one free edge that is not joined as part of a seam, we need to finish this edge to ensure it doesn’t fray when the garment is washed. There are multiple ways to finish facings but here are my top five favourites for you to try at home. In this month’s workshop, Simply Sewing’s Technical Editor, Sarah Taylor, shows us five different ways to finish facings in our garments. YOU WILL NEED ■ Your pattern pieces■ Interfacing■ Pinking shears■ Bias binding■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit PINKED EDGE The first method is perhaps the most simple method, requiring nothing more than a pair of pinking shears. Pinking shears…

Create some festive joy with this adorable party dress designed by Kirsty Hartley of Wild Things Dresses (wildthingsdresses.com). Easy for a little one to slip over the head, this fully-lined cute dress has capped sleeves, zips up at the back and is sewn to a practical length to party in! Sew it in your choice of light-weight cotton or cotton sateen with a contrasting collar and sash − a perfect gift for special occasions. YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric*: 1.2mx140cm■ Lining fabric: 1mx140cm■ Collar and sash: 40x100cm■ Matching plain zip: 30cm: sizes 6-18m and 18m-3yrs 36cm: sizes 3-5yrs and 5-7yrs■ Matching thread NOTES ■ You will need to add 1cm seam allowance around all edges (except where a folded edge is indicated) before cutting out■ If you are using…

No20 MUG SLEEVE YOU WILL NEED ■ Wool Felt - 21x30cm■ Light-coloured fabric scrap - about 10x10cm■ Fabric scraps■ Paper-Backed fusible web■ Vanishing ink embroidery marker■ Stranded cotton (we used DMC 309, 435, 728, and 838)■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ This project is hand-sewn, but you can machine sew the patches and edges if you wish.■ Use three strands of stranded cotton throughout the project.■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates PREPARE THE PIECES Step one Iron the fusible web to the back of your fabric scraps. Peel off the paper backing. 01 Step two Trace the reindeer embroidery pattern onto the light-coloured fabric scrap. Step three Cut out two coffee cuff pieces from the wool felt. Trim around the fabric scraps with pinking shears to make little patch shapes.…