Simply Sewing issue 51

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ISSUE 51

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BONUS PATTERNS: BACKPACK + TOP

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✓ Fringed scarf ✓ Headband ✓ Baby bib

EXPERT TIPS

sewi n g desk how to create your ultimate workspace

SIMPLE SKIRT DIY S w fo homey! or

Easy-sew outfits for guaranteed everyday wear HOW TO: Make a café curtain Upcycle t-shirts Replace a broken zip Quilt a bag

LEARNING CURVE Embroidery hoops ▼

IDEAS

INSPIRATION

are a trend that’s here to stay – and what’s ACCESSORIES WEBSITES not to love about these sweet little stitched artworks?

And, whether you're looking for your first embroidery project or a speedy stitch, this kit is sure to have you reaching for your sewing needle. With painterly florals and botanicals aplenty, the Black Wildwood Embroidery Kit has fabric pre-printed with the design ready for you to stitch, plus full instructions and threads. £20, www. giftsforagirl.co.uk

We’re making a beeline for Sew Over It’s new Ava A-line skirt

EVENTS

STUFF

JUMP FOR JOY

We’ve found a jumpsuit pattern that’s sure to put a spring in your step (and your sewing!). With a flattering wide leg and a high waist, the Rachel Jumpsuit and Trouser pattern is a must-make. We love the idea of hitting two trends in one and opting for a winter tweed or herringbone (in true Clueless style), or choose silky satin for an evening soirée.

And it includes a trouser option that's ideal for workwear! PDF pattern approx £10 from www.athinakakou.com

Dressy Talk PATTERNS

FEMININE FORCE

Loose ft long sleeve asymmetrical shirtdress INTERMEDIATE

Sizes: 42-52 Height: 164 cm

Frocks and frills go hand-in-hand, but when faced with a simple, elegant and timeless design – such as those in Dress Papercut Patterns’ minimalist Geo pattern collection – we can’t help but fall just a teensy bit in love!

With a nod to Printable Sewing Pattern the satin skirt trend, go bigger and better with the dreamy Ravine Dress. This bias-cut dress features a high neck, plunging V-back and a waist tie for a feminine silhouette. See the collection at www.papercutpatterns.com Design #3103

shop.dressytalk.com

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Pinboard Tool up

New year, new tools! Give your stitching sessions a boost with these sewing kit must-haves.

STRIKE A POSE!

Trend Patterns’ autumn-winter collection has launched, and our fingers are itching to get stitching! The collection includes updated favourites as well as stunning new patterns to fall in love with. We’re a sucker for a good pair of trousers, and the updated Utility Trousers have us all in a flutter. See the full collection at www.trendpatterns.co.uk

All tiEd up

Like a work of art and fashion accessory all in one, Wilful North’s quirky scarves, illustrated by founder Holly Picthall, are just the thing for finishing a me-made outfit. Made in the UK and featuring bright hues and eccentric hand-drawn illustrations, these unique silk scarves have us well and truly swooning. See the range at www.wilfulnorth.com

SKILLS, SHOWS & EVENTS 14-16 FEBRUARY 2019 Craft4Crafters, Westpoint, Exeter.

A weekend of classes, demonstrations and the chance to stock up on new sewing supplies. www.craft4crafters.co.uk

20 FEBRUARY 2019

UNTIL 28 APRIL 2019 A Personal Collection of Vivienne Westwood Shoes. York Castle Museum, York. With each pair chosen for their beauty, innovation and artistry, this display of Westwood shoes is sure to inspire. www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk

UNTIL AUGUST 2019

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TO THE POINT Crisp corners are what dressmakers’ dreams are made of! Get yours with this stylish bamboo turner. £3.50 from www.merchant andmills.com

out & about

Simple Circular Weave Workshop. Ocean Studios, Plymouth. Learn to weave using a circular frame and a variety of yarns, ribbons and fabric scraps. www.jessandbecky.com

British designer Holly Picthall hopes her colourful silk scarves become "modern heirlooms."

GO GREEN Invest in a leather drawstring pouch for storing craft supplies on the move. Approx £30, www.handsonworkshop.com.au

The Embroidered Home. Hampton Court Palace, Richmond. See beautiful embroidered home textiles from the 19th and 20th centuries. www.royal-needlework.org.uk

SHINE BRIGHT What’s pink, shiny and a must-have for every dressmaker?

Tula Pink's shears, of course! £49.99 from www.sewing quarter.com

POT OF GOLD Keep those pesky sewing supplies in one place with this giant thimble pot in shimmering gold or silver. £10.90, www. redcandy.co.uk

MADE TO MEASURE A mannequin that can be adjusted to your very own measurements – say what? Yep, we’re never leaving our sewing spaces ever again… £139.99 from www. sewingquarter.com

dining accessories

Oriental fusion

Give your dining room an Oriental twist with colourful accessories in Japanese-inspired prints.

Designers: JESSICA ENTWISTLE Styling: LISA JONES Photography: PHILIP SOWELS

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CORK BOARDS

These are memo boards, but not as you know them! Cover three cork mats in coordinating fabrics for pinning to-dos, shopping lists, notes and the kids' latest masterpieces – or just hang them as wall art and hide away the push pins! All it takes to make them is a little glueing and hand-sewing.

COASTERS

Putting our precious fabric scraps to good use is on our list of New Year's resolutions – starting with these cute coasters. We've used a few different prints for an eclectic, mismatched look. The best thing about making them? You'll be a pro at mitred corners after sewing up this simple set.

COVER STAR

THE lauren set

Sew a comfy new jersey staple for your dayto-day wardrobe with The Lauren Set, an easy-wear polo-neck top and midi dress.

PSST:

Turn over leaf styling in for fabric and spi sure to sh ration, and be ar Lauren dr e your fnished ess tagged #s or top with us implysew ingmag

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THE sicily bag

Sew a new go-anywhere everyday bag with The Sicily Bag, a practical backpack with durable straps and stylish leather details.

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MY SEWING WORLD

By Lisa Comfort

Lisa looks ahead to a busy 2019, with new fabrics, a new home, and a more mindful approach to sewing projects.

H

appy New Year everybody! I hope you've all had fantastic Christmases, full of family, festivities and, of course, mince pies. I love the excitement of Christmas, but sometimes I can't wait for the calm that the new year brings. January, February and March's long, dark winter nights make for the perfect time to hunker down under a blanket, light up some candles and indulge in a hobby. Naturally, for me that means it's time for sewing!

After moving house in November it's been pretty hectic over the past few months around here. My sewing time has unfortunately been limited to quick snatches during my lunch breaks at work, so I've missed out on those treasured free hours to just sit down and sew uninterrupted. When you love to be creative – and need to be to stay sane – having a forced break from your passion or hobby can be really hard. As sewers, I think we spot inspiration everywhere we go, so to not have an outlet for all those ideas can get really frustrating. For the last few months my head has been swimming with things I want to make, so my to-sew queue has grown quite large!

Browse Sew Ov patterns and er It's collection of sewin fabrics at ww g w.sewoverit.c om

"As sewers, I think we spot inspiration

QUALITY TIME To help myself ease back in to sewing, I've booked four weeks away from work over January and February so that I can spend some time enjoying it peacefully. I want to sew mindfully and slowly instead of rushing to ‘catch up’, and so instead of making Sew Over It patterns, which I know like the back of my hand and can whip up quickly, I'm going to try out some other companies' designs. Their instructions and construction order will be different, so it'll force me to take it slow and enjoy the process.

Top of my list is the Inari Tee Dress by Named Clothing (www.namedclothing.com), which I've had in my sights for what feels like years! I'm also eager to try the Mandy Boat Tee by Tessuti (www.tessuti.co.uk), after seeing a couple of the Sew Over It team wear theirs all the time.

And, lastly, I want to make myself a pair of really luxurious Closet Case Carolyn Pyjamas (www.closetcasepatterns. com), complete with piping and everything! Because I've just moved house, there are also lots of opportunities to

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everywhere we go."

new fabrics and r u o r fo t u o k o Lo at Sew Over It! es x bo n o ti ip cr subs

"I've picked out some beautiful fabrics for roman blinds and cushions."

The best way to get your sewjo back? Try a new craft! I loved giving weaving a go at The London Loom a couple of years ago and will be back there soon.

put my hobby to good use and make things for the home as well. I've already picked out some beautiful fabrics for some roman blinds and cushions.

Houses need dressing, too!

As much as I love sewing, I think it's important to try other things every now again as well. Most people are creative in more than one field, so if you're stuck with your sewing practice, the best thing to do is to try something else. I had my first weaving lesson a couple of years ago at The London Loom (www.the londonloom.com), and I've been back a couple of times.

It's a great hobby to pair with sewing, because once you've woven a piece of fabric, you get the chance to sew it up into something! I'm planning to head back there and weave away for a couple of hours. Bliss!

LOOKING AHEAD Whilst I'll be trying to wind things down at home, the same can't be said for Sew Over It. We've got tonnes of exciting things coming up for 2019.

I've been busy designing fabrics this year for my Lisa Comfort range and I can't wait to release them out into the world. Unlike my spring-summer line last year, this time they're printed on crepe, which is my favourite winter fabric. Just right for dresses and blouses! And they match gorgeously with my new raglan cardis. Black and navy are here, and we've got burgundy and bottle green coming soon as well! Our customers can also expect to see our popular PDF Club make a return for 2019, as well as brand new fabric subscription boxes – and lots more things that I have to keep secret for now!

Photo: ww w. an

niesloan.com

Keeping me inspired...

I love giving fu look with An rniture a new nie Sloan pain ts.

I want t put my stamp o everything in or new home! I love seeing what other people do wth their homes, so lately I've been followng lots of interiosfocused acconts o Instagram.

Instead of buying everything new, they've inspired me t upcycle or current furniture that's loking a bit tired. Annie Sloan (www.anniesloan.com) paint is my savior fo this.

Hues of grey going everywhere!

Ading textures t or home wth crochet and textiles is something I want t do, to.

Keep up with my new home renovations and more at www.lisacomfort.com

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Fast fat quarter

fringe benefits

Super-soft double gauze and boho fringing make for a luxurious combo – and it can be sewn up in an afternoon! By Anna Alicia.

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CREATIVE SPACES Big or small, everyone should have a sewing spot to call their own. We speak with five designer-makers to find out how they put together their perfect space for getting creative in.

Written by Sarah Gane.

Shop around

From farmers' market goodies to crafting supplies, carry your latest fnds home in Minki Kim's cute quilted shopper bag.

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xxxxxx

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my favourite thing

kimono cool Daisy Braid, aka DIY Daisy, shares a favourite project from her enviable wardrobe of Liberty me-mades.

"My favourite ever sewing project is my Ruffle Sleeved Kimono Dress. I made it about a year ago and it was one of my first ever attempts at doing a pattern hack.

I was inspired to make it by a 2018 Stella McCartney runway look, and used the Kochi Kimono pattern by Papercut Patterns (www. papercutpatterns.com). It's the second time I've made this pattern – the first was in black linen – and for this version I chose the Leila A Liberty tana lawn from The Fabric Store (www. thefabricstoreonline.com). It's got a dark base and all the colours I love, so knew it would work with my black, red and yellow basics.

I made several alterations to the original pattern – I adjusted the length of the sleeve and hem to make a duster-length dress. I love

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an oversized fit, so I cut out the largest size, and omitted the ties and instead made up a skinny belt to tie it up with. I also added some ruffles to the shoulder seams for a bit of something extra.

My wardrobe is full of Liberty creations, and this dress is easily one of the most worn pieces I have – I wear Liberty at least five out of seven days a week, and reach for this dress almost every week. I love wearing it open over pants and dresses, or closed and tied around the waist. I'm constantly finding new outfits to pair it with, so I'm sure this dress will remain a favourite for years to come!"

Daisy is a sewing and slow fashion enthusiast from Australia living in Tokyo, Japan. See more of her makes at diydaisyinjapan.wordpress.com

S THE EA YOU'LLSIESTTOP MAKEE! VER

T-shirt dress Pencil skirt update Hooded bath towel Embroidered scarf Bedroom makes Sewing suitcase Pashmina top Oven mitts set and more...

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EXCLUSIVE-TO-US paTtErns BRAND NEW PINAFORE DRESS PATTERN!

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* CONTENTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE. PAPER AND FABRIC GIFTS NOT AVAILABLE WITH DIGITAL EDITIONS.