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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.
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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
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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
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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
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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.
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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
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