Modern Sewing Starts Here Edition 18

Edition 18 – October 2021

Modern sewing starts here..

PUFF QUILT SEW ALONG with Brittany from Lo & Behold Stitchery

Patterns from the Past Molly Hamilton tells us how she’s keeping Folkwear true to its roots!

HAPPY HALLOWEEN

Introducing the new Spooky ‘n Sweeter collection from Art Gallery Fabrics

PICK OF THE PATTERNS New apparel pattern releases for you to make!

Opal Pants and Shorts Pattern by Megan Nielsen

www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk

Pattern Finder

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Editor’s Letter Hello And just like that, it’s autumn and the leaves have started to fall so it’s time to prepare for colder days and darker evenings. This edition, feast your eyes on some of the latest fabrics for this season’s sewing. We share with you cosy new flannels, pretty plaids and autumn cotton prints!

Rachel Pinheiro sews herself happy with a casual combo and takes up the dopamine dressing challenge! Sweatshirt fabric is such an easy fabric to sew with, and you create wonderfully warm garments – we share the best sweatshirt fabrics and patterns and how to add ribbing to give your garment that extra wow factor!

Brittany from Lo & Behold Stitchery shares how to make her puff quilt, which is perfect to cosy down with.

Do you have a hankering for a garment from a bygone era or from around the world – we share some of the lovely patterns and match with fabrics to get you started. We also talk to Molly Hamilton who tells us all about Folkwear and how she is keeping this pattern brand true to its roots!

Happy stitching!

Hantex team

www.hantex.co.uk www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk Subscribe free to get your copy – click here

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Perfect for the Kaia Coatigan from Sew to Grow

BOILED WOOL If you’re thinking about making a new coat for this autumn/winter then look no further than the new Cairn boiled 100% wool from Modelo. It’s reversible so there’s no need for lining and it’s perfect for coats, jackets, and coatigans where the raw-edges need no hemming or seam neatening. This fabric comes in some beautiful shades too!

To view the complete collection of boiled wools – click here

#modernsewingstartshere

traditional ATTIRE Molly Hamilton explains the difference between vintage and folk specialist sewing patterns and how these can work just as well now as they did in the past!

Folkwear designs sewing patterns that are authentic folkwear and vintage patterns – tell us a little about the company?

Folkwear began in the mid-1970s by three women in California, who wanted to re-create the beautiful folk garments they saw on their travels.

They saw that the large pattern companies didn’t carry anything even similar, and they saw a need in the market. The company quickly grew to include vintage and historic patterns

and was inspired a lot of fibre art and creativity. Folkwear has been through several different owners since that time but continued to offer high quality sewing patterns for clothing from around the world and through the decades.

We have over 100 patterns in print, and available as PDFs, which are used by sewists for everyday wear, cosplay, history bounding and also by theatre and movie companies, reenactors, historic societies, and artto-wear enthusiasts.

Can you explain the difference between ‘folkwear’ and ‘vintage’ for those of us that may not know?

Folk wear is, generally, the clothing worn everyday by working people of any place in the world. They are the traditional clothes of the average person – and usually identified with a culture. The ‘folk’ part also includes the artistry that is brought

into these ‘working’ garments such as embroidery, smocking and dyeing. Folk wear also includes some garments that are used for special occasions or ‘dressing-up’ occasions and have the folk art aspect.

While vintage is, in general, historic garments that designate a place in time such as Edwardian, Victorian, 1920s, etc. Vintage patterns are based on clothing from the past.

What do you love most about these pattern styles, and do have favourites?

I love that the patterns are classic.

They are for garments that have not gone out of style for centuries, and they also speak to the creativity and artistry of people for clothing themselves and provide a canvas to continue that creativity.

I have lots of favourite patterns, but my top three right now are the 211 Two Middies (two easy and flattering tops), 231 Big Sky Riding Skirt (a

fun and unique pattern for a split skirt), and 112 Japanese Field Clothing (a great set of simple and comfortable garments – some no-waste sewing there too).

How do go about designing patterns so that they’re historically and authentically representative of the original garment?

We often base our patterns on existing garments. We also do a lot of research on the garments when creating a pattern – the history, use, styles, and how, why, and whey they were created.

Details about why a garment was created a certain way helps inform how the garment, and pattern, is designed. For instance, knowing that folk clothing was often made from hand-woven fabric means that there are very few curved seams and optimum use of the fabric was desired. This leads to very simple shapes and little fabric waste when sewing. Sometimes we make a few changes to garments to make them easier to construct for a home-sewer or to provide a better fit or to work better for modern fabrics.

Do you use traditional techniques too?

We often include traditional techniques in our patterns. The early days of Folkwear really focused on this and it has continued with many more recent patterns. Lots of our patterns teach techniques for traditional embroidery, smocking, dyeing, cutwork, and hand sewing. This is an important part of clothing and really makes a difference in the beauty of a garment – and it also inspires creativity and new sewing skills.

With size inclusivity being more important than ever to the home sewer, what have you done to support this?

We have been resizing many of our patterns up as they come up for re-printing. A challenge of an older pattern company like this is that many of our patterns are not digital. Often we have to digitize patterns then we have the chance to grade them up, and make them available as PDF patterns too. It’s important to us to preserve the patterns digitally, but also to make them available in larger sizes. We create tutorials for sizing up some of our folk patterns since the pattern shapes are so geometric. It is easy to change these patterns to include different sizes.

Can modern sewers use your patterns too?

Absolutely! I think most people who use our patterns are making everyday-wear items. They are unique everyday-wear items, but that is one of the draws of the patterns. These are classic designs that don’t really go out of style. Modern sewists also love to use them as a canvas for their sewing creativity, and we see some truly amazing garments.

Thanks to Molly Hamilton for chatting with us about Folkwear patterns. To find more sewing patterns from this brand – click here

Patterns from THE PAST

Do you have a hankering for making a traditional style garment – we share some of the lovely patterns and match with fabrics to get you started!

BIG SKY RIDING SKIRT BY FOLKWEAR

Carlow Ochre Washed Linen Fabric, Modelo

Bring out the Equestrian in you! Women of the early 20th century, who were determined to ride astride rather than side-saddle, wore these wonderful divided skirts. This pattern is inspired from one worn by the legendary rancher and rodeo rider, Fannie Sperry Steele.

To view this pattern and others from Folkwear – click here Fabric suggestions - medium to heavyweight cottons and blends such as poplin, denim, gabardine, corduroy, linen and ramie.

Sligo Taupe Ramie, Modelo Springfield Dark Blue Chambray Fabric, Modelo

Springfield Black Denim Fabric, Modelo

SIENNA MAKER JACKET BY CLOSET CORE PATTERNS This utility jacket is inspired by vintage French workwear. It’s designed for hardwearing use by makers and artists, and is functional as both outerwear and a highly practical layer for use inside the studio. With a dropped shoulder, crisp notched collar, it can be made unlined and finished with durable seams, and of course, practical deep hip pockets!

To view this pattern and others from Closet Core – click here Fabric suggestions - durable woven fabrics like denim, twill, canvas and heavyweight linen.

NEHALEM PANT & SKIRT BY SEW HOUSE SEVEN This pattern is based on the traditional Thai fisherman’s pant and one-size-fits-all.

The loose-fitting baggy trouser is wrapped and tied to secure. The pattern has been slimmed down and graded to better fit your size.

To view this pattern and others from Sew House Seven – click here Fabric suggestions - light/medium woven fabrics like denim, linen, chambray and quilters cotton.

Attica Khaki Cotton Stretch Twill, Modelo

GLAMOUR GIRL DRESS FROM FOLKWEAR Glamour oozed in Hollywood in the 1930s and this is the daytime dress the starlets wore! It emphasises curves, drapes elegantly and has dramatic shoulder pads. The close-fitting bodice is cinched in with front waistline ties and fits smoothly into a flared skirt.

To view this pattern and others from Folkwear – click here Fabric suggestions – light to medium-weight fabrics with drape such as silk or rayon, cotton satin and challis soft cotton.

Rhombastic Negative Rayon from Aquarelle Collection by Art Gallery Fabrics

Rio French Navy Stretch Cotton Sateen, Modelo

Springfield Mid Blue Denim

Carlow Dark Grey Washed Linen

CLOUD9 RAYON Mystical Gardens by Pip & Lo is a new range from Cloud9. The collection is in a similar style to its incredibly popular Under One Sky but now in Cloud9’s beautifully soft rayon. It’s available to pre-order now with delivery expected in September 2021.

To view more collections from Cloud9 – click here

Focus on FABRICS

Feast your eyes on the latest fabrics for this season’s sewing!

WONDERFUL WATERCOLOURS! Bari J’s latest collection for Art Gallery Fabrics is in honour of the strength and endurance of the female spirit. Eve – the mother of us all – represents the beautiful qualities of being a woman through prints of fierce cheetahs, graceful herons, and gentle butterflies, beautiful flower and geometric designs. It’s ideal for all sorts of makes from garments, home furnishing and accessories.

To view this new colourful collection from Art Gallery Fabrics – click here

FULL OF EASTERN PROMISE Designer Kate Merrett, an English Designer/Illustrator living with her family just outside of Paris has discovered the joy of surface pattern design. Dragons and Lanterns is a beautiful oriental-style 100% cotton collection that features stunning dragons, lanterns, cranes, Chinese blossoms and rich colours. It’s perfect for bringing a taste of the orient to clothing and home furnishings.

To view this collection for yourself – click here

COZY AND MAGICAL CHRIST MASTIME Maureen Cracknell is back to bring in festive cheer with her stunning new collection, Cozy & Magical! What makes Christmas time so special is the way that we adorn our homes during the holiday season. This range of fabric celebrates cherished traditions like decorating the tree with twinkling ornaments, wrapping presents and cosy sweaters. These whimsical prints have everything you need to make holiday sewing magical and beyond.

To view this homely collection from Art Gallery Fabrics – click here

FLANNEL FOR APPAREL The softest, cosiest flannel is now available from AGF! Made with the highest standards, this new flannel is 100% double-brushed cotton. Both sides are super soft and ideal to keep you warm in the chillier months. You can also feel comfortable that it’s OEKOTEX certified so it’s produced without compromising the planet. Enjoy using this quality fabric for making quilts, garments like pyjamas and other craft projects.

To find out more about this AGF fabric – click here

PRETTY PLAIDS From trendy trousers to cute check pinafore dresses, plaid is everywhere! Modelo has just released the Teelin Jacquard Jersey Fabric. This medium weight, double knit jersey that’s great for autumn/winter skirts and dresses. It has a 40% stretch and comes in three colours - pink, claret and purple, all combined with grey.

To find your nearest UK stockist – click here

Spotlight on SWEATSHIRT

It’s sweatshirt season – we look at some of the fabrics to make this autumn classic!

ORGANIC This European-made fabric brand embraces GOTS organic fabric throughout its range. Working with the renowned designer Hamburger Liebe, Albstoffe produce amazing fabrics, together with matching trimmings, all finished to the highest German quality. They have two French Terry sweatshirt and jersey collections – Glow and Wanderlust. Both are 95% organic cotton with 5% elastane and have wonderful butterflies, lilies and safari prints.

FLEECE-BACKED STRIPES A Breton stripe top is a classic for any sewers wardrobe. The Malo fabric collection from Modelo is a classic yarn-dyed Breton style stripe on French Terry with every stripe 12mm wide. This fabric comes in a range of subtle colours so there’s bound to be a colour for your project.

The Fulton Fleece Backed Sweatshirt is a superb quality, fleece-backed sweatshirt which is very soft to touch. The poly/cotton mix and Oeko-Tex certification mean that it’s kinder to the environment during manufacture and it will stay looking great for much longer. It is available in an extensive range of 16 colours.

HEATHERED Heather refers to the colour effect that happens when to two yarns are interwoven and mixed together. It’s typically used to mix multiple shades of grey or grey with another colour to produce a muted shade. The Malmo Heathered French Terry is a looped-back sweatshirt that’s soft to the touch and available in a wide range of colours, many with matching ribbings.

To see the full range of sweatshirt fabrics and to find your local stockist – click here To view more French Terry fabrics – click here

Stylish SWEATERS

COLOUR BLOCKING

Top patterns, which are perfect for sweatshirt fabrics!

Noord T-shirt & Sweatshirt from Liesl + Co

This fun colour-blocked knit top can be made as a T-shirt or sweatshirt.

Its boxy fit, shirttail hem, and unique seaming detail means you can play with the styling. Change the colour blocking to suit your style. This pattern works best with medium to heavyweight knit fabrics with at least 25% stretch like cotton jersey, interlock, French terry, and cotton fleece.

The pattern is available in sizes XS-XXL (cup sizes are included).

To find more patterns designed by Liesl + Co – click here

RY MPORA CONTE AL CASU

Talvikki Sweater from Named

This stylish sweater has casual and crisp elements. The loose fit and dropped shoulders are balanced with an elegant funnel neck shaped with darts. The deep vents at the sides and the longer hem at the back add a modern look to this cosy sweater. Fabric choices such as sweatshirt, bouclé, or lightweight Neoprene are good options. The sewing pattern comes in sizes XS-XXL. To view the full pattern range from Named – click here

NICE NECKLINES

Tobin Sweater from Cashmerette

Cosy up in this contemporary sweater pattern that’s designed for curves. Choose from a split neck, chic colour blocking, and wide cuffs, cowl neck and swingy high-low hem, or classic sweatshirt. Whether made in a luxury sweater knit or soft French terry, this sweater will keep you warm and stylish all season long. The pattern comes in sizes 12-28, with cup sizes C-H. For more sewing patterns from Cashmerette – click here

Check out the free-to-use resource listing of the very best Indie patterns and filter by fabric, garment, brand or skill level by visiting www.hantex.co.uk

HOW TO USE RIBBING FOR

SWEATSHIRTS

Julie Bonnar from The Pattern Pages talks through how to choose the ribbing fabric for your sweatshirts and other knit garments

WHAT IS RIBBING? Rib knit is a special type of knit that has lines running up and down it creating ridges which gives it lots of stretch. Ribbing is a fabric that can be folded and used on used for sweatshirt neckband, cuffs, waist and hem bands as well as scarves, hats, gloves and socks!

2 x 2 Red Tubular Ribbing from Modelo

RIBBING TYPES 1. Traditional tubular ribbing This fabric is very stretchy and is made as a fabric tube. It comes on a bolt the same as buying any dressmaking fabric. There are two types 1x1, which is lightweight and ideal for T-shirts but for sweatshirts or jackets choose 2x2 ribbing. As this fabric will easily stretch over your head or around your cuffs you will not need to alter the pattern.

Pink/Heathered Grey Striped Tubular Ribbing from Modelo

The Linden Sweatshirt from Grainline is great blank canvas for getting creative!

- To read more about this pattern - click here

2. Readymade ribbing I love using this type of ribbing, as it’s so easy to use. It comes in lots of great colour combinations from plain, glittery and striped.

This type of cuffing doesn’t fray when you cut it and doesn’t unravel. One of the long edges is finished so this is a readymade edge for your garment. The other long edge is the raw edge, which is sewn to your garment. The great thing about cuffing is you can cut and trim it as needed without worrying that it might unravel.

3. Main fabric If you’re struggling to match or find the right colour ribbing for your project, you can use the same knit fabric as the garment to make the cuffs, neckbands and hem bands.

Cuff Me is a range of rib cuff from Albstoffe that’s GOTS organic certified. To view the complete range of designs and colours available – click here

TIP: It might be necessary to extend the length of your pattern pieces if your main fabric doesn’t have as much stretch as needed to go over your head or around your waist etc.

Rio Ringer T-shirt/ Dress from True Bias

Amelia Bomber from Wardrobe By Me

Jarrah Sweatshirt from Megan Nielsen

WHAT TYPE OF PATTERN IS SUITABLE? Any knit/stretch pattern with neckbands, sleeve cuffs and hem bands.

HOW TO SEW IT TO A NECKLINE

To find more ribbing fabric – click here

1. Before cutting the strip of ribbing, make sure it fits over your head, by marking it with chalk. Remember that you will also be folding the strip in half so make it twice as wide as you want it.

2. Place right sides together and sew the ends of the strip together to create a tube. Check that it still fits around your head – it would be a shame to attach to your garment and it didn’t fit!

3. Fold in half and mark centre back, centre front and both middle points with pins.

4. Pin the tube to the right side of the sweater around the neck.

Then match up the front middle, back middle and two side points with the shoulder seams so the ribbing stretch will be even around the neckline.

5. Start sewing using a standard ballpoint needle. It’s best to start at the centre back seam of the ribbing piece, and then stretch the ribbing tight so it matches the size of the neck opening. Stretch as you sew between the pins. Finish by turning the seam to the inside and topstitching.

This technique can be used for cuffs, hem and waistbands too!

Dopamine dressing Brazilian-born sewing blogger, Rachel Pinheiro sews herself happy with a casual combo!

It’s no secret that living through a global pandemic has transformed our wardrobes. Fashion has a tendency to reflect how society is feeling. Many of us unconsciously picked sober, monochrome colours to create comfortable, and casual looks, but now as people regain some normality a noticeable fashion trend has started to emerge – dopamine dressing’. The theory behind this is that wearing certain colours can elevate our mood.

Accordingly to Kate Nightingale, psychologist and founder of Style Psychology “We have a set of subconscious associations connected with each element of our environment including colour, and when you put some colour on, your brain automatically activates all of your subconscious associations with it and if your current emotional state is considerably different to these associations, your brain will slowly start to adjust your mood.”

That’s because our bodies produce dopamine and our nervous system uses it to send messages between nerve cells. I definitely started to feel the need to express myself with more colourful choices recently.

Pattern choices I chose to make Closet Core’s Mile End Sweatshirt and Plateau Joggers Pattern, which I have sewn in a size 8 without any alterations. The sweatshirt was a little short for me so I had to think on my feet. Not sewing the sweatshirt hem band as recommended, I added some ribbing at the bottom to make it longer.

The trousers fit very comfortably at the waist but were a little tight on the legs - that’s because the fabric doesn’t have quite the recommended stretch-ability. I didn’t think would be an issue but my strong swimmer legs obliviously disagreed!

Colour choices Lilac is a soft pale shade of purple, which suits my skin tone because it’s considered warm and often associated as feminine and graceful. According to colour psychology, lilac is considered to encourage emotional expression.

Burgundy is a deep reddish-brown shade inspired by wine from the Burgundy region of France, symbolising ambition, wealth, and power. The combination has a psychological seriousness, powerful and energy.

Tips for sewing towelling: If you are cutting out fabric with a nap, it is important that all the pattern pieces face the same direction.

Aesthetically the pile should run down the body but as long you pick your favourite way – just stick to it. This means you may need to flip a pattern piece over to the back in order for all of them to face the same direction.

TOP TIP: Get your vacuum cleaner ready and cut with sharp scissors or rotary cutter as it frays.

Editor’s notes PATTERN - To view these two patterns from Closet Core – click here FABRIC - Rachel has used Modelo’s Bamboo towelling, which is super soft, great quality, and made from a mix of bamboo, polyester and cotton which has great wear-ability! It comes in 11 wonderful colours. To view this towelling range and other fabrics from Modelo – click here

New apparel pattern releases for you to make!

STYLE ARC

The Melba Dress is a lovely short sleeve pull-on dress that has a flattering cocoon shape body. The dress is mid-length, has a stylish boat neck and inseam pockets with an extended shoulder line and short sleeves making it ideal for lots of occasions. Fabrics suitable include ponte, rugby knit, crepe and lightweight wool.

The pattern comes in sizes 4-16 and 18-30.

For more sewing patterns from Style Arc – click here

MEGAN NIELSEN

The Hovea Jacket and Coat is just what’s needed for the changing season. It has an easy to wear loose fit and drop shoulder. Make this pattern in lots of stylish lengths, add deep angled pockets, sew with a full lining or unlined or choose the gorgeous quilted options with belt or tie. This versatile pattern comes in sizes 0-20.

To view the full pattern range from Megan Nielsen – click here

CLOSET CORE

This is such a statement dress – dramatic, romantic and loaded with special details.

Mix and match sleeves and skirt styles to make this dress your own. For a chic style – choose the sleeveless sheath with a straight skirt that hits just above the knee or add striking puff sleeve with a midi-length tiered skirt. All dress options have a unique bodice design that has knife pleats at the waist, a face-framing square neckline and a keyhole opening at the back that can be tied at the nape of the neck. For a structured shape light to medium weight woven fabrics are recommended like linen, poplin, seersucker, broadcloth, sateen, chambray and cotton shirting. If you prefer a softer look go for rayon challis, viscose, tencel, cotton voile and silk.

The pattern comes in sizes 0-20.

To find more patterns designed by Closet Core – click here

Check out the free-to-use resource listing of the very best Indie patterns and filter by fabric, garment, brand or skill level by visiting www.hantex.co.uk

OMBRE PUFF QUILT

sew along

Brittany from Lo & Behold Stitchery shares how to make her Ombre Puff Quilt

A puff quilt is also known as a biscuit quilt and the techniques used to make it are different from the traditional methods used but well worth the extra effort.

HOW TO MAKE Create individual pockets using one 4½in square for the top of the puff and a 4in square for the back of the puff.

1. With the right side facing up, place the 4½ in square on top of the scrap 4in square. Align the top right two edges. Use a scant ¼in seam (a seam that’s just a smidge smaller than a regular ¼in seam) and start sewing along the right edge.

2. After a few stitches, take the bottom right corner of the top square and align it with the bottom right corner of the bottom square. Gather the fabric to the middle of the square and using two fingers, pinch the fabric to create a pleat. Hold the pleat down as you sew over it.

TIP: Don’t stress if the pleat is not perfectly in the middle of the puff. Once the quilt is constructed, it won’t be noticeable.

3. When you get about a ¼in to the edge of the square, stop with your needle down and pivot so that you’ll sew down the perpendicular edge.

4. Repeat step 2 to create a pleat, and do the same for the third side. Leave the 4th side open to create a ‘pocket’. You will stuff the puff and close that up a little later.

5. Repeat this process for all of the puffs.

ROW CONSTRUCTION

6. Once all of your puffs are created, organise them into colour families. Decide how you’d like the ombre gradient to fade across your quilt, and lay out your puffs accordingly.

7. Organise the rows into piles and label each pile with a number. Sew each row together using a regular ¼in seam.

This will ensure that you won’t see the seams from the previous step. You’ll want the open edge of the puffs to all be on the same side.

QUILT TOP ASSEMBLY

8. Now it’s time to stuff those puffs! Starting with your first row, take a hand full of batting and stuff the first puff. There’s no right or wrong amount of batting, but I found that using less batting makes for an easier construction and also a more plush and flexible quilt.

9. Starting at the top of the row, using a scant ¼in seam, sew up the 4th edge of the first puff in the row. Remember to create a pleat.

10. Continue to stuff and sew up the puffs.

11. Once the first row is complete, use a regular ¼in seam to sew the next row to it. Remember to sew the edges that are opposite of the open edges of the puffs.

12. Repeat steps 2-4 until all of your rows are assembled and your puffs are stuffed.

TIP: There’s no need to press any seams with this quilt.

However, it’ll be helpful to alternate the direction that your seams are facing from row to row. For example, in the first row, sew all seams so that they are facing towards you. Then for the next row, arrange the seams so that they are facing away from you. This will create nesting seams and help decrease some of the bulk.

Finally Baste, quilt and bind as desired. I cover hand tying and machine tacking for this quilt on my website. Check out the hashtag #ombrepuffquilt for more inspiration!

Brittany started Lo & Behold in 2017 in memory of her late grandmother, Lois. Her granny instilled a love of creating in Brittany from an early age and she remembers vividly spending summers at her grandparent’s house crafting at the kitchen table. While Brittany never had the chance to learn to sew or quilt with Lois, she created many quilts on her own, which Brittany inherited along with her granny’s vintage sewing machine and quilting supplies when she passed away. Using various pieces of her grandmother’s clothing, Brittany created her first quilt – a memory quilt. If you fancy making this quilt, this pattern is a free download and there is a video tutorial that goes with it. Brittany now creates her own quilt patterns which can be found on her website, www.loandbeholdstitchery.com.

TRENDSETTER

Halloween is now celebrated all around the world and marks the end of summer, the beginning of winter and the harvest. Start your celebrations in style with fabric made for this occasion!

Last year saw the release of Spooky ‘n Sweet, and this year it just got a little sweeter! The nostalgic Spooky ‘n’ Sweeter collection from Art Gallery Fabrics continues to tell the magical story of the adventures on All Hallows’ Eve, where a little witch named ‘Peppermint’ and her new best friend ‘Mocha’ discover playful skeletons and dancing pumpkins to join their Halloween party!

This 100% premium cotton is ideal for sewing all those Halloween projects that you can bring out year after year to enjoy: 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃 🎃

Trick or Treat Bags Bunting and home decorations Soft Toys Tablecloths Fancy Dress Costumes

To view more designs from the new Spooky ‘n Sweeter collection and take a look at the original Spooky ‘n Sweet collection – click here

Now stocking!

We are happy to announce that we now stock two more indie sewing pattern brands – Chalk & Notch and Named!

NOW STOCKING

Chalk & Notch

Chalk & Notch sewing patterns offer sewists professionally drafted patterns with detailed instructions.

Owner Gabriela fell in love with the art of pattern making and has developed a collection of stylish everyday patterns. Hantex has four of its best selling dress and top patterns in stock – the Fringe, Marcel, Wren and the Page Hoodie. These patterns come in sizes 0-30, with two bust cup options.

To view the Chalk & Notch patterns – click here

WHAT’S

NEW

We keep you posted of the latest launches!

NOW STOCKING Named Finnish sisters Saara and Laura Huhta started their pattern brand from a passion for making clothes and sustainable fashion, and wanting to encourage more people to try sewing their own clothes but also challenge their own relationship to fashion and consuming fashion!

Named sewing patterns create a Scandinavian style practical wardrobe that can withstand time. Hantex has 12 of the brand’s best-selling patterns including the latest pattern release the Valo Dress and Top plus the wonderful Kielo Dress and Jumpsuit and Talvikki Sweater, which are great garments for your autumn wardrobe.

To see all of the sewing patterns available from Named – click here

A project in progress!

The Field Bag sewing pattern from Grainline is a great make in itself but is also perfect for organising your sewing, knitting, embroidery, or other craft projects that are worksin-progress. It features a roomy main compartment with interior pockets designed for corralling tools, patterns, and bits and bobs and has a handy wrist strap. Learn new techniques along the way like working with heavy fabrics and setting grommets while you make it!.

To see more sewing patterns from Grainline – click here

The Kaia Coatigan …

A classic blazer silhouette with the comfy cozy feel of your favourite cardigan. Perfect for wearing to the office or to run to the grocery store.

Make this casual yet smart jacket in Modelo Fabrics’ Cairn Boiled Wool and choose from 19 rich and sumptuous colours.

100% Wool ~ 100% Natural

Find the right fabric for your next project …

Visit www.hantexonline.co.uk/wool-coat for details