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MAKE IT TODAY | ISSUE 3
ISSUE 3 FEB/MAR 2 015
Make it
Today!
St i t ch your Style LOVE IT MAKE IT DO IT
BUY IT
DRESSMAKING SPECIAL
TRY IT
READ IT
Exclusive make:
LOOK GREAT AND SEW A
whip up a handbag
STITCH YOUR STYLE
SUMMER DRESS & JACKET £600+
OF PRIZES TO BE WON
UPDATE YOUR WARDROBE WITH 21 GARMENT AND ACCESSORY PROJECTS
Workshop directory
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MAKE IT TODAY
INSIDE
ISSUE 3 | £7.99 FEB/MAR 2015
Five-page sewing guide
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Meet Tamara Melvin
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42
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56
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26 BECOME A SEAMSTRESS WITH SIMPLICITY Be inspired by Simplicity’s sensational pattern showcase
47 THE BOOKS Check out our favourite dressmaking tomes
RELAX AND READ 6 MAKE IT, BUY IT, LOVE IT Discover a new world of haberdashery with our fab finds
14 SEW EASY! Editor Ella Johnston gets her fashion fingers in gear at a Sew Over It dressmaking workshop
conte n t s : DRESSMAKING
56 PETER PAN COLLAR
ISSUE 3
YOUR KIT MAKES
40 EVENING BAG
10 SUMMER DRESS & JACKET
Create a must-have accessory that will work with any outfit
Impress friends and turn heads when you whip up this stunning outfit – great for occasion and casual wear
18 KEY FASHION PIECES Make two jackets, a skirt and pair of trousers, all from one pattern pack
28 THE PERFECT SKIRT Select your favourite and dress to thrill with our choice of designs
30 CLASSIC MINI Use stitchy skills for an iconic look
PROJECTS 34 RETRO COAT Button up in style when you make and wear a glamorous 1960s coat
Pep up your tops with this cool make
22 IN THE KNOW:
58 SASSY SATCHEL Sew yourself a snazzy new bag
COURSES AND CLASSES Increase your knowledge and find a handy class near you
ON PATROL
32 INDEPENDENT WOMEN
8 NOTICEBOARD Catch up on the latest craft news
42 KID’S DRESS AND BLOUSE Give your little princess the wonderful gift of beautiful, handmade clothing
46 FRENCH NECK CUFF Look à la mode in a cosy quilted creation
50 TOP AND SKIRT
9 GET YOUR KIT ON Delve inside our dressmaking essentials tool kit
38 WHAT TO WEAR
23 FABRIC LOVE Be dazzled by colourful commotion in our summer fabric showcase
66 INTERVIEW:
SUBSCRIBE NOW
We show you how to give yourself a flattering flounce by making this cute little combo
Receive your free fabric gift today!
52 1960S JIFFY DRESS Fashion an outfit that really wows with Simplicity’s gorgeous little number
Turn to page 44 for more info
Make it Today! 4
We celebrate the rise of the indie pattern house with its two leading ladies Our pick of fabulous tops to match your makes TAMARA MELVIN The Great British Sewing Bee contestant discusses her sewing success
IN EVERY ISSUE 5 INSIDE YOUR KIT 44 SUBSCRIPTIONS 49 GIVEAWAYS 54 COMING NEXT ISSUE 61 PRACTICALS
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Make it
Today!
YO U R 3 S I M P L I C IT Y PAT TE R N S
AUTHENTIC DRESSMAKER'S TISSUE PATTERN PAPER
EASY TO FOLLOW PATTERN GUIDES
GET YOUR SPRING WARDROBE SORTED!
DIFFERENT STYLES FOR YOU TO CHOOSE FROM Turn to page 61 for expert advice and vital dressmaking info to help you get started
DON'T MISS NEXT ISSUE!
Three beautiful designer fabrics with our Patchwork Exclusive ON SALE 20 MARCH 2015 Find out more on page 54
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PROJECTS BY VIE MILLARD | SUITABLE FOR BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE | SHOULD TAKE AN HOUR OR SO PER GARMENT
EVERY GIRL NEEDS A
SUMMER DRESS & JACKET
stitched for a perfect fit Designed by Cynthia Rowley, Simplicity’s 1688 pattern in sizes 6-22 is sure to wow. The dress has a sweetheart neckline, which has contrast band and shoulder straps to give it a stylish edge. It will look great in both a striking graphic-print fabric for dressy occasions or a pretty floral material for picnics and summer parties. The pack retails for £8.15 and also comes with a jacket pattern with round neck and below-elbow sleeves. Again, versatility is key here because the jacket can be made with contrast bands or two fabrics pieced together as stripes.
Make it Today! 10
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PROJECT BY CORINNE BRADD | SUITABLE FOR BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE | SHOULD TAKE A FEW HOURS INCLUDING DRYING
STITCH YOUR OWN
EVENING BAG for a wonderful statement piece
TWINKLE TWINKLE For an extra touch of sparkle, why not pin a crystal brooch to the centre of the bow? Better still, you may be able to find a vintage one in a local charity shop...
“I never expected these bags to be so simple to make but as long as you follow the pattern and seam allowance, they’re a breeze!” CORINNE BRADD, DESIGNER
Make it Today! 40
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THIS M O NTH...
make it,buy it,love it The latest stitchy trends, news & more from the world of sewing
STITCHY SIBLING
SEE P39 FOR THE LATEST DEALS
Are you an aspiring dressmaker looking to find your feet and make your first sewing machine purchase? Look no further than stitching specialists Brother, which stock a fantastic range to suit a mixture of levels. If you’re looking to get more creative with your sewing then try the Innov-is 55 sewing machine, pictured above. As well as all the usual features, it’s packed with a wide selection of stitches, buttonhole styles and lettering. brothersewing.co.uk
WE’RE A BIT BIASED
STITCH IN STYLE
We love a bit of Liberty print and look for any opportunity to get the iconic brand’s collection of pretty designs into our makes. So customise your clothes in Liberty’s lovely green cherryblossom and red berry designs with this beautiful bias binding. It’s ideal for edging garments. oakroomshop.co.uk
Sew Japanese is a new release by designer Mariko Nakamuro that we can’t wait to get our hands on! It’s filled with patterns for children and is inspired by Mariko’s very own offspring, plus it promises an easy and contemporary style that lends itself well to all of the fun activities that children love. £20, pavilionbooks.com
Make it Today! 6
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DRESSING THE PART
A CUT ABOVE
If there’s one thing you add to your shopping list, make sure it’s a sturdy set of pinking shears to assist your next project. These shears can cut anything from light and delicate silks to heavy tweeds, and create a precise zig-zag that will prevent your material from fraying. With these in hand, you’ll find neatening seams a breeze! Fiskars Pinking Shears, £37.99. fiskars.co.uk
REALLY RETRO
If you love to dress creatively and have a penchant for retro trends, you’ll love the garments from online store Tara Starlet. The shop sells kitsch clothing inspired by the glamorous heroines who starred in movies, theatre and arts from the most iconic decades of fashion. It is a must-visit for fans of handmade style. tarastarlet.com
STASH SECRET... SHH Here’s one for your sewing basket! This handy tailor’s awl features a curved tip that is useful for a variety of tasks from undoing seams to feeding cloth and producing curves. It has a smooth tip to prevent any damage to your fabric or precious pinkies! Curved Tailor’s Awl, £15. clover@stockistenquiries.co.uk PINK WIRE MANNEQUIN, £120. OUTTHEREINTERIORS.COM
FLORAL CUT EDGE RIBBON, £7.50 PER 20M ROLL. BERTIESBOWS.CO.UK
WATCH, READ, STITCH! Available from 26th February is the sewer’s most anticipated release in partnership with The Great British Sewing Bee... Fashion with Fabric (£35, Quadrille). At home you can follow the third series of the show with this book, plus each chapter focuses on working with a different fabric to progress your skills. It’s perfect for beginners as well as those looking for more of a challenge, and with a week to wait between each episode there’s plenty of time to put your inspiration to the test in between! quadrille.co.uk
ON PATROL 7
KINGSWOOD ROSE RADIO SEWING BASKET, £38. CATHKIDSTON.COM
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PROJECTS BY AMANDA WALKER | SUITABLE FOR BEGINNER/INTERMEDIATE | SHOULD TAKE A COUPLE OF HOURS PER GARMENT
GET SET FOR SUMMER AND SEW
KEY FASHION PIECES to update your wardrobe
Make it Today! 18
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STITCH A SENSATION AND MAKE
THE PERFECT SKIRT to suit your style
Go to town with the Simplicity 1465 pattern. This brilliant pack allows you to create six different styles of skirt and explore a range of techniques. Choose from a knee-length pencil garment with lace overlay an asymmetric peplum with drape in two lengths or with a side tie plus an above-knee number with sheer overlay and classic pencil skirt.
amanda says “This skirt was made up in silk satin, which is quite fine fabric, so a lining was added to give the garment more structure. Cut the skirt as directed in the pattern and then cut a skirt from lining fabric using pattern pieces 1 and 2. The skirt is made as instructed but before the front and back facing is stitched in place, slip the made-up lining inside your skirt, matching the side seams and darts together. Then the facing can be stitched in place and the skirt completed.�
FABRIC L VE Lulu Silk Satin from tilthesungoesdown.com
Make it Today! 28
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