Simply Sewing issue 54

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ISSUE FIFTY FOUR

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THE WRAP

+ SEW OVER IT CORA SET

MAKE IT!

✓ Paperbag skirt ✓ Liberty baby quilt ✓ Girl's sundress

DRESS SET IN SIZES 6-20 8 n ew l o to sew! ks

eco sewi n g how your choices can help the planet

ISSUE 54 PRINTED IN THE UK • £7.99

Easy-sew wardrobe updates to flatter all body shapes

*T&Cs apply

HOW TO: Finish raw edges Draft a skirt Add decorative shirring Make a satchel

ALWAYS LEARNING Jules Fallon of Sew ▼

Me Something runs a varied calendar of IDEAS INSPIRATION ACCESSORIES EVENTS STUFF classes at herWEBSITES studio in Warwickshire (you may have spotted her demos on our sister TV channel, Sewing Quarter, too!) and now we can all attend her workshops no matter where we live thanks to her new online courses. You’ll get a PDF Sew Me Something pattern, step-by-step video tutorials and tips, hacks and lots of bonus features. The best bit? You can do it at your own pace – and in your pyjamas!

Is there a Simply Sewing pattern you missed Visit www.sewme out on and wish you had in your stash? Well, somethingcourses. you’re in luck! We’ve just launched our very com for information. own pattern shop, with some of our fave designs from previous issues available to buy as PDF patterns to download and print We wear denim pretty much daily, so it’s worth investing the at home – take a look at our first collection at www.simplysewingpatterns.etsy.com.

Don’t see the pattern you like listed? Let us skirt, with lots of customisation options. Make with rounded know on Twitter (@SimplySewing_) or on Facebook (simplysewingmagazine) and it might just get added to the shop!

HAPPY SHOPPING

SEWING ROOM GOALS

If our sewing room looked like this, we’d never leave! In fact, it’s time to give our own space a tidy-up ready for some new-season arrivals – Stoff & Stil have added over 650 sewing goodies to their collection. Think warm caramel browns, burnt oranges, golden yellows, rich reds and statement tropical prints. www.stoffstil.co.uk

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Pinboard

SUITS YOU

We’re loving patterns that get us out of our sewing comfort zone, and Nina Lee’s two new designs are just the thing to give our construction skills a work-out! Try classic tailoring with the smart Richmond blazer, featuring notched lapels and double welt pockets, or the Camden, a cute pinafore with princess seams, feature patch pockets and a lining. Both from www.ninalee.co.uk

Tailor made

If your mannequin is in need of TLC, how about a swish new cover? And in luxurious velvet, no less! Lucy of Corset Laced Mannequins creates covers in a variety of colours, from baby pink to duck-egg crushed velvet, and can even make custom-fit ones. She offers madeto-order mannequins too, in a range of sizes and swoon-worthy fabrics. Visit www.corsetlacedmannequins.co.uk

out & about

SKILLS, SHOWS & EVENTS 20 APRIL Master Techniques; Zips, Buttonholes, Darts and Stitches. John Lewis, London. Practice hems and darts, learn how to do a one-step buttonhole and more. www.themakery.co.uk

20 APRIL Clone Your Closet. Manchester Craft and Design Centre. Create a copycat pattern from a favourite garment, including transferring details like darts, pleats, grainlines and pockets. www.ministryofcraft.co.uk

4 MAY Sew with jersey and make a T-shirt. Backstitch, Cambridge. Become a pro at sewing with stretch fabrics and make a staple T-shirt at this one-day workshop. www.backstitch.co.uk

UNTIL 2 JUNE What a pretty pair! Add a custom mannequin to your sewing room with Lucy's handmade covers.

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Elizabeth Suter: Sharp Lines and Swift Sketches. A display of the distinctive catwalk sketches of illustrator and fashion journalist Elizabeth Suter. www.ftmlondon.org

HAPPY MAKING

You know that proud, fuzzy feeling you get when you first put on a hot-off-themachine garment? It’s just one of the joys of sewing your own clothes, and blogger Karen Ball’s (www.didyoumake that.com) new book, The Little Book of Sewing, is all about celebrating its many benefits. It's packed with anecdotes, how-tos and tips, covering everything from mental health to the way sewing makes you feel great about yourself. £10, www.headofzeus.com

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sewing room makes

sewing bee

Our sewing room is our happy place! Give yours a handmade update with these practical makes.

Designers: JESSICA ENTWISTLE Styling: LISA JONES Photography: JESSE WILD

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BEE PINCUSHIONS

When your sewing room is buzzing with activity, keep these helpful bee buddies close at hand for easy pinning. You could, of course, make them in classic yellow and black, but we've gone for floral stripes for a scrap-busting make. Get ready to stitch a few of these – your sewing pals will want one, too!

SLOGAN BANNER

We all know this famous saying, but whether we actually take its advice is another matter! So we'll be hanging this pennant banner, with its message written loud and clear in appliquĂŠ and embroidery. Now, where did we put that tape measure?

THE wrap dress PSSTo:r fabric and

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COVER STAR

THE wrap dress

Sew a classic-chic wrap style with a simple tie closure and floaty grown-on sleeves – plus the option to make it as a top, too.

paper chase

Work the 9 to 5 in style with Portia Lawrie's sleek paperbag-waist skirt in smart suiting, or choose a casual fabric for weekend wear.

NO PATTERN NEEDED!

✂

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THE cora set PSSTo:r fabric and

leaf f ion, and be r e v o Turn spirat r fnished n i g n styli share you ith us w o sure t p or dress ngmag o i Cora t simplysew # tagged

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THE cora set

With its unique pleat detail and foaty ft, Sew Over It's Cora Set is an easy-breezy style you won't be able to make just once.

MY SEWING WORLD

By Lisa Comfort

Lisa shares the prints, patterns and plans she has in store for 2019, from new sizes to selfess sewing projects.

H

ello everyone! I’m thrilled to be back here sharing all things sewing. 2019 is well under way and it’s been a wonderful start to the year at Sew Over It. In January we relaunched the PDF Club, our popular club for lovers of digital patterns.

Specially for our PDF Club members, this year we’ve set up a private Facebook group where everyone can share their makes, which I am loving! I launched my new collection of fabrics in January too, which I named Wild Flower. Inspired by the wild flower meadow in my local park, Hackney Downs, the collection contains four drapey crepes in rich, wearable colourways. In February we released our Chloe Coat as a paper and PDF pattern, and launched our online class, the Advanced Guide to Sewing & Fitting Trousers. It's the perfect next step from our first trousers course, and it's really exciting seeing our customers grow their skills. Earlier in March, we also launched our second PDF-only pattern, the Isla Dress.

It’s 70s-inspired with lovely frill details. So romantic!

Browse our collecti and fabrics a on of sewing patterns t www.sewov erit.co.uk

"It's really exciting seeing our customers LESS IS MORE I know it might not sound like it, but the team and I have grow their skills." decided to reassess our output for 2019 and release fewer products than our previous two years. We’ve worked so hard to grow Sew Over It since we launched in 2011, and up until now that’s meant releasing as many wonderful products out into the world as we could. Now we’ve decided to change tack and work on making our existing pattern, class and fabric ranges as accessible to everyone as we can. One thing I’m really looking forward to being able to offer is an increased size range for our patterns. At the moment we offer UK sizes 8-20, but we want to expand beyond that so lots more people are able to use our designs. There have been lots of fantastic discussions on social media around size exclusivity, and although extending our range is something we’ve had planned for a while, it has spurred us on to do our part to make sewing more inclusive, fair and accessible.

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r popular Chloe u o d se ea el r e v e' W well as a class. as n r te at p a as Coat

with "I recommend starting an achievable project. Your skills will develop."

We’re going to backdate our existing range, with the first one hopefully out this year!

We've had so many exciting launches already at Sew Over It this year – and so many more to come! Next up, we're expanding our existing pattern size range for more inclusive sewing.

SEWING ON SCREEN I can’t go any further without mentioning The Great British Sewing Bee. Hasn’t it been fantastic? I’ve really missed it for the past couple of years, and it didn’t disappoint. I love the challenges, contestants, judges, and, of course, Joe, but more than that it’s just great seeing sewing represented on TV. I was always teased for being into making my own clothes when I was at school, so I think it’s really important to have a programme that shows it’s pretty cool being able to design and create your own wardrobe. Go sewing!

Another fab thing the Sewing Bee brings is a whole new cohort of sewing beginners and returners.

After being so inspired by the show they are always really enthusiastic and eager to get their new sewing machines whirring. I recommend starting with an achievable project so as not to get disheartened. Your skills will develop in time!

Looking ahead, I’m excited by what we have coming up.

April sees the relaunch Selfless Sewing. All month I’ll be dedicating my sewing time to making things for others.

Last year I made coats for my mum and mother-in-law, and it was lovely seeing them so happy with their new pieces.

This year we’re taking things up a notch, and organising what we hope will be a wonderful event for charity. We’ve got loads more PDF patterns coming up as well, plus quite a few paper patterns, too – and we’ll have a new online class coming out. There’s so much to feel excited about.

I think I might have the best job in the world!

Keeping me inspired...

It sonds a little bit cheesy but I’m feeling inspired by or customers at the moment. It’s funny - we produce the patterns, but the fab loks they create, most of which I’d never have thoght of myself, means I’m costantly being given inspiratio fo my own wardrobe. Our customers share the loveliest versios of or patterns, tips and advice, and spark interesting and engaging coversatios in or Facebok grops. I’ve got moe than a few new otft ideas!

My new fabric pr inspired by wil ints are d flowers.

Keep up with my latest DIYs and more at www. lisacomfort.com

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pretty in pink

With her lace-trim frock and pom pom collar, this kitty is tea-party ready! Sew your own fancy feline with Lucy Ward.

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toy cat

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my favourite thing

perfect match What to do when you've found the perfect pair of shoes?

Make a dress to match, like Helen Rhiannon, of course!

"I’ve enjoyed sewing from an early age – my mum used to sew her own clothes in the 60s, so I know the talent and enthusiasm has come from her! After doing a Fashion Design degree at the University of Westminster, I returned to Wales in 2005 and set up my own label. I've tried my hand at most things, from pageant costumes to specialising in wedding dresses.

I even design live on TV for Sewing Quarter!

I actually made my sister-in-law’s wedding dress last year and I knew I had to make my own dress for the wedding – along with my mum’s outfit, ties for the groom and best men, little bow ties and dribble bibs for the youngest of the wedding party.

I have my own pattern that I love to use and alter small details with each new dress I make.

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I'm drawn to bright florals and adored this fabric when I ordered it in for my online shop, All Sewn Up. I lowered the neckline, added a full gathered skirt and, most importantly, added pockets! It is so comfy to wear and pretty easy to make. I hand-stitched in little ‘strap traps’ which hook onto your bra strap to keep it all in place with a low back feature.

I also made a gorgeous deep-green jacket to match a pair of shoes I had. It was all really about matching the shoes from day one!

I loved the day and felt amazing in my dress (whilst admiring the bride’s blush pink bespoke Helen Rhiannon dress!)."

See Helen on Sewing Quarter on Freeview 73 and Sky 678 and www.sewingquarter.com, and see more of her work www.helenrhiannon.com

S Jersey dress Ultimate A-line skirt Fold-up tote bag Quick gifts for her Patchwork block pillow Shirt refashion Stretch maxi skirt Cute fox cushion and more...

EW EASY-S IN UK N PATTEERS 6-20 S IZ

+ ✓ The Kelham Skirt ✓ ThE lEIla dReSS ✓ ThE FOLD-UP tOTE

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PATTERN WORTH £15.00

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* CONTENTS AND GIFTS MAY VARY. PAPER AND FABRIC GIFTS NOT AVAILABLE WITH DIGITAL EDITIONS.