Love Sewing Issue 12, 2015.pdf

7/25/2019 Love Sewing Issue 12, 2015.pdf

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/love-sewing-issue-12-2015pdf 1/100

Fast, fun& stylish

Kidswear:

Totes, clutches& top sewing tips

Be t t e r b a g s

FREE easy-sew dresses

HOME STYLE

Pretty pillowcasesClever cushions

V E

2 0 %

At W h i t

e T r e e

F a b r

i c s

F r e e pa t t e r ni n s i d e

NEWLOOKS!

TYLISH SEWING MADE SIMPLE

SPRING CLEAN:

TIDY IDEASFOR CLUTTER

BOOK IT NOW!

BEST BREAKSFOR STITCHERS

WIN A SEWINGBEE SEWING

MACHINE!

y o u ’ l l l o v e

Si ze s

8-20

ISSUE 12 UK £5.99

www.lovesewingmag.co.uk

I n s p i r eI m a g i n eC r e a t e





Helen McLaughlin, Editor


www.facebook.com/lovesewingmag

www.twitter.com/lovesewingmag

www.pinterest.com/lovesewingmag

Welcome to the new issue of Love Sewing...With anything I make, I like my sewing projects to be beautiful and useful. ere

aren't enough hours in my day as it is, so when I do get some precious machine

time I want to be making things I really need, rather than fiddly bits of frippery I

have neither room nor use for.

It was this mindset that inspired many of the projects in this month’s issue. at

and a desire to de-clutter and reorganise my home, ready for spring. To create, as

the saying goes, a place for everything.

With a little imagination, know-how and

interfacing, it’s really easy (and rewarding) to sew an

arsenal of solutions for a tidier, neater home, from a

thread catcher for your sewing table, to a big, sturdy

basket for toys, towels or laundry. (We have projects

for both this month). And while you’re in a domestic

mood, we’ve also got a project by Katy Orme of

Apartment Apothecary to give your ironing board

a makeover to brighten and lighten the load of your

laundry chores.

Of course, when all your tidying and sorting is done,

you’ll be able to sit down in a calm, ordered space

and make this month’s brilliant dresses: a gorgeous,easywear wrap dress with kimono-style sleeves and a

super flattering drapey wool dress from the team at the

Great British Sewing Bee. Okay, who are we fooling?

It’s going to be dressmaking first,

tidying and sorting second…

Happy sewing!

S k a t e r s k i r t , pa g e 36

B i g b a s k e t , p a g e 5 4

D r a p e y w o o l d r e s s , p a g e 3 0

I r o n i n g b o a r d c o v e r , p a g e 4 8

www.lovesewingmag.co.uk 3


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/love-sewing-issue-12-2015pdf 4/1004 www.lovesewingmag.co.uk

REGULARS AND FEATURES6 LOVE SEWING LOVES...

e patterns, people, fabric and findsgetting us sewing this month

12 LOVE SEWING LIBRARY

is month's best new books

14 THE THRIFTY STITCHER

Sewing with knits plus essential tools

15 LOVE SEWING LETTERS

Wendy Ward answers your sewing queries

16 MY PATTERN PICKS e Queen of Darts

18 READERS' MAKES

Your sewing projects shared

19 THIS MONTH I'M MAKING…

e Burda 7051

22 SEWING HOLIDAYS

A guide to residential courses

82 HOW TO READ A SEWING PATTERN

84 COUTURE SEWING WITH ALISON SMITH Making facings and linings

86 SEWING MACHINE MAP

90 CLASSES, COURSES & WORKSHOPS

Tuition and meet-ups

89 SHOP OF THE MONTH

Dragonfly Fabrics

94 READER OFFERS

Exclusive giveaways and discounts

Katy OrmeKaty is the founder of the award-winning blog

Apartment Apothecary, a space where she

shares ideas about how to make your home

look and feel better, with interior decoration

projects, design and craft ideas and tips for

getting your space just the way you want it.

www.apartmentapothecary.com

Fiona HesfordBased in Sussex, designer and sewing

tutor Fiona has worked in fashion and textiles

design for more than 20 years. She now runs the

Sewgirl craft company and the Make Your Mother

Proud classes and workshops.

www.sewgirl.co.uk

Ali BurdonBased in Shropshire, designer, maker and blogger

Ali shares her tutorials, projects and tips on her

website, Very Berry Handmade. You can also

purchase a wide range of Liberty fabrics from her

online shop Very Berry Fabrics. For details see

www.veryberryhandmade.co.uk

What's inside this issue of

This month's guest contributors

Cover photography: Cat Powell @ CT Images

Hair & Make-up: Alison McMath

Model: Rebecca @ Boss Models

76

42

46

6210

40


http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/love-sewing-issue-12-2015pdf 5/100www.lovesewingmag.co.uk 5

Emily Levey Describing sewing as her "first and true love", Emily

is also obsessive about any kind of crafting. "If I'm

not making then I'm either dreaming up new ideas,

thrifting or sketching and drooling over pinterest

or other blogs." Read about her craft adventures at

strawberrypatchramblings.blogspot.co.uk

Claire GarsideClaire is the founder of Manchester-based

pattern labels Simple Sew and Eliza M and

designs all Love Sewing's pattern gifts.

To see more of her designs, see

www.simplesewpatterns.co.uk and

www.elizamvintagesewing.co.uk

Susan DunlopAuthor, designer and bag maker Susan

Dunlop sells a range of bag patterns, kits

and hardware via her website,

www.susieddesigns.co.uk. Her first book,

Style and Swing: 12 Structured Handbags for

Beginners and Beyond is out next month.

PROJECTS

30 DRAPEY WOOL DRESSFree from e Great British Sewing Bee!

35 KIMONO WRAP DRESSis month's free pattern gi

36 SPRING SKATER SKIRTA fun make ideal for novices

40 SPRING SHOWERS TOPBrighten a tee with our fun templates

42 KIDS' RUFFLE SKIRTOne pattern, two great styles

44 APPLIQUÉ CUSHIONPut your scraps to beautiful use

46 LACETRIMMED PILLOWCASESBring a boho touch to your bedroom

48 IRONING BOARD COVERLighten your laundry load in style

50 HANGING STACKER BAGDebbie Shore's neat, niy storage idea

52 ARMCHAIR SEWING TIDYMake our handy hideway for lap projects

54 BIG AND TIDY BASKETA sturdy, spacious hide-all for your home

58 OMBRE ROPE BASKETSTurn a washing line into a brilliant basket

62 PINCUSHION AND THREAD CATCHEREssential kit for your sewing table

66 TABLET CLUTCH

e most stylish gadget sleeve ever!

70 2IN1 TOTEA super-simple reversible shopper

74 SEWING MATKeep your essentials to hand

76 SPRING HOBO BAGFollow Susie D's expert tips

80 BIRD CUSHIONA colourful make to celebrate spring

98 30MINUTE MAKEe shirt apron

36

66

70

58

Subscribe to and SAVE 66% todayand find lots of ideasand inspirationto create fabitems for yourhome andwardrobe.Get your next 3 issues for just £6* andSAVE 66%

Editorial Editor Helen McLaughlin

Art Editor Denise Johnson

Chief Sub-Editor Becky Higgins

Contributors Fiona Pullen,

Alison Smith MBE, Wendy Ward

Editorial Assistant Hugh Metcalf

Publishing & Advertising Group Sales Manager

Kevin Edwards

Advertising Sales Executive

Noune Sarkissiannoune.sarkissian@practical

publishing.co.uk

Advertising Consultant Jane Bates

Subscriptions ManagerDaniel Tutton

Senior Art Editor Jennifer Lamb

Managing Editor Lee Campbell

Publisher Gavin Burrell

Group Publisher Carol Jones

Managing Director Danny Bowler

Group Managing DirectorRobin Wilkinson

DistributionNewstrade COMAG Magazine

Distribution

Craft Store Distribution ExecutiveJody Byron-Smith

[email protected]

Tel 0844 826 0613

Contact Practical Publishing International Ltd,

Suite G2 St Christopher House,

217 Wellington Road South,

Stockport SK2 6NG

[email protected]

www.practicalpublishing.co.ukTel: 0844 561 1202

Fax: 0161 474 6961

Subscription EnquiriesTel: 01858 438899

Love Sewing is published byPractical Publishing International Ltd

ISSN 2054-832X

All material © Practical Publishing International Ltd.

The style and mark of Love Sewing is used under

licence from Craft Media Ltd. No material in whole

or in part may be reproduced, stored or transmitted

in any form whatsoever without the prior written

consent of Practical Publishing International Ltd.

The publisher welcomes contributions from readers.

All such contributions and submissions to the

magazine are sent to and accepted by the publisher

on the basis of a non-exclusive transferable

worldwide licence unless otherwise agreed in

writing prior to first publication. Such submissions

are also subject to being used, reproduced,

modified, published, edited, translated, distributed

and displayed in any media or medium, or any form,

format or forum now known or hereafter developed,

for any purpose, in perpetuity.

Turn topage 26

for moredetails



e author of the beautiful, essentialsewing books, Cloth, Quilt Love andWorld of Quilts, Cassandra Ellis haslaunched a collection of patterns forclothing, accessories and homewares,available to buy from April.

Inspired by her impeccably stylish aesthetic,Cassandra describes the focus of her designs as thesimple, useful and beautiful, with contemporaryshapes and silhouettes and practical details. e

collection comprises nine downloadable patterns, plustwo free patterns (a pieced cushion and a Japanese-style heat pad). ere is also a contemporary dogtoy pattern suite that can be downloaded for just £3,for which every penny of the purchase price goes toBattersea Dogs and Cats Home.

e dressmaking patterns each come in sizes 8-16and all have clear, simple instructions with step-by-step pictures. Each pattern requires some experienceon a sewing machine, with different levels ofdiffi culty depending on which pattern you choose.

Each pattern costs £8.50. For more informationand details of where to purchase, visitwww.cassandraellis.co.uk

Cassandra Ellis

PATTERNS

e patterns, people, fabric and finds getting us sewing this monthBu y s & i n s p i r a t i o n




FabricsBY HAND

Did you know that in addition to printing and selling its own fabrics,

the dressmaking pattern team ByHand London can also print yours?

Via a simple click to www.byhandlondon.com, you can designyour print and upload it to the site and the team will do the rest.

e printing is done on digital textile printers using pigment inks,so there is no limit on the amount of colours used per design andno minimum orders. Prices start at £8 per fat quarter, ranging to£19 for a metre, with discounts available on bulk orders. All ordersare aimed to be processed in five working days.

For inspiration, check out the team’s own collection of prints bya range of independent designers – and the team’s latest sewingpattern, the Sophia dress, a versatile summer party frock featuring

a fitted sleeveless V-neck bodice with angled darts and armholes.

T h e ne w

S o ph i a d r e s s


LOVE SEWING LOVES



e patterns, people, fabric and finds getting us sewing this monthBu y s & i n s p i r a t i o n

RAID YOUR

STASH…

and make your own summerfascinator – a great way to use up spare scraps, ribbons,buttons, beads and feathers.

If you’re heading to a wedding in the coming months

and you were inspired by the fascinator project in lastmonth’s issue, Hobbycraft is now selling fascinatorcaps – circular mesh bases for your headpiecedesigns. Constructed from three layers of the finestsinamay straw, the caps have a gentle curve thatsits comfortably on the head and layered edges foradditional support. The cross weave allows you to holdfeathers, flowers and jewellery securely in place, so youcan fully customise your headpiece for any occasion ortheme. Once you have achieved your desired look, thefascinator can be held securely in place with hairpins,combs, headbands or clips. Available in natural orblack, the caps are priced from just £1.30 each.

www.hobbycraft.co.uk

SIGN

UP… for

the Owl and SewingCat’s Sew A Little Secretsewing course andreceive a surprise freesewing project deliveredto your door everymonth. There are twopackages, beginners andadvanced, each costing £18.95 per month (or£99 for six months). In return you will receive a reusable pattern,simple instructions and a selection of gorgeous fabrics requiredto make your project. For details, visit www.owlandsewingcat.com

GET YOUR KIDS

SEWING… at the Hope & Gloria Children’sSewing Clubs. More than 500 children are now enrolled in Hope& Gloria sewing classes, taking place in lunchtime and after-school clubs in 25 schools across Berkshire and Surrey. Foundedfour years ago by Keeley Richardson, all of the projects thatchildren work on are designed and prepared by Keeley then sentin to schools where they can be made in to something lovely.

“Children don’t have many opportunities to sample wonderfulcrafts such as sewing and knitting,” Keeley says, “so I decidedto provide the opportunity myself. Taking the time to createsomething from start to finish is hugely beneficial to children and isfabulous for their self-esteem, creativity not to mention the social

aspect of our clubs.” To find out more visit www.hopeandgloria.com

T h i s o t h ...




Make the lookFEATHERS

From fine, delicate wisps tobold, graphic plumes, feathersare inspiring a range of prints

this spring. What will you make?

TEAWAGON

TALESIt was during one of ourregular window browsesthrough the online storeFolksy, that we stumbledacross this delightfulposter by Manchester-based designer, TeawagonTales. Designed with thefabric loving crafter inmind, the original artwork is printedon A3 high-quality matt cardstockand is delivered in a study cardboardtube. It’s also a steal – priced at just£11. Further investigation uncoveredthat Teawagon Tales has also created a great littlecollection of fabric banners, wallhangings and cushions.

See them all at teawagontales.blogspot.co.uk

e object of our Sewing Room Swoon this monthcomes courtesy of Gemma Wilson from Doncaster, whosent us a photo of her amazing hideaway sewing stationshe made from a old unwanted wardrobe.

“is was a “saved from the skip” wardrobe a friendwas throwing away,” Gemma tells us. “I inserted ahinged foldaway MDF desk for a sewing table andgave it all a lick of paint. It all folds up nicely to looklike an ordinary furniture when I’ve got guests. eonly trouble is: I’ve acquired a LOT more fabric since

this picture was taken!”

Sewing roomSWOON

Top – Left to right: Birch Fabrics Feathers in Mineral, £15 per metre, www.fabric

godmother.co.uk Makower Chicken & Egg, £9.90, www.emmasfabricstudio.

co.uk Dashwood Studios Cuckoo Calling, £12 per metre, www.misformake.co.uk Bottom – Left to right: Duck and Duffel Dakota fabric, £25 per metre (printed toorder) Lily Keziah Feather & Snail, £17 per metre, www.backstitch.co.uk CamelotPetite Plume White Fan Feathers £12 per metre, www.plushaddict.co.uk

s l a 2 . 5

S e a t S

o f a I n F e a t h e r W h i t e &

L a g o o n , w w w . s o f a . c o m

R e a d m o r e a b o u t T e a w a g o n T a l e s o n p a g e 13


LOVE SEWING LOVES



Get your hands on a new machine, as seen one Great British Sewing Bee!

If you’re ever lucky enough to find yourself in e Great British Sewing Bee studio, you’d notice thatnot only is it well equipped with a fabulous fabric stash, haberdashery and dress forms, but also

Janome sewing machines. e 525S is the model of choice, as it’s perfect for sewists of every level –offering a well-balanced range of stitches that make it ideal for coping with everyday sewing tasks.

Stitch selection is by dial – just choose the letter that matches the stitch and start sewing – while theautomatic buttonhole produces perfect buttonholes in one easy step and the automatic needle threader

takes the strain out of fiddly threading. Plus there’s plenty of accessory storage and a hard cover forprotection. If you’re looking for an upgrade from a basic model, here’s your perfect opportunity.

Simply enter our competition for your chance to win a Joanome 525S worth £249!

To enter, visit www.ppjump.com/lovesewing12 By entering this competition you accept that your details may be passed on to a third party. Competition open to UK entrants only. Closing date 30th April, 2015

W or t h£ 24 9 !

10 www.lovesewingmag.co.uk





Our picks of this month's newsewing and dressmaking bookslibrary

TWENTY TO MAKE: FAUX FUR FUN

by Alistair McDonald

£5.99, Search Press

Faux fur may not be a fabric that often

frequents your sewing table, but thislittle book might be the thing that getsyou thinking outside of the realms offancy dress and coat linings. Home décor

and stylish little accessories are thethings that might inspire you most, butthere’s also some fun and silly projects

like animal hats and a bright green monster beanbag thatthe children are sure to see, want you to make, and end uploving for a long time. At £5.99 it’s a bargain buy, so if you’reinterested in stitching something up using fur, we recommendthis for your bookshelf.

PRETTY BIRDS

by Virginia Lindsay

£12.99, Frances Lincoln

There’s something utterly charming abouta bird-based sewing project – just takea look at our sumptuous cushion in thisissue – and Pretty Birds packs in enoughprojects to even make an ornithologisthappy. Swans, woodpeckers and peacockssit alongside the crowd-pleasing owlsand bluebirds, and while all the makes

inside are sewn, there’s flat and 3D projects, as well as someinspirational ideas to make your project practical too whichstop it becoming repetitive too quickly.

SEW DOLLED UP

by Boutique Sha

£12.99, Quarto UK

If you’re the sort with a doll’s housethat’s in better shape than youractual house, then this book ismost certainly for you. The dolls ofSew Dolled Up are full of characterand charm, and their clothes are

mini-exercises in dressmaking, perfectly detailed evendown to the doll’s undergarments! There are somebrilliant uses of craft-stash regulars in miniature withthese dolls, so you should be left feeling all kinds ofinspired and ready to start your doll adventure. If only we

could get some of these doll’s clothes in big people sizes.


LOVE SEWING LIBRARY



polka dots and I made a tube skirt to gowith it… I was pretty chuffed!

Have you got dedicated craftingroom at home?I have a 6x8ft wooden shed in the gardenwhich is my own little crafting and sewingspace. It's insulated and has lots of naturallight. Because it's only small I have to be

pretty organised, so I have lots of storagefor supplies and a table for my sewingmachine and overlocker. I label everythingbecause I can't find anything if I don't!

Which project from the new book inspired your own craft space the most?

I love the storage tubs. I made a fewprototypes in different shapes and sizesand we have them around the house.I'm thinking of making some scaled up

versions for my shed.

What kind of fabrics do you enjoy sewingmost with?Mostly cotton as it's nice and easy towork with. Quilter’s cottons have the best

designs, I have a pretty big stash mixed inwith a few nice vintage fabrics.

What’s the toughest sewing lesson you’ve

learned?Don't change the needle on your sewingmachine when your foot is hoveringover the pedal!

What’s your top tip for creating aharmonious craft space?Fabric storage... Mine's just an oldcupboard and some wooden fruit cratesbut the fabrics are stored by colour or typeso it makes it much easier to see whatyou've got to work with.

JUST FOR YOUby Caroline Fairbanks-Critchfield

and Sarah Markos

£17.99, Stash Books

Just for You is all about selfish sewing,and with the slowly approachingsummer promising to find us at thetrough of gift-giving season in betweenMother’s Day and Christmas, we’relooking forward to a little extra time tosew for ourselves. All the projects are

contributed by SewCanShe bloggers, so there’s a great mix ofstyles from flouncy long skirts to cool, modern tops. There aresome killer dressmaking patterns included, which are worth

the book price alone, and the accessories and quick makes are just an added cherry on top of the cake.

PRETTY, ORGANISEDby Jane Hughes

£12.99, Apple

Jane Hughes is betterknown by the nameof her crafting blog,Teawagon Tales, and

Etsy shop sellingcool sewing-inspiredprints, Little

Teawagon. She’s got a beautiful, perfectly-styled vintage home, so we don’t trustanyone more to give us advice on how to

get our lives in order (mainly relating toour craft stash) as her first book Pretty,

Organised aims to do.

What was your first ever sewing project?In high school I started making my ownclothes – at first altering and re-stitching,

then I bought a pattern and had a go atmaking a shirt. It was black and white

V isit Jane’ s blog ov er at w w w .t e a w a g o n t a l e s .b l o g s p o t .c o .uk


LOVE SEWING LIBRARY



e Great British Sewing Bee’s sewing producer Claire-Louise Hardieon sewing with knits and the five gadgets you need to own

The Thrifty Stitcher

Knitted fabrics have transformed

the modern wardrobe, removing

many tricky fitting problems

because it moulds around the

body. Take a look in your wardrobe and I’m

sure you’ll find a couple of your favourite

clothes are made from knit fabric. It seems

that whilst we love to wear knit fabricclothes, many home sewers are too daunted

to sew with it.

Fear not, you just need to be machine

confident to have success sewing with

stretchy fabrics. Just like woven fabrics,

some knits are easier to sew than others. If

you’ve never used stretchy fabric before, try

using a stable double knit like a Ponte Roma

or cotton interlock fabric to get started.

MY TOP KNIT TIPS

Some people find it easier to

cut out with a rotary cutter

and cutting mat, although Iprefer scissors myself.

Make sure you’re working with

a pattern designed for KNIT

fabrics, not woven. Patterns

for woven fabrics have more

ease than you need with

knits, so the fit will be off.

Always make sure to

follow the direction of

stretch when you lay

out your patternpieces. As a rule of

thumb, the greatest

amount of stretch needs to wrap around the

body, not up and down!

You don’t need an overlocker to sew knit

fabrics, although if you really get into

sewing knits and start working with sports

fabrics like Lycra, then an overlocker will

save you so much time! I oen use a regularsewing machine, and select a narrow zigzag

stitch. Experiment with scraps of the fabric

you plan to sew with.

Sew with a ballpoint jersey

needle. is type of needle has

a rounded point so it separates the

fibres rather than piercing them

as it sews, stopping the fabric from

laddering. Choose a size appropriate to

the weight of your fabric as you would

with a woven fabric.

Try using a stretch twin needle forhemming, it gives a really professional

finish and allows the fabric to stretch.

Here’s our video on using twin needles

for hemming

MY TOP 5 SEWING GADGETS

I am a total sewing-gadget fiend and I’m

oen asked what my favourite essential

tools are. It was hard to get them down

to just five, but here they are…

A bias binder maker: this is an awesome

little gadget. Use up scrap fabrics to makematching bias binding. Available readily, but

I like to use Fusible Bias Binding Tape Maker,

£7.10, www.jaycotts.co.uk

A sleeve board:

essential for alterations

and making sleeves and

trousers. Metalex 12x41cm

Jeanette Sleeve Tabletop

Ironing board, £6.60,

www.amazon.co.uk

A double-ended tracing

wheel: great for adding seam

allowance aer you’ve traced an originalgarment or altered a sewing pattern.

Clover Double Tracing Wheel, £7.14,

www.jaycotts.co.uk

A bobbin holder with a foam insert: this

is a totally cool bit of kit that stops bobbins

from falling out. Dritz Bobbin Box with

foam insert, £4.88, www.amazon.co.uk

A tailor’s pressing ham: I can’t do

without mine for pressing darts, princess

seams and all sorts of curved stuff.

Essential. Tailor’s Press Ham, £11.18,

www.jaycotts.co.uk



letters

Got a question for Wendy Ward? Or a project to share? Get in touch by emailing us at [email protected]

QI’ve just started sewing, what’s the

best sewing machine to buy?

A Rule 1: Don’t buy a sewing machine fromsomewhere like a discount supermarket,

buy from a specialist sewing machine retailerthat has machines on display for you to try out.For dressmaking, avoid the many ‘all singing,

all dancing’ machines with a ton of fancystitches, I guarantee you won’t use them. Allyou need, especially on your first machine, is:• straight stitch

• zigzag stitch

• a selection of stretch stitches• buttonholes• ability to control the stitch length and

stitch width

• a free arm (so you can slip sleeves andtrouser legs under the needle easily).

About me I have my own

business called

MIY Workshop in

Brighton where

I teach sewing,

dressmaking

and pattern

cutting. I am a

qualified teacher,

have a degree in fashion and spent seven

years working in the fashion industry before

starting to teach in 2007. My first dressmaking

book The Beginner’s Guide to Dressmaking is

available now. I also design my own range of

sewing patterns called MIY Collection.

www.wendyward.co.uk

www.miyworkshop.co.uk

www.miycollection.com

QThe zigzagging on my seam

allowances is really messy, how

can I make it neater?

A You need an overcasting or ‘overlockfoot’. ey don’t oen come as standard

with new machines, but you can buy themas an extra attachment and they’re well

worth it. Once you’ve used one and seen theresults you’ll never want to be without it.ey’re a great alternative if you don’t have anoverlocker and give an almost as neat finish. Ifyou’re going to invest in one, be sure you buy

the correct one for your make and model ofmachine, an incorrect one can lead to brokenneedles, tangled threads and tears!

QWhy does my fabric feel like it’s

stuck under the machine when I try

to take it out at the end of my sewing?

A is is one of those things that is mostlikely to get new sewists instantly in a

tangle and put them off sewing and to myamazement it’s something that never seems to

be well explained in sewing machine manuals.Follow this simple foolproof method:Don’t sew off the end of your fabricUsing the handwheel on the machine, turnit towards you at the end of your sewing

so that the needle is in its highest position(when the silver hook that moves up anddown is at its highest point too). Remove

your fabric easily without the need towrestle with your machine!



My Pattern PicksAlice Wang

Alice Wang, the blogger behind Queen of Darts, hascertainly had a unconventional sewing journey – one

of her very first makes was her own wedding dress!Here she shares her five favourite sewing patterns

MCCALLS 2401

If you have seen my blog, you will

know that this is one of my all-time

favourite patterns. Four versions

later, I am planning my next. This

dress pattern is so simple, yet so

versatile given all its neckline and

sleeve variations. Let me warn

you though, that the design and

wearing ease included in this

pattern is very generous, so I wouldrecommend making a muslin first.

But don’t be put off by this – once

you’ve perfected the fit, you won’t

get enough of this simple, yet

wonderful pattern!

www.sewdirect.com

SIMPLICITY 2311

Coats may seem difficult to sew for some

(and I was certainly one of those people

until I tried out this pattern), but they

are really not that different to dresses in

their construction, when you break down

the steps. As with most Project Runway

patterns, this one provides a wealth of

opportunities to create a coat that is true

to your own style.

www.simplicitynewlook.com




SEWAHOLIC ALMA BLOUSE

Alma is a super-pretty woven blouse, with great optional extras like a notched

neckline, cap sleeves, a Peter Pan collar and a tie belt. This pattern is designed by the

lovely Tasia, one of the most talented sewing ladies out there. What I love the most is

the level of attention that Tasia has clearly given to the creation of this pattern -- it is

incredibly well-draed, and the instructions couldn’t be clearer. What’s more? You can

now buy this pattern in paper or PDF form!

www.sewaholicpatterns.com

VOGUE 1137

This is one of Vogue’s vintage reproductions, based on

an original 1950s design. For the money you get both a

dress and a fabulous coat, and also a multi-sized vintage

pattern! I adore the style of the dress – the V-shaped

neckline at the front is just right, as it is elegant yet

profound; but the real bonus is the slightly higher V-neck

at the back.

www.sewdirect.com

SIMPLICITY 1368

I selected this pattern to share because 1)

I haven’t seen too many versions of this

around yet and 2) It is one of the quickest

yet most rewarding projects that I have

ever made! Got half an hour? Give this a

go! This is truly a ‘Learn to Sew’ pattern –

if you are scared of knits, then this would

be a perfect introduction, taking it step by

step without scaring you off knits. What’s

more, you can complete the whole thing

with your regular sewing machine (so no

need for an overlocker).

www.simplicitynewlook.com

Read more about Alice’s creations,

tips and tutorials on her blog,

www.queenofdarts.com


MY PATTERN PICKS



LOVE SEWING READER'S MAKES

Readers ’

MAKES

If you've made something using the projects or patterns in LoveSewing, tell us about it and we'll publish it. Share it on our

Facebook page or email us at [email protected]. Eachmonth's Star Make will receive a Minerva Cras fabric bundle

worth £25, handpicked by Vicki at Minerva herself!

P Thrifty sewing for me too!£3 quilt cover from the localcharity shop... bodice from theBella pattern (minus sleeves andcollar) and a full skirt! And myfirst-ever invisible zip insertion!

Getting there. Thank you!Emma Pawley

P My makes from issue 11.Made in three hours andcosting just 50p per metre offabric from local rag market. Ican't afford expensive fabricand want to show peoplethat making sewing is not an

expensive hobby. Love Sewing patterns are so simple tofollow and I have even used

old bed sheets to make skirts.Queri Alexander

P My Ruby dress inDisney World. It hastiny little fish all overthe fabric, so withmy shell necklace Iwas going for a LittleMermaid/Finding

Nemo theme! Adele Kirby

P Made with the fat quarter that came freewith issue 10... I don’t usually show everyone

my 'frillies' but for you... taaadahhhh!Daisy Jones

P These are are mydungarees needlecord, made byfollowing the patternfor a 2 year old,modelled by my tallerthan average 16 monthold. Just fitting forsize before I add thebuttons. A lovely, easypattern to follow, formy first-ever garment!Becky Payne

P I used the Rubybodice to giveme the widthand length ofthe bodice thenmodified it to myown pattern adding

a different necklineand little cap

sleevesCorrinne Davidson



The Burda Young pattern 7051 Each month, a Minerva Cra Network blogger shares their latest dressmaking

project. Here, Lucie from Yorkshire shows off her Burda blouse

"is is a Burda Young pattern 7051. Ilove it. I’m sure shall make it again and again.is success is helped by the amazing stretchdenim fabric. I must admit that I was quitescared when I opened what I had ordered for

this particular Minerva Cras post make. It

was a little brighter than I has realised.You can find the fabric online at www.

minervacras.com, and for only £7.99 permetre, it’s a winner!

is top is also the first I have madewith the help of my new assistant, Lola(Adjustoform Tailor’s Dummy SupafitStandard Dress Model). She and I havebecome the best of pals. She is so much more

patient than my previous assistant.It was so much easier and faster to get the

fit I wanted. I took in the front darts to makeit a little curvier at the waist and also took ½”down the back seam as I wanted a snug fit,

especially using the stretch denim.

My aim for this particular project was to

include my first invisible zip.Note the rather pleasing pattern match!ere are quite a few things I have learnt

from this particular make:

Sizes on patterns no way represent the

clothes size you wear. My measurementsmeant I needed a size 14, which is a littledifferent to the usual size 10 I take. I took mymuslin in only down the front darts and ½”down the back seam. If I used a non-stretch

fabric I would have adjusted even less.

Invisible zips are not to be avoided –they’re a zinch.

Due to the stretch of the cotton you canachieve a glove-like fit.

Cut the yoke out longer than you need; the

yoke came out a little mean, which meant itbarely reached around to the zip at the back. Icut a second more generous version.

I’m so very pleased with this make. It fitslike a glove and is so comfortable to wear.

Roll on summer!

THIS MONTH I'M MAKING...

The Minerva CraftsBlogger Network

The Minerva CraftsBlogger network

is a collection of

amazing sewing

and craft bloggers from

across the world. Every month each blogger

creates a unique kit from the thousands

of gorgeous fabrics and notions available

at Minerva Crafts. In turn they wow us with

their makes every month by blogging a

project made with their kit on the network.

There are new projects going live daily to

inspire and educate sewists of all levels

and abilities. Each blogger's unique kits are

available to buy at www.minervacrafts.com

This Month I’m Making…

To find out more and the list of materialsused, visit www.minervacra s.com/blogger-

network/post/burda-7051Follow Lucie’s blog at lovelucie1.wordpress.com

Note the rather pleasing patter

atch!



For your chance to win a Singer

sewing class with Patrick Grant– contact one of the Singer SewingMachine stockists on this page!

The Sewing Machine Shop

We supply the full rangeof Singer sewing machines &overlockers at discount prices. We offer expert advice with asuperb aftersales service.Free UK delivery.

www.thesewingmachineshop.co.uk

Freephone 0800 026 77 76

[email protected]

310 Wimborne Road, Winton, Bournemouth, BH9 2HN

We offer a good value comprehensive and personal service. Our

business has been built on recommendations and we are proud of the

exceptional reputation we have for quality and competitive prices. We

represent the UK with full after sales and extensive range of top-brand

sewing machines authorised sales and after care for brands such as

Singer, Janome, Brother, Pfaff, Elna and Husqvarna Viking.

www.sewingmachine-sales.co.uk 219 Whitley Road, Whitley Bay, Tyne and Wear, NE26 2SY

0845 4309824

Singer Sewing Centre Coventry • All clothing alterations including Evening and Bridal wear

• Haberdashery• Fabrics

• Sewing patterns

• Knitting wool and patterns

• Sewing machine and over locker repairs

• Fabrics

• Dry Cleaning Service

Tel 024 7655 528267 Corporation Street, Coventry, West Midlands, CV1 1GX

Your Local Sewing Machine Repair Shop serving South London and Surrey

Redgwell Sewing Machines is a family run business established in 1960’s.

Three generations of family have worked, or do work, in the shop.

The company was originally located in South london and is now one of

Surreys premier suppliers of sewing machines.

www.surreysewingmachines.co.uk 123 Central Road ,Worcester Park, Surrey, KT4 8DY

020 8337 3444

Fully Trained engineers on site work shop and we also offer free local

collection and delivery. New and used machines in stock main agent of

janome, singer, toyota and silver.

We are an independent, friendly, family owned and run

business in York Road, just off the High Street in Southend on

Sea, established for over 30 years. We carry an extensive range

of both Singer and Pfaff machine plus haberdashery, servicing

and accessories for both brands.

Come see our life size cut out of Patrick Grant from the BBC’s

Sewing Bee.

Phone:- 01702601931

Websites:- www.singersewingplus.co.uk

Click and collect website:- www.discountsewingcentre.co.uk

Singer Sewing Centre, 42 York Road, Southend-0n-Sea, Essex, SS1 2BDLogo Copyright © SVP Worldwide 2014.



We've rounded-up a handful of stockists on the page opposite –for more head to www.singerco.co.uk

Put your sewing skills to the test with the Great BritishSewing Bee’s dapper judge, courtesy of SINGER

If you’re the sort of person that lovessewing and has a TV, we’re sure themoustachioed heart-throb from

BBC’s Great British Sewing Bee needs nointroduction, but for those of you thatdon’t tune in to our favourite programmeof the year, don’t doubt Patrick Grant’ssewing credentials.

When he’s not busy judging the SewingBee, he spends his days as a Savile Row

Patrick Grant’s

Sewing School

Win a place at

tailor, overseeing some of the best stitching you’ll find in the UK for his fashionbrands, all the while sporting a finelytailored suit of his own creation.

is year, Patrick has teamed up withSinger sewing machines once again foran exclusive competition to win a place ata fun half-day sewing session at Singer’sLondon sewing school. ere’s no judginginvolved, just some helpful advice and

guidance to customise a garment of yourchoice with support from Patrick and therest of Singer’s sewing experts.

To be in with a chance to win this specialprize, all you have to do is buy a newSinger sewing machine from an authorisedstockist before 31st May 2015 and you’ll

be entered into the draw. With a day ofwinners in July and September, it’s a greatchance to meet one of your sewing idolsand pick up some essential sewing tips.Aer that, you might just feel up to thechallenge of entering the Sewing Bee for yourself and meeting him again.



Master home-sewing in France20TH – 27TH JUNE

Bergerac, France

Sue Hazell runs the Oxford International School of SewingTuition, which holds sewing holidays across the UK andabroad and this summer sees them journey to the Frenchcountryside with a week-long sewing course in the province ofBergerac. Included in the price for your week away, you’ll be

well-fed and looked aer, plied with fabric and you’ll get to dolots of sewing with the course tutors, who’ll help narrow downhow you spend your time by getting you to choose five areas

of interest when booking. From basic skills to overlocking,curtain and blind making to inserting zips, it’s a great way toguarantee beforehand what you’ll cover and make sure youget what you want from the trip. Trips to markets and fabricshops help break up the week, and ensure you’ll have a greattime mingling with like-minded souls.

BOOK IT NOW: Head to www.sewing-tuition.co.uk to findout more. The trip to France costs £1,500 for seven days,not including flights and transfers and there are paymentoptions to spread the costs. W e ek - l o n g s e w i n g i

n t h e

F r e n c h c o u n t y s i d e22 www.lovesewingmag.co.uk

Planning your next holiday? Book onto one ofthese sewing-based vacations you’ll be making

more than just memories

A weekend spent sewing up a storm in a beautiful settingsounds pretty much like the perfect way to spend acouple of days, so, thankfully, more and more tutors and

hotels are teaming up to create residential sewing courses. eidea is simple – you book in with friends or by yourself (aer all, you know you’ll share at least one big interest with everyone elseon the course) and spend the next few days wiling away the timewith a sewing machine, craing a certain project or mastering a

TO BOOK NOW!

Sewing Retreats

technique. You can oen bring a partner for a reduced fee too ifthey’re not taking the course, so while you’re sewing they can beout enjoying some of the other delights of the local area.

With the holiday season heading our way, we’ve sought out

some of the best, newest and most exciting sounding residential

sewing courses that you can pop online and book today. So get

those diaries out and get planning your perfect getaway.



Take steps into dressmaking with

Alice and Ginny at West Dean4TH – 7TH JUNE

West Dean College, Near Chichester, East Sussex

If you’ve not discovered West Dean before, then we definitelyrecommend a trip to its website www.westdean.org.uk tocheck out the full range of creative residential courses – if it’sto do with making, we’re pretty sure you can do it at WestDean. However, the one that takes our fancy most is heldby craing duo Alice and Ginny this summer. The course is

perfect for beginners of dressmaking who are comfortablewith a sewing machine already, with the aim of producinga pretty summer skirt by the end of the four days. Thegirls will hold your hand through reading, using, alteringand adapting a commercial A line or pencil skirt pattern

with a zip and give you the opportunity to get creative andcustomise it to really make it your own. “We are excitedabout encouraging our students to make fabulously made tomeasure skirts which express their personality,” say Alice andGinny, who make sure you’re well taken care of so you can

get immersed in your creative pursuits. West Dean’s mansionhouse is a great setting, full of light and airy studios, anddelicious food for some serious sewing fuel.

BOOK IT NOW: The course costs £332 including meals,and accommodation can be booked at an extra price.Head to www.westdeancollege.org.uk for full course andaccommodation details. West Dean, Nr Chichester, West

Sussex, PO18 0QZ

Soak up the sun in Italy at La Serena23RD – 27TH SEPTEMBER

La Serena, Castiglione della Valle, Perugia, Italy

Sewing in the sun-kissed Italian countryside sounds likethe perfect slice of heaven and one of these holidays at LaSerena in the region of Umbria won’t set your purse back as

much as you think. Owner Steph Mather has over 40 yearsexperience in sewing techniques, and she prides herself ondesigning each course to suit those who’ve booked on, so ifyou’re struggling with your facings, need a hand to perfectdarts or have a specific project you want to tackle, she’lldo her best to make it work, whether you’re a group or anindividual. All the equipment and notions are included – sono need to check your sewing machine onto the plane, so allyou need to pack is your project. You can even extend your

stay to eight days if you’re aer more time fabric shoppingand exploring the wonders of Umbria.

BOOK IT NOW: A five-day course costs £550 and includeseverything except flights, transfers, insurance andspending money. Book in for September now at

www.laserenaumbria.com S e w i n g b y t h e p o o l ?

W e s t D e a n ’ s m a n s i o n


P e r f ec t r e t r e a t f o r t h o s e n e w t o d r e s s m a k i n g



Learn from the best in the Lake Districtwith Alison Smith10TH – 14TH MAY

Castle Inn Hotel, Bassenthwaite, Cumbria

If you’re a regular Love Sewing reader, you’ll have beenlearning couture sewing tips and tricks from Alison SmithMBE from her column in the magazine for a while, but now

her School of Sewing (www.schoolofsewing.co.uk) isembarking on its first sewing retreat in the beautiful LakeDistrict. Based at the Castle Inn Hotel in Bassenthwaite,the four and a half day trip not only includes plenty of timewith Alison and another tutor working on whatever sewingprojects you like, it also includes a trip to Linton – home oflegendary Linton tweeds whose history includes workingwith Chanel, where you’ll be able to shop fabric and yarns,as well as visiting the fabric factory outlet.

Alison told us what part of the trip she’s most excited for:“We are also going to visit a print works that print for

designers guild and Clark and Clark - these fabrics are great

for cras or summer coats and jackets!”

BOOK IT NOW: The trip takes place between Sunday 10th May – Thursday 14th May 2015 and costs £800, which can alsobe paid in installments. Visit www.schoolofsewing.co.uk to book. The price includes lunch at the hotel, coach travelto Linton, aernoon tea on the Sunday and full tuition fromAlison and another tutor. Accommodation can be bookedseparately through the Castle Inn Hotel, Bassenthwaite, NrKeswick, Cumbria CA12 4RG; call 01768 776401.

L e a r n f r o m t h e b e s t !


Holiday ChecklistBefore you head out on your trip, hereare some key things to consider for

your booking

Sewing MachineWill you be required to take your own, or will you be providedwith one? If you’re not comfortable with unfamiliar machines,technique workshops might be best to take on your old faithful.If you’re required to take your own machine, be sure to check

the small print of the holiday booking. If you’re plugging it into a commercial property, they may require all machines overthree years old to be PAT-tested beforehand. If in doubt, checkwith the retreat operator.

Choose the Right Difficulty Level When you’re making a booking, look out for key informationabout the level of sewing the course is aimed at. Those who arebeginners at dressmaking will have more basic skills to thosewho are beginners at sewing altogether, and you’ll find yourself

quickly frustrated if you’re on a course for a weekend that’s toohard or to easy for your own level.

Prepare Though we’re sure you’ll find yourself sewing and chatting longinto the night, you’ve only got a certain amount of time withyour tutor, who’ll also be working with others on the course. Doa little research beforehand and prepare any sewing questionsyou’re desperate to have answered so you’re not kickingyourself when the time comes to check out!

InsuranceWhen you’re paying for your teacher’s time and expertise aswell as your holiday, you’ll find yourself paying more for yourtrip. If the worst should happen, make sure you’re covered forillness and cancellation.





Each issue of Love Sewing is full of high-quality, practical sewing projects. Be partof a close-knit community of makers whoare discovering the joy of creating more forthemselves.

Featuring a free monthly pattern and easy-to-follow step-by-step guides using the latest fabrics, you will be able tocreate fabulous contemporary accessories for your home,

family and wardrobe – even with only basic sewing skills!Whether you’re a complete beginner or already an avidmaker, every issue will inspire and build your skills,from mastering your machine to perfecting your sewingtechniques.

Subscribe today and get yourfirst three issues of Love Sewing for just £6 – SAVE £11.97!

Subscriber benefits: SAVE 66% on your first three issues Aer the trial you’ll continue tosave money on EVERY issue!

FREE delivery direct to your door Never miss an issue Be the first to read Love Sewing Every issue includes a free patternAND a free gi

Yes! I would like to subscribe to

issues for £6 then just

24.98 per quarter thereaer* Please complete in ballpoint pen and send to:

Love Sewing, Tower House, Sovereign Park,

Market Harborough, Leicestershire LE16 9EF

Quote code:D012

Your details

ITLE: ........... FORENAME: .................................................................................................

URNAME: .............................................................................................................................

ADDRESS: ...............................................................................................................................

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

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

........................................................................................ POSTCODE: ...............................

DAYTIME TELEPHONE:.....................................................................................................

MOBILE TELEPHONE: ........................................................................................................

MAIL: ....................................................................................................................................

o give a subscription as a gi, please complete the section above and supply theecipient’s address details on a separate sheet.

nstruction to your Bank or Building Society to pay by direct debit

Name and full postal address of your Bank or Building Society:

Name(s) of Account Holder(s)

Signature Date

Date

ranch sort code Bank/Building Society account number

ease pay Practical Publishing Int Ltd Direct Debits from the account detailed in this instruction subject tofeguards assured by the Direct Debit Guarantee. I understand that this instruction may remain with Practical

ublishing Int Ltd and, if so, details will be passed electronically to my Bank/Building society.

ank and Building Societies may not accept Direct Debit instructions for some accounts.

■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■

our first 3 issues are just £6. Your Direct Debit will then automatically increase to just £24.98 everymonths, saving you 36% on the full UK cover price. Not sure if Love Sewing is for you? We’ll refund

u for any unmailed issue should you wish to cancel at anytime.

ffer applies to UK customers only. For overseas rates please visit www.moremags.com/subscriptions .w subscriptions will start from the next available issue. Offer expires 23/04/2015.

O NOT want Practical Publishing Int Ltd to contact me by email telephone post

To: e Manager Bank/Building Society

Address

Postcode

Offi ce use only

Originator’s Identification Number

Reference

■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■4 3 9 3 4 5



...when you subscribe to

Online:www.practicalsubs.com/D012C ll

3 issues for just £6*

Ordering is quick and easy...

Sa ve

66 % J us t £ 2

pe r iss ue!

C r e a t e be a u t i f u l i t e m s f o r y ou r h om e a n d wa r d r obe

Exclusive subscription

offer

D o n ’ t

m i s s o u t !

O ff e r e x p i res

23 /0 4 /15



We are the largest stockist of liberty printed fabricworldwide with the lowest prices and variety to offer

retail or wholesale or online atwww.shaukat.co.uk

C RO F T M I L L

@CroftMillFabric facebook/Croft-Mill-Fabric

• Cottons

• Suitings• Needlecords

• British Fabric

• Italian Fabrics

• Dress Fabrics• Satins

• Drills & Twills

• Voiles/Lawns

• Moleskins• Waterproofs

and even more

• Woolens

• Corduroys• Craft Fabrics

We are a family business based in Lancashire,

suppliers of mail order fabrics for over 40 years

we source beautiful fabrics from Britain, Europe

and rest of the world

• Buy Online at www.croftmill.co.uk • By Phone on 01282 859281

• Via our Free Mail Order Catalogue

It’s easy to buy and it’s all delivered to your door.



In this month's issue, we have dressmaking projects for all abilities, from a SIMPLE SKATERSKIRT to a COUTURESTANDARD DRESS by the team at e Great British Sewing Bee. We also

show you how to sew yout way to a tidier home with a range of handy STORAGESOLUTIONPROJECTS, from THREAD CATCHERS to BAGS AND BASKETS for the bathroom and nursery

4 5 P A G E S

o f pr o j e c t s s t a r t he r e

O WOOL DRESS O SKATER SKIRT O PILLOWCASES O APPLIQUÉD CUSHIONS

30

36

Wooldress

46

74

L a c y pi l l o w c a s e s

Sewing room tidy

Skater skirt

35

Kimonodress

Projects




Drapey

Designed to flatter all figures, this elegant dresshas a fantastic silhouetteinspired by contemporary Japanese cutting styles. Made up of just three

main body pieces, it features kimono sleeves,hidden pockets and astylish front pleat detail

Project: CL HARDIE

dress

P A T T E R N F R E E

D o w nl o a d yo ur



DRAPEY KNIT DRESS

section and then understitch between thedots on the pocket side of the joining line,not the centre front.

ATTACH THE LEFT AND RIGHT FRONTS

TO THE CENTRE FRONT

With RST, making sure the raw edgesand pockets align, lay the le front over the

centre front. Pin along the seam and aroundthe pocket. Machine-sew, pivoting at thepreviously stitched points around the pocket.Clip into the corner of the le front at the

pocket junction so that you can press the seam

Note that all widths will require the frontpieces to be cut out on a single layer of fabricwith the right side of the fabric facing up and

the pattern pieces facing right side up. Traceoff the pattern pieces – centre front, le front,right front, back, front facing, back facingand pocket. Cut out and transfer any pattern

markings to the fabric.

Skill level: : OOO

MATERIALS:

O stable double-knit jersey fabric: 1.9 m (2 yd)

fabric 150 cm (60 in.) wide or 2.5 m 114 cm of

45”-wide fabric

O 20cm lightweight iron-on knit or bias

interfacing

O co-ordinating sewing machine thread

O ballpoint or stretch twin needle

O basic sewing kit

FABRIC SUGGESTIONS:

O Stable double-knit jersey such as Ponte

Roma. Not suitable for Lycra or any fabric

with an excessive amount of stretch.

Note: 1.5cm seam allowances included

throughout, unless otherwise stated. The dresscan be sewn either a zigzag stitch on a regular

CL says:

“is is the favourite ofmy patterns

from thenew Sewing

Book, FashionWith Fabric.

It’s designed to be made up indouble-knit jersey, oen calledPonte Roma, which is a stableknit suitable for anyone scaredof sewing stretch. is is a greatdress for transitional seasons, asit works well on its own or withchunky tights and a fitted top”

PREPARE THE FACINGS

Following the manufacturer’s instructions,apply lightweight knitted interfacing to thewrong side of the front and back facings.

ATTACH THE POCKET BAGS

TO THE CENTRE FRONT

With RST, matching the dots, pin and sewthe pockets onto the centre front section,sewing between the marked points only.

Working from the RS, press the pockets

and seam allowances away from the body

ll l I

ll l

FINISHED

MEASUREMENTS

XS(8-10)

S(10-12)

M(12-14)

L(14-16)

XL(18-20)

BUST (cm) 142 147 152 157 162

BUST (") 55 57 ½ 59 ½ 61 63 ½

WAIST (cm) 114 119 124 129 134

WAIST (") 44 46 ½ 48 50 52 ½

HIP (cm) 110 115 120 125 130

HIP (") 43 45 47 49 51




DRAPEYKNIT DRESS

MAKE THE FACINGS AND

FINISH THE NECKLINE

Zigzag-stitch or overlock the lower hem

edge of the facings to neaten them. With RST,pin then stitch the facings together alongthe short side edges to form a loop. Pressthe seams open. With RST, pin the facingsaround the neckline, matching the centre

fronts and centre backs and matching theshoulder seams of the dress with the sideseams of the facings. Sew in place.

Grade the seam allowance around theneckline and clip into the curves.

Working from the RS, under-stitch thefacing to the seam allowance around the

neckline. Turn the facing to the inside of thedress and press from the WS, making surethat the seam sits just inside the neck. Securethe hem of the facing to the shoulders and thefront seams with a few small hand stitches.

JOIN THE SIDE SEAMS

Pin and sew the front to the back at theside seams, from the sleeve down to the hemin one continuous line of stitching.

HEM THE DRESS

Press under a 1.5cm hem around thesleeve ends. Fit a ballpoint or stretch twinneedle to your machine. Working from theRS, pin and machine the hem in place.

Hem the bottom of the dress in the same

way as the sleeves, pressing under a 2.5cm hem.

allowance open. Repeat Step 3 to attach theright front to the other side of the centre front.

CREATE THE FRONT PLEAT Fold the le front pleat along the marked

fold line, then take the fold line over thecentre-front seams you’ve just sewn towardsthe right-hand side, matching up all threecentre front circle marks. Tack around thefront neckline to secure the pleat.

STITCH THE SHOULDERS

With RST, pin and stitch the front of thedress to the back at the shoulder seams. Pressthe seams towards the back.

. .

. .

I ll

l l

l l

l ll

. .

. .




T.01472 600874. [email protected]

www.lcfabrics.co.uk

At L & C Fabrics,

We sew, we make, we create

We haved moved to our new store at

217 -219 Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, DN25 7HB

and we have a fabulous range of fabrics, haberdashery, sewing

machines, sewing furniture, patchwork classes, sewing classes

and a lovely tea room for you to enjoy a fresh coffee, tea and

some yummy cakes. Our fabrics are by Moda, Riley & Blake,

Michael Miller, Hantex, John Louden, Fabric Freedom,

Nutex Macower, stoff

217-219 Grimsby Road,

Cleethorpes, DN35 7HB

FREE CAR PARKING!







Spring

Tis jersey circle skirtis easy to make andwear. With no zipto tackle, it’s a greatdressmaking project for beginners

Project: FIONA HESFORD

We used...

Purple PonyCotton Jersey,£18 per metrewww.kitschycoo.bigcartel.com

Skater

skir t

P A T T E R N

F R E EU s e yo ur



SKATER SPRING SKATER SKIRT

Skill level: : O

MATERIALS:

O 1.2m fabric at 150cm wide or 1.4m of fabric if

your fabric is 112cm wide

FINISHED SIZE:

8-10 (SMALL)

Hip 87cm – 91.5cm

Finished length from top of waistband 48cm

12-14 (MEDIUM)

Hip 96cm – 102cm


16-18 (LARGE)

Hip 107 cm – 112cm


TEMPLATE GUIDE:

(1) = skirt, (2) = pocket, (3) = waistband,

CUTTING LIST:

Press your fabric and fold in half lengthways so

the selvedges are lined up.

Start by cutting out out your templates as follows:

Template 1: Skirt with pattern lined up against

the fold of the fabric cut out two pieces (front

and back) cut along the required size line and

cut notches outwards.

Template 2: pockets (optional)

With the remainder fabric cut out the pockets iecut out two pattern pieces on folded fabric so you

have four pieces altogether. Make sure the pattern

is lined up to the straight grain of the fabric.

Template 3: (waistband)

With the template lined up to the fold, cut one

piece to the required size.

Fiona says:

“I added a

couple of side pockets. I love

a pocket butleave them outif you prefer”

Tips for sewing jersey: Use a jersey/stretch or ballpoint needle in your

machine, I used a size 70. For stitching seams whichwill be stretched its best to stitch a small zigzag

stitch ie 1.5 width and 2.2 length to allow for 'give'.Finish raw edges with a zigzag or overlocker.

WAISTBAND

Taking your waistband piece, fold over in half

widthways matching up the short ends with RST.Stitch a 1cm seam along this short seam. Pressseam open so you have a fabric ring. (See Pic D.)

Fold waistband strip in half along the longlength with RST matching up the raw edges.(See Pic E.) Pin to top raw edge of skirt all

around, stretching it a little as you go so thewaistband is distributed evenly all around.Tack-stitch to hold in place, then removepins. (See Pics F and G.)

Stitch a 1cm seam with a small zigzagstitch and stretch a little as you go this will

allow the seam to extend when stretched.Finish raw edges.

HEMMING THE SKIRT

Finish the raw lower edge of your skirt

and turn up to the required length, pin thenstitch all around close to edge on the WS.(Note: A 2cm hem will make the skirt 48cmlong from the top of the waistband). (See picsH and I.)

POCKETS

Starting with the side pockets and withRST lay a pocket piece on to the skirt at eachside between the notches. Stitch a 1cm seamat pocket only. Finish raw edge of pocket

seam and press pocket open away from skirt.Stitch again close to the seam (4mm) on theRS. Repeat for all four pocket pieces so eachskirt piece has a pocket piece at each side.(See pics A and B.)

SEWING THE SKIRT

Lay one skirt piece on top of the other with

RST. Pin at sides and around pockets matchingup the raw edges. Stitch a 1cm seam and finishthe raw edges together. Press. (See Pic C.)

Copyright Fiona Hesford 2014. All rights reserved www.sewgirl.co.uk

C

D

F

G

H

IE

A B






Win

Kit out your wardrobe with this complete set of gorgeousdesigns from the Sew Cray Sewing Centre

To enter, visit www.ppjump.com/lovesewing12 By entering this competition you accept that your details may be passed on to a third party. Competition open to UK entrants only. Closing date 30th April, 2015

By Hand London is the independent pattern company on the shelves of every discerning seamstress’s sewing

room and its collection is ever growing. At the Knitting and Stitching Show in London last month, the girls

from By Hand debuted its latest design, the Sophia Dress.

is party dress is a versatile make, with Version 1 a vintage-lover’s dream – bold skirt panels and a wide sailor

collar, while Version 2 is an edgy, sculptured dress with angular darts.

If you fancy adding these beautifully packaged patterns to your collection, then you’ll be glad to hear we’ve

teamed up with the Sew Cray Sewing Centre to offer one lucky winner an amazing prize of a printed pattern

of the Sophia Dress alongside the rest of By Hand London’s back catalogue – all nine of them. And if you can’t

wait to start your By Hand London collection, head to www.sewcrayonline.com to buy your patterns now.

a By Hand London

Pattern Collection

Wo r t h

o ve r £1 2 0

Sophiaversion 2

Sophiaversion 1 The

'Kim' dress



SPRING SHOWERS APPLIQUÉ TEE

Spring Showers

Use our rainbow-themed template pieces to bringspring cheer and colour to a plain tee

Project: VICTORIA PEAT, Little Black Duck

Appliqué tee

T E M P L A T E S

F R E EU s e yo ur




SPRING SHOWERS APPLIQUÉ TEE

Skill level: OO

MATERIALS:

O free template sheet O plain T-shirt

O BondawebO cotton in the following sizes & colours:

red 3x6” piece; orange 4x6” piece; yellow5”-square piece; green 2x4" piece; darkblue 2x3” piece; pink 1x3” piece; white3x4” piece & light blue 3”-square piece

O Stitch-n-TearO co-ordinating thread

Trace all pattern pieces onto the paper sideof the Bondaweb (remembering to reverse thecloud shape) and roughly cut out (about ¼ ”

from the pattern line).

Iron Bondaweb shapes onto the WS ofyour fabrics and cut out.

Arrange all of the pieces on your T-shirt.

Layer the rainbow stripes on top of eachother, starting with the red first.

Iron in place the rainbow and the sun,putting to one side the cloud and raindrops

for the time being. Attach stabiliser on theinside of the T-shirt.

Sew around the centre of the sun witha zigzag stitch. Stitch around the sun’s rays

with a straight stitch close to the outeredges. (See Pic A.)

A

B

C

Sew around the edges of the Rainbowstripes with a zigzag stitch, changing thread

colour for each stripe. (See Pic B.)

Position the cloud over the bottom of therainbow and the raindrops under the cloud.Iron in place. Sew cloud in place with a zigzagstitch. Sew the raindrops in place with a straight

stitch close to the outer edges. (See Pic C.)

Pull all threads through to the inside ofthe T-shirt, tie off and cut away any excess

thread. Remove excess stabiliser from theinside of the T-shirt.

Victoria says:

“You can usethis design onany plain top

or T-shirt.e appliqué

design (or partof the design) could also be applied

to other items such as a jumper,

trousers, a tote bag or a cushion"




Ruffle

Using a lush Liberty printand tulle ruffl es, this sweetdesign is perfect for a 1stbirthday party

Project: CRYSTAL MOTES

Skill level: OO

MATERIALS:

O 61cm of 115cm- or 150cm-wide

lightweight patterned fabric

O 45.5cm coloured tulle in same

width as fabric

O scissors

O pin

O hand-sewing needle &

thread/sewing machine

O iron & ironing boar

O tailor’s pencil or water-soluble marker

O 43cm of 2.5cm-wide elastic

O Safety pin

FINISHED SIZE:

The finished skirt measures 23 cm long,

which will fit an average one-year-old –

to adjust to any size, see notes at the

end of this pattern.

Party skirt

Handmade forBaby - 25 Keepsakesto Create with loveby Charlotte Rivers

& Emily Gregory.Published by ApplePress, £12.99



RUFFLE PARTY SKIRT

Create a casing for the elastic by sewingaround the skirt 3.2cm from the top edge.Start sewing towards the back of the skirt andstop sewing when you are about 5cm fromyour starting point. Use running stitch or

straight stitch.

Attach a safety pin to the end of the elasticto help feed it through the casing. Li thetop tier of the skirt and insert the elastic in

the opening at the back of the skirt. Push theelastic all the way through the casing until itcomes out the other side. (See Pic H.)

Overlap the ends of the elastic about 2.5cmand sew them together using running stitchesif sewing by hand, or a wide zigzag stitch ona machine. Stretch the waistband to pull all

the elastic into the casing. Sew the hole closedusing running stitch or straight stitch.

ADAPTING THE RUFFLE SKIRT

You can also modify this skirt to makeany size. Determine the length of the skirt bymeasuring from the waist to the knee of thewearer. For the width, measure around the

waist. Cut the bottom tier pieces 3.2cm longerthan the length measurement and 2.5cmwider than the waist measurement. emiddle and top tiers will be the same width asthe bottom tier but will be 6.5cm and 12.5cm

shorter respectively. For an older child, youmay choose to cut the middle and top tierseven shorter so they are more proportionateto the size of the child. Cut the elastic to thesame length as the waist measurement.

Wash and dry the fabrics before startingwork. Measure out and cut them as follows:

two 12.5x45.5cm for top tier; two 19x45.5cmpieces for middle tier and two 25.5x45.5cmpieces for bottom tier. Cut the tulle into fourstrips, each measuring 11.5x114.5cm.

Put the two bottom-tier pieces RST, pinthem along the short sides and sew with a1cm seam allowance. Use running stitches ifsewing by hand, and straight stitches if using amachine. To prevent fraying, finish the seams

with blanket or whip stitch if sewing by hand,zigzag-stitch on a machine, or an overlocker.Press the seams with an iron. (See Pic A.)

Hem the bottom of this tier by ironingthe bottom edge under 1cm, then underanother 1cm and sewing along the folded

edge. Use running stitches or straightstitches. Repeat steps 2 and 3 with themiddle and top tiers. (See Pic B.)

Fold one of the tulle strips in half, liningup the long edges. Gather the strip along the

folded edge by sewing a basting stitch 1cmfrom the folded edge, then pulling on thebottom thread to gather the fabric until it isabout 45.5cm long. (See Pic C.) Repeat withall of the tulle strips.

With a tailor’s pencil or water-soluble

marker, draw a line around the bottom andmiddle tiers 7.5 cm above the hem.

Pin one of the tulle ruffl es along the line youdrew across the front of the bottom tier. (SeePic D.) Pin a second tulle ruffl e along the lineyou drew across the back of the tier. e ruffl es

should overlap slightly at the side seams.

Use running stitches if sewing by handand straight-stitch if using a machine. Sewover the basting stitch, 1cm from the foldededge. Repeat steps 6 and 7 to attach the

remaining two ruffl es on the middle tier.

With all three tiers RS out, tuck thebottom tier inside the middle tier and line upthe raw edges. en tuck the top tier insidethe other tiers, and line up the raw edges ofall three tiers. (See Pic E.)

You should have the bottom tiersandwiched between the top and middle

tiers. You will flip this the right way out later.

Pin the top raw edges of all three tierstogether and then sew all the way aroundthe top edge with a 1cm seam allowance.

Use running stitches or straight stitches. (Seepics F and G.) You can now flip the top tieroutside the skirt and iron the seam at the top.

A

B

D

E

CG

H

I

F




Create a unique cushioncover motif with scraps

of your favourite fabrics

Project: KATY ORME, Apartment Apothecary

cushion coverAppliquéFlower



APPLIQUÉ FLOWER CUSHION COVER

Get creative and sketch out your appliquédesign. Bold shapes work best when it comes

to stitching the design in place. (See Pic A.)

Follow the manufacturer’s instructionsto adhere the webbing to the fabric you planto use for the appliqué design. Draw aroundyour template onto the paper side of the

webbing and cut out your design. (See Pic B.)

Remove the paper and adhere the appliquépieces using an iron to what will be the frontpiece of your cushion cover. (See Pic C.)

Choose a blanket or zigzag stitch on yoursewing machine. Follow the outline of yourappliqué design and stitch all the way around,which will prevent the fabric from fraying.

(See pics D and E.)

Press your appliqué design once youhave completed the sewing stage.

To make an envelope cushion cover,

double-hem the two back pieces. (See Pic F.)

Skill level: OO

MATERIALS:

O appliqué template design O lightweight cotton

O iron-on fusible webbing O fabric scissor, pins and iron O cushion inner pad

Top tip Practise Step 4 on scrap fabric,

if you have not tried it before. It canbe quite tricky and the best idea is touse co-ordinating thread, rather thana contrasting colour as this will hide

minor mistakes. You can do thisstep by hand if you are not

confident to usethe machine

We used...

Liberty Edenham TanaLawn, £14 per metre,www.shaukat.co.uk

Kona cotton in Curry,£8 per metre, www.

misformake.co.uk

Place the front piece of your cushion

cover down RS facing up (so you can see yourappliqué design). Place the two back piecesdown, WS facing up, with the hemmed edgesoverlapping each other in the middle (theyshould overlap by about 5cm). (See Pic G.)

Pin the pieces in place and stitch all the wayaround the cover with a 1cm seam allowance.

Cut away the corners, press out the seamsand turn the cover inside out. Press the whole

cover and insert the cushion pad. (See Pic H.)

C

F

A

D

G

B

E

H

You will need...




Sof, silky lawn is perect or a place to lay yourhead. For a pretty, boholook, embellish withcoloured lace trim

Project:

AMANDA RUSSELL &JULIET BOWDEN, R&B DesignsPhotography: ANTONIA ATTWOOD

Lace-Trim

pillowcases

We used...

Danjo, BetsyPink and MargaretAnnie Liberty lawn,www.sewbox.co.uk



LACE-TRIM PILLOWCASES

Skill level: : OO

MATERIALS:

O 1m Liberty lawn fabric

O pillowcase (from which to

copy the measurements)

O lace

O sewing thread

O tape measureO dressmaking pins

Measure the pillowcase add 1cm seamallowance to each side. (See Pic A.)

Measure the depth of the flap and addseam allowance to each side. (See Pic B.)

Cut a front and a back in one fabric andcut a flap in a contrast fabric.

Neaten one long side of the flap by turning

under 0.5cm and the same again, sew with arunning stitch. (See Pic C.)

Sew one piece of trim along the neatenededge of the flap. With RST, sew the flap ontoone narrow side of the back piece of fabric.

Press the seam flat. (See Pic D.)

Turn under, and under again, one narrowside of the, pillowcase, front fabric. Press, pinand sew on a piece of lace. (See pics E and F.)

With RS facing, pin the pillowcase front tothe pillowcase back so that the front openingreaches up to where the flap is. Sew with arunning stitch.

Fold the flap over, where you have justsewn so that the front of the flap faces the WSof the pillow front. Pin the sides of the flap tothe sides of the pillow and sew with a runningstitch. Turn through so that the fabric is the

correct way round.

R&B Designs say: “We bought white and light-coloured cotton lace from theCray Sewer ( www.craysewer.com ) and dyed it the lacewith some Dylon hand dyes

to complement our fabric. Alernatively, use some Etiennea French cotton deep colouredcotton lace fromwww.crayribbons.com

A

C

E

B

D

F



Bored with your ironingboard? Give it a new lookwith a fresh floral-printcover that takes just a few minutes to make

Project and photography: KATY ORME,

Apartment Apothecary

cover

Ironing Board

Top tip Find more of Katy’s

projects and tutorials

at www.apartmentapothecary.co.uk



IRONING BOARD COVER

Lay your fabric on the floor and place yourboard on top. Draw an outline of the board10cm from the edge. (See Pic A.)

Cut out around the line. (See Pic B.)

Iron a 1cm hem all around the piece offabric. (See Pic C.)

Fold the hem over again but this time thefold should be 2cm wide. You will need tomake pleats at certain points to get round thecurves of the board shape. Make sure all of the

pleats face the same direction. (See Pic D.)

Skill level: OO

MATERIALS:

O medium-weight cotton

O fabric scissors

O the cord from your old cover

O pins

O pencil

Top tip You will need to make pleats

at certain points to getaround the curves of the

board shape. Make sure allof the pleats face the

same direction

We used...

Laura Ashley ClarissaMulti/Ivory fabric,£27 per metre,www.lauraashley.com

Remove the cord from your old board

cover and place it around the board withinthe channel you have created. Pin it into placeso it does not escape the channel. (See Pic E.)

Make sure the two ends of the cord meet

in the centre at the bottom end of the board(not the pointed head). Place two pins in

the channel, either side of the ends of thecord, so you know not to sew past thesepoints. (See Pic F.)

Sew the channel ensuring that the cordremains on the right side of the foot and doesnot get sewn over. Start sewing next to yourmarker pin. (See Pic G.)

Keep the foam from your old cover (youcan adhere this to your new cover with sprayglue but it’s not necessary) and place yournew cover over this. Pull the cords as tightlyas possible and tie in a bow. Give your new

cover an iron! (See Pic H.)

C

F

A

D

G

B

E

H

You will need...




HANGING STACKER BAG

is handy storage bag is a great piece of kit for the nursery or bathroom.Simply hang it up and stack it up with nappies or other essentials

Project & photography: DEBBIE SHORE

HangingStacker bag

St o r a g e

So l ut i o n s




HANGING STACKER BAG

Cover the foam board with fabric, tuckingthe fabric to the underside, and glue in place.

Fold in the ends of the strap fabric and press,then fold the sides into the centre, then fold inhalf again and press. Place one side of the hookand loop fastening on the end, then stitch all the

way around. Repeat to make two. (See Pic A.)

Skill level: OO

MATERIALS:

O 15.3x28cm piece of foam board or

stiff card measuring

O 23x35.5cm piece of fabric to cover it

O 50.8x91cm piece of fabric for the bag

O two 10x20.4cm strips of fabric

for the straps

O two 5cm strips of hook and loop fastening O 28cm-long piece of 6mm dowelling

O spray fabric adhesive

O 3 buttons

Fold over the shorter sides of the bag fabric

twice and top stitch to hem. Fold the fabricin half, hemmed sides together, and fingercrease to make the centre point, then pin thetwo hemmed edges to this mark. Sew straightacross the edges, which will make the top and

bottom of the nursery bag. (See Pic B.)

At the bottom, measure 5cm in from

each side, and 5cm up, then cut out thesquare shape on each corner. Open up thecut sections and sew across them to form

the base of the bag. (See pics C and D.)

At the top, fold in either side by 6.3cmand pin. (See Pic E.)

At this point, insert the straps facinginwards, hook and loop ends first, at anequal distance from the edge, and re-stitchacross the seam. (See Pic F.)

Turn the right way round, fold over the

straps to see where to position the other half of

A

D

G

B

E

H

C

F

the hook and loop fastening, and sew in place.

Add buttons to decorate. (See Pic G.)

Insert the base into the bottom of the bag.Hand-stitch the opening with a ladder stitch,to around 10cm up the front of the opening.I popped a button on at this point to help

strengthen the seam. (See Pic H.)

Run a little glue across the dowelling andfit it across the inside of the top of the bag.Hang the nursery bag over the side of the

cot/crib, or on a coat hanger.

Sew Useful by DebbieShore is published bySearch Press, £6.99.To order a copy, visit

www.searchpress.com

Top tip Secure the seam on

the base of the stackerbag with a button




ARMCHAIR SEWING TIDY

is handy foldover sewing tidy keeps your project and notionsclose to hand. It’s also a great place to keep the remote control!

Project & photography: BECKY CLARKE

Armchair

sewing tidy

St o r a g e

So l ut i o n s




ARMCHAIR SEWING TIDY

Iron the binding pieces for the pockets in

half lengthways, then fold and iron the cutedges inwards to meet the fold. (See Pic A.)

Slip the long edge of one pocket pieceinside the binding so the top edge is at the

fold. Pin and stitch close to the folded edge.Repeat with the second pocket. (See Pic B.)

Iron a 1cm hem along the bottom edge of

the striped pocket. Place the pocket with ironed

Skill level: : OO

MATERIALS:

O 1m floral fabric

O 0.5m plain co-ordinating fabric

O 2 lengths of 5x28cm bias pieces (for pockets)

O 28x15cm of striped fabric (for backing)

CUTTING LIST:

O 28x75cm for outer piece and 28x15cm for

pocket from floral fabric

O 33x80cm for pocket piece from plain fabric

edge 8.5cm above the bottom edge of thefloral top fabric. Pin and stitch close to the fold.(See Pic C.)

Place the floral pocket overlapping thestriped, with cut edges level with those on thetop fabric. Pin in place. (See Pic D.)

Lay the plain backing piece face down on

the floor. Place the pocketed piece centrally(2.5cm of plain visible all round) and smooth

flat. Pin the two pieces together all the wayround the edge. (See Pic E.)

Fold the backing fabric over the frontcreasing along the edge of the top fabrics.Iron flat all the way round. (See Pic F.)

Along the two long edges, fold the cut edgeunder, iron flat, pin, and stitch. (See Pic G.)

Repeat on the two short edges, keeping thecorners neatly tucked in. (See Pic H.)

Use a few hand stitches to close the gap

in the four corners. (See Pic I.)

Try it with...

John Lewis Rose andSpot, £12 per metre,www.johnlewis.co.uk

A

D

G

B

E

H

C

F

I

Top tip An old floral-print

pillowcase is perfect

for this project




St o r a g e

So l ut i o n s



THE BIG & TIDY BASKET

Sandwich the stiffener between the outer

and lining fabric and iron to adhere. Makesure the fabrics are smooth and flat as youiron. Repeat for the other side of the basket.(See Pic A.)

Using the plate as your template, draw a

curve at the two top corners and then cut thecurve. Do this for both sides of the basket.

(See Pic B.)

For the handle, draw around the cup twice

on a piece of paper and join the two circleswith straight lines to create an oval template.Place this in the top centre of the basket,draw round it and cut out the shape. Curvedscissors will help here. Repeat for the other

side of the basket.

Take the strip of bias binding and press inhalf lengthways. Put a little glue round oneside of the handle hole and apply the biasbinding. Allow this to dry, then glue to the

other side. Do this for both handles.

basket

The Big& Tidy is durable, roomy storagesolution is perfect for toys,towels, laundry or an ever-

growing fabric stash!

Project: DEBBIE SHORE

Debbie says:

“You cantidy away

toys, fabricor towels inthis basket,

or use it forlaundry. Using stiffener makesthe fabric quite heavy, so you’ll

need a denim needle in yoursewing machine, and I glued on

the bias binding as it becametoo thick to fit under the presser

foot. I used a heavier weight fabric for the outside, as thishelps to keep the shape, and a

cotton lining fabric inside”

Skill level: : OO

MATERIALS:

O two 43x61cm pieces of outer fabric

O two 43x61cm pieces of lining fabric

O two 43x61cm pieces of medium-weight,

double-sided fusible stiffener

O 26.7cm-diameter circle of outer fabric

O 24cm-diameter circle of stiff cardboard

O 29cm-diameter circle of lining fabric

O 4.27m of 2.5cm bias binding O strong fabric glue

O large plate & cup to use as templates

O two buttons

O curved scissors

Sew Useful byDebbie Shore ispublished by SearchPress, £6.99.To order a copy, visitwww.searchpress.com




THE BIG & TIDY BASKET

A

B

C D

E

Using the same technique, glue the biasbinding across the top of each side of thebasket and around 10cm (4") down each side.

(See Pic C.)

Machine-sew with a long stitch downeach side of the basket. Your walking foot

will be helpful here. Pin the circular base ofthe basket in place. is is easier if you putsome stuffi ng or something similar insidethe basket to keep the shape. (See Pic D.)

Sew using your sewing machine. e

basket is now quite large, so take your timeto manoeuvre it under the needle!

Glue bias binding down the sides, andwhen this is dry, round the base as well. Gluethe circle of lining fabric to the circular card

base, fold over the excess fabric and glue itround the underside. Press the base into the

bottom of the bag. (See Pic E.)

To strengthen the opening, sew a couple of

buttons at the top of the side seam.O

Top tip You'll need a walking

foot for part ofthis project




www.newforestfabrics.co.uk t: 02381 783386 e: [email protected]

NEWFOREST

FABRICS

Lime Twist - The Henley Studio



OMBRE–EFFECTROPE BASKETS

St o r a g e

So l ut i o n s

ese ingenious storage baskets are made with lengths of washing linecord and a few different thread colours. Just spiral, sew and build!

Project: EMILY LEVEY

Ombre-effect

Rope baskets




OMBRE–EFFECT ROPE BASKETS

Fit the larger machine needle into yoursewing machine, reference your manual for

instructions if needed. read the machinewith your first colour, I like my basketsstarting with a darker colour at the base of thebasket and fading through to lighter coloursnear the top. Remember the bobbin thread

will be the one that is visible on the outsideof the completed basket. (See Pic A.)

Set the machine to a 5mm-wide zigzagstitch with a length of 4mm. We will start by

forming the base of the basket fromthe centre outwards. Uncoil a little of yourcord but leave the majority still wound up, itwill make it easier to manage. With the freeend make a little spiral that goes around two

or three times and secure with a pin. isstage always reminds me of a cumberlandsausage! (See Pic B.)

Ensuring that the coil is going clockwisewith the bulk of the coil on the le/outer

edge of your sewing machine, carefully stitch

Skill level: : OO

MATERIALS:

O traditional cotton washing line cord ”

thickness (30m for large basket, 20m for

medium basket & 15m for small basket)

O sewing threads

O ruler/tape measure

O pins

O 90/14 machine needle

Top tip A walking foot can be

really useful for sewing throughthe thick layers and keep

them feeding through yourmachine evenly

over the centre a few times, leaving the pin inuntil the last moment before removing it. Besure you have secured all the joins between

the cord. Do not be too concerned aboutneatness at this stage, it is more importantto secure the centre throughly. Leave yourwork in the machine for Step 4, ours hasbeen removed so you can see the detail of

the stitching. (See Pic C.)

Line the machine up so that you are readyto start introducing new cord to the outsideof the coil and stitch it down. Start stitching,

to begin with you will have to stop veryregularly and reposition the work, use yourfingers to carefully control the coil and newcord coming in. (See Pic D.)

Continue to stitch around, adding in newcord as you go. Control the work so thatone side of the zigzag stitch enters the innercoil of cord and the other half of the zigzagstitch enters the new piece of cord being

introduced on the outer side. Don’t worry

if your tension is a little off balance, the use

A

D

G

B

E

H

C

F

I




OMBRE–EFFECT ROPE BASKETS

of varying threads and the thickness of thecord can affect it, but the basket will stillbe stable and strong, just ensure that whenyou introduce new cord it is wound tightly

around the coil. (See Pic E.)

Continue to stitch around adding in newcord until the base measures 7½ ” across forthe large basket, 6” for the medium basketand 4½ ” for the small basket. (See Pic F.)

Now tilt the base you have sewn asmuch as you can whilst still stitching aroundto begin to form the sides. (See Pic G.)

Continue to stitch around holding thebase up at the highest angle it will go, it willtake a few turns around before you see theside walls of the basket take shape. Once thesides are established start introducing new

colours of thread periodically. (See Pic H.)

Once the side walls are well establishedwe need to mark how much cord to leave

to form the handles before sewing too far.Take the free end of your length of cord andcarefully wrap it around the circumference ofthe top of your basket without taking it out of

the machine. e handles are made from threestrips around the top, so leave four times theamount you just measured out so you haveplenty. I find it handy to mark with a pin, oryou could wrap some tape around the cord.

Sew the side walls until you reach your

marked point for the handle cord (if you donot want handles simply continue sewinguntil all the cord is used up). Reverse stitchover the last inch to secure the point wherethe handle will attach to the basket. Now pull

the unattached cord away from the basket,and sew around the top of the basket without

adding in any new cord. e gap you leave

is entirely unto you but we used a 5” gap forthe large basket, a 4” gap for the mediumbasket and a 3” gap for the small basket.Now reintroduce the unattached cord, again

backstitching to secure where it rejoins thebasket. (See Pic I.)

Repeat Step 10 to make a second handleopposite the first. (See Pic J.)

Continue to sew around the top of thebasket until all the cord is used up or yourhandles are as wide as you wish them tobe. Finish the end of the cord with a knotor simply reverse-stitch over the end to

secure it to the basket. Be sure to removethe larger needle from your machinebefore moving onto the next project. Thisneedle will be work best for a few baskets,but should then be discarded as the heavy

sewing will blunt it quickly. (See Pic K.)

J

K




Better choice, Better pricesBetter service & Free P&P(on UK mainland orders over £20)

Need advice?phone Jerry on 01373 454448

www.craftlamps.co.uk

On-line stockists of Liberty print fabrics, haberdashery and‘indie’ dressmaking & craing patterns.

Huge range of Liberty Tana Lawns, needlecord, jersey & Liberty Lifestyle.

For amazing offers call us on 01787 269366 or visit

www.sewbox.co.uk



Keep mess to aminimum while yousew with this brilliant,simple bit of kit – a pincushion with

detachable thread catcher Project: EMILY LEVEY

& thread catcher

Pi cushio



PINCUSHION & THREAD CATCHER

Skill level : OO

MATERIALS:

O approximately a fat quarter of cotton fabric

O 20” 12mm-wide Nylon Boning

O 2 buttons

O Polyfill stuffing O rice or similar to add weight

to your pincushion

Cut four 3” squares for the top of yourpincushion. Using a ¼ ” seam allowance sewthese together first into pairs, then join thetwo pairs. It can help if you nest your seam

allowances by pressing them in oppositedirections, press your final central seam open.Don't worry too much if you are not able tomatch the seams in the centre as we will be

covering this with a button later on. (See Pic A.)

Cut a piece 5½ ” square for the bottomof your pincushion. Place this RS facingtogether with the completed front section

and sew around all four sides, leaving a 2”turning gap in one edge. (See Pic B.)

Turn the right way out and using a pointturner, poke the corners out gently. Press well,

tucking the raw edges of the turning gap in asyou do. Now, stuff! I like to use some polyfillin the corners and then fill the centre of thecavity with rice so the pincushion has someweight to it. Sew the opening closed by hand

then sew your buttons through the centre ofthe pincushion, one on top and one below.Pull your threads tight to create some shapein the pincushion. Set aside, now onto thethread catcher basket. (See Pic C.)

Cut a 6” square for the hanging tab, fold

in half with WS together and press, open out

and fold the outer edges into the centreand press again. Turn the top edge in by¼ ” and press. Finally fold in half againand press and you should have three sideswith the raw edges nicely pressed in.

Top-stitch these three raw edges and then

sew a buttonhole near the top edge largeenough to accommodate the button on thebottom of your pincushion. (See Pic D.)

Cut two rectangles from main print

8½ x5½ ” for the basket. Place right sidestogether and using a ¼ ” seam allowance sewaround the two short sides and long bottomedge. Repeat with lining fabric. (See Pic E.)

From the bottom corners cut 1½ ” squaresthen open out and place the side seam in linewith the bottom seam, and sew across thenewly cut edge using a ¼ ” seam allowance.

Repeat for the lining. (See Pic F.)

A

B

C

Top tip Use a short stitch

length when sewing thepincushion together to keepthe filling securely inside &be sure to reverse stitch at

the beginning and endof each seam.




PINCUSHION & THREAD CATCHER

Turn the lining the right way out and placeinside the outer with the right sides facing.

Align the top raw edge and pin. Sew aroundtop edge using a ¼ ” seam allowance, leavinga 3” gap in the centre back edge of the basket.Turn the basket the right way out and press,

folding in the un-sewn edges of the openingas you do so. (See Pic G.)

Top-stitch around the basket ¾ ” fromthe top edge, all the way around, to createa channel for the boning. Mark the centre

of the back top edge, where the opening is,insert the boning into the opening and feedall the way around the channel. e boningshould overlap slightly. (See Pic H.)

Insert the hanging tab into the openingwith the raw edge inside the opening,positioning it over the centre mark in the

back of the basket. Carefully top-stitcharound ⅛ ” from the top edge to close theopening and secure the hanging tab, take

your time and make sure the boning ispushed to the bottom of the channel andkept out of the way. Because the boning givesshape to the basket, keeping it open, it canmake this top-stitching a little tricky. You

will find the top-stitching a lot easier if youput the basket around the free arm on yoursewing machine. (See Pic I.)

Attach the thread catcher basket to

your pincushion by buttoning the hangingtab onto the button on the base of thepincushion. (See Pic J.)

We used...A selection ofprints from theMoonshine collectionby Tula Pink fromStitch Cra Create,www.stitchcra

create.co.uk

D

G

I

E F

H

J



http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/love-sewing-issue-12-2015pdf 65/100www.lovesewingmag.com 65



We think this gorgeous gadget sleeve is so stylish it

could be a great little clutch bag inits own right. Use a bold, graphic

print for maximum effect

Project: ALI BURDON, Very Berry Handmade

Tablet clutch

V i e w o r e o f A l i ’ s a k e s a t w w w .v er y ber r y hand mad e.c o.uk



TABLET CLUTCH

Skill level: : OO

MATERIALS:

O 21x40cm of main fabric

O 21cm square of co-ordinating fabric

for side panels

O 21cm by 34cm coordinating solid for trim

and lining

O 0.25m of medium weight fusible fleece

O 0.25me of medium-weight iron-on

interfacing

O 5cm of 2cm-wide Velcro

Note: The seam allowance is 1cm, unless

otherwise indicated

CUTTING LIST:

From main fabric cut:

one 12x21cm piece for centre panel

one 21x28cm piece for back of purse

one piece measuring 16x22cm for the front flapFrom the co-ordinate cut:

two 10x21cm pieces for the front side panels

From the trim and lining fabric cut:

two pieces measuring 3x21cm for the trim

two pieces measuring 21x28cm for the lining

one 16x22cm for the flap lining

From fusible fleece cut:

two 21x28cm pieces

one 21x28cm piece

From the iron-on interfacing:

two 21x28cm pieces

one 21x28cm piece

From 2cm hook and loop:

one 5cm piece

MAKE THE FRONT OF THE CLUTCH

Take one of the 3x21cm pieces oftrim fabric and fold in half lengthways.

(See Pic A.)

Pin the folded trim to the 12x21cmcentral-panel piece, raw edges aligned withthe le-hand edge. (See Pic B.)

Place one of the side panel pieces RSTwith the central panel, sandwiching the trimbetween the two pieces. (See Pic C.)

Pin then stitch in place, then press the

seam allowance towards the side panel.(See pics D and E.)

Repeat this process with the other trimand side panel, on the other side of the

central section. (See Pic F.)

Ali says:

“I made thisiPad sleeve

using beautiful

Folk Modern fabrics by Ellen

Luckett Baker for Kokka. Tabletscome in a huge variety of sizesand any cover or case needs to

be a snug fit, so it is impossible towrite a one-size-fits-all pattern.

e measurements used here willcreate a clutch which is suitable

for the latest iPad (the iPad Air),but not for the iPad mini or olderversions of the iPad. At the end of

the pattern I will describe how youcan adjust the measurements for

other size tablets”

Fuse one of the 21x28cm pieces of fusiblefleece to the completed clutch front.

Top-stitch both sides of the centre panel,

close to the two seam lines. (See Pic G.)

Measure 10cm down from the middle ofthe top, long edge of the completed clutchfront. Mark this point and position theupper-long edge of the hook and loop tape

on this mark. Use a dab of washable glue orpin the tape, whilst you stitch it into position.(See Pic H.)

COMPLETE THE CLUTCH OUTER

Apply the other piece of fusible fleece

to the back section of the clutch outer.

Put the two outer sections RST and stitcharound three sides, with a generous seam

allowance (ie more like 11mm than 10mm),

A

C

B

D




TABLET CLUTCH

leaving the top edge open, of course! Trimthe seam to about 5mm, cut across the

corners and trim out some of the bulk ofthe fusible fleece from the seam allowance.(See Pic I.)

Turn RS out and press thoroughly, then setaside whilst you move on to the next section.

MAKE THE FLAP SECTION

Fuse the smaller piece of fusible fleece tothe outer flap fabric, and apply the iron-oninterfacing to the lining section of the flap.

Trim the curved corners of the pouch flapouter and lining piece, using the curved edgeof a mug or glass (or something similar!) with8-10cm diameter. (See Pic J.)

Take the lining section of the pouch

flap and measure 2cm up from the middleof the bottom curved edge. (See Pic K.)

Mark this point and position the lower,long edge of one section of the hook and

loop tape on this mark. Use washable glueor pin to secure, whilst you stitch the tapeinto position. (See Pic L.)

Put the flap front and lining sections RST,

and stitch around, leaving the long straightedge open. (See Pic M.)

Trim the completed seam to about 5mm,trim out some of the bulk of fusible fleece in theseam allowance, and cut notches in the curved

corners to help them lie flat. (See Pic N.)

Turn the flap RS out and press the seam tocreate a nice sharp edge. Top-stitch aroundthe seam line. (See Pic O.)

MAKE THE LINING SECTION

Apply the iron-on interfacing to thetwo lining pieces.

Put the two lining sections RST and stitch

around three sides, this time with a scantseam allowance of 9mm rather than 10mm.Leave a turning gap of 10cm in one of theshort sides – making sure that you reverse

stitch at either end of this gap. (See Pic P.)

21 Trim the seam to about 5mm, and cutacross the corners to reduce bulk. (See Pic Q.)

PUTTING THE CLUTCH TOGETHER

22 Take the clutch outer and mark the centre

of the back section with a fabric marker.Make another mark at the centre of the

unstitched edge of the flap section. Pin theflap to back of the pouch, matching thesetwo marks. (See Pic R.)

23 Baste in place and remove the pins.

Place the outer section, with attached flapinside the lining section with RST. Alignthe side seams, making sure that the flapstays nicely in place, and pin all around thetop edge. Stitch.

24 Turn RS out using the turning hole thatyou le in the lining. Check everything is ok,the flap is nicely aligned and then turn back

through and trim the upper seam to 5mm,

trimming the fusible fleece out of the seamallowance, as before. Turn RS out again

and press very thoroughly.

25 Top-stitch around the top edge of thepouch. (See Pic S.) Stitch the turning holeclosed (use a slip stitch/ladder stitch) andpress again to finish.

We used...Ellen Luckett BakerFolk Modern CitrusTrees in Charcoal andRings in Charcoalwww.thelongthread.com

E

I

F

J

G

K

H

L

Top tip Mark the curved seam

line on the flap to makestitching really easy




TABLETCLUTCH

Adjusting the measurements:

For other tablets, measure the height, width

and depth of the gadget, and make a note of thedimensions – for the height and width, aroundup to the nearest half centimetre. If the tablet is8mm or less in depth add 4cm to the height andwidth to get the measurements for completed

front and back outer pieces and lining pieces. If

the tablet is more than 8mm in depth, add 5cm.

To find the width of the flap section, subtract6cm from longest measurement calculated

above. To find the height of the flap section,subtract 5cm from the shorter measurement.

To calculate the position of the hook and looptape stitched in Step 1 of the pattern, take theheight of envelope flap measurement and

subtract 6cm. Measure this distance from thetop of the outer section and position the topedge of the tape at this point. e placement

of the hook and loop tape on the flap sectionis no different from the pattern.

EXAMPLE MEASUREMENTS FOR A

TABLET MEASURING 14CM WIDE,

20CM HIGH AND 8MM DEEP:

Outer and lining pieces: 18x24cm (adding 4cmto each measurement)

Flap pieces: 13cm (18cm-5cm) by 18cm(24cm-6cm)

Position of hook and loop on the front of

the outer: 7cm from the top edge of the front

section (13cm-6cm)

M

Q

N

R

O

S

P

T




2-IN-1 REVERSIBLE TOTE

is is an easy-to-make bag has just three different pattern pieces.Used one way it’s a plain, simple tote, turned inside out you have a

whole new bright bag with a completely different feel

Project & photography: Handmade in Hammersmith

2-in-1





Skill level: OO

MATERIALS:

O one piece of neutral, plain fabric

O one piece of contrasting bright, patterned

fabric (flowers or stripes, bold patterns and

colours, strong vibrant prints)

O co-ordinating threads

CUTTING LIST:

Wash the fabrics in the machine on a cotton

setting so any shrinkage or colour run happensnow, and you get rid of any furnishing fabric

finishes (if that’s what you are using). It also

means you can machine-wash your new

bag with confidence in future!

For the shells cut:

O one 44x76cm piece of both the plain

and patterned fabrics

For the handles cut:

O two 8x52cm pieces of both the plain

and patterned fabrics

For the pockets cut:

O two 15cm-square pieces of both the

plain and patterned fabrics

SHELL

Fold each shell fabric short edge to short

edge, RS inside, and stitch up the long sides leand right. If you’re using a fabric that you thinkmay fray, zigzag stitch each seam too. Use yourforward/reverse sewing machine button to addan extra layer of stitching in the bottom corners

for strength. (See pics A and B.)

Trim corners and turn, then fold and pressthe top edges 2cm inwards so you have a neattop opening. (See pics C – E.)

HANDLES

Fold plain and patterned handles lengthwise inwards to centre, press. Stitchone plain on to one patterned (folds inwards)close to each long edge. (See pics F – I.)

POCKETS

Fold and stitch pockets (one plain and onepatterned side for each pocket) all the way round,RST, leaving a 2cm gap to pull through. Trim

corners, turn and press. Stitch each pocket to the

A

D

G

B C

E F

H I

About Handmade in Hammersmith Beautiful, practical

bags and pouches

(and other things)

handmade from

recycled vintage

wool, cotton, and linens. Everything is

a one-off and used to be something else – a

kilt or tweed jacket or similar. Each comes

with its individual story; photographs of whatit used to be and where it came from. The

bags are made with bright linings, handy

inside pockets, and are machine washable.

The new collection for spring and summer

2015 includes travel pouches, retro

washbags, embroidered iPad sleeves,

reversible beach bags, and so patchwork

picnic blankets.

www.folksy.com/shops/madeinw6

www.etsy.com/shop/madeinw6

[email protected]





J

M

P

K L

N O

Q

S

R

Top tip You can put the plain handlesand pockets on the patterned

side and vice versa, or keepit all matching up. Place and

see which works bestbefore stitching

outside of your plain and patterned fabric shells,

centred and 5-6 cm from the top. (See pics J – O.)

STICHING TOGETHER

Drop the patterned shell into the plainshell, line up the side seams and pin one to

the other, making sure they line up on the topedge. You may have to take in a seam a littleat the top, to get an exact fit. (See Pic P.)

Pin in the handles sandwiched betweenthe shells with the outer handle edges

approximately 9cm from the shell sides.(See Pic Q.)

Stitch twice around the top, 1cm and then

0.5cm from the top. (See pics R and S.)

Fabrics you could try: O Lightweight canvas and cotton drill

O Furnishing fabric remnants in cottons and linens; wash before you start, as many

of these have glazes and finishes

O Charity shops are a good source of flowery cotton duvet covers, vintage linen

tablecloths, plain curtains, and linen skirts

O Denim and corduroy

O Try a plain fabric with a strong retro contrasting one; those sixties and seventies

curtains with big floral designs are great for this.






SEWING MACHINE TIDY MAT

is stash-all sewing mat means you can keep your tools andnotions at your fingertips while you work

Project and photography: BARBARA RUIS, RockingStitch

tidy mat Sewing Machine

F i n d RockingStitch

on F acebook, Instag r am, Pinter est

and T witter .

St o r a g e

So l ut i o n s



SEWING MACHINE TIDY MAT

Skill level: : O

MATERIALS:

O 2 fat quarters in contrasting colours

O 42cm length of ribbon

O co-ordinating thread

O iron & ironing board

Note: Seam allowances are 1cm unless

otherwise stated

Cut out two pieces of contrasting fabricmeasuring 42x32cm and cut all the cornersinto curves. (See Pic A.)

Cut one strip of fabric for the pockets,measuring 42x9cm. Cut only the twobottom corners into curves. Hem the top ofthis piece by folding it in by 1cm to the WS,press and machine stitch. Add a pretty trim

or ribbon for decoration. (See Pic A.)

Place your pocket piece along thebottom edge of your front fabric, with both

pieces RS up and pin in place. Stitch all

C

F

A

D

B

E

round on 0.8cm, leaving the top of the pocketpiece unstitched. (See Pic B.)

Choose the positon of the pockets anddraw vertical lines on your pocket pieceusing chalk. Pin the two layers together andmachine stitch along the lines to create thepockets. Make sure not to stitch past your

pocket piece.

With the RST, place your back piece ontop of your front piece – your pockets arenow in between the two layers. Pin in place

and stitch almost all the way around, leavinga gap of 6cm unstitched. Cut notches into thecurved corners (See Pic C.) and carefully turneverything inside out.

Close the gap using a slip stitch. Give

everything a good press so that all theseams are flat and the corners nicely shaped.Top-stitch all the way round to give it aprofessional finish.

Cut three pieces of contrasting fabricmeasuring 7cm square and one piece of17x7cm for the back of your pincushion. Jointhe three squares together by pinning rightsides together and stitch. You have created the

front of the pincushion that now measures17x7cm. (See Pic D.)

Press the seam allowances open. Place

the two pieces RST and pin in place. Stitchall the way round, leaving a 5cm gap. Cut thecorners and turn your pincushion inside out.(See Pic E.)

Carefully fill your pincushion with toystuffi ng or wadding til l it’s got a firm shape.

Slip-stitch the gap closed. (See Pic F.)

Gather your favourite bits and bobs andfill the pockets. Place the mat on the tablewith the pockets in front of you and place

your sewing machine on top. You’re ready

for another sewing project!

About the RockingStitchSewing Studio: The RockingStitch Sewing Studio in Aberdeen

is a place where you can learn how to sew, get

inspired, meet like-minded people, stitch along

or have a sewing party!

With private sewing lessons and over 20 different

sewing classes to choose from, the Sewing

Studio is the place to be if you want to learn

a new sewing skill. From absolute beginnersto those of you who want to learn the more

advanced techniques there is something for

everyone. Check out www.rockingstitch.com

to see what’s coming up!

RockingStitch is the brainchild of Dutch fabric

obsessed designer-maker Barbara Ruis.

Barbara’s aim is to spread the love for sewing

and inspire other people to start stitching!

Having worked in the theatre business in the

Netherlands for almost ten years creating

fabulous costumes for West End musicals,

Barbara is now spending most of her time

passing on the skill of sewing to others.



Use a fat quarter bundle to make this modern hobo-style handbag. euse of pieced panels allows you to show off co-ordinating prints at their

best. A twist/turn lock closure is used to add a professional finishProject: SUSAN DUNLOP, SusieDDesigns

Top tip This bag is made from pieced

fabrics but you can also make itfrom just one outer fabric and one

lining fabric if you prefer. Simplyuse the pattern pieces to cut main

body outer and lining piecesdirectly from your chosen

fabric and interfacing

Hobo

ha dbag

T E M P L A T E S

F R E EU s e yo ur

We used...SEPTEMBER BLUE

fabric by Dashwood Studios



HOBO HANDBAG

Skill level: : OO

MATERIALS:

O free template sheet

O 5 co-ordinating fat quarters

O 1m medium-weight woven fusible

interfacing

O medium-weight sew-in interfacing scraps

O 31mm round twist/turn lock

O scraps of fusible fleece for lock

reinforcement

CUTTING LIST:

From fabric 1, cut:

two 21cm squares for the lower main body

one piece using the tab template

From fabric 2, cut:

two 21cm squares for the lower main body

From fabric 3, cut:

two 14x40cm pieces for the upper main body

two 10x50cm for the shoulder strap

From fabric 4, cut:

two 21x33cm pieces for the main body lining

From fabric 5, cut:

two 21x33cm pieces for the main body lining

one piece using the tab template

Adhere the fusible interfacing pieces tothe WS of the corresponding fabric pieces,positioning the shoulder strap piecescentrally widthways.

Place two lower main body pieces RST (oneeach from fabric 1 and 2). Stitch one side to

join. Repeat to sew the remaining lower main

body pieces together. Press the seams open.

D

G

BA

E

H

C

F

I

From the fusible interfacing, cut:

four 21cm squares for the lower main body

two 14x40cm pieces for the upper main body

four 21x33cm pieces for the main body lining

two pieces using tab template

two 5x50cm pieces for the shoulder strap

From the sew-in interfacing, cut:

one piece using tab template

Note: Seam allowance is 1cm throughout,

unless stated otherwise

Approximate finished size: 26x34cm

With RST, pin and sew the bottom edgeof the upper main body to the top edge of a

pieced lower main body. Repeat to join theremaining upper and lower pieces. Press theseams toward the uppers and top-stitch 5mmfrom the seams. (See Pic A.)

Fold one pieced outer in half, with the

vertical seam at the fold and the horizontalseam aligned, pin. Use the main body pattern

piece to cut the pieced main body outer,matching the dashed line of the pattern piecewith the horizontal main body seam. Repeat

to cut the other main body outer. (See Pic B.)

Place two main body lining pieces RST(one each from fabric 4 and 5). Stitch one longside to join. Repeat to sew the remaining lining

pieces together. Press the seams open. Fold onepieced lining in half, with the seam at the fold.Use the main body pattern piece to cut. Repeatto cut the other lining piece. (See Pic C.)

Cut two 4cm squares/circles, from the scraps

of fusible fleece. Adhere them to the WS of one




HOBOHANDBAG

M

P

KJ

N

L

O

main body outer and one flap piece, referringto the positions marked on the pattern pieces.is will reinforce the lock placements.

Install the turning part of the lock: usingthe lock prongs as a guide, mark and cuttwo small slits through all the layers of thereinforced main body, so that the slits sitcentrally within the reinforced circle. Push the

lock prongs through from RS to WS, fit thewasher over the prongs and hold down firmly

whilst folding back the prongs. (See Pic D.)

Transfer the dart markings to main body

outer and lining pieces, from the pattern.Stitch all the darts. Press the dart seamsaway from each other on one outer piece andtoward each other on the other outer piece.Press the lining darts in the same manner.

(See Pic E.)

Place the outer main body piecesRST, matching up the dart seams and thehorizontal seams. Stitch down one side,around the curved bottom edge and up the

other side. Snip notches into the curves,

avoiding the stitching. Press the seam openand turn RS out. Repeat to sew the liningpieces together but this time leave a turninggap at the centre of the bottom seam andleave WS out. (See pics F and G.)

Make the tab: place the tab pieces RST,with the sew-in interfacing layered on thebottom, pin. Stitch around the sides andbottom edge, leaving the top straight edge

open. Notch the curves and trim the seamallowance back to 5mm. Turn through to RS,easing all the edges out neatly, and press.Top-stitch with a 5mm seam and baste theopen edge with a 5mm seam. (See Pic H.)

Install the lock plates: using the front plateas a guide (and referring to the pattern forposition) draw through the lock to mark therectangular shape onto the RS of the tab. Cutout the rectangle, going through all the layers.

It’s helpful to make the first cut with a seamripper and then continue with a sharp set of

scissors. Place the front and back lock plateseither side of the tab and check if you cansee any fabric still within the cut-out shape.

Carefully trim back a bit more if required, aswell as snipping little notches where the screwsare positioned. Once you’re happy with the fit,screw the plates together. (See Pic I.)

With RST, match the raw edge of thetab to the top back edge of the outer bag,positioning centrally widthways. Pin andbaste 5mm from the raw edges. (See Pic J.)

Make the shoulder strap: place the two

pieces RST and stitch at one short edge to

join the lengths. Press seam open. Fold thestrap in half lengthways, WST, press. Openout so WS facing up and fold over the longedges to WS, to meet at centre crease, press.Fold in half lengthways again, to bring

the folded edges together. Press and pin.Topstitch both long edges with a 3mmseam. (See pics K and L.)

With RST, place one of the handle ends at

the top side edge of the outer bag, matchingthe raw edges and positioning it centrallyacross the side seam, pin. Baste 5mm fromthe edge. Baste the other end of the handle atthe other side seam of the bag. (See Pic M.)

Insert the outer bag into the lining,with RST, matching up the top edges andside seams, pin. Ensure the tab and handleremain tucked down inside the layers. Stitchall around the top edges. Snip into the curves

and trim across the top corners at eachside of the bag, avoiding the stitching.

(See Pic N.)

Pull the outer bag through the gap in thelining, to bring both RS out. Pull on the handle

ends to release. Lightly press both sectionsif required. Fold in the lining gap edges, tomatch the rest of the seam, press and pin.Slip-stitch by hand or machine stitch, staying

very close to the edges. (See Pic O.)

Push the lining down inside the outer bagand press the top edges so that the seam sitsneatly at the top edges. Top-stitch all aroundthe top edges of the bag with a 5mm seam.

(See Pic P.)




Better bag making tipsI

f you’ve never made a bag before, you

might be wandering what all the fuss

is about. But once you’ve made that

first bag, I promise you’ll be addicted!

e great thing about bags is, once you’ve

mastered a few basic techniques, they’re

not too diffi cult to make. e design

possibilities are endless; you can make

them whatever size you need, customise

them and embellish them to your own

taste. You can make a truly unique endproduct to be proud of. Here are some

tips, which I hope will make your

bag-making experiences fun

and enjoyable.

GET THE RIGHT TOOLS

Apart from basic sewing tools and

notions, you don’t need many tools

specifically for making bags. Good-quality

dressmaking shears are essential and, if

you can, tr y to buy a rotary cutter, mat and

acrylic ruler set. I find them indispensable

for cutting accurate straight-cut pieces.

A point turner is useful for easing outcorners and defining seams. Good-quality

cotton or polyester sewing threads will

give you strong seams and nice top

stitching.

PRESSING ISSUES

Never skimp on the ironing when it comes

to bag making! Always give your fabrics a

good steam press before you cut out any

pieces. During construction, make sure

you press as you go to get neat folds, darts,

pleats and seams.

STABILISERS

I can’t stress enough the importance of

using good quality interfacing, interlining

and fleeces to make your bags strong and

structured. I offer a great range of Vilene®

products through my online shop which

are easy to use and perfect for creating

fabulous handmade bags.

FABRICS

Use good-quality fabrics for your

creations. I use quilt-weight/medium-

weight cottons for most of my projects.

I like to choose vibrant, modern designs

by the likes of Moda, Michael Miller,Dashwood Studio, Riley Blake Designs,

Art Gallery Fabrics and Robert Kaufman.

Look out for fat-quarter bundles which

are a great way of buying designer fabrics

cost effectively. You get a good range of

matching prints/solids, taking the guess

work out of deciding what goes with what.

SEAMS AND LINING

Take your time to make sure you sew

accurate seam allowances. Finish off any

raw seams, which will be seen, with zigzag

or overlocking stitches. I prefer to line allmy bags, meaning you won’t see the seams,

the bag is stronger and the finish is more

professional.

S u s i e ’ s

By SUSAN DUNLOP, SusieDDesigns

Susan Dunlop is the author

of Style and Swing, 12

Structured Handbags for

Beginners and Beyond .

Pre-order now for delivery in

May 2015 with free P&P at

www.susieddesigns.co.uk



Celebrate the start ofspring with a colourfulbird cushion embellishedwith Liberty floral scraps

Project: DEBBIE VON GRABLER-CROZIER

cushion

Betsy Bird

T E M P L A

T E S F R E E

U s e yo ur



BETSY BIRD CUSHION

Cut two bodies from the white-on-white fabric and two wings and two beak

pieces from the Liberty Lawn fabric. Laythe wadding down and place the two beakpieces onto it. Don’t cut the beak shape outof the wadding at this point. Machine-sewaround the beak, leaving the base (the flatedge) open. Trim the wadding back around

the beak and clip the curve of the point of thebeak. Turn the right way out and spend sometime getting the edges perfect.

Use red Perle cotton, make a runningstitch around the beak, 0.5cm in from

the edge. is creates a neat edge. Do notworry about the raw flat edge, as this will be

hidden in the seam. You should now have acompleted beak. (See Pic A.)

Turn the edge of the wing over by 0.25cmand finger-press. You can use a little fabricglue if you like, or simply dampen the fabricwith a water mister and it will stay put as youwork. Pin the turned wing in place onto the

white panel. Using very fine stitches, attachthe wing to the body. Repeat for the otherside of the cushion. (See Pic B.)

For the embroidery, use a chain stitch and

red cotton about 1cm in from the edge of theappliquéd wing. Come back and, going overthe edge of the wing, half on and half off, stitchwith a herringbone stitch all the way around.Repeat for the other wing.

e eye position is marked on thetemplate. Transfer this to the fabric and makea running stitch using red cotton around theoutside. Add the button in the middle.

Lightly iron the bird body and attachthe beak to the position as marked on thetemplate. Attach the label. (See Pic C.)

With the RST, sew all the way around the

Skill level: : OO

MATERIALS:

O free template sheet

O 50cm-strip white-on-white fabric

O fat eighth Liberty Lawn in Betsy

O red Perle 8 cotton

O small piece thin wadding

O 2 green flower buttons

O polyester cushion filling

O water-soluble marker

bird body, leaving a gap for turning out

and stuffi ng. Clip and notch the curves asappropriate and then turn out. (See Pic D.)

Stuff the bird with polyester filling andslip-stitch the opening closed. Do not over

stuff this piece.

Attach the eyes into the middle of thered running stitch circles, drawing them in

slightly to give the face a contour.

A B

C D

We used...

Liberty Lawn in Betsy,£3.50 per fat eighth,www.duckeggthreads.co.uk




A guide to basic markings and symbols

How to...

Read a dressmakingpattern

GRAINLINEe pattern piece must be ‘on grain’ with the threads of the fabric so that it canhang, move and stretch correctly. egrainline must always be parallel to the

selvage of the fabric.

CUTTING LINEese lines follow the size of the garment.ere can be up to 10 sizes on a patternsheet, so aer you have selected yours,follow that specific line all the way around

the pattern piece. Cut just outside the line.

PLACE ON FOLD LINEis edge of the pattern piece is tobe placed on the fold of your fabric,making it easy to cut out a mirrorimage at the same time.

DARTSParts of the fabric to be folded for shaping,usually located at the bust, waist and neck.

NOTCHESese triangles are to be cut either outsideof the pattern piece or into the seamallowance. If your seam allowance is thestandard 1.5cm, you have enough room to

cut into the pattern. If it is smaller, carefullycut outside the shape.

LENGTHEN OR SHORTEN LINEis indicates exactly where to shorten orlengthen the pattern piece or garment.

CIRCLE DOTSese marks indicate construction details,such as pleating or the end-of-stitching lineas set out in the instructions. Some pattern

companies will use triangles or squares inplace of circle dots.

STITCHING/SEAM LINEe line on which you sew. is is foundmore commonly on vintage patterns.

ZIP PLACEMENTIndicates where the zipper shouldbe inserted into the garment.




PATTERNMARKINGS

BUTTON & BUTTONHOLE

PLACEMENT

e placement for a button is markedwith an ‘X’. e placement for abuttonhole is marked with an edged line.

TUCKS

Transfer any tuck lines marked on thepattern pieces to the RS of the garmentto indicate where the tucks should besewn into place.

HEM

is line shows where to sew the hemon the pattern’s hem allowance.

SEAM ALLOWANCE

Every project you sew has a set seam allowance. is is the

distance between where you sew and the raw edge of the fabric– essentially an invisible line around each pattern piece. Youmust sew at the seam allowance in order for the pieces to lineup correctly. Seam allowances are most commonly 1.5cm, buteven if a project is to be sewn at a set seam allowance, some

seams might be changed to have smaller allowances. Sewingmachines have marks for the seam allowance to the right side ofthe presser foot. Many have the number marked only in metricunits while other machines have metric and imperial markings.

LAYOUT DIAGRAMS

ese explain how to lay each piece onto the fabric to ensure

that all of the pieces will fit on the fabric quantity suggested onthe envelope. Remember to follow along with the correct viewand size. If you are working with a directional fabric, thereshould be instructions on how to arrange the fabric accordingly.




COUTURE SEWING WITH ALISON SMITH

M

any patterns today come

without linings. If you are

making a skirt, a lining canmake wearing the skirt more

comfortable as it will not cling and it will helpto stop creases. You could just cut the skirt

again in lining, and attach the skirt and liningtogether at the waist, RS to RS and then turn,and under-stitch. However, a skirt with alining and a facing, will sit better on the body,and will not stretch at the waist aer many

wears. I will now show you how to cut thepattern pieces for a facing and a lining.

Make copies of the front and back patternpieces onto tracing paper. Copy off all the

pattern markings and the darts. (See Pic A.)

Measure down 7cm from the waist edge anddraw a line – this line will follow the shape of

the waist edge so it may be curved. (See Pic B.)

Draw a notch (a balance mark) on this line,a single notch on the front pattern piecesand a double notch on the back patternpieces. Place these notches between thedart and the side seam. A single line or a

double line is used to mark the notch inpattern drafting, if you prefer you coulddraw a triangle as used on a commercialpattern. (See Pic C.)

Cut along the line you have drawn 7cm belowthe waist, label the smaller section facing and

the other section lining. (See Pic D.)

How to make a facing

and lining pattern

Alison Smith MBE

Couture sewing with

Facings and linings are essential if you want your garmentto fit and sit well, and be comfortable to wear

A

B

C

D



E F

G H Alison Smith:Sew Wardrobe

Launching this month, Alison Smithis releasing the first of her independentdressmaking patterns.

SEW WARDROBE – sew simple,

sew stylish, so you. ese patterns aredesigned by Alison and are aimed atdressmakers who are looking to createa wardrobe of simple, stylish garments.

In addition to the patterns Alison isalso offering fabric kits to make thedesigns. Each kit includes everythingyou need to make the outfit, down tothe last hook and eye! Patterns and kits

available online at www.sewwardrobe.

co.uk, email [email protected] don’t worry about someone elsehaving the same pattern and fabric –each kit is limited to a maximum of five.

We now have to get rid of the darts! On thefacing section, fold the paper along one of thelines of the dart and place it on the other lineof the dart. Secure with tape. (See Pic E.)

e facing is now curved and dart free, but

the curve may be more angled than curved,so now it needs tracing off again onto paper,smoothing off the points, and most importanta seam allowance needs adding at the lower

edge. (See Pic F.) e facing is now ready tobe cut from fabric and interfaced.

THE SKIRT LINING

this may or may not have the ends of thedarts in it. If no dart points are in the liningthen all that is required is a seam allowance at

the upper edge before it can be cut in fabric.If you have the pointed ends of the darts stillon the pattern these need removing, but they

will not fold out, so they need moving into

the side seam. To do this measure with widthof each dart, on my sample this came to0.5mm plus 0.3mm a total of 0.8mm. Starting

at the side seam measure in by 0.8mm. Jointhis point quite quickly into the side seam,with a curved line photo 7. Trim off the

excess paper and retrace the lining patternonto paper adding a seam allowance at the

upper edge. (See Pic G.)

You now have a professional-looking skirtlining with an attached facing! is techniquewill give any skirt a lining to be proud of.

You can use the principal I have justexplained to cut facings and linings for otherunlined garments too.

Until next time, Happy Sewing...



Each machine model offers a range of features and functions,but all have these fundamental elements in common. Use this handy

guide and you'll know your way around yours in no time

THREAD GUIDES

Two threads make up each stitch. e top thread from the spool ofcotton and passes through these guides to regulate the tension of thethread before feeding it through the needle. e second thread comesfrom the bobbin.

SPEED CONTROLLER

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

REVERSE FUNCTION

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

NEEDLE AND NEEDLE CLAMP

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

PRESSER FOOT

Holds the fabric in place as you work. Can be removedand replaced with the type required for a specific sewingtask, ie zips.

BOBBIN CASE

Inside the removable cover is the bobbin case, whichhouses the bobbin. e bobbin is wound with thread andprovides the second thread for each stitch.

FEED DOGS

ese moving parts lie underneath the needle plate.With spiked teeth that protrude from the opening, thesehelp to move the fabric through the machine.

1

2

3

4

5

6

7 8

17

16

17

Top tip Lost your sewing machine

manual? Do an online search

with your make/model

and you'll probably find adownloadable version

Top tip If you're struggling

with the threading on a new

machine, practise with red

thread until you get the

hang of it

NEEDLE PLATE

e metal plate directly below the needle and presser foot. e small opening allows thethread from the bobbin to pass through while the needle enters to make the stitches. On the

plate are guide markings to assist straight sewing and measuring seam allowances.

Master

your machine




ADVERTISEMENT FEATURE

TENSION CONTROL

is dial regulates the tension of the stitches

by determining the speed at which the threadpasses through the machine. Messy stitches, orloops of thread or knots on the right or wrongside of the fabric are a common sign that thetension needs to be reset.

BOBBIN WINDER

Winds thread from the cotton spoolonto the bobbin, ensuring that the threadis fed evenly onto the bobbin and maintains

the correct tension.

SPOOL HOLDER

is pin runs through the centre of a spoolof thread, allowing it to feed smoothly through

the machine.

SCREEN

Displays the relevant informationregarding the stitch style, width and length

that has been selected.

HAND WHEEL

Manually operates the mechanics of themachine, moving the needle up and down

and engaging the feed dogs.

STITCH SELECTOR

Allows you to select from the differentstitches on the machine and includes a menu

from which you make your selection. e stitchis selected by moving the wheel to the correctsymbol.

STITCH LENGTH AND STITCH

WIDTH SELECTORS

Use to increase or decrease the length orwidth of your stitch. e shorter the stitch,the more stitches are worked across the line

of sewing, making it stronger. e width onlyapplies to stitches where the needle moves to the

le and right, ie zigzag. For decorative stitches,the bigger the width the better.

FREE ARM

Can be removed to recreate a narrower

working space, which is used when sewingsmaller items or inserting sleeves.

ACCESSORY DRAWER

Use to store alternative presser feet, spare

bobbins and maintenance tools.

10

15

11

12

13

14

Top tip Use the little brush in your

machine's care kit to give it

a quick clean every time you

refill the bobbin. It helps

keep dust and fuzz fromgathering

TROUBLE WITH YOUR TENSION?

O Check that both the machine and bobbin arecorrectly threaded. If these aren't exactly right, thiscan cause incorrect tension. Also check that the threadon the bobbin is wound correctly. If it's too tight or tooloose, it won't feed through the machine and makeeven stitches. Another good tip is to use the samethread in the machine and the bobbin – even slightlydifferent threads can unbalance the tension

Top tip Don't use polish to clean

your machine – thechemicals and moisture

may damage it. Remove

any dust with a

lint-free cloth




Oh Sew Sweet Shop

6- 7 Fountain Parade

Mapplewell, Barnsley

S75 6FW, 01226 386863

www.ohsewsweetshop.co.uk

Reasons to be cheerful?

* Wide range of fabrics from major manufacturers.

* Excellent range of accessories, waddings & haberdashery.

* Spacious workshop space for our very popular classes.

* Large FREE car park & close to other shops & Tea rooms.

*10 minutes from Jct 38 M1, Call in or see us online!



R un by husband and wife team,

Simon and Dorte, this online

retailer specialises in quality,

modern dressmaking fabrics.

Can you tell us a bit about how Dragonfly

Fabrics was set up?

e business was set up by myself (Dorte)and my husband Simon, my husband, tosupply quality modern dress fabrics. WhenI started teaching sewing classes in my

workshop five years ago, I thought it would

be a good idea to have fabrics at hand forpeople to start sewing straight away in theirfirst lesson so we started stocking somefabrics from Germany, which everyone

loved. We expanded our range and set up asan online shop specialising in dressmakingfabrics. We’ve now been trading for fouryears.

What were you doing before you set

up the business?

I studied fashion design and pattern makingin Germany and then went to London to workfor Vivienne Westwood, Hussein Chalayan,

Markus Lupfer and Clements Ribeiro.

What key brands do you stock?

Robert Kaufmann cotton chambrays and linenblends, Amy Butler and Anna Maria Horner

rayons, Westfalenstoffe printed cottons andlinen, as well as a large range of Italian boiledwool knit, great selection of dress cotton lawnfabric as well as pretty poplins, viscose jerseys,bamboo and also rayons.

What’s selling well right now?

Our most popular fabric at the moment isprobably our boiled wool, Stuart Hillard usedit during the first Great British Sewing Beefor his grey jacket, which was fun, and sincethen we have really expanded our boiled

wool range. Striped jersey, bamboo jersey aswell as printed cotton voiles are increasingly

popular and with spring approaching our

Dragonfly Fabrics

bio/eco linens are starting to sell well. estretch cotton jacquards and stretch crêpefabrics are also very popular as they canbe used all year round.

Do you have any new or upcoming

collections/products you’re particularly

excited about?

We will be getting more rayons in soon from

Joel Dewberry and will be extending ourpopular striped cotton jerseys in different

weights. As well as this we are looking tostock faux leather/leathertex which is veryfashionable with the designers at the momentand perhaps related to Fiy Shades of Grey …!We will also be getting in a lovely range of

stretchy cotton fabric which are great forcomfortable summer dresses, tops and blouses.

Do you have special promotions we

can look out for?

At the moment we have 15% off for LoveSewing readers with the code ‘LOVE16’

(expires April 30th) as well as a good range ofspecial offers, which the code can be used foras well to get some really special deals.

What kind of service do you offer for

online shoppers?

We set up our website in order to offer asite easy to navigate and also we place great

importance of having good photography anda swatch service with large size swatches.We aim to send all orders out within 1-2 daysand offer free returns. Postage is between£1.50-£3 depending on the value of order.

I am also really happy to answer anydressmaking questions people may have oradvice on projects/patterns or suitable fabric.

Do you sew or cra yourself? If so, what’s on

your sewing table at the minute?

e Colette Dahlia dress is one of projects Iwould like to finish before the weather warmsup as I have used our lovely navy VenetianWool Twill for the dress. I also have a numberof projects on the go including a wool jacket

and for spring a faux-leather mini skirt!

Visit www.dragonflyfabrics.co.uk for

more information

U se t he c o d e

L OV E 16 f o r

15 % o f f a l l

o r d e r s




e workshops pages are having a spring clean, we hope you like the new look! We will be

featuring four sewing course providers per issue in more detail, telling you about several theclasses they have coming up. If there’s anyone you’d like to recommend that we feature do pop

over to our Facebook page and let us know who. Don’t forget to leave a link so we can take a look

Rutland Sewingwww.rutlandsewing.co.uk Beginners and improvers can enjoy

dressmaking, patchwork and quilting, soft

furnishing, re-upholstery and computerised

machine embroidery and software in the

fully equipped sewing school in Rutland.

27th March & 19t h April Stripy QuiltA beautiful quilt is made from simple strips

of contrasting fabrics to make the blocks.

Although it is a good introduction to quilt

making, some experience of using a ruler

and rotary cutter and sewing a ¼” seam is

required. The full-day session will give you

the skills and knowledge to put the blocks

together and complete the quilt.

Cost: £50 for both days

Ministry of Craft www.ministryofcra.co.uk

Ministry of Cra in Manchester have a team of

experienced tutors ready to help you experience

the fun and satisfaction of being creative.

28th March Overlocking for BeginnersYou’ll learn how to get a ‘shop-bought’

professional finish on your future sewingprojects and give you the skills to enhance

(and strengthen!) everything from bags to

baby blanket to blouses, along with a whole

host of useful hints and tips. Demystify how

to thread up an overlocker correctly, along

with some all-important trouble shooting and

learn how to sew a number of stitches.

Cost: £37.50

28th March Master Zips & ButtonholesYou’ll learn about the different types of zips

and which ones you need for which project.

Then learn the practical sewing skills needed

28th March Pompom Bunnies & ChicksAn ideal Easter class for the children. Children

between the ages of 8-11 are welcome to the

morning session and the aernoon session

is for children aged 12 and over. ey will

be shown how to make adorable pompom

bunnies and chicks.Cost: £20 including materials

29th MarchDesign Your Own SkirtsA chance to take the first steps in pattern

cutting and designing your own skirts. You

will learn to dra a skirt block and adapt it

to any style you like.

Cost: £25

10th AprilLillies & Fuscias Wall Hanging Learn how to make a unique appliqué wall

hanging with tutor Amanda Boundy using

small remnants of fabric and notions.

Cost: £35

18th AprilButterfly Sling Bag A fantastic opportunity to make the fabulous

bag pictured above from US designer Emmaline

Bags for the summer months. e tutor is Sara

from Yay! Bags.Cost: £35

to sew a regular zip and invisible zip – a ll

used in making up clothes, cushions and

bags. You will also learn how to make

perfect buttonholes too.

Cost: £37.50

4th April Sew A Tunic Dress Or Top

This fashion-focused tunic dress, with aflattering boat neck, is the perfect everyday

wear. It’s the perfect project if you’re a

wannabe dressmaker as you’ll learn how

to use a pattern block and cut your fabric

correctly. You will also be guided through

heaps of dressmaking skills including hems,

seams and bust darts.

Cost: £69

11th April Sew A Girl’s DressMake a little girl's day with a gorgeous A-line

dress. Bring along your own choice of fabric,

then get to grips with understanding and

using pattern blocks. The tutor will guide

you through seams, hems and facings and

you’ll learn how to sew perfect buttonholes,

which sit prettily on the shoulders.

Cost: £45

25th April Beginner’s Sewing – Zip &Buttonhole CushionsIf you want to give your sofa a new lease of

life learn how to make two simple matching

(or contrasting!) cushions to brighten up

your home. Suitable for absolute beginners.

Cost: £65



Make Do & Mendwww.makedomend.comBased in Chelmsford, Essex, Make Do and Mend

are a modern cra studio who want to help

keep traditional skills alive. ey have a packed

timetable of cra classes throughout the year.

4th April Square Patchwork & Quilting Join this beginner’s course to learn the square

patchwork technique and use a sewing machine to

create a mini quilt or cushion cover. You will learn

turning out techniques, measuring hints and tips,

how to attach wadding and ways to create that

classic quilted effect.

Cost: £40 – All materials included

9th April 4-week Sewing courseMake a new project each week in this evening

class. A Fantastic sewing course for completebeginners and upward. Each week learn a different

skill and process whilst making a different project

aer each session. You’ll learn how to make a

reversible tote bag, a cushion with a twist, an

apron with a frill & pleated pocket and an item

of your choosing for the last session.

Cost: £125

14th April Folk ArtLearn from Sharon Blackman, an experienced and

talented textile artist renowned for her fantastic

work. is course will include tips on applique and

simple hand embroidery stitches while you learn to

make a vintage-style picture using recycled fabrics.

Cost: £39 – All materials included

17th April Pyjama BottomsMake your own pattern and learn to sew comfy

pyjamas at this beginner’s sewing course. Bring

with you an old pair and you will be shown how

to take a pattern, an excellent skill to learn and

an easy way to learn it. You will add a band of

contrasting fabric around the bottom and gather

them with elastic with a ribbon to finish. You

will want to wear them home!

Cost: £40

18th April Freehand Pattern Cuttingwith Chinelo Bally Learn how to make a garment using the freehand

cutting method with Chinelo Bally (contestant

on e Great British Sewing Bee). is course

focuses on a stylish peplum top or, made longer,

a beautiful dress to impress! You will learn how

to transfer your measurements directly onto the

fabric and dart your garment pieces to take thebody’s contours.

Cost: £90

Exeter Sewing Machine Centrewww.exetersewing.co.uk is Devon-based, family-run business run a

wide variety of sewing courses throughout the

year in their 2 class rooms.

28th March Free-motion Embroidery

for BeginnersLearn this fun and popular technique with

Liz Kegan, author of e Sewing Machine

Embroiderer’s Bible. e class covers all the

basics and then follows with learning how to

control your machine for free motion sewing.

Use pieces of fabric, organza and netting with

lots of free motion stitching to create a textile

panel. You will learn to control stitch length,

size and direction.

Cost: £40

10th April Machine Appliqué for Beginnersis class teaches the fusible (raw edge) method of

appliqué, which is perfect for beginners. It is also

ideal for those who just want to know the basics

in order to incorporate appliqué into their own

quilting, cra and dressmaking projects.

Cost: £45

15th April Advanced Overlocking Techniqueis course covers decorative stitches, such as

rolled hem, blanket stitch, lace insertion, cor-ners and obtaining various effects with different

threads. A good follow on to the overlocking

for beginner’s course (8th April).

Cost: £55

17th – 18th April Patchwork & Quilting for BeginnersTwo-day class in which you will learn the basic

techniques for the entire process of making

a patchwork quilt. e aim of the class is to

keep it simple, whilst introducing you to the

wonderful world of quilting.

Cost: £75 for both days

22nd April Know Your Sewing Machineis class is designed to give you confidence

with your machine. You will be taken step by

step through what each part does. You will

learn about threading, tension, presser feet and

the most important utility stitches – including

buttonholes and invisible zip insertion. You

will leave feeling confident that you understandyour sewing machine.

Cost: £48



Online fabric shop for unique European fabrics from Hilco, Stenzo,Swafing, Lillestoff and Polytex. Farbenmix and Mamu design patterns and

the popular OTTOBRE design sewing magazine for women and kids.

If you want something a little bit different then visit us at

www.dotsnstripes.co.uk

10 % o f f y o ur o r d e r w i t h co d e :Lo v e Se w i ng

Fabrics PlusPatchwork & Quilting Fabrics inc Jelly Rolls, Fat Quarters, Charm Packs etc.

Daywear and Bridal Fabric Large Range of Haberdashery

Knitting Wool & Patterns Sewing Patterns

19 Badminton Road, Downend, Bristol, BS16 6BB

Tel: 0117 3293857

www.fabricsplus.co.uk

MATERIAL NEEDSWhenever you sew or knit, you need the right materials,whether it is dress or quilting fabrics, wools/yarns,needles/pins, threads, buttons or ribbons.

We have a wonderful selection of all these, together with

a great range of haberdashery products, and there is more!

All this with helpful, knowledgeable and courteousservice to support you.

Why not try us?

Tel: 01278 794751

79 High Street, Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, TA8 1PEwww.material-needs.co.uk [email protected]

The world’s most innovative fabricsLinton Tweeds design and weave luxury fabrics for the

world’s most exclusive fashion houses

See our website for the Linton Direct collection

www.lintondirect.co.uk



Centre Front Studio is a sewing and textile studio that

teaches industrial and couture techniques.

Learn how to : • Sew

• Pattern Cut and Drape

• Construct Garments

• Make soft furnishings for the home• Make accessories

1 Alexandra Street, Wallsend, Tyne and Wear, NE28 7SP

www.centrefrontstudio.co.uk

7 High Street Passage, Ely, Cambs CB7 4NB

01353 664000

Lovely fabrics, sewing supplies,

books & magazines, workshops,

sewing machine sales, servicing & repairs

**New online shop coming soon**

www.sewmuchtodo.co.uk

01572 756468

www.rutlandsewing.co.uk Unit 1a, Rutland Garden Centre/Retail Village,Ashwell Road, Oakham, Rutland, LE15 7QN

Fabric, Haberdashery

Knitting, Patterns, Books

Classes and Workshops



GET 20% OFFJERSEY FABRIC AT WHITE TREE FABRICS

Love the flattering fit of knit jersey fabrics? Well,we’ve got a treat for you. White Tree Fabrics areoffering Love Sewing readers an exclusive 20%discount on their jersey fabrics, including thePonte Roma-style material you’ll want to makethis issue’s Great British Sewing Bee Drapey Dress.

Get yours now: To claim your discount, headtowww.whitetreefabrics.com and enterLOVESEWING at checkout before 25th April 2015.

Discounts &

giveawaysR e a d e r

Of f e r s

WIN one of three

copies ofSew-licious

Little Things

This lovely newbook is full ofgreat inspirationfor turning small

bits of fabrics into beautiful projects,perfect for using up odds and ends ofyour dressmaking projects for somematching accessories! We’ve got threecopies from our friends at Cico Books

up for grabs.

Get yours now: Sew-licious Little Things ispublished by Cico Books, £14.99www.cicobooks.com

WIN a Hemline invisible zip

insertion bundleAn invisible zip is a key part of yourdressmaking arsenal, so make sureyou’ve got the right tools for the job byentering our competition to win a bundle

of sewing machine feet for insertingthem. With this collection from Hemline,you’re sure to have the perfect foot foryour machine, and for all your invisible zipneeds. We’ve got five bundles to give away.

Get yours: Hemline products are availablenationwide from cra, haberdashery andsewing stockists. For stockists’ details

[email protected]

Your chance to win sewing kits, patterns, helpful tools and get an exclusive discount on jersey fabric


READEROFFERS



WINa Real Leather Saddlebag kit from Fabric

Godmother, worth £40

Working with leather can be tricky, but this chic kit from online retailer Fabric

Godmother gives you all the pleasure of leather sewing and none of the pain.Pre-cut and punched, the kit includes everything you need to make this

stylish satchel, including a special needle and thread for the sewing.It’ll be hard to believe you’ve made this yourself!

Get yours: Godmother stocks a whole range of these satchel kits online atwww.fabricgodmother.co.uk

WIN two sets of Fiskars rotary cutters and

A1 cutting mats, worth £34 each

To rotary cutter or not to rotary cutter is an on-going debate in thedressmaking world. Quilters swear by them for easy cutting, butit seems not everyone who sews garments is convinced they’re

better than good, old-fashioned scissors. Lots of close-ups on theSewing Bee of contestants (particularly Matt) rotary cutting awayhas sparked interest again, so what better way to find out whetherit works for you than to enter our competition to win one with amatching A1 cutting mat, perfectly sized for dressmaking.

Get yours: Fiskars products are widely stocked, including in thehaberdashery department at John Lewis.

WIN a SewEasy fat

quarter bundle

These SewEasy Fat Quarters have gotus feeling the love with five pretty patterneddesigns in each bundle. Made with 100% cotton andperfect for craing small keepsakes, we’ve got four to

give away worth £60.

Get yours: Sew Easy products are available nationwidefrom cra, haberdashery and sewing suppliers. Forstockists’ details email [email protected]

How to enter For a chance to win one of these prizes, enter your details,

along with thename of the product you want to win, at

www.ppjump.co.uk/lovesewing12By entering this competition you accept that your details may be passed on to a third party.

Competition open to UK entrants only. Closing date 30th April, 2015


READER OFFERS



THE SEW NG SHOP North Devon

Shirmart Crafts

For all of your cardmaking,jewellery, knitting, crocheting

and sewing needs.

77 High StreetIlfracombe

DevonEX34 9NQ

Open 6 days a week.

✆ 07976 603823✆01271 268353

POPPY PATCHWORK

71 Westbury Hill, Bristol BS9 3AD

Tel: 07900 927279

• Fabric & Wadding

• Haberdashery & Notions

• Patterns & Books

• Workshops

www.poppypatchwork.co.uk

CRAFT CORNER• Huge range of 100% cotton fabrics,

polyester, felts and calico.

Phillimore Garden Centre,Cambridge Road,

Melbourn, Hertfordshire, SG8 6EYTel: 01763 268686

11-12 George Arcade, South Molton, Devon,

EX36 3AB, 01769 574071

Patchwork and quilting supplies. Classes

and workshops.

Open 9am - 5pm Monday to Saturday

www.stepbystep-quilts.co.uk

SEW SIMPLE

Lady Heyes Craft Centre,

Kingsley Road, Frodsham,

Cheshire, WA6 6SU

Email: [email protected]

• We are Quilting and Patchwork specialists

offering a large range of 100% cotton

fabrics and quilting accessories.

• Lessons are available too.

Based in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex,

we are a friendly, well-stocked craft

shop, stocking a wide range of craft

products and supplies.

tel: 01702 512 289

[email protected]

• We sell plain and pattern polycottons, net, dressand curtain lining, muslin, plastic table coverings,

fleece and our new gorgeous range of 100% cotton fabrics including Gutermann, all fabrics available in

fat quarters. Have a look at our products page to seeimages of some of our fantastic stock.We also stock acrylic knitting yarns and

Babycashmerino and Juliet Summer Tweed from theDebbie Bliss range. A range of beautiful pattern booksare also available and a full range of DMC embroidery

threads.

17 Moor Street, Chepstow, Gwent. NP16 5DB01291 627056 www.thesewingshopchepstow.com

FOBBLES

Gubbergill, Irton, Holmrook, Cumbria

CA19 1YQ | 01946 724764

Specialists in Patchwork, Quilting & Needlecrafts

Fabrics, threads, patterns, books, magazines

Variety of workshops available

Tailor made retreats to suit your group

Swift effi cient mail order service

www.fobbles.co.uk

Workshops

GREENS FABRICS OF

BLACKBURN

Tel: 01254 680954

www.fabricsand

materialsonline.co.uk

North DevonHaberdashery

Essex Needlecras Bristol

Cheshire Monmouthshire Cumbria

Essex

AND SEW ON FABRICS• Family-run business, set within a beautiful craftcentre, for all your fabric needs. Michael Miller,Dashwood studios, Riley Blake, Moda etc. Also

furnishing and dressmaking fabrics.

Unit 12, Blake House Craft Centre,Rayne, Essex, CM77 6SH

Tel: 01376 346532www.andsewonfabrics.com

Haberdashery

BANBURY SEWING CENTRE57 Parsons Street, Banbury, Oxon, OX16 5NB

Tel: 01295 262344Email: [email protected]

• Suppliers for sewing, knitting, craft, felting andmuch more. Telephone orders welcome.

Aldershot Haberdashery

THE BUTTONHOLE• We stock a range of high quality dress

and crafting fabrics. An extensive range ofhaberdashery. Crafting kits.

53 Chapel Street, Chorley, PR7 1BUTel: 01257 260900

Suffolk

BECCLES SEWING & HANDICRAFTSDRESSMAKING & CRAFT FABRICS,

HABERDASHERY & CRAFT REQUIREMENTSSEWING MACHINES REPAIRS & SALES

Authorised dealer for:JANOME, BROTHER, BABYLOCK, SILVER,

ELNA, SINGER, JUKI, ALFA & FRISTER+ROSSMANN.

15A, Blyburgate, Beccles, Suffolk NR34 9TB

01502 714234




FREE

Matilda tunic patternand tutorial

PLUS!

Exclusive

pattern gi withevery issue

PLUS!FREE Wild

ingspinaforedresspattern

All contents subject to change

ON SALE 23RD APRIL 2015


& lots more simple, stylish sewing projects

Simple Sew sew ing patterns are designedw ith sty le ande aseofc onstruction in mindfor themodern stitcher. Your pattern comesw ith full w r itten anddraw n instructions,

online tutor ialsand f ull emails upport to help yout oc reate y our own st yle...simply .

M A DE IN T HEUK

Size U K 8-20

A dv ancedL ev el

T he F loating Bodice Dr ess

’

, -

.

. .

t t t t

’ ’

’ ’

’ ’

’ ’ ’ ’

’ ’

’ ’

’ ’ ’ ’

’ ’

’ ’

’ ’

’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’

S ew in g P a t te r n s

’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’

’ ’

‘ ’

.

’ ’ ’ ’ ’ ’

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

e ea sie st

cur t ain s ev er

S e w i n g r oom s t or a g e

Tea towel u pc ycle s

Next month in



30-MINUTEMAKE

For a shirt that has seen better days, this quick andclever restyle will have it back to work as an apron

with a dash of boyish charm

Project: HEATHER M LOVE

Using a ruler and tailor’s chalk, draw a line

on the front of the shirt beginning at the neckwhere it meets the right shoulder seam to theright underarm of the shirt. Repeat for thele side of the shirt. (See Pic A.)

Turn shirt to backside and draw anotherline across from underarm to underarm. Next,draw another perpendicular line from the backcentre point to the underarm line. (See Pic B.)

Cut away the sleeves following thelines you have drawn. Starting at the rightunderarm seam, trim up the RS to just

below the neck seam, then follow thisseam around the back to the le side of

the garment. Now trim along yourmarkings to the le underarm.

Turn work and continue to cut along theunderarm line across the back of the shirt.Take care to trim through the back layer only.

If you have done your trimming correctly thesleeves and upper portion will come away,leaving the collar attached. Lastly, cut alongthe centre line at the back of the shirt.

Hem the edges on either side of the

vertical cut that you made up the back of the

Skill level: : OO

MATERIALS:

O collared men’s shirt

O 4m double-fold bias tape

O co-ordinating thread

O ruler

O tailor’s chalk

30-mi nu t e

m ak e

Pic: A Pic: B

30-minute Sewingby Heather M Love ispublished by SearchPress, £6.99www.searchpress.com

Upcycled

shirt and press seams. All other trimmededges will be finished using your bias tape.

Fold the bias tape in half to find centrepoint. Match this point to the centre back of

the collar and pin into place along either sideof the collar, down the front of the shirt andaround to the hemmed seams at the back.Top-stitch your bias tape into place and finish

by pressing seams.




For more information Download our latest

brochure now from;

www.hornfurniture.co.uk

Hornwww.hornfurniture.co.uk

Crafting… Quilting… Sewing

Furniture

Order yours now from your nearest Horn specialist listed below or contact us on 01793 834304 for more information

BedsTudor Rose,Patchwork,Oakley, 01234 824983www.tudorrosepatchwork.co.uk

BerksSew Devine,Reading 0118 926 8664www.sewdevine.co.uk

Sewmaster Sew/Machines,Reading 0118 957 1845www.sewmaster.co.uk

BristolDirect Sew/Machines,Bristol 0117 977 8216www.direct-sewingmachines.co.uk

CambsSewcreative, Cambridge01223 350691www.sewcreative.co.uk

Cheshire Jaycotts, Chester01244 394099www.jaycotts.co.uk

CornwallDirect Sew/ Machines,Redruth, 01209 216942www.thesewingstudio.co.uk

Devon Exeter Sew/Machines,Exeter 01392 275660www.exetersewing.co.uk

Dorset Hansons Fabrics,Sturminster Newton 01258 472698www.hansonsfabrics.co.uk

EssexSuperstitch, Leigh on Sea01702 478830www.superstitch.co.uk

Dowlings Sew/mach,Wickford 01268 562022www.dowling-sew.co.uk

Greater LondonSew-works,Ewell, 0208 393 8488www.sewworks.co.uk

Lewisham & Deptford Sew/Mach0208 6921077www.sewingmachinesuk.co.uk

Regent Sew/Machines,Ilford 0208 478 0669www.homeofsewing.co.uk

Wimbledon Sew/Machines,Wimbledon 0208 542 5240www.wimsewretail.co.uk

Greater ManchesterBambers Sew/Machines,Manchester 0161 707 7786www.bambersew.com

GlosWestend Sew/Centre,Cheltenham 01242 244025www.westendsewing.co.uk

HantsHampshire Sewing Machines,Fareham 01329 280499www.hampshiresewingmachines.com

HertsRona Sewing Machines,Waltham X 01992 640250www.onlinesewingmachines.co.uk

Sewfine Sew/Machines,Watford 01923 693734www.sewfine.co.uk

KentThe World of Sewing,Pratts Bottom 01689 638638www.worldofsewing.com

CCB Sew/ Machines,Rochester, 01634 841597

www.ccbsewing.co.uk

Maidstone Sewing Centre,Maidstone 01622 670254www.sewingmachinesuk.co.uk

Ashford Sew/Knit Centre, Ashford, 01223 620948www.sewingcentres.com

The World of Sewing,Tunbridge Wells 01892 533188www.worldofsewing.com

Welling Sew/Machines,Welling 0208 304 0470

LancsDalby & Jones Ltd.,Preston, 01772 254558www.sewingmachinespreston.co.uk

Etty-Lilly,Bolton le Sands, 01524 734713www.etty-lilly.co.uk

Hobkirk Sew/Mach Ltd.,Blackburn 01254 693555www.hobkirk.co.uk

Lords at Oswaldtwistle Mills,01254 389171www.lordsewing.co.uk

S A Sew/MachinesRochdale 01706 355529www.sasewingmachines.co.uk

The Sew/Knit Centre,Southport, 01704 534688

LincsCouling Sew/Machines,Lincoln 01522 521841www.coulingsewingmachines.co.uk

NorfolkSew Creative, Norwich01603 305888www.sewcreative.co.uk

Sew/Mach World, Kings Lynn01553 773362www.sewingmachineworldonline.co.uk

NorthantsSew-Northampton, Northampton01604 637200www.sewing-centres.co.uk

NottsColes Sewing Centre Ltd.,Nottingham 0115 988 1550www.colessewingcentre.co.uk

Singer Sewing Centre,Beeston, 0115 922 3904www.singershop.co.uk

OxonGTS Sew/MachBanbury 01295 701384www.gtssewingmachines.co.uk

ShropsSewing Centre, Shrewsbury01743 343902www.sewingmachinesshropshire.co.uk

SomersetBredons Sew/Machines,Taunton 01823 272450www.bredons.co.uk

Husqvarna Studio, Bath01225 482413www.husqvarnastudiobath.co.uk

SuffolkSew creative, Bury St. Edmunds01284 755459www.sewcreative.co.uk

SurreyThe World of Sewing,Croydon 0208 681 1811www.worldofsewing.com

Sewmaster Sew/Machines,Guildford 01483 567609www.sewmaster.co.uk

Tyne & WearTullys, Sunderland0191 565 7995www.tullyssewingmachines.co.uk

The Fat Quarters,Newcastle 01207 56572801207 565728

Singer Machines Ltd,Whitley Bay 0191 252 5825www.sewingmachine-sales.co.uk

West MidlandsBrewers Sew/Mach Ltd.,Wolverhampton 01902 458885

www.brewersuk.co.uk

D.C.Nutt Sew/Machines,Bloxwich 01922 497603www.dcnuttsewingmachines.co.uk

Frank Nutt Sew/Machines,Kings Heath.0121 444 3978www.franknutt.co.uk

L.M.Nutt Sew/Machines,Sutton Coldfield 0121 373 5497www.nuttsewingshop.co.uk

WiltsCloth of Gold,Wootton Bassett 01793 853908

WorcsCreative Hands 2,Worcester 01905 24940

www.creativehands2.co.uk

Yorks Whiterose Sew/Craft CentreHarrogate 01423 503767www.whiterosesewing.co.uk

Flynns Sew/centre, At Browns of York,01904 561234www.flynns-york.co.uk

Helens Houses,Doncaster 01302 708227www.helenshouses.co.uk

M.K.C. Sew/MachLeeds 0113 245 3156Www.mkcservice.co.uk

ScotlandDavid Drummond,Edinburgh 0131 539 7766

Pembertons Sew & Craft Centre,Stirling 01786 462993www.psmc.co.uk

WalesNewport Sew/Centre,Newport 01633 284646www.jbsewing.com

Sew/Mach Direct, Wrexham,0800 092 5215www.sewingmachines.co.uk

Finished in 3 attractive, durable

finishes available from stock.

Handy storage areas including 2

removable storage accessory

boxes. Extra storage can be added

by purchasing the Horn ‘Rolla

Storage’ unit

Fantastically compact—only2½” by 1½” when its closed

Fitted with a convenient lift up

back working area which is ideal

for supporting heavier, larger

projects helping to eliminate

’needle dag’.

Delivered fully assembled by our

ow n delivery vehicles.

A flatbed insert custom cut to fit

your sewing machine- i ncluded

Fitted with our easy push down

release air-lifter system. With just a simple push down it will lift your

sewing machine into either a

flatbed or to a free- arm position

making it ready to be used in a

matter of seconds.

Even with its compact dimensions

this cabinet is still capable of fitting

virtually all sewing machines

except for a few of the very largest

ones on the market today. (For

these larger machines you will

need one of our cabinets fitted with

a ’maxi’ air-lifter. If you have any

doubts, please contact us to find

out more information on fitting

your particular brand and model of

sewing machine)

7 large lockable smooth running

castors; so its easy to move around

and well supported whilst its being

used.

Set your sewing machine up in seconds….

…. No need to lift, carry or struggle to find where to use your sewing machine again!

T he small se

w in g cabin

et

w it h bi g id

eas!

The Horn

Gemini C a n ’ t g e

t t o s e e t h e o n e

y o u ’ d l i k e ?

Co m e see o u r ra n

ge a t a n

exh i bi ti o n .

Vi si t u s a t

w w w. h o r n

f u r n i t u r e. c

o. u k/ e v e n

t s/

to f i n d o u t wh e re

we a re n ext…...

Ask us about our new range of precision made German

scissors….. a perfect companion for your new cabinet.

Possibly the best scissors you’ll ever get to use!



Documents

Love Sewing Issue 12, 2015.pdf