Simply Sewing issue 71

EAS PY JAYM-SEW AS

ISSUE SEVENTY ONE

PLUSHIE LION TOY

UK'S NUMBER 1 SEWING MAG!

FRESH IDEAS EAS WITH H FABRIC

MAKE A BACKPACK!

SUMMER EXCLUSIVE!

Sew Over It sewi n g BEE bbc series debrief

THE LOTTIE DRESS

IN SIZES 8-20

+exit interviews

EXPERT GUIDE:

Learn how to sew with lightweight breezy fabrics

ISSUE 71

PRINTED IN THE UK • £7.99

EASY HOLIDAY COVER-UP

16 me-made projects for a relaxing season of sewing

*T&Cs apply

MAKE: Patchwork pouffe Home desk set-up Denim apron Girl's polo dress

IDEAS

INSPIRATION

ACCESSORIES

WEBSITES

EVENTS

STUFF

VINTAGE GLAMOUR

We're hoping to not need to wear this coat for a few more months yet, but it's so gorgeous we might have to start making it now. It takes a very special coat to get us looking forward to colder weather! The Juliet Coat from By Hand London is understated and elegant and is modelled beautifully here by Juliet Uzor. Find the digital pattern at byhandlondon.com

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Pinboard

the pattern edit Maxi Dresses We love wearing a floaty maxi. Choose these for maximum impact, says Production Editor Emily HOLYOKE MAXI, CASHMERETTE Choose from a maxi dress or skirt with this pattern from Cashmerette.

Both options feature roomy pockets, a faux button placket, and princess seams. An elasticated back waist make this an easy fit and n comfy wear, too. This pattern is perfect for light- to medium-weight fabrics, and we love it in this dreamy pink linen. Available in sizes 16–36 from cashmerette.com

mini profile PAULETTE ERATO Paulette is the voice behind the Petite Font blog. Her sewing journey was kick-started in 2016 after watching The Great British Sewing Bee on YouTube when she needed an escape from the stress of planning a wedding. But when the stress faded, the sewing stayed!

Petite Font is another venture that began as a means to an end when Paulette needed an outlet for her energy, and another one that's stuck! It's Paulette's third blog and one that has become an active and valued voice in the sewing community.

Paulette is one of the volunteers who helps run one of the longest-running sewing challenges out there. Sew My Style was launched in 2017 and was designed to raise awareness about the slow fashion industry and to encourage young women to take up sewing. Those who want to take part in the challenge sign up and are given the option of two patterns that the community will be sewing that month. At the end of the month, everyone shows off their garments in the Facebook group or by using the #sms20 hashtag on Instagram.

The challenge has now evolved to become a much more diverse and inclusive challenge with people of all ages, shapes, sizes, ethnicities, and genders encouraged to take part. This year the focus was on designers that had more inclusive sizing, and anyone whose sizing included at minimum a 50 inch bust. If a designer also had unisex or men’s patterns,

that was a huge plus. This was certainly a juggling act between what appeals to people and what's available. Hopefully this will only get easier as the year's go on.

For Paulette, online sewing challenges should be merely starting points. She's not a fan of sewing on demand or to a deadline; if a challenge suits her current sewing plans, that's great, but if not there's no need to be restricted by a time frame. She does, however, appreciate these challenges for the way they create and engage a community.

Sharing ideas and asking for help from people working on the same garment, or something similar, definitely has its value.

The two photos above show off Paulette's most recent, and favourite, makes. She embraces print and colour and enjoys making clothes that are bright, happy, and comfortable, like this Loretta blouse from Seamwork (above left), and the Roscoe blouse from True Bias (above right).

When she's not sewing, Paulette enjoys working out – recently resorting to using her 84kg husband as a barbell when her gym shut! She tries to do something creative every day, too. This can be sewing or blogging, but also includes cooking or decorating. Various maker challenges also keep her busy, including #SewThePrecious, #SewingBingo2020, and #SewComfortable.

As for the rest of the year, Paulette hopes that the importance and relevance of sewing will be more widely recognised as a result of the pandemic. Sewing has certainly come to the forefront and Paulette envisages a resurgence in its popularity is on its way.

For inspiration, interviews, challenges, and something to put a smile on your face, visit Paulette's blog at petitefont.com

CHARLI ANNE WRAP DRESS SEW TO GROW The Charli Anne Wrap Dress is designed for effortless, everyday elegance. This dress works just as well as an occasion piece as it does for a summer's day picnic. Features include a flutter sleeve, maxi tulip hem, and front and back darts.

There is a sleeveless option too. Available in sizes XS–4XL from sewtogrow.com.au TPC26 BIAS T-SHIRT DRESS, TREND PATTERNS We love this as a subtle statement dress. With a T-shirt top and a voluminous skirt it's perfect for days when you want casual with a touch of fancy. As the name suggests, the fabric is cut on the bias to give a fit and flare silhouette. Available in sizes 6–22 from trendpatterns.co.uk S9057, SIMPLICITY This is a children's and adult's dress, so perfect for those who like to be matchies! The dresses are loose fitting with a full, gathered skirt to dropped waistline bodice. Choose from short or raglan sleeves. Available in children's 3–8 and women's 6–24 from sewdirect.com

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THIS MONTH...

Keep it light It's the perfect time of year to make the most of lightweight fabrics. Get to grips with these easy-breezy materials using our top tips.

Written by Sophie Tarrant

LUCK OF THE DRAW A comfortable belted waist gives the design shape without feeling too restrictive.

PERFECT DRAPE A gorgeous cross-over back detail makes the most of the fluid nature of lightweight fabrics such as rayon, silk charmeuse, and cotton crepe.

PICK YOUR LENGTH PENSÉE

With a simple v-neck detail, delicate spaghetti straps and a draped cross-over back, the PensĂŠe design from Deer and Doe is the perfect summer staple.

Version A creates a dress with a cinched belted waist, whereas version B makes a pretty loose-fitting camisole with tie-side detail. www.deer-and-doe.com

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The pattern can be used to create both a hip-skimming camisole top and longer length dress, perfect for a range of occasions.

PATTERN INSPIRATION

FABRIC INSPIRATION

Stay cool this summer with our favourite lightweight garments – including dresses, jumpsuits, robes, and more.

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Summery dresses call for sunny prints. These pretty fabrics are perfect for your holidays.

1 We love the mix of florals and stripes in this rayon from the Spices Fusion range by Katarina Roccella. artgalleryfabrics.com 2 The warm colour palette of this Nocturnal rayon from Jessica Jones is perfect for summer. cloud9fabrics.com 3 Liberty's Tana Lawn cotton isn't just for florals – as this stellar Adelajda design proves. libertylondon.com 4 We adore the hazy leafy print of this Pampas viscose crepe from Fabric Godmother. fabricgodmother.co.uk 5 This tropical print viscose from Sewalicious has a perfect lightweight drape. sewalicious.co.uk

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1 ASAKA ROBE

Whether it's worn for lounging around the house or teamed with heels for a big night out, the Asaka robe from Named Clothing is the perfect lightweight cover-up. It's ideal for prints in fabrics such as silk, satin or crepe. www.namedclothing.com

4 SEQUENCE BLOUSE AND DRESS

With fluttered sleeves and options for both dresses and tops, the Sequence pattern from Papercut Patterns can be styled in multiple ways. Wrap it at the front for a classic style, or swap it to the back to mix things up a little. www.papercutpatterns.com

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2 ZADIE JUMPSUIT

Photo of Asaka robe: Jenni Holma

The Zadie jumpsuit from Paper Theory is a relaxed and easy-to-wear one piece with optional 3/4 length sleeves and a wraparound waist with a tie finish. The legs are wide cut and skim above the ankle, making this design perfect for flowing lightweight fabrics. www.papertheorypatterns.com

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5 VALLEY BLOUSE

3 LUNA TROUSERS

The Valley blouse from The Cali Faye Collection features a lined yoke with a scooped neckline and keyhole feature that adds delicate detail to this pretty top.

The blouse has been designed with very lightweight wovens in mind, such as Swiss dot, voile, crepe, and rayon. www.califayecollection.com

These loose-fitting pants from Made By Rae feature a tapered leg and a casual fit, with in-seam pockets and a comfortable elastic waistband and ankle cuffs. Designed for lightweight cottons and linen blends, these are the ideal option if you want to stay covered up but cool on sunny days. www.made-by-rae.com

This gorgeous dress from Friday Pattern Company is a simple pull-on shift with large statement sleeves, brought in at the shoulders and wrists with elastic, and has been designed for lightweight silks/rayons. www.fridaypatterncompany.com

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6 ADRIANNA DRESS

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THE lottie DRESS

The gorgeous Lottie Dress from Sew Over It is a summer wardrobe staple that we can't wait to wear. Time to get making!

COVER STAR

PSSTf :for our

rlea Turn ove fabric ideas and esses at r styling D e i t t your Lo Show us plysewingmag #sim

hipster desk makes

smarten up

Whether it's your home desk or your sewing table, these makes will turn organisation into a real treat.

We used Art Gallery Fabrics' Maara range for ours.

Designer: JESSICA ENTWISTLE Styling: LISA JONES & BECKI CLARK Photography: BECKI CLARK

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Ring binder

Coordination is key in order to evoke desk envy. Who else will have ring binders that match all their other desk accessories?

You're sure to get bonus points when they realise you decorated your binder yourself, too.

BANNER

We love the idea of a motivational banner to hang above our desk and brighten things up! What message would you print on yours? We think we might go for 'Just one more email and then you can sew...'

swan pyjamas

Lazy days

Up your loungewear game in The New Craft House’s cosy-glam swan pyjamas

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A GOOD READ

NEEDLES UP!

That's your time, sewers! We caught up with the contestants at the end of another series of BBC One's The Great British Sewing Bee.

T

he biggest ever Bee has come to an end! It’s been ten glorious weeks of transformations, Patrick’s eyebrow raises, and terrible jokes from Joe, and, whilst the show is always a welcome return to our screens, I’m sure we can all agree this year's series could not have come at a better time. Our 12 contestants have kept us entertained and inspired with stunning creations, weird and wonderful transformations, and made to measures that fit with perfection.

The Simply Sewing team have been finding it hard to pick a favourite week, so instead we’ve picked our favourite challenges. We loved watching the men's bomber jacket pattern challenge from week six; for the transformation it’s got to be the sleeping bag into food fancy dress, or the swimsuit and prom dress into a carnival outfit from the final; and the flamenco made to measure dresses from world sewing week were incredible! We’re already counting down to the next series...

Share your favourite moments of the show with 40,000+ fans on our very own 'Great British Sewing Bee fans' Facebook page!

Read the full interviews, including a Q&A with the three finalistS - PLUS relive highlights from 52 WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING

A GOOD READ ANGILLIA

What was it like first walking into the sewing room?

“I was fascinated by the fabrics that were available and wanted to go and touch them all. It felt a bit like the first day of school or on a new job.

There was a mixture of excitement and some levels of concern.”

What's your style, and how much of your own clothes do you make?

“I like to make dresses that are for special occasions. It helps me to learn how garments are constructed in the fashion world. I like garments that are suitable for ‘dressed up’ occasions, such as evening gowns. I like to have garments that fit well. I also prefer not to wear the same thing that everybody else has bought from the shops.”

What will you take away from your experience, and what’s next for you in the sewing world?

“That I like to work to my own pace. I like a good finish on all my garments. I have no intention now of ever trying to complete a garment in a specific amount of time! That just does not fit the way that I like to work, and it was great to learn that. While I’m sewing I have time to think and plan; it’s an extremely peaceful time. Time constraints were not a plus for me. Next, I would really like to work with a garment designer, especially one who makes for ‘real’ women (plus sizes included).”

ALEX

"Everyone e room is so lse in this of this op deserving portunity. "

Who was your sewing mentor?

As a teenager Alex was taught to sew by his mum, who he watched make wedding dresses on her 1980s sewing machine. “Teach me your ways; Oh Jedi!” he asked her. Having learnt from the master he tentatively branched out into menswear to create his own clothes.

What will you take away from this experience?

“I honestly thought that it was going to be me going home. Everyone else in this room is so deserving of this opportunity. They present such fantastic work and maybe my skills aren’t at that level just yet.”

another t s u j s “It wa enge in the chall f life.” game o

What made you apply to be on The Great British Sewing Bee? Which of the judges did you most want to impress, and what was it like having Joe in the sewing room?

“I was hooked after viewing the first series of The Great British Sewing Bee. I thought I’d want to impress Patrick with his keen eye for precision and symmetry. Esme has a similar quality as she stands back and picks out details, offering advice when garments are judged. Esme is the yin to Patrick’s yang so to speak! Joe was supportive when we were off-air. On set, he kept the mood light with his down-to-earth manner and time call-outs. He has a great manner with all people. Total respect.”

What was it like first entering the sewing room, and which challenge did you fear the most?

“My stomach had butterflies as I walked into the room, it was surreal.

I was actually here in the sewing room. I pinch myself even now. My real fear was the transformation challenge, I thought I was going to be sick. I realised it was panic, so I took deep breaths and hoped my brain would kick in with an idea. Amazingly, as I cut into the fabric, something came to mind, and I just went with it, trying to have fun at the same time. You never forget that feeling!"

What will you take away from your experience, and what’s next for you in the sewing world?

“Every garment tells a story. For me its childhood memories, holidays and occasions, inspired icons, and where I purchased fabric on my travels. My fellow bees had similar reasons behind their choices, and I could understand the person behind the machine so much better.

I also have a new respect for repurposing garments and those who do make it look easy. Currently I’m sewing my way through a list of items missing from my wardrobe. A big regret is not having sewn a wedding dress with all the embroidery, beading, and sewing techniques. Instead, perhaps ballgowns will become popular again. Sounds like a plan!”

“I knew the fe last for up to elings would only fo pushed myself asur hours, so I just hard as I could. ”

Photos: BBC/Love Productions/Mark Bourdillon

FIONA

the series and find pattern inspiration with our episode guides at www.gathered.how/simplysewing

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Up, Up, and away

This kite project from Anna Alicia is a simple, fun, and really effective way to brighten up a child's room.

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put your feet up

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This patchwork pouffe from Juliet Bawden adds comfort and style to any room. It's an easy make, too, so whip one up and sit back with a cup of tea!

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my favourite thing

linen love

Made from deadstock linen, Tara Viggo's shirt dress fast became one of her most versatile and loved garments.

"There are so many reasons why this Olya Shirt Dress is my favourite piece of clothing. The most important reason is that I feel it really sums up my work as a pattern designer. It's the physical manifestation of everything I like about a pattern – on the surface it looks like a classic shirt dress, but it's actually hiding some interesting style lines with its unusual sleeve. I always feel relaxed and comfortable in it, yet it still has enough formal details and features to make me feel pulled together and confident every time I wear it.

It's made from a length of deadstock linen I bought for only ÂŁ4. Using sustainable fabrics is really important to me and in terms of costs per wear it's really going the distance!

I have taken this dress all over the world with

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me and it's always the first thing that gets packed when I go on holiday because it's so easy to wear. It might sound lazy but I don't like to think too much when I get dressed, so I need clothing that's versatile. I went to Morocco last year and the Olya had the great balance of being modest and keeping me covered but it also kept me cool walking around the souks and galleries. This dress is about two years old now and it's one of the few items I have that has followed me into my new life as a mother.

The loose shape meant I was able to wear it the whole way through my pregnancy, and I'm still wearing it now as the button-up front is perfect for nursing!"

Follow Tara on Instagram @paper_theory, and find this pattern on papertheorypatterns.com

S Incl adultudes kid's and sizes

Apron dress set Macramé rope bag Maxi wrap dress Girl's summer top Embroidered hoop art Cat-themed gifts Monkey plushie Staple T-shirt and more...

+ ✓ apron dress set ✓ staple tee MADEIT PATTERN S

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ON SALE THURSDAY 6 AUGUSTT * CONTENTS AND GIFTS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND MAY VARY ACCORDING TO TERRITORY. PAPER, FABRIC AND TOOL GIFTS NOT AVAILABLE WITH DIGITAL EDITIONS. PHOTO: HOLLIE EVANS