Innehållsförteckning för Issue 139 från Simply Sewing

Autumn is here and we couldn’t be more excited for cosy days, perfect to get sewing! This month, our cover star, The Josefina Dress, is a beautiful shirt dress that you’ll love to wear all year-long. Turn to page 22 for inspiration on how to style it! Get in the Halloween spirit by sewing the cutest little pumpkin costume for children with our patternless project on page 61, and learn how to embroider the most adorable little ghosts on page 65. Turn to page 56 to read and learn about what sewing is like for people with different disabilities. And it’s never too early to get excited for Christmas, so turn to page 28 to find six beginner-friendly makes for the festive season! Don’t forget to share your makes on…

BONUS DIGITAL DOWNLOAD If you're not already subscribed to our newsletter, it's never too late to start! This month, by subscribing to our newsletter, you'll get a bonus digital guide to download, filled with 15 easy sewing projects perfect for the festive season! Sew yourself some beautiful, nifty and cute decor this Christmas, or even better yet, gift them to your loved ones. In this guide, find lots of projects from decoration, to homewares, to give from kids, family and even pets! Sign up now at try.simplysewingmag.com/bonus-gift KEEP IT MOVING It's time to think about your inner child and create a dress that has the perfect twirl! The Delft Dress sewing pattern by Madswick, is a fun and unique dress that will make you feel simply amazing. Get your sewing…

WINTERTHUR JACKET Stay warm and cosy whatever the weather in this gorgeous utility jacket from Itch To Stitch. This contemporary pattern is fully lined and features front princess seams to the shoulders, a back yoke, drawstring waist, front patch and optional chest pockets, a front zip with a buttoned flap, and options for a collar or three-piece hood. It also includes multiple cup sizes, making it easy to achieve a perfect fit all over. itch-to-stitch.com PATTERN INSPIRATION Stay stylish come rain or shine with our pick of the best raincoat patterns. 1 ORATGE CAPE This long, one-size-fits-many cape from Pauline Alice is perfect for blustery walks on the beach. Fully lined, it features a collar, removable hood, snap buttons at the front and sides, welt pockets on the outside, and…

BOW DECORATION YOU WILL NEED Pattern cotton fabric: 60x40cm Optional safety pin Small piece of string or ribbon NOTES Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT one From the main fabric, cut: Body piece: 43x18cm. Legs piece: 52x18cm. Centre piece: 8x10cm. Set the centre piece aside. 01 MAKING THE BOW Step one Fold the Body piece in half so that its long edges meet, right side (RS) in, and pin. Sew along the long edge only. Step two Fold the legs piece in half in the same way. Before sewing, mark a point from one of the corners, 9cm along one of the long sides. Draw a line from the opposite corner of the short edge you started at, ending at the point you marked. Repeat at the…

YOU WILL NEED 70cm woven fabric (size 10-12 – more required for larger sizes) 2m narrow bias binding (size 10-12 – more required for larger sizes) Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 1.5cm, unless otherwise stated. SUGGESTED FABRICS Light to medium woven fabrics, such as cotton or linen. MEASUREMENTS DRAFTING INSTRUCTIONS Step one Draw a base rectangle: Width = ¼ of high hip + 1cm ease Length = High Neck Point to Waist + 15cm Step two Mark the right side of the rectangle as the centre line (CF and CB). These centre lines will also be the grainline for each piece. 01 DRAFT THE FRONT NECKLINE Step one Starting from the top right corner of the base rectangle, measure towards the left, the ½ Across Back…

Time to sew your next wardrobe staple! The Kayla Wrap Top is fashionable as well as comfortable, with hints of elegance. The elasticated bishop sleeves add to the flow and movement of the top. Create this top with luxe cottons, and it'll become your softest garment yet! The soft cotton also allows for movement, so that you don't feel restricted in your top. The Kayla Wrap Top is the perfect garment to elevate any casual outfit. Don't wait any longer, sew your Kayla Wrap Top today! And don't forget to tag us in your photos on socials @simplysewingmag. YOU WILL NEED Fabric Sizes 6–20: 2.2mx140cm Sizes 22–30: 3.1mx140cm Lightweight interfacing: 45x90cm 6mm Elastic: 60cm Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTE Seam allowance 1.5cm, unless otherwise stated. Your chosen fabric must…

YOU WILL NEED Black canvas tote bag White cotton or linen fabric - 12x15cm Paper-backed fusible web - 12x15cm Stranded cotton in: White, Aqua, Orange, and Black Chenille needle Size 5 embroidery needle Basic sewing kit NOTES Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates. TRANSFERRING THE DESIGN Step one Iron the fusible web to the back of the white fabric. Trace the ghost and heart patterns on the fabric side with a well-sharpened pencil. 01 CUTTING OUT Step one Cut out the shapes on the outer lines of the patterns. The remaining lines will be embroidered next. 02 Step two Remove the paper backing from the pieces, then position them on the tote bag where you want them to be. Press them with an iron to fuse them to the bag. 03…

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…

SIZES 6–30 (US 2–26/EUR 30–54) PACK INCLUDES Pattern sheet x1 (Tracing Required) Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED Fabric Sizes 6–20: 2.2mx140cm Sizes 22–30: 3.1mx140cm Lightweight interfacing: 45x90cm 6mm Elastic: 60cm Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTE Seam allowance is 1.5cm, unless otherwise stated. Your chosen fabric must be at least 140cm wide due to the width of some of the pattern pieces. We suggest making a toile before cutting into your fabric. You can use an inexpensive fabric for this. RECOMMENDED FABRICS Soft cottons, linen, viscose, chambray, silk and velvet. Shop more of our sewing patterns at gatheredshop.com BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING ©Designed and printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Designed by Janet Palmer. Illustrations by Terry Evans for Prima UK, January 2018. Supplied by Our Media Company Ltd, Bristol,…

SIZES 6-30 (US 2–26/EUR 30–54) VERSION A VERSION B PACK INCLUDES Pattern sheets x2 (Tracing required) Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED Main Fabric: 3mx140cm (all sizes) Lightweight iron-on interfacing: 40cm Small buttons: 12 for Version A and 10 for Version B Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 1.5cm. RECOMMENDED FABRICS Light to medium weight woven fabrics such as viscose, linen, fine soft cotton or crepe. Shop more of our patterns online at gatheredshop.com BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Designed by Janet Palmer; illustrations by Terry Evans for Prima UK, March 2020. Supplied by Our Media Ltd, Bristol BS1 4ST. For individual, private home use only. Not for commercial or manufacturing purposes or resale. CUTTING LAYOUT DRESS A MAIN FABRIC (ALL SIZES)…

Just like that, in the blink of an eye, we’re in Autumn. How did that happen? This is your calling to get cosy and get set for Christmas. It’s a while off yet, but it’s never too early to get started on some handmade gifts - I defy anyone not to fall in love with the mice on p69! We’re looking forward to some seasonal wardrobe changes, too. Sew the ruffle maxi skirt trend with our tiered version (p45), make a shirt dress for easy everyday wear (p22), and sew a linen top that’s perfect for laying-up (p47). With the dark night’s drawing in earlier, we’ll be digging out our Daylight lamps to elevate our sewing space. Need one? Turn to p16 and get one when you subscribe.…

Looking for your next project? We’ve partnered with Sewdirect to offer you an exclusive 30% OFF all dress patterns using the code SS139 at the checkout! With casual styles, special occasion designs and plenty of inspiration, you’re sure to find a pattern that suits your skill level. Why not try the wrap shirt dress McCall’s M8286 or the popular M8553 zip front dress?! No matter what you want, you’ll find something you’ll love! Save big on these designs and many more with Paper and PDF options available at sewdirect.com Patterns shown available at www.sewdirect.com. Offer expires ends October 31st 23:59. Available on all patterns on Sewdirect in the Dress Patterns category, including PDFs. P&P charges will apply unless your basket qualifies for free shipping.…

Don't you love having a garment that you can wear again and again all year-long without ever getting tired of it? The Josefina Dress is exactly that – a shirt dress that's an absolute timeless staple and that you can easily dress anytime from January to December. Wear yours with boots and tights in winter or sandals and sunglasses in summer. Choose to sew your Josefina Dress with full-length gathered sleeves or three-quarter-length sleeves – depending on your own style and how you'd like to wear it. You can also effortlessly dress it up with timeless and chic accessories – take a peek at the ones we've selected by turning to the next page! We recommend light to medium weight fabric to keep the shirt-feel and movement of the dress.…

Expand your skills and make something that you'll be using daily thanks to the Ruby Tote pattern, designed by Debbie Wainhouse of houseofrides.co.uk. Its classic tote bag shape has been given a modern twist, thanks to angled straps that go all the way around. It is sewn with French seams for a neat finish. This is a beginner-friendly project that you'll love to sew as much as you'll love using it! Spacious and practical, it will become your go-to fave. Find more sewing patterns, from clothing to accessories, at gatheredshop.com…

YOU WILL NEED Outer fabric (0.5m) Lining fabric (0.5m) Medium-weight fusible interfacing (optional) (0.5m) Thread to match your fabrics Pair of acrylic, plastic or wooden circular handles, 4½” diameter minimum Fabric-safe pen or pencil Pins NOTES Finished size: Approx. 12” x 11” (excluding handles). MAKING THE BAG Step one From each of the outer fabric, lining fabric and interfacing cut one 34” x 17” rectangle. If your fabric is directional, make sure the pattern is orientated ‘portrait’. Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side (WS) of the outer fabric (you really only need to use this if the fabric is very light, like a cotton lawn). Step two Layer the outer and lining fabrics right sides together. Sew both short sides using a ¼” seam allowance. Open the fabrics up,…

MARK DAVIDSON Writer and photographer, Mark, has covered many subjects from knitting and crochet to the Berber villages of Morocco and orangutans in Borneo. He also likes to immerse himself in historical subjects. Read his inspiring feature on page 56. MOLLY GREEN As a musician, Molly’s work was born from the need for carefully curated looks on stage and set, evolving into creating custom, couture-inspired pieces. Learn more about Molly and her favourite me-made thing by turning to page 82. HOLLY SWINYARD Holly is a pop culture and games writer with a passion for vintage and a love for twisting historical ideas into cosplay. Turn to page 40 to learn all about the Fantasy Forest Festival, a celebration of arts, crafts, music and magic. TERRANCE WILLIAMS As a sustainable fashion…

Clover is turning 100 years old this month, and to celebrate we have teamed up with them to offer three lucky readers the chance to win an exclusive bundle of their best products, worth £56 each! The bundle includes Clover’s Wonder Pins, Grip Fit Seam Ripper, Black Gold Needles, Hot Hemmer, and Flexible Rubber Thimble Set – the total package to help you sew in the best conditions! Discover more about Clover and their products on their website at clover-mfg.com. And head over to gathered.how/competitions to enter this competition with your chance to win one of the three exclusive bundles! See gathered.how/competitions to enter today! Promoter: Our Media Limited, a company registered in England and Wales with company number 05715415. Residents of the UK and Channel Islands aged 18+ can…

I have always wanted to have my own fabric line. What started as a dream and a few sketches has now turned into a reality! This is my Terrance Williams Designs and Minerva fabric collection. I’ve partnered with Minerva and designed 10 prints and patterns. The patterns range from bold blue tally marks to multicolor oil spill swirls. There are bold prints and neutral prints to satisfy everyone! I wanted to create a collection rooted in my love of the environment and sustainability. A lot of the prints are inspired by nature and the elements but with a fun, creative twist and my own artistic abilities. A dream come true My collaboration with Minerva truly was a dream come true! I’m a firm believer in speaking things into existence, and…

YOU WILL NEED 1-2 metres of 140cm wide fabric or 0.75m each of 3 contrast fabrics 1.5-2cm wide waistband elastic, the length of the waist minus 2cm Tape measure, straight ruler and curved ruler Matching thread Basic sewing kit MATERIALS USED Atelier Brunette Windy Viscose Challis Fabric in Cedar, Mustard and Maple - £17.99 per metre from minerva.com SUGGESTED FABRICS Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as viscose, silk, crepe or cotton lawn. NOTES Seam allowance is1cm. Hem allowance is 2.5cm. For fewer gathers, multiply each tier by 10 or 15%, or for more gathers try 25 or 30%. The finished garment length is 94cm - alter each tier length to adjust if required. Choose whether to make the skirt from all one fabric or from contrasting fabrics. DRAFTING…

AIRPODS CASE YOU WILL NEED Outer fabric: 12x22cm Lining fabric: 12x22cm Interfacing: 12x22cm Fabric ribbon (approx. 2.5x6cm, folded) Plastic snap button Keyring Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance: 1cm The ribbon should be folded in half lengthwise before inserting. PREPARING Step one Cut the outer fabric, lining fabric, and interfacing to 12x22cm. Step two Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side (WS) of the outer fabric using an iron. 01 ASSEMBLY Step one Place the interfaced outer piece and lining fabric right sides (RS) together, with the interfacing side facing out. Step two Insert the folded tab between the layers, approx. 12cm from the bottom edge (with the ribbon facing inward). Pin in place. 02 Step three Sew around the edges with a 1cm seam allowance, leaving a…

YOU WILL NEED 80cm square of orange fleece 25cm square of bottle green fleece 30.5cm square of black felt Hook and loop dots for fastening 54cm of 15mm elastic Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Sized to fit a child age 2-4 (approx). Both front and back pieces of main pumpkin skirt and front bodice piece are cut out on the fold. CUTTING OUT Step one From orange fleece, cut: Bodice Front: Cut one on fold. Bodice Back: Cut one on fold. Skirt Front: Cut one on fold. Skirt Back: Cut one on fold. Hat Circle: Cut one. Hat Band: Cut one. Step two From bottle green fleece, cut: Leaf Neckline Front: Cut one. Leaf Neckline Back: Cut two. Hat Leaf: Cut one. Step three From black felt, cut: Nose:…

YOU WILL NEED SUGAR PLUM MOUSE Ivory plush fabric 60x38cm Pink plush fabric 22x11cm Burgundy plush fabric 35x33cm Floral cotton fabric 68x12cm Ivory netting fabric 68x12cm Gold glitter felt 15x5cm One small ribbon rose Narrow pink ribbon 32cm Elastic string 40cm Black stranded cotton Pink stranded cotton Polyester toy filling 150g PRINCE MOUSE Ivory plush fabric 50x27cm Teal plush fabric 32x30cm Red plush fabric 13x20cm Black plush fabric 20x25cm Gold glitter felt 14x5cm Gold 13mm wide braid trim x 20cm Gold twine 100cm Two gold buttons Black stranded cotton Grey stranded cotton Polyester toy filling 150g FABRICS USED Ivory smooth plush fabric in Ivory, Merlot, Baby Pink, Mallard, Red, Black, all by Shannon Fabrics. Tana Lawn Betsy Meadow Pink, by Liberty Fabrics. NOTES Find the templates on page 75 or…

I first learned to sew alongside my mum, who was taught by her mum before her. It all started with my 21st birthday party dress, we designed and made it together, and I fell in love with the creative freedom. As a musician, I began making my own outfits for gigs, music videos, and photoshoots. Each design became an extension of the music and mood I wanted to convey. This garment embodies the vision behind both my designs and music, it’s bold and sculptural, with a deep blue silhouette that evokes strength. The balance between the structured, stiff outer fabric and the soft silk tulle beneath creates a tension between power and delicacy. It feels timeless, with echoes of the past, while offering something distinctly new. With a focus on…

PACK INCLUDES Pattern sheet x1 (Tracing required) Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED Outer Fabric: 0.6m x 112cm wide 4cm wide cotton webbing/ bag strapping: 2.6m Matching thread Basic sewing kit NOTES Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated. SUGGESTED FABRICS Medium weight woven fabrics such as cotton canvas or denim. MATERIALS USED Stripe cotton canvas fabric from Clothkits – clothkits.co.uk 4cm wide Stephanoise Two Tone Strap Webbing in Black White from Minerva – minerva.com TECHNIQUES YOU WILL LEARN How to make French seams. How to make a flat base for a bag. Debbie (she/her) is an avid maker and hasn’t met a craft she doesn’t like! @houseofrides WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing magazine. Design by Debbie Wainhouse. Supplied by Our Media Company Ltd, Bristol, BS1 4ST.…