Table of contents for Issue 119 in Simply Sewing

This bumper issue’s cover star, The Heather Top is a gorgeous blouse with neck tie, flutter sleeves and a pretty peplum, forming a free-standing flounce over the hips! Take your pick from all the beautiful fabrics and prints out there − turn to page 28 for our favourites and for some fabric and styling inspiration − and add an accent colour with your accessories such as handbag or earrings to complete your look. Plus - if you aren’t already a subscriber to Simply Sewing − don’t miss our fabulous subscription offer of free Tilda fabric on page 32, and our 6 Treat Yourself projects to sew with the iconic floral Tilda prints starting on page 34! Take a break to recharge, put your feet up and enjoy reading our fabulous…

THIS ONE GOES OUT TO ALL THE KIDS! Tilly and The Buttons are releasing their fourth book this spring - and their first collection of childrenswear sewing patterns. The book takes you step-by-step through making 24 adorable projects from six full-scale patterns included in the book. The patterns are for sizes 0 to 12 years; mostly unisex (lots of you have been asking for this!) and quick to make - apart from one which is more involved. The garments are all cute, comfy and practical. £26, pre-order at: shop.tillyandthebuttons.com/products/mini-makes ROCKING SMOCKING Learn to smock like a pro! The fashion-forward beautiful Rocking Smocking is a contemporary image-led guide to using joyful colour and bold graphic pattern to create smocking that adds a beautiful decorative touch to handmade garments. £12.99, searchpress.com GET…

6401 DRESS This swingy dress from Burda can be customised in various ways, including the use of pre-embroidered fabric to give it a colourful embellished feel. It features a loose fit with the choice of gathered sleeve bands or billowing frills, and a gathered waist. sewdirect.com PATTERN INSPIRATION Get creative with our pick of the best patterns to be embellished with embroidery this season 1 HEIDI EMBROIDERED DRESS This beautiful child’s dress was designed as a collaboration between Why Not Stitching and Tiny Folk Patterns and is full of old world charm, featuring a loose apron fit, a vintage-length hem, and soft gathers around the waist. It also includes a embroidered wildflower design, with full illustrated instructions provided. whynotstitching.com and tinyfolkpatterns.etsy.com 2 STRATA TOP Designed to be both a practice…

Little ones will look super-cool and chilled in the Avery Jumpsuit! Perfect with a tee underneath or bare shouldered for summer holidays, you can choose to sew with an elasticated hem or a plain cuff hem. Why not add a tassel or pom pom trim for a customised look this festival season? Follow the easy-to-follow pattern, designed by Becky Perry (@patternpaperscissors), included with this issue of Simply Sewing. Turn the page to read Becky's column and browse the full collection of patterns at patternpaperscissors.co.uk…

GET THE FABRIC! Turn to page 32 to get your Tilda Fat Quarter bundle CLEANSING SET YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric A: 35x20cm - Outer■ Fabric B: 35x25cm – Lining and Drawstring Channel■ Fabric C-E: 10x10cm each – Pads■ Towelling: 35x12cm*■ Ribbon, 7mm wide: 1m■ Erasable fabric marker■ Matching sewing thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Use a 1cm seam allowance■ *We used part of a small hand towel to make our pads.■ Use a cup as a template for pads.■ Use an overcast foot or overlocker for the pads.. FABRIC USED ■ The fabric used is from the Farm Flowers blenders set from the Jubilee Collection by Tilda. For stockists visit grovesltd.co.uk CUTTING OUT Step one From fabric A, cut: Outer: two 17x20xcm Step two From fabric B, cut:…

DRAFT YOUR OWN! YOU WILL NEED ■ Existing trousers that fit you■ Main fabric: 3mx150cm■ 3cm wide elastic: 1m■ Iron on interfacing: 30cm■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC USED ■ John Kalder Rossi Viscose Jersey Stretch Knit Fabric, minerva.com (155cm x 300cm) FABRICS RECOMMENDED ■ Light weight/medium weight stretch fabrics such as cotton jersey or viscose jersey. MEASUREMENTS NEEDED ■ Waist■ Length■ Leg Width NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm unless stated otherwise.■ To neaten seams, use an overlocker or zigzag stitch.■ Download Pocket Bag template from gathered.how/ss-templates. CREATING THE PATTERN Step one Fold the existing trousers in half and lay flat along the length of the fabric. Step two Mark along the edges making sure to add the extra length in centre back. 01 Step three Add seam…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Apron■ Paper-backed fusible web: 12x12cm■ Linen: 15x15cm■ Fusible featherweight interfacing: 12x12cm■ Black stranded cotton■ Iron transfer pen■ Tracing paper■ Iron and ironing mat■ 12.5cm Embroidery hoop■ Embroidery needle■ Chenille needle■ Scissors■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates! PREPARE THE APRON Step one Iron the square of fusible web to the back of the apron where you want the new embroidery to go. Step two Iron the square of interfacing to the wrong side (WS) of the linen. 01 Step three Cut out the area of the apron you want to remove. For this example, we removed a 9cm circular machine-embroidered emblem. 02 TIP: You can cut out any shape you like or need! TRANSFER THE DESIGN Step one Transfer the embroidery pattern…

ALPACA PAGE 69 ACTUAL SIZE ALPACA PAGE 69 ACTUAL SIZE ALPACA PAGE 69 ACTUAL SIZE DENIM JACKET PAGE 20 ENLARGE 200% APRON PAGE 65 ACTUAL SIZE Thank you for making these projects from Simply Sewing. The copyright for these templates belongs to the designer of the project. They work hard to create projects for you to enjoy, so please don’t re-sell or distribute their work without permission. Please do not make any part of the templates or instructions available to others through your website or a third party, or copy it multiple times without our permission. Copyright law protects creative work and unauthorised copying is illegal. We appreciate your help.…

AGES 0 MONTHS - 7 YEARS DESIGNED BY PATTERN PAPER SCISSORS JUMPSUIT 1 JUMPSUIT 2 PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheet x1 (Tracing required)■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ Main fabric: 148cm wide fabric: (0-3mths) – (6-12mths): 0.6m (12-18mths) – (4-5 yrs): 0.8m (5-6yrs) – (6-7yrs): 1m■ 1m x 1cm wide elastic for hem (version 1 only)■ Twin needle (optional)■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit RECOMMENDED FABRIC ■ Stretchy fabrics such as cotton jersey, sweatshirting, French terry, stretch crepe, knit.■ Fabric needs at least 10-20% stretch. NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1cm, unless otherwise indicated. Hem allowance is 1.5cm.■ Mark your fabric so you know the right side.■ All stitching on jersey should be done in zig zag stitch (regular machines) or overlockers/sergers.■ A twin needle can be used for…

Whilst we eagerly await the return of the hit BBC One show The Great British Sewing Bee (gathered.how/sewing-bee), we've been inspired by a few other famous TV series and their incredible costumes! Turn to page 46 to meet refashion designer Kate McGuire and find out how her sustainable memades found their way into the costume wardrobe of Sarah Jessica Parker. If you're a fan of the Netflix series Bridgerton, then you're going to adore our exclusive interview with The Bridge Town Ball organiser Ritchy Wedge on page 60. If you're a fan of Georgian and Regency costumes, you're not going to want to miss this!…

We have teamed up with Minerva who are offering five lucky Simply Sewing magazine readers an exclusive viscose challis fabric bundle. Winners can choose which designs they would like, including Minerva’s brand-new designs for spring. There are more than 200 designs to choose from, so there’s something for everyone. The Minerva Exclusive Viscose Challis is printed onto the most fabulous quality viscose challis fabric. It’s a beautifully soft, silky and drapey woven viscose fabric but it has a lovely weight and body that means it is opaque and should not require lining (even the lighter coloured prints). The fabrics are all OEKO-TEX certified, ensuring the meet the best environmental and ethical practices. The full range of all the Minerva Exclusive Viscose Challis prints can be found at minerva.com where you’ll…

Sewing and fashion design has always been a part of my world. As a child my mum would make me clothes by drawing around me on the floor, and many of my ancestors were seamstresses. I found a love for designing things, and making items of clothing or customising my outfits became a big passion, leading me into the world of fashion at university. I went on to spend 16 years in the fashion industry, designing and creating clothing and patterns for the high street and ready-to-wear-brands in the UK. LIFE CHOICES Starting a family gave me a chance to re-evaluate my life choices, and seeing my daughters delicate skin made me think more about the clothes I was putting her in. I questioned the mass-produced clothes from developing countries…

Regular Simply Sewing readers may already be familiar with Kate McGuire of Converted Closet. The self-styled refashion designer, and climate activist with a passion for repurposing vintage clothing was featured in the pages of Simply Sewing back in 2020, and her upcycling journey has taken her in an exciting direction since we last spoke. We caught up with Kate to hear the latest on her Converted Closet adventure, and to find out which very high-profile A-lister is a fan of her conversions. NEW YORK STATE OF MIND Originally from the UK, Kate is now based in New York, one of the most stylish cities in the world. Has living in Manhattan influenced her design choices? “I think a large part of it is a natural evolution, but I’ve been influenced…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Fabric 1 − lightweight water-resistant fabric: 12x40cm■ Fabric 2 − plain quilting weight cotton: 54x37cm■ Foam interfacing: 112 x 40cm■ Matching 3cm webbing: 180cm■ 250g polyester toy stuffing■ Matching sewing thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ We used Showerproof Lining in pale lilac from raystitch.co.uk.■ Tailor’s chalk isn’t effective on water-resistant fabric, so we used an alternative way to mark the lines that will be sewn. Pin holes may show in the water-resistant fabric, so be careful to pin exactly where you will sew, or where holes won’t be visible. CUTTING OUT Step one From Fabric 1, cut: Outer: Two 40x56cm pieces Step two From foam interfacing, cut: Two 40x56cm pieces Step three From Fabric 2, cut: Lining: Two 37x54cm pieces 01 QUILTING THE FABRIC Step…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Ivory linen/cotton fabric: 55x50cm■ Pale pink linen/cotton fabric: 13x10cm■ Light brown linen/cotton fabric: 26x12cm■ Ivory lamb cuddle fleece: 12x23cm■ Calico fabric: 12x23cm■ Blue/grey fleece fabric: 27x37cm■ Mini bobble trim :50cm■ Small balls of wool■ Button■ Length of ribbon: 30cm■ Black stranded cotton■ Extra strong thread■ Long doll needle■ Polyester toy filling: 200g■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Download the template from gathered.how/ss-templates■ Fabric measurements are W x H.■ Cut Hair piece with the pile running towards the back.■ The templates include 6mm seam allowances.■ Fasten off at the beginning and end of stitching, unless otherwise indicated.■ Tack before sewing. CUTTING OUT Step one Download and print the templates. Step two From the ivory linen fabric, cut: Head Side: one pair Head Gusset: one Head Back: one…

MY FAVOURITE THING "Sewing for myself has allowed me to express myself in ways I couldn't before. As a child, I was shy and quiet. I would hide away in simple T-shirts and leggings, trying to avoid any attention. However, after having three kids and gaining weight, I struggled to find beauty in my new body. I wanted to explore new styles but needed help finding my way. That's where sewing came in. Since I started in 2018, I've been able to create clothes in any style I like. "The best part is that my creations fit me perfectly and reflect my personality. I don't have to worry about restricting myself or trying to conform to old standards. My plus-sized body is beautiful, and I own it! Sewing has been…

KATE MCGUIRE New York-based Kate is a refashion designer, and climate activist with a passion for repurposing vintage clothing. Her beautiful creations have been worn by none other than Sarah Jessica Parker on hit TV show, And Just Like That. Read more on page 46. CAI NI LAIGHIN Cai is a freelance crafter and art historian based in Birmingham. Breathe new life into a denim jacket with one of their latest embroidery design on page 20 − encouraging us all to take a moment of mindfulness. LINDA MAFUBA Linda is a Kent-based fashion designer. She is the creative director and owner at MYDEI. She makes custom womenswear under her brand. Sew yourself a pair of her self-draft wide-legged trousers − turn to page 52 to find out how. KAMALI OBIAGU…

Sign up to our newsletter to download your bonus digital copy of Stitch Guide – worth £9.99 – for free! In this guide we showcase over 40 stitches. Start with the basics, such as backstitch and satin stitch, then move onto knots (great for adding detail) and stitches such as fishbone and fly to add texture and embellishment. Try each stitch individually before progressing onto the multi-stitch makes. Download today from try.simplysewingmag.com/bonus-gift. Already a newsletter subscriber? You'll find the link in your weekly newsletter. Enjoy!…

YOU WILL NEED ■ Shirt or blouse with a collar■ Stranded cotton■ Needle with a large eye■ Fabric chalk or pencil■ Scissors■ Basic sewing kit CREATING YOUR DESIGN Step one Start by ironing your shirt and placing it on a flat surface. Button the shirt up and position the buttoned line on top. Draw a straight line across the front, next to the buttons, using your pencil or chalk. Decide on the placement of your heart and ‘break’ the drawn line by adding the heart symbol in between. 01 Step two Measure the length of your button shirt, then double it and add 10cm. This will be the length of stranded cotton that you will need for stitching the front. Cut the thread to size. STITCHING YOUR DESIGN Step one…

The days are getting longer and the flowers are starting to bloom − it's time for some dopamine sewing in preparation for the warmer months ahead! Brighten up your wardrobe and your mood at the same time with this easy-to-wear Heather Top, the perfect pattern for showing off your favourite energetic and cheerful prints. This pretty blouse can be worn with your jeans or dressed up for the office or restaurant with a skirt. This cute peplum is designed so that there is no need to tuck it in and it will really elevate a pair of jeans or complement a bright skirt. The adjustable necktie adds another level of delicate detail − wear it in a pretty bow or leave open or loose. The flutter sleeves skim the upper…

The Fuchsia skirt will be a star addition to anyone's wardrobe, with a zip closure on the back and just-below knee length, you will be able to improve your sewing techniques and add a fabulous new garment to your me-made wardrobe. The skirt has a flat waistband and stylish pleats which create a bell-shape. Make out of light- to medium-weight woven fabric to hold the form. The skirt is hemmed just below the knee for a versatile finish. Add a blouse and dress it up for work, or team with some sandals and a striped tee for a causal weekend look. YOU WILL NEED ■ 2.3mx115/150cm wide fabric■ 50cm iron on interfacing■ 22cm regular zip■ Hook and bar or button■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit NOTES ■ Seam allowance is…

Dearest Gentle Reader, It may have come to your attention that a much-loved Netflix series, which encapsulates the beauty of Georgian and Regency fashion, has captivated a legion of enraptured fans and contributed to the revival in puff sleeves, square necklines and empire line dresses. We are, of course, referring to the phenomenal success of Bridgerton, which is set to grace our screens again with the release of series three this May. We can't wait, can you? Those with a love of Georgian or Regency fashion will recognise that the show’s costume designer, Ellen Mirojnick, used a lot of creative licence in designing the jaw-dropping gowns, wigs, and cloaks that undoubtedly contributed to the show’s success. Viewers couldn’t get enough of the bejewelled ball gowns, embroidered waistcoats, velvet jackets and…

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…

SKIRT PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheets x2 (Tracing required)■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ 2.3mx115/150cm wide fabric■ 50cm iron on interfacing■ 22cm regular zip■ Hook and bar or button■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC SUGGESTIONS ■ Light to medium weight woven fabrics such as linen, cotton lawn, cotton poplin, viscose or Tencel. FABRIC USED ■ Breeze Fuchsia Enzyme Washed Pure Linen Fabric, lamazifabrics.com NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.5cm, unless stated. BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Design by Caroline Akselson and Alexandra Bruce. Supplied by Our Media Ltd, Bristol, BS1 4ST. For individual, private use only and not for commercial or manufacturing purposes. Not for resale. CUTTING LAYOUTS STITCHING TERMS RS/WS: Right side/wrong side of the fabric. The right side usually has…

TOP PACK INCLUDES ■ Pattern sheets x2 (Tracing required)■ Instruction sheet YOU WILL NEED ■ 2.3mx115cm wide fabric or 1.8x150cm wide fabric■ 50cm iron on interfacing■ 58cm regular zip■ Matching thread■ Basic sewing kit FABRIC SUGGESTIONS ■ Light to medium weight woven fabrics such as linen, cotton lawn, viscose or Tencel. FABRIC USED ■ Summer Party Gemstones Green Cotton Sateen, lamazifabrics.com NOTES ■ Seam allowance is 1.5cm, unless stated. BODY MEASUREMENTS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Design by Caroline Akselson and Alexandra Bruce. Supplied by Our Media Ltd, Bristol, BS1 4ST. For individual, private use only and not for commercial or manufacturing purposes. Not for resale. CUTTING LAYOUTS DIAGRAMS WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING © Printed in the UK for Simply Sewing. Design by Caroline Akselson and Alexandra Bruce. Supplied…