Make It Today Issue 17 Dressmaker

DEasyressmaker Make it Today!

VINTAGE Day Dress

LOVE IT • STITCH IT • WEAR IT

READ IT • SHARE IT

5 RETRO PATTERNS

& BONUS

Pull-Out JERSEY TOP

GBSB Winner’s

INTERVIEW

Weekend Make

LIBERTY TOP CREATE A

CLASSIC

Hollywood

SKIRT

Fall in LOVE with

RETRO

PRINTS HONG KONG

SEAMS

Explained

Make It Today | Issue 17 | September 2016 | £7.99

5

VINTAGE STYLES with your

FREE PATTERNS CREATE CLASSIC, BEAUTIFUL RETRO SILHOUETTES WITH TWO SIMPLE PATTERNS

S

urround yourself in the romance of vintage with Butterick's 150th anniversary patterns.

These two free gifts offer four fashionable dresses to stitch that are inspired by the elegance of the 1950s and 1960s. Butterick's B6242 design creates a balanced look that sweeps across the shoulders and nips in with a cummerbund at the waist. If you're looking for an equally beautiful style that complements all shapes, look no further than Butterick's B5920.

The flattering design incorporates bodice shirt details, a buckled belt and a collar that draw the eye upwards. For stunning results and the style of a sixties film icon, we recommend you get stitching!

Easy details

to create a flattering day dress

What’s Your

SIZE?

If you would like a smaller size, alternative versions are available: B6242 (14-22), B5920 (14-22). Call Butterick at 0344 880 1263, quoting voucher code MIT6242 or MIT5920 to redeem your replacement pattern at half price (ÂŁ4 each). Offer valid until 30th September 2016.

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Make It Today | Dressmaker

Your FREE

GIFT Stitch a semi-fitted bodice, classic cummerbund and one of two skirt variations to create a classy pullover dress with Butterick’s B6242 retro 1960s pattern.

Butterick’s B5920 pattern has detailed diagrams that walk you through techniques such as darts, buttonholes and pockets to create a belted number with a slip.

Don’t miss NEXT ISSUE...

Feather Light

On sale 7th October

Use sheer fabric for a glamorous look and lots of swish

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CLASS ACT

Bringing together good oldfashioned sewing knowledge with Live HD, crafting connoisseur Hochanda aims to help tighten up your stitchy skills with state-of-the-art online workshops. Enthusiasts of all ages can enjoy one-to-one sewing tuition in the comfort of their own home. hochanda.com/ masterclass

SEW BUTTERICK’S B5209 AS PART OF THE CELEBRATIONS

BRISTOL FASHION

West Country couture is doing its bit for throwback cool, as the Bristol Quarter’s BettyRae Vintage and Sewn join forces. Find plenty of ideas for your next fab frock on Fairfax Street. bettyraevintage.com

make BUY

GO BACK TO THE FUTURE WITH OUR VINTAGE SPECIAL

PARTY SPIRIT

Sew your favourite fashion-era frock at Butterick’s Vintage Sewalong, which invites like-minded ladies to a series of nationwide events and tea parties to raise money for The Eve Appeal. Dates include Alexandra Palace on 5th October and Harrogate on 24th November.

Don’t miss the party! vintagesewalong.co.uk

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Make It Today | Dressmaker

d l O Favourites

FEEL LIKE ROYALTY

Cloak yourself in regal bliss with the Royals pattern range from Backstitch! Splicing romantic flourishes and voluminous draping with decorative details such as wide cuffs, trumpet skirts and bishop sleeves, this Rococoinspired collection of eight designs is fit for a couture queen. £15, backstitch.co.uk

BEE THE BEST

Fresh from the Sewing Bee, finalist Jade Earley is campaigning to bring skills-based lessons such as sewing back into schools with her Go Back to Go Forward campaign. As Jade explains, “Everybody has a gift, and we all deserve a chance to shine.”

Sign her online petition now! change.org JADE WITH LITTLE MISS BOO, WEARING TWO OF HER DESIGNS FROM THE SHOW

CLASSIC SEWING PIECES FROM ETSY

COLLECTOR’S ITEM

Stash away your treasures in a pretty sewing basket from Korbond’s new autumn collection. Showcasing retro-friendly florals, artisan pastels and peacock prints, these lovely storage items provide ample room for fat quarters, threads, buttons and bows. From £19.99, amazon.co.uk

PINKING SHEARS Forged-steel snippers for classic cuts. £10, RubyCubesExeter.etsy.com

HOOKS AND EYES Forties fashions all tied up! £2.29 for set, StoryTellerGirl.etsy.com

TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE Vivacious, playful and

redolent of the roaring twenties, Tilda’s Memory Lane range, featuring bundles, ribbons, buttons and even fabric sheets for appliqué, presents ditsy florals in navy and olive with splashes of hot fruity pink. Fabric sheets £14.75, groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk

THIMBLE Bone China with a cheery floral motif. £5, TheVintageCoopUK.etsy.com

OUTDOOR PURSUITS Stay ahead of the weather on your Indian Summer jaunts! These soft, lightweight waterproofs from Pennine Outdoor, part of the P32 range, combine high levels of protection with an irresistibly soft finish and drape, and come in 14 shades such as butter, emerald and cerise. £9.20 per metre, pennineoutdoor.co.uk

PIN CUSHION Happy landings for retro stitchers. £3, JennyWrightAllSewnUp.etsy.com

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your free pattern · your free pattern · your free pattern · your free pattern · your free pattern · your free patte

Daytime DRESSES COMFORTABLE, VERSATILE RETRO FOR EVERY DAY

T

he classic shape and shirt detail of Butterick’s re-released vintage pattern B5920 delivers an adaptable dress. Both designs are perfect for day wear when created with the right material.

A medium-weight linen will provide a pretty style with maximum comfort, so simply pick a print to suit your mood. In addition to the two frocks, the pattern includes a slip that provides extra coverage underneath, and the perfect opportunity to experiment with an elegant lightweight material. Alternatively, opt for lace or a sheer fabric for the ultimate feminine allure. Whatever the occasion, stitch an outfit infused with retro style using your free Butterick pattern.

PROJECT DESIGNER

Amanda Walker

· for beginners ·

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LIBERTY

TOP SILKY STITCHING FOR THE ULTIMATE INDULGENCE

G

iven the chance to mix dreamy vintage with a luxe fabric from the purveyors of classic style, how could we refuse? This gathered top, with its flattering back opening, sloping shoulders and snug hip line, is a dream to make and lets you create something tailor-made to your body shape while giving your silksewing skills a chance to shine. Or, if you prefer, choose a soft Tana Lawn as a suitable canvas for your Liberty love!

Multisize make!

Front neckline: Cut one on fold Front neck facing: Cut one on fold Back neck facing: Cut one on fold Back facing opening: Cut one Front and back: Take 60cm strip, selvedge to selvedge Cut one back (a) and one front (b) according to width measurements Use 1.5cm seam allowance, unless otherwise stated Iron on interfacing to the reverse of all facing

PROJECT DESIGNER

Fiona Hesford

ESSENTIAL KIT Main fabric, 1.4m x 80cm Embroidery thread Fusible interfacing, 20cm Small button, 15mm

40 Make It Today | Dressmaker

¡ for beginners ¡

MEASURING GUIDE For front and back, you need two pieces, one wider for the gathered front. Take your hip or bust measurement (whichever is largest).

Add 20cm for ease and seam allowance. Divide by two to give width measurement for top back piece (a).

Add 8cm to get width measurement for front piece (b).

PROJECT DESIGNER

Elisabeth Cockrell

· for beginners ·

CUT WORK

COLLAR CHARMING ACCESSORY FOR ALL OCCASSIONS

A

dd an elegant touch to an understated outfit with a 1920s Parisianinspired collar. This embroidered accessory gives an authentic vintage look with intricate floral details and beautiful scallop edges.

An easy-make that will acquaint you with decorative stitches, buttonholes and cut work finishing.

24 Make It Today | Dressmaker

Find pattern online

Hippy Pouch GOOD VIBRATIONS AND EXCITATIONS WITH OUR SIXTIES-INSPIRED TREAT

PROJECT DESIGNER

Corinne Bradd

· for beginners ·

ESSENTIAL KIT Main fabric: cotton print, two Lining: plain cotton Thread: white Fusible interfacing Zip: 25cm Leather belt Embellishments: ric-rac, pompom trim, studs Measurements: 7cm x 12cm x 27cm

HIPPY POUCH

1

Download the template from makeittoday.co.uk and prepare one main and one complete piece from the print fabrics. Cut two main sections and one flap from plain lining, and fuse interfacing to one side. Stitch a bit of fabric over each end of the zip. Pin and sew tucks along the bottom of the bag pieces.

2

Position the zip face down on to the straight edge of the flap. Place one main lining piece on top and sew with the zipper foot close to the teeth.

Unfold, then place the other edge of the zip on to the main print section, laying the remaining lining over the top.

Stitch against teeth, then open out. Leave the zip open.

Find pattern online

3

With right sides together, pin the complete printed section to the flap. Sew around this curve, clip the seam and turn right sides out. Pin the rest to the main print section, matching up the tucks, and stitch. Match up the edges of the two main lining sections and sew, leaving an 8cm gap in the middle of the seam.

4

F

or the quickest way to feeling groovy, Corinne Bradd’s retro bag is an inspired homage to a time of peace, love and funky prints. Combining two dynamic fabrics, snazzy studwork and a leather belt attachment, it’s the ultimate carefree (and hands-free) accessory to carry with you on your travels. Don’t forget to give your pretty bag the hippy-hippy shakes with a fancy flourish of pompoms!

38 Make It Today | Dressmaker

Turn the bag out. Tuck in the raw lining edges, slip-stitch the gap and push the lining inside. Fold two pieces of fabric, 7cm x 8cm, in half lengthways and sew to make a tube. Turn right sides out, fold in 1cm on each end and flatten. Stitch to the bag to make belt loops, then decorate with ric-rac, pompom braid and studs.

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your free pattern · your free pattern · your free pattern · your free pattern · your free pattern · your free patte

FIT AND

FLARE

FROCKS CLASSIC SIXTIES SHAPES FOR FIGUREFLATTERING EVENING WEAR

W

hen we speak of sixties fashion icons, it’s hard not to mention Jackie O, with her bateau necklines and cinched silhouettes. Offering similar flourishes of high style, Butterick’s B6242 gives you the choice of body-hugging contours or a fuller, flowing skirt.

Perfect in vibrant jewel tones or captivating florals, it also offers the chance to stitch a silhouette-pleasing boatneck, dolman sleeve and cummerbund. Glamorous, flattering and full of freedom of movement for sashaying and dancing at big events, these gorgeous designs capture a signature look that’s bang on trend for all aspiring First Ladies of Fashion.

PROJECT DESIGNER

Jayne Cordle

· for beginners ·

makeittoday.co.uk 27

Monte Carlo

SKIRT STEAL SOME FIFTIES FLARE WITH SCREEN SIREN FLORALS

T

he classic flared skirt, which acquired legendary status after being worn by Audrey Hepburn in Monte Carlo Baby, is a style favourite thanks to its playfulness and practicality – just perfect for the smart fashionista around town. Amanda Walker’s design breathes new life into an enduring classic, coupling a wide waistband with roomy pockets. Gorgeous in crisp cotton or luscious sateen, and always on trend with a floral twist!

ESSENTIAL KIT Main fabric, 1.4m x 150cm Co-ordinating thread Fusible interfacing, 20cm Concealed zip, 23cm Hook and bar fastener

MONTE CARLO SKIRT

1

Download pattern from makeittoday.co.uk and cut out. With right sides together, lay the pocket bag facings on top of the front skirt, matching the notches. Pin and sew, then open out and under-stitch.

Press to the inside of the skirt.

2 Front: Cut one on fold Back: Cut one pair Pocket facing: Cut one pair Pocket bag: Cut one pair Waistband: Cut a strip measuring 9cm wide. For the small size, cut 70cm for the length; for the medium, 75cm; for the large, 80cm.

Cut one for the fusible interfacing Use 1.5cm seam allowances

Place the main pocket bag pieces over the facings, match the notches, pin and stitch. Neaten the edges using an overlocking or zigzag stitch, then press. Pin along the top and sides to connect with the skirt. Make two rows of gathering stitch between the notches on the top of the front skirt.

3

To make up the back, sew the darts in place, then press towards the centre back edges. Match the back pieces with right sides facing. Pin and stitch as far as the zip notch, then press seam open. Sew the concealed zip into the centre back opening.

4

Press the seam allowance along the two edges of the side opening, then open out.

With right sides facing, place the opened zip face down and pin. After uncurling the teeth, back-stitch. Sew the other side

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