Editor’s Letter

With the weather improving, like us you’re probably thinking of warmer days and what to wear. In this edition, we round-up the current trouser styles for spring/summer. Jacqui Smith makes the Sadie Pants with Bengaline - a fabric you might not have heard of before. Making a pair of trousers for the first time can be intimidating, Julie Bonnar shares some of the elements that you need to think about when it comes to fitting and adjustments.

We’re also pleased to introduce you to Mönsterfabriken. This Swedish pattern company offers simple but detailed designs that focus on fit. You’ll love their sewing patterns!

Have you ever thought that quilting wasn’t for you? Well, we think you’ll change your mind when you see how modern quilting can get!

Happy sewing!

www.hantex.co.uk www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk

True Bias

The Dani pattern features a pair of trousers and shorts with a stylish elasticated paperbag waist, inseam and rear pockets and cuff. The shorts have a 3in inseam while the trousers hit the ankle with a 27½in inseam. Make both with a zip fly and two buttons at the waist, or with a full elastic waistband for an easy pull on fit. This pattern comes in sizes 0-18 and 14-32. Another pattern to look out for is the Zoey Tank/Dress. This fitted knit tank top and dress has a soft front V-neck and low scooped back neckline that skims the ankle. The armholes and necklines are finished with 5/8in wide bands and this fit and flare dress you can make with centre-front and back seams to give it extra shape. The tank top has a cropped length hitting around the natural waist or end around the hipline. This printed pattern is available in size 0-18. To find your nearest stockist of True Bias sewing patterns – click here

New apparel pattern releases to fill your wardrobe!

The Friday Pattern Co

The Friday Pattern Co has just announced new printed versions of two of its popular designs. The first is the Elysian Bodysuit, which has long sleeves, deep scoop neckline, curved seaming under the chest, and two cuff options. The style lines on this bodysuit are perfect for mixing and matching colours and patterns making it ideal for walking the dog to curling up with a book on the couch, to dancing the night away!

The second pattern is the Saturday Skirt Set, which is made up of a pretty wrap top and midi skirt that are comfortable, glamorous and fun to wear! Both of these patterns are easy to sew. The wrap top has long sleeves brought in at the hem with elastic that can be wrapped in several different ways. While the skirt is a flowy A-line with an elastic back for a comfortable fit and roomy pockets. Make this set in silk for a partyready get up or in linen for an everyday uniform. Both of these patterns come in sizes XS-7X.

To view the latest patterns and more from the Friday Pattern Company - click here

Grainline Studio

The Town Bag was originally designed and sold by the Fringe Co. This handy bag makes a great everyday purse but also a fabulous do-it-all project bag. Designed for corralling tools, patterns, and miscellany like the Field Bag, but more totelike with handles and external pockets. To find your nearest stockist of Grainline Studio –click here

Noodlehead

The Haralson belt bag is the ideal little bag for everyday. Compact and easy to wear across the front or back of your body, it’s great for travel and keeping valuables close. The multi-flap closure gives maximum versatility and the back zippered pocket is perfect for your phone! To find your nearest stockist of Noodlehead –click here

Liesl + Co

Liesl + Co has four new stylish sewing patterns for this season’s sewing.

The Alvalade Trousers are a classic trouser but this time for men. They look like dress trousers but feel more like sweatpants, and designed for woven fabrics with some stretch. They include lots of lovely details like a classic zipper fly with zipper shield, angled front pockets with a concealed change pocket, back darts, back welt pockets, and a waistband with elastic side panels. The inseam is moved forward to give a comfortable and well-fitting trouser for every occasion.

The Cannes Wide-Legged Trousers are classic high-waisted, pleated-front, ultra-wide-legged trousers with a zipper fly, slanted pockets, back darts for shaping, belt loops, and sash. These look good on all body shapes, and can be worn from day to night with glamour and elegance. Sew them in a drapey fabric so they billow and move with you.

The Santa Rosa Top + Dress is a sophisticated pattern with a band collar, pop-over button placket, and dolman sleeves. It’s cut loose with dropped shoulders and a centre-back box pleat. Make the top with cut-on dolman short sleeves, and the dress with a self tie, curved shirttail hem, and long sleeves with classic cuffs.

The Sintra Halter Top + Dress has an elegant halter with a rounded neckband and gathered front. This is a statement piece that can be worn alone or under a blazer. It closes with a simple button and buttonhole at the back. Make a classic seamless-front top, or sew with a peekaboo V-slit neckline or flowy above-the-knee dress silhouette, the choice is yours!

To view this latest pattern and more from Liesl + Co - click here

Cashmerette

Rev up your wardrobe with the asymmetrical front zip Canton Moto Jacket, and make with all the classic biker-style details like notched lapel and gusseted zipper! It’s designed for mid-to heavyweight woven fabrics. Like all Cashmerette patterns, it includes cup sizes from C-H and comes in sizes 0-16 and 12-32. To find your nearest stockist of Cashmerette – click here

Named Clothing

The Lexi A-line Dress has the right balance of relaxed and fitted elements. This lined dress has a sleek A-shape fit, long set-in sleeves and a boat neck. The waistline is dropped, and the skirt of the dress has small, subtle pleats at the front and an invisible zip fastening at the back. The pattern comes in sizes 4-28.

To find your nearest stockist of Named Clothing – click here

House Seven

The Toaster Sweater isn’t a brand new pattern but is now available in curvy options 1 & 2 (sizes 16-34). This pattern consists of two different high neck top designs to keep you toasty warm and stylish in the cooler months. Simple to sew, they’re perfect for sewists of all levels who want to try their hand at sewing knits. To find your nearest stockist of Sew House Seven – 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