Edition 15 – April 2021
Modern sewing starts here..
FOCUS ON FABRICS
Put the spring back into your sewing projects
BE ACTIVE!
Tips for making activewear with Tommie Hernández
Behind the
SCENES
Bari J. shares her interior style
EVERYDAY WEAR
Rachel Pinheiro shows us her go-to style that she turns to most days
Fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics new collection - Pollinate
www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk
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Editor’s Letter Hello Warmer days and lighter evenings are definitely in our sights and it’s time to think about your spring wardrobe. It can still be pretty cold, but it’s time to prepare your wardrobe for the switch from coat to jacket – we share three of the best jackets for this season. This time Rachel Pinheiro shows us her go-to style that she turns to most days, using True Bias sewing patterns and a fresh colour scheme. Something a little different – Bari J. shares a sneak peek behind the scenes of her interior style and her love for colour. Do you love fabric prints? We spoil you with choice for your sewing projects with lots of lovely fabric designs. And Sarah Ashford shares what she has been making with one of the latest fabric collections form Art Gallery Fabrics, Serenity.
Happy stitching! Hantex team
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PEPIN TOTE
This bag pattern is the perfect go-to bag, which you can use to and from work, on car trips, and anywhere you travel that you need to stash a notebook and extra items that don’t normally fit in your purse. This is a quick tote designed with a few useful optional add-ons. It can be made in canvas or waxed canvas so it’s hardwearing. To view this bag pattern from Noodlehead – click here
#modernsewingstartshere
COME INTO BLOOM We talk to Bari J. artist, author, designer and home décor expert about her instantly recognisable floral style!
Q1. Tell us about your journey to becoming an artist, designer, and home decor expert? I actually think my first love was always home design but creating art lead me back around to it. It was a natural progression from creating fabric and art. And the more I created, the more I designed rooms until I ended up merging what I do. I have been passionate about
design for as long as I can remember. As a child, my mother would paint and craft, so it was only a natural progression that I’d inherit her love of crafting. I began crafting and creating jewellery, but when I first learned to sew I knew I had found my passion. I was hooked on it. That obsession is what inspired my own handmade handbag business and my first book: Inspired to Sew.
Q2. How would you describe your interior style? While I love vintage and soft designs, I’m constantly drawn to colour and bold prints which are very modern, as well as mixing the two for surprising combinations. I don’t hold back when it comes to mixing fabric prints and colours. I call my style ‘Curated Maximalism’. What I mean by this is that it’s defined
by layers of colour and pattern intentionally that’s edited for the most meaningful and impactful pieces. It is less about stuff and more about intentional layering. Q3. What do you love most about your work? It simply makes me happy. Colour is an instinct for me and takes precedence over all-else! I’m a colour junkie! Q4. When did you first know that you wanted to share your designs? This was back in 2008 when I had been making and selling handbags and collage art. I started designing fabric intending it to be for the handbags but it ended up licensed for all to use. Q5. Where do you find the most inspiration and what’s the most surprising place you’ve found it? I was surprised to be so inspired by
the desert as I remember thinking it was so brown and lifeless initially. But moving to where I live now, it’s anything but! I find inspiration all around me. I look at photos and imagine faraway places. I see a colour and that inspires a whole collection. And when I can’t travel I look to books and museums – and local hikes! Q6. What advice would you give to someone who wants to experiment with adding more colour and pattern to their interiors but don’t know where to start? Start experimenting. It will naturally lead you to enjoying it. Put a pop here and a pop there, and it’ll all come together! Q7. What would you say is the most important aspect of creating a room scheme for your home? Pick one central thing you adore and design around that.
Q8. Do you use your own designs in your home, and is there a particular design that’s become one of your favourites? I do. And it’s always the last one I created. Right now, I have 365 Fifth Avenue that I designed for Art Gallery Fabrics just about everywhere! Q9. Tell us about some of the collaborations you have done? Art Gallery Fabrics is my heart – I adore fabric and love the freedom that I’m given to design with this fabric company. Rugs for Loloi have been very special to me as well. And I have a special furniture partnership coming up I can’t wait to share!
To see more gorgeous fabric collections from Bari J. for Art Gallery Fabrics – click here
WASHED RAMIE Ramie is such a great fabric to sew with and perfect for making garments for the warmer weather. This new washed fabric is available in a range of 14 different colours, and perfect for your spring/summer wardrobe. To view the new Sligo ramie collection from Modelo – click here
NEW ORGANIC COLLECTIONS Cloud9 Fabrics has just released four new organic fabric lines that will be available for spring/summer 2021. Here is a taster of what you can expect from each of the collections. To see more from Cloud9 Fabrics – click here Floral Deco by Elizabeth Olwen (rayon)
Focus on FABRICS
Sweet Nothing by Elizabeth Olwen (sateen cotton)
Put the spring back into your sewing projects with these lovely designs
Arid Wilderness by Louise Cunningham (quilter’s cotton)
Bloom Together by Meenal Patel (quilter’s cotton)
SUMMER JERSEYS Looking for gorgeous summery colours to make tee shirts, summer dresses and tops, then this cotton knit organic jersey from Modelo is ideal. The organic fabric is OEKO-TEX certified and available in a vibrant range of bright, cheerful, summer colours. With eight to choose from you will be spoilt for choice! It has 5% Elastane so it’s perfect for garments that need a bit of stretch. To view all eight of the vibrant colours this cotton knit has to offer – click here
SHEER COTTONS This fabric is lightweight, semi sheer and perfect for those floaty dresses when the sun is beating down. This woven-striped cotton has a pretty Swiss dot effect making it perfect for those easy to wear tops and dresses where floaty fabrics are a must! There are 10 pastel colours to choose from. To see more from the new Bern collection from Modelo – click here
POPULAR PRINTS The last Monaluna range was incredibly popular and sold out quickly and we think Vintage 74 will be just as popular! This harmonious collection includes beautiful prints featuring beautiful florals, birds and butterflies. Inspired by designer, Jennifer Moore, grandmother’s farmhouse in the mid 70’s, the palette and prints lend themselves to bright, summery designs, with a bit of a retro styling thrown in! The range is GOTS-certified organic and there are 11 great prints to choose from! To view this new retro collection from Monaluna – click here
RAYON PRINTS Modelo has just brought out a gorgeous range of 44 stunning rayon print fabrics for spring/summer. This new collection of prints contains co-ordinating groups of three and four fabrics that work perfectly together. They’re ideal for mixing and matching. Modelo has a wonderful ethos of sustainability through quality where its fabrics can stand the test of time, look better for longer and reward your sewing time with a great finished garment. These rayons are beautifully soft, light and perfect for your warm weather wardrobe! To view more from the Mistral Rayons from Modelo – click here
G SPRING CELEBRATIN Fabrics With Art Gallery FRESH DECOR The new Velvet fabric collection is all about the luxury of home, the comfort of being surrounded by loved ones, and one’s most beloved art, books, and souvenirs. The range features a mix of rich and gentle hues to give a feel-good colour palette that also tunes in with the opulent prints of this collection, and is perfect for adding the finishing touches like cushions and throws to your home this season. To see more of the fabric designs from this collection – click here
FULL OF FLOWERS There is nothing better than sewing for spring. The Flower Society collection from AGF Studio is brimming with cute florals both big and small ranging in dark, moody to simple, modern, ditsy, and retro designs. Packed full with floral designs there’s a style for everyone. To see view the full Flower Society fabric collection – click here
ESSENCE OF SPRING The Pollinate fabric collection is perfect for your springtime makes! Designed by Jessica Swift for Art Gallery Fabrics with bees buzzing, birds singing, and flowers blooming bright, it brings the wonders of nature together during this cheerful season right into your sewing room any time of the year! To learn more about this collection - click here
TRENDSETTER
3 of the best jackets for spring 1. THE LONGLINE JACKET
Alegra Jacket from Style Arc - click here
Find the middle ground in a lovely longer line jacket. This style of coat is a little bit smarter and perfect for everyday. The Alegra Jacket is a great option for transcending the seasons. This open front collarless jacket has deep raglan sleeves giving it a Magyar effect. The clever cocoon shape is created by the darts on the hemline. While the pleated back blouson adds to its distinctive style.
Yanaka Jacket from Liesl + Co – click here
2. THE HYBRID JACKET
Stafford Jacket from The Sewing Workshop – click here
A garment that’s a cross between a blazer and a cardigan is what’s called for! This unlined jacket is semi-fitted, slightly cropped, and includes a stylish cutaway silhouette, cut-on sleeves, a sleeve gusset for better movement and fit, and a gentle stand-up collar. With no set-in sleeve or closures, this style is fun and easy to sew as well as versatile to wear!
3. THE JEAN JACKET
You can make in denim but this is no standard jean jacket! The Stafford is a loose-fitting, non-traditional jacket that has front and back yokes, faux button flaps over western-style front panels, collar with inset stand, ¾ length full sleeves and classic topstitching.
FABRIC SUGGESTIONS
PONTE ROMA Korem Royal Blue Modelo – click here
LINEN Sligo Ramie Washed, Modelo - click here
WASHED CANVAS Wonderful Things Aquarelle Study, AGF - click here
FINE NEEDLECORD Hartford Dusky Pink, Modelo - click here
DENIM Ditsy Abrasion Print, Art Gallery Fabrics – 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
MAKING
activewear
Tommie Hernández founder of sirenapatterns.com shares her tips for making activewear For many home sewers, making their own activewear is a challenge. But think about how proud you would feel if someone in the gym asked you “Where did you buy your outfit?” and you could answer, “I made it myself!” I encourage you to give it a shot and make your first activewear outfit.
Here are some tips to help you get started with making this type of garment: FABRIC TYPES: •
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Activewear garments have negative ease, which means the pattern is smaller than the actual body measurements. And because of this, you’ll need to use a fabric that has the proper stretch percentage and recovery. Since you’ll probably sweat a lot in this type of garment, I recommend you use a naturally hydrophobic fabric that wicks away moisture. Nylon/spandex or polyester/spandex that stretches at least 50% are great synthetic alternatives that don’t absorb moisture (like cotton). Bamboo/spandex is a more eco-friendly alternative since bamboo is not only a natural fibre but also anti-bacterial. Remember that spandex, elastane and Lycra all mean the same! Lycra is a name brand, and constitutes a small percentage (around 3% to 20%) of the fabric. Four-way stretch fabrics are fabrics that stretch in both directions, warp and weft while two-way stretch fabrics stretch only in one direction (either warp or weft) For very fitted garments like leggings and sport-bras, 4-way stretch fabrics in the fibres mentioned with a stretch of at least 50% or more work great. For loose fitted activewear such as T-shirts – the fabric can stretch less (25%), and can be either two-way stretch or 4-way stretch.
CUTTING:
Cutting knit fabrics can be difficult, especially if they’re lightweight and slippery. If things get difficult when cutting with regular scissors consider using a rotary cutter instead. This cutter allows you to make accurate cuts when cutting multiple layers of fabric, even stretchy ones. Make sure to always use a cutting mat to protect the surface, change the cutter blades regularly, and of course, keep it away from children.
STITCH & NEEDLE:
Both the fabric and the stitch should stretch enough to get the garment in your body, but then recover so you can wear it comfortably. That’s why it’s so important to use not only the correct fabric, but also stitches that stretch. If not you will end up with an ill-fitting garment and popped stitches. •
You can fashion an activewear garment from beginning to end using a regular sewing machine with a narrow zigzag stitch (1.5mm wide x 2.5mm long), but I prefer an overlocker to sew most of the garment (except the hems and topstitching).
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Keep in mind that the seam allowance for knits is smaller, usually 6mm (¼in), instead of the usual 1.5cm (5/8in). You don’t want bulky seam allowance in this type of fabric, especially in fitted garments. Always read the pattern instructions and apply the included seam allowance.
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Always test your stitches in a scrap of the same fabric that you use for the outfit. To prevent skipped stitches, make sure to use a ballpoint or stretch needle. The size will depend on the weight of the fabric.
FINISHINGS: To finish hems on activewear with a regular sewing machine you can use a medium zigzag stitch or a twin needle. For a more professional finish, a coverstitch sewing machine is ideal, but not indispensable. with either 2 or 3 needles. Always test the stitch you want to use first in a scrap of fabric and adjust the tensions accordingly.
COVERSTITCH
This stitch is the most recommended for activewear and achieving a professional looking finish. It looks like two rows of stitching on the outside and on the inside it’s similar to a serger stitch.
REVERSE COVERSTITCH ZIGZAG
A medium zig zag (3mm x 3mm) is ideal for finishing hems.
Here you’ll hem using the same coverstitch sewing machine but you simply make the hem with the wrong side of the garment towards the presser foot. That way, you will have the two rows of stitches on the inside and the serger looking finish on the outside. If you combine different colors of threads on the needle you can achieve a very fun, casual look, great for activewear.
AND FINALLY…..
Practice makes perfect! Keep practising with the equipment you have, and if you’re sewing knits frequently consider adding an overlocker, and eventually in a coverstitch to your sewing machine inventory, both are great investments for sewing knits enthusiasts!
TWIN NEEDLE
Alternatively, you can also use a ballpoint twin needle to achieve a look similar to the coverstitch with two rows of stitching, although it doesn’t stretch as much as the coverstitch one.
Tommie Hernandez is a Fashion Designer with over 20 years of experience and four years ago, founded Sirena Patterns. Sirena Patterns is the only Puerto-Rican sewing pattern company, and sells to more than 43 countries in digital format and with printed distribution in the UK, US and Puerto Rico. She also uses her experience to teach how to create clothes and swimwear. Her online fashion academy has more than 1,700 students around the world, and Tommie says “For me, technology is a great tool to compensate for inperson contact, even if it doesn’t replace it!” She also helps entrepreneurs launch their own fashion businesses. To find your local stockist of Sirena Patterns – click here
BE active!
Discover patterns and fabrics for staying active!
SIRENA PATTERNS
Sirena Patterns will be branching out into activewear (as well as swimwear patterns) and has five patterns including sports bra, leggings, joggers and hoodies all in sizes XS-XXL. These are currently in development so watch this space! To find more sewing patterns from Sirena Patterns – click here
CASHMERETTE
Performance meets style with the Belmont Leggings & Yoga Pants! With this pattern you can make the ultimate wardrobe essential, a pair of full-length leggings with a clean hidden elastic finish. Or salute the sun in the other option – a classic pair of yoga pants featuring a Capri length hem and fold-over waistband, which can be worn up or down. Designed with comfortable, ultra-high rises and optional flexible gussets, these will keep you moving all day long. The pattern is available in sizes 12-32. For more sewing patterns from Cashmerette – click here
JALIE
Whatever the specialist activewear you’re looking for, Jalie probably has it! They’ve a wide selection of patterns that are great for running, working out at the gym, tennis, the beach, your bike, the ice or dance floor, and cover many patterns that are hard to find. The patterns come in an impressive range of sizes for women, men and children. To view more of the patterns available from Jalie – click here
Modelo Activewear Fabric collection is a high quality blend of nylon and elastane, which is designed specifically for activewear. These fabrics can also be used for dancewear and swimwear too. With vibrant and contemporary designs that work well alone or in combination with solid colours, there’s one just right for your next pattern. To this wide range of fabrics from Modelo – 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
New spring sewing pattern releases for you to sew!
SEW HOUSE SEVEN
The Wildwood Wrap Dress is now available in a printed format. The dress is perfect for the office, a wedding or party or when you just feel like wearing a dress. It’s a true wrap dress, with a detached obiinspired belt. The beauty of this dress is created by the drape of the shawl collar and enhanced by the waist and shoulder pleats. It has generous front pockets, and a slim skirt with a wide faced hem. French seams are used to construct the upper bodice so version B looks pretty once the sleeves are rolled up. Choose a below the knee or longer midilength hem. The pattern comes in sizes 00-22 and 16-34. To find more patterns from Sew House Seven – click here
CASHMERETTE
The Appleton Dress is now available in two new sizes 12-28 and 0-16. This classic knit wrap dress is designed to play up your curves with a crossover front, built-in waist tie, and deep V-neck. Designed by and for curvy women, it has an innovative neckband construction, which prevents gaping across your bust that can happen on this style of dress. For more sewing patterns from Cashmerette – click here
STYLE ARC
This pattern company has spring all styled out with lots of new patterns available. We particularly love the Wilma Top, which now comes in a smaller size 4-16 as well as 18-30. This square shaped pull-on top has a pretty gusseted dolman sleeve, and is shaped with front and back body darts extending from the gussets and finished with topstitching. The Hope Dress is another great option for transcending the seasons. This pull-on dress is so versatile with its 3/4-length sleeves, high waist and comfortable deep raglan armhole. To view more of the new sewing patterns available from Style Arc – 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
A favourite formula Brazilian-born sewing blogger, Rachel Pinheiro shares her go-to style that she turns to most days!
This trend is almost unconscious. You pick every element effortlessly and you feel great. Yes, I’m talking about wearing clothes that you feel comfortable in and look your best that you can use as a ‘uniform’ for your lifestyle. We all have a particular formula that will take us through most events with no fuss but a ton of style power. Even better when it forms a strong base layer, which by adding fresh new colours, it revitalises our wardrobe without too much effort. Today, I’m talking about my favourite formula – the turtleneck and high-waisted trousers. The thing about style is that your personal taste and point of view trumps old-fashioned ‘Fix your body’ shape advice would dictate. For example, I’m a 6ft tall gal with short body length and busty. My all time go to outfit ‘highlights’ that I’m top heavy and the lack of distance to my waist (shorten body length). I’m a firm believer that you can wear anything but there is a secret, you need to balance your hems. This style works so well for me, that if you ask a friend to describe a usual day to day outfit that they would see me wearing, it’s most likely they’d say with enthusiasm that I would be wearing turtleneck and waist defining trousers as a base layer plus a blazer or a coat. This is my off duty style encapsulated. This season, I’m swapping a jacket/coat for a quilted long waistcoat and adding the ‘refresh’ colour of a yellow scarf.
The outfit, pattern and fabric and the modifications I’ve done! PATTERNS FROM TRUE BIAS Nikko Top I have made this pattern before into the turtleneck dress for a previous issue of this magazine. You can view it here. It’s good to remake a sewing pattern and try something a little different. I lengthened the turtleneck by 5cm, and now it folds nicely for a traditional look or wear it full up to make a big statement! The fabric has a lovely weave texture and mid-weight that feels cosy but thin enough to fit well when layered.
Lander Pants I’ve seen lots of photos on Instagram from sewists of this pattern and I must be the last person on earth to make it! To make mine a little different, I’ve added an extra button with an extended waistband. I really love the width of the legs as it has a ’70s feel. The fabric has a slight stretch and sheen with a granular texture. I prefer more weight
for trousers. It just feels a little summertime for now. A couple of tips – be prepared to really reinforce the areas that tend to stretch and be careful when pressing. Like many gabardines, heat will stain the fabric so use a press cloth. I enjoyed constructing both of these patterns.
Tips for buttonholes 1. Make a sample that replicates the garment – fabric, interfacing and layers of fabrics. Adjust your tension if necessary. 2. Test the size with the button - cut the buttonhole open and check how the buttons fit. When wearing jeans the placement of the buttons will influence how nicely the seam matches. Positioning the button in the middle will not necessarily give you the best result. 3. Use a fray deterrent like Fray Check from Prym. That will make the buttons. 4. I recommend investing in a buttonhole cutter. It’s life changing!
Editor’s notes PATTERNS Rachel has this time used two patterns from True Bias to make her outfit. The Nikko includes four views, all with a simple and stylish mock turtleneck. This fitted silhouette is perfect pairing for high waisted trousers. Fabric suggestions include medium weight knit fabric with an approximate 75% stretch such as rib knit, sweater knit, bamboo knit, or stretch velvet. The Lander Pant has a lovely high waist and button fly that’s flattering and comfortable for all body types. The pattern includes front and back patch pockets, belt loops, and a straight fit through the legs. Make in an ankle or boot length pant and shorts. Fabric suggestions include medium to heavy bottom weight fabrics with little to no stretch like twill, linen, corduroy and denim. The best lining fabrics are cotton voile, quilting cotton and linen. To view other True Bias sewing pattersn or find a local stockist – click here Rachel chose to make her top in Organic Knit Knit natural 3D jacquard jersey from Hamburger Liebe for Albstoffe. To view all the colours from this fabric range – click here To make the Lander Pant, Rachel has used Modelo’s Cotton Stretch Twill fabric in Attica Sand. To view the rest of the colours – click here OTHER THINGS YOU MAY NEED: Prym Fray Check – click here Prym Jeans Buttons – click here 17mm antique copper with laurel wreath design
Tips for measuring
AND MAKING SUCCESSFUL GARMENT Julie Bonnar from The Pattern Pages shares her tips on making sure your garment is the perfect fit!
We’ve all done it, haven’t we? We’re so excited to be sewing that we’ve launched straight in! Then we spend all that love, attention and time, cutting out and sewing only to find it doesn’t fit properly. You heard the phrase ‘measure twice and cut once’ well this is how you put it into practice!
THINGS ABOUT A SEWING PATTERN YOU MIGHT ASSUME:
1. The pattern size is the same as readymade garments you buy on the High Street. It’s not and also more importantly each indie pattern company will have its own sizing charts and measurements too. 2. All sewing patterns follow a set of standard measurements. No they don’t, and very few of us would match these measurements completely as we’re all different shapes and sizes and something to be celebrated. 3. Use your own measurements for every pattern you sew. Yes this is true, but you should always redo these every time you start to make a garment, even if it’s a pattern that you’ve made before. Just like our weight, our measurements can fluctuate too.
WHAT MEASUREMENTS DO YOU NEED:
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A. Height - Stand with your back, head and heels against My measurements cross between two sizes the wall without shoes. Your on this Olive Dress from Megan Nielson so I’d friend should place the ruler pick to make the size 14 for the bust, as the across the top of your head and dress is loose fitting. mark. Measure from the floor to the mark for height. B. Chest - Measure immediately under your armpits and across the top of chest. C. Bust - Measure across the bust’s fullest part and the widest part of the back. D. Waist - Measure your natural waistline. To find this – you can tie a piece of string around your waist and let it settle as you bend left and right. E. Hips - Take the measurement around the fullest part (this is usually 8cm-23cm below the waistline). TIP: For more precise measurements, always round up to the nearest whole centimetre.
HOW TO TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS Making a pattern fit you well is all about taking accurate body measurements. Take your measurements over your usual underwear and don’t be tempted to pull the measuring tape too tightly. Ask a friend around and ask them to help. They will be able to get more accurate measurements as you can stand still.
Olive Top shown with Opal Pants – both from Megan Nielsen
TIP: If no one else is around to help then you might like the Self Measuring
Tape from Sew To Grow! It’s easy to use, simply wrap the tape measure around your body, place the end of the tape into the opposite side of the device, push the button so the tape retracts and let it contour to the shape of your body. This allows you to look in a mirror and make sure the tape is level and in the right spot so that you get accurate measurements every time. To find your local stockist – click here
WHAT OTHER MEASUREMENTS YOU MIGHT NEED: Shoulder length Measure from the base of the neck to shoulder point. To find base of the neck – place tape measure around your neck under the thyroid. To find the shoulder point – raise the arm to shoulder level and this is where the dip forms at the shoulder bone. Front waist length Measure vertically down from the prominent shoulder bone over bust point to the waist. Back waist length Measure from the top of your spine to natural waistline. Arm length Measure from the shoulder bone to elbow and then with elbow bent measure to the wrist.
OTHER TECHNICAL THINGS YOU MAY LIKE TO KNOW: Garment ease For a garment to fit comfortably, the pattern might say it has ease. This is so you can move freely such as moving your arms up and down. Wearing ease This is the minimum amount of ease for a garment to be comfortable. Within the sewing industry wearing ease is usually 6.4cm at the bust, 2.5cm at the waist and 7.6cm at the hip area. Design ease This is an amount that the designer has added/subtracted to create a specific silhouette. To determine ease, measure the pattern from seam to seam (excluding seam allowances) and compare it with your body measurements to the total circumference measurement of the pattern. The difference is the amount of ease the pattern has.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING A COMMERCIAL PATTERN For skirts, shorts and trousers Use your hip measurement to select the pattern size For dresses, tops and jackets Use the bust measurement to select the pattern size
Finding Calm with Serenity Fusion
Sarah Ashford, obsessive quilter and fabric lover shares her sewing with the Serenity fabric collection from Art Gallery Fabrics I really enjoyed making this oversized patchwork drawstring bag, which is perfect for a beach themed home. I’ve used a pattern called The Finch Bucket by Stitch Mischief. I’ve actually put mine in the bathroom – it’s a great way to keep all those bottles, toys or even toilet rolls tidied away! The beach theme so inspired me that I also made a little patchwork sailboat block, riding the waves of the ocean. I can just imagine a whole quilt of small 6in illustrative blocks like this – it would be perfect for a seaside retreat or even for a picnic blanket to take on the beach. If you fancy making your own Serenity Fusion quilt, you can find the free pattern for the ‘Pacific’ quilt on the Art Gallery Fabrics Website. Do check it out here.
Muted, subtle, dreamy and calming are the perfect adjectives to describe the latest collection, Serenity Fusion from Art Gallery Fabrics. Each of the prints is designed by a different AGF designer and their distinctive styles shining through. If you’re looking for a soft colour palette that’s gentle on the eye, then this beautiful low volume collection is it. It reminds me of hazy days at the seaside, with the seagulls over head, and the waves gently lapping at the shore and the grains of sand tickling my feet. Pure bliss! There are 12 cotton prints in this collection, and while the palette is gentle – there’s a good variation in scale and print, making them perfect for patchwork. There are seagulls, feathers, tiny florals and some beautiful textures, which all work harmoniously together. Equally, they would work well paired with other more vibrant collections, to provide a ‘resting place’ for the eyes. Or if you wanted to pair these prints with some solids, the matching blenders from the Pure Elements collection that work really well include Macchiato, Cafe Latte, Cloud and Aquarium.
This collection would also work wonderfully for light summer dresses or tops, either for the little ones or for you! The tiny floral print, in particular is perfect for this and there are some lovely samples in the Serenity Fusion ‘look book’ on the AGF website. I really like the simplistic beauty of this collection. With hand drawn lines, brushstroke lines, dots and crosses, it has a really organic, gentle feel, inspired by nature. It would be perfect for baby quilts, garments and home décor. The range of textured prints make it really versatile, and a great one to have in your stash to blend with other prints as well.
Editor’s notes The Serenity Fusion fabric collection from Art Gallery Fabrics is a breath of fresh air with its low volume prints, inspired by the tranquil waters of the ocean and feeling the warm sand between your toes. This collection highlights celeste tones with creamy, ethereal, and subtle textures. To view more from this cool collection – click here
CRYSTAL CLUSTER This quilt pattern by Elizabeth Hartman includes all the instructions to make the same bold starburst quilt design in three sizes, plus a cushion. Everything is made using conventional patchwork techniques so there are no templates or paper piecing! This is a perfect project for featuring your favourite colours and prints, and the pattern includes a detailed colour chart that can be used to duplicate the fabrics that the designer has used, or as a guide for organising your own fabrics, and it’s great for using up fabric scraps too. To view this colourful quilt pattern – click here
WHAT’S
NEW
We keep you posted with the latest launches MIX & MATCH EXPANSION PACK Mix and match your way to a wardrobe of beautiful dresses and skirts with the Upton Dress & Skirt plus Mix & Match Expansion Pack! This pattern features multiple bodice, skirt, sleeve, and neckline options for hundreds of dresses. Choose from dresses for brunch and cocktails to weddings, this single pattern can do it all! The full pattern option includes the original Upton Dress pattern pieces, which are necessary to use in conjunction with this pattern. Choose your own adventure with lots of styles that can be mixed and matched with over 350 combinations! The new pattern features include darted or princess seamed bodices with and without sleeves as well as new necklines and standalone skirt with a new contoured waistband and different length options. To view this pattern from Cashmerette – click here
KALEIDOSCOPE DESIGNS This new book from Lori Holt of Bee in my Bonnet Co. is sure to shake up your world with colour! Create quilts filled with a myriad of cool, light and bright colours, centred on a kaleidoscope-inspired star block. There are three quilt and three pillow size options to choose from and an endless array of colour and design options to select! It also has a radiant coordinating cross-stitch that will light up your home as well as showing two different methods for making flying geese and half square triangles! To find out how to get your copy – click here
Patchwork design by Rachel Pinheiro using the Tamarack pattern by Grainline Studio and featuring Modelo chambray Distributed Exclusively in the UK by Hantex Ltd Details
modelo
fabrics
Chambrays & Denims
By Modelo Fabrics
Find patterns, fabrics and everything ‘Denim’ as well as stockists at …
www.hantexonline.co.uk/denim-edit
