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NEW!

ESSENTIAL KNOW-HOW: SEWING LACE MENDING POCKETS

Simple glitter stocking

Beginnerfriendly Liberty top

, Y O U R WAY E L Y T S R U O Y SEWING

84 IDEAS inspirational

for the festive season YOUR

8-IN-1

PATTERN

Stylish party dress

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Christmas tips from creative mums

QUICKMAKE TOY

ISSUE 14 UK £5.99 www.sewnowmag.co.uk

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Hello

WELCOME

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There's lots to look forward at this time of year – Halloween, Bon�re Night and of course Christmas – to take our minds o� the colder weather. Here at Sew Now we are looking forward to our own special event. On 10th November, along with our sister magazine Love Sewing, we are holding a Vogue Cocktail Hour party in aid of The Eve Appeal, a UK charity that aims to raise awareness of and provide funding for research into �ve gynaecological cancers. It’s the perfect opportunity to get dressed up before Christmas and you can �nd out more about this exciting event on page 24.

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If you’re planning a party out�t, this month’s free McCall’s 7090 8-in-1 dress pattern (page 14) is the ultimate in party style and, with its design-your-own-dress pattern pieces, you’ll learn lots of new skills while sewing your perfect party look.

For everyday wear we have two fantastic staple garments that are beginner friendly and will suit just about anybody’s style. The Kimono jacket (page 26) is the perfect handy throw-over, while the Liberty scalloped-edge top (page 76) demonstrates how easy it is to add a decorative edge to any garment you please.

It’s safe to say that at this time of year we sewists are usually busy with gift making, so we’ve packed this issue with makes for all the family. For him we’ve got a stylish Gent’s wallet (page 48) and for the keen horticulturist there’s a useful Gardener’s apron (page 60). The younger family members will appreciate the Upcycled gadget cover (page 72) that ticks all the boxes for tweens and teens, while smaller ones will love a handmade Christmas jumper that they can then help decorate. Our Fancy �amingo (page 82) is a fun, fast make that is sure to put a smile on anyone’s face!

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My favourite task at Christmas is decorating the house and we’ve got some stylish yet simple ways to make your home look truly stunning this year. Christmas isn’t Christmas without a stocking, and our super Sparkle stocking (page 86) will add a touch of festive bling, while the Mitten garland (page 36) is a great alternative for brightening up the �replace. For a spot of family Christmas crafting Little Button Diaries has created a set of personalised decorations (page 42) that are ideal for making with help from little hands, and you can �nd out all about Laura and Tia from Little Button Diaries on page 34. Happy sewing!

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Sam

Editor sam.sterken@practicalpublishing.co.uk P.S. We love to see what you’ve been making so don’t forget to share your makes using #sewthelove on social media.

SHARE YOUR THOUGHTS

We’d love to hear your thoughts about Sew Now. Find and follow us on: www.facebook.com/sewnowmag www.twitter.com/sewnowmag

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QUICK XMAS GIFT IDEA Look out for Christmas inspiration WWW.S EWNOWMAG.CO.U K

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INSIDE THIS ISSUE OF

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GET YOUR NEXT 3 ISSUES FOR JUST £6 Turn to page 52 for details of how to subscribe!

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72

TUTORIALS

22 REGULARS

FEATURES

6 10

NEWS What’s new in sewing

HOT OFF THE PRESS This month’s new pattern releases from The Fold Line

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ANGELINE MURPHY Angeline’s advice on adding glamour to your garments

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TEAM TALK Find out what’s on the Sew Now team’s radar

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READERS’ MAKES What you’ve been sewing this month SEWING WORKSHOPS Learn new skills and make new friends

www.facebook.com/sewnowmag

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SKILL BUILDER Learn to sew lace with Jeanette Archer our resident seamstress

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32

24

64

31

74

34

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SEWING START UP Karen Mabon reveals where she gathers inspiration for her gorgeous printed silk scarves THE COCKTAIL HOUR Get involved in the glamorous Cocktail Hour in aid of the Eve Appeal

PATTERN REVIEW Louise of Thread Carefully blog puts the Datura blouse on trial MUM’S THE WORD We chat to Little Button Diaries about how they get the kids involved in sewing

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BACK-PAGE BLOGGER Blogger Sally Kendal talks us through her sewing and style

www.twitter.com/sewnowmag

AUTUMN ROSE DRESS Take a dress from drab to fab in a few simple steps SUSTAINABLE TAILORING Jamie Kemp’s top tips and easy techniques for repairing and preserving pockets SEWING A BODICE WITH A LACE OVERLAY Expert Alison Smith makes sewing your free pattern simple!

SEWING KNOW-HOW Basic stitches explained

MASTER YOUR MACHINE Find out what all the buttons and functions mean

www.instagram.com/sewnowmag

www.pinterest.com/sewnowmag

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CONTENTS

48

MEET THE TEAM:

Deputy Editor

Editor

Sam Editorial Assistant

42

Bethany

Seamstress

54

17

Jeanette

Leanne

SKILL LEVEL GUIDE Beginner

Intermediate

Adventurous beginner

Advanced

EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS! TURN TO PAGE 71 FOR:

PROJECTS

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FREE EVENING DRESSES PATTERN Get ready to party in style with your mix-and-match free dress pattern

26

KIMONO JACKET Straightforward sewing at its best with this autumn cover-up

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UPCYCLED GADGET COVER Recycle unwanted jeans into this cool eco-friendly cover

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LIBERTY SCALLOPED-EDGE BLOUSE Learn to sew scallops and add pretty design details with ease

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42

86

MITTEN GARLAND A fun way to jazz up your home this Christmas FESTIVE DECORATIONS Cute decorations personalised for all the family

FANCY FLAMINGO Make this �amboyant softie as a fun gift for someone special SPARKLE STOCKING Make modern, jewel-toned stockings with a dash of sparkle

INSPIRATION

15% o� Abakhan Liberty Classic fabric 15% o� patterns from Madeit WIN a glitter fabric bundle from Crafter’s Companion

PLUS

GO TO PAGE 37 TO CLAIM YOUR FREE MCCALL’S DRESS PATTERN (JUST PAY P&P)

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TOP FIVE BOOKS FOR YOUR CHRISTMAS STOCKING Our pick of sewing books you’ll love

57

MORE OF WHAT MAKES YOU SPARKLE Discover how to get that all-important sparkle into your festive projects

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GET THE LOOK – WOOL AND TWEED SPECIAL We ask four fabric suppliers to show o� their top choices

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XMAS TREE JUMPERS Try this fun, easy-to-sew take on a traditional Christmas jumper

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60

41

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GENT’S TWEED WALLET The perfect handmade gift for the man in your life

GARDENER’S APRON Get to grips with oilcloth and sew this stylish apron

WEAR IT WITH Show o� your free-pattern dress on any occasion

STYLE FILE Stitch the detail with this perfect winter dress CHERRY-PICKED FABRIC Fabric picks from suppliers in the know

GET THE LOOK – LACE Luscious lace – ideal for every party project

SHOP IT OR SEW IT Patterns and inspiration for every get-together WWW.S EWNOWMAG.CO.U K

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GET SHI RT Y

The shirtdress is a trend that’s going nowhere fast, simply layer it over a pair of leggings, tights or even jeans for an instant autumn outfit. We’re loving the Hermes shirtdress from I Am Patterns, which can be made in either a dress or shirt length from anything from cotton flannel to viscose. For a lighter option, the Joy blouse is another easy-wear garment to layer up in the colder months. It has a little volume in the ruffled three-quarter-length sleeves and not only suits a cotton or viscose crepe, but also thin denim too. Available now in sizes 8-18, £15 from www.backstitch.co.uk

© Alex Bamford

FESTIVE FUN It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas, and that means time to make some gifts! To help inspire you with lots of decorations and quick-make presents, Jemima Schlee has written Fat Quarter Christmas, which features 25 projects you can make from just a small amount of fabric. We especially love the kindling basket project, which you could even use as for gift storage by the tree.

Have a root through your fabric stash and pick up your copy from www.gmcpublications.com for £12.99.

What’s new?

The products, patterns and events on our radar this month

Mad for plaid The classic plaid print has been given a fun twist in a bite-size collection from Art Gallery Fabrics with a host of new colour combinations. Checks are pretty popular this season, whether it’s across blazers, coats, trousers or even cushions, the choices are endless! Find out more and locate your nearest stockist at www.hantex.co.uk/agf

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NEWS KN OT BA D

TOO COOL FOR SCHOOL To celebrate the wonderful Christmas jumper patterns we have on page 54, we have an exclusive 15% off discount at Madeit Patterns in this issue.

As well as terrific T-shirts and sweatshirts, we love the Spin Dress pattern.

Designed for two to 10 year olds, the long sleeves and high round neck make it perfect for winter and the flared skater dress with pockets makes it ideal for twirling! Allow them to pick out a knit fabric they love to make it an extraspecial dress. Available for £4.95 from www. madeit-patterns.com

Add fabulous finishing touches to your handmade Christmas decorations with this beautiful baker’s twine from The Makery. Each roll contains 40m of multicoloured twine, with flashes of glitter running through it, giving it a real party feel, and making it ideal for bunting or wrapping up your presents in style. Top up your twine addiction this festive season at www.crafterscompanion.co.uk

TURN TO PAGE 71 FOR AN EXCLUSIVE 15% DISCOUNT!*

Sewing room tidies

MAD E I N B R ITA IN

Sewing Bee judge Patrick Grant is showcasing his new social enterprise, which aims to create jobs and restore pride in UK textiles. Community Clothing is dedicated to making high-quality clothing and plans to use the spare capacity in quiet periods across the industry to create cost-effective clothing, sold directly to the consumer. This means cutting out the usual wholesale and retail mark-ups. Patrick explains that he wants to support employers and workers across the country and “make British clothes affordable to all”. The range includes wardrobe staples for men and women, such as jeans, raincoats, knitwear, shirts and more! Shop them online at www.selfridges.com

Keep your scissors, markers and tools organised in these charming giant thimble tidies. Choose from gold or silver to decorate your sewing room and make sure everything is in its place! £14.95 from Berylune at www.notonthehighstreet.com

Photography by Richard Tymon

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SEPTEMBER

Every month, Laura Victoria shares what’s been going on with the #wardrobebuilder challenge and what you’ve been making

Laura

S

ome #wardrobebuilder months have patterns that feature quite a lot in link ups, like this month’s theme – trousers! When it was jeans we were all about Gingers; this month the Sew Over It Ultimate Trousers took an early lead. I took the online class as I was concerned about getting the �t right on trousers, Laura’s and this included lots of �tting tips.

Ultimate Trousers This pattern is perfect for prints and patterned fabrics, judging by the ones added to the link up this month both RedWSews and I went for big bright �orals!

Daphne from www.sewneedy.blog showcased a great way to inject some bright colour without having to go all out for big, bold prints. Her Sewaholic Thurlow trousers were predominantly made from a more subtle �ecked wool Daphne’s mix with colourful fabric used on the Thurlow insides and facings. I love this because trousers it means they can be paired easily with prints and adds a bespoke, handmade �nish that you appreciate as a maker. It's a great example of a #wardrobebuilder! Another seamstress who went for a solid colour was Heather from Feathers Flights. Using a soft pink gabardine twill Tencel means that her Megan Nielsen Flint pants move beautifully (she even �lmed it they look so good!). They look incredibly elegant and would be perfect for special events.

Although I chose quite a simple pattern, a lot of the makes added this month showed o� some impressive skills (welt pockets I’m looking at you). I hadn’t realised what a great opportunity trousers would be to develop new skills. Sarah’s North Point tailored pinstripe trousers showed how including more advanced features makes all the di�erence.

October’s #wardrobebuilder theme is all about vintage styling, featuring lovely prizes from Til The Sun Goes Down and a special guest post. To �nd out more about the challenge, this month’s brilliant giveaways and view the month-by-month themes, go to www.thepetitepassions.com. Don’t Heather’s forget to share your makes online with the Flint pants hashtag #wardrobebuilder 8

We love scuba Looking to make a new shift dress for autumn or a smart circle skirt? Try the latest scuba fabric from Fabworks. Available in rich jewel tones, including sapphire blues and rich ruby reds, there’s a huge range of solid and print scuba fabric to choose from. If you’re not familiar with scuba, it’s a medium-weight fabric that is easy to sew with and handily doesn’t fray – so there’s no need to use an overlocker to �nish your hems. Check out the full range of scuba fabric, available from £6 per metre, at www.fabworks.co.uk

FLOWER POWER We can’t resist Liberty fabric at the best of times, and to help fuel our addiction we need these Liberty-covered notebooks in our lives! Choose from a range of iconic �oral prints and either plain or lined paper inside, for all your writing and sketching needs.

Why not use them to keep track of your sewing notes, measurements and to-sew list? Available now for £12 from www.alicecaroline. co.uk

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Hot-off-the-press

PATTERNS

Kate

Rachel

As autumn sets in, Kate and Rachel of The Fold Line pick new patterns that promise to keep you cosy and stylish in the cool weather CHESTNUT SWEATER CocoWawa Crafts The Chestnut sweater is the new release from CocoWawa Crafts and is great for colder days. The key features of this pattern are its simple shape and cu� at the sleeve and hem.

There are three options to choose from – three ties down the centre back, a cutout with bow tie at the back and a vent with bow tie at the shoulder.

This is a great pattern for beginners looking to explore knit and sweatshirt fabric.

Sizes 6-20 PDF pattern £10 www.cocowawa crafts.com

V9264 Vogue Patterns This dress forms part of the new collection from Vogue Patterns. It features princess seams, a high turtle neckline and long sleeves with some gathering at the sleeve head. You can have the dress in �oor length or above the knee. We’d recommend this pattern for a con�dent beginner looking to up their skills with knitted fabric.

Sizes 6-14, 14-22 Paper pattern £13 www.sewdirect.com

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NEWS PHOEBE DRESS Sew Over It

B6481 Butterick

The Phoebe dress from Sew Over It is the perfect option if you’re new to sewing with knit fabric. The pattern has a fitted skirt with bodice that is gathered into the waist seam, giving it the appearance of separates, yoke at the shoulder and a fitted skirt. The dress is made up of only five pattern pieces and, with the keyhole closure at the back, there are no fastenings needed! We’d recommend this pattern for a confident beginner.

The B6481 forms part of the new collection from Butterick this autumn. The key features are an empire line cut bodice, princess seams, inset waistband and an A-line skirt.

The pattern comes with three sleeve options including flared cuff, bell-shaped sleeve and flared sleeve. There are lots of options for colour blocking with this dress to really make it your own. We’d recommend this dress for a confident beginner.

Sizes 8-16, 18-24 Paper pattern £8.95 www.jaycotts.co.uk

Sizes 6-20 PDF pattern £7.50 www.sewoverit.co.uk

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Sizes UK 4-20 PDF pattern $18 (approximately £13.45) shop.truebias.com

GAIA COAT Named Clothing The Gaia is part of a 10-piece collection from Named Clothing. The pattern features a relaxed cocoon-shaped coat, panelling at the front and back with deep welt pockets and snap fastening. The �t of this pattern makes it slightly less challenging and we’d recommend this for an intermediate maker.

LANDER PANT True Bias The Lander trousers are the latest o�ering from True Bias. The pattern features a high-waisted trouser with a button �y, patch pockets on the front and back, belts loops and a straight �t through the leg. It comes with three options for length so you can choose cropped, mid or full length. We’d recommend this for an advanced beginner looking to improve their �tting skills.

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Sizes UK 4-22 PDF pattern £16 www.fabricgodmother.co.uk

The Fold Line is an online sewing community with over 10,000 members.

The site has a huge pattern database with sewing-speci�c search function plus wish list and library pro�le features to store your favourite patterns. There is also a sewing resources section to inspire your next make and an active forum where you can chat to other sewists. Visit www.thefoldline.com

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YOUR

Gold two-tone necklace £12, www.next.co.uk

FREE PATTERN Be a your own dress designer with this month’s free McCall’s pattern by mixing and matching bodice styles, skirts and elegant design details to create your own bespoke party dress Photography RENATA STONYTE Model HATTIE for BOSS Hair and make-up NINA ROCHFORD

Black envelope clutch £15, www.next.co.uk

Party time!

Get the look

Bright soft touch polyester

Available in six bold colours, this lightweight polyester has a smooth �nish. This sleek fabric has good structure and a �uid-like draping quality, making it ideal as soft lining fabric £4.99 per metre

www.adamrossfabrics.co.uk

Ankle strap pointed heels £40, www.next.co.uk

PICK UP NEW SKILLS: SEWING WITH SHEER FABRIC OR LACE FOR A SOPHISTICATED LOOK

Black spotted lace

This tulle features a spot connected by a narrow line and is perfect for fashion pieces £5.95 metre

www.whitetreefabrics.com

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ACCESSORY

Mix and

Plain sweetheart bodice

match

McCall’s pattern instructions include a build-your-dress paper doll along with nine pattern pieces. Here are our top sewing tips for each pattern piece Wrap bodice

To sew the side seams use a rolled hem foot, available in 2mm to 9mm widths.

Alternatively, sew a straight line through a single layer along the edge of the fabric and then use the stitch line to guide a double fold to give an even edge. Sew in place.

Use clipping and notching diagrams from the pattern. When clipping and notching the princess seam line to evenly space your cuts, do not weaken the seam.

Gathered overlay bodice

If you’re gathering sheer fabric for the �rst time, try basting by hand at the top and bottom of the overlay section and then gently gather to check how the overlay will look. When you machine-sew, use the largest stitch length on your machine.

Overlay sweetheart bodice

When using a �uid or sheer fabric, spraying it lightly with spray starch will stabilise it and help with cutting and sewing.

Sheer or lace yoke

Gathered skirt

Consider using a French seam at the shoulder to hide any raw edges and make your garment last longer.

When picking your fabric think about the structure and how this will work with the gathers. A satin or lightweight crepe will give a �uid drape but a silk dupioni or ta�eta will be more rigid and give a fuller shape.

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Make your dress a knockout this year with these winning fabric combinations

Pale gold poly viscose guipure lace £31.50 per metre www.stonefabrics.co.uk

Antique gold luxury crepe £7 per metre www.sewoverit.co.uk

WE LOVE...

Sting Like A Bee floaty polyester georgette £7 per metre www.croftmill.co.uk

Red Rio stretch crepe £12 per metre www.dragonflyfabrics.co.uk

USE CHIFFON TO CREATE A BEAUTIFULLY DRAPEY BODICE Navy plain taffeta £3.49 per metre www.abakhan.co.uk

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Desert spot print chiffon £3.49 per metre www.adamrossfabrics.co.uk

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INSPIRATION

Wear it with...

Make your party dress work for every occasion!

LAID BACK

Merino waterfall cardigan £129, www.east.co.uk

Drop earrings £10, www.dorothy perkins.com

Multi-coloured faux fur coat £179, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Halloween earrings £4.99, www.newlook.com

HALLOWEEN PARTY

Rose gold shopper £18, www.tesco.com/direct/clothing

Gold heeled boots £55, www.wallis.co.uk M&S Collection hat £15, www.marks andspencer.com

Black biker jacket £59.99, www.newlook.com

WRAP UP WARM Twist knot belt £49, www.jigsaw-online.com

Teal coat £79, www.marksand spencer.com

HIT THE TOWN

Brianna brocade boot £69, www.monsoon.co.uk

Luxe trainers £60, www.riverisland.com

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Sewing Patterns by Sewing Belle Ltd

www.sewingbelle.co.uk

25% OFF your order QUOTE SB25

15% OFF with code SEW14

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03/10/2017 15:59

ACCESSORY

A touch of

couture

Angeline Murphy lets us in on her secrets for sewing glamorous garments

I

f you can sew, you can sew couture. Very few of the techniques involved are difficult but they do require time patience.

Angeline and When I decided to make my own bridesmaids’ dresses I added both chiffon and lace into the design – two kinds of fabric notoriously tricky to work with. When working with slippery and delicate fabric, making sure you have the right tools for the job will make your sewing project as easy as possible.

Beautiful garments are my forte, they are what I love to draft and stitch up in my sewing room. I will let you in on my top tips for adding a touch of glamour to your next project.

One of Angeline’s beautiful commissions!

One of my most recent commissions was a blue jumpsuit made from georgette crepe. I love working with this fabric as it offers a luxurious finish and is not too difficult to sew with. The main attractions of sewing with this fabric are that it doesn’t crease, you cannot see any pin marks and it drapes fabulously, falling in elegant soft ripples.

The jumpsuit also has a lace insert along the waistline to add a touch of style.

I love to make a statement with all my handmade garments and the easiest way to do this is to concentrate on adding some features that will stand out. For example, if you are creating a dress you could consider a lace overlay on some pattern pieces. On the bridesmaids dresses previously mentioned I added a lace overlay to the bodice by simply cutting lace bodice pattern pieces. I then stay-stitched the satin bodice pieces to the lace bodice pieces and treated each pair as one (join right side of satin to wrong side of lace). This feature certainly adds a touch of class to any dress.

Angeline’s work in progress

"When working with slippery and delicate fabric, making sure you have the right tools for the job will make your sewing project as easy as possible"

•• Use attractive fabric such as lace, silk and chiffon. Picking the right fabric is key to ensuring your final garment oozes elegance. Unlike many sewists, I always let the fabric dictate the outfit I create. For example, I picked up some fabulous purple tweed at The Great British Sewing Bee Live Show and sketched my design around what would suit the fabric.

•• Add embellishments like embroidery, beading and appliqué to set your garment apart for the crowd.

•• Adding finer details to your garment such as piped seams, pearl buttons with loop closures and trim can really help add something special to the final look.

You can experiment with the pattern by adapting the style; consider adding a self-drafted cowl to the neckline, a lace appliquéd hem or a chiffon skirt overlay – the choices are endless.

Pinterest is a fantastic tool for seeing the latest catwalk trends and is a great source of ideas if you need some inspiration. I hope I have inspired you to take the leap and add glamour to your garments.

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INTERVIEW

Sewing start up We chat to fabric designer Karen Mabon about how she uses her artistic background to create stunning scarves, clothing and accessories using silk

Karen in her studio

What inspired you to start your label?

I have always loved drawing and illustration but I also love fashion and accessories and studied goldsmithing at art school. After studying I went to work for various different brands but I always preferred designing for myself. One day I went into a vintage shop in York and saw a beautiful old Liberty scarf in peach silk with an intricate drawing of shells printed on it. I became obsessed with mid-century textiles and artists like Matisse, Ben Nicholson and Eduardo Paolozzi who had designed textiles and scarves and felt inspired to design something different to what was currently available.

What is it about Karen Mabon scarves and sleepwear that make them so special?

I think the prints are a little bit different to what else is currently available – I try to take inspiration from a wide range of places so they are always a bit unexpected.

Tell us about your design process, where do you find your inspiration?

I tend to find inspiration from artists – I love visiting exhibitions and often find inspiration for line and colour from other artists' work. I’ve recently been reading a lot more which is an unexpected but great place to source inspiration – I like the short stories by F. Scott Fitzgerald like A Diamond as Big as the Ritz, even the titles conjour up such fantastic imagery. Films are great too; for colour combination I like Wes Anderson and I love the way the old Disney short animations are hand coloured.

Junk shops are a great resource too – biscuit tins, novelty ties, toy cars, discarded photo albums, jars of buttons. I love it all.

Anything in multiples is really appealing.

The last collection was inspired by a trip to see the Nutcracker ballet. Everything about the experience from the pick and mix and popcorn to the costumes to the velvet curtains and orchestra tuning up was such a feast.

What is it about silk in particular that has captured your imagination?

Silk is just such a beautiful fabric. I love that the material itself is so luxurious, and the textures can vary so much within it. It can be bright and shiny like a sweet wrapper or velvety like the skin of a peach but it always feels so tactile. It also takes print and colour really well – drawings come to life when they are printed on it I feel.

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INTERVIEW

Breakfast at Ti�any’s silk scarf, £110

What are your favourite trends in fashion and design right now?

I really love the trend for narrative prints – when I �rst started my brand I felt like the design landscape was very Scandinavian, very minimal. It was the recession and I

“I love collaborating on new products and with other brands too" think that was re�ected in the design being produced. But now I think recent major exhibitions like the Matisse show in London and the Joseph Frank retrospective at the Fashion & Textiles Museum in London have sent shockwaves through the industry and we are seeing a lot more colour and print which I love. I love new brands like Shrimps and Mara Ho�man who are using bold and graphic prints really well, and I also love the designer Luke Edward Hall, who combines fun motifs in all his work. It has a really fresh, whimsical feel to it.

What are the best and most challenging things about running your own business?

The best part is seeing your designs come to life, worn by other people and displayed in stores. I love collaborating on new products and with other brands, too – and I love travelling for work, it’s such a massive perk.

It’s hard sometimes because you can’t ever really switch o�, and sometimes it can

Fancy dress cats silk scarf, £110

be hard to juggles deadlines. I have a real problem saying no to jobs and de�nitely have a habit of taking on too much.

Do you have any advice for anyone looking to design their own printed fabric?

I think the best advice is just to create something unique. Find your own voice and be con�dent. Experiment a lot with scale of print and di�erent fabrics – some designs work better with fabric that has a �ner grain and vice versa.

Finally, what can we expect to see from you over the next few months?

We have a big monogram project coming out in the run up to Christmas with our favourite stockist, Anthropologie. We are also working on collaborations with Heathrow Airport and a luxury beauty brand, as well as some printed cushions and of course, more scarves and pyjamas!

Koi carp silk shirt & sleep trousers, £110 each

Find out more about Karen and view her latest collections at www.karenmabon.com Cotton cushions, £60 each

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Sewing WITH LACE

lder i u b l l i Sk

Lace can add a touch of luxury and softness to a garment. Jeanette, our in-house seamstress, shows you how to use it with success Need-to-know facts What is the technique?

Professional finishing for lace.

What can it be used for?

When sewing with lace, sheer or lined.

What types of fabric does this technique work with?

All lace fabric.

Which foot should you use?

Your regular sewing machine foot.

Do you need to make adjustments to your machine settings?

No, but in some cases you might want to check the foot pressure. Check your sewing machine manual and experiment with scraps of fabric.

Any tricks or tips that we need to know?

Lace does not have a straight grain so can be cut in any direction. Consider using lace pins, which are longer and finer than usual pins and less likely to snag the lace.

HOW TO SEW: FRENCH SEAMS French seams work well on lace and other sheer fabric and all seams should be narrow and neat. Place the fabric wrong sides together and sew at half the given seam allowance on the right side. Trim back the seam allowance by half and turn the fabric wrong side out. Sew the given seam allowance measurement to encase the trimmedback edge. (See pics A and B.) Hairline seams can also be used on cuffs, collars and pockets, and these are seams with the seam allowance that are trimmed very close to the stitching UNDERLINING This is preferable to lining a sheer lace garment as all seams are hidden on the reverse. Treat the lining and the lace as

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one fabric, stitching seams as usual and trimming the seam allowances to reduce bulk. (See pics C and D.)

For visibility use contrasting tacking thread to hand-tack before matching motifs

Jeanette

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TUTORIAL

MATCHING MOTIFS Some lace has a large, distinguishable pattern that needs careful matching.

This is done by carefully snipping around the design, overlapping the lace until it matches and then sewing around the design on your sewing machine or by hand, finally snipping close to the stitching. When done correctly it is hard to see the join.

(See pics E and F.) FINISHING HEMS Some lace is already finished on the edges, but careful cutting out (remember lace has no straight grain)

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

can ensure this finished edge is your hem edge. (See Pic G.) The alternative is to carefully trim around the hem of the garment, cutting carefully around the motifs to give a natural edge to the lace. This is especially effective on a skirt with a shorter or contrasting lining.

(See Pic H.) A traditional double-turned hem sewn on the machine or by hand also works well, but be careful that more bulky lace turned twice might distort the hem line, in which case a small hem turned once is acceptable. (See Pic I.)

We used

26mm Bridal and lace pins (15g pack) ÂŁ2.75

www.weaverdee.com

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Join the

Cocktail Hour

Join the Vogue Patterns sew-along to create your own cocktail outfit, make new sewing friends and support a fantastic charity Words BETHANY ARMITAGE

E

arlier this year The McCall Pattern Company launched 2017's Cocktail Hour event, encouraging sewists to make one of 20 specially selected dresses from the Vogue Patterns range. Sue Haft, Managing Director of The McCall Pattern Company, said that the patterns include ‘something for all styles and sewing abilities, including traditional dresses, tops and smart trousers’, meaning there are plenty of options to choose from. For each pattern that you buy a percentage of the money goes towards The Eve Appeal, an important charity that supports vital research into women’s gynaecological cancers.

The Fold Line’s Kate in her V8943 dress

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Over the last two years, the campaign has raised over £160,000 for the charity and to help push this total even further, The McCall Pattern Company is encouraging customers to hold their own Eve Appeal cocktail parties.

Reach out to friends,

family, members of your local sewing group or sewists in your area to join you in making one of the selected patterns and get together to show them off, with a cocktail or two in hand – of course! Not keen on hosting your own get together?

Don’t panic, there are lots of Cocktail Hour parties happening around the country that you can go to. Just don’t forget to wear your Cocktail Hour outfit!

To inspire you to start making, 25 top sewing bloggers have joined in the fun, sewing their own Cocktail Hour ensembles and sharing their top tips and favourite fabric along the way. This includes Karen Ball of www.didyoumakethat.com who has made the Vogue 1537 dress and full-length coat, Lucy Regan from www. sewessential.co.uk who has made a gorgeous Vogue 1428 complete with machine-embroidered flowers and Nina Chang of www.thumblenina.wordpress. com who has made a stunning Vogue 1484 dress using four different fabric types.

To find out more details about the pattern collection, parties happening in your area, which of your favourite retailers are participating in the promotion and to see lots of sewing inspiration, head to www.sewdirect.com

Karen Ball wearing her V1537 dress and coat

The patterns

Just some of the 25 Vogue Cocktail Hour patterns you can choose from. Each available from £14 at www.sewdirect.com – don’t forget that a portion of the proceeds goes to charity!

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FEATURE

Blogger Simona Barlow in her stunning V1536 dress.

How amazing is her leopardprint fabric? Read all about it at www.sewingadventures intheattick.wordpress.com

You're invited to our

Cocktail Hour party!

- When Friday 10th November, 7.30pm - Where The Refuge, Oxford St, Manchester M60 7HA - Price £25 Put on your glad rags and join the Sew Now and Love Sewing teams for a night of fun and socialising, all in the name of a fantastic cause. In honour of the Vogue Patterns Cocktail Hour campaign we are giving you the chance to show off your makes at our extra-special event in Manchester, including delicious cocktails, yummy nibbles, extra-special prizes and of course chatter with like-minded sewists. We’ll be showcasing the garments from the Cocktail Hour collection of patterns and running a huge raffle to raise funds for The Eve Appeal – the only UK national charity raising awareness and funding research into the five gynaecological cancers. Spaces are limited so get your ticket today from www.craftstash.co.uk/ cocktailhourevent to join in the adventure.

READ ABOUT EDITOR SAM’S COCKTAIL HOUR DRESS ON PAGE 45

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Easy

kimono jacket

DOWNLOAD YOUR

FREE TEMPLATE

IF SEWING IN A MORE DELICATE FABRIC, FOLLOW OUR GUIDE TO SEWING FRENCH SEAMS ON PAGE 28

This super simple and stylish kimono-style jacket will become your new favourite!

Project CLAIRE GARSIDE www.simplesewpatterns.co.uk

Claire

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STYLE

A

B

LAYPLANS:

SKILL LEVEL:

45” LAYPLANS60” LAYPLAN 60” LAYPLAN MATERIALS: 60” LAYPLAN SELVEDGE

•• see fabric requirements below •• free template from www.sewnowmag.co.uk

BELT EXTENSION FRONTFRONT

FRONT

FABRIC TYPES: Woven fabric such as cotton, satin, Tana lawn, silk, crêpe, crêpe-backed satin

FOLD

FOLD

FOLD

FOLD

FOLD

BACK BACK BACK FOLD FOLD

BACK

BELT

FOLD

EXTENSION

SELVEDGE

EXTENSION EXTENSION EXTENSION

2

With RST stitch the front-left jacket piece FRONTFRONT FRONTto the back jacket piece. Repeat for the right-front jacket piece. Press seams open and turn through to RS. (See Pic B.) 60” LAYPLAN

EXTENSION

FOLD

FOLD

SELVEDGE

SELVEDGE

BELT

EXTENSION BELT

EXTENSION BELT

FRONT

BACK DRESS BACK DRESS BACK DRESS FRONTFRONT DRESSFRONT DRESS DRESS BELT TIE BELT TIE BELT TIE

EXTENSION

BELT TIE

BELT

FRONT DRESS

EXTENSION

FRONT

FRONTFRONTFRONT

60” LAYPLAN

BACK DRESS

If you would like to make the tie longer there are two options: •• Extend the paper pattern piece using the extension piece by taping it into the middle of the belt pieces and then cut a long fabric belt if you have enough continuous fabric length •• If you don’t have enough fabric for a long continuous belt, simply attach the fabric extension piece into the middle of the fabric belt pieces RST. Press seams down then follow Step 4 to make the belt as normal

Finish the jacket edges by hemming. Turn the outside edges of jacket over by 0.5cm, iron and then top-stitch in place.

(See Pic C.)

FOLD

KEY:

SELVEDGE

3

SELVEDGE

45” FABRIC OPENED OUT

FRONT

Extending the tie

FRONT

BACK DRESS FRONT BELT TIE 45” FABRIC 45” FABRIC OPENED 45”DRESS FABRIC OPENED OUTOPENED OUT OUT BELT TIE BELT TIE

FRONTFRONTFRONT

BELT

FRONT

BELT

BELT BELT BELT

45” LAYPLANS

EXTENSION BELT

FRONT

EXTENSION

FRONT

SELVEDGE

1

EXTENSION

BELT

45” LAYPLANS 45” LAYPLANS 45” LAYPLANS SELVEDGE SELVEDGE SELVEDGE

FRONT

FRONT DRESS T DRESS

HOW TO MAKE: Zigzag-stitch all around the 60” LAYPLAN 60” LAYPLAN 60” LAYPLAN front and back jacket pieces.

(See Pic A.)

SELVEDGE

SELVEDGE

45” FABRIC OPENED OUT

SELVEDGE

45” LAYPLANS

45” FABRIC OPENED OUT

5” FABRIC OPENED OUT C OPENED OUT

FOLD

BACK

EXTENSION EXTENSION BACK

FOLD

BELT

FOLD

ESELVEDGE

FOLD

LAYPLANS ANS

BELT

C

4

With RST stitch the belt pieces, leaving a gap for turning as shown.

Turn through, press the pieces flat

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS: 8

10

12

14

16

18

20

45” wide

3m

3m

3m

3m

3m

3m

3m

60” wide

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

2m

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Bust

33”

35”

37”

39”

41”

43”

45”

Waist

26”

28”

30”

32”

34”

36”

38”

Hips

36”

38”

40”

42”

44”

46”

48”

EX SELVEDGE

SIZING:

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D

Try using bias tape to ďŹ nish the outer edge in place of hemming. You'll need no more than 3.5m of bias

E

How to...

sew French seams using lightweight fabric

and slip-stitch the gap closed.

(See Pic D.)

5

Try on the jacket and add a fastening at the side seam and the opposite front bodice piece if you wish (a hookand-eye or press stud would work well).

(See Pic E.)

This is the ultimate all-season jacket.

Sew it in drapey crepe or satin for an evening look or in cosy brushed cotton for colder days

With wrong sides together, sew a seam 1cm in from the raw edges.

Press the seam open, and then place wrong sides together.

Trim seam to 3mm.

With right sides together, press seam evenly, and stitch seam no more than 6mm from the edge, enclosing all raw edges. Press.

Sam 28

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ACCESSORY

STYLE

This dress has an easy-sew raglan sleeve

file

This month’s standout style we’d love to make or wear The devil is in the detail in this raglan-sleeve dress that’s perfect for winter.

With topstitching on the shoulder and inset waistband, a shoulder pleat to add sleeve volume and an inverted box-pleat skirt, this is a style with lots of visual tricks and plenty of new skills to learn! We’d love to sew the collared version in a pastel chambray with contrasting topstitching.

Butterick 6482, Misses’ Raglan Sleeve Dress with Contrast Topstitching, Sizes 6-4, 14-22, £8.95 www.jaycotts.co.uk

Pick a pretty pastel All these are 112cm wide,£6.99 per metre and available from www. higgsandhiggs.com

Tangerine Orange Candy 3mm woven chambray stripe

Aqua plain chambray

Swallows navy on light blue chambray

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04/10/2017 10:54

’s n g UK i e e ew i n Th .1 s gaz o N ma

CHRISTMAS

is all sewn up!

The UK's No.1 sewing

Double!

n u f e th Deck the halls for Christmas with our two pattern issue!

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ISSUE 46

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Contents and gift subject to change

Order your copy today at www.moremags.com/ls46

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ACCESSORY

The pattern

REVIEW Louise of Thread Carefully stitches the Deer and Doe Datura blouse, with its eye-catching detail Words LOUISE ZBOROWSKI AKA TABATHA TWEEDIE Photography DAWN WILSON www.threadcarefully.org

The Deer and Doe Datura blouse has been on my wish list for a long time. I was drawn to the cut-out detail around the neck of version A, and the potential for mixing and matching different fabric.

These days I find myself wearing jeans more often, so it’s nice to have some pretty tops to wear with them.

The cotton poplin is from Ditto Fabrics and features a Liberty-style small navy leaf design with red, yellow and purple flowers.

I thought it would go well with jeans or a denim skirt, and the leaves made me think of autumn. To highlight the cut-out neckline I made the yoke sections in co-ordinating plain navy poplin.

The paper pattern is beautifully presented.

There are two instruction booklets, one in French and one in English. The pattern is aimed at ‘advanced’ sewists, but the instructions are nice and clear and there is a really helpful online Datura sew-along on The Drapery blog (www.thedrapery. com.au/blog) with handy detailed photo tutorials.

I didn’t make any alterations to the fit of the blouse, but I did ignore Step 1 of the instructions on how to make bias tape, opting instead for an online tutorial from Colette Patterns to make continuous bias tape that I have used many times before.

You do end up with a few more seams this way, but it’s much more economical with the fabric.

I hadn’t realised until I came to actually sewing this pattern that the back buttons are decorative rather than functional (you sew the buttons through both layers), and I chose three lovely heart-shaped buttons to match the red flowers in the top.

Something to bear in mind when choosing your buttons is to opt for flat ones to avoid them digging them in you when you lean back! Or, you could even skip the buttons completely, like Rebecca of www.redwsews.wordpress.com, who left the back open on the Datura she made for a holiday recently. I’ll definitely be making more of these!

Find the Colette bias tape tutorial at blog.colettehq.com/tutorials/ continuous-bias-tape-tutorial

Get the look

Ivory floral

This 109cm-wide 100% cotton poplin has a smallish floral and dark navy leaf design on an ivory background £6.50 per metre

www.dittofabrics.co.uk

Datura Blouse

Paper pattern €14 (approximately £12.25) Sizes 34 to 46 (UK 4-16) PDF pattern €11 (approximately £9.63) 34 to 52 (UK 4-22) shop.deer-and-doe.fr

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BEFORE

AFTER

Autumn

rose dress 32

Carissa

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REFASHION

Bring a dated dress into the 21st century with a few simple alterations Project CARISSA BROWNING

SKILL LEVEL: MATERIALS: •• oversized dress •• seam ripper •• optional zip

If your dress is woven fabric pin the centre back together and check you can get the dress over your head. If not insert a zip for a clean finish

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

HOW TO MAKE: Remove the buttons from the sleeve cuffs. (See Pic A.)

1 2 3 4

Cut the skirt from the bodice just above the gathered seam. (See Pic B.)

Remove the buttons from the centre back edge. (See Pic C.)

Overlap the former button edge on top of the buttonhole edge and sew the back seam closed. (See Pic D.)

If you’re shortening the skirt why not use the excess fabric to create a simple belt?

5

Trim the excess fabric of the old buttonhole edge from the inside of the seam. (See Pic E.)

6

Cut 8-0cm from the bottom of the bodice to bring up the waistline.

(See Pic F.)

7 8 9

Re-attach the skirt to the bodice.

(See Pic G.) Trim the excess fabric from the bottom of the skirt. (See Pic H.) Hem the raw edge to finish.

(See Pic I.)

Sam carissaknits.com is a little corner of the internet where Carissa explores all manner of crafts. There you’ll find her sewing inexpensive thrift shop finds into fabulous new frocks, knitting up a new shawl, cross-stitching a fresh bit of kitsch for her home, reviewing the latest addition to her craft book collection and all sorts of other crafty goodness!

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04/10/2017 10:30

INTERVIEW

Mum’s the word!

Tia (left) and Laura (right)

We chat to Laura and Tia of Little Button Diaries, to find out more about their crafty blogging journey and sewing with kids in mind Tell us a little bit about Little Button Diaries, what inspired you to work together?

We started Little Button Diaries partly out of boredom whilst on maternity leave with our first children! We were finding it tricky to finish the craft projects we started because we had babies, and we missed all our crafting together. So we set up the blog as a way of motivating us to finish projects.

How has your business developed as your children have grown older?

As our children have grown up we’ve been able to include them in what we make.

When we started, most of our makes were for babies and now as the kids have got a bit older the projects have changed into things to make with them as well as for us!

large needle and thread. We also find our kids love sitting on our knee and helping to sew things together, like simple felt hanging decorations or basic doll clothes.

What are some of your favourite projects you’ve made and why?

We love our sewing projects the most. We made a Christmas elf last year, he was so much fun to make and our kids love him.

His name is Elbert, and this year he might get a girlfriend.

GO TO PAGE 47 TO FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LAURA AND TIA’S NEW BOOK

You specialise in crafting with and for children, what is it about kids' makes that you love?

We love the simplicity of kids’ makes and how their eyes light up when we present them with something we’ve made for them. Even when it’s not perfect, you can see they love having something that’s been made just for them.

What advice do you have for anyone whose children want to try sewing?

Get them involved early on if you can, and be patient. We introduced our kids to sewing cards when they were toddlers as a way to get them used to handling a

34

Christmas hand puppets, in association with Brother

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INTERVIEW

Christmas is fast approaching, what are your go-to quick gift projects?

Personalised Christmas stocking always go down well. We like to make truffles and sew little stockings to put them in too.

For kids, we love making festive hand and spoon puppets which we’ve done a few times and they are always a hit!

What can we expect to see from Little Button Diaries over the next few months?

We’re gearing up for our next book, The Space Craft Book, to come out in November and we’ve got two more books in the pipeline for next year.

“It takes a long time to build a blog and you’re up against a lot of competition!"

Find out more about Laura and Tia and Little Button Diaries at www.littlebuttondiaries.com

What’s been your proudest moment since you started working together?

Probably when we won a craft award for the blog because we really weren’t expecting to win and felt almost a bit embarrassed to be nominated! It was also very exciting to see our books in craft shops. Both were pinch-us moments.

What advice do you have for anyone looking to take their crafty blog to the next level?

The best advice we can give is to build a network with other bloggers. Comment on other blogs and really get stuck into the community – if they like what you do they’ll become your army. And give it time. It takes a long time to build a blog and you’re up against a lot of competition! But if you believe in what you’re doing so will your readers.

Elbert the Elf

TURN TO PAGE 42 FOR LAURA AND TIA’S QUICK-MAKE CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS Enjoying family time with the kids

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HOME

QUICK XMAS GIFT IDEA

DOWNLOAD YOUR

FREE TEMPLATE

Mitten garland Fill these mittens with chocolates, greenery or tiny presents to spruce up your house this Christmas Project CHRISTIANE BELLSTEDT MYERS Photography CAROLINE ARBER

A

SKILL LEVEL: MATERIALS: •• felted cream woolen blanket •• red stranded embroidery floss •• ribbon •• buttons •• bells •• baker’s twine •• mini clothespins •• hand-sewing needle •• co-ordinating thread •• free templates from www.sewnowmag.co.uk NOTES: If your blanket already has an edge finished with blanket stitch, try and

36

C

B

use it by placing the edge of your template along the edge of the blanket. If you don’t have a blanket you could upcycle old jumpers or scarves instead

D

3

Attach the mittens to a length of baker’s twine using mini clothespins.

(See Pic D.)

CUTTING: From felted wool, cut: 2 template pieces per mitten HOW TO MAKE: Stitch two matching mitten pieces together using embroidery floss and blanket stitch, leaving the mitten open at the top. (See pics A and B.)

1

2

Decorate your mittens by sewing on ribbon, buttons and bells – add as much or as little decoration as you like.

(See Pic C.)

Adapted from Scandi Christmas by Christiane Bellstedt Myers £12.99, www.rylandpeters.com

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ACCESSORY

Claim your free

pattern Say hello to your new favourite dress! With bateau or V neckline, this lined princess-seamed dress is perfect for date night or a lunch with your family! Choose from three sleeve options and an A line, gathered or pleated skirt, so you can mix and match and create a new dress every time you sew it.

IN S IZES 6-22

We’re o�ering this FREE to every Sew Now reader, just pay P&P* Go to www.craftstash.co.uk/ sn14readero�er

* While stocks last. One per customer. O�er expires 11.59pm (UK time) on 29th November 2017

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WORTH

Support your local sewing shop

£19*

Spend £15 in participating stores to receive your FREE seven-pack of Gütermann Sew-all 150m thread worth £19!

WIN

Shop at your local store and fill in the coupon on page 40 for a chance to win this fantastic prize

a £1,400 sewing room set!

Spend a minimum of £15 in any of the participating stores to be entered into this prize draw* You'll also get a seven-pack of Gütermann Sew-all 150m thread worth £19 with every entry!* *Terms & conditions apply

BANBURY

BEVERLEY

You’ll also be entered into our exclusive prize draw to WIN your dream sewing room set! One lucky reader will win an amazing Janome DKS100 Special Edition sewing machine, Horn Hobby chair and Storage 4 Crafts sewing table, worth £1,400!

Why compromise?

BEXLEY HEATH

Banbury Sewing Centre 57 Parsons Street, Banbury, Oxon OX16 5NB

enquiries@banburysewingcentre.co.uk

Open 9-5 Mon-Sat

Supplying Fabrics, including Designer, Disney and Quilting.

Patterns,Haberdashery, Lace, Trims, buttons and things.

Knitting & Crochet accessories and yarns.

Classes.

BIRMINGHAM

Free Meter of fabric for

www.guetermann.com the first 5

customers to place an order

Sewing supplies & fabrics all under one roof! North Bar Fabrics in Cherry Burton is one of the leading fabric stockists in the area. Visit our store today and you will find exactly what you are looking for.

Bernina and Janome stockists

Telephone orders welcome 01295 262344

The Courtyard, Burton Mount, Off Malton Road, Cherry Burton, Beverley, HU17 7RA info@northbarfabrics.co.uk Call: 01964 551 955

CHEPSTOW

CHESHIRE

Birmingham City Centre Sewing Studio & Tuition 212 The Jubilee Centre, 120 Pershore Street, Birmingham B5 6ND Fabric and Haberdashery Shop specialising in amazing jerseys and luxury cotton lawns. Dashwood Jerseys now in stock Tel 07917 536 220 www.sewcoolandcrafty.co.uk

CLITHEROE

DURHAM

17 Moor Street, Chepstow, NP16 5DB 01291 627 056

An abundance of haberdashery awaits you. Fabrics, patterns, gutterman threads, DMC embroidery threads, gorgeous ribbons and buttons and more... alterations and curtain making too!

38

BlueButtonDesigns djpproducts@msn.com Fabric, Wools and Haberdashery 07540 634 351 Buttons, Ribbons and Patterns Blue Make Buttons Designs Weekly Space Group Traders Outlet 39 Parsonage Street 3-7 Tatton Road, Dursley, Glos, GL11Sale, 5RG Cheshire, M33 7EB www.inchesfabrics.co.uk

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GLOUCESTERSHIRE

GRIMSBY

From Fabrics and Haberdashery, to Wool, Knitting and Crochet Accessories, we have it all here at Friary Stitch.

Fabric, Wools and Haberdashery Buttons, Ribbons and Patterns Weekly Make Space Group 39 Parsonage Street Dursley, Glos, GL11 5RG www.inchesfabrics.co.uk

Come on in and take a look around!

2-4 Bethlehem Street Grimsby, DN31 1JU 01472 357800 www.friarystitch.co.uk

HEREFORD

HALIFAX

Badder Fabrics of Hereford

One stop shop for all your dressmaking needs Patterns, fashion and bridal fabrics, dressmakingand alterations service

The Fabbadashery

Fabulous Fabrics, Beautiful Buttons and Truly Scrumptious Trimmings.

Craft Workshops Every Week! hello@thefabbadashery.com www.thefabbadashery.com 01422 647574

Husqvarna sewing machine sales and repairs on all models Taking part in the Shop local giveaway campaign 36a Aubrey Street, Hereford HR4 0BU

10-12 Clare Road, Halifax, HX1 2HX

Tel 01432 379137 Email: badderfabric@gmail.com

MORPETH

NEWARK

Home of Crafty Betty & The Fabric Daisy Services we offer are: Workshops, Courses, Hen and Birthday Parties, Arts Award, After School Clubs, plus we have a retail area where we sell fabric and handcrafted goods.

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NORFOLK

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Fabrics and Haberdashery Sewing patterns in stock Ribbon, Lace and Trimmings Alterations Sewing classes and workshops Free friendly advice

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NORTHALLERTON

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Sewing workshops in dressmaking and crafts for all ages and abilities, Singer sewing machine sales and parts , Fabrics and haberdashery, Patterns and in-house pattern cutter.

Come and see us at Sew New Ltd., 1, The Fairway, Romanby, Northallerton, DL7 8AY Tel: 01609 531399 Email: info@sewnew.co.uk Facebook: www.facebook.com/SewNew.co.uk www.sewnew.co.uk

Why compromise?

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A family run business based in Ulverston, the Lake District, housing over 500 fabrics.

Running sewing classes from beginners to patchwork & quilting and lampshade making. Also making unique childrens clothing.

A friendly quilting and knitting shop, we have a large stock of quilting fabrics and notions.

We run weekly classes and workshops.

We also stock wool.

No.1 St Teilo Street Pontarddulais Swansea, SA4 8TH 01792 886 986 melanie.1971@live.co.uk

2 Market Street, Ulverston, LA12 7AY 07742 247 179 or 07815 691 258 thelittlekraftshed@gmail.com

The Sew Easy Sewing Shop

fabulous fabrics, haberdashery, Welcome toworkshops my lovely craft emporium! & more We have lots of crafty goodies for sale 20-22support, Lavant Street, PETERSFIELD, however inspiration and the Hampshire, GU32 3EW service with a smile are free!

T: 01730 858020 Open 9.00am - 5.30pm Monday to E: info@sewcreative.org.uk Saturday

68 Berry Lane, Longridge, Preston, PR3 3WH 01772 780 883 www.itsofsewcrafty.com

07952709910 www.seweasysewingshop.co.uk

1 The Broadway, Brighton Road Worthing, BN11 3EG T: 01903 200771 E: katybobbin@gmail.com

Sheffield’s newest independent sewing store. We stock a wide range of fabrics, including Michael Miller, Riley Blake and Tula Pink. We also offer classes in a variety of crafts.

1a Arundel Road Sheffield S35 2RB 0114 2455996 handmadehappyhare @yahoo.co.uk

www.sewcreative.org.uk

80 Witton Street, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5AE

• Servicing and repairs on all makes and models of sewing machines from £40 • Local agent for Brother and Juki machines • Fabrics library and sewing accessories • Friendly, knowledgeable service

SHEFFIELD

®

Need haberdashery in Northwich?

Look no further than Sew Easy! We’ve a huge selection of fabric, needlecraft, sewing machines, patterns, and haberdashery products.

WORTHING

SCOTLAND

PRESTON HAMPSHIRE

NORTHWICH Cheshire

FREE GIFT to advertise in

www.handmadehappyhare.com

STOKE-ON-TRENT

SOUTHAMPTON

from

Fabulous fabrics for patchwork, dressmaking & crafts.

call NOUNE on 0161 474 6997

14 Shamrock Way, Hythe Marina Southampton. SO45 6DY Tel; 02381 783386 Mon - Sat 10AM - 4PM www.newforestfabrics.co.uk

WORTH £19*

SUFFOLK 42 www.quiltnow.co.uk Claim your FREE Gütermann thread pack at one of these

participating stores PLUS, be entered into our exclusive bumper prize draw* QN34.P40.indd 42

Crafty Baba Fabrics 32 St Peters St, Ipswich

Name...............................................................................................................

Address............................................................................................................ ......................................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................................

Over 1000 lines of fabric & haberdash craftybaba.co.uk Tel 01473 210636

SURREY Sweet Seams Sewing Academy specialises in teaching people of all abilities to sew. Young 21/02/2017 sewers from 8 years. Teenagers group and Adult classes. Small classes + friendly environment = happy creative customers

14:04

Fabrics, haberdashery, patterns and handmade gifts.

41 Walton Road, East Molesey, Surrey, KT8 0DH www.sweetseams.co.uk 07954 326495

......................................................................................................................... .........................................................................................................................

TEWKSBURY

.........................................................................................................................

Email...............................................................................................................

*Minimum in-store spend of £15 applies. To take advantage of this offer, please hand this voucher over the counter with your contact details completed. Your free Gütermann sevenpack of Sew-all 150m thread will be sent directly to you from Practical Publishing Ltd. Please ensure all your details are completed in black ink. By taking advantage of this offer you are agreeing to join the Practical Publishing Int Ltd e-newsletter list. You may opt out of this at any time. Your details will not be shared with any third-party companies. Please allow 2-4 weeks for your free thread to arrive. Available while stocks last. UK offer only.

Only stores listed on pages 38-40 of Sew Now 14 are participating in the thread and prize draw offer. Competition ends 15th March 2018.

40

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WAY ST Y L E , YO U R S E W I N G YO U R

To advertise in Sew Now call Noune on 0161 474 6997

* Gift will be sent directly from Practical Publishing Ltd 03/10/2017 16:08

INSPIRATION

Cherry-picked FABRIC This month's suppliers' fabric picks are bright, bold, cosy and warm – perfect for your winter projects

GEOMETRIC COTTON

BRUSHED COTTON

Black Sheep Wools is an award-winning, family-run business based in the north west of England. It is the largest store of its type in the country and you can also �nd Black Sheep Wools online and at retail shows countrywide. www.blacksheepwools.com

Sunnyside Fabrics socks a wide range of delightful fabric for quilting and dressmaking, handpicked for projects made with love and care. Its online service aims to dispatch orders the same day. www.sunnysidefabricsuk.com

BLACK SHEEP WOOLS

Melanie

Ka�e Fassett Shocking Spot £13.52 per metre This timeless polka-dot print in a variety of colours will suit all ages and never goes out of fashion. It’s printed on crepe de chine and available with small, medium or large polka dots.

SUNNYSIDE FABRICS UK

Lisa

Aqua Magic Stars and Stripes £14 per metre This popular brushed cotton features small gold stars and stripes in a stylish aqua colourway.

Ka�e Fassett Periwinkle Aboriginal Dot £13.52 per metre This best-selling fabric from the Ka�e Fassett classic collection available in a variety of di�erent colours is the perfect blender fabric.

Navy Magic Folk £14 per metre Pretty little unicorns along with birds and rabbits on super-soft �annel make this perfect for a little girl’s winter dress.

Ka�e Fassett Blue/White Roman Glass £13.52 per metre This stylish print is suitable for dressmaking, craft and patchwork and would make a great addition to any quilting project.

White Lucky Stars £14.50 per metre This gorgeous fabric is ideal for receiving blankets or quilts with its pure white background and pink stars.

W WW.SEWNOWMAG.CO.U K

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QUICK XMAS GIFT IDEA

Festive

decorations SN14.P42.indd 42

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FESTIVE

A

Make dressing the house for Christmas a family affair with these cute quick-make decorations Project LAURA MINTER & TIA WILLIAMS in association with Brother

C

hristmas is the ideal time to start introducing your little ones to the world of crafting. With the school break leaving kids at risk of boredom, an easy festive project is just what you need to keep your mini-mes entertained.

To get you inspired, Brother Sewing has teamed up with Laura and Tia, from the Little Button Diaries www.littlebuttondiaries.com, to create this simple sewing project – four hanging Christmas decorations, each personalised with your children’s initials in their own handwriting.

With careful supervision, this project is perfect to help the kids get familiar with basic stitches and how a sewing machine works, while leaving them with a unique keepsake for many Christmases to come.

B

C

SKILL LEVEL: MATERIALS: •• 30cm of square cotton or scrap of woven fabric per decoration in Christmassy colours •• tailor’s chalk •• baker’s twine •• coloured embroidery thread •• embroidery needle •• toy stuffing – a handful per decoration •• scrap of white felt •• red & white wool •• fork HOW TO MAKE: Firstly, sit the little ones down and decide what their favourite Christmassy shapes are – we’ve chosen a star, bauble, elf glove and Christmas tree to tick all the boxes!

Don't fancy embroidering the initials? Use a fabric marker and iron on top to fix in place

1

Bethany

2

When you’ve decided on your chosen shapes, fold the fabric over and draw them using tailor’s chalk. Cut a front and a back piece for each decoration you want to make. (See Pic A.)

3

Sit your child on your knee at the sewing machine and experiment making different stitches onto a piece of scrap fabric.

4

When you’re happy with the design, draw some guidelines onto the fabric with tailor's chalk and sew along the lines, letting the kids help you guide the fabric through – minding their fingers of course! (See Pic B.)

5 Tia & Laura

For a personal touch, your child can then write their initials in chalk (or whole name if they’re confident!) onto one of the decorated pieces. Make sure you are at least 2cm from the edge of the fabric and use a different coloured thread to back-stitch the initials onto the fabric. (See Pic C.) W WW.SEWNOWMAG.CO.U K

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D

F

E

H

G

J

I

6

Fold the baker’s twine in half and pin it, with the loop facing down, onto the top of the decoration. Sew it on along the edge of the fabric, with about 1.5cm hanging over the edge, to keep it in place.

(See Pic D.)

Why not upcycle old Christmas jumpers for festive fabric?

7

Pin the front and back pieces together and sew with a 1.5cm seam allowance.

Make sure the loop is neatly tucked in the

middle before doing this – you can tape if you’re unsure – and remember to leave a 2.5cm gap for turning. (See Pic E.)

the wool around the fork about 50 times.

Then help them tie another piece of wool tightly around the centre of the bundle and ease it off the fork.

11

You can then take over, cutting through all the loops and giving the pompom a haircut. Remember to leave one long strand for tying onto the decoration as your finishing touch.

(See pics I and J.)

We used

8

Make snips around all of the curved edges and trim away any excess fabric from the corners. Then turn it the right way out and ask your little helper to push any corners out with a blunt pencil.

(See pics F and G.)

9

Fill the decorations with a handful of toy stuffing (maybe two if they are little hands!) and slip-stitch the opening closed by hand. (See Pic H.)

10

Finally, it’s time to make the mini pompoms. Get the kids to wrap

44

Brother Innov-is 20LE

sewing machine, £299

Find out more and locate your nearest stockist at www.brothersewing.co.uk

WWW.SEWN OWMAG .CO.UK

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Team talk

INSPIRATION

What’s on the Sew Now team’s radar this month and what’s inspiring us to get sewing!

FAVOURITE CRAFTING TOOL

I can’t get enough of my little stork embroidery scissors. They’re super tiny so I can take them with me for stitching on the go and look at how cute they are! Who says tools can’t also be adorable?

Check out www.themakery.co.uk to pick up a pair for yourself for just £7.20 – did I mention that they make great stocking fillers?

Deputy Editor

Seamstress

HOME STYLE INSPIRATION

Jeanette

My house is eclectic, vintage and homely. I love textiles, especially Welsh woollen blankets. The ones from Jen Jones are amazing, see the full range at www.jen-jones.com

Bethany Editor

MOST ADVENTUROUS PROJECT

Sam

I’m about to embark on my first evening dress for our Cocktail Hour event in November. I’ve chosen the V1532 as I know that I can wear the items as separates and love the idea of wearing the floaty top with trousers at Christmas. My fabric pick for the main dress is classic black crepe so I can wear it again and again.

Editorial Assistant

Leanne

ON YOUR CHRISTMAS CRAFT WISH LIST Multicoloured abstract printed and sequined chiffon £12.50 per metre, www.stonefabrics.co.uk

SEE PAGE 24 FOR MORE DETAILS OF OUR COCKTAIL HOUR EVENT IN NOVEMBER

Black prestige crepe £15 per metre, www.fabricgodmother.co.uk

I make and sell my own Christmas tree decorations.

I love making them and often give them as presents too! They’re made up of sparkly sequins pinned into polystyrene shapes. I have my Aunty Pat to thank for getting me interested in making them – she put together a kit for me to get started and I’ve never looked back! I have an Etsy shop, take a look at www. elbeecreationsuk.etsy.com

W WW.SEWNOWMAG.CO.U K

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Get set for

AUTUMN with stunning patterns

For patterns, inspiration, video tutorials and more head to

www.simplesewpatterns.com

simplesewpatterns

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& selected retailers

simplesewpatterns

simplesewpatterns

simplesewUK

04/10/2017 10:59

INSPIRATION

TOP 5

sewing books for your

CHRISTMAS STOCKING Take a look at the books on the Sew Now team's Christmas list!

MY HANDMADE WORLD: SEW TREASURES FROM SCRAPS

By Giovanna Monfeli £16.99, Meteoor Books With this book, you’ll create your own gorgeous handmade gifts, stitched with love using the extra fabric scraps that you couldn’t bear to throw away. My Handmade World includes 15 original sewing patterns that incorporate Giovanna Monfeli’s eye for detail and her unseen mastery in shaping fabric into amazing objects.

SEW SMALL 19 LITTLE BAGS

By Jennifer Heynen £19.99, C&T Publishing Sew 19 simply embellished projects (with full-size patterns), including a card holder, coin purses, earbud holder, small wallets, pouches and organisers.

These cute and useful bags are perfect for holding and organising all of your little bits and pieces.

THE SAVVY SEAMSTRESS: AN ILLUSTRATED GUIDE TO CUSTOMISING YOUR FAVOURITE PATTERNS

By Nicole Mallalieu £24.99, C&T Publishing, available November 2017 Transform your favourite garment patterns, one small detail at a time. Add or remove pockets, adjust the neckline, or swap a zippered back to a button front! With step-bystep instructions, clear illustrations and how-to photos, you’ll learn professional design alterations for your favourite men’s, women’s and children’s garment patterns.

TILDA’S WINTER IDEAS

By Tone Finnanger £7.99, F&W Media This is a seasonal collection of simple sewing projects and papercraft ideas using the latest Tilda fabric and embellishments.

Choose from a stunning variety of designs, including bags, decorations, gifts, cards and soft toys.

SPACE CRAFT

By Laura Minter and Tia Williams £12.99 Pavilion Books, available November 2017 These pages have all the rocket fuel your little astronauts will need to blast their imagination into the next solar system!

Containing 15 space-themed projects to make, The Space Craft Book will get children and little aliens alike crafting and creating in no time, and parents need little to no crafting experience to help!

W WW.SEWNOWMAG.CO.U K

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Gent’s

tweed wallet

This has everything the gent in your life could need from a wallet.

Why not add a personal touch and make in a fabric to suit their style?

DOWNLOAD YOUR

FREE TEMPLATE

Project VANESSA MOONCIE

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ACCESSORY

A

B

C

D

E

F

KEY: Wrong side of fabric

Right side of fabric Interfacing LAYPLAN: 1

6

FOLD

3

2

5

2

7

4

SKILL LEVEL: MATERIALS: •• 30cm square main fabric •• 45cm of 90cm-, 115cm- & 150cm-wide fabric for lining & inner sections •• 2cm 90cm-wide lightweight interfacing •• 30cm square binding fabric •• matching thread •• 1cm snap fastenings •• free templates from www.sewnowmag.co.uk FINISHED SIZE: 12cm square FABRIC TYPES: Tweed, denim, canvas, boiled wool for the cover

Light/medium weight fabric, such as quilting cotton, cotton shirting, glazed cotton, chambray for lining and inner sections CUTTING: Using the templates, cut: 1 Bank note pocket – cut 2 in lining fabric 2 Pockets – cut 3 in lining fabric 3 Coin pouch flap – cut 2 in lining fabric, cut 1 in interfacing 4 Coin pouch – cut 2 in lining fabric 5 Card holder – cut 1 in lining fabric 6 Wallet cover – cut 1 in main fabric, cut 1 in lining fabric, cut 1 in interfacing 7 Tab – cut 1 in main fabric, cut 1 in lining fabric, cut 1 in interfacing NOTES: Use 1cm seam allowances throughout unless otherwise stated Follow manufacturer’s instructions to apply iron-on interfacing to pieces as instructed HOW TO MAKE: To make the card holder section, press along the fold lines to form pockets. Tack-stitch along the pressed edges to hold in place. (See Pic A.)

1

2

With RST sew the right-hand side edges of the card holder and one pocket lining piece together. Stitch through all layers. This will be on the inside edge of the wallet, forming a small pocket. Layer the seam to reduce bulk. Turn RS out and press. Top-stitch close to the stitched edge. Tack the top,

outside and lower edges to hold the fabric in place. (See Pic B.)

3

Apply iron-on interfacing to the WS of one of the coin pouch flap pieces.

With RS together stitch the flap pieces together, leaving the top edge open. Trim the seams and cut across the corners, taking care not to cut into the stitches.

Turn RS out and press. Top-stitch close to the stitched edges. (See pics C and D.)

4

With RST stitch the top edges of the coin pouch together. Trim the seam, turn RS out and press. Top-stitch close to the top edge. (See pics E and F.) W WW.SEWNOWMAG.CO.U K

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G

H

K

Insert a second card holder to replace the coin pouch if it is not required

5

Turn under and press along the inner fold lines, as indicated on the pattern.

Top-stitch close to the pressed edges.

Fold back the outer lines, as indicated on the pattern, and press. Tack each side to hold them in place. (See pics G and H.)

6

Place the coin pouch facing up on top of the RS of one pocket lining piece, matching the dots and aligning the raw edges. Tack the side and lower edges together. Place the flap with interfaced piece underneath on top of the RS of the same pocket lining piece, matching the dots and overlapping the top of the coin pouch. Tack along top edge of the flap.

(See Pic I.)

I

J

M

L

together, stitching through all layers (this will be on the inside edge of the wallet), forming a small pocket. Layer seam.

(See Pic J.)

8

Turn RS out and press. Top-stitch close to the stitched inside edge.

Tack the outside, top and lower edges to hold the layers in place. (See Pic K.)

9

Make the bank note pocket with RS facing up and lay the card holder and coin pouch on top of the RS of one of the bank note pocket pieces, matching the dots and aligning the raw edges. The stitched inside edges of the card holder and coin pouch should face towards the centre. Place the remaining bank note piece RS facing down on top, enclosing the card holder and coin pouch. Sew the top edges together, stitching through all layers. Layer seam to reduce bulk. (See Pic L.)

10 11

Turn RS out and press. Top-stitch along the top edge. (See Pic M.)

Apply iron-on interfacing to the WS of the tab lining. With RST sew the tab pieces together, leaving one short Place RS of the remaining pocket lining end open to turn. Trim seams and cut piece on top, sandwiching the coin diagonally across corners. Turn RS out pouch and flap between the two layers and press. Top-stitch close to stitched of lining. Sew the left-hand side edges edges of the tab. (See pics N and O.)

12

Position tab onto the RS of the cover with the lining facing up, aligning raw edges and matching dots.

Tack in place. Apply iron-on interfacing to the WS of the wallet cover lining.

(See Pic P.)

13

With WST and tab on the righthand side, place the wallet cover lining on top of the wallet cover. Place the bank note pocket, with the attached card holder and coin pouch facing up, on

At first glance this might seem fiddly but each section is straightforward and you'll pick up some valuable tips on simple construction

7 50

Bethany

WWW.SEWN OWMAG .CO.UK

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ACCESSORY

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

the RS of the wallet cover lining fabric, aligning the lower and side edges and matching dots. Pin and stitch around edges, sewing through all layers. Remove tacking stitches. (See pics Q and R.)

Why not try?

14

To make the binding cut 4cmwide bias strips from the fabric and sew the short edges together to make 0.9m of binding. Press 1cm seam allowance along each long edge.

15

Open out one pressed edge of binding and turn under 1cm at the short end. With the RS of binding to the inside of the wallet, pin and stitch the creased edge of the binding to the 1cm seam allowance, overlapping the end and folding out the fullness of the binding at the corners. Press seams towards the binding. (See Pic S.)

Mixed tweed bundle

Eight strips of soft British wool.

Size and fabric may vary £18 per bundle

www.shopbeyondmeasure.co.uk

16

Turn to RS of the wallet to encase the seam allowances. Pin pressed edge over the seams. Top-stitch close to pressed edges, or slip-stitch the binding in place. Slip-stitch the mitred corners and press. (See Pic T.)

17

Sew a snap fastening to fasten the tab closure and pocket flap of the coin compartment, indicated by a + on the pattern pieces to finish.

(See Pic U.)

Imitation leather bias binding This will give a professional finish and durable edge to your wallet £1.80 per metre

The Gentleman's wardrobe

by Vanessa Mooncie, £16.99 www.gmcbooks.com

www.abakhan.co.uk

W WW.SEWNOWMAG.CO.U K

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Subscribe today, o�er expires 16/11/201 7

04/10/2017 11:12

Christmas tree

jumpers

Make the school Christmas party extra special by sewing one of these unisex Christmas tree jumpers! Get your child to give you a helping hand with the decorations!

Project ANNA BRUCE Designed by CHLOE TEBAY for Madeit Patterns

DOWNLOAD YOUR

FREE TEMPLATE

Anna

TURN TO PAGE 71 FOR A 15% DISCOUNT ON ALL MADEIT PATTERNS

About

Madeit offers fresh, modern clothing patterns for cool kids and stylish adults. Its mission is to take home sewing to the next level and show people how to create slick, professionally finished garments at home www.madeit-patterns.com

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KIDS

A

B

D

C

E

LAYPLANS:

FABRIC REQUIREMENTS:

Sleeve

4

SELVEDGES

FOLD

Main Fabric

Back

Age 5/6

Age 7/8

Age 9/10

Age 11/12

150cm-wide main fabric

50cm

55cm

60cm

65cm

150cm-wide contrast fabric

25cm

25cm

25cm

25cm

90cm-wide cotton rib fabric

30cm

30cm

30cm

30cm

SIZING:

2 Contrast Fabric

5

3

1

SELVEDGE

SELVEDGE

F

SELVEDGES

FOLD

Rib Fabric

SKILL LEVEL: MATERIALS: •• cotton brushed back sweatshirting or French terry for main fabric •• jersey or sweatshirting in a similar weight to main for contrast fabric •• cotton rib to match one colour •• free templates from www.sewnowmag.co.uk NOTES: All seam allowances are 1cm Always use a ballpoint needle on jersey fabric to avoid any damage to the fabricJersey doesn’t need to be overlocked as it won’t fray To sew the seams make sure you select a stretch stitch where suggested in the instructions

BODY MEASURES

5-6

7-8

9-10

11-12

To fit height

110-116cm

122-128cm

134-140cm

146-152cm

To fit chest

57-61cm

63-67cm

69-73cm

75-80cm

FINISHED GARMENT

5-6

7-8

9-10

11-12

Chest

77cm

81cm

85cm

89cm

Length – side neck point to hem

50cm

54cm

58cm

62cm

HOW TO MAKE: Take all the front pieces and arrange them as they will be sewn together.

(See Pic A.)

1

2

Join the pair of Front 2s to Front 1 with RST, matching the notches. Join the pair of Front 4s to Front 3 with RST, matching up the double notches. Overlock the raw edges if required.

3 4

Press the seams towards the centre.

(See Pic B.)

Join all the front pieces together.

Overlock the raw edges if required and press the seams towards the neck.

(See Pic C.)

5

Attach the front sleeve seam to Front 5 with RST, ensuring the previously sewn seams face upwards when attaching the sleeve. (See Pic D.) Note that the front sleeve seam is un-notched, the back sleeve seam is marked with a double notch.

6

Attach the back to each sleeve, pin into place with RST, matching the double notches. (See Pic E.) Overlock the seams if required and press towards the hem.

7

Lay the garment flat with RST, lining up the underarm and side seams.

Join with one continuous seam from cuff to hem. (See Pic F.) W WW.SEWNOWMAG.CO.U K

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G

H

I

J

K

L

8

Fold the neckband in half with RST, line up the short ends and join.

(See Pic G.)

9

Fold the neck band in half lengthways with WST and pin the band to the right side of the neck, lining up all the raw edges. (See Pic H.) Attach with a 1cm stretch stitch or overlock. Gently extend the rib as you go so it sits flat with neck edge of the garment as you sew. Press the seams away from the neck edge.

10

Make the hem band by attaching both pieces RST along the short edges to form a continuous loop. Then make the cuffs by folding each one in half RST line up and join the ends. Fold the hem band and cuffs in half WST, lining up the raw edges. (See Pic I.)

k o o l e h t t e G Pink French terry

£11.95 per metre

Beautiful, cuddly-soft sweatshirt fabric, brushed cotton finish on the inside £18.95 per metre

56

Place the bands onto the right side of the garment, lining up the raw edges and matching up the seams on the bands with those on the garment hems. Attach with a stretch stitch or overlock, extending the rib gently as you go so it sits flat to the garment hem. (See pics J and K.)

12

Decorate your finished garment with Christmassy trim, sequins, braid, pompoms and bells!

13

A nice finishing touch is to add a label onto the back neck. (See Pic L.) You can download ‘I MADE IT’ labels free from www.madeitpatterns.com – just print them onto transfer printer paper and iron onto a cotton tape.

All available from www.myfabrics.co.uk

This 150cm-wide four-way stretch fabric hangs well and has a super-soft feel. It’s perfect for kids’ clothes

Soft sweater 14

11

Silver foil

This cool fabric is also available in copper, black and gold. It has great stretch, making it suitable for leggings too £8.95 per metre

Green texturised sweatshirt

A gorgeous rich green snuggly soft sweat fabric ideal for a Christmas tree! £12.95 per metre

Tips for overlocking jersey seams •• Remember to trim off the necessary amount to ensure the correct seam is taken, by the cutting knives within your overlocker •• Sew two scraps together using your machine to make a practice seam and test your overlocker tension before you start •• Where possible change your needles to ballpoint – this is just as important as changing your needle in your sewing machine •• If you choose to finish the seams and are using an overlocker to sew the seams remember to trim off the necessary amount of fabric to ensure the correct seam is sewn

WWW.SEWN OWMAG .CO.UK

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INSPIRATION

More of what makes you

sparkle

They say diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but these sewing must-haves sparkle just as brightly!

Ribbon can be handy in craft projects for so many things! Make a pretty bow for your hair or add beautiful trim to a cushion, dress or top, the possibilities are endless! 15mm-wide ribbon (above) 39p per metre, 9mm-wide ribbon (below) from £2.99 per 5m roll from www.minervacrafts.com

SEQUIN GLAMOUR

Add a little glitz to a cami top or even a sparkly trim to your ‘going-out’ bag.

Sequins are the unsung heroes of the sewing world and these rose gold sequins are on-trend and just look gorgeous. £3.83 for ½ teaspoon from www.etsy.com/uk/ shop/TinaDeeCreations

TANTALISING TRIM

Sparkly vest £16.99, www.blueinc.co.uk

TWINKLING THREAD

Is there a particularly festive project on your sewing wish list? This sparkly Hemline thread is are sure to add a festive, glittering �nish to your makes this season.

Contact groves@stockistenquiries. co.uk to �nd your local stockist.

ALL THAT GLITTERS

Make a clutch bag project really shine or add eye-catching sparkle to a garment. The glitter fabric range from Threaders is the perfect �nishing touch for your festive projects! Turn to page 71 for your chance to win a bundle of this gorgeous fabric. Find these at www.crafterscompanion.co.uk

RHINESTONE RAINBOWS

The array of coloured rhinestones means you can practically cover your garments and other sewing projects in rainbows – that’s all we needed to hear! Visit www.candy-crystal.co.uk to �nd these and much more. From £1.97 for 10g.

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Get the LOOK Checks and tweed have made a comeback this season.

Be inspired by our top fabric suppliers picks for your next project

ClothSpot

brics Dragonfly Fa

Rosewater soft red check viscose, £7.95 per metre

Dorte's pick

Alice's pick

Green herringbone wool tweed, £24.90 per metre

"The lightweight wool herringbone is perfect for dresses and skirts, and the tartan wool has a subtle purple tinge and a good weight to it, making it perfect for coats and skirts. "

WE ALSO LOVE...

Grey tartan wool tweed, £29.50 per metre

Dragonfly Fabrics is an online fabric shop run by husband-andwife team Dorte and Simon and aims to provide top-quality dressmaking fabric at affordable prices. Its fabric includes a lovely selection of natural linen fabric including eco and bio linen as well as a large range of boiled wool, cotton fabric (including cotton jersey), voile, corduroy, jersey knit and cotton flannel, along with dressmaking patterns and haberdashery. Find out more at www.dragonflyfabrics.co.uk

58

WE "This delightfully ALSO dyed soft red viscose fabric features a LOVE... watercolour-style abstract design overlaid with a woven ivory check.

It’s a drapey semisheer fabric ideal for elegant over shirts, shirtdresses or vintage-style tea dresses. Callander is a fabulous winter wool suitable for jackets, coats, wraps, Callander soft navy blue wool plaid, layered pinafore £22.50 per metre dresses and stylish skirts."

ClothSpot is all about ‘grown-up’ dressmaking – it sells fabric for work, play and special occasions. It keeps a fast-changing and lively selection that reflects the best in current fashion. It also stocks a selection of basics for your wardrobe – cotton, lawn, drill, denim, lining – the stuff you can’t get by without, whatever your style. Take a look at the beautiful range at www.clothspot.co.uk

WWW.SEWN OWMAG .CO.UK

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INSPIRATION

gs Remnant Kin

Fabworks

George's pick

Heather Hawes, £18 per metre

Hazel's pick

Bubblegum pop, £30 per metre

"This 100% wool herringbone weave plaid is a striking, mouth-watering melting pot of bright candy colours. Soft and cosy with an excellent drape, this happy fabric is sure to make you smile. Warm, mellow, sunflower, saffron and turmeric tones weave through the gorgeous Donegal herringbone tweed."

WE ALSO LOVE...

"Hawes is a beautiful tweed-style woven fabric with soft tonal highlights that's ideal for all kinds of interior projects. Stockholm is part of Moon's Cosmopolitan Collection and features traditionalstyle weaves in contemporary colours inspired by some of the world's most exciting cities. It's perfect for curtains, upholstery and soft furnishings."

WE ALSO LOVE...

Heather Stockholm £45 per metre Mellow autumn sunshine Donegal herringbone tweed, £30 per metre

Fabworks is the newest offshoot of a well-established family business based in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire. The first company was set up in 1905, when the original family members were trading in reclaimed textiles and 'shoddy' waste. At this time this part of Yorkshire was renowned as the heart of the manufacture, production and distribution of fine woollen cloth.

See the full range at www.fabworks.co.uk

The team at Remnant Kings loves cosy tweed and check fabric for both interiors and fashion projects.

Remnant Kings stocks everything from plain, patterned, traditional and contemporary fabric to curtains, ribbon, buttons, trim, motifs and wool, and you can rest assured they’ll have exactly what you’re looking for in store and online.

Find out more at www.remnantkings.co.uk

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DOWNLOAD YOUR

FREE TEMPLATE

QUICK XMAS GIFT IDEA

Gardener’s

APRON SN14.P60.indd 60

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ACCESSORY This handy apron is made from hardwearing canvas and oilcloth and includes three roomy pockets for all your seed packets, plant labels, gloves and tools

Oilcloth is durable and can easily be wiped clean with a wet cloth, making it ideal for items that will be used outdoors

Bethany

Project TORIE JAYNE

A

B

C

D

Adapted from Torie Jayne’s Stylish Home Sewing, £12.99 from www.rylandpeters.com SKILL LEVEL: MATERIALS: •• 59x18cm oilcloth A for pocket panel •• 39x6cm oilcloth A for front strip •• 1.6m 15mm-wide bias binding tape •• 39x28.5cm oilcloth B for front panel •• 39x32cm rectangle of canvas for back •• co-ordinating sewing thread •• 2 18mm eyelets •• 2m 2.5cm-wide cotton tape •• water-soluble fabric marker •• free templates from www.sewnowmag.co.uk NOTES: Fold the fabric pieces in half and cut out all template pieces on the fold. Seam allowances are included in the pattern pieces, unless otherwise stated Oilcloth can be tricky to feed through the sewing machine so it is recommended that you use a walking or Teflon foot. You can also try using a sheet of tissue paper over the shiny side to make it easier to feed the fabric through your machine. Make sure to remove this afterwards though!

CUTTING: From oilcloth, cut: 1 pocket panel 1 apron front

to the placement line. Use paperclips to hold the pleats in place. Lightly press the folds from the wrong side of the oilcloth.

(See Pic B.)

From canvas, cut: 1 back piece

3

HOW TO MAKE: Use the bias binding to bind the top edge of the pocket. With a watersoluble pen, mark on the right side of the pocket panel both the fold lines and the placement lines shown on the template.

(See Pic A.)

1

2

Near each side edge of the pocket panel, make a knife pleat using the three lines near the edge as a guide. To do this, make an outer fold with WST along the outer fold line, then make an inner fold with RST along the inner fold line, and finally bring the outer fold over

Each of the two inverted pleats flanking the central pocket consists of two knife pleats that meet in the middle at a mutual placement line, so follow the same folding procedure as in Step 2.

(See Pic C.)

4

Place the pleated pocket panel, right side up, on the right side of the oilcloth front, matching the side and lower edges.

Stitch the pocket panel in place from top to bottom, along the placement line that runs down the middle of each of the two inverted pleats you made in Step 3. With the pleats in position, paperclip and then machine-baste the pocket panel to the front, 5mm in from the side lower edge.

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Instead of pins, use paperclips on the oilcloth so as not to mark the fabric or leave any holes in it E

F

G

H

Leanne

5

With RST and raw edges even, paperclip one long edge of the front strip to the upper edge of the front panel.

Stitch a 1cm seam. Open out the front so that the strip is above the front panel, and finger-press the seam open. (See Pic E.)

6

With RST and raw edges even, paperclip the front to the back along the top edge. Stitch a 0.5cm seam along this edge. Finger-press the seam open.

Turn right side out. (See Pic F.)

7

With WST and raw edges even, paperclip the front to the back around the side/lower edge. Starting at the topleft corner, bind the raw edges – take your time doing this, stretching the bias tape around the curves as you go. (See Pic G.)

8

Mark the position of the eyelets at each top corner and, following the

manufacturer’s instructions, insert the eyelets. Cut the length of tape in half. At one end, turn under 2.5cm and then the same amount again, so that the raw edge is tucked inside. Stitch in place, using an ‘X’ shape within a rectangle as shown, then repeat for the other length of tape.

Thread the unfinished end of one tape through an eyelet, then turn under 2.5cm twice and pin this to the portion of the tape on the other side of the eyelet. Stitch in place as before. Repeat for the other length of tape and the second eyelet.

(See Pic H.)

We used

For a wide selection of eyelets, from £1.90 for 10, visit

www.alwaysknittingandsewing.co.uk

Here is some of our favourite waterproof fabric Fabric is from Cloud9 Fabrics Matte Laminates collection.

To view the full range and find your nearest stockist, go to cloud9fabrics.com

Arbol

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Glade

On point

Wildflower

WWW.SEWN OWMAG .CO.UK

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clothbound makers of exquisite pressing tools

CHOOSE FROM A WIDE SELECTION OF HAMS TO SUIT YOUR SEWING NEEDS CUSTOMERS ORDERS ALSO UNDERTAKEN

www.clothbound.co.uk e: clothbound@outlook.com

Phil Collins Fine Furniture h Bespoke Cabinet Maker f

We make all of our furniture by hand • Sewing Cabinets with a lift for machines, made in solid wood or wood veneer • Sewing Tables & Cutting Out Tables • Sewing Boxes All of our pieces are made to your own size and specification Please see our website for all of our furniture

www.exclusivefurniture.co.uk 07714958622

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Sustainable tailoring:

REPAIRING A POCKET

Jamie Kemp demonstrates a few simple techniques to repair wear and tear and prolong the life of your pockets Words JAMIE KEMP www.maledevonsewing.co.uk

I

f you are anything like me your pockets will contain an assortment of things: coins, keys, phone, wallet, screwdriver along with a few screws, not forgetting the multi-tool penknife.

Pockets have a hard life and we take them for granted, until that is our coins, keys and phone start to fall out!

64

Jamie

So what do you do, throw the item away or try to repair the pocket? Well, repairing a pocket is the way forward. Generally a simple sewing technique will let you hang onto the garment for a lot longer.

lining was closed when the garment was made (there’s usually a small run of visible stitching), or find a suitable area to carefully unpick to gain access to the pocket. (See Pic A.)

Pockets come in many guises; there are simple patch pockets, welt pockets, double jets with flaps and in-seam pockets, but it’s usually the pocket bag rather than the actual pocket that causes us to lose things.

The pocket bag is the bit we don’t see, it’s usually made from thinner fabric so it’s not bulky, but this does mean it’s prone to wearing out more quickly.

2

1

Gaining access to a pocket can be as simple as turning the garment inside out, but on other garments, such as coats and jackets, you may be forced to open the lining to get to the pocket.

If this is the case, determine where the

Before we start on a repair, let me share with you a handy tip to prevent your pockets ever needing repair in the future. Cut two pieces of lightweight fusible interfacing a little wider than the pocket and place each piece on the lower half of the pocket bag, overhanging slightly at the bottom edge. Fuse them in place and leave to dry before trimming the corners round. (See pics B and C.)

3

Now on to the repair, and these generally fall into one of three categories: split/torn seam, small hole or large hole. A split seam is usually the easiest repair to carry out – gain access to

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TUTORIAL

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

the pocket and simply re-sew the split seam either by machine or hand.

(See Pic D.) Neaten the raw/frayed edge with a zigzag stitch or pinking shears.

(See Pic E.)

of pocket bag completely. Begin by measuring the width of the pocket bag.

Cut two pieces of suitable fabric to this width, adding 1cm at each end for a seam. The height of the fabric should allow enough to cover the tear plus a seam of 1cm. (See Pic G.)

5

The easiest way to fix a small hole is to darn it closed, placing a piece of card or stiff paper into the pocket bag before you begin to will stop you darning both sides of the pocket together. (See Pic F.)

7

6

8

4

The best way to mend a large tear is to replace the damaged portion

Place both pieces together and sew the both sides and bottom closed (1cm seam). Cut the bottom from the pocket bag so you remove the damaged area completely. (See Pic H.) Turn the repair patch right side out and place inside the pocket

K

bag, aligning the raw edges, and pin in place. (See Pic I.)

9 10

Sew around the pocket bag and repair along the raw edge. (See Pic J.)

Pull the repair down and press to complete. Finish the seams with pinking shears or zigzag stitch.

(See Pic K.) It really is that easy to repair your pockets!

Don’t stop wearing something or throw it away because of a torn pocket – repair it!

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GET THE LOOK

Lovely lace Lace fabric adds delicate beauty to any outfit, so put your sewing skills to the test with these fantastic fabric finds!

Navy and black stretch lace £8.99 per metre, www.fabricgodmother.co.uk

Turquoise lace £12 per metre, www.milliemoonshop.co.uk

Corded double flounce dark green lace £14.99 per metre, www.minervacrafts.com

Nude heavy corded lace £8.99 per metre, www.calicolaine.co.uk

USE ANY OF THE FABRIC FEATURED HERE WITH YOUR MCCALL’S 7090 FREE GIFT

John Kaldor tocca lace £12.96 per metre, www.sewessential.co.uk

66

Orange guipure lace £8.99 per metre, www.fabricgodmother.co.uk

Green lace filled sleeve top, £24 www.apricotonline.co.uk

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*Terms & conditions apply

WWW.SEW NOW MAG .C O.UK

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5 TO WIN!

WIN A DOWNLOADABLE MAYBERRY DRESS PATTERN FROM JENNIFER LAUREN HANDMADE

Five winners will receive a download of the Mayberry Dress pattern, the newest pattern from the lovely folk at Jennifer Lauren Handmade. Its gently curved neckline leads to a distinctive o�-centre button placket, darts shape the bust while the built-in drawstring casing means you can make the dress as shapely or as comfortable as you like.

Go to www.jenniferlauren handmade.store to see more.

DISCOUNTS &GIVEAWAYS Lovely sewing goodies and patterns to win, plus generous discounts to help fill your fabric stash

WIN A SELECTION OF GLITTER FABRIC FROM WORTH CRAFTER'S £100 COMPANION We have four bundles of fabulous glitter fabric to give away. This sparkling selection from Threaders will help you add a touch of bling to your creative designs and can be used to create small purses, bag panels, jewellery and much more! Turn to page 57 for more information on this fabulous prize. See more at www.crafterscompanion.co.uk

WIN A DOWNLOADABLE PHOEBE DRESS PATTERN FROM SEW OVER IT

5 TO Style up your WIN! wardrobe with the brand-new Phoebe – a fun, simple-to-sew out�t! Fabulous for work and play, Phoebe is easy to customise with colour-blocking options galore; you can keep it chic in monochrome or go wild with pattern clashing! We have �ve downloadable patterns to give away this month, visit www.sewoverit.co.uk to see the full range of patterns available.

15% OFF AT MADEIT PATTERNS

Sew Now readers can get 15% o� at Madeit Patterns with the code SEWXMAS. Madeit produces fresh, modern clothing patterns for cool kids and stylish adults. Its mission is to take home sewing to the next level and show you how to create slick, professionally �nished garments at home. Go to www.madeitpatterns.com to take advantage of this great o�er.

O�er expires 31st December 2017

15% OFF LIBERTY FABRIC AT ABAKHAN

Get started on a new sewing project by �lling your fabric stash with this great discount at Abakhan. Get 15% o� with the code SEWN6.

Abakhan is committed to sourcing the best products at the best prices for its customers and frequently has stock lots, clearance parcels and special o�ers available.

Visit www.abakhan.co.uk to save.

O�er expires 15th November 2017

20% OFF THE ABBEY COAT PATTERN AT BACKSTITCH

Sew Now readers will receive 20% o� the Abbey coat pattern at Backstitch with the code ABBEY20.

A semi-�tted, fully lined coat, the Abbey features princess seams, three-quarter sleeves and a lovely peter pan collar.

View A is made with the �ounce and view B is made without. To discover more go to www.backstitch.co.uk O�er expires 30th November 2017

To enter, go to www.ppjump.com/sewnow14

Closing date: 23rd November 2017. Only one entry per person. Open to UK residents only.

By entering these competitions, you accept your email address may be passed on to sponsors for marketing activities W W W.SEWNOWMAG.CO.U K

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Upcycled

gadget cover QUICK XMAS GIFT IDEA

Vicky

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ACCESSORY

A

B

C

D

Get a little eco sewing satisfaction and make this simple upcycled gadget cover Project VICKY MYERS www.vickymyerscreations.co.uk

SKILL LEVEL: MATERIALS: • pair of jeans • old shirt • medium-weight iron-on interfacing • fusible fleece • 10cm thick elastic NOTES: Measure the iPad/tablet, add 6cm along the width and 3cm along the length, allowing a 1cm seam allowance. This case is for an iPad

Think about which way you’d like the grain of the denim to run before you cut it

mini, measuring 20x13.5cm, the finished case is 16x21cm. Cut the fabric to 18x23cm CUTTING: Cut two pieces of denim and utilise the pocket of the jeans to add detail plus additional storage 2 pieces of shirt 2 pieces of interfacing 2 pieces of wadding HOW TO MAKE: Following the manufacturer’s instructions, iron the interfacing to the denim and attach the fusible �eece to the lining fabric. (See Pic A.)

1

2

Pin the denim right sides together.

Stitch round three sides, leaving the top open. Pin the lining right sides together. Stitch down the sides and bottom, leaving an opening along the bottom edge for turning out. Trim the corners of the denim and lining as shown. (See Pic B.)

3

Turn the denim right side out and carefully turn out the corners neatly.

I used a knitting needle to help turn out crisp corners. Measure across the top edge of the case and mark.

4

Create a button loop from thick elastic. Pin it on the back, in the middle. (See Pic C.)

E

5

Place the denim inside the lining so that the right side of the denim faces the right side of the lining. (See Pic D.)

6

Pin together and stitch round the top of the case. Turn it right side out. Sew the button in the middle of the front of the case. Slip-stitch the bottom of the lining together and carefully push the lining into the denim. (See Pic E.)

When selecting wadding think about the thickness of the material. Thick material will provide more protection but remember it will have an impact on the finished internal size of the case

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FREE PATTERN SKILLS TUTORIAL

Alison

Sewing a bodice with a

lace overlay

Follow this easy step-by-step tutorial from our expert Alison Smith to make a stunning dress bodice and overlay 74

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TUTORIAL

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F

Understitching

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G

SEWING THE BODICE

I

n preparation for the party season this month’s free pattern gives you plenty of options and I’m going take you through some of the finer details of making the crossover lace top. Before we can cut and make the lace section we need to make the bodice section for the lace to be mounted onto. For the bodice I choose a silk dupioni, which is a fabric with some structure rather than drape.

1

Interface the bodice with a woven or knitted interfacing to provide some structure. (See Pic A.)

2

Join the bodice sections together, clip and press the seams open, especially on the over bust seams.

Repeat the process with the lining sections, but do not apply interfacing to the lining. (See Pic B.)

H

3

Join the lining to the outer bodice RS to RS. Clip and press the seam toward the lining. (See Pic C.)

4

Under-stitch the seam allowance to the lining. (See Pic D.)

SEWING THE LACE The lace I chose has a decorative border that could be used on the straight edge of the pattern pieces, which I aligned with the inside V of the bust.

5

Press the lace overlay and pin the decorative edge together WS to WS. If necessary, trim back the surplus net to make it easier to work with. (See Pic E.)

6

Place the straight edge of each pattern piece to the decorative edge and cut out. (See Pic F.)

I

J

7

Insert the gather stitches into the lace pieces. Pull up the gathers at the shoulders to fit the guide and secure. Pin the shoulders together and machine-sew to stabilise. (See Pic G.)

8

Zigzag-stitch the shoulder seam allowance together and trim back – this will make the seam appear smaller and give it strength. (See Pic H.)

9 10

Make a small double hem on the remaining lace edge. (See Pic I.)

Place the lace sections to the bodice and pull up the remaining gathers to fit. Machine to the bodice, remembering to keep the lining free.

(See Pic J.) Follow the rest of the instructions on your free McCall's 7090 for the remainder of the dress.

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Liberty

DOWNLOAD YOUR

FREE TEMPLATE

Scalloped edge top

FOR 15% OFF ABAKHAN CLASSIC LIBERTY FABRIC TURN TO PAGE 71

Bring autumn shades into your wardrobe with this pretty scalloped edge shell top in a classic Liberty design Project CLAIRE GARSIDE www.simplesewpatterns.co.uk

Claire

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STYLE

A

B

D

E

SIZE

8

10

12

14

16

18

20

Bust

33”

35”

37”

39”

41”

43”

45”

Waist

26”

28”

30”

32”

34”

36”

38”

Hips

FOLD 36”

38”

40”

42”

44”

46”

48”

45”

FOLD

LAYPLANS:

45”

•• •• •• ••

FOLD

60”

FOLD

FOLD

60”

FOLD

KEY: FRONT BODICE BACK BODICE

FRONT BODICE FRONT BODICE

FRONT FACING

BACK BODICE BACK BODICE

SKILLFRONT LEVEL: FACING

FRONT FACING

50cm medium-weight interfacing 16” concealed zip fabric marker free template from www.sewnowmag.co.uk

FABRIC TYPES: Lightweight cotton, Tana lawn, chambray, linen, shirting

60”

G

F

SIZING:

45”

C

NOTES: Use a 1cm seam allowance throughout HOW TO MAKE: Iron on interfacing to WRONG side of facing pieces and RST BACK FACING join the front and back neck facings at the shoulders. Press seams open SLEEVE and zigzag or overlock bottom BACK FACING BACK FACING edge of facings. (See Pic A.)

3

Sew darts in on the wrong side of the dress front and press upwards.

(See Pic C.)

4

RST join front and back bodices together at the shoulder seams.

(See Pic D.)

5 6

Press seams open. (See Pic E.)

Align and pin neck facing in place RST with the front and back bodice. Stitch slowly using a 1cm seam allowance and take pins out as you sew. (See Pic F.)

7 8

Trim seams and notch around curves. (See Pic G).

Turn facing through to the inside of the bodice and press flat.

(See Pic H.)

1

SLEEVE SLEEVE

MATERIALS: •• 1.65m 45”-wide fabric or 1.2m 60”-wide fabric

2

Sew a line of gathering stitches along sleeve head curve beyween the notches and pull threads to gather sleeve until it will fit the armhole. (See Pic B.)

Use your handy template to add a scalloped edge to any top or dress

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9

Flip facing up and, on the right side of the bodice, pin the zip in place RST. Use the zipper foot on your machine and sew a line of basting stitches along the zip tape removing pins as you sew. Now sew a line of stitches as close to the zip teeth as possible as far down as your foot will allow. Repeat on the other side. (See Pic I.)

10

Fold the facing over the top of the zip so that the facing is RST with the back bodice. Keep the zip foot on and stitch along the side of the zip tape through the facing and the bodice, but not through the collar. Snip the top corners. (See Pic J.)

11

Turn facing through back to the inside of the dress and press flat.(See Pic K.)

12

Turn the dress RST and, from the last stitch you made on

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L

M

N

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P

the zip, sew down to the beginning of the split. Open out the CB seam and press.

(See Pic L).

13

Neaten the raw edge of the hem.

Press hem allowance to the RS. (See Pic M.)

17

Now turn up skirt hem, press and stitch. Repeat for sleeve hems.

Get the look

14

Use the scallop hem stencil and a fabric pen to mark the scallops at the hem. (You may want to paste your stencil onto card to make this easier.

Remember to make your scallops even.

(See Pic N.)

15

Stitch over the scallop marks you have made with the fabric pen.

Trim close to the stitching between each scallop. (See Pic O.)

16

Turn each scallop carefully and press into position. Gentle rolling between wet fingertips will help to get each scallop pressed evenly. (See Pic P.) If necessary, stitch down the top of the hem facing with a single row of stitching.

Wiltshire Burgundy Liberty Tana lawn

This classic 136cm-wide print is made from ultra-fine long staple cotton, creating an iconic look in soft beautiful berry hues ÂŁ22.50 per metre

www.abakhan.co.uk

WWW.SEWN OWMAG .CO.UK

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www.leicestershirecraftcentre.co.uk

Workshops Courses Fabric Patterns Buttons

Widest range of courses in the East Midlands

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On sale now!

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£30

2 FREE Vintage style YOUR WAY

1930s Hollywood ICON JACKET

SEW A STYLISH

1940s pencil skirt

QUICK-MAKE

party accessories

Order your copy today at www.moremags.com/sv1

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INSPIRATION

1

2

3

Lilac faux-fur gilet £29.99, www.newlook.com

Velvet pencil skirt & obi belt £22, www.dorothyperkins.com

4 Teal velvet dress £45, www.wallis.co.uk

SHOP IT OR SEW IT Rosario-print pleat top £89, www.east.co.uk

1. Kwik Sew 3765 Misses’ Straight Skirt £8.99, Sizes XS-XL www.sewessential.co.uk

Bring a little luxury to your party outfit this Christmas with our sew-your-own inspiration

2. Simplicity 8219 Misses’ Line Vest in Three Lengths Sizes XS-XL, £8.95 www.remnanthousefabric.co.uk

3. Burda 6829 Wrap-effect Dress Sizes 8-18, £7.50 www.simplicitynewlook.com

4. Butterick 6456 Misses’ Tulip or Ruffle Sleeve Tops Sizes 6-14, 14-22, £8.65 www.sewdirect.com W WW.SEWNOWMAG.CO.U K

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QUICK XMAS GIFT IDEA

DOWNLOAD YOUR

FREE TEMPLATE

Fiona

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Fancy

f lamingo This cute flamingo soft toy with his curly neck, long beak, button eyes and dangly legs will look great perched on a shelf or windowsill!

Project FIONA HESFORD www.sewgirl.co.uk

04/10/2017 15:48

KIDS

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

SKILL LEVEL: MATERIALS: •• 2 24x30cm pink spot cotton fabric •• 2 24x30cm lightweight fusible interfacing for body •• 2 36x6cm patterned cotton fabric in pink & coral shades for legs •• 16x20cm floral printed cotton for wings •• 15x10cm black felt or beak •• 16x20cm bonding web •• 2 1cm black buttons •• toy stuffing •• tacking thread •• blunt-ended chunky hand-sewing needle •• chunky knitting needle or chopstick •• satin stitch (appliqué) foot •• 2 quilter's pegs (optional) •• free templates from www.sewnowmag.co.uk NOTES: Seam allowance of 6mm is included except where otherwise stated Iron the interfacing to the reverse side of body fabric prior to cutting

H

HOW TO MAKE: Cut out two pieces of the front and back body using Template 1. With body fabric pieces RST pin the template and cut two beaks from Template 3.

(See Pic A.)

1

A satin stitch foot creates a smoothto-the-touch stitch normally associated with appliqué. Check your machine manual as some standard feet can also be used

2

To make the wings and beak, trace the wing shape 2a and 2b onto the paper side of the bonding web. Iron onto the RS of the wing fabric. Cut out along the outline, peel off the paper backing, place onto body pieces in position as shown on the template and iron to fix. Adjust your machine settings to 2.5mm width and 0.3mm length and attach a satin-stitch foot. Stitch over the raw edge of each wing carefully. Press.

(See pics B, C, D and E.)

3

Pin the beak to the flamingo's head at the straight edge. Sew a 6mm seam. Press the seam open and repeat for other side.

(See pics F, G and H.)

Sam If using quilter’s clips, fold up the legs and peg to avoid them getting trapped in the seam

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I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

4

To make the legs, fold the leg fabric strip in half lengthways and press. Sew down one long raw edge and along one short edge with a 6mm seam allowance.

Trim across the corner of the seam allowance and turn inside out using a blunt-ended needle and thread. Press.

Pin both legs to body front in position as shown on the template with raw edges aligned. Machine-tack to hold in position.

Remove pins. (See pics I, J, K and L.)

5

Pin together the flamingo body pieces RST with the legs tucked inside.

Tack-stitch by hand all around. Remove pins. Sew 6mm seam all around body,

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leaving an 8cm opening at the base of the flamingo as shown on the template for turning inside out. Nick all seam edges, corners and at the base of the neck.

Turn the flamingo inside out through the opening. Press. (See pics M, N and O.)

6

Stuff the flamingo with toy filling, adding a small amount at a time and pushing it into the head with a poking tool.

When the toy is fully stuffed stitch up the opening by hand. (See Pic P.)

A chunky knitting needle is handy for pushing out edges and corners

7

Sew on a button on each side of head for your big bird’s eyes and there you have it!

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What you’ve been

Carole showed us her lovely version of the McCall’s 7542 from issue 11.

Her fabric choice is beautiful!

sewing...

We love seeing what you’ve been working on! Each month’s star make will receive a free bundle of fabric, handpicked by Mark at Girl Charlee

STAR MAKE

£25 WIN A

FABRIC BUNDLE FROM

This version of the McCall’s 7542 pattern from issue 11 is simply gorgeous, we bet you look stunning out and about Linda!

What a fabulous job Laura has made of the McCall's 7542 from issue 11. We de�nitely have sleeve envy!

We have another clear favourite this month in issue 11's McCall’s 7542 pattern! Sheri says: “Really pleased with the result, although the cotton material I used seems to crease really easily.”

We’d never be able to tell Sheri, It looks brilliant!

Leanne

Sally has done a great job of making our wrap dress from issue 9 – it’s fabulous!

Get in touch!

Email leanne.brocklehurst @practicalpublishing.co.uk Use #sewthelove, tag us on Instagram at sewnowmag or post to www.facebook. com/sewnowmag WWW.SEW NOW MAG .C O.UK

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Sparkle

stocking

QUICK XMAS GIFT IDEA

Debbie

Use rich jewel tones for a modern take on the classic Christmas stocking

DOWNLOAD YOUR

FREE TEMPLATE

Project DEBBIE VON GRABLER-CROZIER

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HOME

A

SKILL LEVEL: MATERIALS: •• 50cm navy wool felt •• 50cm pink wool felt •• 50cm print lining fabric for each stocking.

•• pink & navy Threaders glitter fabric sheets •• navy & pink co-ordinating thread •• 40cm 1.5cm-wide faux leather strip •• 2 medium brass Chicago screws •• glue stick •• water-soluble fabric marker •• leather hole punch •• free template from www.sewnowmag.co.uk NOTES: Use 0.5cm seam allowances throughout The instructions explain how to make the pink stocking. Both are made in the same way CUTTING: From felt, cut: 2 mirror-image stocking shapes From lining fabric, cut: 2 mirror-image stocking shapes From glitter fabric, cut: 7 leaf shapes HOW TO MAKE: Put one piece of felt aside to be the back and lay the other one flat with the right side facing up. Lay the leaves out as suggested on the template. Lightly glue them in place.

1

2

Use the removable marker to draw the holly branch stem. (See Pic A.)

B

Thread your machine with pink and set up for free-motion embroidery.

3

Go over some areas of the stem twice to emphasise them and don’t be too neat. Consider using a small embroidery hoop to help you to keep the fabric taut.

4

Embroider the leaves with a central vein and some smaller branching ones but leave the outer edges. Embroider the main branch. Snip the loose threads away and remove the marker lines. (See Pic B.)

5

Pin the appliquéd front to the back of the stocking with WST. Sew around the sides and bottom with a narrow seam and leave the top open.

6

Sew the lining pieces together with the right sides facing and then turn the very top over by 0.5cm. (See Pic C.)

7

Drop the lining into the stockings, stuff down well and top-stitch in place with co-ordinating thread. This lines the stocking but also keeps the exposed seams on the outside, which works beautifully with felt.

Turn the glitter fabric over and use a pencil to draw the leaf shapes on the back

C

What is a Chicago screw?

The Chicago screw is a remnant of the publishing industry, when they were used to tie bundles of papers together. They come in several sizes to fit the thickness of your project. The thicker your fabric the longer the screw shaft will need to be. Chicago screws can be a lot less fiddly to use than rivets and you don’t need to use a hammer to fit them.

To use a Chicago screw, first punch a hole in your fabric the same size as the shank of the screw. Then, push the shank through the fabric and screw the top on. Simple!

Silver Chicago screws, from £3.87 per pack of 25, www.3dansupplies.etsy.com

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8

To make the hanging strap, cut the leather scrap in half to make two 20cm pieces. Make a hole in both ends with the hole punch. (See Pic D.)

D

E

F

G

We used

9

Make a hole in the stocking at the back-top corner too. Come a little way in so that the strain of a full stocking doesn’t make the tab pull out. (See Pic E.)

10

Place the leather tab onto the back of the stocking and use the half of the screw with the long post to go through all layers. (See Pic F.)

11

Fold the other half of the tab over and then attach the front of the screw. (See Pic G.) Repeat for the navy stocking.

Gifted from Amy Sinibaldi’s Little Town collection for Art Gallery Fabrics This 100% premium cotton is perfect for the stocking lining £14 per metre

All available from Hantex. For further details & stockists information, visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf

Navy and Pink Threaders Glitter Fabric sheets £6.99

For free-motion embroidery, you will need the darning foot and either to drop the feed dogs or to set the stitch length to zero.

Feed dogs are the jagged ‘teeth’ under the needle. They normally pull the fabric through and you don’t want this when you are embroidering!

www.crafters companion.co.uk

TURN TO PAGE 71 FOR THE CHANCE TO WIN THREADERS GLITTER FABRIC SHEETS!

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Leanne

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Sewing

WORKSHOPS Brush up on the basics or learn something new at a workshop near you

SEW COOL AND CRAFTY

Birmingham, West Midlands Sew Cool and Crafty is a haberdashery shop specialising in silky cotton lawn and gorgeous stretch fabric. It also offers sewing items and other related accessories. You can learn how to sew cushions, curtains and bags and make lovely clothes in its workshops and classes. www.sewcoolandcrafty.co.uk

21ST OCTOBER Wrap dress workshop Come and release your inner Diane von Furstenberg with the beautiful fabric. Suitable for all abilities, pattern and fabric included.

Cost: £65 28TH OCTOBER Advent calendar workshop Come and make a precious perpetual Advent calendar that will be passed down from generation to generation.

Cost: £55

THE AMBLE PIN CUSHION

Amble, Northumberland Amble Pin Cushion is a trove of sewing inspiration! It stocks everything the avid sewist needs to start their latest project.

With everything from beautiful fabric to haberdashery tools, it also holds regular workshops for sewists and crafters alike. www.amblepincushion.co.uk

21ST OCTOBER Sew Saturday improver’s quilting – Xmas table runner Join our table runner patchwork and quilting workshop. A choice of three materials and lunch are included, but you will need to bring your sewing machine, sewing kit, cutting mat, rotary cutter, quilter’s rule, thread, and safety pins. The workshop takes place from 10am-4pm.

Cost: £45 4TH NOVEMBER Needle felting for beginners Learn how to make a cute needlefelted baby penguin. Even if you haven’t needle-felted before, you will enjoy this sociable and creative morning and take away a unique item for your festive home. Materials included. From 10am-12pm.

Cost: £35

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18TH NOVEMBER Mince pies, pants and Prosecco Back by popular demand – come and enjoy a lingeriemaking evening with friends.

You’ll come away with glamorous and flattering vintage French knickers.

Pattern and materials included.

Cost: £40 WEEKLY Come and bring your own project to the weekly sewing circle on Thursdays, 9.30am4pm. We welcome everyone, whether you’re a beginner or expert.

25TH NOVEMBER Rag rug snowman or robin picture Take home a small Christmas rag rug by stitching a snowman or a robin onto festive red hessian. It's suitable for both beginners and those with some experience, adults or children.

Materials are included and the workshop takes place from 10am-12pm.

Cost: £35 2ND DECEMBER Stag’s head and plaited wreath Enjoy a festive day creating two patchwork Christmas decorations from the beautiful range of fabric from Inprint by Jane Makower.

Materials and lunch are provided, but you will need to bring your sewing machine and sewing kit.

The workshop takes place from 10am-4pm.

Cost: £45

WWW.SEWN OWMAG .CO.UK

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WORKSHOPS

SWEET SEAMS

East Molesey, Surrey Sweet Seams is the perfect venue for all your sewing needs. It o�ers a wide range of classes for all abilities from eight years old, plus fabric, haberdashery and handmade gifts. www.sweetseams.co.uk 15TH OCTOBER Taster class (daytime and evening) These classes o�er an opportunity to have a go at machine sewing, meet the teacher and discuss what happens in weekly classes; you will also work on a small sewing project.

Maximum of �ve students, materials included.

Cost: £20

LEICESTERSHIRE CRAFT CENTRE

Market Harborough This beautiful studio o�ers the widest range of art and craft courses in the East Midlands and sells fabric, patterns and sewing machines. www.leicestershirecraftcentre.co.uk 2ND NOVEMBER Knicker making Make your own pair of perfect pants and learn how to work with stretch fabric, suitable for underwear, with the expert tutor.

Cost: £25 Special O�er: Book the Jersey tunic and knicker-making workshops and get a £5 discount. Call 01858 466692 and quote SEWNOW to claim the discount.

19TH NOVEMBER Dressmaking masterclass with Heather Jacks In this one-day workshop, bring along a vintage or modern pattern and fabric of your choice (if you have your fabric already cut out, this will allow you more sewing time on the day) and let Heather guide you through the dressmaking process, showing you some

fantastic tricks and tips to give your sewing a professional �nish.

Cost: £70

30TH OCTOBER 2017 & 8TH JANUARY 2018 Learn to sew The ‘Learn to Sew’ courses o�er �exible learning suitable for beginner to intermediate students.

Classes are small, giving you plenty of support with your chosen project, which could be dressmaking, a bag or home furnishing.

Cost: £150

11TH NOVEMBER The curtain hour – mitre your corners This rolling programme of classes can be booked individually. Starting with hand-sewing stitches, each week teaches you a new skill needed to make beautiful curtains for your home. Materials included.

Cost: £20 2ND DECEMBER Children’s hand sewing: make a Christmas hat or headband These classes are aimed as an introduction to hand sewing for younger children, from eight years old. Maximum of six students and materials are included.

Cost: £12

2ND DECEMBER Overlock a jersey tunic Learn how to use your overlocker to create a fabulous garment! Using Japanese pattern cutting techniques, you will measure and make a �attering jersey tunic.

Cost: £40 9TH DECEMBER Sew a winter cape This stylish winter poncho is made in a warm wool fabric and is a fabulous winter wardrobe staple. Come and make your own on this day course. Suitable for all levels, particularly beginners.

Cost: £60

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THE SEWING SHOP BRISTOL

CUMBRIA

Textile Craft Shop, Patchwork Emboidery Felting and Haberdashery Workshop and Classes - all ages.

Classes for all abilities including: • Pattern cutting • Bra or corset making • Dressmaking • Private tuition also available

Open 9am til 4pm Tuesday til Saturday

Take a look at my website for my wide range of subjects

07946176982 info@seweasybristol.com www.facebook.com/SewEasyBristol

Tel 01962 850950 1 St Thomas Street, Winchester, hants SO23 9HE Open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm

NORTH DEVON

For all your haberdashery needs.

Sewing classes for all ages and abilities.

180 Irish Street, Dumfries, DG1 2NJ 01387250867

romyssewingrooms@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/Romyssewingrooms

www.thimblestitch-devon.co.uk

HAMPSHIRE

KENT

LEICESTERSHIRE

Open Monday-Saturday 10.00 - 4.00

Suppliers of sewing machines.

Janome, Elna, Bernina, Toyota, Jaguar Both new and reconditioned.

Sales service repair haberdashery supplies

Romy's Sewing Rooms

Tel: 01404 549 871

Reads of Winchester

Many machines on display demonstrations available.

DUMFRIES

Devonshire Way, Heathpark Industrial Estate, Honiton, EX14 1YF

www.seweasybristol.com

HAMPSHIRE

DEVON

SEW BUSY

Stockists of Michael Miller, Riley Blake, Makower, Stof, Tilda, Robert Kaufmann, Dashwood and others. Buttons, haberdashery, patterns, unique gifts and craft workshops.

Branksomewood Road, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 4JS Tel: 01252 444220

www.sew-busy.co.uk POULTON-LE-FYLDE

Makower, Nutex, Lewis & Irene, Fabric Freedom, Timeless Treasures, Springs Creative, Disney, John Louden and more!

P and Q Notions, Embroidery & Picture Framing.

Small friendly classes, workshops, individual tuition arranged to suit.

The Hop Farm, Maidstone Road, Paddock Wood, Kent, TN12 6PY 01622 296510

www.purple-pixie.co.uk

SCOTLAND

Visit us at...

for s e w i n g w o r k s h o p s , fabrics & haberdashery 116 Castle Street, Hinckley, Leicestershire , LE10 1DD 0 1 4 5 5 6 9 8 0 3 4 w w w. t h e s e w i n g c a f e . c o . u k

SHEFFIELD

Victorian Arts and Crafts Famous for our friendly help and advice

Sheffield’s newest independent sewing store. We stock a wide range of fabrics, including Michael Miller, Riley Blake and Tula Pink. We also offer classes in a variety of crafts.

1a Arundel Road Sheffield S35 2RB 0114 2455996 handmadehappyhare @yahoo.co.uk

Find us at 8 Blackpool Old Rd Poulton-Le-Fylde FY6 7DH 01253 883685

11-12 George Arcade, South Molton, Devon, EX36 3AB, 01769 574071 Patchwork and quilting supplies. Classes and workshops.

Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday www.stepbystep-quilts.co.uk

SOMERSET

• Sewing classes • Sewing Machines • Large range of Fabrics • Machine Sales • Machine Service • Machine Repairs 01225 482413 27 Charles Street, Bath, BA1 1HU http://husqvarnastudiobath.co.uk/ m.pickles1@btintetrnet.com https://www.facebook.com/ sewingstudiobath/

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Patchwork and Quilting Fabrics, Threads. Cutters Rulers etc Cross Stitch, Tapestry, Knitting, Crochet Give us a ring and get 10% off your order when you give this promotion no: 2746

www.handmadehappyhare.com

Email: victorianshop@talktalk.net Facebook: Victorian Arts and Crafts

STANSTED ESSEX

TEWKESBURY

WAY ST Y L E , YO U R S E W I N G YO U R

Teach Me to Sew Sewing Classes for all 11 Brook Rd Stansted CM24 8BB www.teachmetosew.co.uk tel. 07752209936

To advertise in Sew Now, call Noune on 0161 474 6997

WWW.SEWN OWMAG .CO.UK

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FEATURE

Basic STITCHES Whether you’re an established sewist or just starting out, here’s a handy guide to the basics

STRETCH STRAIGHT

This is a straight stitch with one stitch forwards, one back and one forwards and is strong due to the repeated stitching. It’s often used for high-stress seams such as crotch seams, but can also be used for knits as it has built-in stretch because the feed dog stretches the fabric slightly.

LENGTH AND WIDTH

Stitch length controls the speed of the feed dog and is measured in millimetres from 0 to 4 (sometimes up to 6 for high-end machines). Higher numbers mean the feed dog moves faster in relation to the needle and the stitches are longer. Stitch width controls how far away from the centre the needle can swing. A straight stitch obviously has a width of 0mm, while a zigzag stitch can be as narrow as 1mm or as wide as 4mm.

Standard buttonhole

OVERCASTING

STRAIGHT STITCH

You will use this for 99% of your sewing. It is the basic construction stitch to connect one fabric to another. Use a 2.5mm length for basic sewing, 4mm or longer for tacking, 3mm for topstitching and 1.5-2mm for stress points such as corners and purse straps. Straight stitches do not stretch so do not use them for stretch knits.

ZIGZAG STITCH

The overcast stitch resembles an overlocker or serger stitch and uses both zigzag and straight stitches. It is used to finish the raw edges of fabric to prevent fraying.

Knit buttonhole

Keyhole buttonhole

Left: straight stitch, right: zigzag stitch

Note that mechanical machines can only do regular buttonholes

a four-step buttonhole, while computerised machines can sew an automatic or onestep buttonhole. Regular buttonholes are standard and can be used on all types of fabric and for all types of buttons. Keyhole buttonholes have a rounded end that opens wider for ball-type buttons. Knit buttonholes have a more defined zigzag stitch to allow for more stretch.

Left: overcasting stitch, right: blind hem stitch

TRICOT/ELASTIC STITCH

BLIND HEM

This stitch is also called the multi-stitch zigzag and is a zigzag stitch where each

The zigzag can be used as a decorative topstitch, to finish seam allowances to prevent fabric edges from fraying, to sew on appliqué, stitch monograms and for sewing stretch knits. Use a 2.5mm length and 3.5mm width for basic sewing, 0.5mm length and 4-5mm width for satin-stitching appliqué and embroidery, and a 2.5mm length and 0.5mm width for stretch sewing.

The blind hem has several tiny zigzags and then one large zigzag. It is used for hemming and is practically invisible from the right side. Use your manual instructions to lay up fabric correctly.

Adapted from Stress-Free Sewing by Nicole Vasbinder, published by Search Press, RRP £12.99

BUTTONHOLE STITCH

A buttonhole is a box made of tiny zigzag stitches. You can stitch a buttonhole using the zigzag stitch, but it is easier to have a buttonhole stitch. Mechanical machines have

zig and zag is made of three straight stitches. It is used to attach elastic and stitch on knit fabric. Since the stitches are smaller than a standard zigzag, this means there is less chance of snagging and the stitch has lots of stretch.

Left: tricot/elastic stitch, right: stretch straight stitch

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Master your

machine

Each machine model offers a range of features and functions, but all have the fundamental elements in common. Use this handy guide and you’ll know your way around yours in no time 1

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THREAD GUIDES

1

Two threads make up each stitch – the top thread and the bobbin thread. The top thread from the spool of cotton passes through the thread guide, which regulates the tension of the thread before it’s fed through the needle.

SPEED CONTROLLER

2

A slider that sets the speed the machine will work at when the pedal is pressed, allowing control and precision when sewing.

19

REVERSE FUNCTION

3

Use this to set the machine working in a reverse direction, to move backwards across a stitched line. This function is used when securing the threads at the start and end of a line of stitching.

3

NEEDLE AND NEEDLE CLAMP

4

The needle is removable to allow you to select from a variety of types and sizes to suit your project. The needle is held in place by the clamp. Most machines include a tool for tightening and loosening the clamp to access the needle.

18

PRESSER FOOT LIFTER

5

For lifting and lowering to hold the fabric in place while you sew.

Release it to remove the fabric from the machine.

4

BOBBIN CASE

6

Inside the removable cover is the bobbin case, which houses the bobbin. The bobbin is wound with thread and provides the second thread for each stitch.

FEED DOGS

7

These moving parts lie underneath the needle plate.

With spiked teeth that protrude from the opening, these help to move the fabric through the machine.

8

PRESSER FOOT PRESSURE DIAL

9

Used for releasing/increasing the weight of the foot on the fabric, for example when working appliqué.

You can release the pressure to enable you to turn the fabric smoothly.

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5 7

8

6

NEEDLE PLATE

The metal plate directly below the needle and presser foot. The small opening allows the thread from the bobbin to pass through while the needle enters to make the stitches. On the plate are guide markings to assist straight sewing and measure seam allowances.

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“If you're struggling with the threading on a new machine, practise with red thread until you get the hang of it”

Jeanette

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TUTORIAL BOBBIN WINDER

Trouble with tension?

10

Winds thread from the cotton spool onto the bobbin, ensuring that the thread is fed evenly onto the bobbin and maintains the correct tension.

Check that both the machine and bobbin are correctly threaded.

If these aren't exactly right, this can cause incorrect tension. Also check that the thread on the bobbin is wound correctly. If it's too tight or too loose, it won't feed through the machine and make even stitches. Another good tip is to use the same thread in the machine and the bobbin – even slightly di�erent threads can unbalance the tension

SPOOL HOLDER

11

This pin runs through the centre of a spool of thread, allowing it to feed smoothly through the machine.

SCREEN

11

12

Displays the relevant information regarding the stitch style, width and length that has been selected.

10

HAND WHEEL

13

12

13

2

Manually operates the mechanics of the machine, moving the needle up and down and engaging the feed dogs. Newer, computerised machines also have a needle up/ down button which can be programmed to stay in the down position – ideal for pivoting on corners.

STITCH SELECTOR

15

14

Allows you to select from the di�erent stitches on the machine and includes a menu from which you make your selection. The stitch is selected by pressing the relevant button and the number will appear on the screen.

STITCH LENGTH AND STITCH WIDTH SELECTORS

15 14

Use to increase or decrease the length or width of your stitch. The shorter the stitch, the more stitches are worked across the line of sewing, making it stronger. The width applies to stitches where the needle moves from left to right, such as a zigzag stitch.

Adjusting the width button will also move the needle position, which is important when sewing in zips and piping etc.

FREE ARM

16

This is a narrower working space created when the accessory box is removed.

This is perfect for sewing smaller items or inserting sleeves.

ACCESSORY DRAWER

17

Use to store alternative presser feet, spare bobbins and maintenance tools.

START/STOP BUTTON

18

This allows you to operate the machine without the foot pedal.

THREAD CUT BUTTON

19

This will cut the threads after sewing and is highlighted in the screen with the thread cutter mark.

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Linea Evie ribbed ceramic table light £70, www.houseoffraser.co.uk

Indigo Storm bowl £18, www.amara.com

High-pile rug £80, www.ikea.com

RETRO LIVING Add a touch of vintage style to your home with these retro picks

Fulled Loden 100% wool £22.95 per metre, www.myfabrics.co.uk

Lavender Sussex flock moleskin velvet upholstery fabric £23.99 per metre, www.yorkshirefabricshop.com

Elements dipped ceramic vase £22, www.dunelm.com

Succulent in cement pot £6, www.sainsburyshome.co.uk

Vita wooden sideboard £1,195, www.cuckooland.com

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Focus cushion £145, www.vintagecushions.com

Grey stretch polyester suiting dress fabric £2.99 per metre, www.minervacrafts.com

WWW.SEWN OWMAG .CO.UK

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EDITORIAL Editor Sam Sterken Deputy Editor Bethany Armitage Editorial Assistant Leanne Brocklehurst Art Editors Simon Kay, Sher Ree Tai Senior Sub-Editor Justine Moran Sub-Editors Kayleigh Hooton, Chantelle Salkeld Senior Product Photographer Tym Leckey Photographers Renata Stonyte, Amy Worrall Contributors Jeanette Archer, Christiane Bellstedt Myers, Carissa Browning, Anna Bruce, The Fold Line, Claire Garside, Fiona Hesford, Torie Jayne, Jamie Kemp, Little Button Diaries, Angeline Murphy, Vicky Myers, Alison Smith MBE ADVERTISING Senior Account Manager Noune Sarkissian noune.sarkissian@practicalpublishing.co.uk Advertising Consultant Amanda Paul PUBLISHING Group Buying Manager Olivia Foster Buying Assistant Rachael Edmunds Production Assistant Anna Olejarz Distribution Manager Lauren Murray Subscriptions Manager Daniel Tutton Managing Art Editor Jennifer Lamb Managing Editor Kate Heppell Head of Content & Positioning Gavin Burrell Head of Softcrafts Ruth Walker Financial Director Chris Dunbar Strategy & Insights Director Dave Cusick Managing Director Danny Bowler Group Managing Director Robin Wilkinson Subscription enquiries 01858 438899 practicalpublishing@subscription.co.uk DISTRIBUTION Seymour Distribution Ltd CONTACT Practical Publishing International Ltd, Suite G2 St Christopher House, 217 Wellington Road South, Stockport SK2 6NG info@practicalpublishing.co.uk www.practicalpublishing.co.uk Tel: 0844 561 1202 Fax: 0161 474 6961 customerservice@practicalpublishing.co.uk Sew Now (ISSN: 2398-9610) is published by Practical Publishing Int Ltd. All material Š Practical Publishing Int Ltd. The style and mark of Sew Now is used under licence from Practical Publishing International Holdings Ltd. No material in whole or in part may be reproduced without the express consent of Practical Publishing Int Ltd. The publisher welcomes contributions from readers. All such contributions and submissions to the magazine are sent to and accepted by the publisher on the basis of a non-exclusive transferable worldwide licence unless otherwise agreed in writing prior to first publication. Such submissions are also subject to being used, reproduced, modified, published, edited, translated, distributed and displayed in any media or medium, or any form, format or forum now known or hereafter developed, for any purpose, in perpetuity. DISCLAIMER The views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the publisher. Every care is taken to ensure that the contents of the magazine are accurate, but the publisher accepts no responsibility for errors. While reasonable care has been taken when accepting advertisements, the publisher cannot accept responsibility for any resulting unsatisfactory transactions, but will investigate any written complaints.

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BACK-PAGE BLOGGER

5 minutes with…

Sally Kendall

A nice, cosy space for stitching

Sally Kendall, aka The Yorkshire Sewist, talks to Sew Now about her favourite patterns and what she’ll be sewing this autumn Hi there! How are you today and what’s on your sewing table?

I’m well thank you.

On my sewing table at the moment a dress for my Sally isoffice ball; I’m using beautiful navy silk shantung and combining a princess seam bodice and a box-pleat skirt from Gertie’s Ultimate Dress Book.

How would you describe your style?

A fun spin on retro with a splash of unicorns!

Why did you start sewing?

I had been making jewellery and cards for years, and thought I would try something new so since late 2014 I’ve been trying my hand at sewing. I’m totally smitten!

What’s on your to-sew list for the coming months?

I have the Butterick Lisette 6168 dress to sew using ever-so gorgeous Prada fabric in an Aubergine shade that I’m reviewing for Minerva Crafts. I also want to try and make a few Christmas presents this year.

Are there any skills and techniques that you’re looking to master in the near future?

It has to be lapped zips. I haven’t worked with external zips very much as I love installing invisible zips, but I need to be more adventurous.

What’s your go-to pattern?

The Deer and Doe Plantain Top, I’ve made three now as they’re so quick to make, especially when using an overlocker. I already have another cut out and ready to sew in a snuggly purple jersey!

Are you a big pattern house girl, an indie girl or a mix of both?

I’m a mix of both. I don’t tend to stick to one pattern company, I just tend to go with what I want from the pattern itself.

Can you share with us your favourite fabric for autumn/winter?

Ponte roma has such a snuggly appeal to it with it being thicker. It’s quite stable to sew with and perfect for last minute tops that can be made in no time as you don’t need to finish the seams.

What’s your favourite ready to wear brand and why?

I don’t tend to buy much in the way of ready-to-wear clothing but I do buy jeans from Florence & Fred as they don’t cost the earth. I haven’t mastered sewing jeans yet!

What’s your favourite colour to wear?

Definitely navy.

If you could give a piece of advice to a newbie sewist what would it be?

Get your pattern instructions, make yourself a cuppa and take some time to read the instructions. Double-check that you have everything you need or make a

98

Sally’s next technique to master is lapped zips.

Learn this at www. colettepatterns.com

Lilac ponte roma £5.99 per metre, www.sherwoodsfabrics.co.uk

shopping list of the materials/equipment you’ll need and get them in ready so that you have all items to hand. There isn’t anything worse than wanting to get sewing when you can’t!

Could we have a peep at your sewing space?

I don’t have much of a sewing space unfortunately, I use my living room sideboard and dining table to sew and store!

Your favourite sewing sustenance?

Haribo Starmix. Who can resist foam hearts and cola bottles?

Where can we find out more about you?

You can keep up with me and my projects on my blog www.theyorkshiresewist.uk.

You can also find me on Facebook www. facebook.com/theyorkshiresewist, Instagram theyorkshiresewist and Twitter @yorkshiresewist.

WWW.SEWN OWMAG .CO.UK

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04/10/2017 12:54

For more information on local stockists contact 01793 834304. Our latest brochure can be downloaded now from;

www.hornfurniture.co.uk Arrives fitted with our ‘Maxi– lifter’ air-lift system (pictured) that can be customised to fit almost all brands of sewing machine. With this lift you may never need to lift or carry your sewing machine again.

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