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Easy-Wear Patterns I N SI ZE S
Dressmaker Make it Today!
SIMPLE Stretch Shift W E A R I T TO N I G H T !
LU X E TO P + CHIC SKIRT
6-22
£7.99 | Issue 28 Oct 2017
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*Approximate UK sizing
Belle of the Ball LEARN FROM THE BEST CHRISTMAS GLAM
Get Started JUST ONE METRE O F FA B R I C + Y O U R F R E E P AT T E R N
Fashion Forward IN 48 HOURS N I N E M I X & M AT C H GA R M E N TS TO M A K E THIS WEEKEND!
Easy Ways To...
ADJUST YOUR BUST FOR THE PERFECT FIT
Sewing Like the Pros 10 common stitch slip-ups to avoid
Best-Ever DESIGNS NEW ST I TC H E R S WILL LOVE!
9 paterns fre SWITCH & SWAP LOOKS WITH YOUR
Your free patterns Create your ultimate workwear wardrobe with a little help from New Look 6035 and 6344. Offering 9 chic separates, with options for customisation, this capsule duo is a must for your pattern stash.
We’ve added key techniques from our dressmakers to help you create the perfect garments
What’s your size? When selecting a pattern, 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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YOUR FREE
PATTERNS
Patern Heroes... It’s time to start strutting into the office on a Monday! This month’s free patterns offer a deluxe collection of work-friendly classics you’ll reach for time and time again. Get started with New Look 6344, a simple pattern with four inverted pleat designs to choose from. Once you’ve created the bodice base, personalise with capped sleeves using Variation C, pop on a collar with Variation A or add pretty lace detailing with Variation D. Complete the look with New Look 6035, which includes a top and two types of fitted blazer, plus the option of two different bottoms: a classic A-line skirt and straight-leg trousers with a shaped waistline. We guarantee you’ll want to leap out of bed and slip on your favourites.
Combine inverted neckline pleats with pretty capped sleeves
NEXT MONTH’S FREE GIFTS... GET YOURS ON 16TH NOVEMBER 2017
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G L OW F O R I T We’re definitely feeling inspired by oriental fusion prints on the back of London Fashion Week’s sumptuous colour, so Amy Butler is surely onto a winner with her luscious Glow collection, harmonising exotic flora and saturated palettes – the perfect partner for structured shaping and quilted accessories. You glow, girlfriend. amybutlerdesign.com
Turning Japanese Bring the calming yet intricate pleasures of oriental embroidery into your dressmaking with a magical sewing retreat. Simplifying the traditional techniques of Sashiko, this blissful weekend of silk stitching is sure to cultivate a lifelong passion. 27th-29th October, sewandso.co.uk
Make it, buy it, love it Snuggle up with our stitchy finds GOOD ENOUGH TO E AT We can’t help ourselves: dressmaking is hungry work, and any sweet treat that taps into our stitchy passions is a winner. Definitely not for pinking, but perfect for munching. Schokolat Fabric Scissors, £12.95, notonthehighstreet.com
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BRUSH FOR LIFE Keeping your newly made creations in tiptop condition is something we take very seriously here at Stitchy HQ, so Gleener’s Lint Remover is a life-saver. Fabric care just got a little bit smarter, so kiss goodbye to bobbles and fuzz balls. £15, gleener.com
15%
off until 31st December 2017
Cosy up with Cottage This time of year always brings out our cuddly side as we anticipate winter nights in front of the fire, which makes Tilda Cottage one of our new favourite fabric collections. Popping with yummy fruitiness, but also fresh as a Scandi snowflake, it’s sure to revitalise your winter dressmaking. One for the Christmas list. £16.80 per metre, groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk
Sewing Be sGpeBcS B ial S P OT T I N G OUR LOW-DOWN ON THE DRESSMAKING EVENT OF THE SEASON! We were there – were you? Ardent dressmaking passionistas from across the country piled into the ExCel in London for four days of stitchy abandon, as The Great British Sewing Bee kicked off its first live event in style. Lovers of the television show rubbed shoulders with former contestants, experts and, of course, Patrick Grant, and everyone who entered seized the chance to experience the TV phenomenon first-hand. Fans could feast on a packed workshop programme, a live demo theatre, drop-in clinics and fashion shows, plus the exquisite Liberty in Fashion exhibition and the breathtaking Bees Gallery, where some of the show's most popular garments were available to admire up close. It was also a chance for us to toast the talents of Portia Lawrie as she picked up her award for Dressmaker of the Year. She was chuffed to bits, and we loved meeting her mum Vesper. We've already got withdrawal symptoms: roll on the next one!
SPOTTED! Lovable Stuart Hillard cuddling Dressmaker of the Year Portia Lawrie as she received her Dressmaker of the Year award. Series 2 Cuddling and quilting contestant Julie with Stuart Hillard Gromett rocking a funky pink and green tweed ensemble.
GOING FOR GA L L I A N O Imaginative, provocative, subversive – just some of the superlatives lavished on the high-profile career of Galliano. Lovers of the legend will adore peeking behind the curtain at the secretly photographed world of his catwalk creations in Galliano Unseen. £48, thameshudson.co.uk
Crafter's Companion personality Debbie Shore taking a break from demonstrating by reading a copy of Dressmaker! Former winner and current columnist Heather Jacks sampling a bit of sloe gin at the Two Birds Spirits stand.
In the Swing Influenced by the elegant draping of this season’s capes and wraps, Frances Tobin’s latest coat pattern is both feminine and comfortable. Ideal with wool and cashmere, it’s your chance to wrap yourself up in luxury, Atelier style. £22.50, themakersatelier.com
Portia Lawrie receiving her Dressmaker of the Year award
Series 4's smiley Jamie Kemp having a micro sleep next to the GBSB catwalk.
Patrick Grant (clean-shaven!) having his photo taken with an endless procession of adoring fans, natch.
Check out thegreatbritishsewing beelive.com for more gossip makeittoday.co.uk
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Beginproejrect
EVERYDAY STYLE
Jersey Dress Step into winter with this berry bright loose-fitting number There’s always that one garment to rely on when you’re having one of those ‘I have nothing to wear days’ and this gorgeous autumnal dress fits that quota, there’s no doubt about it! Made from ponte roma jersey, it flatters in all the right places by skimming your hips, and would even look great pulled up and belted for a completely different style.
Amanda Walker
Perfect first-time stretch stitch
DOWNLOAD THE PATTERN FROM
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Beginproejrect S I L K SAV V Y
Glam Essential For Festive Parties
Rotary cutters are great for slippery fabrics such as silk. However, if you do find it moving all over the table, place a bit of tissue paper underneath. Sew silk with cotton thread – not with silk, as many would presume. These threads aren’t as strong as cotton or poly. If you aren’t using silk pins, then only pin into the seam allowance. They will leave small holes in your fabric that are nearly impossible to remove.
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YO U R
FREE
Pattern
PLEAT PERFECT
Gathered Tops Four easy-make looks for your capsule collection It’s time to press fast-forward on your dressmaking with New Look 6344. A breeze for beginners and stitching buffs alike, this fuss-free pattern is the perfect base for any outfit come day or night. Master the art of the elegant neckline with delicate inverted pleats and a preppy collar, pop on a pair of short sleeves or remix this unfussy cut with lace shoulder detailing. You’ve also got the flattering option of a hip-grazing hem. Flaunt your fabric finesse with something silky, like our mauve design over the page, or pick up a classic ditsy print in rich autumnal tones.
Sarah Oecken
YOUR FREE PATTERN WITH FOUR SPEEDY MAKES
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YO U R
FREE
Pattern
MAKE IN A WEEKEND
Capsule Classics Five easy pieces for every woman’s wardrobe With major fashion experts predicting a big year for soft tops, relaxed suiting and structured skirts, we can all benefit from simple tailored lines that flatter every shape and season. If you’re looking for a hardworking pattern that lets you create key pieces with ease, then start as you mean to go on with New Look’s 6035! Your free pattern includes a gathered sleeveless top, straight trousers and cropped A-line skirt option, so you can practise working with yokes, lapped zips and Hong Kong finishes. Added to which, there are two blazer options, so you can tackle princess seams, front pockets, lapels and contrasting cuffs. Beginners can be winners with a great basic pattern – and this could be the start of a beautiful wardrobe.
Sarah Oecken
YOUR FREE PATTERN WITH FIVE STUNNING LOOKS
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Beginproejrect
STITCH A CLASSIC
Boxy Shift
Pay homage to the sixties with a playful gingham frock Ever since Twiggy donned the trendsetting shift, this enduring number has continued to be reinvented by modern-day dressmakers, flattering boyish frames and curvy figures alike. Here, our designer Amanda Walker blends structured outlines with gentle pink hues to create a refreshing twist on a classic. Get started and you’ll master techniques such as shapely darts and practical pockets – perfect for beginners!
Amanda Walker
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© 2016 by Nicole Hill Gerulat
G RE AT FO R B EG I N N E R S FRO M THER ESA GON Z A L EZ , S UN DAY SEWS
D I S COV E R MORE MAKES Stitch more simple pieces with Sunday Sews by Theresa Gonzalez (£15.99, Chronicle Books), chroniclebooks.com
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