100
Dressmaker Make it Today!
ALL YOUR SEWING TIPS & TRICKS INSIDE new ideas
22OUTFITS
Issue 25 | £7.99 JULY 2017
+Quick-stitch
EASY SUMMER PROJECTS TO WAKE UP YOUR WARDROBE!
Lauren Guthrie’s Tricks with Stretchy Fabrics
Nip & Tuck
8Fit & Flatter
SHAPE A BETTER BUSTLINE SEE PAGE 71
TOPS & SKIRTS Liberty Love Styles
Fabric print designers reveal their secrets
In the Workroom...
ROLLED HEMS TUTORIAL PERFECT UNDER-STITCHING HOW TO CREATE A TOILE
12-20 (approx UK sizing)
5
FIGURE-FLATTERING
TOPS
with your free
PATTERN SIMPLE DAYTIME CASUALS YOU’LL LOVE TO STITCH
T
his summer we’re taking it back to basics with lirty cinched tees and shoulder-baring threads. Dreamy with shorts and lowing gypsy skirts, Simplicity 1613 ofers ive easy designs to choose from: A, B and C provide a unique twist-front neckline, while C and E embrace the chic Bardot trend with three diferent sleeve variations – all sitting at a lattering hip length. Designed with a stretch knit in mind, this pattern is the perfect opportunity to boost your sewing skillset and build up your conidence with jersey. And while this fabric may be tricky to master at irst, once you’ve cracked it, igure-hugging inery will be yours for the taking!
WHAT’S YOUR SIZE? When selecting a pattern, it is important to use your body measurements, not your ready-towear size. The style of the garment will also determine the fit, so check your proportions against the pattern’s chart. If you are between sizes, opt for the smaller one if you’re small-boned or would like a close fit, and the larger one if you prefer a loose fit. Find out how to take accurate measurements, increase the size of a dart, and view size charts at simplicitynewlook.com.
4
Make It Today | Dressmaker
YOUR free
PATTERN
No wardrobe is complete without a versatile tee, and Simplicity 1613 ofers up ive of these must-have essentials. Simply choose your neckline and sleeve length, and start stitching today.
Next month’s FREE GIFTS...
pattern, plus a flamingo fat quarter
On sale 27th July 2017 makeittoday.co.uk
5
THE WORLD OF ANNA SUI Described as one of the top five fashion icons of the decade, pioneering designer Anna Sui is being celebrated with a retrospective at the Fashion and Textile Museum. Glam kooky highlights range from cowboy couture to grunge baby doll in a fabulously eclectic event that’s not to be missed. ftmlondon.org
SHAPE UP FOR SUMMER Turn your next holiday into a life-changing lesson in getting the right it! Gartmore House, set in the heart of Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park, is ofering a masterclass in sewing patterns designed to help you sew like a pro as you chill in the Scottish hills. Now that’s what we call a lucky break! £345, gartmorehouse.com
make BUY
HOT STITCHY STUFF TO BRIGHTEN UP YOUR SUMMER
PENNY FOR YOUR THOUGHTS Brace yourself, ladies: Sew Over It’s new pattern has arrived, and it’s a beauty. The Penny Shirt Dress is a treat for beginners, as there are no darts and only a few seams, and its flattering dropped shoulder is a fifties dream. Comfy and quick, take it from us: Penny’s from heaven! UK 8-20. £7.50, sewoverit.co.uk
6
Make It Today | Dressmaker
JLaloive e
GET YOUR CARDI ON!
FAMILY PATTERNS FOR EVERY SIZE!
It may be summer, but we all need layers. Jennifer Lauren’s Juniper cardigan pattern with saddle shoulder details and a flattering V shape is easily matched with comfy jeans or a vintage sundress. Perfect for colour blocking! jenniferlaurenhandmade.com
BIRDY BEAUTIFUL The latest quirky bird pairings from Thornback & Peel feature pigeons with jellies and this cute combo of chickens and carnations! Treat yourself to a pretty pastel bag with a diference: they’re a real conversation starter. £22, thornbackandpeel.co.uk
SMALL IS BEAUTIFUL
FAB LEISURE WEAR Simple raglan-sleeve tops, racerback tanks and camisole tops for jersey knits
EASY MAKE DRESSES Stitch easy gowns like the Bella it and lare dress with princess seams
SUPER SNIPPERS Who said scissors had to be hard to handle? Inspirational TV stitcher Nancy Zieman’s Bordeaux Ultimate blades combine precision cutting with a soft touch grip – brilliant for all those dressmaking projects! Available in three sizes from £50, clover@stockist enquiries.co.uk
Keeping your stitching secrets safe has never been simpler. This cute little sewing machine USB stick from Sew Easy gives you the perfect way to store your designs. Also available in a cute yellow tape measure. £17 for 2GB, groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk
COOL STRETCH JEANS Make low-rise bootcut trousers pattern in your choice of denim or twill
KIMONO WOW! We’re all a bit obsessed with quick and pretty Japanese jackets, so this book is definitely on our wish list! Kimono Now explores the versatility and history of this fashion favourite from traditional matsuri makes to creative cosplay creations. £24.99, prestelpublishing. randomhouse.de
You’ll love these pretty casual patterns from mother-and-daughter team Jalie. These practical designs ofer relaxed styles for stretch lovers with easy multi-size options for your individual shape, printed on high-quality paper. Young or old, these patterns will keep you busy for a lifetime! For a full selection of downloadable and printed patterns, visit jalie.com
makeittoday.co.uk
7
your free pattern · your free pattern · your free pattern · your free pattern · your free pattern · your free patte
Quick Jersey
WINNERS STYLISH STRETCH KNITS WITH CRISS-CROSS KNOTS AND STRAPS
W
ith designers as diverse as Fendi, Chanel and Soku continuing to vaunt the stretch appeal of the humble jersey across everything from playful, sporty tanks to lavish, slinky jumpsuits, Simplicity’s 1613 pattern is the perfect way to embrace our nifty knit potential. These ive variations ofer a choice of sleeve and necklines, ranging from intricate criss-cross overlays to simple elasticated of-the-shoulder options you can put together quickly. Constructed with just a few pieces, these igurelattering styles accentuate your natural curves while celebrating ease of movement and ease of wear, making them high on comfort and wow factor. What are you waiting for? It’s time to stretch yourself…
PROJECT DESIGNER
jayne Cordle & sarah Oecken · for beginners ·
TURN OVER FOR MORE makeittoday.co.uk 13
SWAP DELICATE LACE TRIM FOR POM-POM DETAILING!
We’ve used this pretty Cotton Candy Sweet Notes print by Susan Driscoll for Dashwood Studio. £12 per metre, guthrie-ghani.co.uk
Why not try?
FANCY FLOWERS Whether you’re a fan of an oversized bloom or prefer a petite print, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to Liberty cotton florals. £22.50 per metre, libertylondon.com
makeittoday.co.uk 43
HALF LIFE BLUE This retro-style design from the In Theory barkcloth range for Cloud 9 Fabrics is perfect for making a statement garment. For stockists, visit hantex.co.uk/cloud9
Find pattern online
makeittoday.co.uk 27
Totally Versatile
SIDE-SPLIT
tunic STITCH A VIBRANT CHIFFON GARMENT TO SUIT ALL SIZES
T
his flowing tunic by Amanda Walker is exactly what you need to create a statement outfit this summer. The sheer fabric makes it a fabulous staple that can be worn from daytime through to evening. You’ll be thrilled to learn that this no-pattern make can easily be altered to suit women of all heights and sizes. You can practise neatening your raw edges and making a smooth-finished side-split without any hassle. Once you’ve finished, you’ll be floating away into the sunset feeling like a Grecian goddess!
NOPATTERN MAKE!
TURN OVER FOR MORE makeittoday.co.uk 55
Stitch a Simple
Summer Top FLEX YOUR YOKE SKILLS WITH THIS FLATTERING GATHERED MAKE
PROJECT DESIGNER
jenniffer taylor · for beginners ·
W
e dare you not to feel your spirits lift with Jennifer Taylor’s light and loaty smock-inspired top. Jenni gives this traditional bustshaping drape top a contemporary twist with a broad box pleat attached to a yoke neckline. It’s the perfect opportunity to draft a pattern to suit your frame: all you need are a few measurements. Finished with cute mother of pearl buttons, this easy loose-it lovely is truly boxing clever!
TURN OVER FOR MORE makeittoday.co.uk 65
Play With Colour
Dress Happy STROLL INTO SUMMER WITH A BOLD STATEMENT BLOCK SHIFT
Y
ves Saint Laurent irst popularised the trend for block frocks with his renowned Mondrian collection, which landed on the cover of Vogue in the 1960s. Here, our designer Amanda Walker brings this striking look up to date with zesty lime and creamy beige – a duo that’s it for summer and beyond. Brush up on the basics, from inserting sleeves and darts to itting zips and pockets, and you’ll soon be strutting your stuf in this igure-friendly classic.
PROJECT DESIGNER
AMANDA WALKER · for beginners ·
makeittoday.co.uk 21
Subscribe Today • Subscribe Today • Subscrib
Order Form
MIT25
Yes! I would like to subscribe to Make It Today, Dressmaker Magazine UK DD £19.40 every 3 issues (Please complete section 1) Cheque/CC – UK £67.10/ Eur/Eire £107.00/ROW £117.00 - 10 issues I would like to purchase a gift subscription using this ofer
Forename
Surname
Address Postcode Daytime No.
MEMBER BENEFITS… £120+ worth of free cover gifts^
SUBSCRIBER DETAILS, please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS
Title
Enjoy Our
Mobile No.
EACH ISSUE INCLUDES: Email
• FREE cover gifts worth over £120 across the year • EXPERT tips and advice from industry experts • FABRIC LOVE ~ we look at this month’s fabric trends • SAVE over £15 of the cover price
THIS IS A GIFT SUBSCRIPTION/MY RECIPIENT DETAILS ARE; please complete in BLOCK CAPITALS
Title
Forename
Surname
Address Postcode Daytime No.
Mobile No.
1
INSTRUCTION TO YOUR BANK OR BUILDING SOCIETY TO PAY DIRECT DEBIT
Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society
Originator’s ID No.
677183
Reference Number
To the Manager ....................................................................... ......................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................... ......................................................................................................................... Name(s) of Account Holder(s)
Instruction to your Bank or Building Society Please pay Aceville Publications Ltd Direct Debit from the account detailed in this instruction subject to the safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Aceville Publications Ltd and, if so, details may be passed electronically to my Bank/Building Society.
Branch Sort Code
Bank/Building Society Account Number
Membership
REWARDS
Signature(s) Date.............................................................................................
Data Banks and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some types of accounts
Enjoy regular member beneits as part of your subscription:
Your full Direct Debit guarantee can be found on your conirmation letter 2
I enclose a cheque made payable to Make It Today, Dressmaker Magazine
3
Please charge my
Card number
Visa
Mastercard
Amex
Switch/Maestro Issue No
Expiry date
Valid from
SIGNED:
TODAY’S DATE:
*This is a UK only Direct Debit ofer. Gift is only available to UK subscribers. Existing subscribers can renew using this ofer. Your subscription will begin with the next available issue. Subscriptions are for a 12 month period including all gift subscriptions. Your free gift will be dispatched within 28 days of your payment being received (sent separately from the magazine). If your subscription is a gift, the gift and gift card will be sent to the donor. You can also subscribe via cheque or credit card. In the event of a gift being faulty or damaged, please contact us within 28 days of receiving the gift. This ofer is subject to availability (alternative gift may be supplied). This is a limited ofer and may be withdrawn at any time. Please note digital subscriptions will not include subscription gifts, or covermounted gifts. Aceville Publications Ltd and Make It Today, Dressmaker Magazine may wish to contact you regarding your subscription. Please return to: MIT – DOVETAIL SERVICES (UK) LIMITED, 800 GUILLAT AVENUE, KENT SCIENCE PARK, SITTINGBOURNE, ME9 8GU
• Exclusive ofers • Exclusive competitions • Craft Store discounts • Star subscriber – coming soon! • Plus, much, much more…
RENEW USING CODE MIT25 To renew visit makeittoday.com/subscribe Have your subscriber details to hand