Make It Today Dressmaker Issue 22

Dressmaker Make it Today!

Easy-Sew

SHIFT CLASSIC STYLING FOR EVERY SHAPE

FREE PATTERNS IN

SIZES 8-22!

20

+ NEW

OUTFITS

to make at home Love Your Patterns!

PLUS

Hand Sewing Essentials Simple Tips & Tricks beginners can try

20% OFF

ALL FABRICS AT

8 SPRING

WARDROBE

UPDATES

T&Cs apply

Issue 22 £7.99 | March 17

9

CLASSY SPRING

LOOKS with your

FREE

PATTERNS KEY STYLES TO TAKE YOU FROM DAY TO NIGHT THIS SEASON

T

he promise of summer is in the air!

Embrace the bright colours of the season and get sewing with your free patterns. New Look’s 6467 offers effortless style with a shift dress. Pick from four variations, including the on-trend cold-shoulder, ruffles, and long or short sleeves. Make one in chambray for the weekend, and silk for evening sophistication. If you’re looking to update your work wardrobe, New Look’s 6481 has you covered! Be your own tailor and sew a luxe jacket and a pair of flattering trousers in a vibrant shade. The pattern also includes a pencil skirt and jersey top, which coordinate beautifully with the suit, offering multiple style combinations. If that isn’t enough to get your sewing machine in a spin, use your free pull-out pattern to perfect your off-duty look with a classy wool tunic.

WHAT’S YOUR SIZE?

When selecting a pattern size, it is important to use your body measurements, not your ready-to-wear 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

PATTERNS New Look’s 6467 delivers a versatile style that is so easy to make, it’ll have you sewing a dress for every occasion.

Whether you opt for crêpe de chine, cotton or ponte, you’ll ooze sophistication!

Add smart separates to your collection with New Look’s 6481.

Complete with diagrams, this pattern guides you through the process of making structured pieces that you’ll wear season after season.

Next month’s

FREE PATTERNS...

On sale 13th April

makeittoday.co.uk

5

COMPANION TO THE STARS Crafter’s Companion’s latest sewing arrival brings a touch of class to proceedings. Stylish recruit Lizzy Curtis, whose pieces have filled major retailers in London and New York and been worn by Princess Diana, reveals how to bring your stitching A game. hochanda.com

HEADS UP One simple scarf can

transform your look, whether it’s a turban, a necklace, a bag or even a halter neck.

Hardie Grant’s illustrated guide, with celebrity profiles such as Jackie O and Frida Kahlo, plus 30 tutorials, proves it’s hip to be square. £9.99, hardiegrant.co.uk

make BUY

TREAT YOURSELF TO THE FINER THINGS IN LIFE!

WONDERFUL LIFE

Longing for the great outdoors? You’re not the only one! Luckily, Art Gallery Fabrics is boosting our endorphins using the colours of nature.

Wonderful Things by Bonnie Christine evokes blissful days in sunny meadows and, with names like Garden Walk Thistle and Sweet Bubble Mint, we defy you not to feel better. hantex.co.uk/agf

6

Make It Today | Dressmaker

y MDueamm rest

BEE LOVELY

TOP ETSY CHOICES FOR MOTHER’S DAY

Featuring zingy pops of raspberry, indigo and fresh lime, Tilda’s latest luscious collection is giving us a real case of the fuzzy-wuzzies.

Bumblebee’s 20 cotton-soft prints, bundles and patterns are sure to get your creative juices flowing. Let’s get buzzy! Fabric £16.80 per metre, groves@ stockistenquiries.co.uk

STITCHING PRETTY Sewing kit with Robert Kaufman birdies. £15.50, crimson rabbitburrow. etsy.com FAMILY WAY Matching jewellery for mum & daughter. £6.20, frankieandthebuttons.etsy.com

TEENAGE DREAM CHARLOTTE’S BACK!

Young designers can get a colourful head start with this fun-packed couture kit for kids. Complete with pens, stickers, paper dolls, clothing items and styling notes, it’s the perfect mini studio for your budding Balenciagas. Children’s Boutique, £24.95, notonthehighstreet.com

Attention, Sewing Bee fans: Series Four’s slipper-wearing champion, Charlotte Newland, is now ambassador for Create and Craft TV. The talented mum-of-three aims to inspire a new generation of stitchers and bunny lovers.

Live from 6th March, createandcraft.com

GENERATION GAME

For Michelle and Alexia Abegg, a passion for making Barbie clothes has forged a very special family affair. As co-creators of Green Bee Patterns, fresh but timeless designs for kids, this promises to be a partnership that never goes out of style. hantex.co.uk/mystockist

BEST-DRESSED BUNNY Personalised bun for a happy mum. £23, sewmice. etsy.com

BUCKLE UP Fancy mother of pearl fasteners. £15.50, curious tiger.etsy.com

PRETTY IN PINK Celebrating the vision of motherhood. £9, fabricloveand fun.etsy.com

makeittoday.co.uk

7

rn

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

QUICK summer SHIFT BRING ON THE SUNSHINE WITH FOUR FAB FROCKS!

C

atwalks anticipate that summer 2017 will see billowing Balmain sleeves, McQueen V-necklines and striking Marc Jacobs orientals – and, above all, hemlines getting shorter! With this month’s free shift pattern, we’re spoiled for choice.

New Look’s 6467 lets you explore different necklines, sleeve and hem variations as you practise bias binding, side pockets and invisible zips. Experiment with rounded, slash or ruffled styles, and master neckline strap work for a quick chic makeover.

With classic A-lines to suit all shapes, this feminine frock is a simple figure-pleaser that’s four times the charm.

PROJECT DESIGNERS

jayne cordle & Sarah Oecken

· for beginners ·

Make it in a day! makeittoday.co.uk 13

Washed wool I

TUNIC

f you’re looking for a chic weekend top that’s easy to make, you’re in the right place! This design by Amanda Walker has been created using washed wool, a perfect material for mid-season garments. Simply style with a silk scarf, leggings or jeans, and you’re good to go! We’ve opted for a luscious lime hue and added some feature zips – a great way to add energy to a simple top. So what are you waiting for? Transform your tunic technique into a bright new look!

PROJECT DESIGNER

amanda walker

· for beginners ·

RAMP UP YOUR COLOUR KUDOS WITH A STATEMENT SEW

NO-PATTERN MAKE!

lengthways, then pin one end of it to the centre back neckline.

ESSENTIAL KIT Washed wool, 1.5m x 150cm Metal zips, two, 8in Coordinating thread

WASHED WOOL TUNIC

1

Use the cutting guide and diagram on the pull-out to prepare the panels. Pin the front pieces together with wrong sides facing. Sew the centre front seam, then stitch the back panels together in the same way.

Slot the folded strip over the neckline, pinning it around the curve until it joins together. Sew the neckband in place, 1cm from the folded edge. Lay out the front and back of the tunic, with right sides facing up.

4

Mark the centre at the top of each sleeve, then match and pin this point to the end of the shoulder seams.

Position the sleeves along the outside edges of the tunic, with right sides facing. Sew the sleeve in place, starting and finishing 1cm from the edge of the seam.

5

Open the sleeves and lay the front and back pieces together, with right sides facing. Pin the side seams and underarms of the sleeves together. Sew from the sleeve ends to the gap left previously.

6

Back-tack, then sew the side seams again, starting on the other side of the gap.

Leave a 20cm gap at the base

2

Match the shoulder seams of the front and back panels, with right sides facing.

Pin and sew in place, then press the seams open. Fold and press the neckband in half

20 Make It Today | Dressmaker

Top Tip

Back-tack at the beginning and end of each seam to stop the stitching from unravelling

GET THE LOOK! JEANS £19.99, BOOTS £19.99, SCARF £12.99, TKMAXX.COM

Front: Cut one pair Back: Cut one pair Neckline: Use the guide to cut the front neckline from the two front panels, then repeat with the back pieces Sleeve: Cut two on fold Neckband: Cut one strip, 3cm x 63cm 1cm seam allowances used throughout

3

BOARDWALK

shorts YOUR ULTIMATE GO-TO GARMENT FOR THE NEW SEASON

PROJECT DESIGNER

Caroline hulse

· for beginners ·

B Top Tip

Finish the edges by using zigzag stitching, overlocking, or trimming with pinking shears

40 Make It Today | Dressmaker

ring a summer vibe into your wardrobe with a pair of chic shorts. This versatile design can be made in medium to heavy weight fabrics such as denim, chambray, canvas or cotton. We’d love a denim pair to style with tights and brogues for cool weekend breaks, and a floral cotton lawn set for sunshine-laden days. The elastic waistband and simple construction make it easy to stitch up in an afternoon and slip on!

Why not sew a tie-on belt in a matching or contrasting colour to complete the look, too?

STITCHING SENSE

Find template online A well-placed French knot is a quick way to add definition to your stitching. Thread the embroidery floss up through the fabric and wrap around the needle twice.

Checking the end of the floss is taut, bring the point down just next to the space where it came out and pull through. For added volume, wrap the floss around the needle three or four times.

makeittoday.co.uk 25

rn

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

Easy

OFFICE CHIC CAPSULE CLASSICS YOU CAN MIX AND MATCH

I

f you’ve ever scoured closets in search of a few smart, timeless pieces, look no further: these streamlined essentials are all you need. Coined by boutique legend Susie Faux, the beauty of a capsule collection is that it never goes out of fashion. New Look’s 6481 practical ensemble, with 14 pattern pieces, includes a flared trouser, smart three-quarter sleeve top, flattering pencil skirt and diamond-cut blazer to suit every shape.

Perfect your dart, side zip, vent and yoke skills for a tailored finish, as these stylish coordinates give you the ultimate freedom and can be augmented with seasonal pieces for a lifetime of styling options. Join the wardrobe revival, ladies: less is infinitely more!

PROJECT DESIGNER

jayne cordle

· for beginners ·

makeittoday.co.uk 31

GET THE LOOK! TOP £8, DEBENHAMS.COM, SHOES FROM A SELECTION AT HM.COM

USE YOUR

FREE PULL-OUT PATTERN

WOVEN SPOTTY SPANISH

Lose yourself in luscious folds with this beautiful polyester mono spot from the Otelo Est collection, with enough shades for a different skirt every day of the week! £15.99 per metre, minervacrafts.com

Why not try?

FLORAL FANCIES

Enhance your vintage look with summery blooms. Splash on vibrant orange and purples, courtesy of John Kaldor Ohio Floral Stretch, or try a crimson and white Floral Border Jardin, featuring a border you can incorporate into the skirt design. From £11.99 per metre, minervacrafts.com

makeittoday.co.uk 23

reative_group

o@simplicity_c

LE / TALLA SIZE / TAIL8-20

**with nap *without nap

_LOOK_IS e: Y:\NEW Document Nam 6 / 11:24 am 5, 201 Date: April

ook_1608N SUES\NewL

v.env

\6481\6481en

A.indd 1

6481_SR_EN_

implici icity info@s s@tweetsimpl

95

•

/ TALL A SIZE / TAIL/ LE .34-46 36-48 EURO U.S.8-20 / FR.

588-2700 ty.com 1-888-

6481 A BIN / PANIE ALL RIGHTS

/simplicitypin pinterest.com

YORK LICIT CORO E. MARCA /ES UNA MARQUE DÉPOSÉ ARK. / EST UNE EN LOOK IS A REGISTERED TRADEM RALI IMÉ 261 MAD , AUST IMPRESO 2212 ÉS. NSW NEW / / ADOS. IMPR IN RÉSERV REVESBY, • PRINTED OS RESERV /TOUS DROITS UK. SK57WZ,RESERV ED. DERECH /TODOS R / ESTANTE

L

NEW LTD., BOX367, © 2016 SIMP ISON AVENUE,SIMP A. LICITY P.O. USA.

simplicityvide youtube.com/ icitypatterns

46481

6481

6481

U.S. FR. 36-48 EUR0. 34-46 A+B+D

B

C

ook.com

newl www.simplicity

D

PM 4/25/16 3:05

LES 20 18 ON SEPT TAIL 14 16 ME: PATR 48 12 46 10 JEUNE FEM 44 8 cm 42 40 102 107 38 97 36 " Tailles 92 89 87 20 aises 81 83 18 S IN ONE 76 80 16 Tailles Franç 71 112 " 14 SEVEN SIZE 67 46 12 64 44 102 107 10 61 42 Poitrine 97 IEZAS MISSES’ 8 44 cm 40 92 42 In 38 88 14PIECES/P 42.5 43 40 36 85 cciones Sizes 42 38 34 " Taille 36 34 40.5 41.5 34 Medidas e instru es 32 ñol 40 ean Size Espa 30 31˘ 32˘ " Hanch 44 de costura en 1.20 m 26˘ 28 lure à Taille) ón. Europ patr 42 del ent (enco 25 r 40 In 24 1.20 1.20 17¼ Dos 38 en el interio EZAS Bust extensible seulem 17 36 1.10 1.20 14 PIECES/PI 33˘ 34˘ Waist 16˘ 16¾ 1.00 1.00 A-pour le jersey 16¼ 1.50 m 15¾ 16 Hip 150cm** 1.50 1.50 0.90" Medidas e waist 1ˆ Yd 1.10 1.10 1ˆ s de Back-neck to only 1¼ 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 0.90 B Instruccione 1¼ 1¼ stretch knits1ı ol 1ı que Pellon® ** A-sized for 0.90 0.90 Costura en Españ ocollant tels Yd 115cm ** del léger therm 60"** 1˜ 1˜ 1˜1 " 150cm en el Interior 1¼ de51cm à 64cm 1¼ 1 2.50 m 1 lage- 0.70m 1 1 B 1 Patrón.

2.50 2.50 ® B,C Entoi 1 1 2.40 2.50 1.60 2.00 2.00" A such as Pellon 1 45"** 2.20 2.30 C eight fusible, 1.60 1.60 60"** to 25" lightw 1.50 1.50 115cm** - ¾ yd. of 20" 2.10 m 2¾ Yd 150cm** 2¾ B,C Interfacing 1.80 2.10 1.40" 2¾ 2¼ " 2˜ 2¾ 1.80 1.80 2¼ 2˘ 1¾ 2˘ C 1¾ 1.40 1.70 1.40 1.40 1.40 1.40 Pellon® D 1¾ que 1¾ 1¾ 45"** 1.40 1.40 115cm** ocollant tels léger therm B 2ˆ Yd 60"** 2¼ 150cm** 2 de 51cm à 64cm 104 cm 1˜ " 99 1¯ 1¯ 2 1˘ Entoilage- 0.80m T 1˘ 94 D 1˘ " 1˘ 89 ® 1˘ 84 DU VÊTEMEN 80 111 116 1˘ such as Pellon URES 1˘ 45"** 106 77.5 MES 100.5 eight fusible, 92.5 96.5 to 25" lightw 60"** 90 A Poitrine 61.5 cm - ¯ yd. of 20" du cou: 41 In 61 39 Interfacing " B,C Hanches du dos depuis la base 59 37 MENTS 59.5 60.5 56 35 56 MEASURE 45˘ " 33 58.5 56 58 56 Longueur Finie 105 " 41˘ 43˘ 30˘ 31˘ GARMENT 56 39˘ 56 38 104 104 56 " 35˘ 36˘ A Bust 102 103 54 24 In A eur du Côté 101 102 52.5 53.5 116 " 23¾ 24 base of neck: B,C Hip " B Longu C Côté 51.5 52 22 111 length from 23¼ 23˘ 22 51 22 " Longueur du 50 100.5 106 22¾ 23 57 Finished back 22 41¼ " C 22 92.5 96.5 54.5 56 41 22 90 53.5 40¾ 22 A 52 ges de 21¼ " D 40¼ 40˘ 20¾ 21 h 49.5 51 ment: Mélan B Largeur 39¾ 40 B Side Lengt 20˘ Jambe 20¼ extensible seuleJersey fin. Voyez la h 43˘ 45˘ " " jersey C Largeur de D 19¾ 20 C Side Lengt 39˘ 41˘ sens Jacquard, extensibles, Tweed, 22˘ ÉRÉS: A Pour les deux 38 , Jersey 21˘ 22 35˘ 36˘ D Tissés de tissu TwoUS SUGG sible dans s,TISS 20˘ 21 en Crêpe, Tissus Prévoyez davantage Spandex Blend, Spandex, Jersey extenJersey 19˘ 20 B Width h knits only: sir-le- ® . B,C,D ard, Satin.

B,C,D in CrepeAllow C Leg Width Bouclé, Jacqu A Sized for stretc -Knit® Rule.

Règle-Pour-Choi B,D aussi en ou les rayures. de biais de D FABRICS: rsey.

Je See Pick-Ain Boucle, Jacquard, Satin. Twill, Lainages. et de ruban SUGGESTE Jacquard Knits, les écossais . also a-fort, un paqu Types pour raccorder Way Stretch, ns, Tweed, Twill, WoolB,D s. paquet d’extrle de 18 cm.

E: FIL. A: Un Stretch Wove matching plaids or stripe MERCERI B,C: Une glissière invisib ˘" wide for one pkg. of extra fabric 1.3cm de large. of hem tape, A: One pkg. sens TS: Thread. invisible zipper. avec ou sans sens *** REQUIREMENtape. *sans sens **avec B,C: One 7" single fold bias

t nap ***with or withou

Regularly featuring two free patterns worth up to £15!

A gift subscription is the perfect present that lasts all year round

A

at makeittoday.co.uk/ subscribe

6 4 81 A

PERFECT GIFT IDEA!

FOR PRICE CODE N EN SERIE. ONLY AND NOT 95TE DO O DE PRIX R / ESTAN PRODUCCIÓ CO. INC. TE HOMEE USE PRIVÉ EN . UCUSO PRIVA ÓN BIN / PANIE INDIVIDUAL PRIVA / PARA PROD PRECIO / TA. USAG Y PATTERN OU DESÉRIE RCIALIZACISIMPLICIT TION FOR MANU PURPROSES FACTU ERCIALES ING TO BE USED ÓSITOS DE COME PARA 25 VIOLET STREET, FINS COMM ERCIALETOR AR CON PROP / FAB POUR / FAB COMMMENT NON À DES PTY. LTD. SEULEMENTE, NO SE PUEDE UTILIZ MFD FOR KPORT, PATTERNS ET, 6,YUSA. STOC LICIT NY 1001 SOLA NATION STRE Y PATTERN CO. , SIMP REGISTRADA.

DESIGNER H PATTERNS WITOF YOUR COPY AY MAKE IT TODER DRESSMAK Pay today via

CODE REORDERDE ORDEN CODIGO DE ORDÉN CÔDIGO

NEWLOOK

/simpl facebook.com

SUBSCRIBER

BENEFITS As well as receiving every issue, overflowing with exclusive patterns, expert tips, advice, stitching inspiration and features, you will: • Receive FREE regular supplements and covermounted gifts!

• SAVE over £15 off the cover price • Get BRAND NEW projects, tips and tricks in every issue

• Get FREE delivery straight to your door before it hits the shops