SEW ON-TREND!

STRICTLY PARTY STYLE FABRIC FAVES: DENIM, LIBERTY, TARTAN

DECEMBER 2016
ISSUE 92 5.99

The UKs Best-selling Sewing Mag!

32 IZES
S -18
PAGES 10
OF
Dressmaking
Know-How
STITCH LIKE
Beginner
A STAR!
shift dress SEW IN A
WEEKEND

Super easy SAY HELLO

coat-making TO BAMBOO
WE SHOW YOU THE BASICS Easy panda pal!
PLUS! MEMORABLE GIFT IDEAS SHOWSTOPPING DECS SPEEDY STOCKING FILLERS

SEW92 OFCover.indd 1 04/11/2016 16:17

SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:40 Page 2
 sew welcome

Welcome...
Style&Home
Editor, Jennifer Ward
jennifer.ward@aceville.co.uk
01206 505420
Deputy Editor, Melissa Hyland
melissa@aceville.co.uk
Who else has been enjoying the darker evenings?
01206 505423 Theres definitely something to be said for cosying
Editorial Assistant, Sian Whitehead up in front of the fire for the night, along with your
sian.whitehead@aceville.co.uk
latest project and a cup of tea. The countdown to
Publishing Director, Helen Tudor
Christmas has well and truly begun, and its time
Advertisement Sales
to start thinking about your winter sewing plans if YOUR
FREE
Hannah Suttling
hannah.suttling@aceville.co.uk
01206 505495 you havent yet! I love the style of this issues FREE
Anna Spilsbury
Simplicity 8051 pattern, which comes with options GIFT!
anna.spilsbury@aceville.co.uk for a gathered bust and sweetheart neckline the
01206 505932
wider straps of the latter version (pictured right) particularly appeals to me.
Sarah Collins
sarah.collins@mspublications.co.uk Looking to update your wardrobe? Amanda Walkers tartan coat
01206 506255 (p22) makes light work of coat-making and is a doddle to stitch, whilst still
Jackie Weddell teaching you buttonholes, raglan sleeves and patch pockets. Our denim
jackie.weddell@mspublications.co.uk
01206 506221 skirt by Fiona Hesford has a lovely Liberty trim, adding a slick touch to this
Jo Bluck wardrobe staple. The Cath Kidston apron on p32 also makes a lovely gift
11
jo.bluck@aceville.co.uk
01206 506253 for lots of people I know especially those mourning the end of the Bake Off !
Art Director Whether youre looking to deck your halls for Christmas or make a start
Phil Dunham on your gifts, weve got your festive stitching sorted! Find cute diamond
Designers
Gemma Eales, Cat Morton
decs (p84), pretty yo-yo trees (p82) and a charming table set on p80 to
and David Haddington decorate your home, or try our kissable clutch bag (p88), baby memory
Ad Production game (p91) and adorable panda toy on p98 named by the Sew readers!
Angela Scrivener
Do you love creating unique garments? Turn to p48 for details on how
Photography
CliQQ Photography www.cliqq.co.uk you can enter our Dressmaker of the Year competition with our sister title,
Models Dressmaker. What ever your skill level, I really hope you enter!
Georgia Jones, Zoe Banks and
Jessica Munro, MOT Models,
Did you attend a Sew Saturday event on 15th November? I had a
Laura Coleman, Nevs fantastic time at Franklins our local sewing store in Colchester, Essex.
Accounts Theres still time to share your day with us and nominate a shop near you
Denise Bubb
01206 505958 that put on a show! Email me at jennifer.ward@aceville.co.uk and be sure
Subscription Enquiries/ to tell us all about it. I hope you enjoy our December, and wish you
Back Issues
01795 592967 all a Merry Stitchmas.

Jenny
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All projects from this issue and the
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are reproduced in good faith that they do not You might remember Roger
infringe any copyright. reindeer from issue 66 of For your FREE
Sew, back in December 2014.
Prosharp Dressmaking
The publishers are not responsible for any safety
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Leader 92.indd 1 04/11/2016 15:37

In Every Issue 102 Need to know
Go-to practical advice.
106 M
 y sewing room
Meet textile artist, Home
03 W
 elcome Sarah Campbell. 69 S
 tuart Hillard
105 Reading room
Say hello to the Sew team. The Sew columnist on
Kids
Add these stitchy titles
to your bookshelf. handmade Christmas decs.
06 W
 ant it now!
The best news, products, 70 Home trends
Features
98 B
 amboo the panda
shows and more. Add an opulent touch with
Youll love stitching this
peacock shades.
08 W
 hat youre saying sweet toy for a youngster.
26 Lets party, Strictly style!
We look at what youve How to inject some glitz 73 Q
 uilters corner
been making this month. into your wardrobe. Gifts Get the latest patchwork, quilt
news and products.
38 S
 ubscriptions 36 Y
 our no-panic Christmas 86 C
 raft caddy
Never miss an issue of Sew 75 B
 lock of the month
gift guide A project from stitchy celeb
subscribe for exclusive offers! Stitch a winter scene with our
We take the stress out of Debbie Shore. house quilt block.
56 M
 achine shopping your festive gift-giving.
Top sewing machine models 88 K
 issable clutch bag 78 L
 ove that fabric
46 5
 ways to make your Say mwah to this
youll love. Youll love these patchwork
own Christmas jumper funky-shaped purse. collections.
67 W
 orkshops & courses Customise your own!
Develop your sewing skills. 91  aby memory game
B 80 Christmas table set
51 F
 ive ways with the This interactive game is fun Festive dining made easy.
96 G
 iveaways! AccuQuiltGo! to stitch and play with littluns.
Prizes worth over 1,000! Be inspired by these 82 K
 itsch yo-yo trees

100 January preview
Next month we have a
FREE Simplicity 8128 top
and skirt combo.
stitchy ideas.
58 S
 ew Saturday round-up
We take a look back at the
stitchiest day of the year!
Extras
Make use of fabric scraps.
84 S
 usies stitch school
53 B
 ritish Sewing Awards 2016 Use up scraps to stitch these
Be sure to cast your vote! fun Christmas accessories.

32 98
Great
gift
ideas!

8
82
Subscribe
TODAY!
For a FREE pair
of Prosharp
Dressmaking
Scissors
see p39.

04
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 SEW STYLE
December 2016 32 pages of fashion,
garments & more!
FREE THIS MONTH...
FREEBIES & OFFERS
Your FREE Simplicity 8051 pattern
11
6 15% off at Plush Addict
Grab a discount online at has two stylish figure-flattering
Plush Addict. dresses to choose from, that
14 5
 0% off New Look 6457 are perfect for the party season.
Sew a pretty frock perfect Whatever your style, these frocks
for any occasion. are great for all occasions adding
25 5
 0% off Simplicity 8178 glamour and fun to your wardrobe!
Stitch your own rocking
jumpsuit with this great deal. 11 F
 igure-flattering dress 28 C
 lassic denim skirt
36 1 5% off the S-Box at Use your FREE Stitch the perfect mix:
the-stitchery pattern to sew two denim and Liberty.
Use your Sew discount to stylish dresses.
make use of this fab offer! 30 T
 unic dress
16 P
 attern picks Add some wow into
95 5
 0% off Sew Style series May Martins top choice your wardrobe with
Get all three issues for 14.99! of party outfits. this easy project.
18 L
 earn with 32 R
 etro apron
Create a stunning tutu Stitch this Cath
with layers of tulle. Kidston beaut for

91
Christmas day!
20 L
 ove that fabric
Add festive prints and 34 I ndie pattern news
trims to your stash. Find all the latest
patterns from
22 R
 aglan sleeved coat independent designers.
This tartan cover-up
is a stylish stitch. 40 Q
 &A 45 F
 ashion forecast
Our experts answer Get the wintry look
25 S
 implicity all of your stitching with Croft Mills range
style school questions and queries. of velvets and cords.
Sew stylish jumpsuits
for instant chic style. 43 L
 auren Guthrie 46 D
 ressmaker of the
Lauren on the joys of Year launch
being a sewcialist. Do you have what
it takes? Find out

22 more about this

great competition!

28
FREE NEXT
MONTH
80 Stylish
two-pieces!

05
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Want
it
now!
Things were coveting in the
world of stitching this month

love it!
BUNDLES OF COLOUR!
Oakshott Fabrics Multicolour Picks set of fat eighths
have been a huge success and now the company has
added fat quarters and half metre blocks to its gorgeous
colourways! Each little bundle, priced 29, contains a
selection from the comprehensive Colourshott collection,
combining a highlight shade with seven complementary
colours. The names alone have got us making room in
our stashes, and include Brighton Rock, Derwent, Freesia,
Metro, New Forest, Orchid, Rio and Spice. See the full
range at www.oakshottfabrics.com

Vintage Daydreams from Riley Blake

ALICE CAROLINE LIBERTY ADDICTED TO SEWING!

CHRISTMAS SEWING KITS, FROM 9
Designed to give your home a cosy festive makeover,
the Alice Caroline range of Liberty Christmas sewing
kits include projects from a stunning stocking to
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our tables with the Christmas napkin (9), placemat
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festive red prints. Each kit contains all the Liberty Tana
Lawn and linen fabrics, templates and instructions
required. To order, visit www.alicecaroline.co.uk
We're huge fans of Plush Addict here at Sew HQ this
one-stop online shop boasts a huge range of fabrics from
all your favourite brands, including Riley Blake, Moda,
Makower, Michael Miller and more, plus haberdashery and
patterns. Now the company is offering a fabulous 15%
discount on all purchases, so whether you're a regular
or a new customer, it's a great opportunity to stock up
for winter! Simply make your purchases and enter the
discount code* 15SEW at www.plushaddict.co.uk
*This code cannot be used with any other Plush Addict offer
or discount. Offer ends 31/12/16.

06
sewmag.co.uk
 sew shopping

Lace dress 70, knit coat 60, www.next.co.uk

hot DIARY
on the DATES
high 1st-3rd December
street SELVEDGE WINTER FAIR
Chelsea Old Town Hall

27th-29th January
SPRING QUILT FESTIVAL
Ardingly, Sussex

get the 2nd-4th February

look!
STITCHING, SEWING &
HOBBYCRAFTS
EventCity, Manchester

24th-26th February
As the party season kicks off, SPRING QUILT FESTIVAL
we all want an outfit that looks
Edinburgh
glam along with a stylish
cover-up to brave the chill en
route! This lovely lace dress
from Next looks fantastic
2nd-5th March
teamed with a long knit coat SPRING KNITTING &
STITCHING SHOW
in a complementary shade to
really bring the outfit together. Olympia Central, London
You can achieve a similar look
by sewing Simplicity's 1168
pattern, which includes a shift
dress with the option to add
sleeves, plus a smart long
coat. Priced 8.15, visit
www.simplicitynewlook.com

ONLINE SHOPPING
Paul and Linda Haynes of
Grimsby Sewing & Knitting
Centre have now launched
an additional new website
at www.craft-fabrics.com.
They have taken over Craft
Fabrics, a family-owned
STYLISH GREETINGS business and will be
Known for its stylish carrying on the original
dressmaking patterns, owners' tradition of seeking
The Makers Atelier has out a unique selection of
just launched its first set of patchwork and quilting
six beautiful greetings cards, fabrics from suppliers
themed around dressmaking around the world! From
ephemera and haberdashery. novelty prints to oriental
They were created in fabrics, there's something
collaboration with photographer Katya de Grunwald, whose to suit all tastes. Visit online
still life images for the brand have been much admired by to see the full range, or
customers inspiring this new collection. The cards are call 01472 343921 to find
available individually for 2.50, or in packs of six priced out more.
12.50. Purchase them online at www.themakersatelier.com

07
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 Sponsored by Minerva Crafts
What youre
saying...
Share your crafty makes and stories with us to be in
with the chance of winning a fantastic prize!
Star Letter
Im using
free machine
embroidery
to create
quilt panels!
In between making dresses and skirts,
Ive been sewing some quilting panels
that I hope will become a lap blanket
as the colder weather draws in. Im
personalising each house by drawing
free motion, something I havent done
in 20 years. I dont sketch anything
out, but just go for it instead. It can be
quite scary as theres no turning back,
but I love taking that little leap of faith.
Fingers crossed the other seven panels
will look equally pretty!
Lucy Picksley
What a beautiful idea Lucy! Free
motion embroidery is such a fun
way of creating stitchy drawings
that are also totally unique.
What You're Saying 92.indd 2
www.minervacrafts.com
Its so good to
hear from you
Sian Whitehead
Editorial Assistant
Two more stag heads
made using the pattern
from issue 81!
These are my latest stag heads completed
using the pattern from issue 81 of Sew. I made
them from tweed, with cotton for the inside of
the ears. Ive made six so far and have just been
asked to make another one. Everyone loves
them, and they just adore the fun eyelashes!
Stephanie Marsh
We cant resist those eyelashes
either, Stephanie!
I made a Chinese
robe for a friend
I have recently finished this Chinese robe
for my friend, which involved adapting
New Look 6012 to fit a man! The fabric and
trimmings were purchased from FabricLand
in Bournemouth when I was on holiday
the beautiful yellow silk satin was very
affordable. I am really enjoying my Sew
subscription after reading all of
my daughters copies!
Frances Jennings
Youve so cleverly adapted this pattern and
we love the bold colour choice! Keep up the
I made a little
great work and enjoy your subscription.
monster case for
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I saw this pattern for a pyjama case in
Debbie Shores Half Yard Kids book
and couldnt resist sewing him for my
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has his own little monster to look after
his PJs and now he wants more to put
his toys in too!
Lynne Johnson
This pyjama case is too cute no
wonder your grandson loves him!
08
sewmag.co.uk
04/11/2016 12:42
 sew you

WIN this bumper

selection of fabrics!

&Tell
This month, our Star Letter winner will receive
a bumper selection of fabrics from Minerva
Crafts, worth 50. We also have 10 worth for
each runner-up. For more stitching goodies,
Show
Share your latest stitchy
triumphs with sew!
visit www.minervacrafts.com

I made this Johanna grdh

Present for a new
woodland quilt baby a pair of

from a kit
pants and a
matching bunny!

I loved making this Woodland Park quilt

from a kit purchased at The Knitting and
Stitching Show. Ive finished the top, and
am now deciding on the backing fabric
and how to quilt it. I had planned on Kathy Lee
selling it on my Etsy site, but after Made a Snorlax and a
showing it to my daughter, it may have to Pokeball for my son.
be a gift for my six-week-old grandson. I Drafted the Snorlax
fell in love with the bright colours of the based on a basic
quilt on the stand, and the instructions teddy bear pattern.
were very easy to follow, with great
diagrams and bold templates.
Claire Hutchinson
Its easy to see why your daughter
Jane
has fallen in love with this beautiful Robinson
quilt. Fantastic job, Claire!
Ive been
making
Christmas

I made the most trees!

of this fabric by
making two
great items!
These are the items I made
Marzena
Kirton-Darling
using a pretty bee printed fabric. I loved the bee pattern
I stitched the reversible cushion in the August issue,
first and as I had a little bit of and here it is! Thank
fabric left over, I made a simple you Sew.
pencil case too. The cushion
looks great upon a small stool in a
teenagers room, while the pencil
case encourages tidiness.
Elaine Tanner
Marion
What a great way to Clist
make the most of your My first quilt!
fabric, Elaine!

Get in touch Write in and share your creations, tips and views
@
What Youre Saying, Sew Magazine,
sian.whitehead Facebook.com/ Twitter Instagram
1 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road,
@aceville.co.uk sewhq @sewhq @sewhq Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY.

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What You're Saying 92.indd 3 04/11/2016 12:42

SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:40 Page 10

J & B Sewing Machines

Newport & Cardiff

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 in association with sewstyle

your FREE
pattern

TWO DESIGN
Two flattering

OPTIONS
Dresses
8051
The fabulous 50s arent over in our books
and thats why this issue, weve brought you a
rocking frock! With two great designs to choose
from that both ooze Hollywood glamour, youre
sure to find the perfect make for you. Add a
petticoat for extra definition and volume, or
keep it simple with the naturally flared style.
Whatever you decide, youre certain to
look and feel fabulous!

32 pages of
dressmaking

Really easy coat Liberty trim skirt Cath Kidston apron

p22 p28 p32
11
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Covermount Dec16.indd 1 04/11/2016 15:43

 your FREE
pattern
COUTURE
STITCH A

Make
DRESS

in an Style A
Gathered bust
evening

Which neckline
to choose?
Gathered necklines are
well-suited to petite
busts and help narrow
shoulders. A sweetheart
design features two
curves over this area,
which drop and meet
at the cleavage to
resemble a heart shape.
Its a particularly flattering
neckline, especially for
bigger busts, and is
also much softer than a
V-shaped neckline which
fails to suit all frames.

Whats your Simplicity size?

Remember to use your body measurements to
find your pattern size, NOT your ready-to-wear
size, that youd buy in the high street shops.
Visit www.simplicitynewlook.com to find out
more about taking accurate measurements
and getting the right fit for your shape.

12
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Covermount Dec16.indd 2 04/11/2016 15:30

 Your chic
sew style

Press as
you go
The style of this
neckline looks more

dresses
complex than it
really is. In order to
create the perfect
sweetheart shape,
you must press as
you go. Start on the

on perfecting outer edges of each

semi-circular cup
a sweetheart neckline and work inward
towards the centre
of the heart,
rather than
working from
one side
seam to
The cinched the other.
waist creates a
figure-flattering
style

Style B
Sweetheart
neckline

Versatile
shape
Wide straps
help to
create the
illusion of
narrow shoulders
and elongate the
neck, as opposed
to spaghetti straps
or halterneck styles.
Along with a fitted
waist, the flared skirt
flatters bigger hips
while extending
out on smaller
frames.
Sew it right
When sewing, always make sure you clip seams into the curves to allow the
fabric to lie as flat as possible and get rid of any bulky seam areas. If opting
for a sweetheart neckline, always measure correctly to ensure the middle
sits at the cleavage to ensure the perfect fit. This shape is designed to
accentuate your curves, which suits the full skirt of Simplicity 8051. Add thick
straps that cross over at the back if youre a fan of the 50s-inspired look.

13
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Covermount Dec16.indd 3 04/11/2016 15:30

 OCCASION
PERFECT your FREE
DRESSES
pattern

How I made it
Dressmaker Vie
Millards top tips for
working with Simplicity 8051
l Dont be put off by the large
number of small pattern pieces,
simply follow the instructions
carefully, and all will be revealed.
l Before cutting, think about
where the fabrics design will appear
as you place your pattern pieces.
Small sections of particularly large
motifs could look messy when
Style A rejoined. Instead its better to
Keyhole back feature larger portions of a design
in specific areas.
l As this skirt is circular, it will drop
unevenly. Therefore, for the best
Just for you! results it should be hung for a few
days before the hem is completed.
If you love this months
Simplicity 8051
pattern but require a
smaller size bracket,
were offering New
Look 6457 for the
special price of 4.08
(RRP 8.15), plus
85p postage. Just
quote SEW6457 at the
checkout when you
visit www.simplicity Bracelet, 10,
a collection at
newlook.com. Offer Debenhams
available from Pointed heels with an elegant
ankle strap finish the look.
17th November to
16th December.

For extra edge, pair

your dress with a Pair bold prints with
leather jacket. a single tone clutch

14
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Covermount Dec16.indd 4 04/11/2016 15:30

 sew style

My version of the
dress avoids using
colourful motifs
on the waistband
and back bodice,
instead showing it
off to great effect in
the skirt
Vie Millard, Dressmaker

Material
needs

Painted linen (7139)

This gorgeous
watercolour design
is a stylish option for
Simplicity 8051.
Priced 21.95 per
metre, www.stone
fabrics.co.uk

next months FREE

8128 Pattern
Simplicitys stunning two piece 8128 pattern
will make it straight onto your to-stitch list.
With a total of SIX garments to sew, you can
use this time and time again to create the
perfect outfit. On sale 16th December.

15
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Covermount Dec16.indd 5 04/11/2016 15:30

 Pattern Exclusive style advice
STITCH A UNIQUE
THREE
DESIGN
OPTIONS
Beautiful bodice
This corset top looks great
teamed with either a skirt
or palazzo pants. The
bodice is slimming due to
the contour and boning,
while the pants elongate
the leg line when worn
over a pair of heels.

New Look 6242

Sizes 4-16

TRY THE
SKIRT
OPTION
TOO!
Two-piece style
This little two-piece combines a
dress with a removable top. Its a
great way of rocking a cropped
top without exposing the midriff,
which is covered by the middle
section of the dress.

Most patterns feature

international sizes
which differ from
ready-to-wear sizing.
It is essential that
you take your exact
body measurements
and compare with
Simplicity 8086 the sizing charts on
each pattern.
Sizes 4-20
16
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Pattern picks 92.indd 1 04/11/2016 10:49

 Picks
sew style

st
ni
m
lu
co
w
with MayMartin

Se
PARTY OUTFIT
Cut-out glam
This dress delivers an
elegant look, providing a
complete cover up with Exclusive Sew columnist
a diagonal slit from the
shoulder, which focuses the May Martin on how to create
eye and elongates the upper
torso. The pleating across the perfect party outfit

I
the waist is also flattering
to the midriff area.
ts time to enjoy the festive season and make a new outfit
for the Christmas party. Great equipment and thorough
preparation before you start is the key to a great finish.

Cutting edge
When dealing with silky or stretchy fabrics, always use really
sharp scissors or a rotary cutter. The latter must be handled
carefully keep it covered whenever it leaves your hand and
always use a self-healing mat, plus a gridded or shaped ruler
for the curves. Practise on scrap fabric and always cut away
from yourself to lower the risk of accidents.
Vogue 1514
Sizes 6-22
Keep it sharp
Treat yourself to some new pins and dont be tempted to fill your
pin box with odds and ends that you find in garment packaging.
These wont be very sharp and may mark your fabric.

MOCK Getting started

WRAP Iron the pattern under a tea towel before pinning onto your
STYLE pressed fabric. Use pale threads when transferring pattern
markings as dark thread may leave visible fibres in the fabric.
Cut out the pattern pieces and pin them together using the
correct seam allowance. Try this pinned pattern on half of your
body and you will get a good idea about the fit and proportions.

Machine sewing
Always put in a new needle and use the same thread top and
bottom on your machine. Wind your bobbin evenly as this will
affect your lower tension. I always wind a couple of bobbins
before I start a new project, to prevent any interruptions.

STOCKIST INFORMATION Until next month,

May Martin
For Vogue patterns, visit
www.sewdirect.com,
0844 880 1263.
For more dressmaking
For New Look and advice, be sure to pick up
Simplicity patterns, visit May Martins Sewing Bible:
www.simplicity 40 Years of Tips and Tricks
newlook.com, (25, HarperCollins).
0161 480 8734.

17
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Pattern picks 92.indd 2 04/11/2016 12:30


You can really get creative with this fun dressing-up project, from the colours you choose to the
way you layer it together. Use your imagination and create your own one-of-a-kind pixie skirt,
Essentials
Matte tulle, 15.24cm
wide, 25 yards per colour
Glitter tulle, 7.62cm
wide, 15 yards per colour
Ribbon, 6mm wide,
3 yards per colour
Coordinating soft
waistband elastic,
3.81cm wide
Coordinating thread
Note: these quantities are
enough for an adult-sized
skirt you may need less for
smaller sizes.
Dimensions
Custom sized
1.27cm seam allowance
used throughout unless
otherwise stated.
1 FOLD
6"
TULLE TULLE
3" overlap
LEARN WITH
Patty Prann Young
PIXIE SKIRT
either for a child or an adult.
1 Calculate the desired length
of the skirt based on the
measurement from the wearers
natural waist down to where you
would like the skirt to fall. Base
the width of the waistband on
the wearers waist measurement.
2 Cut as many strips of matte
tulle as each colour will
yield, or fewer for smaller sizes.
To calculate the length of the
strips, take the wearers skirt
measurement and multiply by
two. For the childs skirt shown,
only 15 strips of each colour were
cut (45 total) at 71.12cm long, but
adult-sized skirts would look fuller
with more strips. As you sew the
skirt together, you can add or
subtract strips as you see fit.
3 Snip as many strips of glitter
tulle as each colour will yield,
measuring 10.16cm shorter than
the length of the matte tulle strips.
The skirt pictured features 10
strips of each colour (20 total) at
71.12cm long. Cut as many strands
of ribbon as each colour will yield,
6"
2 FOLD
GLITTER TULLE
TULLE
sewmag.co.uk
measuring 10.16cm shorter than
the length of the glitter tulle strips.
The pictured skirt features seven
strands of each colour (21 total) at
50.8cm long. Cut a length of soft
waistband elastic that is 2.54cm
shorter than the wearers waist
4
measurement.
Fold each strip of matte and
glitter tulle in half lengthwise,
finger-pressing them to hold the
shape if needed. Working on a
flat surface, place a strip of matte
tulle down with the fold at the top.
Layer a different colour matte tulle
strip so that it overlaps half of the
5
previous strip and pin.
Continue adding a new matte
tulle strip every 7.62cm,
alternating colours for a pleasing
pattern, until you have used them
all [1]. Pin the glitter tulle strips
centred on the overlap of every
third matte tulle section. Tack the
strips together, 6mm from the
edge of the fold. Use your longest
tacking stitch so that you can
gather the skirt later [2].
GLITTER TULLE
18
6 Sew a second tacking row
6mm below the first. As you
stitch, add a strand of ribbon
folded in half on top of every
glitter tulle strip. Align the fold
of the ribbon with the folded
edge of the tulle strips. Pull the
bobbin threads to gather the tulle
skirt to 10.16cm longer than the
wearers waist measurement. For
extra reinforcement, sew a row of
stitching on top of the gathering
stitches. To flatten the bulk of the
gathered strips, overlock or sew
a wide zig zag stitch along the
gathered edge.
7 Pin the tulle panel to the elastic,
right sides together, leaving
1.27cm either side so that you can
stitch the elastic together into the
waistband later without the bulk
of the tulle in the way. Overlock
or zig zag the skirt to the elastic,
stretching slightly as you go and
making sure to do this evenly all
the way around the skirt.
8 Fold the seam up and topstitch
down to the inside of the
waistband with a wide zig zag
stitch. With right sides together,
overlock or zig zag the short
edges of the waistband together.
Fold the seam allowance to the
side and topstitch it down.
To save time when
trimming the tulle
and ribbons, wrap
them around a
piece of cardboard
thats the length
required, then cut
through all of the
layers at each end.
 sew tutorial

This pretty,
tutu-style
skirt is so
easy to make
and would be
great for a
fancy dress party.
Melissa Hyland,
Sew Deputy Editor

get
the
book

Find more stylish garments for

women and girls in Patternless
Sewing MOD Style by Patty Prann
Young (17.99, Stash Books). Visit
www.searchpress.com

next
month...
Sew Wendy Wards flattering
knee-length skirt!

Projects subject to change

19
sewmag.co.uk
 LOVE THAT FABRIC

Joyeux Noel
Stitch it festive with seasonal fabrics and trims
Whatever dressmaking project you have in mind this Christmas, be sure to add a novelty fabric,
fun ribbon and decorative notions to your stash so you can stitch up a festive dream!

5
2
1

1 Decorative Lace Zip, 3.50, www.eternalmaker.com 2 Crompton Spot Emerald, 3.99 per metre, www.fabricland.co.uk
3 Green Petite Xmas Tree Wooden Buttons, 3.99 per pack of 10, www.myfabrichouse.co.uk 4 Christmas Robin in Cream, 3.99 per metre,
www.fabricland.co.uk 5 Nutcracker in Cream, for stockists visit www.rileyblakedesigns.com 6 HoHoHo ribbon (Art. 14101 Col. 1),
RRP 75p per metre, for stockists contact berisfords@stockistenquiries.co.uk 7 Holly Jolly Winter Vanilla, Juniper Berry Collection by
Basicgrey, 12 per metre, www.sewhot.co.uk 8 943 DMC Stranded Cotton, 69p per skein, www.sewandso.co.uk

20
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Love That Fabric Dressmaking.indd 1 04/11/2016 10:27

SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:40 Page 21
 Essentials
Wool fabric, 1.5m x 2.5m
Medium weight fusible
Season must-sew

r aglan
interfacing, 1m
Buttons, three
Coordinating thread
Raglan shoulder pads

sleeved coat
Dimensions
Black line: small (8-10)
Red line: medium (10-12)
Blue line: large (12-14)
Note: check your bust and
hip measurement against
pattern to determine size

1.5cm seam allowance used

throughout unless specified.
Start stitching today and you wont know
Cutting guide what you did without it!
Back coat: cut one on fold
Front coat: cut one pair
Front sleeve: cut one pair Thanks to talented Sew designer Amanda Walker, coat-making just got
Back sleeve: cut one pair
Front facing: cut one pair even easier. If youve steered clear of stitching jackets for your wardrobe
each in fabric and fusible
interfacing
in the past, this garment is sure to twist your arm. Dont be daunted by the
Back neck facing: cut one beauty of the design this classic shape is easy to stitch and can even be
on fold each in fabric and
fusible interfacing made up with fabrics that dont fray like boiled wool, avoiding the need to
Pocket: cut one pair on
bias of fabric and one pair finish seams. Before you start, turn to page 100 for some expert advice
of pocket flap facings in
fusible interfacing
on making buttonholes from Debbie Shore!

Sew a timeless coat

1 Go online to www.sewmag.co.uk
/templates to download and print the
pattern. Cut out the pieces as indicated in the
cutting guide. Attach interfacing to the wrong
side of the front and back neck facings and
to the top flap facing part of the pockets.
Position and pin the back neck facing to the
front facing across the shoulders, with right
sides together. Stitch together and neaten
the outer edge.

2 Neaten the four sides of each pocket and

side edges of the front two pieces. Turn the
top interfaced part of each pocket over along
the fold line and stitch down the corner that
will sit nearest to the centre front of the coat.
Trim the bulk from the corners and turn the
pocket facings back to the wrong side. Adjust
your sewing machine to a larger stitch and
sew along the seam line, using a 1cm seam
allowance. Pull the threads of the stitching line
up slightly to help the edge of the pockets roll
over to the wrong side in a consistent line,
making a smooth curve to the base corners.
Press the edge of the fold, then position the
pockets to the notches indicated on the side
seams of the front coat piece. Pin in place and
slip stitch in place by hand, down the edge
nearest to the centre front and across the base.

3 Neaten the shoulder edge and under

sleeve edges of both the front and back
base of the sleeve to the neckline, then press
the seams open.
prevent the facing rolling out, and press flat.

5 Turn the coat wrong side out, matching

sleeves. Position and pin, with right sides
of fabric facing, and stitch the front sleeves
to the front coat pieces. Neaten the seam
allowances together, pressing the seam
up towards the sleeve. Repeat for the back
sleeves and back coat piece. Lay the front
coat and sleeve pieces onto the back coat
and sleeves with the right sides of the fabric
facing, matching the shoulder edges of the
sleeves together. Pin and stitch from the
4 Lay the coat out flat with the right side
facing up. Position and prepare the facing
around the neckline and down each front edge.
Pin, then stitch in place, starting at the base of
the facing, going up around the neck and down
to the adjacent base front edge. At each facing
measure up a 4cm hem and stitch across.
Trim the bulk from the corners, clip around the
neckline, and turn the facings to the inside of
the coat. Under-stitch around the neckline to
the under sleeves and side seams together.
Pin, then stitch in one continuous seam from
the base of the sleeve to the hem of the coat,
then press the seams open. Neaten around
the base of the sleeves and base of the coat,
press up the 4cm hems, pin, then hem in place
by hand. Make three buttonholes on the right
side of the front coat. Stitch three buttons to
the corresponding places on the other side.

22
sewmag.co.uk

Amanda Walker coat.indd 1 04/11/2016 17:03

 sew style
Overlock or
zigzag stitch
to neaten the
edges of the sew
Download your
dress, where
instructed FREE
templates
Amanda Walker

Sew advice
WHY A
RAGLAN SLEEVE?
A raglan sleeve uses a
continuous piece of fabric the
haberdashery
that extends from the
collar of the jacket to the
underarm. Its easier to
stitch and allows for more
movement than the
set-in sleeve, which Check mate
continues from the arms We love the pinky
tone in this chic
material instead. tartan we rotated
the checks of the
pockets for added
interest. 100% wool
tweed (6466),
16.95 per metre,
www.stonefabrics.
co.uk

23
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Amanda Walker coat.indd 2 07/11/2016 08:56

SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:40 Page 24
 sew advice

STYLE SCHOOL
Jump straight into these chic get-ups
The thought of wearing a One-piece wonder

BEGINNERS LUCK
jumpsuit can be terrifying. Simplicity 1114 offers three
Weve all had the fitting room ordeal jumpsuit choices varying
with one that looked fabulous on in length leg and width,
with a keyhole V-shaped
the hanger, but as for the mirror
neckline in the front and
Cue a swift exit and a direct route to back to modernise a
comfort food. Trust us when we say, classic silhouette.
though, its not you and stitching It would make a
super easy vacation
your own will prove to be a much outift stitched in
more satisfying experience. Youre lightweight linen or sheer
only a hop, skip and a jump(suit) floral crpe, but could
steal the show as occasion-
away from your new best friend, just wear made up in a bold
pick a style, fabric and fit that you Georgette or pique.
feel comfortable with. Weve sought
out a few you may like, and with
50% off Simplicity 8178 youll
jump for joy!

EASY MAKE
Box clever
The culotte jumpsuit is an
updated, fluid style that
with a lot more volume
can be super flattering
wear it with a wedge

Pattern ofth
to elongate your legs.

the Mon
New Look 6446s fitted
top and tie-belted waist
balances well against
the wide legs, and also
If its your first foray, you cant go wrong with includes a handy romper
Simplicity 8178. The flattering cross-over version. Make it up in
bodice works as well at the office as it does for chambray or light denim
cocktails, plus you can choose between slim or and team with peep-toe
wide legs. Theres no need to search for the right boots and a cream turtle
jacket either, because it has a pattern for that! neck for an on-trend
VERSATILE GARMENT

A cinched waist helps perfect your silhouette Waist- autumn look.

too. Go bold with batiks or choose crpe de chine
for an elegant outfit.
length
jackets
Get Simplicity 8178 for the
special price of 4.08 plus flatter
50% 85p P&P (RRP 8.15) from
www.simplicitynewlook.com and
any one-
OFF quote code SEW8178. Offer valid piece
17th November to 16th December.

Shop more great patterns at www.simplicitynewlook.com

25
sewmag.co.uk
 LETS PARTY
Strictly STYLE
Take inspiration for
your party outfits from
the glitziest show on TV!
E
ver since it exploded onto our screens
in 2004, Strictly Come Dancing has
dazzled us with amazing dance routines
by celebrity contestants and with that, a
wardrobe of fabulous costumes. With the party
season now upon us, what better show to inspire
the outfits well be sewing for ourselves this
Christmas? Forget safe and sensible, lets bring
on the sparkle!
So far, weve already seen elegant long gowns
and 20s-style flapper dresses, not to mention the
stunning designs during the shows Movie Week.
Who could forget Laura Whitmores Moulin
Rouge inspired dress with its feathery train, or
Joanne Clifton dancing to Singin in the Rain in
a buttercup yellow gown? The brainchild behind
these designs is the shows head dress designer
Vicky Gill, who is also the creative head of the
dancewear company, DSI London, which has
cooperated with Strictly for the past six years.
Early start
Although the show didnt return to our screens
until late September, Vicky and her talented
team of dressmakers get started on the costumes
a lot earlier. I start collecting tear sheets, working
out moodboards, and meeting with the celebrities
as early as July, she revealed in the BBCs
companion show, Strictly: It Takes Two.
The team and I come together in August and
thats when it all begins.
Let's party strictly style.indd 1
Words by Melissa Hyland
This year s celebrity
line-up for Strictly
Come Dancing
Each week on It Takes Two, Vicky treats I start collecting tear
viewers to a sneak peek of some of the costumes
that are being designed in readiness for the week sheets, working out mood
after. A lot of work goes into these beautiful
creations, such as the aforementioned Moulin
boards, and meeting
Rouge dress. The bodice had a nude base covered with the celebrities as
with Swarovski crystals and jewellery stones
mostly 3mm, 3.8mm and 6.3mm, and even early as July
including a few tiny 1.4mm stones. To do this sort Vicky Gill, designer
of job, it probably takes around two days to get
right, Vicky revealed.
Although the costumes are designed in
advance, the team collaborates closely with the
dancers, making last-minute tweaks to ensure
the look and fit is right. Occasionally,
a nightmare scenario can arise when a dress turns
out to be too difficult to dance in, such as Claudia
Fragapane and AJ Pritchards foxtrot outfits on
15th October. Originally, as they were meant
to be university students, we based their look on
high street daywear, Vicky revealed. However,
the couple just couldnt dance in the outfits, so
we had to frantically rummage through our dress
rails, looking for frills, but we managed to come
up with new costumes in an hour!
Get the look
While some of the Strictly costumes may be a little
too ambitious - or risqu - to recreate at home, its
still possible to incorporate elements of the shows
glamorous style in your own party outfits. When
it comes to stand-out dresses, no TV programme
does it better than Strictly Come Dancing! To
create that A-list look, you need to consider the fit
Strictly contestant Laura Simplicitys 2442
and the fabric and most importantly, decide what Whitmore wore a lace pattern could suit a
style suits you best, says Hannah Rogers, covered dress, rather like Viennese waltz!
PR officer for pattern house Simplicity. Simplicitys 4070 pattern.
26
sewmag.co.uk
04/11/2016 12:07
 sew people

y
Simplicitys 1194
McCalls 6646 pattern offers a pattern features a Joanne Cliftons stunning yello
w
variety of design options. beautiful large skirt. gown from Movie Week.

From the classic cocktail dress of our 4070
pattern, to the ultra-feminine 50s 1194 vintage
dress with amazing tulle overlay and a stunning
floor length 2442 pattern, Simplicity has a
design for everyone that reflects one of Strictlys
ballroom styles, Hannah continues. You can be
sure that your statement dress is utterly unique
and you wont be turning up in the same dress as
someone else either!
To create
that A-list
Marilyn Stevens, PR officer for McCalls,
also has some suggestions to get the Strictly look.
McCalls 6646 pattern from the versatile Create
It range offers mix and match pattern pieces
for close-fitting, boned bodices with or without
straps, plus circular, short, double or long tiered
skirts. Tips on ways to embellish your finished
dress are also included, she says. With McCalls
7157 design, dont let your fabric choice be limited
by the model images on the pattern envelope.
Visualise this dress in a mid-weight sophisticated
brocade or maybe try a jewel coloured matte satin
bodice with a toning soft tulle skirt.
done using a size 70 needle and the zip foot to get
close to the sequins. Only press on the reverse
side with a low heat, Vie advises. Then, allow
the finished garment to hang for two to three days
before hemming as the weight of the sequins will
stretch the fabric. To finish, use sequins from the
off-cuts to fill any gaps along the seams.
Crystal tips
If that sounds a little too daunting or youre
short on time, why not decorate your outfit
with hotfix crystals? These flat-backed
embellishments are coated in a special

look, you All that glitters adhesive that is activated by the heat from
a crystal applicator tool and can easily be
need to Of course, Strictly is all about sparkle and one
way to achieve this is by sewing with sequinned
affixed to your fabric. If embellishing the entire
bodice is too much, you can just decorate
consider the fabrics. These can be a little challenging
however, as designer Vie Millard reveals.
the neckline or add a bold motif to the front.
Alternatively, try stitching on rows of beaded
fit, the fabric Firstly, good sequinned fabrics are expensive fringing to a shift dress for a sassy salsa look!
and using them can be time-consuming as
and most preparation is everything, she says. Most have Once your dress is ready, dont forget to
complete your look with glitzy jewellery
importantly, apieces
nap the sequins lay one way so your pattern
must all be cut in the same direction.
and shoes, plus a suitably glam hairdo.
Then step out and as Strictly presenters
what I recommend sticking to simple styles.
The construction of a garment will also be
Claudia and Tess would say keep dancing!

style suits different to other fabric types. Pattern pieces

you best should be traced onto the back of the fabric,
as pinning is not an option. Cut out with old See DSI Londons dance wear designs at
scissors as the metal sequins will ruin your www.dsi-london.com, 020 8664 8188.
Hannah Rogers,
Simplicity dressmaking shears in no time, Vie continues.
PR officer For McCalls patterns, visit
Keep any fabric off-cuts as you will need these
www.sewdirect.com, 0844 880 1263.
later on. Sequins must be removed from all the
seam allowances with tiny scissors, which is For Simplicity patterns, visit
McCalls 7157 pattern time-consuming but necessary in order to avoid
recreates one of www.simplicitynewlook.com,
contestant Laura causing damage to your machine. 0161 480 8734.
Whitmores outfits. Now for the sewing up! Machining is best

27
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Let's party strictly style.indd 2 04/11/2016 12:08

 Essentials
Denim fabric, 1.4m
Patterned cotton, 50cm
Lightweight fusible
interfacing, 20cm
Concealed zip, 18cm
Button, 1.5cm
Topstitching thread
Dimensions
Custom sized
Finished length from waistline:
56cm approx
1.5cm seam allowance used
throughout unless otherwise stated.
Cutting guide
Front and back skirt: cut two pieces
in denim fabric
Waistband front: cut one piece from
denim, lining and interfacing
Waistband back: cut two pieces
from denim, lining and interfacing
Pocket: cut two pieces in denim
and lining
Tie belt: cut one piece on
the fold from denim and lining
sew an A-line skirt
1 Go online to www.sewmag.co.uk/templates
to download and print the pattern. Following
the cutting guide above, cut out the pattern
pieces as instructed. With right sides facing,
insert the zip into the centre back seam, and
sew the back pieces together [1]. Sew together
the front pieces at the centre front seam with
right sides together. Press the seam allowances
open and finish all raw edges.
2 Take one pocket piece and pin to one lining
piece with right sides together. Sew a 1cm
seam allowance around, leaving a 3cm opening
at the lower end. Snip all corners of the seam
allowance, being careful not to cut into the
stitching. Turn through to the right side, push
out the corners and press [2].
3 Topstitch on the slanted side of each
pocket piece, 6mm from the edge [3]. Pin
the pockets in position on the skirt front using
1 2
4 5
Denim Skirt.indd 1
We love Liberty!
classic
d
enim skirt
Stitch a stylish number
with floral accents
Although the weather has turned a little cooler, were still looking
for feminine items to fill our winter wardrobe and this denim skirt
by Fiona Hesford is just that. Paired with a pair of bright, contrasting
tights, this above-the-knee beauty with large pocket details and
Liberty print accents will be your go-to stitch this season!
the template as a guide and tack all around.
Topstitch on the right side, 6mm from the
remove all tacking stitches. Press the seam
allowance towards the waistband and
edge, all around the pocket, excluding the topstitch on the right side, 6mm from
slanted sides [4]. With right sides together, sew the seam [6].
the skirt front to the back at the side seams.
Press open the seam allowance, and finish all
raw edges.
6 Fold the waistband over, right sides
together, and stitch at the short ends,
with an overhang section on one side. Trim
4 Iron interfacing onto the reverse of the
waistband lining pieces. Join the denim
waistband front and back pieces at the short
the corners of the seam allowance. Turn to
the right side, push out the corners and press.
Handstitch the waistband lining at the folded
sides with right sides facing. Repeat for the edge all around.
lining pieces. Sew the waistband and lining
together, with right sides together, at the top
edge with a 1cm seam allowance. Press the
7 Sew a button on the overhang section of
the waistband, and stitch a buttonhole on
the other end of the waistband. Finish the skirt
seam open, and topstitch on right sides, lower raw edge, and sew a 2cm single fold
6mm from the seam on the denim side. At hem. To create a tie belt, sew together the tie
the waistband lining, fold up and press 1cm belt piece and lining with right sides together,
at the outer raw edge [5]. using a 6mm seam allowance, leaving a 3cm
5
Pin the waistband denim raw edge to opening at the centre of one long edge. Trim
the skirt at the top edge with right sides
together, leaving an overhang at each side,
and tack in place. Sew a 1cm seam and
the corners of the seam allowance and turn
to the right side. Press and topstitch 6mm
from the outer edge all around.
3
6
28
sewmag.co.uk
04/11/2016 11:45
 sew style

Top tip!
For best results when sewing
denim, use a 90 machine
needle or a specially
designed jeans needle.
Find a range of machine
needles at www.direct-
sewingmachines.co.uk

the
haberdashery

Washed denim
Top 12.50 Marks & Spencer, Tights from a selection at H&M, Watch 30 Floozie by Frost French from Debenhams

We love a denim creation

and you can choose
between three colours;
light, medium or dark
blue. 10.99 per metre,
www.minervacrafts.com

Thorpe Liberty
Tana Lawn
With a beautiful soft
texture and fabulous drape,
this floral delight from
Liberty makes the perfect
lining fabric. 21.95 per
metre, www.sewbox.co.uk

sew
Download your
FREE
templates

29
sewmag.co.uk

Denim Skirt.indd 2 04/11/2016 11:47

 Essentials
Cotton fabric, 1.1m x 2.5m Stylish print dress

tunic dress
Lightweight fusible interfacing
Co-ordinating thread
Concealed zip, 56cm

Cutting guide:
Front panel: cut one on fold
Back panel: cut two
Sleeve: cut two
Pocket: cut two Sew a chic tunic dress with handy pockets
Front facing: cut one
Back facing: cut two This effortlessly chic tunic-shaped frock by Torie Jayne gives an
instant sense of style and retro glam, thanks to the slouchy fit
Dimensions and front pocket detail. The three-quarter length sleeves offer a
Custom sized
comfortable and relaxed shape, while the centre back fastening allows
you to test your zip-inserting skills. Stitch in a vibrant printed fabric
and add some wow to your wardrobe!

sew a tunic dress

1 Download the tunic dress templates at
www.sewmag.co.uk/templates and cut
out according to the cutting guide. Pin and
stitch the darts on the front panel. Press the
darts upwards. With wrong sides together,
fold the top of the pocket down by 1.5cm.
Press, pin and topstitch in place.

2 Tack the two pockets right sides

together, maintaining a 1cm seam
allowance. Do not backstitch. Turn the
pocket right side out and smooth out the
rounded edge and press well. Unpick the
tacking stitches and press again to maintain
the pocket shape.

3 Place the pockets on the front piece as

indicated by the pattern. Pin in place and
topstitch around it, leaving the top edge
open. Pin and stitch the back darts in place
and press towards the centre back. With
right sides together, pin the shoulder seams
on the front and back pieces, matching up
the raw edges. Stitch them together using a
1.5cm seam allowance. Zig zag or overlock
the raw edges separately and press the
seams open.

4 Iron the interfacing to the wrong side of

the front and back neck facings. Pin
the front and back pieces with right sides
together at the shoulder seams. Stitch
together using a 1.5cm seam allowance. Zig
zag or overlock the raw edges separately
and press the seams open. Pin the facing to
the dress neckline with right sides together,
matching up the shoulder seams, and stitch
together using a 1.5cm seam allowance.
Notch the neckline facing. Turn back to
the inside of the dress and press flat.

5 Ease stitch the cap of the sleeve between

the small circles. Place the sleeve right
sides together, with the dress in the armhole
curve and ease/gather the sleeve to fit into
place. Stitch together using a 1.5cm seam
allowance. Pin the side seam from the edge
of the sleeve to the bottom of the dress
hem. Stitch together, using a 1.5cm seam
allowance and press the seams open.
the pins. Using a zip foot on your machine,
stitch close to the teeth. Repeat on the other
side and remove the hand tacks when
finished. Turn the dress inside out and, from
the last stitch you made at the bottom of the
zip, continue to sew all the way down to the
right sides together. Sew down the side of
the zip tape, going through the facing. Fold
the facing back to the inside of the dress,
press flat and topstitch the neckline at
3.5cm. Turn up the edge of the dress hem by
4cm, press flat and stitch in place. Repeat

6 Turn the dress right sides out. On the bottom of the dress. Turn right sides out. for the sleeve hems, using a 1.5cm hem

7
centre back, pin the zip right sides with Fold the facing so it falls over the top of instead. Press the entire dress.
the dress. Hand tack in place and remove the zip, with the facing and the dress

30
sewmag.co.uk

Tunic dress.indd 1 04/11/2016 15:51

 sew style

To get the pockets

exactly the
same size, place
them right sides
together and tack
around the outer
edges. Turn out,
press well and
remove the tacking
stitches
Torie Jayne, designer

sew
Download your
the FREE
haberdashery templates

Meadow Floral Sprays

This flower print by Joan McLemore
really packs a punch in zingy
mango. 11 per metre,
www.spoonflower.com

31
sewmag.co.uk

Tunic dress.indd 2 04/11/2016 15:51

 Essentials
Cowboy fabric, 62cm x 77cm Sew in an evening!

retro apron
Red and white spot fabric,
37cm x 42cm
Red cotton tape, 2.5cm
wide, 6.5m
Interfacing, 21cm x 37cm
Red ric rac, 36.5cm
Thread, red, white

Dimensions
60cm x 76cm Stitch your own Cath Kidston apron to
stay stylish in the kitchen
We all enjoy cooking and baking here at Sew HQ, but not when it makes
a mess of our clothes! Thank goodness for Ellen Kharade's snazzy apron,
which is sewn from Cath Kidston's retro cowboy fabric along with a bold
polka dot pocket and red cotton tape for the straps and binding. You can
also scale down the pattern to make matching versions for the kids!

sew an apron
1 Download and print the templates at
www.sewmag.co.uk/templates and cut
out one apron piece and one pocket. Use the
apron template to cut your cowboy fabric
on the fold. Trim two pocket pieces from red
and white spot fabric on the fold, plus
another from interfacing.

2 Position the interfacing on the reverse of

one pocket. Press with a hot iron to fix
into place. With right sides facing, pin both
pocket pieces together and sew with a
10mm seam allowance, leaving a 15cm gap
on the straight edge for turning. Clip the
seam allowance and trim back by 5mm. Turn
the pocket right side out and press, then
topstitch across the straight edge to close
the gap. Pin ric rac across the straight edge
of the pocket and machine stitch into place.

3 Trim 63cm of red cotton tape, fold in half

lengthways and press to retain the fold
line. Ease around the sides and base of the
pocket, pin and machine stitch in place using
a long tacking stitch and white thread.
Prepare your machine with red thread, plus
white thread in the bobbin. Position and pin
the pocket to the front of the apron where
indicated, then sew close to the edge of the
tape. Machine stitch around the pocket
again, sewing 2mm in from the folded edge
to secure. Topstitch down the centre of the
pocket, sewing it to the apron. Unpick the
tacking stitches.

4 Cut 25cm of cotton tape, fold in half and

press lengthways. Pin to the top straight

the haberdashery
edge of the apron and machine stitch into
place, sewing close to the edge. Snip
another 1.64m length, fold in half and press
as before. Turn the ends over and secure
with a few hand stitches. Change the bobbin
over to red thread. Ease the cut edge of the Cowboy Spots red
apron into the centre of the folded tape, pin cotton duck Make a contrasting
into place and machine stitch. pocket from this
This retro-style

5 Trim 2.4m of tape, fold and press, then cowboy print classic cotton fabric,
priced 5.70 per
ease around the armholes and pin into makes a great
unisex apron, metre, plus red
place, making sure it is even on both sides. cotton tape, 65p
22 per 1.5m,
Machine stitch all along the tape from one per metre. www.
www.cath
side to the other, keeping the stitching close kidston.com sewing-bee.co.uk
to the edge and even as you do so.

32
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Apron.indd 1 04/11/2016 15:25

 sew style

Choice fabric!
Otherwise known as cotton
duck, canvas is an incredibly
durable fabric, making it
well-suited to homewares and
garments that are likely to do
the rounds in the wash.
Try some
haberbakery!
Wear your apron to make these
adorable stitchy biscuits from our
sister magazine, Homemaker!
You can find the recipes at
www.homemakermagazine.co.uk

sew
Download your
FREE
templates

33
sewmag.co.uk

Apron.indd 2 04/11/2016 15:25

 Alberta Street Pencil Skirt
A great fitting pencil skirt is a must-have in any womans
wardrobe and the Alberta Street Pencil Skirt ticks all the
right boxes. Thanks to its slim-fitting, unlined structure,
it has a gorgeous shape that hugs the hips and tapers
to the hem, landing just upon the knees. The angled,
oversized front patch pockets are a great style addition
and the centre back zip allows for easy wear.

Alberta Street Pencil Skirt by Sew House 7

Patterns, from 11.38, www.sewhouse7.com

Why sew loves...

US sizes 0-20.
PDF download available.

PDF and

iNDIE
Wardrobe essential.

paper
options!

pattern
Top picks from
news
independent designers

CAMAS BLOUSE
Looking for a go-to top pattern, which is both
comfortable and stylish? Well, this blouse is
designed to be just that and can be sewn in both
knits or stretch fabric. It features shoulder and
back yokes, elegant gathering and a curved
V-shaped neckline that is super flattering. The
gathers allow for a loose, flattering drape over
the body the style can be tucked into skirts and
trousers or hung loosely over the top of skinny
jeans. Learn how to add buttonholes in knit
plackets and add snaps with this versatile pattern.

Camas Blouse by Thread Theory, 8.20,

www.girlcharlee.co.uk

Why sew loves... PDF

Sizes 0-18. pattern!
Print your pattern at home.
Comfortable style made easy!

34
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Indie Pattern News 92.indd 1 04/11/2016 15:33

 sew style

UK Drop Dress & Top

sizes Wearable, fashionable garments
XS-L! are what were all searching for
in our wardrobes, and thats why
this drape dress and top pattern
from MadeIt Patterns has to
make it into your sewing room.
With long sleeves, slash neck and
asymmetrical draping, its an ideal
choice for the cooler season. Choose
from two adjustable lengths that
flatter a range of shapes and sizes.

Drop Dress & Top by

MadeIt Patterns, 8.95,
www.madeit-patterns.com

Why sew loves...

Flattering design.
Casual style.
Great size range.

NO.10 STOCKHOLM
JACKET
Inspired by the chic style of 40s and 50s
Swedish women, this jacket is perfect for
turning a casual outfit into sleek formal Dove Blouse
attire. Noted as an ideal beginners jacket, This feminine blouse is the perfect must-stitch
it still features some gorgeous detailing and were loving the statement sleeves it boasts!
for the maker to enjoy. You can also tackle Test your skills with French darts, a V-shaped
any difficult steps with the help of a video, neckline, curved hemline and three sleeve options.
available directly at How To Do Fashion. Whatever your style, theres something to suit
everyone with three versions offering elbow-
No.10 Stockholm Jacket by How To Do length, flared or bell sleeves.
Fashion, 16, www.backstitch.co.uk

Why sew loves...

Dove Blouse by Megan Nielsen, 11.18,
www.megannielsen.com
UK Why sew loves...
sizes
Great size range.
Printed paper pattern.
Perfect for beginners! 6-20!

PDF pattern.
Three style variations.
Skill builder.

Shawl Coat
Sizes
XS-XL!
As winter draws in, this clean-cut
coat is a firm fashion staple. The
unlined style makes it an achievable
project for most stitchers. You can
fasten it with a simple snap fastener,
so theres no pesky buttonholes to
tackle! If a raw-edged finish is not to
your taste, theres the option to make
a finished edge version too.

Shawl Coat by The Makers

Atelier, 22.50, www.
themakersatelier.com

Why sew loves...

Sizes
Perfect for non-fray fabrics!
Sizes 8-22.
8-22! Simple style.

35
sewmag.co.uk

Indie Pattern News 92.indd 2 04/11/2016 15:33

 Your
no-panic
Christmas
gift guide
Tis the season of giving and receiving! We may
look forward to finding lots of presents waiting
for us under the tree, but the look of excitement
on a loved ones face is always the best part.
To make life a little easier at this busy
time of year and help you get it right,
weve hand-picked the perfect pressies
for even the most difficult members
of the family.

Tiny tots Words by

Sian Whitehead

Sewing for little ones has to be one of the most enjoyable tasks

Macho makes
all year round, but no more so than at Christmas. The great thing
about stitching for this age group is
that no matter what, theyre usually
pleased with any gift they
receive bonus! Its sometimes easy to overlook
Soft toys are a present you the men in our lives when it comes
cant go wrong with when it to our handmade talents but that
comes to kids, and we love this certainly shouldnt be the case.
lion kit! It comes complete with Whether its a stylish accessory or a
everything you need to stitch gift set theres a whole host of gifts
your very own plush. 8.95, to sew for them.
www.dotcomgiftshop.com A man can never have too many
accessories, and this complete kit
If you make clothes for
from The New Craft House includes
yourself, why not make some
on a smaller scale for a little
everything you need to make a TOP TIP: RE-USE
snazzy bow tie better still, it can be THE PATTERN
one? Perhaps your child needs
sewn up in 1-2 hours! With three fabric AND CREATE A
something to spruce up their
variations, youre sure to find just the
wardrobe, or a friends baby WHOLE HOST
right one for the man in your life. 18,
is crying out for a stitched
www.thenewcrafthouse.com OF TRENDY
number? This stylish kimono ACCESSORIES
top and pant set is perfect for IN YOUR
boys and girls alike. Made up FAVOURITE
in a soft, breathable fabric,
its ideal for a baby.
PRINTS!

Are they always on the

go or just love a secret
pamper session? Well,
were sure theyll love
this printed toiletry set.
Stitch a wash bag or
travel roll to hold all of
their essential items.
Find this pattern and more in Sewing
Happiness by Sanae Ishida, 14.99,
www.sasquatchbooks.com Download the template and instructions at
www.sewmag.co.uk

36
sewmag.co.uk

Festive gift guide.indd 1 04/11/2016 16:26

 sew people

Lady luxe Teenage terrors

Is there a special lady in your life that deserves an extra-
fabulous treat this Christmas? Well if the answer is yes,
then we have the answer to your gift-buying woes.
If someone you know also
enjoys sewing, theyll love
a stitchy themed piece
of jewellery. We adore
this silver charm bracelet,
which features all of a
stitchers favourite items!
20, www.zamsoe.co.uk
Notoriously one of the hardest age groups
to buy for, teens can leave you in a bit of a
gift-buying daze. Never fear though! Weve
got some great ideas with a crafty twist
that were sure theyre going to love.
A handy tote is always a must
and were certain a teen would
love carrying their bits and bobs
in this wartime-inspired piece.
Forming part of the collection
for the Imperial War Museums
Fashion on the Ration exhibition,
this bag features the well-known
Make Do and Mend quote,
which any budding stitcher
simply cant resist! 8,
www.iwmshop.org.uk

STITCH IN
Fancy making her a gift instead?
Shes sure to love a trendy
ONE
accessory to keep warm this HOUR
winter. Use coordinating prints
to whip up a dreamy patchwork If youve got a lazy teen on
scarf its an easy quick-stitch your hands, what could be more
by project too, so you can whip fitting than a comfy pair of
ad them up for the whole family! lounge pants? New Look 6764
is the perfect pattern for both
young men and women, and
Download the instructions at has two varying styles for
www.sewmag.co.uk each to choose from. 5.95,
www.simplicitynewlook.com

The non-family members For more gift inspiration, check out all
of our FREE online projects at
Looking for the perfect gift for those friends and loved ones that will really show www.sewmag.co.uk
you care? Whether you want to surprise them with a stitchy gift theyll love or
fancy putting your own skills to the test, we have everything you could need!

Use code
Busy schedules SEWSBOX16
and mundane daily for 15% off
routines can all
make a relaxing the S-Box*
evening of doing *One code use per person,
absolutely nothing valid until midnight on
11/12/2016
seem like a distant
memory. Thats why
treating that special
someone to this
handmade lavender
If choosing a gift seems too difficult to
heat pack will make
comprehend, why not opt for a gift that
them feel pampered,
eliminates all of the hard work? If theyre
chilled and totally
a keen stitcher but you wouldnt know
Turn to p32 for
re-charged in
no time at all.
where to start when it comes to filling their our fabulous
Download the
haberdashery stash, surprise them with a Cath Kidson
mystery box full of sewing goodies theyre
instructions at
certain to love. From 14.95, apron! Psst...its
www.homemaker
magazine.co.uk
www.the-stitchery.co.uk a great gift idea!

37
sewmag.co.uk

Festive gift guide.indd 2 04/11/2016 16:27

 Subscriber
Benefits
As well as receiving every issue
overflowing with exclusive
patterns, expert tips, advice,
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and more you will:

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sewing
all year round!

Subs Sew 92.indd 1 04/11/2016 16:21

 FREE PROSHARP *

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when you subscribe to sew

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SCISSORS THAT WILL LAST A LIFETIME

Prosharp sharpening services have chosen these
scissors especially for you because they are sharp,
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A truly traditional pair of scissors that you will be
proud to own, they will fast become a favourite pair
that you can rely on for every cutting task. Prosharp has
been sharpening scissors since 1997 and is a member of
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For more information and to arrange sharpening of your
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Subs Sew 92.indd 2 04/11/2016 16:22

 Q&A
Whatever your sewing
problem, our experts
have the answer!
Send your queries to
melissa@aceville.co.uk

C
an you give me some advice
on lining a skirt?
Janice Lack

Lisa says
I don't tend to be a big liner of skirts in
general, but when it gets to winter I find
that it's a must. No one wants their skirts
riding up on tights, do they? The best
lining fabrics include rayon, polyester, silk,
satin and lightweight cottons. You can
Lisa also choose a solid fabric, or add an extra
Comfort fun detail to your skirt with a print lining.
When I line skirts I tend to make a copy
Lisa Comfort set
up the Sew Over of the outer shell in my lining fabric, and
It sewing caf in attach the two skirts at the waistline,
Clapham, London, sandwiching the raw edges in the
in 2011 and has waistband. It's always important to hem
recently opened the lining a little bit shorter so it doesn't
her second store peek out at the bottom.

in Islington. She
has also penned
several books, When I line skirts
including Sew
Over It Vintage I tend to make a copy

(15, Ebury
Press). Find out
of the outer shell in
more at www. my lining fabric
sewoverit.co.uk

If you have a really bulky fabric

however, or your skirt is heavily gathered
or pleated, making a copy of the shell
TRY LINING THIS
could leave you with a very thick waist
TULIP SKIRT PDF
seam, which won't look or feel very nice.
PATTERN, 7 AT
In this instance, I like to line the skirt with
WWW.
a generous A-line shaped lining, pivoting
SEWOVERIT.
out any darts from the original pattern.
CO.UK
This will leave you with a smooth, neat
waistline with no extra bulk. At this time
of year - where festive treats are aplenty -
extra bulk around my waist is the last
thing I need!

40
sewmag.co.uk

Q&A 92.indd 1 04/11/2016 09:13

 sew advice

H
ow do I add godet
panels to a skirt? The more
Danielle James seams the
skirt has, the
Kate says
Godet panels can be added to a skirt to create more fullness.
more godets
They are fairly simple to add, but you will need to draft your own you can add

triangular pattern piece. First of all, mark on the pattern where
you want the godet to start generally it is about a third of the
way down the skirt from the waistband. Measure from this point
down to the hem of the skirt on the pattern piece (e.g. 25cm).
Kate To create your godet pattern, draw a vertical line on a separate
Underdown piece of paper that measures the same length. This is the centre
Kate Underdown line of your godet.
is the co-founder Decide how much fullness you want to add to the skirt with
of online sewing the godet. The more seams the skirt has, the more godets you
community, The can add, which can be smaller to create the same amount of
Fold Line. Visitors fullness. Once you have decided, draw a horizontal line across
can search and the end of the existing centre line. Make sure the centre vertical
review sewing line sits in the middle of your horizontal measurement. You
patterns and get
should now have an upside down T shape. SEW SIMPLICITY'S
top tips from the
blog at www. Draw a line from both ends of your horizontal line to meet the 4188 GODET SKIRT,
thefoldline.com tip of the vertical line. This creates a complete triangular shape. 8.15 AT
Add a 1.5cm seam allowance to both sides (your first WWW.SIMPLICITY
measurement already includes a seam allowance for the hem). NEWLOOK.COM
Depending on the shape of your skirt hem, you may need to
curve the bottom edge of the triangle to match. Your godet
panel will then be ready to sew into the seams of your skirt.

I
DONT MISS OUR Alison says
FUN RAINCOAT IN Cotton-coated PVC fabrics make would like to make a
THE JANUARY great bags and outer garments.
ISSUE OF SEW, Inserting pins will leave small holes raincoat from
ON SALE
15TH DECEMBER!
behind, so pin within the seam cotton coated PVC,
allowances. Cut from a single layer
- wrong side up - weigh down the but I've never sewn with
pattern pieces, then draw around
and cut out. Just remember to cut
it before - do you have
pairs! PVC fabric cuts beautifully any tips?
a rotary cutter may be a good
Christine Murchison
option to provide clean, sharply
cut edges.
Make standard plain seams
using a Teflon coated machine foot Alison Smith
or a roller foot, as these will glide Alison Smith MBE is a
over the fabric. Use a good quality trained fashion and textile
all-purpose polyester thread as it teacher who started the
first Sewing School in
has a bit of give, plus a new size 14
the UK in 1992. She is the
machine needle and a stitch length author of The Sewing Book
of 2.5/3.0. No seam neatening is and Dressmaking, and is a Craftsy instructor.
required as the fabric does not fray. Visit www.schoolofsewing.co.uk
Only press the seams open under
a cloth with a cool iron to stop the

fabric melting! To ensure that they
lie flat, try topstitching them down
this may require a bit of tissue Cotton - coated
paper between the feed dogs and PVC fabrics make
the fabric to prevent sticking. Hems
on PVC can be machined up with
great bags and
topstitching for durability, and you outer garments

can line the coat in the same way as
any other garment. Try this fabric
for yourself and don't be afraid of it!

41
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Q&A 92.indd 2 04/11/2016 09:14

SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:40 Page 42

42 sewmag.co.uk

Its so nice to spend time with people who find bias
binding and pressing gadgets as exciting as you do!
T
he social aspect is one of
the things I love most
about sewing, and was a
huge part of why I set up my
shop and workshop business
in the first place. Whether it's sharing ideas,
makes or tutorials on my blog and via social
media, or speaking to customers in the shop
and teaching workshops, nothing beats good
sewing chit-chat. Its so nice to spend time
with people who find bias binding and
pressing gadgets as exciting as you do!
Thats why I enjoyed our Sew
Saturday event this year so much.
We had a full day of fun activities in the shop,
including mini Make & Take workshops and
demonstrations in everything from applying
snap fasteners to manipulating darts and
sewing with jersey fabrics. With tea, cake and
homemade lemonade on tap, everyone had
a fantastic time in our lovely sunny studio.
We also had a haberdashery take on the
traditional guess the number of sweets game
- who else remembers those from primary
school? - and instead had buttons in a jar,
in aid of Birmingham Childrens Hospital.
I wanted to do something similar for
our Christmas party night, so this year
we are hosting a Festive Bee on Thursday
15th and Thursday 22nd December. As well
as exclusive late night access to the shop, we
have put together a selection of quick and
easy projects that are great for last-minute
Christmas presents that you can make in our
studio on the night. Itll be a great chance
to get together with like-minded people for
some festive sewing fun, along with cheesy
Christmas music, mulled wine and mince
pies! Tickets are 5 each and we only have a
limited number, so give the shop a call if you
would like to join in.
At the moment there are some cosy
new sweatshirts on my sewing table
that use our popular fleece-backed sweatshirt
fabric, which comes in a range of gorgeous
To book a workshop, call 0121 449 8419 or visit www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk
Lauren92.indd 3
sew people
bright colours. They are so snuggly and
warm, and perfect for this time of year!
Ive been using the Grainline Linden pattern,
which is really quick and easy to stitch up
even if you are new to sewing stretch fabrics,
as it has raglan sleeves.
It can be hard to get ribbing fabric
in bright colours so instead I like
using the same fabric, which is a good
alternative. Just bear in mind that you may
have to cut the neckband or cuff bigger than
the pattern piece, as ribbing fabric is very
stretchy and you generally need a smaller
amount of it. When you use the same fabric
as the main body of the garment, its unlikely
to be so stretchy, hence the reason you have
to cut it a bit larger. I usually make it bigger
than I know Ill need, then before sewing,
gently stretch it around the neck opening
and cut to size.
Im also planning on stitching up a
cute dress for baby Sophia in some of
our lovely Christmas fabrics, using the Two
Stitches Frida dress pattern for a special
Christmas day outfit. Would it be too cheesy
if I made a matching top for me too?
Lauren on the joys
of being a sewcialist
and making it special
on a budget
Lauren's favourite
tutorials for last-minute
Christmas gifts
Try the Cat-eye Masks at By
Hand London. Find the tutorial
at byhandlondon.com
Felt baby shoes by Purl Soho.
You can get the free template
at www.purlsoho.com
Keep your eyes peeled for further
details of next year's event!
43
sewmag.co.uk
04/11/2016 12:00
SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:40 Page 44

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 sew style

fashion forecast FABRIC PICKS

WINTER FABRICS
As the nights draw in, the temptation to cosy up indoors with our sewing machines
only grows stronger! Its a great excuse to familiarise yourself with fabric types that
you may have previously avoided, like velvet and corduroy. Both have a distinctive 1
nap that youll have to identify when working with cord at least, in order for pieces
to run in the same direction. Each of these fabrics has its quirks but they are easy
to work with and your local fabric store will be happy to share their wisdom.

4
Cord and velvets
are having a
moment and
are both so easy
to sew! Velvet
has featured on
every catwalk
since 2013, for 5
good reason it
has wonderful 1 Velvet in coral,
draping qualities, 15 per metre
2 Damson Cord,
while cord gives 7.50 per metre
an interesting 3 Jumbo Cord,

texture and finish Black velvet 7.50 per metre

4 Velvet in navy,
to garments! and spot mesh 15 per metre
top, 28, www. 5 Exceedingly Superfine,
7.50 per metre
Caroline Boardwell Reid
and her father Alan,
next.co.uk All featured fabrics
founder of Croft Mill. are available from
www.croftmill.co.uk

45
sewmag.co.uk

Fashion forecast.92.indd 1 04/11/2016 11:52

 5 ways
TO CUSTOMISE
YOUR OWN
Christmas Jumper
CREATE A BRIDGET JONES WORTHY
PIECE IN AN AFTERNOON!

I
f theres one thing true of the festive season, its that Christmas jumpers
have made a comeback although really, were not sure they ever went away.
From the hideously comical to the somewhat tasteful, theres something out
there for every festive fan. Even actress and comedian Whoopi Goldberg has
recently released her own line of ugly sweaters! Here, author of Make Your Own
Christmas Jumper, Nicolette Lafonseca, shares five ways that we can use our
stitchy skills to upcycle a plain garment into a merry masterpiece.
Words by Jennifer Ward

1 2
ALL WRAPPED UP Cross
You only need three generous lengths of wide satin the line
ribbon, matching thread and your sewing tools to Cross stitch is
stitch this beaut! In fact, surely its too cute to even easy to master
categorise as a Christmas jumper? If you dont have and a thrifty
a spotty jumper going begging in your wardrobe, way of customising a jumper.
simply invest in a white fabric marker pen and create the To embellish a pullover with
illusion of snow yourself by dotting it on a plain jumper. cross stitch, you can either
use dissolvable aida or copy
the pattern from the Make
Your Own Christmas Jumper
book taping it in place to
guide the shape of your
motif. You could also use
carbon paper to trace the
crosses, or those who feel
confident could even free-
hand it! Why not make your
own pom-poms from red
yarn for extra thrift factor?

CRIMBO SHOPPING LIST

A fab festive fabric by An elegant print from Pick up Make Your Own
David Walker. 14.50 Cloud9 fabrics. 13.50 Christmas Jumper for
per metre, www. per metre at www. 14.99 at www.quercus
timelessfabrics.co.uk timelessfabrics.co.uk books.co.uk

46
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Christmas Jumpers.indd 1 04/11/2016 15:19

 3 Let it
Snow
You may
have noticed
pom-poms are everywhere
on the high street right
now! Its easy to tap into
this trend without shelling
out on a shop-bought
design, by adding a length
of white pom-pom trim
around the collar, base and
sleeves of a blue
jumper. Go one
step further and
practise your
embroidery
skills by making
snowflake
motifs from
white yarn.

For some, snow makes everything appear more

beautiful and tranquil. For others, it turns the
sew
Download your
world into a giant playground!
FREE

5
Nicolette Lafonseca, author
templates

Give it a shake
Fancy creating your own snow globe design through
appliqu? You can find the full instructions and
template for FREE at www.sewmag.co.uk

4
WEAR IT FOR A CAUSE
Save the Childrens annual Christmas Jumper Day takes place this
year on Friday 16th December! Schools and workplaces across the
country can get involved to help raise
money for deprived children in the UK
and around the world. To get involved
SANTAS visit christmasjumperday.org

LITTLE
HELPER
You cant help but love Will
Ferells character, Buddy, in
Christmas hit movie Elf, and
its super easy for all
members of the family to
make their own matching
outfits. In fact, its the perfect
activity for a lazy Sunday! Use
black, white and yellow felt to
cut a collar, buttons and belt,
then sew each section on
simply using the running stitch
as author Nicolette points out,
you do need a green jumper but
almost any shade works well!
Once youre done, its essential
that you gather your family
together for an elfie selfie.
WHAT INSPIRED THE AUTHOR?
I loved crafting
with my granny
when I was a
little girl, and
would always
look at the
things she had
made with her
sisters before insisting she teach
me. Ive always loved the making
process and having something
tangible at the end, and enjoy all
crafts from sewing to woodwork
projects. Recently I joined a
Have fun pottery class as its good to do
something without a purpose,
with felt! just for the fun of it.
I love ALL things festive
and have driven those around
me potty for decades. For me,
the holidays always go on for
months! What better way to say
I love Christmas than with a
jumper? They really express
how you feel about the season
and are also practical as I hate
the cold!
In How To Make Your Own
Christmas Jumper, I tried to
think of all the things that
evoked the season, and built the
projects around that. I wanted
a few to have fun elements, as
Christmas is about being silly
too! This year, Im hoping for
a thumbprint pendant from
my 2-year-old and breakfast in
bed the latter is a pipe dream!

47
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Christmas Jumpers.indd 2 04/11/2016 15:58

 of the Year
SPONSORED BY

IN ASSOCIATION WITH

FOUR EASY TO
ENTER CATEGORIES
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ancy turning your stitching adventures into
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48
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Dressmaker of the Year Awards.indd 1 04/11/2016 15:32

 THE CATEGORIES
READY TO WEAR CUSTOMISING VINTAGE CHILDREN'S WEAR

Win! 1,900+ sewing goodies

MEET THE JUDGES
STUART HILLARD
Since appearing on
The Great British
Sewing Bee, Stuart
I am thrilled to be a
judge and am very
much looking forward
has become a global
There's a host of prizes up for grabs, including
a Brother Innov-is F420 sewing machine, an
stitching ambassador,
Sew columnist, author
to seeing the skill,
Adjustoform mannequin and lots more! Plus, you and regular on Create innovation, style and
and your garment will be featured in print, online and Craft TV.
daring of the entrants.
and on the Create and Craft TV channel. Im looking for the
perfect package,
someone who has it
all and isnt afraid
to take a few risks!
STUART HILLARD
THE FOLD LINE
Kate Underdown and Rachel Walker co-run an inspirational online sewing
community and spend their days searching out the newest patterns and
coming up with great blog and video content to keep visitors inspired.
EDITORS OF SEW
AND DRESSMAKER
Completing our judging
WORTH panel is Sew editor, Jennifer

599 Ward, and the editor of

PLUS
Dressmaker, Sarah Crosland.
As skilled craft enthusiasts,
they are prepped, ready

Linton Tweeds
and delighted to see what
readers come up with.
assorted fabric bundles
WORTH 200

Soft Byte
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HOW TO ENTER
WORTH WORTH 159 Simply take a clear photo of your garment*
145 against a plain background and enter by email
to dressmaker@makeittoday.co.uk or
3 Simplicity
pattern bundles via social media at www.makeittoday.co.uk/
WORTH 75 dressmakeroftheyear. All entries must be
received by 9th March 2017.
Visit www.makeittoday.co.uk/ *For full terms and conditions, visit makeittoday.co.uk
dressmakeroftheyear to find out more!

49
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Dressmaker of the Year Awards.indd 2 04/11/2016 15:32

SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:40 Page 50

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 s with the
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SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:40 Page 52
 VOTE ONLINE NOW! www.sewmag.co.uk/awards

WIN! WIN! WIN!

Luxury two-night breaks
Just vote for your favourites in this
years British Sewing Awards! Total Worth
Thank you for all your
nominations for the British
Sewing Awards 2016.
340!
Youve let us know your
best-loved sewing products, brands and
personalities and now its time to cast your
final votes. Tell us which are your favourites
simply by voting on the form overleaf or by
visiting www.sewmag.co.uk/awards and
youll automatically be entered into our prize
draw for the chance of winning one of TWO
luxury two-night breaks from Buyagift, each
worth 169.99!
Buyagifts new Smartbox range offers the
recipient a wide choice of experiences. Its
Luxury Two-Night Break Smartbox, priced
169.99, contains a list of 250 options, from a
countryside escape to a rural retreat or a great
city expedition. If youre looking for the perfect
present, visit www.buyagift.co.uk

PLEASE SEND COMPLETED

EXPERT JUDGE FORMS TO:
Kate Underdown: Best Marketing Department, British
New Product 2016
We are delighted to welcome Kate
Underdown, co-founder of online
Sewing Awards 2016, 21-23
sewing community, The Fold Line, and
regular Sew contributor. Bringing a
Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road,
wealth of stitching experience, she will
be judging which sewing product has
Colchester, Essex,
had the greatest impact this year.
www.thefoldline.com CO2 8JY

Or go online H Visit www.sewmag.H

HH co.uk/awards H H
VOTE FOR YOUR SEWING H H HH
FAVOURITES TO BE AUTOMATICALLY H H

HH H
ENTERED INTO OUR PRIZE DRAW!

H H 53
sewmag.co.uk
H Form overleaf
H H H
British sewing Awards 2016.indd 1 04/11/2016 16:00
 VOTE ONLINE NOW! www.sewmag.co.uk/awards

Send your completed RETAILERS: Best sewing book 2016 Patchwork Parade,
Best UK chain store Freehand Fashion by Chadderton
form to: Abakhan Chinelo Bally Sew Creative,
Marketing Department, C & H Fabrics Half Yard Kids by Petersfield
British Sewing Awards, 21-23 Fabric Land Debbie Shore
Hearty Good Wishes by Best exhibition/event
Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Hobbycraft experience 2016
Colchester, Essex, C02 8JY. John Lewis Janet Clare
Sew Many Dresses, Sew Festival of Quilts
Little Time by Tanya Hobbycrafts
Best independent Knitting and
Whelan
Voting form haberdashery shop
WALES The Great British Stitching Show
Malvern Quilt Show
Busy Bees Patchwork, Newport Sewing Bee: From
Sewing for Pleasure
PRODUCTS: Butterfly Fabrics, Cardiff Stitch to Style by
Best thread brand Calico Kate, Lampeter Wendy Gardiner
Best Sew Saturday Event
Aurifil Newport Sewing Centre, Best for sewing Abakhan, Mostyn
DMC Newport workshops/courses Crafty Sew & So, Leicester
Gtermann White Gecko Craft Lounge, Craftsy, online Dragonfly Fabrics,
Madeira Dinas Powys Crafty Sew & So, Mayfield
Mettler Leicester Patchwork Parade,
IRELAND Lady Sew and Sew, Chadderton
Best fabric brand The Crafters Basket, Cliffoney Henley-on-Thames Sew Creative, Petersfield
Lewis & Irene Craftswoman Fabrics,
Liberty Carrickfergus
Makower UK Sew Unique Fabrics, Bangor
Michael Miller Tangled Yarns, Clonmel
Moda Windmill Fabrics, Saintfield

Best Pattern House SCOTLAND

Butterick Butterfly Fabrics, Inverurie
McCalls The Fabric Fairy, Golspie
Simplicity Mandors Fabric Store,
Tilly and the Buttons Glasgow
Vogue Megs Attic, Banchory
myBearpaw, Edinburgh
SEWING MACHINES:
Best entry-level sewing NORTH OF ENGLAND
machine brand Black Sheep Wools,
Bernina Warrington
Brother Duttons for Buttons, York
Janome Minerva Crafts, Darwen
John Lewis Patchwork Parade,
Singer Chadderton
Scarborough Sewing Centre,
Best quilting sewing Scarborough
machine brand
Bernina SOUTH OF ENGLAND Please complete your details in BLOCKCAPITALS
Brother Create Escape, Salisbury Title: ......................Forename:.........................................
Janome Lady Sew and Sew, Henley-
Pfaff on-Thames Surname: ............................................................................
Singer Make at 140 Vauxhall Street,
Plymouth Address: ..............................................................................
Best embroidery sewing Sew Busy, Fleet
machine brand Sew Creative, Petersfield ..................................................................................................
Bernina Postcode:........................................
Brother MIDLANDS
Husqvarna Crafty Sew & So, Contact number: ............................................................
Janome Leicester
Singer Hollies Haberdashery, Email: ....................................................................................
Newcastle-under-Lyme
Most desirable sewing machine Karen Delahunty Date of Birth: DD/MM/YY............/............../............
Brother Innov-is XV Sewing & Knitting
Husqvarna Designer Epic Centre, Kenilworth
Husqvarna Designer Jade Plush Addict, Signature: ..................................Date:......./........./.........
Janome Horizon Memory Peterborough
Craft 15000 The Sewing Cafe, CLOSING DATE: 12th DECEMBER 2016 FOR VOTES
Janome Horizon Memory Hinckley Send your completed voting form to:
Craft 8900 QCP Marketing Department, British Sewing Awards, 21-23 Phoenix
Best for customer service
ONLINE: Hollies Haberdashery Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, C02 8JY.
Best sewing blog John Lewis Terms & conditions of entry and data protection
Debbie Shore Lady Sew and Sew All entries will be entered into the prize draw which is open to all UK residents
Minerva Crafts Minerva Crafts aged 18 or over, excluding employees or agents of the associated companies
Plush Addict Plush Addict and their families. Only one entry per person. The prizes are two Buyagift
Sew Over It Luxury Two-Night Break Smartboxes worth 169.99 each and cannot be

RESOURCES AND
exchanged for cash, or replaced with any other item. Illegible entries and
Tilly and the Buttons those that do not abide by these terms and conditions will be disqualified. No

Best online retailer

ACTIVITIES: responsibility will be held for entries lost, delayed or damaged. By entering
these votes, you are agreeing to Aceville Publications Ltd and sister
Favourite sewing personality
Croft Mill Debbie Shore
companies being able to contact you. Entries will be selected at random
within one week of the closing date. No correspondence will be entered into.
Hollies Haberdashery May Martin CLOSING DATE: 12th December 2016. Winner will be notified by post, phone
Lady Sew & Sew Patrick Grant or email 28 days after closing date. The winners names will be available in
Minerva Crafts Stuart Hillard
writing on request from Zoe Charge, 21/23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road,
Colchester, Essex CO2 8JY.
Plush Addict Tilly Walnes

54
sewmag.co.uk

British sewing Awards 2016.indd 2 04/11/2016 16:00

SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:41 Page 55

Air Threaded Loopers Automatic Needle Threader

Produces beautiful sharp curves for Use 2, 3 or 4 threads to produce 7

necklines and sleeves different finishes including rolled hem

Wide Throat Area gives excellent Adjustable Differential Feed gives a

visibility of the fabric whilst overlocking professional finish even on stretchy
or knit fabrics

sewmag.co.uk 55
 MACHINEshopping
Make machine
sewing simpler with a
computerised model
Computerised sewing machines are great
for those looking to upgrade from a basic
model. They offer a wide range of features
such as digital touch screens, the ability to
save your favourite stitches or own designs,
technology that adjusts according to the
thickness of your fabric and much more!
In addition, many are good all-
rounders, being able to handle
sewing, machine embroidery Go high
and quilting. Check out these
tech!
fab examples and start saving
your Christmas money...

COMPUTERISED MACHINES
6,495 899 2,999

JANOME MEMORY CRAFT HUSQVARNA OPAL 690Q BROTHER INNOV-IS V5

15000 V2
The fully computerised new version of the
Memory Craft 15000 is the first of its kind to
have Wi-Fi and USB real-time PC connection,
plus it works with an ipad and even has its own
apps! Other great features include the largest
and fastest touch screen, plus a staggering 510
built-in stitches including 13 auto buttonholes,
480 embroidery designs,and 10 fonts. It has the
largest work area of any equivalent model and
is suitable for sewing, embroidery and quilting.
All prices subject to change.
Designed for quilting, this computerised sewing
machine offers plenty of built-in assistance. One
example is its exclusive sensor system technology
which automatically and continuously senses
and adjusts as you sew any thickness of fabric,
for perfect even feeding. It sets the best thread
tension automatically for all your sewing
techniques and fabrics, and also cuts the top and
bobbin thread for you. Meanwhile, the exclusive
Sewing Advisor feature optimises your sewing
with automatic settings.
If you like sewing, embroidery and quilting, the
Innov-is V5 is the machine for you. It offers high
speed sewing and embroidery, USB ports to
import designs easily, and an energy-saving sleep
mode. The large LCD touch screen includes
on-screen editing of embroidery projects, and the
ICAPS continuous automatic pressure system
continually detects fabric thickness for superior
stitch quality. Meanwhile, the extra large long arm
and 180mm x 300mm embroidery area makes it
perfect for larger work.

KEY FEATURES: KEY FEATURES: KEY FEATURES:

3 WiFi and PC connection 3 208 stitches 3 227 built-in embroidery designs
3 Built-in Accufil Quilting system 3 Start/stop button 3 17 built-in fonts
3 Over 500 stitches 3 Self adjusting thread tension 3 Lock stitch function
3 480 embroidery designsy 3 Quick-set drop in bobbin
3 Unique sensor system
www.janome.co.uk, 0161 66 6011 www.husqvarnaviking.com, 01527 519480 www.brothersewing.co.uk, 0333 777 4444

56
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Machine shopping92.indd 1 04/11/2016 15:13

 sew shopping

My machine and I...

Sews very own Sian
MODEL of the MONTH
Whitehead reminisces
SINGER 7465 CONFIDENCE
fondly about her first The Singer 7465 Confidence is so easy to use, thanks to computer technology that does much of
sewing machine the hard work for you! For example, it offers a choice of 50 built-in practical, stretch and decorative
I remember Christmas stitches plus two one-step buttonholes at the touch of a button, while the ideal stitch length and
2009 like it was yesterday, width is set for you automatically. In addition, there is a direct stitch selection of the six most
and the grin that appeared popular stitches, saving valuable sewing time. The automatic needle threader makes short work
on my face as I opened my of prepping your machine, along with the drop and sew bobbin system. In addition, the drop feed
Janome XL30 was a sight feature allows you to free motion work such as quilting. This model also comes with free accessories
that still remains in my including a general purpose, special purpose, zip and blind foot, plus one-step buttonhole bobbins
parents hearts. Until that point, I was using my mams and needles. For newbies and more experienced sewers alike, this machine will suit a wide range of
old machine, which had certainly seen better days. With projects and techniques.
a date set for my school prom in June 2010, I wanted to
wear something different to everybody else. I was set
against spending hundreds of pounds on a dress that
was only ever going to be worn once, and so I decided to
make my own.
My parents wanted me to have the best possible
tools to sew my special dress and so they bought me my
wonderful Janome machine. It was (and still is) perfect
for the job. Bright, shiny and new, it made sewing my
prom dress a dream come true and has been my beloved
companion for seven years. I cant believe Ive had it so
long because it still looks as good as the first day I laid
eyes on it.
Since then Ive also added the wonderful 9300DX 279
overlocker to my collection and side by side, the pair
work like a dream. Theyve seen me through a wealth
of projects and I cant wait for many more stitchy
adventures with them!

KEY FEATURES:
3 50 built-in stitches
3 Two one-step buttonholes
3 Drop feed
3 Automatic needle threader
3 Auto tension The Singer 7465
Price: 279
Confidence is so easy
www.singerco.co.uk/ to use, thanks to its
singer-shops.html
computer technology

SHOP of the
MONTH
Redgwell Sewing Machines is a family
run business established in 1970. Three
generations of the family have worked in
the shop and some still do to this day. The
company was originally located in south
London and is now one of Surreys premier
suppliers of sewing machines and accessories.
Its engineers have over 40 years experience
in the trade repairing domestic and industrial WHATS ON OFFER?
machines, so if it can be repaired, they are
3 A wide range of sewing machines
the people to talk to. The team offers a wide FIND OUT MORE
variety of sewing machine brands including 3 Sewing machine accessories
Visit Redgwell Sewing Machines, 123 Central Road,
Singer, Janome, Elna, Frister and Rossmann 3 Excellent customer service Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 8DY. Alternatively, log
and Wimsew, and offer a free collection and 3 Expert servicing and repairs on to www.surreysewingmachines.co.uk, or call
delivery service. 0208 337 3444.

57
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Machine shopping92.indd 2 04/11/2016 15:13

 Thank
you for an
amazing H
H SEW
H
ATU R DA Y!
S
We round up some of the
highlights of the day!
F ARS
or those who managed to
avoid hearing about Sew
Saturday, where have you
been hiding? Its only the stitchiest
day of the year! The Sew team
launched the event last year to
unite stitchers with their local
haberdashery and fabric store for
a day of activities and like-minded
chatter. This years Sew Saturday
proved another HUGE success, with
folk from around the UK and Ireland
flocking to their nearest store for a
day to remember. Heres just some
of what you got up to...
Sew Saturday92.indd 1
HH
H
SEWING INDUSTRY ST
ELIZABETH ROSE in
Armagh, Northern Ireland,
www.elizabethroseni.com
KORBOND SEWING STUDIO
at Inkberrow Design Centre,
www.korbond.co.uk
H
We had so much fun at It was a
Elizabeth Rose for Sew privilege to
Saturday! It was great to see celebrate Sew
everyone enjoying tales while Saturday
ogling fabulous fabric, and lovely with the
to see haberdasheries around reveal of the
the province doing so well. Its a Korbond
great place to meet friends and Sewing
get advice from staff! I had such Studio,
an enjoyable day and left with as well as
yet another few metres of fabric celebrate the
it would have been rude not to! 25th birthday
Angeline Murphy, Sewing Bee of the amazing creative hub that
2016 contestant is Inkberrow Design Centre. We
were surrounded by so many
inspirational people of all ages,
sharing their passion and love
of sewing and crafts. Im looking
forward to holding a workshop
there myself and continue doing
what the centre does best
getting everyone sewing!
Jenniffer Taylor, workshop facilitor
and TV demonstrator
58
sewmag.co.uk
04/11/2016 15:40
 GUTHRIE & GHANI in Birmingham,
www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk
Seeing the studio buzzing
with sewing chatter is always
a really heart-warming sight,
and thats what our day was
all about! We had fun Make &
Take workshops, with various
projects to choose from. It was
lovely to see lots of kids come
along too and practise their
hand-sewing skills. Thank you
to our customers for all of their
ongoing support, as without
them we wouldnt be here!
Lauren Guthrie, Sewing Bee 2013
Finalist and shop owner
CAKE APLENTY!
Its a well-know fact that tea +
cake + sewing = the perfect day!
You can see Laurens round-up
of the day at www.guthrie-ghani.
co.uk/blog
Iced cupcakes at the launch of
We made lovely pincushions at the KORBOND SEWING STUDIO.
Guthrie & Ghani the team were
so patient and understanding!
Mary McParland, Sew reader

THE STITCHERY in Lewes, East

Sussex, www.the-stitchery.co.uk
There was a real buzz around
H
the store and we had lots going
on! Local author Lucinda
H
Guy and illustrator Francois
Hall were signing their newly
launched book Kids Learn to
Stitch and we were giving away
free felt kits to accompany
them. Buttons the Cat was also very popular; our baskets of kittens
inspired some early Christmas presents!
An amazing sewing-themed cake
Saira Foden, shop owner
A SPECIAL
at SEW CREATIVE in Petersfield.

WELL DONE TO...

CALICO KATE in Lampeter,
South West Wales,
calicokate.co.uk
For raising more than 1,000
for Wales Air Ambulance and its
two chosen charities Pyjama
Fairies and Linus Quilts. At JAYLOURS SEWING STUDIOS
Plus to everyone else in Brigg there was cake galore!
who helped raise money
for charity!
DITTO FABRICS in Portslade, East
Sussex, www.dittofabrics.co.uk
H
For Sew Saturday I spent www.facebook.
the day with the lovely Gill com/milliemoonsew
from Ditto Fabrics, Wendy We had lots
Ward from MIY and Kat from going on
Brighton Sewing School. It cake, a charity
was a fab day creativity is presentation by
contagious, pass it on! Project Linus and
Jade Early, AKA The Girl MILLIE MOON SHOP in Frome,
with the Red Hair face-painting by
Somerset, put on a delicious spread!
Kool Kactus
59 CONTINUED OVERLEAF
sewmag.co.uk

Sew Saturday92.indd 2 04/11/2016 15:40

 S
STITCHY ACTIVITIE
THE SEWING CAFE in
Hinckley, Leicestershire,
www.thesewingcafe.co.uk
HH
Wed like to thank our customers
for a lovely #SewSaturday! The
cakes have been eaten and 80
pattern weights were made!
NOMINATE YOUR
LOCAL STORE!
Dont forget to nominate a store that
held a FAB event, to help them get the
recognition they deserve! Theyll win a
framed certificate, plus 50 of books
from crafty publisher Search Press.
The categories are:
q Best Window Display
q Best Workshop
q Best for Inspiration
Email jennifer.ward@aceville.co.uk or
post on our Facebook or Twitter pages.
ISEW2 in Kirkintilloch,
Scotland, isew2.co.uk
H afternoon. There were 16 ladies
Heres the first of many
demonstrations underway, to
make a jester/fairy dust bag!
Sew Saturday92.indd 3
amS
e
T
SEW CREATIVE in Petersfield,
sewcreative.org.uk
I was lucky enough to take part in
the morning Sewing Challenge at
Sew Creative, which saw two teams
compete to make the most fabulous
childrens nightwear sets in one and C
a half hours. The pressure, laughter, Team
disasters, triumphs and downright delight and
pride in our accomplishments was amazing. Im already looking
forward to next years, but will be back well before then!
Amanda Miller, Sew reader
LITTLE HOUSE OF PATCHWORK
in Chichester, West Sussex,
www.thelittlehouseofpatchwork.co.uk
At our workshops we made
no-sew Christmas baubles in the
morning and fabric boxes in the
in the morning and 14 in the
afternoon. The workshops have
been so popular that weve had
to repeat them on the following
two weekends! Plans are already
being made for a range of
JAYLAURS SEWING STUDIOS Saturday morning classes for
in Brigg, North Lincolnshire, www.
facebook.com/jaylaurs-sewing-studios the new year and Im already
A massive thank you to everyone thinking about next years Sew
who supported our Sew Saturday Saturday projects.
event and attended a demo. We
really appreciate your custom,
support and loyalty to our
wonderful sewing shop we
wouldnt be here without you!
All our staff are passionate about
sewing and crafting and we were
all thrilled by the turnout.
60
sewmag.co.uk
04/11/2016 15:40
 TEACHING THE NEXT My 8-year-old
Non-prickly cacti at
Guthrie & Ghani.
GENERATION OF STITCH daughter Ruby won
ERS first prize in the
childrens sewing
competition here! She
loved making her owl
and was thrilled to
hear she had won!
Sarah Alder,
Sew reader

g
oungest makin
One of our yfor our world-
a hexagon t
record attemp ill, Jaylaurs Sewing Studio in Brig
North Lincolnshire, www.face
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se in Rich H book
Elizabeth Ro om
.e liz abethroseni.c com/jaylaurs-sewing-studios
A rmagh, www

There was some great sewing from the

children. Well done to all!
Little Sew and Sew in St. Leonards-on-Sea,
East Sussex, www.littlesewandsewsussex.com

Buttons the
Cat proved very
popular!
The Stitchery in
Lewes, East Sussex,
www.the-stitchery.
co.uk

e in
n third plac
George wo s round a big Another fou
the childrenne to him completed at r Buttons the Cat
ou
well do workshop w r Make & Take
Wilnecote
, ell done guys!
al Studio in
The Sewci esewcialstudio.co.u
k Franklins in
C

olches
Tamworth
, th franklinsgro ter, Essex,
up.com

BUTTONS GALLERY
Franklins in
Colchester, Essex,
franklinsgroup.com

This years Sew Sew editor

Jenny popped
Saturday mascot to Franklins in
was Buttons the Colchester along
Cat, and lots of with deputy Sew and Fabric in Saint Austell,
editor Mel. Cornwall, www.facebook.com/
you had a go at rachaellovessewing
making him! Wow a whole basket of
Buttons the Cat!
The Stitchery in Lewes, East
Sussex, www.the-stitchery.co.uk
Just look at their little faces...
theyre purr-fect.

Notionberry
in Toddington,
Bedforshire, www. Karen Delahunty Sewing & Knitting
Sew Friendly in Bourne, notionberry.co.uk Centre in Kenilworth, Warwickshire,
Lincolnshire, sewfriendly.co.uk A winning www.karendelahunty.co.uk
Apparently the collective noun Buttons the Even Buttons the Cat gets peckish
for cats is a pounce. Heres a Cat by stitcher for cake every now and then!
pounce of Buttons! Leocardia Morris.
61
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Sew Saturday92.indd 4 04/11/2016 15:40

**062-066 SHOP LOCAL NOV 16 master_SEW SATURDAY 04/11/2016 16:37 Page 62

Shop Local!
After the resounding success of Sew Saturday, here at Sew we think there is
nothing better than shopping at our local fabric and habby store.
So, why not pay one of these great stores a visit today!
Keep your eyes peeled for details of our Sew Saturday Winners!
Supported by
In association with

BEDFORDSHIRE BUCKINGHAMSHIRE CARDIFF CHESHIRE

Large customer
car park
Knowledgeable and
Sewing and Crafts Caf friendly staff
Workshops Tearooms Fabulous range

of workshops at
Drop-in sessions Private parties 13 Camms Corner
great prices
Haberdashery Great range of products an Aladdins Cave Dinas Powys
Come and visit! CF64 4QY
10 High Street, Toddington,
15 Watling Street, Fenny Stratford, Bletchley Tel: 029 2115 2628
Bedfordshire LU5 6BY Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire MK2 2BU
www.notionberry.co.uk email:
Tel: 01908 649687 shop@whitegeckoevents.co.uk
info@notionberry.co.uk
Email: threadsandpatches@gmail.com
01525 874253 www.threadsandpatches.co.uk

BRISTOL CAMBRIDGESHIRE CASTLE DOUGLAS, SCOTLAND CORNWALL

46 Sandy Park Rd,

Brislington BS4 3PF Cornish Garden Nurseries,
Mon - Fri 9.30am - 5.30pm Barras Moor,
Sat 9am - 5pm Perranarworthal,
Truro
0117 977 8216 www.coastandcountrycrafts.co.uk
www.direct-sewingmachines.co.uk sally@coastandcountrycrafts.co.uk

BRISTOL CAMBRIDGESHIRE CEREDIGION, WALES CORNWALL

We dont just sell fabrics,
we love fabrics

The Raptor Foundation,

St Ives Road, Woodhurst,
Nr. St. Ives, Huntingdon, As well as a vast range of dress fabrics, we stock
many upholstery fabrics, craft fabrics, wools,
Cambs PE28 3BT embroidery threads, sewing machines, ribbons
and a plentiful supply of all the haberdashery
01487 842546 and notions you could want.
01872 222130
www.bobbinandsew.co.uk www.trurofabrics.com

BRISTOL CAMBRIDGESHIRE CHESHIRE CORNWALL

PHIL MORTON
SEWING MACHINES
Patchwork & Quilting Fabrics inc Jelly
Rolls, Fat Quarters, Charm Packs etc.
Daywear and Bridal Fabric, Large Range Sewing Machine Sales, 1 Biddicks Court, St. Austell,
of Haberdashery, Knitting Wool &
Patterns, Sewing Patterns Opening hours: Services and Repairs Cornwall PL25 5PY
Saturday: 12.00-16.30 01726 75385
Monday: 10.00-17.30
84-86 Mill Lane Macclesfield
Patchwork, Quilting, Craft and
19 Badminton Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6BB
Thursday: 10.00-17.30
7 Steel Close, Eaton Socon,

Cheshire SK11 7NR
Dressmaking fabrics and classes,
Tel: 0117 3293857 Tel: 01625 433131 sewing and knitting patterns,
St Neots PE19 8TT
sales@philmortonsewingmachines.co.uk wool, haberdashery and Toyota
www.habbydays.co.uk
and Pfaff Sewing Machines.
www.philmortonsewingmachines.co.uk
**062-066 SHOP LOCAL NOV 16 master_SEW SATURDAY 04/11/2016 16:37 Page 63

COUNTY DURHAM DORSET EAST SUSSEX GLOUCESTERSHIRE

Little WORKSHOPS CLASSES

Sew and Sew FABRICS RIBBONS
Bournemouth's leading 11b Bexhill Road
BUTTONS
upholstery and fabric shop St. Leonards-on-Sea HABERDASHERY
East Sussex
9am - 5pm Mon - Sat TN38 0AH
Tel: 01202 422811
www.zebedeefabrics.co.uk info@littlesewandsewsussex.co.uk
01424 423375
E: zebedeefabricsltd@gmail.com www.littlesewandsewsussex.com

CUMBRIA DUMFRIES & GALLOWAY ESSEX GREATER MANCHESTER

A beautiful range of quilting
fabrics, threads, wool, ribbons,
buttons and haberdashery.
3 The Old Kings Arms Lane,
Main Street, Cockermouth
01900 825279
info@thesilverbeadedneedle.com
www.thesilverbeadedneedle.com
CUMBRIA
TYLERS PATCH
Patchwork and Quilting
Romys Sewing Rooms & Bobbin Lace Making
For all your dressmaking needs We offer designer fabrics,
wools, notions and workshops
Fabric patterns, threads, zips,
notions, needles and pins.
Sewing Classes available for all
ages and abilities
180 Irish Street, Dumfries DG1 2NJ Studio 24 & 29
01387 250867 Barleylands Craft Village
Barleylands Farm 61 Grosvenor Street,
Billericay, Essex CM11 2UD Stalybridge SK15 2JN
Tel: 01268 530071 0161 478 8236
Email: tylerspatch@hotmail.com www.all-fabrics.co.uk
EAST MIDLANDS GLASGOW HAMPSHIRE

Dress,
Sewing School, curtain &
Supplies & Services patchwork fabrics

Mon-Sat, 9.30-4.45 RUTLAND SEWING

Haberdashery,
Call us: 01572 756468 buttons & quilting
01252 444220
Email: info@rutlandsewing.co.uk notions
www.rutlandsewing.co.uk 134 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, G3 6ST Branksomewood Road Fleet Hampshire GU51 4JS
www.mandors.co.uk www.sewbusy.co.uk
DEVON EAST SUSSEX GLOUCESTERSHIRE HAMPSHIRE

Stitch of
Broad Street 11 Henrietta Street,
Knitting Sewing Quilting Crafting Cheltenham GL50 4AA
Haberdashery
Visit us
for local
service with
internet prices
tel: 01242 244025
13 Broad Street, Seaford, East Sussex www.westendsewing.co.uk
Tel: 01323 301263

DORSET EAST SUSSEX GLOUCESTERSHIRE HAMPSHIRE

Your first
choice for
sewing
Cotton Moon, 9 East Street, machine sales,
Blandford Forum, Dorset DT11 7DU service and
Fabrics, Wools and haberdashery
01258 453278 Fabric & Haberdashery Shop Buttons, ribbons and patterns accessories in
Stockists of: 116 Portland Road, Brighton and Hove BN3 5DN Winchester ~
Knitting and sewing lessons
Tel: 01273 270087 39 Parsonage Street, Bernina Elna Janome Toyota
Open 9.30-4 Mon to Fri, 9.30-1 Sat
ohsewditsy@gmail.com Dursley, Glos, GL11 4BP www.reads-of-winchester.co.uk
facebook.com/cottonmoonblandford www.ohsewditsy.co.uk www.inchesfabrics.co.uk 01962 850 950
**062-066 SHOP LOCAL NOV 16 master_SEW SATURDAY 04/11/2016 16:37 Page 64

HERTFORDSHIRE LANCASHIRE
142 Cotterells
Hemel Hempstead Patchwork Parade
Herts HP1 1JQ Q House, Russell Street,
01442 245383 Chadderton,
Oldham OL9 9SH
One of Hertfordshires
Quality cotton fabrics,
largest stockists for threads and haberdashery,
wools, fabrics, kits and patterns.
haberdashery and crafts Classes for all skill levels.
T: 0161 633 5900
www.needlecraftstore.co.uk W: www.patchworkparade.com
contact@needlecraftstore.co.uk E: patchworkparade@gmail.com

KENT LANCASHIRE LINCOLNSHIRE LONDON

Sew Friendly
Fabric, Haberdashery
& Sewing Classes
Dress making, soft YOUR FABRIC SEWING
furnishing, quilting, crafting AND KNITTING NEEDS
We stock Haberdashery, Craft fabric,
24 Station Approach, Threads, Ribbons, Craft essentials and
Unit 8, Crown Walk, West Street,
Birchington sew much more! Bourne, Lincs PE10 9NE 500+ 100% Cotton Fabrics

Sewing Machine Repairs & Servicing

CT7 9RD 68 Berry Lane, Longridge, Preston, follow us on Facebook Yarn and Patterns Haberdashery & Trimmings
Lancs PR3 3WH sewfriendlybourne Handmade Quality Gifts

Classes & Workshops - Beginner to Advanced

Tel: 07803238765 01772 780883 01778 420464 Personalised Items

oh-sewcrafty@btconnect.com info@sewfriendly.co.uk www.reallymaria.com

www.daisybudsfabrics.co.uk www.facebook.com/ItsOhSewCrafty Tel: 0203 581 0909
@ItsOhSewCrafty on Twitter www.sewfriendly.co.uk 15 Lordship Lane, East Dulwich, London SE22 8EW

KENT LEICESTERSHIRE LINCOLNSHIRE MERSEYSIDE

Sales, Service/Repair
Sewing Machines
Classes & kids clubs
Fabric, Threads,
Haberdashery
Handmade Sewing & Knitting Centre Ltd
THE MOST CREATIVE IDEAS
childrens clothes
and accessories Janome, Pfaff, Singer and Bernina
Grimsby Sewing And Knitting sewing machines and overlockers
Haberdashery,
212-216 Freeman Street, Service and repairs to most makes of
fabrics and machines and overlockers
workshops Grimsby, North East We stock haberdashery, hand dyed
Lincolnshire DN32 9DR threads and fat quarters
4 Bakery Court, Market Street
Ashby de la Zouch LE65 1AN Tel: 01472 343921 DMC stranded threads
Tel: 01530 587501 E: grimsbysewingandknitting@gmail.com Workshops
Email: sewmemebydonna@gmail.com Check out our new website: We also run a Janome J Club from the shop

304-306 High Street, Rochester, Visit Facebook & Instagram for more info. www.craft-fabrics.com 67 London Street, Southport PR9 0TH
Kent ME1 1HS sewmemebydonna
www.sewingmachine.co.uk
sales@sewingmachine.co.uk
01634 841597 @sewmemebydonna Tel no 01704 534688

KENT LEICESTERSHIRE MIDDLESEX

LANCASHIRE LONDON NORFOLK

www.tuliptreedesigns.co.uk
Quality fabrics
Individually designed
buttons
Patchwork/Quilting
Supplies
Regular workshops and
classes
Please visit our store at:
Groveland Farm Shop
Thorpe Market Rd
Roughton, Norfolk
NR11 8TB
Tel: 01263 834353
info@tuliptreedesigns.co.uk
**062-066 SHOP LOCAL NOV 16 master_SEW SATURDAY 04/11/2016 16:38 Page 65

NORFOLK SCOTLAND SOMERSET STAFFORDSHIRE

Quilting in
the Meadows
For the love of fabric
Come inside and browse our wide
range of fabrics and haberdashery
Providing a friendly & helpful service
Join Debbie for a variety of workshops,
including quilting and bag making!
Monday to Saturday, 9.00am-5.00pm 10% OFF in store with this advert
28a High St, Dereham, Norfolk NR19 1DR Tel: 01934 643261
Tel: 01362 652961 Email: quiltinginthemeadows@gmail.com
56 Meadow Street, 80 Watling Street, Wilnecote,
www.knitwitsdereham.co.uk Weston Super Mare, BS23 1QJ Tamworth B77 5BJ

NORTHUMBERLAND SHEFFIELD SOUTH YORKSHIRE STAFFORDSHIRE

Utterly Delightful Fabric Emporium

Independent stockist
of fabrics from Riley
Blake, Tula Pink, Kaffe
Fassett and many Weekly Sewing classes
more. Patterns by and Workshops
designers including
Merchant and Mills,
Sewaholic and
Serendipity Studios.
Workshops in a range
www.fromragstostitches.co.uk
of crafts.
Tel: 0114 2455996
www.handmadehappyhare.com

NORTHUMBERLAND SOMERSET STAFFORDSHIRE SUFFOLK

The
Sewing and Pattern
Corner Patch
Drafting classes a little corner of
based in Rothbury, patchwork heaven The Fabric Shop
Northumberland.
Beginner to Opening Hours: Tues Sat 10 5 Come into our
Late Night Wednesday until 8
Advanced level.
Fabric, Wadding, Threads
Aladdins cave
Daytime and Evening 1a Church Street, Eye, Suffolk
Classes.
and Haberdashery
Contact Claire: Workshop & Classes for all Abilities IP23 7BB Tel: 01379 871017
07917 866523/01669 621804 Telephone: 01785 859360
claire@pimleydavison.co.uk e-mail:jane@thecornerpatch.co.uk
www.facebook.com/pages/The-Sewing-Doctor
www.pimleydavison.co.uk 12 High Street, Eccleshall, Stafford ST21 6BZ
www.thecornerpatch.co.uk

NORTH YORKSHIRE SOMERSET STAFFORDSHIRE

Somerset Sewing Large selection of Patchwork & Dressmaking fabrics
Machines in stock.
Unit D, Cartwright Mill
Business Centre, Brue
Ave, Colley Lane,
Bridgwater, Somerset
NEW
TA6 5LT
Stockist of Happy Japan
Larger shop now open
Embroidery machines. Come in
to find out more. in Staffordshire
www.somersetsewingmachines.com

01278 453502 19 Barracks Court, Newcastle under Lyme, Staffordshire ST5 1LG
info@somersetsewingmachines.co.uk 01782 610 241 www.hollieshaberdashery.co.uk

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE SOMERSET SUFFOLK

SEWING MACHINES
SEWING CLASSES FABRICS
HABERDASHERY
Catherine Hill, Frome, Somerset. WERE ALL THINGS SEWING!!
www.colessewingcentre.co.uk 01373 464437 Wide range of fabrics for quilting, dressmaking, sewing and crafts.
For all your sewing needs Fabrics & Workshops Patchwork and
Sewing machines & servicing sewing classes
Fabrics, haberdashery and threads Sewing machine
Sewing classes sales and servicing
90 Lower Parliament Street, Sole UK stockist of the Screw B Do the must have accessory for your sewing machine
Nottingham NG1 1EH 24 BURY STREET, STOWMARKET IP14 1HH
Tel: 0115 9881550 www.milliemoonshop.co.uk Tel: 01449 257077 www.stitchxstitch.co.uk
E: info@colessewingcentre.co.uk www.facebook.com/stitchxstitchstowmarket
**062-066 SHOP LOCAL NOV 16 master_SEW SATURDAY 04/11/2016 16:38 Page 66

SURREY WILTSHIRE

TYNE AND WEAR WILTSHIRE

64 Saville Street, North Shields

NE30 1AZ Tel: 0191 258 2380
Email: info@readythreadysew.co.uk
www.readythreadysew.co.uk

WEST SUSSEX WORCESTERSHIRE

Fabrics
Patterns
Workshops
The Valley
Evesham, WR11 4TP
01386 761217

WEST SUSSEX WORCESTERSHIRE

Finest Haberdashery in Storrington

Fabrics, Wools, Cottons

Haberdashery & Colours Workshops, Courses. Beginners Dress making
courses, City & Guilds fashion & Pattern Cutting
Sew Something
7 High Street
01903 workshops in Golden Rule Lutterloh System

Storrington 746204 Join Jenniffer Taylor in our brand

RH20 4DR
sew_something_storrington@yahoo.co.uk
www.sewsomething-storrington.co.uk
new Sponsored Korbond Studio on
her exciting up-cycling workshops.
www.inkberrowdesigncentre.com
Tel: 01527 69100

WEST MIDLANDS WORCESTERSHIRE

5 Central Buildings, Fabrics & Haberdashery

Warwick Road, Coventry CV3 6AJ
02476 222134
Husqvarna, Janome and Pfaff sewing
machines, overlockers and accessories. 19 Chapel Walk
Dressmaking and Quilting classes Crowngate Shopping Centre
available with a large selection of
fabrics in stock. Worcester WR1 3LD
Email: sales@covsew.co.uk 01905 612330
www.covsew.co.uk dawnallen2001@aol.com
 sew learning

WORKSHOPS & COURSESBrush up your sewing skills and learn something new

workshop of LEARN PATCHWORK

the month QUILTING
Tylers Patch is situated in a picturesque
village setting in studios 24 and 29 at
Barleylands Craft Village in Billericay, Essex,
which is home to 40 craft and retail studios,
farm park and Tiptree Tearooms. Throughout
the year they run regular patchwork quilting
classes with tutor Jacqui Smith (plus lace
making), where beginners start their quilting
journey with a sampler quilt. After this, many
students continue with projects of their own
choice, using jelly rolls and trying folded
patchwork and various appliqu techniques.
The classes run once a month, and students
are required to pay a 60 deposit for the first
four sessions, followed by another 60 to cover
the next four. The classes cater for four to six
students at a time and refreshments are
included. Tylers Patch also holds one and
PATCHWORK QUILTING CLASSES
two- day workshops, sometimes with themes Price: 60 for four classes Why book?
3 Develop patchwork quilting skills
suggested by students and customers. To book, call 01268 530071 or visit 3 Suitable for all skill levels
To find out more and book a class, visit www. www.tylerspatch.co.uk or 3 Friendly, picturesque setting
tylerspatch.co.uk or www.facebook.com/ www.facebook.com/tylerspatchuk
tylerspatchuk, or call 01268 530071.

THREE MORE EXCITING WORKSHOPS

SEW STITCH A
A DRESS WREATH

MASTER
DRESSMAKING
DITSY DRESSMAKING TRAPEZE PINAFORE CHRISTMAS WREATH
The Fabric Warehouse, Cowley (MERCHANT & MILLS Thread Bear, Croyden

The Fabric Warehouse offers two-day

comprehensive dressmaking workshops
for novices and more experienced sewers.
You will learn how to read a pattern, take
measurements, cut and alter your pattern,
and how to use a sewing machine and
overlocker to create your garment. These
sessions are limited to five or six people at
a time, guaranteeing you plenty of personal
attention and instruction. Youll need to
bring your own pattern or can purchase
one in-store. For more details, visit
www.thefabricwarehouseltd.com
PATTERN)
Happy Hare, Sheffield
This all-day course involves making a sleeveless
pinafore using the Merchant & Mills Trapeze
pattern. Suitable for everyone from novices
to more experienced sewers, the pattern
is available in sizes 8-18. Priced 64.31, all
equipment and materials are provided, plus
tea, coffee and cake just bring a packed lunch.
The workshop takes place on 3rd December,
with the option to finish your dress the next day
if needed. Visit www.handmadehappyhare.
com or call 01142 455996.
67
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Join tutor Gail Penberthy on 10th
December to make this lovely wreath ready
for Christmas. The aim will be to complete
the main wreath in class, so you can take it
home and embellish it with your favourite
Christmas buttons and beads. Priced 45,
including lunch and a full pattern, a list of
the required materials will also be provided
on booking. Best of all, this workshop suits
all skill levels. Thread Bear will have a new
website up soon at www.thread-bear.co.uk
or you can call 0208 6575050 for
more details.

Workshops 92.indd 1 04/11/2016 12:45

SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:41 Page 68

68 sewmag.co.uk

STUART HILLARD
Handmade decorations embody the spirit of Christmas!
E HOME
very year I get very excited to see
the up-and-coming trends for each
season, and Christmas is by far the
most important of the four... make
that five seasons! Winter pales into
insignificance against the might that is Christmas,
and year after year industry pundits and buyers aim
to get it right. This year Ive noticed an abundance of
white, silver and in particular, many shades of grey
on the high street. This set me to asking myself
what colour is Christmas? We all tend to associate
a traditional Christmas with the idealised Victorian
version, swathed in red, green and gold, with candles
flickering on an evergreen tree and those peculiar
inventions - the cracker and the Christmas card -
which are now an essential part of the festivities.
The custom of using these traditional colours at
Christmas goes back way beyond the Victorians, of
course. Ancient Egyptians brought palm fronds into
their homes to celebrate making it to mid-winter, and
the paradise plays that were performed throughout
Europe in the Middle Ages often involved a pine tree
with red apples tied to it, symbolising the garden of
Eden and Adam and Eves fall from grace.
The most important
traditions are the ones
families make
Candles and the gold glow they give off have
always played an important role in religious events
all over the world. At no time of year is this light more
appreciated than in the depths of a cold and gloomy
winter. Come Christmas, I love using traditional
colours and timeless decorating ideas in my own
home. For me, theres something about the sight, feel
and smell of fresh pine branches, red apples and holly
that a beautiful blown glass bauble will never replicate.
For many of us though, the most important Christmas
traditions involve those associated with our own
families. My parents still keep a few of the decorations
made by their children in school, as battered and
faded as they are. Whatever their state, whatever their
colour, they seem to embody the spirit of Christmas!
Stuart x
Catch Stuart on www.createandcraft.tv channels Virgin 748, Freeview 23, Freesat 813 and Sky 674
or visit www.stuarthillard.com
Stuart Hillard 92.indd 3
sew people
At home with...
INSPIRATIONS
The smell of Christmas is every bit
as important as the look and colour,
and I love to make traditional orange
pomanders to hang in my home. Take
a large orange and use a skewer to prod
holes over in it I favour vertical strips.
Fill the holes with dried cloves and push
into the flesh. Prepare a spice mix using
a couple of teaspoons of ground cloves,
cinnamon and mixed spice, combined
with a few tablespoons of Orris root
powder. This strange sounding ingredient
is made from the root of an iris and will fix
Style Advice
the fragrance of the spices and orange.
Roll the orange around in the spice mix
then leave in a warm, dry place to dry out.
Updating your Christmas decorating scheme An airing cupboard is ideal! Finally, tie
some beautiful ribbon around your dried
can cost a small fortune if you are looking to
completely change style or colour. Bring a fresh orange pomander and hang in your home
look to your festivities by substituting one colour to bring the fragrance of Christmas into
from your existing scheme. Try mixing green every nook and cranny.
with brown for a wood cabin look... this works
particularly well when combined with pinecones, Find the instructions for this
branches and other evergreens. For something project at www.thewi.org.uk/
more opulent, combine traditional gold and
bronze with parchment and linen for a modern
what-we-do/craft
take on luxury. Simple place mats and a table
runner in plain linen will update your dining
experience, without needing to take out a second
mortgage. Alternatively, add pink or orange to a
traditional red scheme to bring a touch of vintage
clash. You could even opt for an unconventional
turquoise palette with feather motifs, which can
easily be carried over in your home next year.
Stuarts Stash
My favourite ribbons come from
V V Rouleaux on Marylebone Street
in London. You can find the most
decadent, pretty and outrageous
ribbons and trims there, or online
at www.vvrouleaux.com
69
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04/11/2016 12:37
 HOME TRENDS

Proud as a peacock
The traditional reds, greens and golds of Christmas will always have their charm, but gone are the days where
were restricted in our choice of festive styles. One luxe look with guaranteed staying power takes inspiration from
the peacock feather. Pair blue and green hues alongside rich jewel tones, cocktail glasses and gold, brass and glass
home accessories for an opulent take on the trend youll soon be wanting to shake your own tail feather!

Blue peacock pima cotton lawn, 11 per metre,

Grey velvet, 5.99 per metre,

www.bobbinsnbuttons.co.uk
www.fabricland.co.uk

MAXINE SMITH, FABRIC LAND JULIA CLARIDGE, BOBBINS & BUTTONS

Velvet is perfect for cushions and we know grey is going to Peacock feathers are beautiful and perfect in a fabric. This
be big for home furnishings soon! We also have a selection soft pima cotton would make wonderful quilted or paneled
of crushed velvets, which would be perfect for this trend. cushion covers, adding a touch of luxury to any room.
Gentle Draft Moonrise, Lavish range for Art Gallery Fabrics,
for stockist information visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf

Arielli in Sapphire by Voyage, 22.50 per metre,

www.remnantkings.co.uk

KATARINA ROCELLA, ART GALLERY FABRICS HAZEL BERRYMAN, REMNANT KINGS

This organic geometric print can be used for different Our Arielli fabric is ideal for projects inspired by jewel colours,
wardrobe and accessory pieces and would be very suitable as it has such a rich colour and texture. Make this into curtains
for homewares like pillows, bedding and curtains! or other home accessories for a little bit of luxury.

70
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HomeTrends92.indd 1 04/11/2016 10:43

 sew home

Use various
blues to create
a peacock
feather
illusion

Place
feathery
accents
alongside

Pair with
pops of pink
and other
jewel tones

www.johnlewis.com 71
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HomeTrends92.indd 2 04/11/2016 10:43

SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:41 Page 72

WE CAN HELP YOUR BUSINESS GROW

Advertising doesnt need to cost a fortune, a small budget used wisely can
help your business grow.
Sew's ad team can create a marketing plan dedicated to your specific needs
with options such as editorial support, eshots, social media support,
advertising and online activity for less than you think.

For more information about our readership, stockists, promotional spend and how we can introduce
more customers to you within a carefully planned budget please call
01206 505932/505495 or email hannah.suttling@aceville.co.uk or anna.spilsbury@aceville.co.uk

72 sewmag.co.uk
PATCH Quilters Corner
WORKse
promi
There are so many sewing
machines out there, sat
forlornly in a corner
CORINNE BRADD

Corinne encourages sewers to help nervous

newbies overcome their fear of the sewing machine

T
he best thing about the colder This really is a sorry state of affairs. For want
weather is being able to socialise of a helpful word from an experienced stitcher,
indoors with a mug of tea and a many sewing machines are sat forlornly in a
squishy cushion (patchwork, of corner while their owners vacuum around
course). I do like the great outdoors, them trying to forget how much they cost!
but having a few friends round for a natter has Id like to suggest that we make resolutions Corinne
become a bit of a luxury for me. Most of the
time were all too busy working, ferrying our kids
before Christmas and invite those individuals
round with the promise of tea and biscuits.
loves...
The Sweetheart Rose
around and checking up on our parents to do Make sure your machine is threaded and Maker from Clover is great
more than send the occasional Everything conveniently positioned near the sofa, so for creating perfect roses
okay? text. So I was chuffed when Rosie and you can casually drop sewing comments from fabric leftovers to
Danielle from our sister magazine, Homemaker, into the general conversation. decorate your projects!
descended on me one Sunday for a sewing As soon as your guests show any interest, Priced from 5.40 for
a small template call
lesson along with some whip out a fat
01453 883581 or email
shortbread biscuits. quarter from under clover@stockistenquiries.
Both of them had your (patchwork) co.uk for stockists.
dabbled with a sewing cushion and insist
machine before, but they have a go.
done very little since Better still, suggest
leaving their textile that they bring their
lessons behind at school. own machine with
Both of them own a them because youd
machine but were a bit like to try it out.
scared of using it, and Once theyve seen
I think theres a number how beautifully their
of potential stitchers out dodgy gadget can
there who feel that way. stitch once the
Once youve experienced
the Why is my fabric
tensions correct,
the needle is sharp
Spring Quilt Festival
Mark your 2017 diary in
bunching up? moment, and the presser foot advance on 27th-29th
the What on earth is that is engaged, they January, when the Spring
knocking sound? fear, might be more Quilt Festival takes place
and the dreaded Nooo, inclined to use it at the Northern Pavilion
why has the needle themselves. Who in Ardingly, Sussex. View
jammed? crisis, the knows, maybe quilt displays, stock up on
essentials from patchwork
thought of getting out theyll even sew
Find Corinnes fun felt pom pom and quilting suppliers, and
the machine to rustle up up a Christmas watch expert demos. Visit
a new clutch bag may wreath project in issue 51 of our sister gift for you to say www.grosvenorshows.
seem a bit farfetched. magazine Homemaker, out now! Visit thank you? co.uk or call 01406
www.homemakermagazine.co.uk 372600 or 01406 372601.

For details about the Spring Quilt Festival, visit www.grosvenorshows.co.uk

73
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 Y E FESTIVE SAVINGS Yule Love

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CBDec16 Xmas subs 2016 A4.indd 1 04/11/2016 17:04

 sew home

BLOCK
of the
MONTH

CREATE A LOVELY WINTER

SCENE WITH OUR

house block quilt

PATCH
WORK
promise

Our delightful picture quilt overleaf, designed by Corinne Bradd, has a very
cosy Nordic feel with clusters of houses nestled amongst snowy hills and
wintry woods. The Festive Forest collection from Michael Miller Fabrics works
beautifully for this, featuring cute critters, fir trees and spotty patterns that really
pop against the white background.

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Block Of The Month 92.indd 1 04/11/2016 14:10

 sew a house block
We show you how! 1 Cut a 6.5cm x 11cm
rectangle for the roof.
Trim a 6.5cm white cotton
square and divide into two
fabric as the walls. Stitch this
piece to the bottom edge of
the roof, right sides together,
open out and finger press.
Forest range - and hand cut
tree motifs from it. Pin the
trees to the negative spaces
between the buildings and

1
half square triangles (HSTs).
Finger press the centre
point of the top long edge
of the rectangle and pin the
two triangles below this to
overlap the mark by 5mm.
Stitch the diagonal edge
of one triangle to the
rectangle, fold out and
finger press the seam
before sewing the second
triangle in the same way [1].
Join the other edge to the top
of the walls/door section in the
same way [3].
4 Repeat the above to make
several houses and press.
Cut 11cm x 16cm panels of
white cotton and stitch
together, three columns and
two rows of your choice of
plain panels and houses to
make a 31cm block.
stitch a quilt
appliqu in place with a
2.5mm wide zigzag stitch.
3 Pin the quilt top onto
wadding and white cotton
fabric, trimming the layers 1cm
larger than the quilt top all
round. Pin and topstitch
several wavy horizontal lines
across the quilt to represent
snowy hills. Take care not to
stitch across the centre of the
houses and trees instead,

2 Snip a 5cm x 8.5m

1
fasten off and start again on

2
rectangle for the door Create 31cm blocks as above, the other side of the motif.

and two 4cm x 8.5cm
rectangles for the walls.
Sew the pieces right sides
together on the long edge
so that the door sits
between the two walls.
Open out and finger press
the seams [2].
varying the colours and
layout of the houses within
each one. Sew the blocks
together to make a landscape,
allowing large areas of negative
space between the clusters
of houses.
2 Take a suitable fabric -
4
Cut several 3cm wide
strips of fabric and join end
to end to make a binding strip.
Pin and stitch the strip to the
back of the quilt, 5mm in from
the edges, mitring the corners
neatly as you do so. Fold the
binding to the front side of the

3 Cut a 3.5cm x 11cm we used Winter Woods quilt, turn under 5mm on the
rectangle from the same in Garland from the Festive edge and topstitch in place.

Ive not made a pictorial quilt before and am really

3 pleased with how this has turned out. Now I need to
find some wall space to display it this Christmas!

Essentials
Patterned fabrics, fat quarters
White cotton, 2.5m
Quilt wadding, 4 oz, 1.5m

Dimensions
House block: 31cm
Quilt: 93cm x 1.23m

Coming
next month
STITCH OUR CUTE CAT
BLOCK IN THE NEXT
ISSUE OF SEW! OUT
13TH JANUARY

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Block Of The Month 92.indd 2 04/11/2016 14:06

 sew home

PATCH
WORK
promise

the haberdashery
Winter Sweater Festive Nest
Woods Weather Evergreen
Garland Hollyberry Elegant stags
Bright fir trees Cute pink foxes repeat on
on a green wearing green emerald green
background jumpers

We used the Festive Forest collection by Tamara Kate from Michael Miller Fabrics. Visit www.eqsuk.com

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Block Of The Month 92.indd 3 04/11/2016 14:06

 PATCH
WORK
promise
love that

FABRIC TRY THESE LOVELY SCANDI

DULCET PATHS PASTELL
THEMED COLLECTIONS
Introduce a little hygge into your home with these lovely Nordic
style fabrics. The Heartland range for Art Gallery Fabrics
is directly inspired by Scandinavian flora and fauna, while
Monalunas Anya collection features woodland creatures and
wild flowers. Both combine blue and grey tones with pops of pink
and yellow that would look great together in a cosy quilt.

Scandi style

TREKANT ROWS CANDID SCANDI PLANE BALTIC

HUS HOOT GUL

Soft shades
For Art Gallery Fabrics stockists, visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf

For my Heartland range, I travelled

to the inland forest throughout
Scandinavia to draw ethereal
florals, Nordic shrubs and pines,
and beautiful creatures of the forest, PINETRE DAYBREAK LITEN DITSY WHISPER
all in a palette of delicate, soothing colours.
Pat Bravo, Art Gallery Fabrics
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Love that fabric.indd 1 04/11/2016 10:44

 sew home

Woodland creatures

HEDGIES

STRUNG LITTLE FOREST

For Monaluna stockists, visit www.monaluna.com

Dainty florals

FLORETTE CERAMIC

The Anya Collection was inspired by

mid-century Scandinavian illustrations,
mixing whimsical woodland creatures with
stylised florals and geometrics, to create
HOOTENANNY prints that are playful yet sophisticated.
Jennifer Moore, Monaluna

THIS PRIMROSE YELLOW

MONTHS
13-0755 TCX

PANTONE
COLOURS MISTY BLUE GOSSAMER PINK
Try muted shades of 13-4405 TPX 13-1513 TPG
blue-grey, yellow and pink

The colours displayed on the Pantone swatches may be limited to CMYK printing process.
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Love that fabric.indd 2 04/11/2016 10:44

 Festive dining

Christmas
Essentials
Cotton fabric,
table set
coordinating prints
Wadding Put on your spread in style!
Lightweight interfacing
The dinner table is the heart of Christmas day, so why not create a lovely
Dimensions festive atmosphere with the help of Carolyn Lettens dcor? Using a
Coaster: 13.5cm square modern colour palette, her brightly-coloured appliqu centrepiece and
Centrepiece: 42cm square
coordinating coasters will give your festivities a fresh look.

sew a centrepiece
1 Go online to www.sewmag.co.uk/templates
to download and print the templates. Cut
out the Christmas pudding, icing, two leaves,
two berries and eight Christmas trees from
your chosen fabrics, and back each piece
with iron-on interfacing. Cut two 22cm
squares from green pinwheel fabric, one
square from navy star print, and one from
a navy parcel print.

2 With right sides together, pin one green

square with a navy square and sew a 1cm
seam allowance across one side. Repeat with
the remaining pair. Iron the seams open,
then pin the two sections right sides
together, along one long side so that the
green pieces are diagonally opposite each
other. Iron the seam open.

3 Pin the main pudding piece to the middle

of the joined patchwork piece and
machine stitch around, just in from the
edge, using coordinating thread. Iron the
reverse. Pin the white star icing to the top
of the cake and stitch in the same way using
coordinating thread. Pin the holly leaves and
berries in place and machine stitch around
them with dark coordinating thread.
Embroider a little triangle with
white thread to highlight the berries and
iron the reverse.
WHY NOT ADD
LOOPS TO THE
4 Pin one set of four Christmas trees in
a gradual curve onto one of the green TOP TO HANG
patchwork pieces, using the picture as a A FESTIVE
guide. Machine stitch around in white
thread and repeat for the other piece.
DISPLAY?

5 Cut a section of wadding the same size

as the finished front, and a piece from
bright pink cotton thats 2.5cm bigger all the
way around. Lay the wadding flat centrally
on top of the pink cotton, with the finished
front right side up on top of the wadding.
Pin all the pieces together.

6 Starting with the main pudding section, 7 To bind, fold the raw edge of the pink in white thread. Iron the reverse.

machine stitch around with pink thread.
Use white thread to stitch around the icing
and berries, and green thread to quilt
around the holly leaves. Machine with
fabric over once to meet the raw edge
of the front then fold it over again up onto
the front. Pin and machine stitch in pink
along the edge to bind.
2
From wadding, cut another 13cm
square and a piece of triangle print
fabric thats 1.5cm wider all around. Lay
the backing wrong side up, the wadding

stitch a tree coaster

green thread where the patchwork joins,
then machine with green thread around the
trees. In the two green corners, stitch a wavy
squiggle. Quilt around a few of the printed
stars and parcels on the navy fabrics.
Remove the pins.
1 Cut a 13cm square of green fabric, then
snip three trees and three parcels from
printed fabric and back with interfacing.
Pin in place as shown, then machine stitch
in the middle, then the finished front on
top, then pin all of the layers together.
3 To quilt, machine stitch around the
trees and parcels in your chosen
thread. Bind as for step seven of the
larger table centrepiece.

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Table set.indd 1 04/11/2016 10:26

 sew home

Make another
Stitch a multi-print coaster by
using patterned fabric for the
top piece, instead of appliqu
sections. Quilt some of the
designs to highlight further!

sew
Download your
FREE
templates

the haberdashery
Pinwheel Abstract Presents
Lime green with Squares Bright gifts on a
dark starbursts. Colourful squares navy backdrop.
in multiple designs.

We used the Christmas Wrap It Up range by Makower UK. For stockists, visit www.makoweruk.com

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 Essentials
Super speedy decs

kitsch
Patterned fabric, various prints
Wooden skewers, two
Fabric glue

yo-yo trees
Cotton reels, two
White paint
Snowflake motif, two

Dimensions
Small tree: 17cm height
Large tree: 23cm height

Transform your surfaces into a fabric forest!

Come Christmas time, it can be hard to justify decking out your home with
decorations when you have a growing list of gifts to buy. Stitching them
however, is purely economical. These sweet trees by Corinne Bradd use
up all of your fabric scraps, which we all know would only otherwise be
lingering around from other sewing projects!

sew a whimsical tree yo-yos, but dont press with an iron. Push this yo-yo to the underside of the smallest

1 Go online to www.sewmag.co.uk/
templates to download and print the
the sharp point of a wooden skewer through one and the gathered side to the skewer.

templates. Draw around the largest circle
onto the reverse of patterned fabric and cut
out with sharp scissors. Use a small running
the centre of each yo-yo, starting with the
largest circle. Ensure the gathered side is
uppermost and thread the other yo-yos
onto the skewer in the same way.
4
Let the glue dry partly before repeating
with the next largest disc. Continue in
this way until the yo-yos are puffed out
along half the length of the skewer. Trim

stitch to sew a line around the circle, 3mm in
from the edge. Gather up the edges evenly,
fasten off and flatten the gathered circle to
make a yo-yo.
3
Trim the point off the skewer before
adding the last, smallest yo-yo. Glue
this one gathered side down on the top
of the skewer and push the other yo-yos
the end of the skewer to leave a 3-4cm
stem. Coat a wooden cotton wheel with
white paint and once dry, glue the end
of the skewer inside it. Paint a snowflake

2 Make a series of yo-yos in this way using

decreasing circles and alternating fabrics.
Finger press the flattened edges of the
further down the skewer. Take the next
largest one, puff it out slightly and move
back up the skewer. Lightly glue the top of
motif with white paint and adhere to the
top when dry.

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 sew home

Finishing touch
sew
Yo-yos have a romantic, nostalgic
appeal - reminiscent of the 30s and

Download your
40s - that we cant get enough of.

FREE
You can add them as a final flourish
to all manner of stitched items such
as bags, cushions and garments.
templates

the haberdashery

Festive fizz Candy Peppermint

Cocktails and stripe twist
vintage Traditional Retro
glassware red and green spearmints
on pink. stripes. against aqua.

We used a selection of fabrics from the Holiday Party collection by Michael Miller. Find a local stockist at www.eqsuk.com

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Yoyo trees.indd 2 04/11/2016 10:50


Susie s
STITCH SCHOOL
Create your own decorations for the
Christmas tree, embellished with ribbons and
braids held in place with couching stitches
Essentials
Felt scraps, various colours
Assorted ribbons, braids
and ric rac
Wadding
Six-stranded embroidery
thread
Crewel needle
Dimensions
5cm square
stitch
Christmas
decorations
1 Cut 5cm squares of felt; you
can make them smaller or
larger than this, if you prefer.
Pin a length of ribbon across
the width of one of the
squares, either horizontally
or diagonally, then tack in
place, using a contrasting
coloured thread. Leave excess
ribbon (about 1.5cm at each
end) untrimmed.
2 Pin on more lengths of
ribbon, braid and ric rac,
parallel to the first, varying
the spacing between each
piece. When you are happy
with the arrangement, tack
each length in place using a
contrasting coloured thread.
3
Start couching each length
of braid using two or three
strands of embroidery thread.
For pieces with straight
edges, use herringbone stitch
(see Couching, steps 1 and 2)
and for ric rac, use a zig zag
version of backstitch (see
step 3). Fold the excess braid
COUCHING
Here, herringbone stitch
has been used on the
straight-edged ribbons
and braids, and backstitch
on the ric rac braid.
C B
A
E D
1 Pin the ribbon/braid in
position on the fabric.
Thread the needle with
the couching thread
two or threeG F
strands of
floss for narrow and
I
medium ribbons, and up
to six strands for wider or
thicker braids and work
a line of herringbone
stitch across the ribbon,
to secure. Bring the
needle out at A, just
The term 'couching' comes from the French word coucher, under the ribbon. Insert
which means to lay something down horizontally. Couching it at B, just above the
stitches are used to hold thicker threads, cords and ribbons ribbon, and bring out at C.
in place on the surface of fabric for decorative effect. They
can be the same colour or a contrast, simple or fancy, straight
C B
C B
A
or diagonal: there is plenty of scope for creativity! Here, the A
E D
E D
technique is used to create colourful Christmas decorations with
scraps of coloured felt, oddments of ribbons and ric rac braid. Insert the needle at D
below the ribbon, and
bring it out at E.
G F
G F
I H
C B I H
E D
Insert the needle at F
above the ribbon,
bringing it out at G.
G F
I H
Insert the needle below
the ribbon at H and bring
it out at I. Continue to
stitch in the same way.
2 To make a second line
of herringbone stitch
on top of the first, repeat
Stitch
and ribbon ends to the wrong side the stitch along the line of
in time
and secure with a few stitches. ribbon in another colour,
with each diagonal stitch
4 When you have decorated all the
felt squares, arrange them in
positioned midway
between the stitches on
pairs to form the front and back of The difference between the first row.
each decoration. Place each pair regular backstitch
3
wrong sides together with a small To couch ric rac, pin a
square of wadding sandwiched and the zig zag is that length onto the fabric,
between and on one of the corners, instead of working in a then work backstitch in a
insert the ends of an 8cm length of zig zag, with each stitch
straight line, each stitch
narrow ribbon to make a hanging running from one indent
loop. Whip stitch the edges of the straddles the braid. in the braid to the next.
felt squares to join together.
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 sew tutorial

Use small scraps of

ribbon and braid from
your work basket for
this project

These decorations are

easy enough for a child
to make and would be a
fun family project for
a rainy afternoon

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Essentials
Grey floral fabric, 76cm square
Grey polka dot fabric, 28cm x 54cm
Blush pink polka dot fabric, 76cm square
Lightweight fusible fleece or wadding,
76cm square
Dark grey webbing, 2.5cm x 35cm
Wooden dowelling, 1cm diameter x 25cm, two
Strong fabric glue
Denim needle
Grey paint (optional)
Dimensions
13cm x 24cm x 31cm
Use a 6mm seam allowance throughout.
sew a craft caddy
1 Download and print the templates at
www.sewmag.co.uk/templates. Cut the
outer pieces from grey floral fabric, the outer
pockets from grey polka dot and the lining
sections from blush polka dot. Iron fusible
fleece or wadding to the wrong side of each
grey piece.
2 Sew the pocket outer and lining pieces
together in pairs across the top, turn over
and press. Edge stitch across the seam. Crease
the centre of each pocket, then repeat for the
centre of the front and back pieces. Sew the
pockets to the outer caddy front and back
pieces, first along the sides, then straight
down the centre creases.
3 Squash the pockets to make even pleats,
being careful not to form a pleat too
close to the edge because of the seam
allowance. If your fabric is too thick to pin,
try fabric clips instead [1].
4 Sew straight across the bottom of the
pockets. Stitch the lining and outer pieces
right sides together, leaving a gap in the
bottom for turning. Trim the seams to 3mm to
reduce the bulk of the fleece. Snip across the
corners, then turn right side out and press.
Mark 20cm from the bottom and edge stitch
1 3
2 4
Useful make!
craft caddy
Keep all your sewing essentials organised
with this useful caddy!
Debbie Shores gorgeous caddy has plenty of pockets to keep your
sewing stash tidy. Its pretty enough to display on your work table and
can even transport your latest project to a sewing class!
from these marks around the top. Hand sew
the turning gap closed [2]. the
5 Cut 35cm of webbing in half, and sew 4cm
from the top of each side panel, first
attaching each end to the edges, then
haberdashery
straight down the centre. Place the side lining
Ditsy floral grey
pieces right sides together with the outer fabric
pieces and sew all the way round, leaving a
This pretty print,
gap in one side for turning. plus the grey and
6 Trim the seams to 3mm. Snip across the
corners, turn right side out and press.
blush polka dot
fabrics in this caddy,
are included in the
Hand sew the turning gap closed then edge Threaders Ditsy
stitch across the top [3]. Sew the two side Floral Fat Quarter
pieces to either side of the front panel, Bundle. 15.99,
wrong sides together [4]. Repeat with the www.hochanda.com
remaining panel. Sew the two base pieces
right sides together, leaving a gap for
turning. Snip across the corners, trim the
seam allowance to 3mm, turn right side
out and press. Hand sew the turning gap Catch Debbies regular
closed [5]. shows on Hochanda for
more inspiration at
7
Sew the base panel into the bag, wrong
sides together [6]. Fold the tops of the
handles over by 4cm and sew across the
seam a few times to make a strong loop.
Sky 663 (24/7),
Freesat 85 (24/7) or
Thread two 25cm lengths of wooden
watch online at
dowelling through the loops to form www.hochanda.com
handles and secure with fabric glue.
5
6
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 sew home

Decorative
touch
You can paint the dowelling
grey before securing to the
caddy, to match the outer fabric.

sew
Download your
FREE
templates

87
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 Essentials
 Quilt weight fabric Fab fat quarter make
 Quilted fusible interfacing

kissable clutch
 Zip, 28cm

Dimensions
20cm x 30cm

Cutting guide
Pink fabric: cut one back, top
lip, bottom lip and two zip tabs Make a bold statement with this fun purse
Patterned fabric: cut one back
and a 6cm x 30cm strip
Contrast fabric: cut one top
lip and bottom lip
Its a little known fact that theres a legal requirement to have at least one
Fusible interfacing: cut one kooky purse in your life, and these bold lips by Ruth Oliver will make you
back, top lip and bottom lip
happy to oblige. It has a useful hand strap on the reverse and is the perfect
size for your everyday essentials, plus you can zip it to keep them all
secure. Its time to let your accessories do the talking!

stitch a clutch purse

1 Go to www.sewmag.co.uk/templates
to download and print the templates.
Cut out the pieces as indicated by the
cutting guide, then adhere fusible
interfacing to the pink back, top lip and
bottom lip. Fold one zip tab piece 1cm
from the short edge, press, then topstitch
the folded edge to the zip, butting the
unfolded edge with the end of the metal
zip pull. Repeat with the second tab for
the other end.

2 Lay the contrast bottom lip lining side

up and place the zip on top, aligning
the left edge of the zip with the long
edge of the lip. Lay the outer pink piece
on top, right side down, and pin in place.
Stitch along the edge by hand or using
a zip foot on your sewing machine. Open
out so the zip is showing, then repeat
for the other side of the zip with the top
lip pieces. When sewn, open out and
press carefully.

3 Fold the strap piece of fabric in half

lengthwise and press, then open out
and fold the outer edges to the centre
and press again. Topstitch along both
edges with a contrasting thread. Pin
the sewn strip to the right side of the
pink back piece, and topstitch over the
existing stitching, 10cm in on each side
to secure to the bag.

4 Pin the two outer lip panels right

sides together. Sew all around
the edges with a 1cm seam, then clip

the haberdashery
the curved pieces. Take the top and
bottom lip lining pieces, fold and press
5mm in along the straight edges, then
pin to the back lining piece right sides
together and sew all around the edges
with a 1cm seam, clipping the curves.

5 With the lip pieces wrong side out,

place inside the lining piece and line
up the seams and zip opening. Hand
Tickled pink
Kona solids in
Cotton candy
stretch
stitch the folded edges of the top and bright pink costs This geometric print
9 per metre. from Dashwood Studio
bottom lips to the wrong side of the zip.
costs 13 per metre.
Turn the finished purse right side out
and press thoroughly.

Both fabrics are available from www.eternalmaker.com

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Lip clutch bag.indd 1 04/11/2016 12:20

 sew gifts
This clutch is really easy to
customise! Enlarge or reduce for sew
more striking options, or add a wrist Download your

loop instead of a hand strap FREE

templates
Ruth Oliver, Designer

Sew advice
Clip valleys, notch mountains
Snipping at intervals along a seam allowance is vital for
a smooth curved edge. Clipping concave curves allows
the material to stretch further, and removing V-shaped
notches from convex curves prevents material bulking.
Its also important to cut at a diagonal besides corners
to remove excess fabric. Remember to get close, but
dont cut through your stitching.

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SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:41 Page 90

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90 sewmag.co.uk
 sew gifts

Sew a treasured gift

baby
Essentials
Coordinating cotton fabrics
Wadding
Narrow ribbon, 10cm

memory game
Button
Lightweight iron-on interfacing
Coordinating threads
Tissue paper

Dimensions
15cm x 25cm

Create a fun, educational toy for a new arrival

This delightful fabric game by Carolyn Letten uses memory and
matching skills with pairs of animals alternatively, you can turn the
squares over to match the patterned sides. We used the Brushstrokes
collection by Cloud9 Fabrics, but this project would also look great
in any brightly coloured material.
stitch a fabric envelope
1 Cut two 16.5cm x 26.5cm rectangles from
your chosen outer fabrics these will
form the front and back of the envelope.
Pin right sides together and stitch a 0.5cm
seam along one long side, then press open.
Cut two more rectangles from your chosen
lining fabrics and repeat.

2 Download and print the templates at

www.sewmag.co.uk/templates. Use
the triangular flap template to cut out two
pieces in your chosen fabric. Pin a triangle,
right sides together, to one end of the
pieced lining. Stitch a 0.5cm seam across
and iron it flat. Pin and stitch the second
triangular flap to the outer envelope, right
sides together, and press.

3 Cut a piece of wadding the same size as

one of the envelope sections, including
the triangular flap. Place the lining and
outer right sides together with the wadding
underneath and pin. Snip 10cm of narrow
ribbon and insert into the top of the triangle
point between the two fabric pieces to form
a loop, with the raw ends sticking out. Sew
with a 0.5cm seam, leaving a 10cm gap at
one side. Trim excess fabric from the
corners and the flap point, then turn right
side out. Hand stitch the gap closed.

4 Machine stitch across the two horizontal

seams, then machine topstitch along the
V of the flap, 2mm from the edge. Topstitch
across the straight end in coordinating
thread. Trace the memory game wording
from the template onto tissue paper,
pinning in place on the envelope. Hand or cut two 10cm squares from each colour. around the edge of each animal, trimming
machine stitch over it twice in navy thread, Snip eight squares of wadding that are away the excess wadding.

4
then remove the tissue. slightly bigger these will be trimmed later. Using four different brightly patterned

5 Fold the bottom third up to create the

envelope, pin at the sides then machine
stitch 3mm from the edge. Sew a button on
the front, making sure its position
corresponds with the loop.
2 Use the four animal templates provided
to cut out two dark blue fish, two
apricot butterflies, two green cats and two
pink rabbits. Back each one with interfacing,
then pin each animal couple to each pair of
paint splatter squares, so you have four
matching groups.
fabrics, cut two 14cm squares from each
one. Place each pair wrong sides together
with an animal couple and secure with a pin
in the middle. Fold the raw fabric edge to
meet the edge of the wadding, then fold
again over the appliqud front. Pin and
topstitch close to the fold line, mitring the

sew game squares 3 Machine stitch all the animals in place corners carefully as you go. Iron to finish.
using contrasting thread, then iron the

1 Using four different coloured paint

splatter fabrics with white backgrounds,
reverse. Place each finished top onto a
wadding square and machine or hand stitch
CONTINUED OVERLEAF

91
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 Added texture
For added interest, try fabrics
such as towelling or a furry
fabric just make sure they are
safe for babies first.

sew
Download your
FREE
templates

the haberdashery

Garden Multi Confetti Multi Facets Multi

Bold, hand- Brush strokes in A vibrant
painted flowers. bright colours. harlequin pattern.

Weve used the Brush Strokes collection by Holly DeGroot for

Cloud9 Fabrics. For stockists, visit www.hantex.co.uk/cloud9

92
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SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:41 Page 93

Special Show
CROCHET, Edition Offer
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SEW DEC 16 ISSUE 92_SEW 04/11/2016 16:41 Page 94
 SEWING BOOK BUNDLE!
WAS 29.97 NOW ONLY 14.99 FOR ALL 3!

PATTERNS
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 sew shopping

Patchwork squirrel
Cabbage Rose by Tilda is a beautiful collection of fabrics in
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Crafting and baking is the perfect combination and that's why
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Workshop vouchers
Offering workshops in a wide range of crafts, Crafty Sew and
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Giveaways.indd 2 04/11/2016 10:28

 Essentials Easy toy making!

Bamboo
Fabric, white, black and light
pink patterned, plain black
Embroidery thread, black,
light blue

the panda
Fusible webbing, 3cm x 6cm
Coordinating thread
Toy filling
Air-erasable pen
Needle, crewel embroidery,
hand sewing

Dimensions
12cm x 25cm Pretty printed fabric makes this companion
Use a 6mm seam allowance
throughout. utterly adorable!
This cute panda by Cheryl Owen is an adorable make for a loved one. Made
in the very apt Pandalicious range for Art Gallery Fabrics, our little pal
is sure to make you smile. Use a colourful fabric to sew a heart why not
embroider a message for a loved one, too?
sew a panda
1 Go online to www.sewmag.co.uk/
templates to download and print the
templates. Cut out a pair of heads and pair

sew
of bodies on the fold from white patterned
fabric, two pairs of ears on the fold, two
pairs of arms and two pairs of feet from
plain black fabric, one pair of bands on the Download your
FREE
fold and one 6cm diameter circle from black
patterned fabric, then one pair of hearts on
the fold from light pink patterned fabric.
templates
2 Trace one pair of patches onto the paper
backing of fusible webbing. Roughly cut
them out, leaving a border around each
patch. Press the patches to the wrong side
of plain black fabric. Cut out the patches
neatly and peel off the backing papers. Refer
to the template to press the patches to the
right side of one head, which will be the
front the other head will be the back.
Oversew the edges of the patches using
one strand of black embroidery thread.
Embroider the eyes with backstitch using
two strands of light blue embroidery thread.

3 Fold the heads and bodies in half and

stitch the darts. Press the darts in
opposite directions. Pin the ears together
in pairs and stitch the notched edges A-A.
Snip the curves and turn right side out. Pin
and tack the ears to the right side of the
front head A-A. Pin the heads together and
stitch B-A-A-A-A-B. Turn under the raw
edges B-B by 6mm and tack in place. Snip
the back. With an air-erasable pen, draw the
dotted line on the bands. Stuff firmly and
slipstitch the gap closed. Push out the head
to open out the space and insert the band
into the head, facing forward. Pin the
tacked edge of the head to the dotted line,
matching centres and points B. Sew the
head securely to the band along the dotted
line, adding more toy filling if required.
gather the edge and place some toy filling
inside. Pull up the gathers tightly and fasten
the thread. Sew the tail to the back body.
With right sides together, pin and stitch the
heart pieces, leaving a gap for turning
through. Clip the lower corner and carefully
snip to the inner corner. Trim the curves and
turn right side out. Stuff the heart and
slipstitch the gap closed. Place the heart on

6
the curves and finger press the seam open. Sew a running stitch around the edge of the front of the panda. Pin the arms to the
Turn right side out and stuff the head firmly. the tail. Start to pull up the stitches to heart and sew securely into position to finish.

4 Pin and stitch the bands to the bodies

along the straight edges, leaving a gap
in one seam to turn right side out the body the haberdashery
with the gap will be the back and the other
body will be the front. Pin the arms and feet
together in pairs. Stitch together, leaving the
straight edges open. Snip the curves and Hidden Panda Yinghua
finger press the seams open. Turn right side Cottonbud Cherrylight
out. Stuff the arms and legs to 1.5cm below White backdrop Bamboo shoots
the open edges. Pin the open edges closed. with hidden and blooms on
Pin and tack the arms to the right side of the pandas. blush pink.
front body and band C-D, and pin and tack
the legs to the right side of the front body,
matching the notches.

5 With the bodies and bands together, pin

then stitch B-C-D-D-C-B-B. Snip the
curves and finger press the seam open. Turn
We used the Pandalicious range by Katarina Roccella for Art Gallery Fabrics.
the body right side out through the gap in
For stockists, visit www.hantex.co.uk/agf

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Panda toy.indd 1 04/11/2016 10:47

 sew kids

Make it plump
Evenly fill your panda by teasing
out your stuffing to make it smooth.
Ensure you reach every part of your
toy to make it nice and plump
before stitching closed.

I decided to name
the panda Bamboo
because they
love eating this
in their natural
environment.
Its a cute name
and seemed to
suit her!
Diane Kelly,
Sew reader

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Panda toy.indd 2 04/11/2016 10:47

 Next month in
l Mindfulness Cameo
sewing: we explore embroidery

the therapeutic
benefits of the craft
l Stitch a skirt
with sewing guru
Wendy Ward
l British heritage
series! Sew looks
at what defines
Barbour style

Dachshund On-trend
rainmac culottes
Features subject to change

Teddy bear
friends

100
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 SIX style
variations
for you to
choose from!

Size
ranges
6-14

Just for you!

FREE
8128
TOP & SKIRT
TWO-PIECE
PLUS!
Exclusive
reader offer

Worth
Stitch your 9.99

FEELGOOD
* Terms and conditions apply

FREE*
wardrobe How to sew
Beautiful
January issue on sale 15th December Aprons book
for you!
101
sewmag.co.uk
 Need to know
Debbie Shore 1
shows you how...
Buttonholes For more from Debbie,
visit www.debbieshore.tv

If you're new to sewing, buttonholes can
be a little daunting, but practise makes
perfect! Make sure you test your skills on
a piece of fabric that is the same weight as
the one you're using, before adding them
to your finished project. This will also help
your dressmaking and homewares projects.
Most sewing machines will feature this
2
buttonhole option at least. You should be able
to adjust the length and width of it too. [1]
Keyhole buttonhole

3
Used on medium to heavy weight fabrics,
with marking your fabric as you'll be able to
the keyhole buttonhole is something you'll
gauge the exact size of the hole and where to
find on many tailored jackets. [2]
position it. There are generally two types of
buttonholes, one step and four step. Rounded buttonhole
For finer fabrics such as lightweight
One step buttonhole
cottons and silks, a rounded buttonhole
The buttonhole foot will usually hold the
is the perfect choice. [3]
button in the back and stitch a hole the perfect
size for that button. Your machine will sew the
hole before stopping automatically (remember
to pull down the lever on the side of your
Stretch buttonhole
A stretch buttonhole is used on jersey fabrics
to allow the hole to stretch. However, with
4
machine that is marked with an image of a many garments you don't want this stretch,
buttonhole, as this will measure the correct so interfacing is used with a standard
size of your button). buttonhole to prevent this. [4]

Four step buttonhole Corded buttonhole

With this option, you're in control of gauging
when to stop, turn around and come back
your foot will have markings on the sides to
help with this.
Standard square buttonhole
You'll use this type of buttonhole in most of
This type of buttonhole is created by guiding
cord through your buttonhole foot to make
the hole stronger. It's particularly useful for
5
outdoor garments and thick fabrics. Any
shape buttonhole can be corded. Once you've
stitched the buttonhole, pull the cord and it
will disappear under the stitches. [5]

Essential stitches USE THESE STITCHES IN EVERYDAY HAND SEWING

BACK STITCH A continuous single line of stitching SLIPSTITCH

1 Secure the thread on the wrong side of your fabric and bring
the needle through to the surface to start the first stitch.
Move a stitch length backwards along the sewing line, take the
Stitches used for hemming
or sewing up projects
needle back through the fabric and then bring it to the surface
at the end position of this stitch.

2 Moving back along the stitching line, take the needle down
through the same hole as the previous thread. Bring it to
1 Working on the fold in the
fabric, secure the thread
with a double stitch.
the surface at the end position of the stitch. Repeat along the
sewing line to create even stitches. 2 Pick up the two threads
of the fabric with the
needle tip, then slip the
needle through the fold of
CHAIN STITCH Create chain-like stitches to add dimension to an embroidered line the hem. Bring the needle out
5mm along, then pick up two

1 Bring the needle to the surface at the start of the sewing more threads of fabric before
line. Take it back down very close to where it came up, then returning through the fold of
return it to the surface at the end position of the first stitch. the hem.

2 Take the needle back down, close to where it came up

through the loop and bring it back up at the end position 3 Pull the thread lightly as
you work to tighten the
stitches, being careful not to
of the next stitch.

3 Continue working along the stitching line, repeating the steps to distort the fabric and make
create a chain of links. Finish by catching the final loop with the stitches visible.
a small stitch to secure.

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Need to Know 92.indd 2 04/11/2016 09:08

 sew advice

ESSENTIAL INFO AND ADVICE FOR SUCCESSFUL STITCHING

The key to successful fitting is taking 1 Bust

Measure up accurate body measurements and comparing
them to those on the pattern envelope in
Around the fullest
part of the bust.
order to make appropriate alterations.
5 2 High bust
STEPS TO SUCCESS 2 Around the chest,
1 above the bust and
under the arms.
l Measure yourself in your underwear,
preferably in the bra you will be
l Be honest with your
measurements and remember
3
wearing with your garment. pattern sizes are totally different 3 Waist
Around the smallest
4
l Use a new tape measure as over to ready-to-wear high street sizes.
time they can distort out of shape. l Use your measurements to help part of your waist.
l Ask a friend to help you, especially you adjust the pattern to fit your
with tricky measurements such as shape, not forgetting to take the 4 Hip
your back-neck to waist and height. required ease into account. 6 Around the fullest
part of your hips.

My measurements STITCH 5 Back-neck to

Bust ..............................
DICTIONARY waist length
From the base of
Waist ............................ Blanket stitch the neck to the

{
natural waistline.
Hip ................................

Back-neck to waist
Used for reinforcing
the edges of thick
{ 6 Height
Measure standing
against a wall.
length .......................... materials.

Minerva Crafts
offers tips on adding appliqu to your projects
LOOKING TO UPDATE AN OUTFIT? FOLLOW THESE TIPS TO LEARN THE BASICS OF
APPLIQUE AND THEN TRY IT OUT ON A CHRISTMAS JUMPER!
Appliqu is the process of adding a small stitching is by using fusible webbing. After edges by sewing away from the raw
piece of fabric, usually in a unique shape, adhering the webbing to the back of your edge of the shape and allowing them
onto a larger portion of material. It's the appliqu design, you can peel away the to be exposed.
perfect way to add interest or a personal backing paper to reveal a sticky back -
touch to your projects. The possibilities allowing you to temporarily adhere your FIND THIS EASY
are endless when it comes to appliqu, design to the background fabric. This APPLIQUE
so get your creative cap on! will make sewing your design easier as PROJECT AT
you don't have to worry about the motif WWW.SEWMAG.
CO.UK
WHERE DO I FIND moving around and falling out of place.

A DESIGN? SEWING YOUR MOTIF

Appliqu can be any shape and
size but if you're new to the technique,
start with something simple like a
square or triangle.
FUSING A DESIGN
An easy way to fix your design before
There are various different stitches that
will secure your appliqu design. A satin
stitch creates a professional look and can
be achieved by choosing a zig zag stitch
on your machine and altering the stitch
length to a very low setting. If you prefer,
you can also complete appliqu with raw

103
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Need to Know 92.indd 3 04/11/2016 09:09

**ALL SEWN UP classified NEW_ALL SEWN UP 04/11/2016 14:22 Page 104

directory
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1000s of Rolls at Realistic Prices! Quality cotton fabrics,
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Stockists of all kinds of kits and patterns.
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www.sewmag.co.uk
 READING ROOM
Our favourite new sewing books to
add to your shelf

meet the author Sew Snappy

5 minutes with
Christopher Laverty Perfect for beginners and skilled
Christopher Laverty is a costume and fashion writer, dressmakers alike, the 25 stylish
consultant, and the talented creator behind award- and smart projects from Sew Snappy
winning website clothesonfilm.com. Fashion in Film have well-documented, step-by-step
showcases incredible and eye-catching contributions that tutorials with explanations of all
fashion designers have made to cinema, alongside stunning the basic techniques. Readers will
film stills and behind-the-screen sketches. Delve into the works of powerhouse receive a thorough introduction to
designers Jean Paul Gaultier, Gucci, and Vera Wang, while rummaging
stitching, as well as helpful advice
through the wardrobes of My Fair Lady, Moulin Rouge and Black Swan.
and a healthy dose of creative
Where does your interest in on-screen fashion stem from? resourcefulness, perfect for stitching
Casino (1995) if you enjoy fashion, Robert De Niro in a pale pink suit is going at any skill level projects include
to catch your attention. From then on, I read everything around the subject several bags, a baby jacket, floral
I could. A few years later I started blogging and it all took off my website
brooch, and laptop sleeve. Complete
Clothes on Film went from 50 to 5,000 readers a day. What keeps me most
interested are the more elementary contemporary outfits; theres something with a separate pull-out section
about a basic white cotton T-shirt that speaks volumes, without even raising packed with full-size patterns and
its voice. The subtext of costume will always be my jam. free access to PDF versions, this
helpful paperback will have you
Which designer is most
feeling like a stitching expert in next
influential in film?
Jean Paul Gaultier truly
to no time at all, with 25 practical
understands that, above all else, creations under your belt.
the role of costume in film is to
serve the story and characters. Sew Snappy by Riet Van de Walle &
Of course, he preserves his Sanne Vanautgaerden
own inimitable JPG style, (18.99, Meteoor Books).
thats why hes hired in
the first place. Contrast
his spot-on bonkers
costumes for The Fifth
Element (1997) with his Kids Learn to Stitch
more subtle, but no less effective contribution to The Skin I Live In
(2011). His body suits are pure Gaultier, yet they never cause viewers
to step outside the narrative, it all flows. Hes quite marvellous. Kids Learn to Stitch is sure to be
What is your own go-to style? a smash hit, ensuring that kids stay
The 70s is such an underrated decade. Sure, there were some pretty interested long enough to learn basic
hideous fabrics around, but the silhouettes are immensely flattering sewing skills, following clear step-
to most physiques. Long, lean high-waisted flares are my favourite. by-step instructions accompanied
Winter is the best all those fitted leather jackets, sheepskin coats by witty illustrations. The third title
with rollnecks and stacked-heel boots and shoes... Heaven! in the hugely popular Kids Learn
What can we look forward to in to series makes learning to stitch
Fashion in Film? more fun and easier than ever
The truth behind what designers have before. Kids will learn the basic
actually contributed and what has been straight and loop stitches with the
misreported by the media. For example, help of clever mice Peg and Pip,
Audrey Hepburns famous black dress in before using their new-found skills
Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961) was not made to create and decorate six friendly
by Givenchy, he was only responsible for the projects including Needle Holder
bodice. Edith Head completely redesigned Nell, Pincushion Percy and other
the skirt and added the iconic diamonds
little characters. We only wish we
and pearl neckline. There are several
had learned our first stitches
exclusives in the book on more recent films,
such as Pulp Fiction (1994) and American from such a quirky and
Hustle (2013), plus specially commissioned PERFECT original source!
sketches provided by costumiers. STOCKING
Kids Learn to Stitch by
FILLER FOR Lucinda Guy (12.31,
Fashion in Film by Christopher Laverty THE KIDS! Trafalgar Square Books).
(30, Lawrence King)

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Reading Room 92.indd 1 04/11/2016 12:33

 sew people
SARAH CAMPBELL
Former Liberty designer and print artist, Sarah Campbell
talks all things textiles, paints and inspiration!
I
cant actually remember learning to sew
one of my grannies had taught herself
dressmaking to make a living when she
found herself on her own. My other granny
became a milliner in Mayfair, and wrote a
book about hat-making. The idea of sewing and
stitching as a way of earning a wage was quite
normal for me as a little girl I think I just
picked it up.
As I have always been involved in painting
textile designs, designing fabrics has led me
to develop more than a passing interest for
cloth itself, its qualities and how its used.
I find inspiration pretty much anywhere.
I recently visited Wisley gardens and was
intrigued by the way some of the planting
forms great bands of colour and texture.
Cotton lawn is always good for sewing soft
but sturdy. I love to paint directly onto calico
and linen, but silk has very special qualities
too. I couldnt live without my lovely sharp
fabric scissors.
Working with Liberty alongside my
sister, Susan Collier, was more or less my
introduction to textile design theres
nothing quite like starting at the top! We
created hundreds of patterns for them over
the 17 years of our association, so its pretty
impossible to pick a favourite design. Some
are very well-known and ground-breaking
patterns Bauhaus, Kazak and Cottage
Garden, to name a few. Some were not such
constant sellers but were new and exciting to
paint and produce. We painted many sweet
florals, geometrics and intricate paisley
Discover more of Sarahs work at www.sarahcampbelldesigns.com
My Sewing Room 92.indd 1
prints. I loved creating them, and its a body
MY WORK of work I am still immensely proud of to this day.
FOR LIBERTY IS Between the two of us, we worked for Liberty
from 1961 until 1978.
SOMETHING I AM I now work at home my life and work are
STILL IMMENSELY symbiotic. My studio is crammed with papers
and paints... the tools of my trade for painting,
PROUD OF! designing and what I think of as wet work. I have
one huge table, a big chest and as many shelves and
cupboards as I can muster all full of course.
The wall is pinned with current pieces of work
and I have a wonderful built-in cupboard with
dozens of fabrics piled in their pattern types
at least thats the intention! I do any sewing
and dry work at an oak table in the adjacent
sitting room which is a constantly changing
show room with piles of fabrics (old and new),
products and ideas. And then there are
the books...
As I think about the future, Id love to
design costumes for a theatrical production.
The cross-over between art, theatre and
design, the drama of lighting and placement,
and the focus on movement and colour within
an environment all are things that interest
me enormously.
I would say a very simple hand-painted
silk dress is my favourite item Ive sewn.
Its just two rectangles of cloth really, with
a beaded trim at the neck and heavier beads
at each side of the hem to weigh it down.
I love it partly because I painted the silk.
I stitched it on the plane going to a do in
New York and funnily, it folds up so tiny
like a parachute. Most of all, its just so me!
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