Make it Today Issue 6 Dressmaking

Make it Today!

ISSUE 6 JUNE 20 15

STITCH YOUR STYLE

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YOUR KIT PATTERNS FROM

& SEW TO SUIT YOU AND MAKE A

classic DRESS EXCLUSIVE

FABRIC JEWELLERY PROJECTS TO ENJOY

Inside

MAKE IT TODAY

CREATE YOUR LOOK WITH 30+ GARMENT & ACCESSORY IDEAS

ISSUE 6 | £7.99 JUNE 2015

Amazing kids’ makes · Five-page sewing guide · No-pattern skirt

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30 MAKE IT WITH MCCALL’S Get your crafty shopping list at the ready, because you’ll want to sew all of these 37 THE BOOKS There’s an outfit for everyone on our sewing bookshelf

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40 GET TO GRIPS WITH KNITS Love your knit fabrics? Then we’ve got a goody bag of McCall’s patterns for you to explore 47 JANOME GIVEAWAY

We’ve got an amazing star prize in store for you this month – a Janome XL

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RELAX AND READ 6 MAKE IT, BUY IT, LOVE IT Read up on stitchy news and meet GBSB author Claire-Louise Hardie

Contents: dressmaking

8 NOTICEBOARD We showcase your wonderful homemade creations

ISSUE 6

YOUR KIT MAKES 11 GORGEOUS DRESS STYLES Ooze elegance in a Liberty print creation or wow in polka dot denim and you’ll be turning heads

32 SWEET SUMMER SKIRT Go ultra feminine and make a pretty embroidery anglaise cotton skirt

18 TRENDY TUNIC AND FLARES Flare up and get ready for a summer of love, 2015-style

Earn your crafting rosettes with a statement ruffle necklace, perfect for jazzing up a plain outfit

24 LOVELY SUMMER FROCK

Master curved seams and set-in sleeves with the help of our designer Amanda Walker

48 ELEPHANT BALLERINA Sew a little one a fancy dress showstopper and become a stitching legend overnight

44 TWO KIDDIE OUTFITS

50 WRAP SKIRT

We think model Betty looks adorable in these fool-proof sun dresses, and so will you

EXTRA PROJECTS 16 BOWLER BAG Complete your handmade retro outfits with a monochrome-chic geometric bag

34 PURPLE FABRIC NECKLACE

The most fuss-free skirt you will ever make or wear. Trust us

52 LIBERTY BANGLES

Transform an old bangle with just a precious scrap of fabric

55 BUTTON NECKLACE

Raid your craft stash for a piece that will make any garment pop

58 BODICE BLOCK Get the perfect fit every time with just pattern paper and a measuring tape!

ON PATROL 9 STITCH ME UP Haberdashery is our middle name – just take a look!

27 FABRIC LOVE We’re so mesmerised by all these bold prints and drapey fabrics, we called in some expert help

SUBSCRIBE NOW Get money off a three issue trial Turn to pages 36 and 54 for more info

14 STRICTLY SPEAKING Dep Ed Jenny meets sparkly Strictly Come Dancing’s seamstress Vicky Gill... keeeeep reading!

22 THE FLARE: A RETRO REVOLUTION Ed Assistant Rosalind explores the fascination behind the flare with GBSB star Jenniffer Taylor 42 FOREVER A FAVOURITE We chat to the mother-daughter duo reinventing the modern toddler’s wardrobe 66 INTERVIEW: MATT CHAPPLE We find out what the sewing bee winner has been up to

IN EVERY ISSUE 3 WELCOME 5 INSIDE YOUR KIT 47 SUBSCRIPTIONS 53 GIVEAWAYS 56 COMING NEXT ISSUE 61 PRACTICALS

Make it Today!

YOUR 3 DESIGNER PATTERNS

ONE DRESS THREE STYLES TO CHOOSE FROM AUTHENTIC DRESSMAKER’S TISSUE PATTERN PAPER IN EACH ENVELOPE

FLARES, TUNIC AND DRESS FOR YOUR SUMMER WARDROBE! Turn to page 61 for all of the dressmaking advice you need to get started!

MAKES FOR LITTLE GIRLS DON’T MISS NEXT ISSUE! Two exclusive designer fabrics, multi-use templates and paper pieces in our PATCHWORK SPECIAL

ON SALE 31ST JULY 2015 Find out more on page 56

PROJECT BY VIE MILLARD | SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS/INTERMEDIATE | SHOULD TAKE A CRAFTY WEEKEND (INCLUDING FITTINGS)

EVERY GIRL NEEDS AN

ALL OCCASION DRESS

waiting in their wardrobe With the option to go sleeveless, for capped or mid sleeves, we knew that the McCall’s M6958 pattern would be a wonderful addition to your summer wardrobe. Two of our Make It Today designers each made the dress up but in different pattern styles – and as you can see, it’s amazing how a change of fabric can transform the look of a garment. Choose a gorgeous print in a fabric that makes you feel fabulous and you’ll be soon be wearing it with a smile, just knowing that you made it.

ZIP IT A concealed zip is better wherever possible, but you will need a special machine sewing foot to insert it. As there is less choice of colour for concealed zips, it is sometimes wiser to match the part of a print where the zip pull will be, rather than the main colour of the fabric.

ALL OCCASION DRESS 11

PROJECT BY CORINNE BRADD | SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS | SHOULD TAKE THREE HOURS OF STITCHY GOODNESS

SEW UP A CHIC

BOWLER BAG and love wearing it proudly

When it comes to sewing your own wardrobe, we tend to overlook the idea of making our own accessories.

However, bag projects are perfect for helping sewing newbies get to grips with the basics without the fear of spoiling metres of fabric. This geometric design by Corinne Bradd is just the thing to make this month. It features four different prints that contrast together yet still suit each other. Once you’ve assembled yours, you can give it an even more of a designer look by adding extra pockets, decorative zip pulls, brass feet or even ornamental straps in striking colours!

CAREFUL CURVES The most technical part of this bag’s construction is sewing the gusset to the curved edges of the body pieces. All the rest of the making up is straight line sewing. To make life easier, try pinning and tacking the curved areas then checking the fit and position before you stitch.

Make it Today!

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PROJECT BY AMANDA WALKER | SUITABLE FOR BEGINNER | SHOULD TAKE A FEW EVENING SITTINGS DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE

BRING RETRO BACK WITH A

TUNIC & FLARES SET a beautiful combo for summer

Now, we love a pair of skinny jeans, but when the Crafty HQ office heard that flares were back we couldn’t contain our excitement! The 70s throwback isn’t meant only for the hippie chicks among us – when made up in an elegant fabric, they take on a grace that feels great against your body and even more amazing as you walk. Don’t you just love that feeling? Pair them with the pattern’s pretty peplum tunic and you’ll be ready to wow with a chic new outfit. Explore the Butterick B6066 pattern envelope tonight and get your groove on!

FIND YOUR PERFECT FIT & CHECK YOUR SIZE ON PAGE 63

“The peplum top is cut with a lining and made up double along with the main fabric. The pattern piece has a curved top and base, and the top is pulled straight when stitched into the waistline, which is what creates the lovely fluted effect” AMANDA WALKER, DESIGNER

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THIS MONTH...

make it, buY it, love it The latest trends, news and more in the stitchy world of sewing!

HAND EMBROIDERED PINCUSHION, £12, ETSY.COM/SHOP/ PIXIECRAFTHANDMADE

SUMMER SEWIN’

With an easy slip-on style and featuring criss-cross straps at the back, we’ve got our eye on McCall’s 7118 dress pattern for our next summer project. It’s quick, easy to sew and perfect for days on the beach. It also comes with options for single straps and a sheer upper back bodice. £8.75, sizes 4-12 and 1220. Visit sewdirect.com to find your nearest stockist!

join the club!

Chrysalis Fabrics is an exclusive fabric club that you’ll definitely want to be a part of. It offers a wonderful mail order service where subscribers will receive four seasonal fabric collections a year containing around 60 samples of top quality fabrics to feel and explore. You can then place an order for any that may take your fancy. Members also get access to its famous summer sale! For more info, visit chrysalisfabrics.co.uk or call Diana on 07748 530318.

MAKE AND DO

If you sometimes need a little help to get your next project started, why not join Make and Do’s inspiration club? The Bristol-based craft shop offers a mail-order service that delivers a hand-picked selection to your door, so you don’t have to buy lots of different bits ‘n bobs.

It’s available at a variety of price ranges too too. mymakeanddo.co.uk

Make it Today!

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JOIN IN!

Sewing Producer for The Great British Sewing Bee ClaireLouise Hardie lets us in on the giggles behind her 30-day blog challenge

TREAT YOURSELF TO A CRAFT BREAK AND RELAX WITH A WIDE VARIETY OF CRAFTY COURSES. IT’S THE PERFECT HOLIDAY FOR ANY TIME OF YEAR! ACTIVITYHOTELBREAKS.CO.UK

CRAFTY CRASH COURSE

Whether it’s a quilting workshop, patchwork course or sewing party, you’re sure to love the making possibilities at Hilary Janes! Based in Leighon-Sea in Essex, you’ll be sure to master your fave craft with just a little help. See what’s on offer by calling 07798 837601 or visit hilaryjanes.co.uk

FAB HAB

Thread Bear is a haberdashery store with a friendly team of experienced crafters, who are happy to advise on any craft they can help with! The shop stocks a fantastic range too – we love this summery charm pack by Moda! 020 8657 5050, thread-bear.co.uk

oh sew sweet

After previously running a sweet shop and newsagents, Lorrayne Hall decided to launch her own fabric shop along with husband Jeff. Since taking up quilting in 2012, she has resolved to share her new passion for others to enjoy! Browse the fantastic online shop or pop in for a dressmaking or sewing class in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, when you’re next passing!

01226 386863, ohsewsweetshop.co.uk ON PATROL 7

How did you come to be sewing producer for The Great British Sewing Bee? I met the development producer Catherine Lewendon after her colleague attended one of my classes.

She was looking for sewing talent to help them behind the scenes, so I signed up as a sewing advisor. The role developed into that of a full-time sewing producer, and I was chosen to write the new book!

Tell us about your #BeeMine 30-day blog challenge...

Social media has really given viewers an opportunity to peek behind the scenes, so I proposed the idea of posting 30 different Sewing Bee outfits on my blog The Thrifty Stitcher in as many days, for me to walk the walk as it were! I wanted our audience to see that the garments could look as good on a ‘real’ person as they do on models in the book or on the show. It became a mini fashion shoot every day, although speed-sewing each outfit to fit me was something I hadn’t quite thought out!

Which project was your fave to wear?

It has to be the drapey knit dress, because it’s really comfy to wear and a great introduction to sewing with knits. We found lots of great locations for shoots around London. But I must admit I received lots of funny looks when modelling the elephant ballerina.

Wow! You wore the elephant ballerina around London?

Yes, and we raised more than £150 for Comic Relief! We had so many requests on Twitter for an adult version of the costume, I wanted to make it mean something.

Londoners are so used to seeing the weird and wonderful that many people didn’t really seem to notice.

To catch up on Claire-Louise’s 30-day blog challenge, check out thethriftystitcher.co.uk

PROJECT BY AMANDA WALKER | SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS | SHOULD TAKE A SUNNY DAY IN THE SEWING ROOM

TURN YOUR FAVE FABRIC INTO A

DITZY PEPLUM DRESS that flatters every figure

Since the peplum top hit the highstreet, our fingers have been itching to incorporate this shape into dress form.

That’s where your Butterick B6066 pattern comes in, which includes two ways to alter the tunic into a longer garment that you’ll find fit for all manner of occasions.

The best thing about the style is that it looks flattering on a massive range of figure types – either bringing you in at the waist or creating the illusion of extra curves. Once you whip it up, you’ll realise why making for yourself is the way forward!

LOVELY LINING This pattern has a lining that is exactly the same shape as the outer garment. The two necklines are matched and stitched together, and the seam trimmed, clipped and under stitched – which is a row of stitching that sits just along the edge of the seam on the wrong side of the neckline, helping the lining to sit inside the garment.

Both seam allowances should be pressed towards the lining and the stitching line is made through both the seam allowance and the lining.

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PROJECT BY LOUISE NICHOLS | SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS | SHOULD TAKE A DELIGHTFUL CRAFTERNOON, MORE FOR APPLIQUÉ

START STITCHING A SIMPLE

GIRLS’ DRESS perfect for a little princess

Whether you’re a first-time stitcher seeking to make your first garment or a confident sewer keen for a quick project, look no further than this darling dress for little girls, made using your Butterick 3772 pattern. The A-line design comes above mid-knee and features a useful button-shoulder fastening. Because every little lady has their own personality, the pattern includes six different ways that you can make the dress up with details such as trims, and contrast appliqué and hem band. That way, they can truly feel comfortable in what they’re wearing.

SAFETY FIRST!

IF MAKIN G FOR A BABY OR TODD LER, YOU MAY CHOOSE TO OMIT THE BUTTONS. SEE LOUIS E’S MAKER’S NOTES FO R MORE IN FO.

EASY APPLIQUÉ If you choose to appliqué the flowers, make sure all the curves are snipped and ensure that the excess fabric is trimmed where you machine stitch between the petals – otherwise they won’t lie flat when you turn them through.

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PROJECT BY LISA STEED DAVEY | SUITABLE FOR BEGINNERS | SHOULD TAKE A COUPLE OF CRAFTY HOURS

TURN YOUR HAB STASH INTO A

BUTTON NECKLACE to show you’re crafty and proud

If you usually stay within your crafty comfort zone, this necklace project will build your confidence in designing your own style. You can make it as simple or complex as you like, experiment with interesting colour and texture combinations and better still, use all of those leftover scraps in your stash that you knew would come in useful later.

BUTTON NECKLACE

ESSENTIAL KIT

1 Back all the fabric with lightweight vilene. Remove the metal shank with pliers from each metal cover button, and back with fabric. Cover each of the buttons as described in the Cool Cover panel. Once covered, lay each button out as pictured in the photo.

FABRIC: FAT QUARTER, ONE CORDUROY: 25CM OF YELLOW, GREY AND TEAL AQUA LINEN METAL SELF-COVER BUTTONS; SIX 19MM, TEN 22MM, SIX 29MM, TWO 38MM LIGHTWEIGHT IRON-ON VILENE STRANDED COTTONS, YELLOW, SILVER, TEAL PLASTIC CURTAIN RINGS: 16MM DIAMETER

2 Make a single knot with stranded cotton around a curtain ring and using a crochet hook, pull the thread back through. Make single chain stitches all the way around the ring until completely covered. Make two in yellow, two in silver and two in teal.

PLUS: SEED BEADS: YELLOW, AQUA GUTERMANN PEARLS: TEAL LONG BUGLE BEADS: YELLOW SEQUINS: YELLOW AQUA ORGANZA RIBBON: 1M GLUE

3 Lay out the buttons and curtain rings as shown in the photo. Sew each button together using the technique shown in the illustration. Using the tail on each crochet curtain ring, split the stranded cotton into three and thread on matching beads and sequins. Repeat this for each crochet ring.

4 Hand stitch each crochet curtain ring to the necklace. Cut two 50cm lengths of aqua organza ribbon, fold in half and loop through the two yellow crochet hoops at each end of the necklace.

FABRIC L VE

Cool cover Cover each button as follows: • 19mm buttons: six in printed fabric • 22mm buttons: three in aqua cord, two in grey cord, three in yellow cord • 29mm buttons: two in aqua linen, four in printed fabric • 38mm buttons: two in printed fabric

FF26-1, PETIT FLEUR COLLECTION, FABRIC FREEDOM, DOUGHTYSONLINE.CO.UK

BUTTON NECKLACE 55

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