Lowe Sew Is 102015

WIN
!
n ew
A JANOME
MACHINE
Worth £249
STYLISH SEWING MADE SIMPLE
EASY
SKIRTS
3 designs to
TOP TIPS
Sewing Bee stars
share their secrets
make tonight! Pincushion
Quilted cushion
CLEVER
CRAFTING
with your free fabric
Vintage PExpert tips
STYLE
FREE Sewing Bee
Sizes 8-18
PStep-by-step
instructions
PEasy patterns
blouse pattern
INSIDE! www.lovesewingmag.co.uk
Inspire
Imagine
Create ISSUE 10 UK £6.99
PLAY TIME: KNICKERS! COSY DOG COAT:

FUN MAKES HOW TO SEW FREE PATTERN
THEY’LL LOVE YOUR OWN TO DOWNLOAD!
_LS10.P01 Front cover mock.indd 1 13/01/2015 18:07
_LS10.P02.indd 2 08/01/2015 14:53
Welcome to the new
issue of Love Sewing...
If you are like me, January has been a time to catch your breath (and save some
cash) after all that Christmas gift sewing. Now, though, I feel more than ready to
start fabric shopping and planning some new projects, as well as finish those slow-
burner makes that were put aside to make room for more urgent ones.
After a couple of months of cosy, candle-lit evenings, I'm craving light,
greenery and flowers and I'm already thinking about spring makes, as well as
brightening the house with fabrics in brights and florals. I'm also looking forward
to new skirts and dresses that will be ready to wear when the daffodils arrive.
So with a spring wardrobe in mind we've got three
Your
skirts to make this month, which you can team with a FREE Simple
sweater and tights for now, or a lightweight top when Sew pattern
warmer days come. And if you're looking for a great See page 30
for details
blouse pattern, we have one of those too: a beautiful
1930s-inspired collared blouse courtesy of The Great
British Sewing Bee Design Team.
A third series of The Great British Sewing Bee returns
to our screens very soon and to herald its return, this
month's issue also includes a fat quarter of fabric from
The GBSB's new collection for Dunelm Mill, with a
few suggestions for a projects you can make with it –
including a great little star patchwork cushion
(below right) by Very Berry Handmade's
Ali Burdon. We love seeing the projects PLUS:
you make with your free gifts and patterns, FREE Sewing
so remember to take a few snaps of your Bee fat quarter
See page 58
successes and share them on our for projects
Facebook page.
Happy sewing! Pretty
Purse
page 76
Patchwork cushion
page 58
Helen McLaughlin, Editor A BIG THANK YOU...

To this month's
shoot location, the
www.lovesewingmag.co.uk Old Stables Vintage
Tea Shop, Chorley,
www.facebook.com/lovesewingmag home of delicious
home-cooked food,
www.twitter.com/lovesewingmag cakes and teas, with
a range of locally
www.pinterest.com/lovesewingmag homesewn items on
sale. www.facebook.
com/TheOldStables
VintageTeaShop
www.lovesewingmag.com 3
_LS10.P03 Welcome.indd 3 13/01/2015 18:03

What's inside this issue of
78
38
46
Cover photography: Cat Powell @ CT Images

Hair & Make-up: Alison McMath
Model: Lauren Ibbotson 25 70
REGULARS AND FEATURES 16 LOVE SEWING LIBRARY 26 SEWING BEE SEWING TIPS
6 LOVE SEWING LOVES... This month's best new books Tricks and wisdom from the stars
The patterns, people, fabric and finds of the shows
getting us sewing this month 18 LOVE SEWING LETTERS
Your sewing queries 82 READER OFFERS
10 THIS MONTH and project pics Exclusive giveaways and discounts
Events, dates and happenings
22 MY PATTERN PICKS 86 COUTURE SEWING WITH ALISON SMITH
12 NOW IN STORE Katie Marcus from 'What Katie Sews' Princess seams explained
The best new fabrics shares her favourite makes
88 CLASSES, COURSES & WORKSHOPS
14 SHOP OF THE MONTH 25 WIN A SEWING MACHINE WORTH £249 Tuition and meet-ups around the
Eastleigh Sewing Centre We have a Janome 525s up for grabs UK this month
This month's guest contributors
Wendy Ward Ali Burdon Stephanie Stanesby

Wendy teaches sewing, dressmaking and pattern cutting Designer and maker Ali runs the Very Berry Handmade blog With her blog The Crafty Kitty, Stephanie
at her MIY Workshop in Brighton. She also designs her and Very Berry fabrics online shop. When she’s not sewing specialises in sewing with organic, eco-friendly
own range of sewing patterns called MIY Collection. things for books and magazines, she enjoys crochet and or repurposed materials. You can find her Kids'
Her first dressmaking book, The Beginner’s Guide to baking. Her Patchwork Star cushion is on page 58 and her Knit tunic on page 46 and her Dolly quilt set on
Dressmaking, is available now. Cafetiere cosy & pot holder is on page 78. page 72. For more tutorials and tips on sewing
www.wendyward.co.uk See www.veryberryhandmade.co.uk organic, see www.thecraftykitty.co.uk
4 www.lovesewingmag.com
_LS10.P04-05 Contents.indd 4 13/01/2015 18:05

42 Editorial
Editor Helen McLaughlin
Art Editor Craig Chubb
Chief Sub-Editor Becky Higgins
Sub-Editor Jessica Farricker
Contributors Fiona Pullen,
Alison Smith MBE
74 Editorial Assistant Hugh Metcalf
PROJECTS Publishing & Advertising

Group Sales Manager
30 WAIST-TIE SKIRT & WIGGLE SKIRT Kevin Edwards
Advertising Sales Executive
This month's free pattern gift
Noune Sarkissian
noune.sarkissian@practical
34 EASY DENIM SKIRT publishing.co.uk
Back to basics with this easy make Advertising Consultant
Jane Bates
42 1930s BLOUSE Subscriptions Manager
Daniel Tutton
Hollywood glamour from the
Senior Art Editor Jennifer Lamb
Sewing Bee Design Team Managing Editor Lee Campbell
Publisher Gavin Burrell
42 PRETTY AS A PICNIC MINIS Group Publisher Carol Jones
Let your lingerie skills blossom Managing Director Danny Bowler
62 Group Managing Director
with these cute floral knickers
Robin Wilkinson
46 KIDS' KNIT TUNIC Distribution

One pattern, two great styles Newstrade COMAG Magazine
Distribution
50 TEEPEE TENT Craft Store Distribution Executive
Jody Byron-Smith
Playtime fun for rainy days indoors jane.bates@practicalpublishing.co.uk
Tel 0844 826 0613
54 DUFFLE BAG
Use up your remnants with this retro bag Contact
58 Practical Publishing International Ltd,
Suite G2 St Christopher House,
58 FREE FAT QUARTER PROJECTS 217 Wellington Road South,
Patchwork cushion, card holder, machine Stockport SK2 6NG
pincushion, doorstops & pattern weights info@practicalpublishing.co.uk
www.practicalpublishing.co.uk
66 THE LOTTA TOTE Tel: 0844 561 1202
Fax: 0161 474 6961
A simple, stylish statement bag
60 Subscription Enquiries
70 LIBERTY SEWING KIT Tel: 01858 438899
Store your mending essentials in style Love Sewing is published by
Practical Publishing International Ltd
ISSN 2054-832X
72 DOLLY QUILT SET
Miniature bedding with appliquéd finish Subscribe to Love All material © Practical Publishing International Ltd.
Sewing today... The style and mark of Love Sewing is used under
licence from Craft Media Ltd. No material in whole
or in part may be reproduced, stored or transmitted
74 DOG COAT and receive your FREE in any form whatsoever without the prior written
Free pattern download in sizes S-L Gertie Sews Vintage Casual consent of Practical Publishing International Ltd.
The publisher welcomes contributions from readers.
book by Gretchen Hirsch All such contributions and submissions to the
76 PRETTY PURSE magazine are sent to and accepted by the publisher
Bring some early spring cheer to your bag on the basis of a non-exclusive transferable
worldwide licence unless otherwise agreed in
writing prior to first publication. Such submissions
78 CAFETIERE COSY & POT HOLDER are also subject to being used, reproduced,
modified, published, edited, translated, distributed
A quicksew set to brighten your mornings Turn to and displayed in any media or medium, or any form,
page 36 format or forum now known or hereafter developed,
98 30-MINUTE MAKE for more for any purpose, in perpetuity.
details
I Heart You T-Shirt
Susan Dunlop Claire Garside Katie Marcus

Susan, who made this month's Lotta tote bag, is the The founder of Manchester-based pattern Sewist, web designer and cat-mum, Katie's
creative talent behind the bag pattern and supplies labels Simple Sew and Eliza M, Claire adventures in sewing can be followed on her
website, Susie D Designs. Her new book, Style & Swing designed this month's three skirt patterns. brilliant blog, What Katie Sews, a chronicle of her
is out next month. Check out her site for patterns, kits, To see more of her designs, see attempts to build a wearable everyday wardrobe.
hardware and lots of bag making tips and advice. www.simplesew.co.uk and She shares her favourite patterns on page 22.
www.susieddesigns.co.uk www.elizamvintagesewing.co.uk whatkatiesews.net
_LS10.P04-05 Contents.indd 5 13/01/2015 18:05

The patterns, people, fabric and finds
BUYS & INSPIRATION getting us sewing this month
NEW PATTERN:
The Emmeline Tee
Designer and blogger Ami Lowden, better known as
The Little Tailoress, has launched the first design in
her debut pattern collection – the Emmeline Tee.
Simple, elegant and incredibly versatile, the Emmeline
has three different versions (in sizes XS-XXL), all of
which are dartless and can be made in either knit or
woven fabric. The pattern has a full set of illustrated
instructions for knit fabric and for woven fabric. Also
included is a guide for anyone new to working with
jersey fabric.
“I studied pattern cutting a number of years ago
and being able to draft patterns has been an integral
part of my love for garment design and sewing,” says
Ami. “So I wanted to produce some of my designs as
sewing patterns for others to make and wear.”
The Emmeline is available to download now from
her pattern shop in PDF form for £7.50 and will be
available to buy as a paper pattern next month. To
see more of Ami’s designs, along with her fabulous
archive of tutorials, pattern reviews and some
beautifully photographed vintage-style inspiration,
visit sewinglondon.co.uk
_LS10.P06-07 Love Sewing Loves.indd 6 13/01/2015 18:11

LOVE SEWING LOVES
Sew it now: chalk cloth

Fabric doesn’t come much more practical than chalk
cloth – a heavy duty, durable oilcloth with a special
surface you can write or draw. It can be wiped clean and
used again and again just like a blackboard (you just
need to prime it with chalk beforehand). You can use
it on bags, toys and even on clothes – just like these
fantastic Chalk and Tees T-shirts (right) by Little Mashers
(£19, www.notonthehighstreet.com). Another good idea
is chalk-cloth bunting – a stylish alternative to kitchen
notice boards. There’s a tutorial on how to make it on
the brilliant blog Delia Creates (www.deliacreates.com).
Buy yours for £11 per metre at www.plushaddict.co.uk
Whinberry & Antler

If you love prints inspired by the countryside and wildlife, seek out
the wonderful Whinberry & Antler screen-printed fabrics by Jacinta
Walton. Woven in Yorkshire and drawn and printed by Jacinta at her
studio in Somerset, the fabrics are a truly British creation, with designs
(also featuring hedgehogs and hares) inspired by Jacinta’s passion
for drawing and wildlife. Each combines a clean contemporary feel
with traditional illustrative style. The prints are also available in a
range of homeware – lampshades, cushions and kitchen textiles – and
stylish tote shoppers. Sold by the metre, the fabric is suitable for soft
furnishings and upholstery and is priced at £35 per metre.
www.whinberryantler.com

The patterns, people, fabric and finds
BUYS & INSPIRATION getting us sewing this month
Marianne by
Christine Haynes
Now in stock at The Village
Habadashery, Christine Haynes’s
lovely Marianne patttern is a great
project for your spring wardrobe – a
casual figure-skimming, above-the-
knee dress that’s perfect for throwing
over jeans or leggings in cooler
weather. Version one of the pattern
(in the red and white fabric) has a
Peter Pan collar, while version two (in
the blue and white fabric) has three-
quarter-length sleeves and contrast
cuffs with three-button decorative
detail. Both are available in sizes UK
8-18 and come complete with an
instruction booklet and printed tissue-
paper pattern. £14,
www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk
Kiss Kiss by
Abi Hall
You don’t have to be a fan of
Valentine’s Day to love this print
from Abi Hall’s Kiss Kiss collection
for Moda. With the delightful name
Love Birds in Cloud, it’s suitable for
quilting or dressmaking and part
of a selection available from this
month at Eclectic Maker. £12 per
metre, www.eclecticmaker.co.uk

LOVE SEWING LOVES
NEW ARRIVAL:
Liberty Pictures
and Conversations
This year is the 150th anniversary of the publication of
Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and to mark
the occasion, Liberty’s new spring/summer collection includes
a special collection, Pictures and Conversations, featuring prints
inspired by the book. Lauren Child (of Charlie and Lola fame)
and jewellery designer Alex Monroe have both contributed
to prints in the collection, which features bold patterns, floral
motifs and exquisite illustrations recalling the Mad Hatter’s
tea party, the Queen of Heart’s rose garden and the
Oxford riverbank where Carroll first read his story aloud.
A hand-picked selection of Pictures and Conversations
is available now at www.alicecaroline.co.uk
SEWING ROOM
SWOON
This month’s gorgeous sewing room is the work of
home-décor blogger Susan of Maple and Magnolia.
Successfully combining vintage finds with IKEA
basics (the sewing table, Frode folding chairs
and the oh-so-handy Råksog trolley), she has
transformed a once-drab spare room into a light,
bright sewist’s haven. Look out for the clever use
of the painted dresser to store fabric rolls and the Got a sewing
restored antique linen cabinet that turns fat-quarter room to
storage into a stunning focal point. swoon over?
www.mapleandmagnolia.com Send your photos to
letters@lovesewing
mag.co.uk

This month...
Events, dates, suggestions and happenings for
your diary in the weeks ahead
P PLAN YOUR TRIP…

...to the Henley Create Festival & Home and
Garden Festival, taking place from Saturday 28th
February until Sunday 1st March at Lady Sew and
Sew, Farm Road in Henley. Following the success of
last year’s Henley Creates festival, this year’s event
looks set to be bigger than ever, with a great line-up
of workshops including bag making, lampshade
making, quilt displays and a fashion show. Find out
more at www.ladysewandsew.co.uk
P PRE-ORDER…
...your copy of
Style and Swing. This
great new book by
Susan Dunlop features
12 brilliant bag-making
projects for sewists of
all skill levels, starting
with a simple, yet
elegant handbag,
and progress to more
challenging designs,
including a pleated
clutch, large market bag, trendy hipster bag and hobo
bag. The book includes a comprehensive rundown
of techniques with information on using tools, fabric
preparation, interfacing and purse hardware. The book
will go on sale in March from Susan’s own website,
www.susieddesigns.co.uk and will be available through
Amazon later this spring.
P LEARN THE BASICS

OF DRESSMAKING…
…at the Stitching,
Sewing & Hobbycrafts
show, taking place
on 6th-8th February
at EventCity in
P REV UP YOUR MACHINE… Manchester. Part of
...for the start of winter Kid’s Clothes week. Taking place on 2nd-8th February, the line-up of workshops and
the aim of this seasonal sewing challenge is to sew something for kids (yours or demonstrations at this popular weekend event will
someone elses) for one hour each day for seven days – and share the results. The be a series of drop-in mini workshops led by expert
challenge is to encourage sewists to put a little bit of time aside for making each tutors Thelma Judge and Linda MacDonald, who
day, to feed your creative spirit and provide an opportunity to put all your ideas will help you get to grips with a sewing machine and
into motion among a community of supportive like-minded stitchers. The theme teach simple dressmaking processes. There will also
for this season’s event is upcycled. To sign up, visit blog.kidsclothesweek.com, be advice on fabric quantities, cutting out and buying
where you can also grab a special KCW button to put on your blog, or twitter, your dressmaking ‘notions’. Tickets for the event are
or Facebook, or Intstagram and spread the word. £8. To book, visit www.stitchandhobby.co.uk
_LS10.P10 This month.indd 10 13/01/2015 18:16

_LS10.P02.indd 11 13/01/2015 09:41

Dinara Mirtalipova Wild Field Gallop in White, £12
per metre, www.eclecticmaker.co.uk
Modern Neutrals Geometrics, £14 per metre, www.raystitch.co.uk
Now in store
fabric
Our favourite finds from the
latest collections
Below left: Temple Outline Lawn Blue, £22 per metre, www.
raystitch.co.uk. Below right: Landscapes Pigeon and Green,
£12 per metre, www.fabricrehab.co.uk. Below: Illustrated
Forest Sea Green, £11.96 per metre, www.fabricrehab.co.uk
Robert Kaufman Urban Zoologie Flamingoes, £12

per metre, www.plushaddict.co.uk;
Mimosa Green Ditsy Stems, £12 per metre; Frances Newcombe Utopia
Orni Birds Pink, £12 per metre, both www.fabricrehab.co.uk
_LS10.P12-13 New Fabrics.indd 12 13/01/2015 20:06

NEW ARRIVALS FABRIC
Frances Newcombe Utopia Aglow Sapling Sky, £12 per metre,

www.fabricrehab.co.uk
Clockwise from top left: AGF

Hello Bear in Follow Me Peach,
Flowered Engrams Ornate, £12 per metre, www.misformake.co.uk £12, www.misformake.co.uk;
Makower Siamese Cats, £12 per metre, www.plushaddict.co.uk Makower Birds & Eggs Kites
on Orange, £12 per metre,
www.plushaddict.co.uk; Peacock
Garden Wavy Train Aqua, £12 per
metre, wwwfabricrehab.co.uk;
Gina Martin From Bump to Baby
in Silver Flowers, £12 per metre,
www.eclecticmaker.co.uk;
Geometric Bliss Vertex
Tulips in Mint, £12 per metre
www.villagehaberdashery.co.uk;
Charley Harper Nurture
Murre, £18 per metre,
www.misformake.co.uk
_LS10.P12-13 New Fabrics.indd 13 13/01/2015 20:06

Sho p of t he mo nt h
Eastleigh Sewing Centre Eastleigh

we have a wealth of knowledge and are fully trained in
the four main embroidery software packages: Brother,
Husqvarna, Janome and Bernina. We offer training on a
one-to-one basis, or as groups if required.
What can people expect to find when they visit?

A large range of patchworking and quilting fabrics
along with dressmaking and craft fabrics. We also stock
Bernina, Brother, Husqvarna, Janome, Elna, Babylock
and Singer sewing machines, overlockers and sofware.
We have a range of machines, from £99 to the top of the
range sewing and embroidery machines for the more
experienced. For every machine brought from us we
always offer free tuition on it to make sure you can
T
get the most of your
his family-run shop is more than just machine.
an old-fashioned haberdashery. The
range of sewing machines on offer is What’s selling well at
second to none. the minute?
Recently, we have seen
How long have you been open and what’s the story a lot of younger people
behind the shop? getting new machines,
The shop was set up in 2005 in the centre of Eastleigh, and having lessons.
to try and help with the massive lack of shops in the This is really inspiring,
area of our kind. We wanted to create a shop that was a especially when some
one stop shop for all your sewing needs, with everything of their parents have
from a needle and thread to the top of the range absolutely no idea how
embroidery machines and software. to even turn a machine
on. It’s great to see a new generation being creative.
How would you describe the shop?
We are very much an old-fashioned haberdashery shop. What kind of service do you offer for shoppers who
We’re also a family business with a combined knowledge aren’t local?
– from dressmaking and quilting, to sewing machines We currently only offer mail order by phone and we are
Below right: The and teaching – and an enthusiasm that we think helps working tirelessly on building our webshop. If anything
shop stocks a large
to makes us unique. We have also become renowned in is needed people can just give us a call and we can sort it
range of quilting,
dressmaking and the south for being a centre of excellence when it comes out for them.
craft fabrics and to embroidery-machine software due to our experience
offers machine gained over a number of years. Embroidery machines What do you offer in terms of classes and teaching facilities?
tuition classes require software to enable you to create your own designs, We have a fully equipped training room at the back of the
shop and we are currently booking out our course calendar
for 2015. We run a range of courses, from ‘Get to know
your sewing machine’ to ‘Quillow making’ days and ‘Jelly
Roll’ days. We are also looking for new tutors to bring fresh
ideas to our training room, as well as offering one-on-one
tuition on all makes and models of machine – anyone
interested can drop in the shop or give us ring. O
Contact: Eastleigh Sewing Centre, 22 High Street,

Eastleigh, Hampshire SO50 5LD
Phone: 023 8065 0808
Email: ask@eastleighsewingcentre.co.uk
www.eastleighsewingcentre.co.uk
_LS10P14 Shop of the Month.indd 14 13/01/2015 18:18

_LS10.P15.indd 15 08/01/2015 14:59
Our picks of this month's new
sewing and dressmaking books
library By HUGH METCALF
SEW FAB
by Lesley Ware
£12.95, Laurence King
For the younger generation
with a burgeoning interest
in sewing, Sew Fab is a
perfectly pitched delight –
simple enough for beginner
dressmakers while hitting
the nail on the head when
it comes to youthful fashion. Captured in sweet
illustrations, it’s a book that’ll really get them
engaged, with just the right amount of fluffy style
advice and inspirational ideas versus projects so that
they can get down to some serious sewing. Small
accessories will get them started, while DIY leggings,
skirts, tops and this simple little black dress will
get them desperate to create a handmade wardrobe
of their own.
BABY SAYS SEW

by Rebecca Danger
£21.99, Martingale
Rebecca Danger
is best known
for her cute and
quirky monster-toy
knitting patterns for
children, but this
time, with a sewing
machine in tow, she’s turned her hand
to giving sewing for baby a contemporary
twist. With simple but fun designs, she’s
letting the fabric do the talking, forgoing
the standard pastel pinks and blues to
make way for bold, graphic prints. If you’re
looking for some practical baby patterns,
there’s plenty here, as well as cute ideas
for toys such as a stacking turtle set seem
to be Rebecca’s speciality.
_LS10.P16-17 Books.indd 16 13/01/2015 18:19

LOVE SEWING LIBRARY
SEW USEFUL
by Debbie Shore
£9.99, Search Press
Love Sewing regular Debbie is quite the
prolific author and, if like us, you’ve been
hoarding her many craft books, the latest
offering might just help you figure out
how to best store them. Sew Useful is all
about practical projects for your home,
with a focus on storage accessories so
that everything can be kept its proper place – neat freaks rejoice!
There are lots of ideas that’ll transfer well into your craft room,
so if your aim for this year is to create a ‘Sewing Room Swoon’-
worthy space, here’s a great place to start.
TORIE JAYNE’S STYLISH HOME SEWING

by Torie Jayne
£14.99, Cico
Torie’s blog (check it out at www.
toriejayne.com) is already a firm
favourite on our reading list – a
beautiful collision of gorgeous
photography and craft projects in
Pinterest-appeasing pastel shades, of
which we just can’t get enough. Stylish
Home Sewing is much of the same, but with more of a focus
on sewing skills and simple but chic projects using a well-
matched fabric selection of Torie’s own design. The book is
separated into dining room, kitchen, bedroom and lounge,
with the aim of Torie’s dreamy set styling inspiring you to
turn your house into your dream home.
EASY TO MAKE! CURTAINS AND BLINDS

by Wendy Baker
£7.99, Pavillion Craft
The ability to make your own
curtains is a great skill to
possess, opening up your
window-treatment options
two-fold. After all, not only will
you be able to custom-fit your
curtains or blinds to whatever
width and length you need, you’ll also save a bucket
load by not having to call in the professionals. That’s
why we’re happy to see this reprint of Wendy Baker’s
popular book, giving advice on the conventions
that frame your curtain making, as well as practical
guides to achieving different styles. After getting
hold of a copy of Easy to Make! Curtains and Blinds,
you’ll never buy off the shelf again!
_LS10.P16-17 Books.indd 17 13/01/2015 18:19

About me
I have my own
business called
MIY Workshop
in Brighton
where I teach
letters
sewing,
dressmaking
and pattern
cutting. I am a
qualified teacher, have a degree in
fashion and spent seven years working
in the fashion industry before starting
to teach in 2007. My first dressmaking
book The Beginner’s Guide to
Dressmaking is available now. I also
Got a question for Wendy Ward? Or a project to share? design my own range of sewing patterns
called MIY Collection.
Get in touch by emailing us at letters@lovesewingmag.co.uk www.wendyward.co.uk
www.miyworkshop.co.uk
www.miycollection.co.uk
a go at a simple shape in a knit fabric; they
make quick, easy and most importantly,
wearable garments. Look for a nice stable knit
such as ponte roma or sweatshirt rather than
jersey as medium-weight stable knits are a bit
easier to work with for beginners.
A The tension dial controls how tight or
loose your stitches are. For thicker fabric,
tighten the tension to a higher number and
for lighter weight fabric, loosen the tension to
Q I’ve just started sewing, but am

finding even sewing in a straight line a
challenge! Any tips to make it easier?
a lower number. As a starting point, for two
layers of medium-weight woven fabric set
your tension on four. Move it up or down by
Ros Jefferies just one number at a time when you need to
adjust it. When the tension is set correctly the
stitch should look the same on the top and
bottom and if you pull the two layers of fabric
apart, you shouldn’t be able to see the stitches
(called ‘seam grinning’).
A Don’t watch the needle all the time, it

kind of hypnotises you! Line up the
edge of the fabric with something on your
machine. If it has them, use the seam guides
– they’re the lines and numbers on the flat
part of your sewing machine to the right
of the presser foot. If your machine doesn’t
Q I’m ready to make my first garment –

what do you recommend?
Louisa Forde
have any seam guides, make some! Place a
strip of masking tape across the machine
bed so that the distance between the edge
of your tape and the needle equals your
A For woven fabrics, a simple A-line

skirt is a great first garment project
as they’re quick to make, easy to fit and
seam allowance. Remove it regularly though
otherwise you’ll be left with a permanently
sticky sewing machine.
cover lots of basic techniques. Or, why not
have a go at stretch fabrics? They’re not the
nightmare they’re made out to be and I often
recommend my beginner students to have
Q What is the tension dial on my
machine and how do I set it?
Nicky Lloyd-Jones
_LS010.P18-19 Letters.indd 18 13/01/2015 18:21

LOVE SEWING LETTERS
Readers’ Le tter of the mo nth ter dress. I took the
MAKES
P My version of the ska
my own pattern for the
bodice apart and made
istband as the bodice
back panels, added a wa
de d
was quite short and ad
od dress
pockets, every go
has pockets, and voilá!
Ree Rose Lawrence
P My attempt at the baby

dungarees from issue
7. I slightly adapted the
pattern by fully lining
them, and managed to
make them from fabric I
had leftover from another
project! lready planning on
making another pair!
Dressy Jessy
P My tartan skirt. I love

it and have had lots of
compliments today when
I wore it. Now want to
sew more clothes!
Nicki Klingenberg
P This is my slightly adapted

zipped jacket pattern from issue
9. This is made using a lovely dark
grey woollen fabric and the whole
thing only cost me about £13!
Sue Bedford
P Love the Bella dress

pattern thanks so much!
Such a stress-free make!
Claire Houchell
If you've made something using the projects or patterns in Love Sewing, tell us about it and
we'll publish it. Share it on our Facebook page or email us at letters@lovesewingmag.co.uk
_LS010.P18-19 Letters.indd 19 13/01/2015 18:22

H
Tea Towe
CUT
sewing
NEW
gather
between
YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO SEWING & DRESSMAKING

dots
- XS
surements)
VES
ished Garment Mea
SLEE
-S
Chart (Fin
Penelope Sizing
VES
TH
VIEWS E & F
SLEE
NG
VIEWS C & D
-M
VIEWS C & D SHIRT LENGTH
4 LE
VIEWS A & B
TH
PETITE LENGTH
VES
VIEWS A & B
NG
AVERAGE LENGTH
R 3/
PETITE LENGTH
SLEE
4 LE
-L
HIP AVERAGE LENGTH
E FO
SIZE WAIST 38.75” L 22” L
VES
R 3/
TH
42.5” L
HER
NG
34.75” L
EE
22.5” L
E FO
Sausage Dog: ear

38.5” L
SL
39.25” L
L
T
4 LE
-X
CU
36” 43.25” L
TH
28”
ER
XS
VES
35.25” L
R 3/
NG
23” L
TH
39.25” L 40” L
EE
4 LE
E FO
38”
CU
30” 44” L
SL
S 36” L 23.5” L
R 3/
TH
40” L
HER
40.5” L
NG
40” 44.25” L
E FO
M 32”
T
36.5” L
4 LE
24” L
CU
40.5” L 41” L
ER
R 3/
43” 45” L
TH
L 35” 37” L
E FO
CU
47” 41” L
39”
ER
XL
TH
CU
C & D.
are measured all
around. s a 4” ruffle on Views
*WAIST and HIP F. Length include
Views A, B, E &
s a 1/2” hem on
LENGTH include
Pattern Markings A
of fabric,
on straight grain
Grainline: Place
parallel to selved
ge
PENELO PE
FRONT panel
desired length
fold of fabric cut 1 on fold of
Foldline: Place on e to straight grain
of fabric.
CENTER FRONT
CUT 1 ON FOLD
(Match grainlin go side-to-side)
of fabric should
on desired size Maximum stretch
where marked
Cutting Line: Cut
notch into fabric

for ANCE INCLUDED
Notches: Cut small 1/2” SEAM ALLOW
matching seams
fabric XS
Use a water-soluble S
Pattern Markings: r markings to
pencil to transfe
marker or a chalk M
the fabric L
XL
nce is included
1/2” seam allowa
Seam Allowance: .
for all pattern pieces
Gentleman
MADE SIMPLE
’s
Tie: piece
Gentleman’s Tie: pie

!
KNIT FABRICS ONLY
2
GRAINLINE — USE
ALL THIS INSIDE:
on sale
ce 1
LENGTH - XS
CUT HERE FOR SHIRT
LENGTH - S
CUT HERE FOR SHIRT
LENGTH - M
CUT HERE FOR SHIRT
45 step-by-step sewing projects

LENGTH - L
CUT HERE FOR SHIRT
LENGTH - XL
now!
CUT HERE FOR SHIRT
5 full dressmaking patterns

FREE 6-in-1 dress & top pattern
PENELOPE
All the templates you need to make
XL
en
3/4 sleeves for wom
M
with short and

KBAND SIZES L &
Knit dress and top

KBAND SIZES S &
Gent
#000
3 Sizes XS - XL VIEW F
KBAND SIZE XS
F: VIEW E
ERN RE VIEW D
every project in the magazine

PATT VIEW C
VIEW B
VIEW A
lema
CUT 1
PENELOPE NEC
CUT 1
PENELOPE NEC
sewing
n’s Ti
CUT 1
PENELOPE NEC
18
16
D LISA LAM 14
STUART HILLAR
8 12
S
TILLY WALNE
10 10
ALISON SMITH
12 8
ICE: ENTS
e: pie
14
EXPERT ADV E GARM
16
SIMPL18 ND ARIC
AB F
TB IRS
IS PA
WO
C
WA TT
C
CU
ce 3
CK
C
4
AIN
BA
8 10
GR
12 14
3 F:
MADE SIMPLE
00
HT
#0 N RE
16 18
IG
ER
TT
RA
PA
TOYS & GIFTS
ST
8
10
12
Baby S
14
16
18
hoes:
45
sides
- XS
LENGTH DRESS
FOR PETITE
CUT HERE
8
10
R E V E R SI B L E
12
14
ep projects
16
-S
LENGTH DRESS
18
FOR PETITE
step-by-st sewing
& C U T8E10 B12OW14 R A P SK IR T
CUT HERE
AS
to get you t! COR IDE -M
HOME DE
LENGTH DRESS
FOR PETITE
tonigh
CUT HERE
CUT HERE
Y16' S 18SH IR T
FOR PETITE
LENGTH DRESS
-L
2 exclusive
ole
Create designs FOR PETITE

LENGTH DRESS
- XL
this stylish
CUT HERE
SIZ ES
s: s
& spacious 8 1012141618 8 -1 4

tote bag
hoe
QUICK MAKES ROCKABILL

PLUS
Y BOY'S SHIR
This ado T
yS
sense of
rable boy’
s shirt REVERSIBLE
fun and style and chee has a WRAP SKIR
Sew your own
brin
your little gs a grow ky, childlike This clas T
lad n-up look way of sic design is a
to showing perfect DRESS - XS
AVERAGE LENGTH
wardrobe
Bab
Suitable favourite off

prints in two of your CUT HERE FOR
Any light fabrics one proj
cotton weight or quilt Suitable ect
ing-weig Any light fabrics
Cotton shirt
ht DRESS - S
What you poplin weight cotton AVERAGE LENGTH
will or linen lawn, CUT HERE FOR
- 70cm
main cottneed
Knit dress
- 70cm Wha
contrast on fabric t you will
- 2 x 1m
- 70cm need
lightweig cotton fabric cotton DRESS - M
Trousers
- 4 clea ht fusib - sew ing fabr ic, 1.5m AVERAGE LENGTH
r
- 4 pres buttons
le interfacin - scissors machine wide CUT HERE FOR
s g
- sewing studs - pins
Wrap skirt - scissors machine - tailor’s
- co-ordinchalk (optiona DRESS - L
No-pattern
UK £9.99
- tailor’s
- co-ordina
ing.co.uk
chalk (opt
ional)
ating thre l)
ad (goo AG ES CUT HERE FOR
AVERAGE LENGTH
For the
www.practicalpublish ting thre d quality)
blouse
ad (goo
d quality)
5- 6 Adventur
DRESS - XL
8 Inspire CUT HERE FOR
AVERAGE LENGTH
ou
Beginner s
Imagine
10 Create
12
© Practi
cal Publis
Suite G2 hing Intern
217 WellinSt Christopher
14 FECT ZIPS
ational
BOOST Sewing
gton House, Ltd.
Stockp
ort, UK, Road South,
H DARTS PER
www.pract SK2 6NG
icalpu
16 Y WORK WIT
blishing.co
al use or sale.
.uk
ited.
YOUR
is strictly prohib
NTS MADE EAS
SMS_Patter
purchaser for person in part or whole

n_Envelope
18 Reserved.
15:38
ser and only the
13/01/2015
uction of this pattern
.indd
MEASUREME
D, LLC. All Rights
MADE SIMPLE
1
sewn by the purcha Any printed or electronic reprod

SKILLS
Designs for MODKI
TM
©2010 Patty Young to create items

to use this pattern the right odkidboutique.com.
Modkid LLC allows ercial use to info@m
s for any other comm
1
Please direct inquirie
SMS.P01.indd
2
MENTS HOME DÉCOR & ORIES
BAGS & ACCESS
17/12/2014
SIMPLE GAR GIFTS

19:04
PATT
ERN R
#000 EF:
3
Back T
rouse
CUT T
WO F
ABRIC r
STRA
IGHT
8
GR
10
AIN
12
14
BUY ONLINE TODAY FROM WWW.MOREMAGS.COM

16
18
LENG
THEN
OR SH
ORTE
N HE
RE
_LS10.P20 SMS House Ad.indd 20 13/01/2015 19:31

_LS10.P21.indd 21 13/01/2015 09:43
_LS10.P41.indd 41 08/01/2015 15:08
NATURE EXPLORER BAG
Win a Janome 525S

Get your hands on a new machine, as seen on
The Great British Sewing Bee!
Worth
£249!
If you’re ever lucky enough to find yourself in The Great British Sewing Bee studio, you’d notice that
not only is it well equipped with a fabulous fabric stash, haberdashery and dress forms, but also
Janome sewing machines. The 525S is the model of choice, as it’s perfect for sewists of every level –
offering a well-balanced range of stitches that make it ideal for coping with everyday sewing tasks.
Stitch selection is by dial – just choose the letter that matches the stitch and start sewing – while the
automatic buttonhole produces perfect buttonholes in one easy step and the automatic needle threader
takes the strain out of fiddly threading. Plus there’s plenty of accessory storage and a hard cover for
protection. If you’re looking for an upgrade from a basic model, here’s your perfect opportunity.
Simply enter our competition for your chance to win a Joanome 525S worth £249!
To enter, visit www.ppjump.com/ls10janome

By entering this competition you accept that your details may be passed on to a third party. Competition open to UK entrants only. Closing date March 2nd, 2015
_LS10.P25.indd 25 13/01/2015 18:25

As we gear up for a new series of The Great British Sewing Bee, past contestants
(and judge May Martin) share their advice on the secrets of successful sewing
sewing tips
“The most important thing to learn first is the very “Keep things
basics. In sewing, the foundation is simple tasks tidy as you go.
such as perfect seams, perfect darts, being able Press (using
to put zips in and being an absolute stickler for a steam iron)
measuring. Make everything as perfect as possible and neaten
no matter how simple it is and stick to what you
are supposed to be doing. If you’ve got darts, make
(using a
them exactly the same – same angle, same width, zigzag stitch)
same length and you won’t go wrong.” as you construct your project
Heather Jacks, series 2 winner – rather than doing it all at the
end. Trying to press seams and
neaten edges at the end of a
“The key to project is much more difficult.”
May Martin, judge
success is
preparation,
preparation,
preparation.
Make sure
you have
everything “Read the instructions from
you need beginning to end, then read
before starting and that you them again, and you’ll get
understand the pattern.” that ‘ah ha’ moment before
Ann Rowley, series 1 winner you even start.”
Stuart Hillard,
series 1 contestant
“Don’t be afraid to try your

hand at new fabrics and, even “Use just enough pins to
if you don’t do very well with hold you fabric together.
While it’s tempting to use
it first time round, don’t give up your whole box of pins
up. The more you handle a to keep the fabric from
specific fabric the more you budging, too many can
will understand how it works.” distort the fabric.”
Chinelo Bally, series 2 contestant Tilly Walnes, series 1 contestant
_LS010.P26-27 Sewing Bee tips.indd 26 13/01/2015 18:27

“Have a neat and “Using a razor blade rather
than a seam picker is
tidy workspace. much faster. If you don’t
Organise your have the fancy gadgets that
sewing equipment you think you need, try to
so that it's all to find an alternative around
the house. The truth is
hand and readily people made clothes
available.” hundreds of years ago
Linda Lewis, series 2 contestant without fancy gadgets.”
Chinelo Bally,
“Keep two or three series 2 contestant
seam rippers handy and
don’t use your scissors “Get the right tools – it
for anything but fabric. seems like a big investment
Also, treat yourself to but it will make life a lot
a pin magnet – they easier if you have good-
are brilliant.”
Tamara Melvin, quality equipment.”
series 2 contestant Lauren Guthrie,
series 1 contestant
“If you struggle to

sew straight, accurate
seams, mark them
lightly with a pencil;
most people can sew “A mistake I see time and time
again in dressmaking is women
accurately if they have not measuring themselves. They
a line to follow.” “Embrace your will go and pick a dress pattern
Stuart Hillard,
mistakes – you from the size on the envelope, cut
series 1 contestant out the pattern, just make it and
can always unpick then wonder why it doesn’t fit. It’s
something and you will very rare that it will fit because
learn so much from it pattern sizes are different to dress
so it’s never a waste of sizes, so you need to measure
time. And be brave – “Don’t be too yourself and compare your
measurements with the ones on
try something you’ve ambitious and take the envelope.”
never attempted before, on something more May Martin, judge
work through it slowly
step by step.” difficult than your
Lauren Guthrie, learned techniques.
series 1 contestant It will end up in
disappointment! And
be absolutely accurate
“When you notch, snip in your cutting out.
only a little into the fabric
rather than taking out the Sewing is like a fabric
‘V’-shaped wedges that most jigsaw puzzle and if
patterns seem to call for. all the pieces aren’t the
This saves time and doesn’t
weaken your seam.” right size then they “Take your time and
Chinelo Bally, won’t fit together.” savour the process.”
series 2 contestant Heather Jacks, series 2 winner Ann Rowley, series 1 winner
_LS010.P26-27 Sewing Bee tips.indd 27 13/01/2015 18:27

NEW
FOREST
FABRICS
www.newforestfabrics.co.uk
t: 02381 783386 e: sue@newforestfabrics.co.uk
_LS10.P28.indd 28 13/01/2015 09:44

Lotta
tote bag
66
Projects
44 pages
of projects
start here
Teepee tent
50
74
Quilted
dog coat
Dolly
quilt set
72
O SPRING SKIRTS O LOTTA TOTE O TEEPEE TENT O DOG COAT O DOLLY QUILT SET
This month, we have three simple spring skirts to make, plus a beautiful 1930s
blouse designed by the Great British Sewing Bee team for the more advanced
stitcher. We also have a couple of fun projects for kids, a cosy quilted dog coat
and some great project ideas for your free fat quarter
_LS10.P29 Project opener.indd 29 13/01/2015 18:28

THIS
MONTH'S
FREE
PATTERN
GIFT
Tie-waisted
skirt
Part one of this month’s free pattern
gift, this tulip-style skirt creates
a lovely curved silhouette and has
a pretty bow-tied detail at the rear
Project: CLAIRE GARSIDE
Claire says:
“If you’re looking for
a spring skirt that’s a
little bit different but
that’s still very simple
to make, this is it. The
darts on the hip create
lovely soft curves so it’s very flattering
for hourglass shapes – or even if you’re
looking to create one! It works best in
a good-quality cotton, like this beautiful
organic Daisy Janie fabric we used,
but you could also make it in a
mid-weight jersey. The skirt is 22" length
but if you want it longer, simply extend
the pattern from the hip."
We used...
Daisy Janie
Midsummer
Dream, £14 per
metre, www.
mauds-fabric-
finds.com
_LS10.P30-31 Tie-waisted skirt.indd 30 13/01/2015 18:30

The rear zip is
covered by a belt tie
Size Length Waist Hips Fabric
8 22" 26" 26" 1.5m

10’ 22" 28" 38" 1.5m
12 22" 30" 40" 1.5m
14 22" 32" 42" 1.5m
16 22" 34" 44" 1.5m
_LS10.P30-31 Tie-waisted skirt.indd 31 13/01/2015 18:30

WIGGLE SKIRT
Wiggle
skirt
Part two of this month’s free
pattern, this elegant knee-
length pencil skirt features a
tummy-shaping high waist for
maximum flattering fit
Claire says:
“If you’re using tweed,
you’ll need to add a lining,
which will make this more
comfortable to wear and
help the skirt keep its
shape. The silky fabrics used for linings are
acetates or polyester and come in a range
To p tip of colours, although almost any fabric can
Learn how to line your
be used. The rule is that the lining fabric
skirt with Tilly Walnes’s
photo tutorial at
must be lighter, or at least no heavier, than
www.tillyand the main fabric. If you’re not yet confident
thebuttons.com enough for lining, stick to a lighter fabric
such as cotton. If you need to extend the
skirt length, do so from the hip.”
We used...
Lintons tweed in
blue and green,
£26 per metre,
www.linton
direct.co.uk
_LS10.P32-33 Wiggle skirt.indd 32 13/01/2015 18:32

Make your matching
jacket in next month’s
Love Sewing, on sale
26th February
THIS
MONTH'S
FREE
PATTERN
GIFT
8 22" 26" 26" 1.5m

10’ 22" 28" 38" 1.5m
12 22" 30" 40" 1.5m
14 22" 32" 42" 1.5m
16 22" 34" 44" 1.5m
_LS10.P32-33 Wiggle skirt.indd 33 13/01/2015 18:32

EASY DENIM SKIRT
Easy
denim skirt
If you’re new to skirts, start with this basic A-line. There’s a side zip, but to keep things simple
there’s no waistband and if you use a fine, soft denim, you won’t need a jeans presser foot
SKILL LEVEL: O SIZE CHART FABRIC REQ’S 45”/60”(M’S)

MATERIALS:
O free template sheet 8 22" 26" 26" 1.5m
O denim fabric (see size guide) 10’ 22" 28" 38" 1.5m
O interfacing (cut to required waist size)
12 22" 30" 40" 1.5m
O 9” zip
O zipper foot 14 22" 32" 42" 1.5m
16 22" 34" 44" 1.5m
HOW TO MAKE:
A Cut out your two pattern pieces (front
skirt/back skirt), pin to the paper pieces to A Gap
the fabric and cut the shapes from the fabric.
With right sides together (RST), join the front B
and back skirts at the side seams. Make sure
you leave an open gap to the zip notch which
is marked on the pattern. (See Pic A.)
B Iron on the interfacing to the wrong side

of the waist facing on the front skirt and the
back skirt. Zigzag stitch the bottom edge.
(See Pic B. Pin the facing RST with the skirt
at the waist, with the zigzagged edge you have E
just stitched at the bottom. (See Pic C.) Stitch
in place. Flip over the waistband facing to the C
inside of the skirt and iron in the the seam. x
D
zip
3 Pin the zip in place RST with the side tape
seam of the skirt. Hand-tack into position.
Switch to the zipper foot on your machine
and remove the pins. Stitch the zip in place.
(See pics D and E.)
4 Turn the skirt inside out and from the last

stitch you made continue to sew all the way
down to the bottom of the skirt. Turn the skirt G
so it is RS out. Fold the facing over the top
so that the facing and the skirt are right sides F
together. Stitch down the side of the zipper
tape on each side through the skirt and the
facing. Flip the facing back to the inside of
the skirt. Turn up the edge of the skirt hem
by 0.5cm and iron flat, stitch close the edge.
Repeat. Your skirt is finished! O
_LS10.P34-35 A-line denim skirt.indd 34 13/01/2015 18:32

Top tip
Need more help
?
There’s a great be
ginners
tutorial on makin
ga
zipped A-line sk
irt at
ideas.stitchcraftc
reate.
co.uk/how-to-m
ake-
an-a-line-skirt
_LS10.P34-35 A-line denim skirt.indd 35 13/01/2015 19:48

Yes! I would like to subscribe to
and receive my FREE copy of Gertie Sews Vintage Casual SAVE an incredible 30% on the cost
Please complete in ballpoint pen and send to:
Love Sewing, Tower House, Sovereign Park,
Quote code: of a year’s subscription to Love
Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9EF
D010
Sewing and receive this fabulous
Your details Gretchen Hirsch book FREE!
TITLE:............ FORENAME:..................................................................................................
SURNAME:.............................................................................................................................. Each issue of Love Sewing is full of high-quality practical sewing

ADDRESS:................................................................................................................................ projects. Featuring a free monthly pattern, easy-to-follow step-
by-step guides and using the latest fabrics, you will be able
...................................................................................................................................................
to create fabulous contemporary accessories for your home,
........................................................................................... POSTCODE:................................ family and wardrobe. You can SAVE 30% and get started today
DAYTIME TELEPHONE:..................................................................................................... with even basic sewing skills with this fantastic free gift...
MOBILE TELEPHONE:......................................................................................................... Gertie Sews Vintage Casual is focused on gorgeous mid-century
patterns for casual dresses, wide-legged trousers, playful beach
EMAIL:..................................................................................................................................... rompers, 50s-style shorts and fitted Capri pants. The book is
To give a subscription as a gift, please complete the section above and supply the
organised into two major sections – techniques and projects.
recipient’s address details on a separate sheet. In the first part Hirsch focuses on techniques that are specific
to casual wear, such as buttonholes, collars, interfacings,
DIRECT DEBIT @ £27.25 EVERY SIX MONTHS (SAVE 30%) pockets for shirts, special considerations when working with
knit fabrics and trouser making. The projects in the second part
Instruction to your Bank or Building are designed to work as a complete casual wardrobe, with an
Society to pay by direct debit incredible nine full-sized patterns included!
Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society:
To: The Manager Bank/Building Society
Address
SAVE

30%
Subscribe for just
£27.25 every six
Postcode
months on
Name(s) of Account Holder(s)
Branch sort code Bank/Building Society account number
nnnnnn nnnnnn n n n
Office use only
Reference
Originator’s Identification Number 4 n

n 3 n
9 n
3 n
4 n
5
Date
Signature Date
Please pay Practical Publishing Int Ltd Direct Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject to
safeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Practical
Why subscribe?
Publishing Int Ltd and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building society.
Bank and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some accounts.
Save money on every issue
Never miss an issue
£ 54.57 FOR 13 ISSUES – PLUS FREE COPY OF GERTIE SEWS
VINTAGE CASUAL
Free delivery direct to your door
CHEQUE/POSTAL ORDER/CREDIT/DEBIT CARD
Be the first to read Love Sewing
I enclose a cheque/postal order made payable to Practical Publishing International Ltd Every issue includes a FREE pattern
OR please debit my Visa/Mastercard/Maestro (delete as appropriate)
AND a FREE gift
CARD NUMBER
PLUS Free access to
EXPIRY ISSUE NUMBER
The VIP Lounge –
DATE (if Maestro) exclusive offers,
projects,
SIGNATURE:............................................................................................DATE:............................ downloads
* UK offer only Minimum subscription term is for 12 months. We reserve the right to request the gift and more! www.moremags.com/vip
is returned should the subscription be cancelled early. Offer expires 26/02/2015.
For overseas rates and other payment methods visit www.moremags.com/subscriptions
I DO NOT want Practical Publishing Int Ltd to contact me by email telephone post
Tick this box if you do not wish to receive promotional material from carefully selected
third party companies
_LS10.P36-37 Subs DPS.indd 36 13/01/2015 18:33

su
Excript
Subscribe to
bs
clu ion
siv off
e er
today and
receive your
FREE copy of
Gertie Sews
Vintage
Casual*
What’s included?
P 224-page hard-cover
spiral-bound book
P 9 full-sized patterns
P 34 projects
P Detailed techniques Worth
chapter
£21.99
Ordering is quick and easy...

Online: www.practicalsubs.com/D010
Call: 01858 438899 (Quote code: D010)
*Offer available to UK customers only. Minimum subscription term is for 12 months. For overseas rates please visit www.moremags.com/subscriptions
Offer expires 26/02/2015
_LS10.P36-37 Subs DPS.indd 37 13/01/2015 18:33

Downlo
a
your FR d
1930s
EE
patte
www.lo rn at
vese
blouse
mag.co wing
.uk
Evoke the spirit of

vintage Hollywood
with this beautiful
collared blouse with
nipped-in waist and
bias-cut peplum.
Adapted by the
Great British Sewing
Bee team, its design
is based on an
original 1937 pattern
Project: TESSA EVELEGH
Photography:
TIFFANY MUMFORD &
CHARLOTTE MEDLICOTT
_LS10.P38-41 Sewing Bee 1930 blouse.indd 38 13/01/2015 18:46

1930s BLOUSE
SKILL LEVEL: OOO FABRICS TO USE:

O silk, satin, silk crêpe, silk and satin mixes, B
MATERIALS: rayon and polyester
O free template download
O 2m (2yd) silky fabric, 115cm (45”) wide The retro blouse has a collar, back button
O shirring elastic fastening, side placket opening, shirring
O 50cm (20”) interfacing elastic detail at centre front, central
O small hook & eye gathering front and back into a peplum
O three small buttons and set-in puff sleeves with side teardrop
O co-ordinating thread detail and fastening.
SIZE GUIDE:
To fit sizes: 8, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18
withRST. Trim off the placket extension on

the right edge of the back piece and then pin,
tack and stitch the RS seam from the armhole
to the bottom edge. Pin, tack and stitch the
left side seam from the armhole to the top of
the placket. Trim and finish the seams and
press them open. (See Pic B).
CUTTING OUT THE FABRIC:
Launder and iron the fabric before cutting. D Join the peplum to the blouse: with RST,
1.5cm (5⁄8”) seam allowance included. Transfer markings. pin the top edge of the peplum to the bottom
Cut two collar pieces in interfacing. edge of the blouse, matching the centres and
notches. Pull up the gathers on the front and
back of the blouse so the pieces fit. Tack in
HOW TO MAKE: paper face down between the two layers of place and then stitch. Trim and finish the
A Stitch the peplum side seams: with RS fabric and another piece face down between seams and press them open. (See Pic C).
together, pin the front and back peplum the paper pattern and the top piece of fabric.
pieces along the RS seam and stitch. Trim Pin in place to keep the layers stable. Now use
the placket extension off the back piece along the tracking wheel to trace over all the dart C
this seam. Pin the left side seam in the same lines. Check that the lines have transferred in
way and stitch from the hem up to the notch, the form of a line of dots, and then remove
leaving the top part unstitched. Trim and the pins. Fold the first dart along the fold line,
finish the seams and press them open. matching the dots at the widest part. Match
(See Pic A). the dart lines and pin. Tack just inside the
dart lines. Starting at the widest part of the
dart, stitch down the dart line, just outside
the tacking lines. When you get to the sharp
point at the end, take a few extra stitches on
the fold to make a crisp, clean point. Cut off
the threads leaving long tails. Tie the two end
thread tails together in a knot and trim.
On the RS of the fabric, press the dart open,
working the tip of the iron right into the
A point to flatten it out. On the WS, press the SKILL
dart towards centre of the garment.
B Stitch the shoulder darts: following the MATER
instructions below, mark up and stitch the C Prepare the front and back pieces and E Make up the side placket: fold the placket O Flo
two darts on either side of the back piece. stitch the side seams: run two lines of extension on the left side seam in half and
press the darts towards the centre. gathering stitches on the main front and back lengthways with right sides together and 17c
pieces between the circles at the waistline. stitch along the top and bottom edges. Trim O Pin
All the pattern markings need to be On the front piece, five lines of shirring the corners, snip into the seam allowance at Thi
accurately transferred to all layers of between the circles, starting 1cm below the the top and bottom of the placket and turn it O Pre
fabric. The easiest way to do this is to use a neckline. To do this, slowly wind the shirring through. Turn the raw edge under and stitch O Flo
dressmaker’s tracing wheel and carbon paper. elastic onto the bobbin without stretching it. within the seam allowance so the stitching is SHOE
When you have cut out the pattern pieces, Slightly lengthen the stitch length (check the not visible from the right side. Turn in and O Red
choose a carbon paper that is similar in tension on a spare piece of fabric), then stitch neaten the seam allowance on the other side pea
colour to the fabric. Slip one piece of carbon as normal. Place the front and back pieces of the opening. (See Pic D). dia

G Attach the collar: with RS together, pin
the collar pieces to the neck edge, matching
the notches on each collar piece with a notch
on the front and back of the blouse on each
side. Tack in place. (See Pic F).
D
G
F Make up the collar sections: place two
main collar pieces with RS together, then
place a collar interfacing piece on top. Pin
and stitch around all sides, except the neck
edge. Trim the seams, clip the curves and snip together, and stitch down the middle of the
off the corners. Press the seams open, then length, leaving the threads long. Trim close
turn through and re-press. Repeat with the to the seam. Thread a tapestry needle with
other collar pieces. (See Pic E). H Make up the neck facing: with RS the threads and pass it back through the tube
together, match the short ends of the front to turn it right side out. Alternatively, you
and back facing pieces. pin and stitch, then can use a rouleau turner. cut the rouleau into
press the seams open. Press in a narrow 1cm three equal pieces. (See Pic H).
(3/8”) double hem all the way around the
outside edge of the facing and stitch in place. J Stitch on the neck facing: with RS
(See Pic G). together, pin the raw edge of the facing to
the neckline of the blouse, matching the
E I Make the rouleau button loops: cut a shoulder seams, notches and dots at the back
bias strip 2cm wide and 15cm (6in) long. opening seam allowances. Tack just inside the
Fold it in half lengthways, with right sides seamline. Snip into the first 2.5cm (1in) of

1930s BLOUSE
I shoulder seams and the base of the shirring.

(See Pic I).
K Prepare and insert the sleeves: turn in

and pin a small double hem to the WS along
the bottom edge and around the teardrop
H section of each sleeve, and stitch in place.
run gathering stitches between the dots on
the sleeve head 1cm below the raw edge.
the slash line down the centre back and insert Fold the sleeve in half lengthways with right
one button loop between the back piece and sides together and pin the underarm seam.
facing, just below the seam allowance of the centre back and facing between the stitch Stitch, then finish the seam and press it open.
top right side of the neck opening, with the lines to create the back opening. Trim the Place a marker pin at the opposite fold on the
ends to the centre. Tack in position. Stitch seams and clip the curves. Press the seams sleeve head. Insert the sleeves, following the
along the seamline around the neck and open, turn through and press the facing in instructions below. With RS together, pin the
down the ‘V’ of the back opening, taking in place on the inside of the blouse. Secure inner seam of each sleeve and stitch. Press
the ends of the loop. Slash the through the the facing with a couple of stitches at the the seams open and finish the raw edges.
Fold the sleeves in half lengthways and mark
the centre top with a pin. At the head of the
sleeves, run gathering stitches between the
markers that you have transferred from the
pattern piece. Turn the shirt inside out and
the sleeves RS out. With RS together, pin one
sleeve to each armhole, matching the notches
and matching the inner seam of the sleeve
with the side seam of the shirt and the top
centre pin with the shoulder seam. Pull up
the gathering stitches to fit the sleeve head in
the armhole. Tack the sleeve into the armhole
using small tacking stitches, and then stitch
in place. Remove the tacking, then trim the
seam. Press the seam, working the tip of the
iron along the curve of the seam. (See Pic J).
L Turn up and stitch a narrow double hem

along the lower edge of the peplum. Stitch a
button on the left side of the back opening
to correspond with the rouleau loop. Stitch a
button and loop at the bottom of each sleeve
teardrop. Stitch a hook and bar at the waist of
the left side seam opening. O
The Great British

Sewing Bee: Sew
Your Own Wardrobe
by Tessa Evelegh,
published by
Quadrille, £25

PRETTY AS A PICNIC COTTON MINI
Use your
free
templates
_LS10.P42-44 Pretty as a picnic.indd 42 13/01/2015 18:49

PRETTY AS A PICNIC COTTON MINIS
Pretty as a picnic
cotton minis
Lingerie sewing is becoming increasingly popular and these sweet floral minis are an excellent
project to help your skills blossom – just in time for Valentine's Day!
Project: KATHERINE SHEERS & LAURA STANFORD
SKILL LEVEL: OO B Fold the cotton jersey with the main to allow you to sew a French seam, which
stretch perpendicular to the fold. Lay the encloses the raw edges of fabric within it.
MATERIALS: floating gusset paper pattern piece along the
O 0.5-1m cotton lawn fold, pin in place and cut out. G Lay the front and back panels wrong sides
O 8mm leg & waistband together and align the side seam. Pin, tack
O 1.5-2.5m elastic C Remove the pins and paper pattern pieces. and sew a 0.5cm seam allowance. Trim the
O cotton jersey for the floating gusset Open the pattern pieces out flat. seam allowance to 3mm.
O ribbon for the bow
SEWING A FLOATING GUSSET H Turn the front and back panels right sides
Sizing: W (Waist) H (High hip) D Turn the seam allowance along the top edge together, press the side seam flat and sew
Size 8 - 65cm (W) 81cm (H) of the floating gusset pattern piece to the wrong another 0.5cm seam allowance to complete
Size 10 - 70cm (W) 86 cm (H) side of the fabric, pin and topstitch in place. the French seam. (See Pic B.)
Size 12 - 75cm (W) 91 cm (H)
Size 14 - 80cm (W) 96 cm (H) E Align the gusset seam of all three pattern ATTACHING THE ELASTIC
Size 16 - 85cm (W) 101cm (H) pieces by laying the front and back I Turn the seam allowance for the
Size 18 - 90cm (W) 106cm (H) panel, right sides facing. Place the floating waistband and leg openings, pin and tack
gusset wrong side uppermost onto the in place. (See Pic C.)
Note: This style sits on the hips with slight back panel. Pin, tack and sew along the
fullness to the front and back panels. gusset seam. (See Pic A.) J To determine how long the waistband and
leg elastic should be, measure around the
HOW TO MAKE: F Turn the floating gusset so that it sits waistline of your pattern pieces and cut the
LAYING AND CUTTING OUT wrong side facing the front panel. It should elastic 20% shorter than this measurement.
PATTERN PIECES sit centrally with a gap down each side. Pin Add 3cm back onto the length of the elastic
A Iron the cotton lawn and cotton and tack in place along the leg lines. Press before you cut it (this extra will make it
jersey fabric. Fold the cotton lawn in half the gusset seam flat. easier to join the ends of the elastic together).
along the crosswise grain. Lay the front and Repeat for the leg openings.
back paper pattern pieces on the fold, pin in SEWING A FRENCH SEAM
place and cut out. The side seam has a 1cm seam allowance K Make one length of leg elastic into a loop.
A B C

PRETTY AS A PICNIC COTTON MINI
Overlap the elastic by 1.5cm at each end. This L Divide one leg elastic loop into four equal the tacking from around the waistband and
won’t be the finished overlap, but it gives you sections, marking it with four pins, one of leg opening. Note: Sometimes, after sewing
and your machine something to grip onto which should sit on the elastic join. Align this the elastic to a garment, the tacking stitch can
while you sew the ends together. It will be pin with the gusset seam of the leg opening distort the edges, causing it to look as though
trimmed in the next step. Sew one back-and- and pin together. Divide the rest of the leg the garment is not very elasticated. This is
forth row of stitches through the centre of the opening into four equal sections and align particularly true of garments with a mix of
overlap. Trim each end by 1cm to leave 0.5cm each with one of the pins. Use the pins as fabric types. Don’t panic – once you remove
each side of the join. markers to ensure you get an even tension the tacking, the elastic will be released.
along the elastic. To make things even easier,
divide the elastic and leg opening into eight ATTACHING THE BOW
sections rather than four to give you twice as O Attach a bow to the centre of the front
many markers to work with. (See Pic D.) panel by hand, sewing small bar tacks
To p tip through the bow loops right beside the knot.
To accurately calculate the lengths M Sew the elastic to the leg opening using This is better than stitching through the knot,
of elastic required, always measure a zigzag stitch just a little narrower than the which can turn the loops into ‘bunny ears’!
er
the garment itself and not the pap width of the elastic. Start sewing just after (See Pic F.) O
elastic vari es
pattern pieces. Because the elastic join at the gusset seam (so that you
, once you’ ve dete rmin ed
in modulus finish sewing on the join). Stretch the elastic
tic,
the length of the waistband elas out to sit flat against the fabric as you go.
The Secrets of
y to see if it feel s Sewing Lingerie by
slide it onto your bod
ble. If you need to mak e Do not try to stretch the fabric itself. Katherine Sheers
comforta
any adjustments, this change can & Laura Stanford.
then be applied as a percentage N Repeat steps 14 and 15 with the other Photography by Ali
Allen. £12.79 from
to the leg elastic too leg opening and then with the waistband,
Kyle Books
aligning the elastic overlap with the LHSW
(left hand side as worn) side seam. Remove

_LS10.P45.indd 45 08/01/2015 15:11
Use your
free
templates
_LS10.P46-48 Knit tunic.indd 46 13/01/2015 18:51

KNITTED KIDS' TUNIC
Knitted
kids' tunic
This cosy, easy-to-wear top is quick to sew and can be made
either as a T-shirt or as a longer tunic with in-seam pockets
Project & styling: Stephanie Stanesby
The shorter,
T-shirt version
SKILL LEVEL: OO HOW TO MAKE:

A If you are sewing the tunic with in-seam
MATERIALS: pockets, then sew these, RSF, to the side
O free template sheet seam of the front and back pieces. Press
O 1m organic knitted fabric open. (See Pic A.)
O small pieces contrast organic
knitted fabric for pockets (if including) B Sew the front and back along
& neckband the shoulder seam, RSF, and press
towards the back. (See Pic B.).
PREPARATION: Sew the sleeves to the armhole of
O Pre-shrink the fabric by washing and the top, right sides facing, and
tumble drying. press towards the top.
O Trace off pattern pieces from pattern (See Pic C.)
insert and cut out from fabric.
C Align the side seams
NOTE: Unless stated otherwise, seam with RSF and sew a
allowances are ½” and seams should be continuous seam from the
sewn together using an overlocker or a wrist (around the pockets if
sewing machine, using overlock stitch, making a tunic) to the
stretch stitch or narrow zigzag stitch. hem. (See Pic D.)
A B C
D E F

KNITTED KIDS' TUNIC
D Cut out a 2”-wide neckband that is about

85% the length of the neckline. Fold the
neckband, RSF, with the short edges aligned,
and sew together. (See Pic E.)
E Fold the neckband lengthwise with WSF

and pin to the raw edge of the neckline. Line
up the seam of the neckband with the centre
of the back and then pin in place at the
centre front and the two shoulders.
(See Pic F.)
F Sew the neckband to the neckline,

stretching the neckband slightly as you go.
Press the seam towards the top. (See Pic G.)
G Finish off the cuff with overlock or zigzag

stitch and press under by ½”. Top-stitch in
place. Repeat for the other cuff. (See Pic H.)
H Finish off the hem with overlock or

zigzag stitch and press under by ½”. Top-
stitch in place. (See Pic I.) O

Come and see an Aladdin’s Cave of fabrics,
ribbons, buttons and haberdashery!
Open Monday to Saturday 9.30 - 4pm
Coach parties welcome, workshops also available
please ring 01482 843663 for details.
_LS10.P49.indd 49 08/01/2015 15:16

_LS10.P50-52 Playtime teepee.indd 50 13/01/2015 18:52

PLAYTIME TEEPEE
Playtime
teepee
Cheer up cold rainy days with a teepee tent that will provide hours
of imaginary play. Its clever fold-away design also means you
can store it easily behind a door or in a corner
SKILL LEVEL: OO HOW TO MAKE:

A Make a mark with a pencil
MATERIALS: approximately 4” in from one edge of the
O 118x57” canvas fabric. Measure in 15¾” and 31½” along
O pencil from this point and mark the points with
O tape measure a pencil. Measure in 13¾” and 15¾” along
O cotton fabric in different colours the top of the fabric and mark these two
O double-sided fusible points with a pencil. (See Pic A.)
O 40” interfacing
O graph paper B Fold over the first section of fabric so that
O ruler you join the mark made at 4” at the bottom
O 60” 11/2”-wide white tape with the mark made at 13¾” along the top
O 20” stick-on Velcro edge. You are making a diagonal line between
O ¾”-wide coloured tape measuring 40" these two points. Make sure when you fold C Fold the fabric again, so that you join the
(100 cm) over the fabric that the straight edges of mark along the top made at 15¾” to the mark
O five 71” bamboo poles the folded over section are aligned with the made at 15¾" along the bottom. Keep the
straight edges underneath, top and bottom. straight edges aligned as before. Using the
Crease down the diagonal line and then cut diagonal line as a guide, cut along the edge to
along the line. (See Pic B.) make a triangle with the top cut off. (See Pic C.)
E
G

PLAYTIME TEEPEE
end of each half to each side of the inside

of the opening, approximately halfway up,
placing each one ¾” in from the edge. Sew a
H row of zigzag stitching to secure. (See Pic K.)
J
N Starting with the canvas with the front
opening, pin and sew together each of the
canvas triangles with right sides together.
I Continue until you have the five sections
joined together. Turn the teepee the right
way out. (See Pic L.)
O Place a section of the hook Velcro around

D Take the triangle you made in Step 3, turn positioned ½” up from the bottom edge and each of the bamboo poles, positioning the
it over and lay it on top of the next section of approximately 5/8” in from each side edge. pieces ½” up from the bottom. Feed one of
fabric, aligning the diagonal sides together. Follow the instructions to iron and fuse the the poles in from the top opening, through
Cut a second triangle and repeat to cut three triangles to the canvas. Repeat with the other any one of the top loops and down through
more, making a total of five. (See Pic D.) canvas triangles. (See Pic H.) both corresponding bottom loops. Ease the
bottom loop (with the Velcro) over the Velcro
E Take one of the triangles made in Step 4, J On the front section position two on the bamboo, so they join. (See Pic M.)
fold it in half and cut along the fold line. Pin triangles either side of the opening. If you
and stitch the two halves together along the like, sew a line of stitching around each P At the top of the remaining bamboo poles
straight edge, from the top to 20½” down triangle to secure them extra firmly. place the other hook strips of Velcro 13½"
with a ½” seam allowance. Fold over a ½” down from the top. You may have to adjust
hem down each side of the opening below the K Cut 15 4” strips 1½”-wide tape and ten ¾” this measurement if, for instance, your poles
sewn seam and sew a line of zigzag stitches sections of stick-on Velcro. Peel the Velcro are slightly different in length. Feed the poles
over each of the raw edges. (See Pic E.) sections apart and stick the loop side to ten of through as before, easing the loops with the
the tape strips, centered on the length. Fold Velcro around the poles to attach.
F Mark in pencil a large cross at the base the tape in half with the Velcro on the inside.
of the sewn seam (the beginning of the Pin this to the inside top of one of the canvas Q Set up the teepee by manipulating the
front opening). Go over the lines in a wide, triangles, positioning it ½” down from the poles until you have a nice tent shape. As
close zigzag stitch in a coloured thread. This top and with the raw edges extending ½” in a finishing touch tie some tape around the
stitching strengthens the top of the opening from the edge. Sew the tape to the canvas, poles at the top of the teepee. This serves two
while adding a nice design detail. (See Pic F.) going over the stitching twice for extra purposes – it hides any Velcro that maybe
strength. Repeat this at the top of each of the showing and it looks good! O
G Cut out 20 rectangles of coloured cotton four remaining canvas triangles. (See Pic I.)
measuring 8x12”. Cut out 20 pieces of fusible
interfacing the same size. Iron the interfacing L Now pin and stitch tape loops to the
onto the backs of the coloured fabric pieces. bottom of the canvas triangles. This time,
(See Pic G). place two loops of tape 3/4" (2 cm) apart,
with the loop with the Velcro inside at the
H Measure and draw onto a piece of graph bottom. Before pinning in place, sew a line
paper a triangle that is 7” across the base and of stitching along the lower edge of the lower
10½” high. Cut this out and use as a template loop with Velcro, to join the two pieces
to cut 20 triangles from the coloured fabric. together to form a pocket into which to
drop the pole. (See Pic J.)
I Take one of the canvas triangles made
in Step 4 and position four of the appliqué M Take the canvas with the front opening.
patches along the base. They should be Cut the strip of ¾”-wide tape in half. Pin one
L
A Year In Crafts
by Clare Youngs is
published by Cico
K M Books, priced £14.94.
www.ryland
peters.com

_LS10.P53.indd 53 13/01/2015 19:53

PATCHED TOTE BAG
Rope Handle
duffle
bag
Use up your favourite
remnants to make this
retro-look duffle bag.
Constructing the handles
will teach you how to
work with rope and rivets
Project: BECI ORPIN
Use your
free
te plates
m
LS10.P54-56 Patched tote bag.indd 54 13/01/2015 19:00

PATCHED TOTE BAG
A B C D
E F G
H I
SKILL LEVEL: O sew the two long edges together to make a J Cut small holes in the marked spots so
tube. Repeat with the lining fabric pieces. that the inner cylinder of the rivet can fit
MATERIALS: through. (See Pic F.)
O free pattern download D Iron all the seams open. (See Pic C.)
O 4 35x45cm pieces fabric for outer K Hammer the rivets into position. Do this
O 4 pieces fabric for lining E With RS together, pin and then sew the on a hard surface. Sew up the bottom of the
O 35cm square fabric for bottom bottom outer piece to the outer fabric tube. lining. (See Pic G.)
(I used velvet) Make small cuts around the bottom piece to
O 35cm square fabric for bottom lining, make this easier to manipulate (fewer tucks L Thread the rope through the rivets.
O stiff interfacing will be needed). (See Pic D.) Thread one piece of the rope through one
O gold 16x12 mm rivets side of the bag and one piece through the
O hammer F Repeat with the lining and bottom lining other side, fastening each end with a knot.
O 2m 1cm-diameter natural rope pieces, but leave a 10cm gap when sewing so (See pics H and I.) O
cut in half you can turn the fabric the right way out later.
G Turn the outer fabric RS out. Place the

HOW TO MAKE: outer fabric inside the lining so that the right
A Following the templates, cut out all the sides are facing. Sew the top seam.
fabric pieces as indicated. (See Pic A.) Make & Do by Beci
H Pull the outer fabric through the hole left Orpin is published by
B Iron the interfacing onto the WS of the in the bottom of the lining. Iron the top seam. Hardie Grant Books,
bottom piece, following the manufacturer’s priced £20. www.
hardiegrant.co.uk
instructions. (See Pic B.) I Using a pencil, mark small dots where the
rivets are to be inserted. Position them on
C Sew the long edges of the outer fabric either side and two in between each seam,
pieces together to create one large piece, then four rivets per panel. (See Pic E.)


_LS10.P57.indd 99 08/01/2015 15:21
PATCHWORK STAR CUSHION
E YO U R
US
Patchwork Star FR
cushion
E E FA B R I C
Combine your free fat quarter with a co-ordinating solid

and make this simple, striking cushion
Project: ALI BURDON
Top tip
When positioning the
square,
remember that the
edge of the square
nearest the middle
of the rectangle
will eventually beco
me the wide base
of the star point, so
position the fabric
accordingly if you wa
nt it to point in a
particular direction.
I alternated the
direction of the print
fabric through
900 for neighbouring
star points
to add moremovem
ent to the
patchwork block
_LS10.P58-59 Patchwork Star cushion.indd 58 13/01/2015 19:01

PATCHWORK STAR CUSHION
SKILL LEVEL: OO
MATERIALS:
O free GBSB fat quarter
O 0.5m solid co-ordinating fabric
(we used Kona solid in Hyacinth)
O 0.5m lining fabric
O 0.5m low-loft fusible fleece
O 40cm-square cushion pad
O fabric marker
CUTTING:
For the cushion top, cut: Your FQ will provide enough
O 16cm-square print fabric
fabric for the star and the trim
O eight 8.5cm-square print fabric
O two 3x31cm pieces print fabric
O two 3x35cm pieces print fabric of the square and stitch. Trim as before – K Trim the completed cushion top to a
O four 8.5cm-squares solid fabric this time you will be cutting away the neat 40cm square.
O four 8.5x16cm pieces solid fabric bottom-left corner of the rectangle and
O two 4x35cm pieces solid fabric square. Fold down the print fabric and MAKING THE BACK OF THE
O two 4x41cm pieces solid fabric press the seam to one side. CUSHION
O 40cm-square lining fabric L Fuse the two 24x40cm fleece pieces to
O 41cm-square low-loft fusible fleece E Repeat Step 2 with all the other solid the corresponding pieces of solid fabric.
coloured rectangles and print squares so
For the cushion back, cut: that you have four sets of star points. M Take the 5x40cm piece of print fabric and
O five 40cm square print fabric fold it in half lengthways. Unfold and fold
O two 24x40cm pieces solid fabric COMPLETING THE STAR BLOCK the two long edges to the middle and press.
O two 24x40cm pieces lining fabric F Take the large-print fabric square and Press again down the middle to create a
O two 24x40cm pieces low-loft fusible fleece stitch a set of star points on two opposite piece of binding.
sides of the square. Take one of the remaining
SIZE GUIDE: star-point blocks and stitch a solid 8.5cm N Put a piece of lining fabric and a piece
O 38cm square, to fit a 40cm-square square on each of the two short sides of the of fleece-lined backing fabric wrong sides
cushion pad block. Repeat with the final star-point block. together. Fold the binding around one of
Press all the seams open. the long edges (it doesn’t matter which one),
NOTE: The seam allowance is 5mm unless pin and then machine-stitch into place,
otherwise noted. G Pin, then stitch these three rows together making sure you are catching the back of
to create the completed star block. To ensure the binding.
a neat finish, make sure that the seams are
HOW TO MAKE: aligned when you are pinning the rows. O Take the other lining and outer piece and
MAKING THE STAR POINTS Press the seams open. pin, RST, along one of the 40cm edges. Stitch
A Pin one of the 8.5cm squares print fabric this edge, then turn right side out and press.
aligned with the right-hand short edge of COMPLETING THE CUSHION TOP Top-stitch the seam.
one of the 8.5x16cm solid rectangles, RST. H Take the two 3x31cm pieces of print
fabric and stitch one on either side of the star ASSEMBLY
B Use a fabric marker to draw a diagonal line block. Press the seams to one side. Repeat P Put the cushion top, right side up, on
from the top-right corner of the print square with the two 3x35cm pieces on the other two your work surface and place the back piece
to the opposite corner of the square. Stitch the sides of the block. with the bound edge RST with it, and the
square to the rectangle along this line. long raw edge aligned with the right-hand
I Take the two 4x35cm pieces of solid fabric side of the cushion top. Put the other back
C Trim away the excess fabric 5mm from and stitch one on either side. Press the seams piece, again RS down, on top, covering the
the seam line you have just sewn (you will be as before. Repeat with the two 4x41cm pieces left side of the cushion top and overlapping
cutting away the bottom-right corner of the on the other two sides. the other back section. Pin, then stitch all
square and rectangle). Fold the print fabric around the edge of the cushion with a 1cm
down along the stitching line and press the J Fuse the fleece to the cushion top, seam. After stitching, trim the seams to a
seam to one side. You should have a rectangle following the manufacturer’s instructions. generous 0.5mm then finish them with a
with a print triangle on the right-hand side. Quilt the cushion top however you like – zigzag or overlock stitch. Reinforce
I machine-quilted the outline of the star, the section where the two back pieces
D Place another print square RST with same stitching directly along the seam lines, which overlap with some extra zigzag inside the
rectangle, this time with the edge of the is known as stitching in the ditch. I then seam allowance.
square aligned with the short left-hand edge used co-ordinating embroidery floss to
of the rectangle. Mark a line from the top-left outline each of the smaller solid print Q Turn the cushion cover RS out, press
corner to the bottom-right corner sections of the star block. thoroughly and insert the cushion pad. O
_LS10.P58-59 Patchwork Star cushion.indd 59 13/01/2015 19:01

FAT QUARTER CARD HOLDER
Fat Quarter
card holder
Your free fabric is a medium-weight, durable fabric that will stand the wear
and tear of every day life, so why not use it to make it a handy card wallet?
Project: EMILY LEVEY
SKILL LEVEL: O C Place the top card pocket piece on to Emily says:
the interior fabric piece, aligned along the “Hair bobbles are a
MATERIALS: bottom edge. Using a fabric marker draw perfect alternative for
O free GBSB fat quarter a line parallel to the top of the pocket 2” the thin elastic on this
O medium iron-on interfacing down, stitch along this line. This will be
project and you can get
O Thermolam, fusible fleece or hidden under the bottom card pocket and
great colours. Simply
iron-on interfacing will prevent your cards from slipping down
cut out the metal bar”
O approximately 5” of elastic inside the pocket and make them easier to
O basting spray see and remove.
O point turner
O vanishing marker D Place the bottom card pocket piece onto the holder easier to close. Starting on the top
the interior fabric piece, aligned along the edge, stitch down this line. When you get to
CUTTING LIST: bottom edge. Pin in place. Fold your elastic in the bottom of the holder, leave your needle
Exterior and interior: half and position on the bottom edge, 11/2” in in the work, lift your presser foot and pivot
O Cut two 81/2x33/4” fabric panels from the right hand side with the raw edges the holder and then top-stitch all the way
O Cut an 8x31/4” panel of iron-on interfacing of the elastic on the bottom edge. around the outer edges of the holder until
O Cut an 8x31/4” piece of Thermolam you get back to the centre bottom. This will
E Stitch along the bottom edge using a 1/4” close your turning gap and give the holder a
Top card pocket: seam allowance. This will baste the pocket professional finish. If your machine struggles
O Cut one 81/2x31/4” piece of fabric piece in place and hold the elastic down stitching through the layers you can just
O Cut a 8x21/2” panel of iron-on interfacing making the final assembly easier. machine the centre line then hand sew the
opening closed. O
Bottom card pocket: - F Put the exterior piece RS facing down
O Cut a 81/2x23/4” piece of fabric onto the card pockets/interior section
O Cut a 8x2” piece of iron-on interfacing and pin in place. Leaving a 3” turning gap
We used an old
in the top edge, stitch all the way around
using a 3/8” (1cm) seam allowance. Be sure
hair bobble for the
HOW TO MAKE: to backstitch at the start and end to secure elastic closing
A With the two card pocket pieces bond the your stitches.
interfacing to the relevant pocket piece, the
interfacing is sized in such a way that you G Clip the corners to reduce
should have a 1/4” gap along the bottom and the bulk and turn the right
the side edges and a slightly larger gap along way out, take care to do this
the top edge. Turn over the top edge, using gently and slowly so as not to
the interfacing as a guide, and press. Top- stretch the turning gap out of
stitch 1/4” from the top edge, this will hold shape. Poke out the corners
the raw edge down to the WS of the pocket. and press well, tucking the raw
edges of the gap in as you do so.
B Bond the interfacing to the interior Be careful not to touch the
fabric piece, there will be a 1/4” gap all the elastic with the iron.
way around (this is to reduce the bulk in the
final seam allowance). Using basting spray H Using a vanishing fabric
adhere the Thermolam to the exterior fabric marker draw a line down the
piece, or if using fusible fleece or interfacing centre of your wallet, this will be
bond this in place. to divide the pockets and make
_LS10.P60-61 Fat quarter ticket holder.indd 60 13/01/2015 19:05

YO U R F R E
SE
U
FA
T QU R T ER
A
Top tip
Use a longer
for
stitch length
-l king
oo
professional
it will
top stitch g,
in
so be ea si er!
al
_LS10.P60-61 Fat quarter ticket holder.indd 61 13/01/2015 19:05

NATURE EXPLORER BAG
E YO U R
Sewing machine
US
pincushion FR
E E FA B R I C
Got some leftover pieces from your free fat quarter? Whip up this handy
little pincushion that ties to your machine with two pieces of elastic
Project: LOU ORTH
SKILL LEVEL: O C Sew all the way around, using a 0.5cm

seam allowance. Remember to leave a gap
MATERIALS: in the middle of one of the long sides of
O free fat quarter approximately 3cm-4cm for turning out.
O 1m 5mm-wide elastic
O toy stuffing D Turn the right way out and fill with
toy stuffing.
FINISHED SIZE:
O 9x4cm E Using ladder stitches, hand-stitch
the gap closed. O All you need is two
10x5cm rectangles
HOW TO MAKE:
A Take your free fat quarter and cut out two
rectangles measuring 10x5cm. Cut two strips
of elastic 30cm long.
B Place the rectangles RS together and pin.

Place the elastic in the middle of the short
sides at either end of the fabric, with the
elastic tucked inside. The elastic is quite long
for this small pincushion, so you can let the PSee more of Louise’s projects
elastic hang out in the gap you will leave on her blog, imstudiolou.wordpress.com
when sewing.
_LS10.P62 Pin cushion.indd 62 13/01/2015 19:09

_LS10.P63.indd 63 13/01/2015 19:43

PATTERN WEIGHTS & DOORSTOPS
Pattern
weights & doorstops
With this clever two-in-one project, you can use your fat quarter
to make a pair of pyramid doorstops plus a set of mini pattern weights
Project: KATY CAMERON
SKILL LEVEL: O
MATERIALS:
O free GBSB fat quarter
D On the remaining side, mark an opening
of about 1” in the middle of the seam, then
Top tip
You can use rice
O free template sheet sew from the corner marks up to the opening or dried
beans to create
the weight
O filling mark on each side. to fill these weigh
ts. For
the door stops,
you may
CUTTING: E Turn RS out and use a pointed object, such want to fill the to
p with a
For each pattern weight, cut: as a chopstick, to poke out the corners gently. little polyester to
y stuffing
O four equilateral triangles, with each side so that it doesn’
t
measuring 3½”. Note that if you have a F Make a cone shape out of a piece of become too heav
y
quilting ruler, they often have 60˚ angles scrap paper so that there is an opening large
marked, which will help. enough for your filling to pass through. Place
the tip inside the opening of the pyramid and
For each door stop, cut: slowly pour in the filling, like a funnel. Note
O four equilateral triangles, with each side that they shouldn’t be stuffed to the brim, Use the bigger template
measuring 8”. Again, a quilting ruler will otherwise it will be difficult to to make the doorstops
help with this. sew the opening closed
without covering yourself
PREPARING THE PIECES: in filling!
O At the corner of each triangle, make a
mark ¼” in from each side (not the tip!). G Once the pyramid is
filled, use ladder stitch
Seam allowance is ¼” or whip stitch to close
the opening. O
HOW TO MAKE:
ASSEMBLING THE PYRAMIDS
A Ensuring that you stay between the dots in
the corners, take two triangles and place RS
together. Sew together on one side. Open out
and add another triangle to the side of one of
your triangles. Add the fourth triangle onto
the third so that you create a row of triangles
in alternating directions.
B Take the strip and fold it so that the long

open edge at the base of the first triangle
meets the long open edge of the third triangle
RST. Sew between the marks to create the
pyramid with one open side.
C Fold the flap of the fourth triangle up to

meet the rest of the pyramid and join along
one side between the marks.
_LS10.P64-65 Pyramid pattern weights.indd 64 13/01/2015 19:12

E YO U R
US
FR
E E FA B R I C
Use your
free
templates
_LS10.P64-65 Pyramid pattern weights.indd 65 13/01/2015 19:11

Use your
free
templates
_LS10.P68-70 The Lotta Tote.indd 66 13/01/2015 19:13

THE LOTTA TOTE
The Lotta
tote
This stylish little tote calls out for a constrasting selection of bold statement prints, and
Lotta Jansdotter’s latest collections are ideal. Metal cut-out handles complete the look
Project: SUSAN DUNLOP, SusieDDesigns
A B C
SKILL LEVEL: OO HOW TO MAKE: fleece. Trim 1cm from all edges of the fleece,
A Adhere the fusible interfacing pieces to the to avoid bulk within the seam allowances.
MATERIALS: WS of the corresponding fabric pieces. Fuse the fleece to the WS of the main body
O free template sheet outers, positioning centrally to leave equal
O 4 fat quarters co-ordinating cotton prints B With RST, sew two of the main body gaps around all the edges.
O 1m medium-weight woven fusible panels to the long edges of a centre panel.
interfacing Press the seams toward the centre panel and F Place the outer main body pieces RST,
O 0.5m medium-loft fusible fleece topstitch 5mm from the seams. Repeat to matching up the seams at the bottom edge.
O pair of 9cm oval cut-out metal handles sew and top-stitch the remaining main body Stitch down one side, across the bottom
panels and centre panel. (See Pic A.) and up the other side. Press the seam
CUTTING LIST: open and leave WS out. Repeat to sew the
From fabric 1, cut: C With RST, pin and sew the bottom edge lining pieces together but this time leave
O four 14x25cm pieces, main body panels of an outer top panel to the top edge of the a turning gap at the centre of the bottom
pieced main body. Press the seam toward the seam. (See pics E and F.)
From fabric 2, cut: top panel and top-stitch 5mm from the seam.
O two 14x25cm pieces, main body Repeat to sew and top-stitch the remaining
centre panels main body and top panel. (See pics B and C.)
O two 25x38cm pieces, main body lining
D Join the lining main body pieces and Susan says:
From fabric 3, cut: top panels in the same way. (See Pic D.) “Use a pressing
O two pieces from pattern, outer top panels
cloth when fusing
E Using the pieced main body outers as
the fleece"
From fabric 4, cut: a template, cut two pieces from the fusible
O two pieces from pattern, top panel lining
From the fusible interfacing, cut:

O six 14x25cm pieces, main body and
centre panels
O four pieces from pattern,
outer/lining top panels
NOTE: Seam allowance is 1cm throughout,

unless stated otherwise
SIZE: Approximate finished size: 36x33x6cm D E

THE LOTTA TOTE
F G H
I J K
We used...
Sylvia Ada in Mormor Rubine

Black and White Leaf and String
£3 per fat quarter,
www.thevillagehaberdashery.co.uk
Interfacing
and metal
cut-out handles
available from
www.susied
designs.co.uk
L
G Make the flat base by boxing the outer across the top corners, avoiding the stitching. handle pieces and using one of the front
and lining corners: refold a corner to match (See Pic H.) pieces as a template, position it centrally onto
up the side and bottom seam and pin with the RS of the bag top panel. Use a pencil to
RST. Measure 3cm down from the corner and I Pull the outer bag through the gap in draw around the inner oval. Pin through the
draw a line across where the width measures the lining, to bring both RS out. Put your top panel layers around where the handle
6cm between the folded edges. Stitch the hand through the lining gap and use a point will go, to keep the layers in line. Cut the
marked line and trim off the corner to leave turner to ease out the handle seams. Fold in shape out, going through all the layers. Place
a 5mm seam allowance. Repeat to box the the lining gap edges, to match the rest of the the handle parts together, with the top panel
other corners. Turn the outer bag RS out, seam, press and pin. Slip-stitch by hand, or sandwiched between. Trim back more fabric
easing all the seams out neatly. Leave the machine-sew, staying very close to the edges. bit by bit and evenly all around the cut-out
lining bag WS out. (See Pic G.) Push the lining down inside the outer bag shape. Continue until you don’t see any
and press the top edges so that the seam sits fabric sticking out when the metal parts are
H Insert the outer bag into the lining, so neatly at the top edges. Top-stitch all around put together. You’ll also need to snip little
RST, matching up the top edges and side the top edges of the bag with a 5mm seam. notches, where the screws will be situated.
seams, pin. Stitch all around the top edges. (See pics I and J.) Once you’re happy with the cut-out shape,
Snip into the inward corners, going right screw the handle parts together. Repeat to
up to the stitching but not through it. Trim J Install the cut-out handles: unscrew the install the other handle. (See pics K and L.) O

We haved moved to our new store at
217 -219 Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, DN25 7HB
and we have a fabulous range of fabrics, haberdashery, sewing
machines, sewing furniture, patchwork classes, sewing classes
and a lovely tea room for you to enjoy a fresh coffee, tea and
some yummy cakes. Our fabrics are by Moda, Riley & Blake,
Michael Miller, Hantex, John Louden, Fabric Freedom,
Nutex Macower, stoff
T.01472 600874 At L & C Fabrics,

We sew, we make,
.lcfabrics@live.co.uk we create
www.lcfabrics.co.uk
217-219 Grimsby Road,
Cleethorpes, DN35 7HB
FREE CAR PARKING!
New
catalogwue
out no !
r copy,
To get you t our
please visi
website
_LS10.P69.indd 69 13/01/2015 19:44

LIBERTY TRAVEL SEWING KIT
Liberty Travel
Juliet and Amanda say:
“A travel sewing kit
is always handy,
sewing kit
making it possible to
tackle any mending
when you’re on the
move. We love these
gorgeous miniature
bow scissors – they are a perfect
fit for this make. The multi-coloured
Planning a Valentine's weekend away? thread plait is a great way of having a
Keep your mending essentials to hand in this huge selection of threads. Pins, needles
and safety pins are added to the fabric
smart Liberty-print travel kit of the middle folding section. We’ve
Project: AMANDA RUSSELL & JULIET BAWDEN, R&B Consultants
included a useful pocket for storing any
other bits you might need, including
a selection of buttons in a re-sealable
plastic envelope”
SKILL LEVEL: O HOW TO MAKE:
A Cut two pieces of fabric for the outside,
MATERIALS: lining and interlining measuring 17x10cm.
O fabric for the outside & inside of (See Pic A.)
the travel kit
O heat-bonding interlining B To make the pockets, cut another two
O needle pieces of fabric and interlining measuring
O 5mm-wide elastic 10x12cm.
O button
C Iron the interlining onto the reverse of
Sewing items for completed sewing kit: the cut pieces of fabric.
O miniature scissors
O multicoloured thread plait D Fold the two pocket pieces in half and centre of the creased pocket, then around
O needles press with an iron. Take one of the pocket the edges of both pockets.
O safety pins pieces, find the center by folding it crossways
O spare buttons and press to crease. (See Pic B.) G For the buttonhole, cut a 5cm length
O needle threader of 5mm-wide elastic, pin and then sew in
O pins E Pin and tack both pockets in position, position using a sewing machine. (See Pic C)
one at each end of the lining fabric.
H RST, place the outside piece of fabric onto
F Use a sewing machine to sew along the the lining fabric, covering the pockets, then
pin together. Sew around the edge using a
sewing machine with a 1cm seam allowance.
Leave a 4cm opening on one of the long sides
between the pockets for turning out.
I Trim the seams, clip the corners and turn

right sides out through the opening. Press
along the seams. Take a needle and thread
and slip-stitch the side opening closed. Sew
on a button for closing. (See Pic D.) O
A B
We used...
Liberty Wiltshire
Tana Lawn,
£22 per metre,
www.sewbox.co.uk
C D
_LS10.P70-71 Liberty Sewing Kit.indd 70 13/01/2015 19:14

_LS10.P70-71 Liberty Sewing Kit.indd 71 13/01/2015 19:14

Dolly
quilt set
This mini quilt set with butterfly embellishment is ideal for using up scraps (or your free fat
quarter). It's also a great project to share basic sewing skills with little stitchers
Project & styling: STEPHANIE STANESBY
Use your
free
template
_LS10.P72-73 Doll bedding.indd 72 13/01/2015 19:15

DOLL BEDDING
HOW TO MAKE: E Cut out the butterfly shape leaving a 1/4”

A Sew the pillow rectangles together, right allowance on the inside of the butterfly. (See
sides facing (RSF). Leave a gap for turning Pic F). Clip the allowance and press to wrong
and clip corners. (See Pic A). side of quilt front. (See Pic G).
B Turn pillow RS out, stuff and close gap F Pin the scraps of fabric in place behind the
using a whip or blind stitch. (See Pic B). cut outs. Sew in place with a contrast thread
close to the butterfly outline. (See Pic H).
C Place mattress rectangles RSF with
wadding underneath. Sew all the way around, G Put quilt front and quilt back RSF with
leaving a gap for turning and then trim layer of wadding underneath. Sew all the way
corners. (See Pic C). around, leaving a gap for turning and then
trim corners. Turn quilt RS out and close gap
D Turn mattress RS out and close gap using using a whip stitch or blind stitch. (See Pic I).
a whip stitches or blind stitches. (See Pic D).
SKILL LEVEL: O Take the quilt front and sew the butterfly 8 Add additional embellishment if desired –
shapes onto the front with a co-ordinating including quilting. (See Pic J). O
MATERIALS: thread. (See Pic E).
O free template sheet
O 0.5m fabric for mattress and pillow
O fat quarter for quilt front
O fat quarter for quilt back plus scraps
for cutouts
Top tip
Trace the butterfly
O wadding onto iron on stabil
O stuffing iser,
iron it in place and
sew around the
CUTTING LIST: outside
O two 30x15cm rectangles for pillow
O two 35x50cm rectangles for mattress
and one for wadding
O three 50cm squares, one quilt back, We used Cloud 9's
one quilt front and one quilt wadding Wildwood fabric, £12 per metre,
www.misformake.co.uk
A B C
D E F G
H I J
_LS10.P72-73 Doll bedding.indd 73 13/01/2015 19:15

Download
your FREE
template
www.loves at
ewin
mag.co.uk g
Quilted
dog coat
Keep your pooch snug and dry with this stylish, quilted
dog coat finished with a smart bias binding trim
Project: TRACEY DENNIS, Owl and Sewing Cat
_LS10.P74-75 Quilted dog coat.indd 74 13/01/2015 19:16

QUILTED DOG COAT
A C
C Stitch up and down the lines quilting

through all the layers of fabric. A walking
foot would help eliminate creases forming
in the fabric. Remove the tacking and pins.
(See Pic B.)
D Pin your pattern template enclosed

D B onto the fabric and cut your quilted
fabric to shape.
E Stitch a large buttonhole in position as

marked on the pattern, this is to allow for
your dog’s lead to pass through the coat.
(See Pic C.)
F Take the collar pattern piece and fold

35cm of bias binding over the raw curved
E edge of the collar. Pin and stitch in place.
(See Pic D.)
G Leave the straight edge free from binding.

This can be fiddly on the curves so take it
slowly. (See Pic E.)
H Pin the collar in place as shown.

(See Pic F.)
I Pin the remaining bias binding all

G F
around the raw edges of the dog coat. Using
your zipper foot, sew around your bias
binding. Stitch as close to the inside edge
SKILL LEVEL: OO O 70cm lining fabric of the binding as possible. Take extra care
O 70cm wadding when sewing across the collar to ensure it is
MATERIALS: O 80cm sew in velcro securely attached.
Small size (finished length 40cm): O 4m bias binding
O 60cm main fabric J Pin and stitch the Velcro in place where
O 60cm lining fabric Large size (finished length approx 60cm): shown on the pattern. (See Pic G.) O
O 60cm wadding O 85cm main fabric
O 50cm sew in velcro O 85cm lining fabric
O 3m bias binding O 85cm wadding P This pattern was created by Owl
O 1m sew in Velcro and Sewing Cat, whose extensive
Medium size (finished length O 5m bias binding range of sewing patterns are on sale
approx 50cm): in its fabric and sewing supplies shop,
O 70cm main fabric NOTE: Use a 1cm seam allowance located on Eastbourne's seafront.
All patterns are printed full-scale on
HOW TO MAKE: quality paper, so there is no scaling up
A Lay the lining fabric for your dog coat B Pin or tack your layers together. Using a and enlarging to do. Browse the range
face down on the table. (DO NOT cut any of vanishing marker pen or tailor’s chalk, mark online at www.etsy.com/uk/shop/
your pattern pieces until Step 5.) Place the your lines for quilting using a ruler. We have OwlandSewingCat or visit
wadding layer on top and then lay your main used a diamond design for the quilting with www.owlandsewingcat.com
fabric on top of this with RS up. (See Pic A.) lines approximately 21/2” apart.
_LS10.P74-75 Quilted dog coat.indd 75 13/01/2015 19:17

Top tip
If you find th
is too fiddly
to do by mac
Use your can do it by ha
hine, you
free keep the stitc
nd. Just
templates and small an
hes nice
d all
will be well!
Embroidered
purse
Create a little early spring cheer with this floral-themed
coin purse with embroidered embellishment
Project: DEBBIE VON GRABLER-CROZIER
_LS10.P76-77 Emroided Purse.indd 76 13/01/2015 19:18

EMBROIDERED PURSE
SKILL LEVEL: OO D Cut two 17cm-square pieces of lace, one

for the front and one for the back. They will
MATERIALS: be just a little bit longer than needed. This
O free template sheet lace is pretty notorious for unravelling, so do
O 7.5cm-square purse frame with not trim it until after the purse is sewn so that
a pink (or other coloured) snap the ends are well caught into the seams and
O 35x10cm mottled green fabric therefore protected.
O 35x8cm pretty pink floral fabric
with small print E Sew the lace to the part of the purse where
O 31x16cm pretty green patterned fabric the two fabrics join. Attach the label to the
for lining right-hand side as indicated on the pattern.
O extra 4x35cm piece pink floral fabric
O bronze bag clip (small) F Cut out the purse shapes, front and back.
O 10mm split ring Pin the outer with RST and keep an eye on
O Pink Perle 8 cotton the hinge position. Machine-sew around the
O 35cm-square thin wadding panel bottom from hinge to hinge. (See Pic B.)
O green (266), medium pink (54), pink (75)
& yellow 295 Anchor embroidery thread HOW TO MAKE: G Do the same for the lining. Leave a
O water-soluble marker A Take the piece of pink floral fabric and the gap for turning out though in the bottom
O 35cm green cotton lace piece of green mottled fabric and sew them of the lining. Clip the curve on the outer
O Jet Black Ranger Archival Ink together. Using the line drawing, trace the piece. Turn the lining inside out and put it
O 6x1.5cm cotton tape purse shape onto the two fabrics. Be sure to into the outer piece so that the right sides
O small floral stamp of your choice line up the line on the pattern with the seam are together. Match the seams and sew
between the two fabrics. Do not cut out yet. around the top.
NOTE: Be sure to read all instructions Mark the hinge positions as indicated on the
through before beginning the project pattern and try to freehand-draw the flowers. H Pull the completed piece through the
If you don’t feel comfortable doing this, gap that you left before and slip-stitch the
transfer them to the mottled fabric using your opening closed.
preferred method. (See Pic A.)
I Fit the top of the purse into the frame
B Cut two pieces of lining from the floral and stitch in place using Perle cotton.
green but, this time, ignore the fabric join
line and cut them in whole pieces. J To make the label, fold the 6cm piece of
tape in half and stamp both sides with your
C You can embroider the back or leave it chosen stamp using black ink. Attach it to
plain. Lay these pieces onto the wadding the purse where indicated on the pattern.
and pin or tack them in position ready for
embroidery. The stems of the flowers are K To make the strap, fold the 4x35cm
backstitches in green and the leaves are lazy strip of extra pink fabric in half lengthwise.
daisy stitch in green. The flowers are blanket Crease with your finger and then fold the
stitched in medium pink and also lazy daisy two raw edges to the middle. Crease-fold so
stitches in pink with yellow French knot that you now have a 1cm-wide strap with the
centres. Use two strands of embroidery raw edges enclosed. Top-stitch down both
thread throughout. Embroider the flowers, sides of the strap. Attach to the bag
going through the wadding as you sew. clip and sew securely. O
A B
_LS10.P76-77 Emroided Purse.indd 77 13/01/2015 19:18

Ali says:
“You need
two layers
of wadding
to create the
necessary
insulating
effect. For one of the layers
I used Insul-Bright, which is a
wadding specially designed to
provide maximum insulation.
It’s widely available but you
can replace it with another
piece of fusible fleece if you
can’t get hold of it.”
Cafetiere
cosy & pot holder
Brighten up drab winter mornings with this pretty, practical cafetiere and pot holder made using
Ochre & Ocre linens and insulated wadding
Project & photography: ALI BURDON
_LS10.P78-80 Cafetiere cosy.indd 78 13/01/2015 19:18

CAFETIERE COSY & POT HOLDER
A B C
G E F
SKILL LEVEL: O BPress the seams open and then iron on the trim seams to about 0.5cm, trimming off
fusible fleece, following the manufacturer’s excess fusible fleece in the seam allowance.
MATERIALS: instructions. Top-stitch the two seams, about Turn RS out, press, then top-stitch close to
O 2 co-ordinating fat quarters of 2mm from the seam, on the pieces of Fabric B. the edge. (See Pic F.)
cotton or linen Use something with a curved edge (a cotton
O 42x31cm low-loft fusible fleece reel is good) as a template to create curved H Pin the completed fastening tab to the RS
O 18x34cm Insul-Bright insulating wadding corners on the outer section. (See Pic B.) of the outer section at the opposite end to
O 4x2cm of 2cm-wide Velcro the other piece of Velcro, and with the Velcro
C Measure 1.5cm from one of the short sides facing up, as shown in the picture. (See Pic G.)
NOTE: The seam allowance is 1cm throughout. of outer section – position and pin one half
This cosy will fit an 8-cup cafetiere with a 31cm of the piece of Velcro at this point. Stitch into I Pin the outer and inner sections right
diameter and a height of approximately 18cm place. (See Pic C.) sides together and stitch all round, leaving
an 8cm-10cm turning gap in one of the long
CUTTING LIST: D Create curved corners on the 18x34cm sides. Trim the seam allowance to 0.5cm,
From Fabric A cut: piece of Fabric B, in the same way that you trim any excess fusible fleece in the seam
O 1 piece measuring 10cmx34cm did in Step 3, and repeat with the piece allowance and notch the curved corners.
of Insul-Bright. Zigzag these two pieces Turn through and press thoroughly, turning
From Fabric B cut: together, all round the edge. (See Pic D.) the edges of the turning gap in to match the
O 2 pieces measuring 6cmx34cm seam line. Top-stitch all around the outer
O 1 piece measuring 18cmx34cm E Iron on the fusible fleece to the two edge of the cosy to finish.
O 2 pieces measuring 6.5cmx8cm remaining small pieces of Fabric B. Cut
two (only two!) curved corners on each
From low-loft fusible fleece cut: of these pieces.
O 1 piece measuring 18cmx34cm
We used...
O 2 pieces measuring 6.5cmx8cm F Take one of these pieces and measure
1.5cm from the edge with the curved corners.
Position the other half of the Velcro at this
HOW TO MAKE: point, aligned centrally, and stitch into
A Take one of the 6x34cm pieces of Fabric B position. (See Pic E.)
and place right sides together with the piece
of Fabric A, aligned with one of the long G Put this piece RS together with the Madeleine in sage and Ledbury in
edges. Pin and stitch. Repeat with the other matching small piece and stitch round 3 sides blue grey, both £3.25 per fat quarter,
piece of Fabric B on the other long edge of (leaving the long side with no curved corners www.ochreandocre.com
Fabric A. (See Pic A.) unstitched). Notch the curved corners and

CAFETIERE COSY & POT HOLDER
HOW TO MAKE: F Align the bottom edge of the pocket

A Iron the medium-weight interfacing onto section with the back section of the pot
the smaller pocket piece. Iron the fusible holder and zigzag round the edge to hold in
piece onto the back of the pot holder (large place. Fold the hanging loop in half and pin
piece of Fabric B). (See Pic A.) in one of the top corners of the pot holder,
with the loop facing inwards. (See Pic I.)
B Use a fabric pen to mark quilting lines on
the front section of the pot holder (large piece G Pin the back and front sections together,
of Fabric A). I marked a 5cm diagonal grid. RST then stitch all round, leaving a turning
Pin the wadding to the piece of fabric A, with gap of about 10cm on one of the long sides
the shinier side against the fabric and quilt (avoid placing the gap in the top edge of
the 2 fabrics together along the marked lines. the pocket). (See Pic J). Trim some of the
Start at the centre of the fabrics and work bulk of the interfacings away from the seam
outwards. (See Pic B.) allowance and cut small notches in the
corners (See Pic K.). Turn RS out and press
C Fold the 18cm by 6cm piece of Fabric B the edges of the turning gap under so they
in half lengthways, unfold, then fold edges line up with the stitched part of the seam.
Quick quilted pot holder into the middle. Fold in half down the middle Glue or pin it closed, then stitch all round on
again and then stitch down both edges to the right side, 2mm from the edge, to secure
MATERIALS: form the hanging loop. (See Pic C.) the turning gap. (See pics L and M.) O
O two fat quarters co-ordinating fabric
O one 27x23cm fusible fleece D Take the two pocket pieces and put them
O one 27x23cm insulating wadding
O one 19x23cm medium iron-on interfacing
RST aligned at the top edge, pin and then
stitch together with a 1.5cm seam. (See Pic D.)
We used...
The lining will be longer at the bottom edge.
CUTTING LIST: Fold the larger piece of fabric up, then down
O one piece of Fabric A 27x23cm for the front along the marked line. (See Pic E.) Press then
of the pot holder; 1 piece 2cm x 23cm for stitch a couple of mm away from the seam.
the pocket lining. (See Pic F.)
O one piece of Fabric B 27cm x 23cm for
the back of the pot holder; 1 piece 19cm E Use a cup or glass to use as a guide to trim Malvern in Lapis, ochre and grey and
x 23cm for the pocket front and 1 piece curved corner pieces on the pot holder front, Ledbury in ochre and grey, both £3.25
18cm x 6cm for the hanging loop. back section and the bottom of the pocket per fat quarter, www.ochreandocre.com
NOTE: 1cm seam allowance section. (See pics G and H.)
A B C D
E F G H
I J K L M

Get the UK’s freshest sewing magazine on all your
digital devices and complete your collection today
AVAILABLE FOR
iPAD, ANDROID
& MORE
Subscribe today on iPad or

download digital editions for all
devices from www.pocketmags.com
www.lovesewingmag.com lovesewingmag LoveSewingMag lovesewingmag
_LS10.P81 LS Digital.indd 81 13/01/2015 19:36

Discounts &
giveaways
READER
OFFERS
Your chance to win fabric, books, sewing room

essentials and get a special discount on lingerie kits
WIN an Adjustoform
Celine Dressmaking
Mannequin worth £110
What is it? Celine is the brand-new
dressmaking mannequin collection for
2015 from Adjustoform and we’re super
excited to have one for one lucky reader to
win. The collection includes three models,
each with an eight-part fashionable body
incorporating Adjustoform’s back length
adjustment feature, adjusters at bust,
waist and hips and a simple press and turn
finial neck adjuster. We’ve got one Celine
Standard, the basic model with a stable
five star base and hem marker, to giveaway
this month. Available in small, medium and
WIN
large, the winner will get to pick the size of
their choice. new Gütermann
Get yours now: The Adjustoform Fenton House
Celine standard can be bought from fabric bundle worth £60
www.argos.co.uk for £109.99
What is it? This new fabric collection
from Gütermann’s is full of fun and
quirky prints – birds, dogs, flowers,
dots and tartans making up a
collection of rich blue hues, powdery
lilacs and scarlet reds. There are over
36 co-ordinating designs in Fenton
House, making it easy to mix and
match, and we’ve teamed up with the
lovely people at Gütermann to offer
one lucky reader the chance to win
a 0.5m in six co-ordinating designs,
worth almost £60.
Get yours now: For stockist information,

contact gütermann@stockistenquiries.
co.uk or telephone 01453 883581
_LS10.P82 Giveaways.indd 82 13/01/2015 19:26

READER OFFERS
GET 15% OFF

A knicker-making kit
WIN one of
three
copies of Sew Fab,
from Anncancan
What is it? If our knicker sewing this issue
worth £12.95 each
has inspired a lingerie drawer makeover, What is it? If you read our
these complete kits from Anncancan are a book reviews this issue,
great place to start. Each kit contains full you’ll have found we were
templates, instructions, fabric and trimmings, mighty impressed by this
and can be made up in one of three styles, new book by Laurence King
from beginner to intermediate. publishers. We think it’s the
perfect read to get a younger
Get yours now: Shop the full range at generation enthused over
www.anncancan.co.uk using the code dressmaking, so if you’ve got
LOVESEWINGPANTIES at the checkout before a smaller lady who you think
26th February to receive 15% discount. could be destined to be a
future Love Sewing fan, enter
for your chance to win one
of three copies.
Get yours now: Sew Fab

can be purchased from the
Laurence King website at
www.laurenceking.com
How to enter
For a chance to win one of these prizes, enter your details, along with the
name of the product you want to win, at
www.ppjump.co.uk/lovesewing10
By entering this competition you accept that your details may be passed on to a third party.
Competition open to UK entrants only. Closing date March 5th, 2015
WIN one of
three
Clover Tailor’s Awls,
worth£15 each
What is it? This tool is great
to have at hand when you’re
sewing up a storm, as it’s really
got a multitude of uses. With
its curved tip, this awl is a
really handy addition to your
sewing basket and perfect
for a variety of tasks such as
producing curves, feeding cloth
or undoing seams. The tip has
a beautifully smooth finish to
help avoid damage to the fabric
or your fingers.
Clover products are available
nationwide from all good craft,
knitting and hobby shops.
Get yours now:

For stockists’ details contact
Clover by emailing clover@
stockistenquiries.co.uk, or
calling 01453 883581
_LS10.P82 Giveaways.indd 83 13/01/2015 19:26

MATERIAL NEEDS
Whenever you sew or knit, you need the right materials,
whether it is dress or quilting fabrics, wools/yarns,
needles/pins, threads, buttons or ribbons.
We have a wonderful selection of all these, together with
a great range of haberdashery products, and there is more!
All this with helpful, knowledgeable and courteous
service to support you.
Why not try us?
www.material-needs.co.uk Tel: 01278 794751

info@material-needs.co.uk 79 High Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, TA8 1PE
10% OFF
your order
with code:
LoveSewing
Online fabric shop for unique European fabrics from Hilco, Stenzo,
Swafing, Lillestoff and Polytex. Farbenmix and Mamu design patterns and
the popular OTTOBRE design sewing magazine for women and kids.
The world’s most innovative fabrics
Linton Tweeds design and weave luxury fabrics
for the world’s most exclusive fashion houses
See our website for the Linton Direct collection

www.lintondirect.co.uk
If you want something a little bit different then visit us at
www.dotsnstripes.co.uk
Fabrics Plus
Patchwork & Quilting Fabrics inc Jelly Rolls, Fat Quarters, Charm Packs etc.
Daywear and Bridal Fabric Large Range of Haberdashery
Knitting Wool & Patterns Sewing Patterns
19 Badminton Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6BB

Tel: 0117 3293857
www.fabricsplus.co.uk
_LS10.P84.indd 84 13/01/2015 09:44

AZTEC THREADS
• CREATIVE CRAFT WORKSHOPS SPAIN

• INSPIRATIONAL THREADS
• TEXTILE ART PACKS
• TRAINING Fix your Sewing Machine
01293 324014
www.aztecthreads.com
Email: Info@aztecthreads.com
Visit our blog at weebly.com
On-line stockists of Liberty print fabrics, haberdashery and

‘indie’ dressmaking & crafting patterns.
Huge range of Liberty Tana Lawns, needlecord, jersey
& Liberty Lifestyle.
For amazing offers call us on 01787 269366 or visit
www.sewbox.co.uk
_LS10.P85.indd 85 13/01/2015 15:10

C
Couture sewing with

Alison Smith MBE D
Stitching and pressing garment front and side front next to each
princess seams
other you can see how the one shape will have
to fit into the other one. (See Pic A.) Note
where I have clipped out my notch markings.
In order to stitch a successful princess seam

you need to sew the seam with the side front
Of all the seams, a princess seam can be the most daunting, uppermost. The reason for doing this is so
because of the fear of creating wrinkles. But follow this advice that you can keep the straighter edge the
centre front on the seam guide, and so that
and you’ll be successfully conquering them in no time you can stretch the straighter seam as your
sewing and ease the more curved half of
A
the seam. This also means that one side will
princess seam in a garment is other side is just a gentle curve. One side is be sewn top to bottom and the other side
a seam that is vertical through concave and the other is convex, so let's see bottom to top – this should not be a problem
the bodice, starting at either the how it can be sewn successfully. if you have pinned carefully.
shoulder or armhole and going
through the bust to create bust shaping by Cut out your pattern pieces and make all Place the side front and front RST. Match
means of a curved seam. This shaping on necessary markings – these may be notches the notches/ tailor’s tacks together first and
a garment is very flattering as it creates a and or dots, which need marking with tailor's then match the straight part of the seam
vertical slimming line in the garment design. tacks. These markings are important as they below the curve. Carefully pin together
However all is not as it would appear because indicate to you the part of the pattern piece through the curve stretching the front, the
only one side of this seam is really curved, the that will require easing. If you place the straighter seam, into the curve and push the
curved side into it. There is a knack to this,
so persevere! Pin making sure your they're
going in to hold the fabrics on the stitching
line, as it's this stitching line that needs to be
wrinkle free. If there are wrinkles at the cut
edges that is not a problem. (See Pic B.)
Place the seam under your sewing machine

and stitch. (See Pic C.) As you sew, you can
stretch out the underlayer – the front with
the fingers of your right hand. Remove the
pins as you go. If you are unsuccessful and
wrinkles get stitched in, carefully unpick the
A B whole area and try again. These seams are
_LS10.P86-87 Alison Smith.indd 86 13/01/2015 19:27

COUTURE SEWING WITH ALISON SMITH
E F
SAVE 20% on Craftsy's Couture

Finishing and Dressmaking courses
with Alison Smith
G H For £25.50 (RRP £32) you will receive:
P 7 HD video lessons with anytime, anywhere access
P Downloadable list of supplies and resources
P Hours of close-up instruction
P Answers from Alison in a virtual classroom
With Alison's expert tuition, you can learn to:

P Create couture garments with a flawless look that lasts
P Underline bodices to give them stability, structure and shape
P Stabilise neck edges and shoulder seams so they never stretch
P Create lovely shaping using slashed, balanced
and contoured darts
I J P Stitch crease-free princess seams and hand-finished necklines
P Discover couture boning techniques for bodices that
fit like a dream
not always easy, especially if your a ham as you need to press the P Use sleeve heads and ribbon stays to sew gorgeous set-in
fabric has little give in it. fullness into shape. If you don’t sleeves with a touch of fullness and no wrinkles
have a ham, try a crushed up P Choose and insert impeccable linings
You will now find that the front towel wrapped in a pressing cloth. P Harness couture dressmaking techniques to create
side of the seam looks quite tight Very gently, using just the point special-occasion attire that eclipse ready-to-wear
and the side front side looks of the iron, press the seam open.
looser. (See Pic D.) You now need (See pics G and H.) To receive your Love Sewing special discount on
to clip and notch the seam so that Couture Finishing Techniques, enter
it can be pressed flat. As one side of the seam has www.craftsy.com/ext/AlisonSmith_3986_D
been clipped and the other side
The front side of the seam needs notched the seam will press out To receive your Love Sewing special discount
straight snips cut into it to release flat with no wrinkles or creases. for Couture Dressmaking, enter
the tension, and the side front (See pics I and J.) O www.craftsy.com/ext/AlisonSmith_3988_D
side of the seam needs notching
‘V’ shapes clipped out to remove
the fullness. (See Pic E.) P Please note these samples
have been stitched with no
PRESSING seam neatening to show the
To press the seam, press the seam techniques. I would normally
flat as sewn first. (See Pic F.) The have overlocked the edges prior
princess seam needs pressing over to construction.
Alison Smith MBE is the author of several best-selling books on

dressmaking. She also teaches a workshop that includes sleeves and
other couture techniques at her School of Sewing. For details, see
www.schoolofsewing.co.uk
_LS10.P86-87 Alison Smith.indd 87 13/01/2015 19:27

Courses, classes
& workshops
London and South East
8th February
29th January Zip pouch and phone case
Luxe-lined leather clutch Annie’s Attic, Westerham
Saturday Sewing Session, This workshop is a great
Chelsea, London introduction to Patchwork
Get ready to glam up and Quilting. Make a
cocktail hour with your gorgeous patchwork
own handmade, fold-over, zipped pouch and phone
leather clutch bag with tassel case. You will also learn
decoration. A great class for how to insert a zip and
an introduction to working make a boxed bottom.
with leather and a perfect 10am – 3pm, £45
session to build on your www.anniesattic.co.uk
sewing skills.
6.30pm – 9.30pm, £45
www.saturdaysewing
session.co.uk 14th & 15th January blind functional and how to fit it the same time. Make a cushion
Sew an unlined wool coat to the window. cover, an apron and a very
in a weekend 6.30pm – 9.30pm, £99 useful tote bag. Materials and
Raystitch, Islington www.sewoverit.co.uk refreshments included.
Make a cosy winter coat in boiled 9.30am – 12pm, £30
wool. With the help of expert 24th February www.sewenjoyable.co.uk
pattern cutter Alice, adapt your Beyond Beginner
pattern and make your very own Quilting Course 28th February
uniquely styled coat. South Downs Quilt Workshops, Sew a Dresden Pouf
Sat 1-6pm, Sun 11am – 5pm, Storrington The Village Haberdashery,
£165 A course for those who have London
www.raystitch.co.uk done a beginner’s quilting Make a beautiful and functional
workshop, or know some Dresden pouf in this fun one-day
18th February basic patchwork techniques class! You’ll learn how to sew a
3 Week Sewing Techniques and want to learn more dresden plate, construct a pouf and
Beautiful Things, Brentwood advanced techniques. Runs insert a zip, plus loads of tricks and
A three-week course to teach on alternate Tuesdays. techniques along the way.
you the techniques you need to 1pm – 4pm, £125 10am – 5pm, £90
know to sew confidently. Learn www.southdownsquilter. www.thevillagehaberdashery.
31st January how to sew button holes, zips wordpress.com co.uk
A-line Skirt and bias binding.
My Sewing Club, Kent 9.30am – 12.30pm, £65 25th or 27th February 4th March
Using a commercial pattern www.clairemackaness.com Sewing 101 4 Patch Quilt with a Twist
create a simple, flattering skirt. Sew Enjoyable, St Albans Stitched By You, Alton
You will be taught how to sew 18th & 25th February If you have a machine This quick rotary cut project
seams, hems and the scary zip Roman Blinds gathering dust, or had a new will grow quickly using
insertion and help with fit and Sew Over It, Islington machine for Christmas, these modern patchwork methods.
laying out and cutting to get Learn how to make professional sessions are great way to get You will start with a four patch
a professional finish that you roman blinds. You will learn you going. Sewing 101 is a block and with just a few
replicate at home in different how to measure the window set of three weekly sessions cuts manage to change it into
fabrics for the coming seasons. correctly, square off the fabric, where you learn to use your something new.
1 – 5pm, £28 fully line the blinds, attach the machine, gain confidence and 10am – 4pm, £60
www.thesewingclub.co.uk necessary parts to make the make some lovely projects at www.stitchedbyyou.co.uk
_LS10.P88-90 Workshops.indd 88 13/01/2015 19:28

details like inserting invisible zips 10am – 4pm, £75 Midlands & East
and hand finishing to make this www.exetersewing.co.uk
lovely vintage-inspired Dress. 31st January
Five weeks, £78 25th February Bedside Organiser
lauraaftermidnight.com Beginner’s Sewing Workshop Crafty Sew & So, Sileby
Sewansome, Plymouth Make a super-handy bedside
13th February In this workshop you will learn organiser which slips on to the
Getting to know your how to set up your sewing side of your bed to hold all your
overlocker machine, how to thread it and essentials.
Venn School of Sewing, Cardiff how to wind the bobbin. Learn 2 – 5pm, £25.00
You will be guided through about the correct needles and www.meetup.com/
the threading process, 2, 3 and threads, the tension and stitch Craftysewandso
4 thread stitching, straight, lengths. You will practice
around curves and corners, variety of basic stitches and 7th February
securing ends and adjusting seams, make corners and Lovely Lampshades
the tensions. You will also learn make your first project to take The Sewing Café, Leicester
about the differential feed and home with you. This no-sew project is a great
how to use it. 10am – 1pm, £40 way to update your home, in
10am-4pm, £70 sewansome.co.uk this workshop you’ll learn
venntailoring.com how to create your own drum
28th February lampshade, picking from either a
20th – 22nd February 13th – 14th February Patchwork Cushion Workshop 20cm or 30cm shade and a choice
Beginner's Corset Making Patchwork & Quilting for Creative at Incanto, Bournemouth of fabrics from the shop.
Sew Curvy Corsets, Oxford Beginners Suitable for anyone who can use 10am – 1pm, £45
This is an intense three-day Exeter Sewing Machine a sewing machine. Learn how to www.thesewingcafe.co.uk
course for beginners and Company, Devon dress up your home by making
experienced sewers who Learn the basic techniques for your own patchwork cushions. A 18th – 20th February
would like to start learning the entire process of making a selection of pretty vintage style and Trousers – Block, Pattern
dip a toe into the intriguing patchwork quilt. The aim of the patchwork fabrics can be supplied and Construction
and addictive craft of real class is to keep it simple whilst at cost or bring your own. UC Tuition, Barton-Upon-Humber
corsetry where students will introducing you to the wonderful 1.30pm – 4.45pm, £25 This three-day course will help
learn how to make a modern world of quilting! www.creativeatincanto.co.uk you make the perfect trousers
waist reducing corset based with great fit and a professional
on the traditional Victorian finish. Not suitable for beginners.
steel-boned corset. 18th February 10am – 4pm, £200
9am – 4.30pm, £280 Teddy Bear Quilt uctuition.co.uk
www.schoolofcorsetry.com Butterfly Bright, Sherborne
You will learn the patchwork 25th February
block and repeat it as Pattern Cutting
South West & Wales many times as required to Ruth Singer Studio, Leicester
complete the finished size In this advanced class you will
3rd February quilt you would like. You will learn how to make a pattern
1940s Tea Dress learn how to correctly layer from scratch so you can
Laura After Midnight, Bristol and quilt the three layers, make garments that fit you
Make the Sew Over It 1940s tea and also how to create a perfectly and design your own
dress pattern. This course covers binding to finish the quilt. patterns. Five-week course on
cutting out, making adjustments Four-week course. Wednesday evenings.
to the Pattern (if needed), sewing Weds 10am – 12pm, £55 6pm – 9pm, £150
up and fitting as well as stitchery www.butterflybright.com www.ruthsinger.com
28th February
Card wallet/purse
Space to Sew, Shrewsbury
Create a purse that will hold your
notes, change and cards. Choose
your inner and outer fabric have
plain fabric for the card pockets,
dark for the lining and bright
for the outside. Mix and match
to create a unique purse. 10am –
1pm, £40 www.spacetosew.co.uk

North West
28th February
31st January Beginner’s Blackwork
Curtain Making Workshop Jen Goodwin Embroidery,
For Beginners Poole, Dorset
The Sewing Sanctuary, Thornton, Another new design for 2015
Lancashire inspired by floral motifs
Learn how to measure a window found within historical
for curtains, to cut fabric and embroidery samplers. This
linings, sew hems and seams, and class will introduce shading
make a mitred corner. through stitches and thread
1pm – 3.30pm, £29 thicknesses.
www.grace-favour.co.uk 10am – 4pm, £37.50
www.jengoodwin
10th February embroidery.com
16-week Patchwork course
The Sewing Sanctuary, Thornton
Over the 16 weeks you
will learn how to use 21st February
your patchwork tool kit and Make-up Bag
how to piece accurately. You Red Thread Studio, Edinburgh
will make 12 patchwork blocks Develop confidence in cutting
using the templates provided fabric, threading up a machine
each week and learn all about Ministry of Craft, Manchester 10am – 3pm, £35 and stitching seams and corners.
sashings and borders to join You’ll learn how to stabilise www.abakhan.co.uk Learn how to insert a zip and
your blocks together to create seams, by using the correct sew in a lining. You will come
your very own sampler quilt. machine stitches and stabilizing Scotland & North East away with an excellent set of
6.30pm – 8.30pm, £160.00 tape. You’ll gain confidence in sewing skills and a gorgeous
www.grace-favour.co.uk how to cut stretch fabric out, lay 28th January makeup bag or pencil case to
it up and sew it correctly. You’ll Dress Fitting Shell show off or give away.
17th February also make a great top, with or York School of Sewing, York 10am – 4pm, £45
Junior How to Use a Sewing without sleeves. Three-day make your own www.redthreadstudio.co.uk
machine, half-term special 1pm – 5pm, £42.50 fitting shell course with Vogue
The Sewing Sanctuary,Thornton www.ministryofcraft.co.uk 1004. Adapt and fit this basic 21st February
The perfect workshop for body ‘dress’ shell to fit your own The Elisalex Dress Course
younger people – no prior 28th February shape and learn how to transfer The Stitchery, Glasgow
experience needed. We promise Reverse Appliqué with these alterations to any Vogue or This four-week course centres
them a fun filled workshop James Fox Butterick commercial pattern. itself around the beautiful
and that they will leave with Creative Threads, Garstang 10am – 4pm, £275 Elisalex Dress from By
some amazing new skills and a Layering stitching and cutting www.yorkschoolofsewing.co.uk Hand London. The course
stunning cushion cover. back, reverse applique is an itself is designed for sewers
10am – 1pm £14 exciting technique using multiple 1st February with at least a basic level of
www.grace-favour.co.uk layers of fabric to produce Bunting Mania dressmaking experience.
colourful designs. James Fox Craft Yourself Silly, North Shields Saturdays 11am – 4pm, £175
21st February textile artist will teach you all the Bunting making is a lovely way www.thestitcherystudio.com
Sewing Patterns Decoded tips and techniques need to enjoy learning some basic sewing
Ministry of Craft, Manchester this creative applique technique. and applique skills to create 28th February
Get advice on what sewing 10am – 4pm, £40 something worthy for display in Saturday Cushion Class
patterns to choose, how to www.creativethread your house. Red Thread Studio,
take accurate measurements workshops.co.uk 1.30 – 4pm, £29 Edinburgh
and how to make sense of craftyourselfsilly.com Come along and learn the skill
the envelope markings. You’ll 2nd March of how to make an Envelope
come away with all of the Day of Zips 8th February Cushion in the fabric of your
skills and know how you need Abakhan Fabrics, Liverpool Bag Making choice, whilst learning to sew
to feel totally at home with Start with a standard zip, Craft Yourself Silly, North Shields at the same time. Develop
commercial sewing patterns. moving onto a lapped zip, then Learn all the basics you will confidence in pinning and
10am – 1pm, £37.50 progressing to an open ended need to make a handbag cutting fabric, threading a
www.ministryofcraft.co.uk zip and ﬁnish oﬀ the day with using lots of different fabric machine and stitching seams
a concealed zip which can be crafting techniques to create and corners. Suitable for
21st February tricky but trust us - once you’ve unique bags. complete beginners.
Stretch Yourself – Sew a learnt how to do it you’ll never 1.30pm – 4pm, £35 2pm – 5pm, £30
Jersey Top look back. craftyourselfsilly.com www.redthreadstudio.co.uk

_LS10.P91.indd 91 08/01/2015 16:24
Centre Front Studio is a sewing and textile studio that
teaches industrial and couture techniques.
Learn how to: • Sew
• Pattern Cut and Drape
• Construct Garments
• Make soft furnishings for the home
• Make accessories
1 Alexandra Street, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, NE28 7SP

www.centrefrontstudio.co.uk
Oh Sew Sweet Shop

m Road,
6- 7 Fountain Parade
-on-Sea,
Essex, VENN SCHOOL Mapplewell, Barnsley
SS9 1SN
474 115
OF SEWING S75 6FW, 01226 386863
www.ohsewsweetshop.co.uk
We run a wide range of sewing
Reasons
coursesto be
forcheerful?
all abilities. Why
ed in
not brush up your skills
* Wide range of fabrics fromatmajor
our manufacturers.
nowned
spacious, well equipped studio
nd most * Excellent range of accessories, waddings & haberdashery.
in Cardiff.
area for
bridal, * Spacious workshop space for our very popular classes.
029 20388810
a great * Large FREE car park & close to other shops & Tea rooms.
www.venntailoring.com
dress
*10 minutes from Jct 38 M1, Call in or see us online!
Learn to Sew with

Lorna Knight
Venues in Manchester,
Newcastle-under-Lyme and now at
her new Staffordshire Sewing Studio Better choice, Better prices
Opening July 2014 Better service & Free P&P
(on UK mainland orders over £20)
• Couture dressmaking • Lingerie and bra making
• Tailoring • Overlocking
• Pattern drafting • Sewing holidays Need advice?
phone Jerry on 01373 454448
www.lornaknight.com info@lornaknight.com
07970 345628 Bradnop, near Leek, Staffordshire
www.craftlamps.co.uk
Victoria
_LS10.P92.indd 92 Fabrics is a friendly, regionally-focused business which was 13/01/2015 09:45
established by Elizabeth Shirley in 1995. We stock a wide range of
Lovely fabrics, sewing supplies,
books & magazines, workshops,
sewing machine sales, servicing & repairs
**New online shop coming soon**
www.sewmuchtodo.co.uk
7 High Street Passage, Ely, Cambs CB7 4NB

01353 664000
ADVERTISE P ADVERTISE P ADVERTISE
STYLISH SEWING MADE SIMPLE
To advertise please contact Noune on

0844 826 0612 or email
noune.sarkissian@practicalpublishing.co.uk
or Jane on 0844 826 0613 or email
jane.bates@practicalpublishing.co.uk
ADVERTISE P ADVERTISE P ADVERTISE
_LS10.P93.indd 93 08/01/2015 17:26

Master
your machine
Top tip
Lost your sewing machine
manual? Do an online
search with your make/
model and you'll probably
find a downloadable
version
Each machine model offers a range of features and functions,
but all have these fundamental elements in common. Use this handy
guide and you'll know your way around yours in no time
1
THREAD GUIDES
1 Two threads make up each stitch. The top thread from the spool of
cotton and passes through these guides to regulate the tension of the
thread before feeding it through the needle. The second thread comes 17
from the bobbin.
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.
2
REVERSE FUNCTION 3
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.
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
4
clamp. Most machines include a tool for tightening and loosening the
clamp to access the needle.
PRESSER FOOT 5
5 Holds the fabric in place as you work. Can be removed 8
and replaced with the type required for a specific sewing 7
task, ie zips.
6
BOBBIN CASE
16
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.
17
FEED DOGS
7 These moving parts lie underneath the needle plate.
With spiked teeth that protrude from the opening, these Top tip
help to move the fabric through the machine.
If you're struggling
with the threading on a
new machine, practise
NEEDLE PLATE with red thread
8 The metal plate directly below the needle and presser foot. The small opening allows the until you get the
thread from the bobbin to pass through while the needle enters to make the stitches. On the hang of it
plate are guide markings to assist straight sewing and measuring seam allowances.
_LS10.P94-95 Master Your Machine.indd 94 13/01/2015 19:29

ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE
TENSION CONTROL
TROUBLE WITH TYOUR TENSION? 9 This dial regulates the tension of the stitches
O Check that both the machine and bobbin are by determining the speed at which the thread
correctly threaded. If these aren't exactly right, passes through the machine. Messy stitches, or
this can cause incorrect tension. Also check that
the thread on the bobbin is wound correctly. If it's
Top tip loops of thread or knots on the right or wrong
side of the fabric are a common sign that the
too tight or too loose, it won't feed through the Don't use polish to clean
tension needs to be reset.
machine and make even stitches. Another good your machine – the
tip is to use the same thread in the machine and chemicals and moisture
the bobbin – even slightly different threads can may damage it. Remove
unbalance the tension any dust with a BOBBIN WINDER
lint-free cloth J Winds thread from the cotton spool
onto the bobbin, ensuring that the thread
10 is fed evenly onto the bobbin and maintains
the correct tension.
11
SPOOL HOLDER
K This pin runs through the centre of a spool
of thread, allowing it to feed smoothly through
the machine.
14
12 SCREEN
L Displays the relevant information
15 regarding the stitch style, width and length
that has been selected.
13 HAND WHEEL
M Manually operates the mechanics of the
machine, moving the needle up and down
and engaging the feed dogs.
STITCH SELECTOR
N Allows you to select from the different
stitches on the machine and includes a menu
from which you make your selection. The stitch
is selected by moving the wheel to the correct
symbol.
STITCH LENGTH AND STITCH

WIDTH SELECTORS
O 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 only
applies to stitches where the needle moves to the
left and right, ie zigzag. For decorative stitches,
the bigger the width the better.
FREE ARM
Top tip P Can be removed to recreate a narrower
working space, which is used when sewing
Use the little brush in
smaller items or inserting sleeves.
your machine's care kit to
give it a quick clean every
time you refill the bobbin.
It helps keep dust and ACCESSORY DRAWER
fuzz from gathering Q Use to store alternative presser feet, spare
bobbins and maintenance tools.
_LS10.P94-95 Master Your Machine.indd 95 13/01/2015 19:29

THE SEW NG SHOP
Essex Aldershot Haberdashery Suffolk
BECCLES SEWING & HANDICRAFTS

DRESSMAKING & CRAFT FABRICS,
AND SEW ON FABRICS HABERDASHERY & CRAFT REQUIREMENTS
• Family-run business, set within a beautiful craft
SEWING MACHINES REPAIRS & SALES
centre, for all your fabric needs. Michael Miller, BANBURY SEWING CENTRE
Dashwood studios, Riley Blake, Moda etc. Also 57 Parsons Street, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 5NB Authorised dealer for:
furnishing and dressmaking fabrics. JANOME, BROTHER, BABYLOCK, SILVER,
Tel: 01295 262344 ELNA, SINGER, JUKI, ALFA & FRISTER+ROSSMANN.
Unit 12, Blake House Craft Centre, Email: enquiries@banburysewingcentre.co.uk
Rayne, Essex, CM77 6SH 15A, Blyburgate, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9TB
Tel: 01376 346532 • Suppliers for sewing, knitting, craft, felting and 01502 714234
www.andsewonfabrics.com much more. Telephone orders welcome.
Hertfordshire Haberdashery North Devon
CRAFT CORNER STEP BY STEP

• Huge range of 100% cotton fabrics, THE BUTTONHOLE • Patchwork and quilting supplies.
polyester, felts and calico. • We stock a range of high quality dress Classes and workshops.
Phillimore Garden Centre, and crafting fabrics. An extensive range of Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday
Cambridge Road, haberdashery. Crafting kits.
11-12 George Arcade, South Molton, Devon,
Melbourn, Hertfordshire, SG8 6EY 53 Chapel Street, Chorley, PR7 1BU EX36 3AB, 01769 574071
Tel: 01763 268686 Tel: 01257 260900 www.stepbystep-quilts.co.uk
Needlecrafts Cheshire Bristol Cumbria
FOBBLES
SEW SIMPLE • Specialists in Patchwork, Quilting
• We are Quilting and Patchwork specialists
POPPY PATCHWORK & Needlecrafts
offering a large range of 100% cotton fabrics
• Fabric & Wadding Fabrics, threads, patterns, books, magazines
and quilting accessories.
• Haberdashery & Notions Variety of workshops available
• Lessons are available too. • Patterns & Books Tailor made retreats to suit your group
• Workshops Swift efficient mail order service
Lady Heyes Craft Centre,
Kingsley Road, Frodsham, 71 Westbury Hill, Bristol BS9 3AD Gubbergill, Irton, Holmrook, Cumbria CA19 1YQ
Cheshire, WA6 6SU Tel: 07900 927279 Tel: 01946 724764
Email: ellavaughan02@aol.com www.poppypatchwork.co.uk www.fobbles.co.uk
Cumbria Saltaire, West Yorkshire Saltaire, West Yorkshire Fabric
SEWBOX
• Sewbox – the ultimate way to shop ‘on-line’
for your dressmaking supplies! Sewbox aims to
JUST SEW bring together carefully selected, global ‘indie’
• A real aladdin’s cave of fabric just waiting to be SEW A GOOD YARN sewing patterns that are both modern and stylish
made into something gorgeous! Unit 101, Edgar Place and beautiful, exciting fabrics. In addition, the
The Mall - Chequers Centre
We stock a wide range of patchwork and dress fabrics BARLEY CRAFT FABRICS Maidstone – Kent
website offers a whole range of haberdashery,
as well as haberdashery, patterns and threads. • Stockists of over 500 beautiful 100% cotton poplin buttons and the convenience of matching
ME15 6AP threads, zips, interfacing etc. Liberty fabrics in
and craft fabrics plus quilting supplies and notions.
Poets Walk, Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 7HJ Tel. 01622 688638
stock. Beautiful fabrics & stylish patterns
Tel: 01768 866791 3 Oastler Road, Saltarie, BD18 4SE www.sewagoodyarn.com
www.justsewpenrith.co.uk Tel: 07804 171611 info@sewagoodyarn.com www.sewbox.co.uk
_LS10.P96.indd 96 13/01/2015 16:34

Next month in STYLISH
SEWING
MADE
SIMPLE!
FREE
Jacket pattern
with every issue
Quick makes
Spring dresses
New season
fabrics
All the latest

on The Great
British
Sewing Bee
ISSUE 11 ON SALE 26TH FEBRUARY 2015

All contents subject to change
_LS10.P97 Next issue.indd 97 13/01/2015 19:30

30-MINUTE MAKE
I you T-shirt Project: Joanna Gosling
Joanna says:
“Decorating a plain
T-shirt is always
a good rainy day
activity – it’s fun and
creative, but you also
get something to keep
and use afterwards.
It’s always satisfying
SKILL LEVEL: O to wear your own
creations. Sticky-
MATERIALS: backed plastic is
O T-shirt brilliant to use to
O heart image make funky designs
O sticky-backed plastic that look screen
O tin foil printed. We’ve gone
O fabric paint for a Valentine’s Day
O sponge theme, but you can use
O craft knife any motif you like”
HOW TO MAKE:
A Draw or trace a heart motif onto the shiny D Lightly sponge fabric paint into the cut-
side of the sticky-backed plastic. Keep the out area, building up a strong colour.
backing so you can keep the template later.
Home Made Simple
Use a craft knife to cut out the image. E Leave to dry. Peel off the sticky-backed for Kids by Joanna
plastic carefully. Stick it back onto its backing Gosling is published
B Stick the cutout onto the fabric, making so you can use it again. by Kyle Books,
sure both are completely smooth. priced £13.59,
F Follow the paint instructions to fix it www.kylebooks.com
C Place the tin foil in between the front and permanently onto the fabric. Usually, you
back of the T-shirt. This will stop the paint have to iron over the design, with a cloth
leeching through to the back. between the paint and the iron. O
_LS010.P98 Heart T-Shirt .indd 98 13/01/2015 19:30

_LS10.P99.indd 99 08/01/2015 17:28
LS10.P100.indd 100 08/01/2015 17:31

Lowe Sew Is 102015

Diunggah oleh

Informasi Dokumen

Judul Asli

Hak Cipta

Format Tersedia

Bagikan dokumen Ini

Bagikan atau Tanam Dokumen

Opsi Berbagi

Apakah menurut Anda dokumen ini bermanfaat?

Apakah konten ini tidak pantas?

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

Lowe Sew Is 102015

Diunggah oleh

Hak Cipta:

Format Tersedia

WIN

STYLISH SEWING MADE SIMPLE

PLAY TIME: KNICKERS! COSY DOG COAT:

Helen McLaughlin, Editor A BIG THANK YOU...

_LS10.P03 Welcome.indd 3 13/01/2015 18:03

Cover photography: Cat Powell @ CT Images

This month's guest contributors

Wendy Ward Ali Burdon Stephanie Stanesby

_LS10.P04-05 Contents.indd 4 13/01/2015 18:05

PROJECTS Publishing & Advertising

46 KIDS' KNIT TUNIC Distribution

Susan Dunlop Claire Garside Katie Marcus

_LS10.P04-05 Contents.indd 5 13/01/2015 18:05

_LS10.P06-07 Love Sewing Loves.indd 6 13/01/2015 18:11

Sew it now: chalk cloth

Whinberry & Antler

_LS10.P06-07 Love Sewing Loves.indd 7 13/01/2015 18:11

_LS10.P08-09 Love Sewing Loves.indd 8 13/01/2015 18:15

_LS10.P08-09 Love Sewing Loves.indd 9 13/01/2015 18:15

P PLAN YOUR TRIP…

P LEARN THE BASICS

_LS10.P10 This month.indd 10 13/01/2015 18:16

_LS10.P02.indd 11 13/01/2015 09:41

Modern Neutrals Geometrics, £14 per metre, www.raystitch.co.uk

Robert Kaufman Urban Zoologie Flamingoes, £12

_LS10.P12-13 New Fabrics.indd 12 13/01/2015 20:06

Frances Newcombe Utopia Aglow Sapling Sky, £12 per metre,

Clockwise from top left: AGF

_LS10.P12-13 New Fabrics.indd 13 13/01/2015 20:06

Eastleigh Sewing Centre Eastleigh

What can people expect to find when they visit?

Contact: Eastleigh Sewing Centre, 22 High Street,

_LS10P14 Shop of the Month.indd 14 13/01/2015 18:18

BABY SAYS SEW

_LS10.P16-17 Books.indd 16 13/01/2015 18:19

TORIE JAYNE’S STYLISH HOME SEWING

EASY TO MAKE! CURTAINS AND BLINDS

_LS10.P16-17 Books.indd 17 13/01/2015 18:19

Q I’ve just started sewing, but am

A Don’t watch the needle all the time, it

Q I’m ready to make my first garment –

A For woven fabrics, a simple A-line

_LS010.P18-19 Letters.indd 18 13/01/2015 18:21

Readers’ Le tter of the mo nth ter dress. I took the

P My attempt at the baby

P My tartan skirt. I love

P This is my slightly adapted

P Love the Bella dress

_LS010.P18-19 Letters.indd 19 13/01/2015 18:22

YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO SEWING & DRESSMAKING

Sausage Dog: ear

notch into fabric

Gentleman’s Tie: pie

45 step-by-step sewing projects

5 full dressmaking patterns

with short and

Knit dress and top

every project in the magazine

Create designs FOR PETITE

& spacious 8 1012141618 8 -1 4

QUICK MAKES ROCKABILL

Suitable favourite off

purchaser for person in part or whole