Tabla de contenidos para Issue 132 en Simply Sewing

Celebrate the start of the spring season this issue with our cover star The Rosetta Dress, a light and beautiful dress for the warmer days coming. And for little ones, The Heyday Dungarees, designed by Waves & Wild will be the perfect garment for them to run around in the sun! If you’re looking for makes that link your passion for sewing with your green thumb, turn now to page 45 for five projects made to use for your plants, either outdoors or indoors. This issue, we’re also celebrating the 150th anniversary of Liberty Fabrics with an amazing feature where you’ll learn all about the history of Liberty and how they’ve become a staple of fashion and luxury textiles. We’ve made our Rosetta Dress with their gorgeous fabric, which you…

CENTENARY AND A HALF This year, Liberty Fabrics are celebrates their 150th aniversary! To honour this big milestone Nicole Vassell has curated a feature sharing the fascinating history of Liberty and the impact they've had on fashion – turn to page 16 to read more and see some exclusive images from their design archive. This issue's cover star, The Rosetta Dress, was sewn in Liberty's very own Verve Pop Tana Lawn™ cotton. To be in with a chance of winning three metres for yourself, enter our competition on page 25. SIMPLY ELEGANT Sew a garment that will become a staple of your wardrobe! The Dew Top and Dress pattern by the Friday Pattern Company is a simple cowl neck style with big impact. Pair it with striking jewellery for an…

Up your sewing game with quality fabric and a practical sewing box to keep all your essentials! This month, win 3m of Verve Pop Tana Lawn™ cotton and a Liberty Building Tudor Belle Victorian Sewing Box. This fabric is part of Liberty’s SS25 Retold collection and is made of 100% cotton. Verve Pop was designed in 1963 as part of Liberty’s trendsetting ‘Lotus’ collections of the 1960s. The sewing box is inspired by the iconic Tudor-style Liberty store and includes everything you’ll need get started with your next creative hand-sewing project (a tape measure, scissors, seam ripper, needle threader, thread card, 3x needles and 2x plastic headed pins). Check out Liberty’s other iconic fabric collections at libertylondon.com and head over to gathered.how/sew_comps to enter! See gathered.how/sew_comps to enter today! Promoter:…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Activewear 4 way stretch Lycra: 1.5m■ Matching thread■ Pattern paper■ Ruler, scissors, pen and pins■ Leggings and a vest that fit you well■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated. FABRIC USED ■ We used Ethereal blue printed hologram foil stretch fabric and Olympus black activewear Lycra, both from funkifabrics.com LEGGINGS CREATING THE PATTERN Step one Take a pair of leggings that you like the fit of to make your pattern. Fold the leggings in half with the front crotch side facing outwards, line up the outer leg side with the centre of the paper. Starting at the waistline trace down the front rise all the way down to the ankle hem. Mark the hem and centre point. 01…

Sometimes the most meaningful solutions come from life's everyday challenges. As makers, we know that moment of inspiration well – when faced with a wardrobe gap or a specific need that just can't be met by ready-to-wear clothing, we turn to our sewing machines. It's these small moments of creative problem-solving that inspire the biggest lightbulb moments, leading us down exciting new paths. For Sarah Gledson, founder of pattern company Waves & Wild, it was the challenge of finding clothes to fit her tall, cloth-nappied firstborn that sparked what has become a thriving business with her family at the heart. "Jack was a tall, skinny baby," she recalls. "That combination made finding clothing that fit incredibly difficult. So obviously I decided to make my own!" This DIY spirit runs deep…

HERB POT YOU WILL NEED For one planter ■ Paper fabric: 28x54cm ■ Linen fabric: 28x54cm ■ Fabric clips ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit MAKING THE PLANTER Step one Fold your paper fabric in half, right sides (RS) together, so the shorter edges meet. Clip together along the edge. Sew along that edge only, 1cm in. 01 Step two Lay this piece out so that the seam is at the front and central (press the fabric paper flat with your hands to do this). Flatten out the seam allowance. Clip in place, then sew along the bottom edge, 1cm in. 02 Step three Mark a 6x5cm rectangle at each bottom corner and cut the corners out. 03 Step four Bring the edges of one of the squares to…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 1 x fat quarter of corduroy fabric in each of the following colours: dark blue, mint green, lilac, burnt orange ■ Plain lilac cotton: 0.5m ■ 14” lilac zip ■ Quilting ruler and rotary cutter ■ Erasable pen /pencil ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ All seam allowances are ¼”, unless otherwise stated. ■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates PREPARING THE FABRIC Step one Cut the patchwork pieces from the corduroy fabric using a quilting ruler, rotary cutter and cutting mat. 01 Cut 3” squares: 18 x mint green, 18 x lilac Cut 2½” squares: 20 x burnt orange, 16 x dark blue Step two Cut two pattern pieces on the fold from the plain lilac cotton for the bag lining. PATCHWORK -…

Share the love by giving the gift of cuteness and beauty with this charming little bunny toy designed by Lucy Woodrow of Blossom & Friday (blossomandfriday.co.uk). This adorable ballet-bunny is the perfect toy for children, as well as looking great in their bedroom. And if you still feel like a child at heart or just like touches of sweet décor in your home? This lovable rabbit will get all the compliments from your guests... And you get to dress her up with your favourite fabrics, too! Find more cute toy-making patterns at gathered.how/sewing-shop…

HOW TO MEASURE YOURSELF ACCURATELY ALWAYS MEASURE YOURSELF BEFORE you choose a pattern size to cut out. The sizes do vary greatly from pattern to pattern, so it’s always best to measure yourself accurately and then refer to the pattern’s size chart to find your size. The chart will usually be printed on the pattern envelope or on the instructions inside. Measure yourself in your underwear and preferably in the bra you’ll be wearing underneath your garment as this can alter the measurements slightly. Use a fabric tape measure as it’ll curve around your body well for accuracy. You can measure on your own if you stand in front of a mirror, but, for best results, ask a friend to help so they can check the tape measure is sitting…

DRESS A FRONT BACK DRESS B FRONT BACK PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheets x2 (tracing required)■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED Fabric: ■ Dress A 3mx115cm 2.5mx140cm■ Dress B 3.3mx115cm 3mx140cm For all versions:■ 56cm invisible zip■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.5cm unless otherwise stated.■ We recommend making a toile to check fit before beginning. RECOMMENDED FABRICS Light to mid weight woven fabrics, such as cotton lawn, linen, rayon or crepe. Shop more of our dressmaking patterns online at gathered.how/sewing-shop BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Designed and printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Supplied by Our Media Ltd, Bristol BS1 4ST. For individual, private home use only. Not for commercial/manufacturing purposes or resale. CUTTING LAYOUTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Designed and printed in the UK for…

PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x1■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ 30x30cm cotton fabric in light brown (Fabric 1)■ 20x10cm cotton fabric in pale pink (Fabric 2)■ 10x10cm velveteen cotton in pink (Fabric 3)■ 20x10cm patterned cotton fabric (Fabric 4)■ 30x3cm tulle in pale pink (Fabric 5)■ 5x5cm felt in pink (Fabric 6)■ Scrap of cotton fabric in pink (Fabric 7)■ Toy stuffing■ Matching thread■ Embroidery thread in dark brown, pink and yellow■ Embroidery needle■ Erasable fabric marker■ Pinking shears■ Two safety pins■ Turning tool (optional)■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 0.5cm, unless otherwise indicated.■ When marking out the pattern pieces, it’s useful to mark the lines so they’re visible on both sides of the fabric. You can do this by marking one side out and…

Last issue we celebrated our 10th birthday (proud Editor moment!), but this issue we're championing our pals at Liberty Fabrics − who are celebrating their 150th anniversary! Turn to p16 for our special feature, see their new 2025 fabrics on p20, and enter their competition on p24. We love working with creative brands − big and small. This issue we collaborated with Sarah Gledson of Waves & Wild to bring you the oh-so-popular Heyday Dungarees pattern (p38-43). I can't wait to make these for my kids! Finally, enjoy 20% OFF stretch fabric thanks to our friends at Funki Fabrics and their discount code (p34).…

Sign up to our newsletter to download your bonus digital copy of Happy Home Makes booklet – for free! Inside you'll find 10 amazing sewing projects for beginners to brighten up your home by adding lots of colour and fun. Start small with cute coasters and make you way to a comfy fold-out pillow bed or even a beautiful quilt. Don't wait, sign up for yours today at try.simplysewingmag.com/bonus-gift. Already a newsletter subscriber? Lookout for the link to download your bonus gift in our weekly sewing newsletter.…

APRON YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 120x126cm■ Contrast fabric: 24x42cm (for the pocket)■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FABRICS USED We used furnishing-weight fabrics fromjohnlewis.com NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise stated.■ Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates CUTTING OUT Step one Download the apron template and cut it out. Trace the Apron Facing section at the top and cut this out to make a separate pattern piece. Step two From the main fabric, cut one 36x120cm strip, and from that cut: Straps: two strips 18x70cm. Apron Facing: cut this on the fold using the pattern piece. Step three For the Apron Body, fold the remainder of the fabric in half down the 90cm length then place the template on the fold and cut it out. HEMMING THE…

HERB STICKS YOU WILL NEED ■ Linen fabric: 20x25cm ■ Felt: 20x25cm ■ Cardstock ■ Stranded cotton: dark and light green ■ Embroidery hoop (optional) ■ Washable glue stick ■ Bamboo skewers ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download the templates from gathered.how/ss-templates. LAZY DAISY STITCH Step one Come up through the fabric and go back down in the same location, leaving a loop on the surface of the fabric. Bring the needle up through the fabric a short distance from the loop. Catch the loop of thread with your needle. Step two Pull the thread to tighten the loop. Go back down through the fabric on the other side of the loop, tacking it in place. MAKING THE PLANT PICKS Step one Embroider the herb designs…

YOU WILL NEED For the bandana: ■ Cotton fabric: 25x30cm for the small bandana ■ Cotton fabric: 30x40cm for the large bandana ■ Basic sewing kit ■ Pointer FINISHED MEASUREMENTS ■ Large bandana: 17x24cm ■ Small bandana: 13x20cm YOU WILL NEED For the bow tie: ■ Fabric: 12x14cm, for the bow tie ■ Fabric: 6x9cm, for the bow-tie strap ■ Piece of 1cm wide elastic, 9cm long For the bow tie with collar strap: ■ Fabric: 14x14cm, for the bow tie ■ Fabric: 6x9cm, for the bow-tie strap ■ Fabric: 50cm (depending on your neck measurement) x 6cm, for the collar strap ■ Piece of 1cm wide hook-and-loop tape, (4cm) long ■ Basic sewing kit ■ Double-sided sticky tape (optional) ■ Pointer FINISHED MEASUREMENTS ■ Bow tie: 6x10.5cm NOTES ■…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Cotton fabric (2 pieces, each about 15x15cm)■ Thin cotton wadding or felt (about 15x15cm)■ Embroidery thread (we used DMC 892, 3706, 741, 726, and 913)■ Empty charm bracelet■ 5-inch embroidery hoop■ Chenille needle■ Embroidery needle■ Water-soluble stabiliser■ Basic sewing kit TRANSFER THE DESIGN Step one Print or trace the flower pattern onto water-soluble stabiliser and place it on your fabric (or use your favourite pattern transfer method). Place the fabric in a hoop. STITCH THE DESIGN Step one Embroider petal outlines with backstitch, using six strands of bright pink embroidery thread. Step two Stitch the centre of the flower with French knots and scallop stitch, using three strands of yellow embroidery thread. 01 Step three Embroider stem with backstitch using six strands of green embroidery thread. Stitch…

MOA REYNOLDS A Swedish sewist who lives in Edinburgh, Moa’s sewing journey started during the pandemic when she bought herself a sewing machine. She works as a drinks writer, content creator and photographer. Read more in her column on page 26. LUKA WATABE Luka is a Japanese jazz singer with a love for vintage style, who crafts her own dresses for every performance. Passionate for music, art and history, she finds beauty in the world of vintage culture and jazz. See her favourite make on page 82. SARAH GLEDSON Sarah is mum to Jack and Charlie and a former primary school teacher. She’s been designing patterns since 2012, first under the name Made By Jack’s Mum and more recently as Waves & Wild. Learn more about Sarah on page 40.…

The Rosetta Dress is the garment to wear during the sunny Spring days. With its floaty skirt, this dress gives you elegance as well as enough movement to go on walks, dance or lounge in the Spring sunshine (and why not do all three in one day?!). The fitted bodice will embrace your body to give you confidence and style, with its princess seams, the waist is cinched in with gathers. You also get to decide the length of both the sleeves and the skirt. The dress can be made longer or shorter, depending on your own comfort and preferences! Choose floral fabrics to embrace the blooming season or keep it neutral to fit your personal style. No matter how you decide to make it, add this dress to your…

ROULEUR LEGGINGS These innovative leggings from Fehr Trade (modelled here by London Bike Kitchen’s Jenni Gwiazdowski) are a great all-rounder, with up to eight different designs to create thanks to its mix and match pattern elements. View A features a wide waistband, two generously-sized side pockets, and a curvy cut that’s easy to move around in. View B replaces the waistband with a halter-style cycling bib, a banded shorts hem, and stretchy cargo pockets. fehrtrade.com PATTERN INSPIRATION Grab your shears and thread – it’s time to get moving with the best activewear patterns. 1 S9458 MEN'S KNIT TOP AND TROUSERS This two-piece set from Mimi G’s Simplicity collection includes a jacket with raglan sleeves, a high stand neckline, and a front zip opening. Also included are a pair of…

Children need clothes that don't hold their movements, be it running, climbing or jumping in puddles. The Heyday Dungarees from Waves & Wild (wavesandwild.com) are made for kids to feel free to play and explore. What's best, the adjustable straps mean they'll be able to wear them for longer as you can simply adjust as they grow taller! Sew your Heyday Dungarees today and don't forget to tag us in @wavesandwild and @simplysewingmag. YOU WILL NEED ■ 145cm wide fabric:0-3m – 3y: 1m 4y – 6y: 1.3m 7y – 9y: 1.5m 10y – 12y: 1.8m■ Strip of light/medium interfacing:7.5cm x width of your front bib (for the buttonhole option)■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ The pattern is designed to be long and worn rolled up at the ankle.■…

KNEELING MAT YOU WILL NEED ■ Medium-weight cotton canvas: 35x110cm ■ Foam interfacing: 35x110cm ■ Faux leather strap: 50cm, 3cm wide ■ 4 Gold Chicago screws: 6mm depth ■ Toy stuffing ■ Bradawl ■ Flat-head screwdriver ■ Fabric clips ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTE ■ Use a 1cm seam allowance, unless otherwise stated. CUTTING OUT Step one From the main fabric, cut: Front and Back: two pieces 34x52cm. Step two From the foam interfacing. cut: Front and Back: two pieces 34x50cm. Step three From the strap tape, cut: Two 23cm strips. If necessary, depending on the kind of strap tape you are using, carefully heat seal the ends using a lighter or candle, to avoid fraying. MAKING THE MAT Step one Lay out one of the foam interfacing…

YOU WILL NEED ■ 140cm wide fabric: 1.5-2m ■ 8 x 1cm buttons ■ Lightweight fusible interfacing: 1m ■ Tape measure, straight ruler, French curve ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance: 1cm ■ Hem: 2.5cm ■ Pattern can be drafted straight onto fabric using chalk or onto paper to create a reusable template FABRIC USED: ■ Dashwood Chroma Rose Rayon by Rachel Parker anbo.co.uk SUGGESTED FABRICS: ■ Light to medium weight woven fabrics, such as viscose, cotton, silk or crepe. DRAFTING THE DRESS Step one Measure from shoulder to desired length (in our example above the knee) and mark length vertically along the fold. This will be the centre back. 01 Step two Take bust, waist and hip measurements. Add 10cm ease + 4cm seam…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Plain pale pink fabric: 34x36cm ■ Plain cream fabric: 20x14cm ■ Brown plush fabric: 27x14cm ■ Dark green plush fabric: 32x32cm ■ Mid green plush fabric: 36x13cm ■ Maroon plush fabric: 36x13cm ■ Black stranded cotton ■ Polyester toy filling: 100g ■ 2mm thick quilt wadding: 36x13cm ■ Matching thread ■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Find the templates on page 75 or download and print from gathered.how/ss-templates. ■ Fabric measurements are W x H. ■ Seam allowance is 6mm and is included in the templates. ■ Arrows on templates indicate direction of plush pile. ■ Fasten off at the beginning and end of stitching, unless otherwise noted. ■ Tack before sewing. ■ Clip notches in the seams of curved pieces. ■ Tease out trapped fur from…

PLANT POT TOY PAGE 69ACTUAL SIZE All templates are available to download from gathered.how. Scan the code to go straight to the templates page! BAG CHARM PAGE 73ACTUAL SIZE…

Creativity has always been a passion of mine. As a jazz singer, I've always found inspiration from the glamorous icons of the Golden Age of Hollywood to create a unique style. My sewing journey began with my love for vintage clothing. I'd buy vintage pieces but often found myself needing to make alterations. I hoped that buying a sewing machine would help me to make simple adjustments myself. I was wearing a beautiful 1950s vintage dress when I realised 'This is a handmade dress from the 1950s. Why not try and sew one for myself?' Since then, I've been creating clothes, both for my stage performances and everyday wear. As a performer, I always need dresses for the stage but vintage clothes can be expensive. I appreciate the luxury and…

AGES 0-3 MONTHS - 12 YEARS EXCLUSIVE FROM PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x2 (Tracing required)■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ 145cm wide fabric:■ 0-3m – 3y: 1m■ 4y – 6y: 1.3m■ 7y – 9y: 1.5m■ 10y – 12y: 1.8m■ Strip of light/medium interfacing: 7.5cm x width of your front bib (for the buttonhole option)■ 2 buttons (for the buttonhole option)■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ The pattern is designed to be long and worn rolled up at the ankle.■ Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise indicated. SUGGESTED FABRICS ■ Medium weight woven fabric such corduroy, denim or linen. Woven fabrics with a small amount of stretch in them are most comfortable to wear. Sarah, mum of Jack and Charlie, has designed patterns since 2012, recently as…