Table of contents for No 31-1 in Australian Stitches

BREAK OUT OF THAT BLACK ONCE AND FOR ALL Yeah, we know. It’s slimming, is always appropriate and goes with everything … and we are not advocating a full-on boycott, as black will always be one of the strongest anchors of any wardrobe … but every so often, it’s nice to lighten up (and soften up − as too much black can drain your complexion). It also doesn’t mean you have to resort to bright colours or bold prints if they’re not your thing. One way to lighten up is to layer classic shades of blonde-ish browns, such as camel, cream, biscuit or cappuccino. These delicious hues are just as classic as black, yet look more interesting when worn tone-on-tone, not to mention more luxurious … and they’re all way…

The key to mix-and-match is having a few super versatile garments. Think about styles that that can be dressed up or worn casually. Ask yourself … Can it be worn with or without belts or other accessories? Does it work with different footwear options? Can it be paired with a range of other mix-and-match garments to create different looks? A good mix-and-match piece will tick a few of these boxes. It doesn’t hurt to have the odd feature garment too, just to add a bit of fun. At Style Arc we’re always thinking about versatile garments that fit within a mix-and-match wardrobe. When we’re designing we’ll often picture our new styles paired with other styles in our range to create different looks. We offer pattern bundles that can be a…

M7260 PALMER/PLETSCH: Unlined vest and jacket have collar and fold-back facings. Pullover top has bias neck and armhole facings, shaped hemline (wrong side may show), and narrow hem. All are loose-fitting. Semi-fitted pants have side pockets, with either waist and leg bands, or elasticized waist and leg casings. Sew in crepes, jerseys, cotton knit or challis, with jacket and vest in sweater knits or wool blends. Misses' sizes: 6 – 22. www.mccallpattern.com…

6402 ‘EASY’ SPORTSWEAR: Pattern features pull-on pants in full or cropped length, and boat-neck knit top with three-quarter-sleeve or sleeveless, and V-neck knit top with long sleeves. Sew tops in jerseys, lightweight double knits, or stretch velvet. Sew pants in cotton and cotton blends, silks and silk types, rayons, crushed velvet, linen and linen blends. Misses’ five sizes in one: XS (6-8) − XL (22-24). New Look patterns at www.simplicity.com…

Selecting the pattern Select a pattern size based on your FULL BUST MEASUREMENT (not bra size). This fitting method is more effective than using a smaller-sized pattern and changing the side seam and reshaping the armhole to adjust the fit that can potentially distort the armhole’s shape and create a wrong sleeve for the pattern. If the waist and hip measurements vary from the pattern selected, those areas are easily changed by simply adding to the hip area. Check the pattern All knit master patterns are developed through a draping process. This special draping technique shapes and eliminates darts by stretching and molding the knit fabric into the desired fit. Once your design is selected, to make sure that the pattern has been correctly draped, the following checks will determine…

V9130 MARCY TILTON TOPS: Pullover top (semi-fitted through the bust) has seam and hemline variations, wrong side shows on hemline, sleeves with slit, and stitched hems. For two-way stretch knits: French terry, rayon/ Lycra jersey, lightweight Ponte, ITY (Interlock Twist Yarn) microfiber knits. V9140 MARCY TILTON COAT/JACKET & PANTS: Very loose-fitting, unlined, wrap jacket/coat has front extending into hood (wrong side shows) and to side-back, no side seams, welt pockets, stitched hems and facings, and two-piece sleeves with slit. Semi-fitted pants (below waist) have elastic waist, side-front pockets, back yoke, back extending to side-front, no side seams, and cuffs. Coat in boiled wool, fleece, or sweater knits, with pants in lightweight jersey or Ponte knit. All styles this page, Misses’ sizes: XS (4-6) − XXL (24-26). www.voguepatterns.com…

Comments from customers about their overlockers generally sift down into two categories. There are those who absolutely love their machine and those who have a love/hate relationship with it. The latter folk generally have not had good instruction, if at all, when purchasing their unit and don’t understand how to thread correctly and how and where to use it successfully. Basically, all overlockers make the same stitch by using one or two needles and an upper and lower looper. The variation in how the different machines actually do this is only very slight. Most of the overlockers on today’s market are 4-thread and they all have differential feed (see further on about this). Some do a little more than others can, but in the mid-range there are certain stitches that…

One of the most popular pocket styles, the trouser pocket is particularly flattering on most figures. It has a diagonal opening from the side seam to the waistline, exposing the side front or under pocket, which is cut from the garment fabric. Unlike the basic inseam pocket, which is inconspicuously located in the seam line of a garment, the slanted trouser pocket is formed when the edge of one garment section is set against another section. They are a conspicuous element on the garment; and, if the pockets are omitted (by sewing the seam without a pocket), the integrity of the design is often compromised. In these directions, the instructions for finishing the bottom of the pocket opening are slightly different from those in most patterns, so the seam will…

Figure evaluation Asymmetrical figures are individual specific. Home sewers hoping to improve garment fit for their particular body must take time to analyse their figure in detail. Such evaluation requires a precise procedure and an objective eye. The ‘body graph’ is an easy way to analyse individual figures and eliminates personal biases developed from years of figure dissatisfaction. See diagram 1. Once completed, the personal body graph is compared to ‘perfect’ proportions. In addition, the identification of profile variations (uneven curves anterior and posterior*) provides useful information for pattern alteration. More importantly, ‘imagined’ figure problems are eliminated and figure assets identified. Assets are critical because the home sewer can successfully camouflage figure challenges by calling attention to these positive qualities. *Note: Evaluation of asymmetrical profiles must include prominent bone variations…

PATCHWORK CROCHET – crochet patterns for cushions, pillows, Afghans and throws By Kristel Salgarollo Patchwork Crochet is a stunning collection of blankets, throws, Afghans and bedspreads inspired by classic patchwork blocks. There are over 12 patterns with variations for throws, bedspreads and cushions that are both practical and beautiful. Designs include crocheted versions of classic patchwork blocks such as the paper pieced Grandmother’s Flower Garden and Nine Patch, as well as Log Cabin and Rail Fence. All the crochet techniques and charts are included to create these unique designs, as well as thrifty tips for using leftover wool and cotton thread. This colourful collection of patchwork patterns will inspire you to pick up your crochet hook and create beautiful pieces to liven up your home. RRP: $29.99ISBN: 978-1-4463-0533-1Publisher: David &…

It happens to the best of us. Managing directors of huge international corporations, who are responsible for thousands of staff and million dollar budgets have been known to crumble when it comes to deciding between the black suit and red blouse or the brown dress and pumps. Globally famous fashion gurus have burst into tears when they suddenly realise that the killer designer outfit they planned on wearing suddenly looks more like the dead victim. People have even avoided going out because the stress of it all was just too much. There is the wise old saying, ‘Life is a banquet and most people are starving to death.’ They were probably starving because they couldn’t decide what to wear to the damn banquet in the first place! This universal dilemma…

KATHERINE TILTON B6253: (Main image and top inset) Loose-fitting, unlined jacket has hood (wrong side shows), neck facing, seam detail, side pockets, sleeves, cuffs, and exposed front zipper. Has drawstring and trim variations. Designed for medium-weight to heavyweight moderate stretch knits, such as double-faced knit, sweatshirt fleece, with contrast in cotton knit or jerseys. KATHERINE TILTON B6254: (Bottom inset) Unlined coat dress (semifitted through bust) has collar, back yoke and sleeves cut-in-one, pocket variations, stitched hems, and front button closing. Designed for medium-weight moderate stretch knits, such as double-knit, Ponte knits or jerseys. All styles this page, Misses’ sizes: XS (4-6) – XXL (24-26). www.butterick.com…

CONTOUR WAISTBAND SITS 2.5cm (1in) BELOW NATURAL WAISTLINE SEMI-FITTED THROUGH HIP SIDE SEAMS HANG PERPENDICULAR TO FLOOR Amazing Fit 1017: Wide-leg pant in two lengths as shown here, and relaxed fit pant in longer length. Pattern also includes separate pattern pieces for slim, average, and curvy fit. Misses' sizes: 6 – 22. www.simplicity.com…

K4134: Pullover tops have round neckline with self-fabric neckband, sleeve length variations and contrast ruffles at lower edge, empire-waist on back. For jersey, cotton interlock, novelty knits, with contrast in chiffon, lace, georgette, charmeuse. K4135: Pullover tops have overlapping fronts with side-front panels, neckline and sleeve variations and stitched hems. For jerseys, interlock, cotton knits, or novelty knits. All styles this page, Misses’ sizes: XS−S−M−L−XL. www.kwiksew.com…

THE BRIGHT SPOT − B6747 Jacket in faux fur, wools or tweed. Miss Petite sizes: 18 – 23. STRIKE A CORD − B6746 Blazer in lightweight wools, tweed or corduroy. Miss Petite sizes: 17 – 22. NEED FOR TWEED − B6705 Jacket and skirt in lightweight wools, tweed or bouclé. Women's sizes: 34 – 46. ZIP IT! − B6703 Jacket in sweatshirting, double-knit jersey, or wool jersey. Women's sizes: 36 – 46. Burda Style patterns at www.simplicity.com…