Sew 04 2015

SEW Cover 70 qx_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:48 Page 1
SEW MAGAZINE
FREE
FASHION & STYLE EXTRA OVER 60 PAGES OF DRESSMAKING ADVICE & TECHNIQUES
MAGAZINE!
1,000
DRESSMAKING
PATTERNS TO
WIN
APRIL 2015
Home&Style
5 in1
PATTERN Stitch&Wear
ISSUE 70
POPPY DRESS
YOUR
FREE
ELibAeSrtyYraS-rEa sW
kirt
5.99
SPECIAL
+ MAY MARTIN
+ SHOW GOSSIP
APPLIQU
CUSHIONS
IN FIVE
STEPS
MAGAZINE
APR 2015
ISSUE 70
5.99
Pencil
skirt
pattern
DOWNLOAD IT
BEST
TEA
PARTY
SET
e
ang
R
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CUTE
BABY
ROMPER
SUIT
*SEW APRIL 15 ISSUE 70_SEW 26/02/2015 10:08 Page 2
Leader_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:45 Page 3
Home&Style
Welcome
Editor
Lorraine Luximon
lorraine.luximon@aceville.co.uk
01206 505420
Deputy Editor
Steph Durrant
stephanie.durrant@aceville.co.uk
Group Editor
Lynn Martin
01206 505980
Publishing Director
Helen Tudor
Suit your style
Advertisement Sales
Clare Dance
clare.dance@aceville.co.uk
01206 505495
Welcome to your Fashion

& Style issue, which is packed
with gorgeous garments to
make, plus expert advice and
how-tos. We have two very special gifts for you
this month; a versatile New Look Poppy dress
pattern and
Style magazine we hope
you enjoy making the frock of your dreams, and are
inspired to try something new!
We also have some great special offers for you,
with 1,000 of New Look patterns to win (see p13
of
Style), plus head over to p19 of your
mag to make a pencil skirt from the latest Sewing
Bee title. You'll find the FREE download at
www.sewmag.co.uk.
Elsewhere we have gone hopping mad (sorry!)
for Easter stitching. With great makes such as cute
April Bunny to stitch (p62) and seasonal decs
(p84), these delights are
Subscribe
sure to add a little fun
TODAY!
to the occasion!
Sarah Collins
sarah.collins@mspublications.co.uk
01206 506255
Jackie Weddell
jackie.weddell@mspublications.co.uk
01206 506221
Jo Bluck
jo.bluck@aceville.co.uk
01206 506253
Art Director
Phil Dunham
Designers
Rick Allen, Gemma Eales
& Clare Brasier
Ad Production
Brian Peck
Photography
CliQQ Photography www.cliqq.co.uk
Accounts
Denise Bubb
01206 505958
Subscription Enquiries/
Back Issues
01795 592967
Website Enquiries
webmaster@sewmag.co.uk
Newstrade Sales
Marketforce 0203 148 3300
Marketing Manager
Andrea Turner
Subscriptions Executive
Fiona Burrows
fiona.burrows@aceville.co.uk
Published By
Aceville Publications Ltd 2015
21-23 Phoenix Court,
Hawkins Road, Colchester,
Essex CO2 8JY
Aceville Publications Ltd
All projects from this issue and the
FREE online patterns are for personal home
use only and cannot be sold or used for commercial
purposes. All patterns that are featured in Sew
are reproduced in good faith that they do not
infringe any copyright.
Happy stitching!
The publishers are not responsible for any safety

issues arising from any items created from projects
contained within Sew magazine.
Check out our fantastic

subscription offers on
pages 50 and 82!
meet our
experts
May
Martin
The Sewing Bee
judge offers
her dressmaking
advice each month.
www.denman.org.uk
Claire-Louise
Hardie
Make the Sewing
Bee's sewing
producer's pencil
skirt from her new book which
accompanies the series.
www.thethriftystitcher.co.uk
Wendy
Gardiner
Wendy talks
perfect
topstitching,
and reveals our pattern of
the month.
www.simplicitynewlook.com
Kate
Smith
Lorraine Luximon,
Editor
While all possible care has been taken to ensure the

accuracy of all projects, we are not responsible for
printing errors or the way in which individual work
varies. Please read instructions carefully before
starting construction.
The owner
of craft hub
The Makery
brings us a stylish pyjama
shorts pattern.
www.themakery.co.uk
GET IN TOUCH Write in and share your creations, tips and views
editorial@
sewmag.co.uk
Subscriptions
01795
592967
Facebook.com/
sewhq
Twitter
@sewhq
Sew Magazine, 1 Phoenix Court,

Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY.
sewmag.co.uk 03
Contents_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:49 Page 1
Get Sew delivered straight to your door!

Subscribe today and receive one of
these books FREE (see p50 & 82).
April
2015
Home&Style
Subscribe at
WWW.SEWMAG.CO.UK
OR CALL 01795 592967
88
11
70
84
In Every Issue
Freebies & Offers
03 Welcome
Say hello to the Sew team.
06 Want it, need it
dress
pattern
11 Poppy
The best news, products, shows and more.
08 Dear Sew
Tips and advice for using your

FREE dress pattern.
FREE
36-page
Magazine
Take a look at our latest reader makes and find

out how you can win stitching goodies.
18
50 Subscriptions
Never miss an issue of Sew subscribe

today for exclusive offers, gifts and more.
Simplicity
Style magazine
60 Q&A
Our experts answer all your stitching

questions and queries.
Your 36-page dressmaking

and home magazine is
packed with advice and
patterns youll love to shop!
83 Bookmark this
Find the best online resources for your stitching.
50% off Simplicity

pattern of the month
Spoil yourself with 50% off Simplicity

1421, a stylish jacket pattern.
13 WIN!
Enter to win a stylish New

Look dress and bag pattern in your
FREE Simplicity Style magazine.
92 Giveaways
Enter our giveaways today for your chance

to win prizes worth over 1,000.
106 My sewing soom
68 Love that fabric...
Next month we have a FREE Simplicity 1467

wardrobe pack, a Sewing Bee shift dress
pattern FREE inside and more!
Kids
70 Tea party set
97 Start right
Make a cute springtime companion.
94 May preview
Get the practical information and advice

you need on all aspects of needlework.
105 Sew on the go
Keep in touch with Sew, wherever you are.
We chat to The Great British Sewing Bees

Alex Florea.
62 April bunny
Home
63 At home with...
Stuart Hillard
Features
Stuart tells us his plans for an

Easter-themed party.
56 Spring stitching
64 Home trends
Our top 10 favourite kits for making

everything from quilts to accessories.
69 Sew personality
We meet Alice Garrett to talk Liberty

and more.
04 sewmag.co.uk
Decorate your home with seasonal shades

and prints.
66 Hare cushions
Create beautiful pillows with this

simple technique.
A quirky April showers print selection for

your home.
Time for tea with Alice in Wonderland inspired
Liberty prints.
72 Quilters corner
Get the latest patchwork and quilt news

and products.
77 Block of the month
Youll love this months Patience block.
The best new releases from Cloud9 Fabrics

and Art Gallery Fabrics.
84 Easter tree decs
Get stitching a fabulous centrepiece.
86 Bunting and bags

Make cute decs for your home.
Contents_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:49 Page 2
WHATS INSIDE
62
Dressmaking & Style
34 pages of fashion, garments and more!
FREE this month!
DRESS
TO
IMPRESS!
NEW LOOK
6184 POPPY
DRESS
77
Stitch ve different
dresses to give your
wardrobe a boost with
the New Look 6184
Poppy dress pattern.
With easy to follow
steps, why not try bold
prints and really
showcase your style?
You can alter the
length and mix and
match belt styles, too!
Flattering
shapes
Five
garment
options
11
FREE NEXT MONTH...
SIMPLICITY 1467 WARDROBE PACK
11 Poppy dress pattern
16 Dressmaking with May
34 Learn with... Vanessa

Mooncie
Use your FREE gift to make five different

dress options.
88 Dog bed & pillow
Pamper your pooch with this set.
90 Susies stitch school
Discover Assisi embroidery and make

a spring Scandi pillow.
Gifts
58 Tortoise pattern weights
May Martin gives advice on lightweight jackets.
18 The really useful guide

Tips for topstitching and more.
19 Lace pencil skirt
Learn how to work with luxury fabrics and

make a stylish skirt.
Our dressmaking prints are inspired by botany

this month.
Adorable baby bloomers in step-by-step.
36 Pyjama shorts
Easy to stitch and made with gorgeous

Liberty lawn fabric.
38 How I made it
Sew meets Caroline Smith from Sew

La Di Da Vintage.
These tortoise-shaped weights will keep

everything in place when cutting.
22 Draped top
96 Spring wreath
24 Liberty ra-ra skirt

Make a sweet little girls skirt.
We review the best sew-all machines on

the market.
Extras
26 Fashion forecast
44 Jersey skirt
52 British Sewing
Award results
28 The busy bee
98 Templates
30 You can do it!

Pattern hacking
A great no-sew adornment for your home.
Your votes are in! Here are your winners.

Find all the templates to make April
bunny and Easter tree decs.
Sew a simple jersey top for spring.
We look ahead with tropical-themed prints.

Lauren Guthrie gets excited for spring.
What it is and why you should try it!
41 Machine spotlight
A great choice for beginners.
47 Best of... Indie patterns
We bring you the latest in the pattern world.
48 Bowling bag
Corinne Bradd shows us how to make

a handy tote.
sewmag.co.uk 05
News_Layout 1 27/02/2015 09:36 Page 2
MEET PATRICK!
Totally tropical
PATRICK
PANDEMONIUM
Ever dreamed of meeting Sewing Bee

judge Patrick Grant? Increase your
chances by purchasing a Singer sewing
machine from an authorised UK stockist
before 31st May and you could win a
place at a half-day sewing session with
the Savile Row tailor himself at Singers
central London stitching school! What
are you waiting for? For further details,
visit www.singerco.co.uk/patrick
Embrace the bold and bring

the tropics indoors with
Harlequins stunning new
range of fabrics and
wallcoverings. Designed by
Louise Collins, Amazilia
consists of seven decadent
prints featuring large scale
flowers and foliage, finely
painted hummingbirds and
butterflies, which are perfect
for home furnishings and
accessories. The
coordinating velvets
collection is also ideal for
creating luxurious
upholstery. Visit
www.harlequin.uk.com
for stockists.
want it,
Things were coveting in the
world of stitching this month
SPRING FRESH
If youre looking to update your home for spring then we think these special edition
cushions by Sarah Campbell are just the ticket. Inspired by nature, each design
depicts birds, butterflies and leaves hand-painted directly onto calico before being
digitally printed onto 100% cotton half-panama. The vibrant illustrations are sure to
bring a fresh feel to your living space. Priced from 40, see
www.sarahcampbelldesigns.com to view the range.
Cute kits
STORAGE TINS
If, like us, your haberdashery collection is crying out to

be organised as it spills over drawers and out of
cupboards, then these colour-popping tins from Berry
Red could save the day. We love the clashing prints and
cute French phrases, plus theyre the perfect sizes for
filling with buttons, bobbins and threads to display on
a sewing table or shelf. Priced from 9.95, visit
www.berryred.co.uk
06 sewmag.co.uk
If youre looking for a quick

stitching fix while watching the
TV, then get your hands on one
of these fun kits from Dunelm
Mill. There are projects for all
abilities, from pincushions and
felt toys to aprons and shoulder
bags. Everything is
pre-measured, all you need to
do is cut and sew! Priced from
7.49 to 14.99,
www.dunelm-mill.com
News_Layout 1 27/02/2015 09:36 Page 3
sew SHOPPING
WIN THE
MAKERY
KITS ON
P92
HABBY
HOUSE
Brighten up your
stitching with the new creative
collection from The Makery. There
is a whole range of colourful
makeaway kits, ribbons and twines
to devour, we are especially coveting
this sewing kit thats great for
beginners. Priced 14.95,
www.wildandwolf.com,
01225 789909.
By the dozen
Add some colourful patchwork prints

to your Easter tree with these cheerful
egg decorations from The Contemporary
Home. In pretty springtime fabrics, why
not hide a dozen in the garden in place
of chocolate eggs for a hunt kids and
health-conscious mums will love.
Priced 2 each, www.tch.net
Diary Dates
19th-22nd March
Sewing For Pleasure
NEC, Birmingham
16th-18th April
Creative Crafts Show
Kings Hall, Belfast
24th-26th April
British Quilt & Stitch Village
Uttoxeter Racecourse,
Staffordshire
26th-1st April
London Hat Week
needit!
Perfect for spring, we adore this 60sinspired button front coat by Coleen
Rooney for Very.co.uk in a fresh lemon
shade. You too
can channel Jackie O by
stitching Burda 7072.
Choose between a straight
style with a cute collar
and pockets, or a simple
collarless variation.
Available in sizes 6-18,
visit www.simplicity
SPRING
HABERDASHERY
Basket of Flowers
sewing kit, 2.95,
www.dotcom
giftshop.com
newlook.com,
0161 480 8734.
Happy Easter ribbon,

2.99 per 5m reel,
Frocks That Rock
www.oakroom
shop.co.uk
Sew La Di Da Vintage, 11th-12th April
Choose from Sew La Di Da Vintages ever-expanding

range of patterns designed for different personalities
and body shapes to make during this two-day
workshop. Small class sizes mean everybody gets
individual tuition so stitchers of all abilities are
welcome and are guaranteed to leave with a
completed dress and pattern to use again.
Priced 120, visit www.sewladidavintage.com
N
R
I
N
A
G C U RV E
E
L
Bunny wood buttons,

4.99 for 10,
www.myfabric
house.co.uk
WE LOVE
.very.co.uk
Coleen 60s coat, 79, www
Get the look
The Baker Street

Quarter, London
sewmag.co.uk 07
Dear sew_Layout 1 26/02/2015 16:46 Page 2
sponsored by Minerva Crafts
Dear
Share your crafty makes and stories
with us to be in with the chance
of winning a fantastic prize!
www.minervacrafts.com
Oliver the owl
Sew
issue
68
I started a dressmaking class

and also buying Sew last April.
With each magazine I am filled
with enthusiasm about all the
projects I want to do, but being
a working mum I have very little
time for my own hobbies. I love
making clothes, but progress is
slow. When I saw Oliver in the
February issue, I just had to
make him and managed to do so
in less than a week! Im now looking back through some
of my earlier copies for more quick makes. Thanks for
the inspiration!
Michelle Roberts
Were so glad you found some me time; Oliver
looks dashing.
Star Letter
Globe trotting
Husband material
Since winning my beautiful Bernina sewing

machine in the Bamber Sewing Machines
Design Competition I have made many
things. But now I seem to have lost my
machine to my husband after he asked me to
teach him how to sew! He is a freelance
driving instructor so I told him the principle
of sewing is the same as driving, you just
follow a line and put your foot down! He
made a cushion cover and his next project is a
garage tidy, with compartments for his tools.
I have always wanted to pass on my skills, and
now I have. So to all you would-be sewers out
there, have a go as it is one of the most
rewarding things you can do! Your imagination is your only limitation.
Christine White
After learning
sewing at school
I thought that was
as far as my skills
went. Then my
boyfriend
volunteered me to
teach in Uganda!
I spent four weeks
helping a
community to
learn basic
He looks super happy with himself, youll have to get another machine and
stitching skills.
become a team!
I decided to try
out a pattern to
test myself
My friend is a long
before I went and
time subscriber of
This month our Star
created this
Sew and recently
Letter winner will receive
around the
lent me a bundle of
a bumper selection of
back
issues
to
read
world dress. Ive
as
I
have
been
fabrics from Minerva
had lots of
recuperating from an
people admire it and I have to
Crafts worth 50. We
operation. I thought
admit, its one of my favourites, too! This year Im
also have 10 worth for
Id have a go at a
going back to Uganda for six weeks to develop
swimming bag for
the runners up. For more
my sons birthday.
their (and my) skills further! I cant wait!
stitching goodies, visit
Sewing convert
Hannah Creaney
What an amazing dress, and a very

inspirational story!
I TAUGHT BASIC SEWING

SKILLS TO A COMMUNITY
IN UGANDA
08 sewmag.co.uk
I adapted the pattern

from issue 36 and used
a monkey logo from a
favourite old
T-shirt of his. I am
pleasantly surprised with my efforts and my son loves
his bespoke tote. I am now a Sew convert!
Barbara Gritten
Welcome aboard Barbara, we hope youre feeling much

better now.
Star Prize
Dear sew_Layout 1 26/02/2015 16:46 Page 3
sew YOU
Best of
PINTEREST
www.pinterest.com/sewhq
www.craftfoxes.com
www.etsy.com
www.etsy.com
Top
Draw
inspiration
from our
trend
boards
Facebook
TWEETS
FEEDBACK
Layla Wiltshire
I made the portable
playmat from issue 68
last night.
WE ASKED YOU... WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN STITICHING?
@Sarahbuzz66
@SEWHQ HERES
A DRESS AND
COAT I MADE A
WHILE AGO AND
A HAT AND BAG
MADE THIS WEEK
FOR A 1940s
EVENING.
Emma Harding
I made this little
girls dress this
weekend.
@craftyboot
@amulligancarroll
@SewHQ I taught my four year
old son Leo to sew, he made bags
for himself and his brother.
@SewHQ I make Glesga

wifies. Heres a few from this
week! I hope you like them.
Sarah Mckenna
Im very new to sewing so
Im really proud of this
tulip skirt I made.
@lizziethimble
@SEWSIMPLICITY
A DRESS FROM
@SEWHQ MAGAZINE.
IT IS MADE WITH TWO
LAYERS, THE TOP IS
MY AUNTYS OLD
CURTAINS!
Morag Christie
Im going to make some
more of these for a craft
fair, in brighter and
flowery fabrics.
GET IN TOUCH Write in and share your creations, tips and views
stephanie.durrant@
aceville.co.uk
Facebook.com/
sewhq
Twitter
@sewhq
Dear Sew, Sew Magazine, 1 Phoenix Court,

Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY.
sewmag.co.uk 09
Covermount dress_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:37 Page 1
Dressmaking&Style
34 PAGES
NEWLOOK 6184
POPPY DRESS
YOUR
PATTERN
FREE
pattern
INCLUDING
1 PATTERN
5 STYLISH LOOKS!
sewmag.co.uk 11
Dressmaking&Style
YOUR
FREE
PATTERN
4
NEWLOOK 618
STITCH
YOUR STYLE
Sew&Learn
This month well show
you how to...
3 Work pleats
3 Add facings
3 Make belt carriers
3 Insert a lapped zip
Your FREE New Look

pattern is a stylish
sleeveless dress with five
variations. Each has a
pleated neckline and
waistline seam, then choose
between a flared knee or
below knee length skirt,
or pencil skirt with a back
vent. All versions have
a centre back zip and
three different belts
included, so you can
really personalise
your outfit. Weve
stitched ours in a
bold printed cotton,
but why not opt for
a silk for a spring wedding,
or keep it casual with a
lightweight linen?
5 styles to choose from...
Style A
1 Round neckline
2 Clasp belt
3 Flared skirt
12 sewmag.co.uk
Style B
1 Round neckline
2 Self-tie belt
3 Flared skirt
Style C
1 Square neckline
2 Waist seam
3 Flared skirt
Style D
1 Square neckline
2 Waist seam
3 Straight skirt
Style E
1 Round neckline
2 Kimono belt
3 Straight skirt
your FREE GIFT
Pleated neckline
provides extra
detail
Complete the
waist belt using
pretty metal
clasps
ALL SEWN UP!
We added a tulle
petticoat underneath
the skirt to give it extra
fullness and volume.
TURN OVER TO SEE MORE

FROM THE SEW WORKROOM
sewmag.co.uk 13
YOUR
FREE
PATTERN
IN THE
Pattern on test
WORKROOM
We stitched view C of the Poppy dress using a bold floral cotton with a contrasting belt
C R A S H C O U R S E ...
StitchNotes
l Check the length of the skirt tissue pieces before cutting

out in fabric and add or subtract more to create the hemline
length you prefer.
l If using a medium to heavyweight fabric, face the bodice
with a lining material rather than the same fabric to reduce
the bulk.
l Staystitch the neckline before attaching the facings to
prevent unwanted stretch as you work with the fabric.
l Understitch facings once attached. Press the seam, then
press the facing and seam allowances away from the
garment. Trim the seam allowances to 6mm. Then sew, with
the facing uppermost, close to the previous seam but
through the facing and seam allowances only. Turn the facing
to the inside of the garment and press again.
l Use an invisible zip for the centre back, or a pretty surface
mounted zip to create a feature.
14 sewmag.co.uk
on pleats
Pleats are folds in the fabric that control fullness. They
can be soft or crisp, depending on the fabric used and
whether they are pressed or not.
3 There are three types of pleat: knife edge pleats all face
the same direction; inverted pleats, where two folds are
pressed towards each other to one placement line; and box
pleats, which are two pleats turned away from each other
creating a flat section in the centre.
3 Mark the fold line and the placement line (the pattern
pieces will include these, ready to be transferred to your
fabric), using a different colour thread/pen so you can
quickly distinguish between them.
3 When making several pleats, snip-mark the lines within
the seam allowance at the top and bottom of the fabric,
with pins along the line in between if necessary. Again, use
different coloured pins to distinguish between fold and
placement lines.
3 Fold the fabric at
the line mark along
the length, then bring
the fold to the
placement line.
Repeat for all the
pleats, then hand or
machine tack across
the top to hold the
pleats in place.
3 All pleats need
pressing to set them.
Use a press cloth to
help prevent ridges
from the fabric layers
showing on the right
side of the garment.
For soft pleats, use a
dry press cloth and
apply a little steam
hovering the iron
just above the fabric.
For crisp pleats, use
a damp press cloth
and lots of steam
and the full
pressure of the iron.
ALL SEWN UP!
Staystitch the neck edges to

ensure they dont stretch out of
shape when working.
your FREE GIFT
behind the
scenes
Make-up touch ups anFdelouictfia it

tweaks for model
NEXT MONTHS
FREE PATTERN
Dressmaking&Style
LOVE IT... BUY IT!

Poppy print
Pink floral
For a vibrant spring feel, designer

Vie Millard used Wild Beauty
Saffron printed cotton from the
Rapture collection by Pat Bravo for
Art Gallery Fabrics. Visit
www.hantex.co.uk/agf
for stockists.
If you liked the print on the

pattern envelope, try
Sundborn Garden Red Floral
Scroll cotton, priced 13
per metre,
www.sewhot.co.uk,
0330 111 3690.
New Look 1467 is a stylish and

versatile multi-garment pattern in
five sizes. It includes a sleeveless
yoke top, pull-on trousers and a
skirt with a mock drawstring, and
a smart collarless jacket with
peplum detailing.
On sale 10th April

sewmag.co.uk 15
Dressmaking with May_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:53 Page 1
DRESSMAKING
WITH MAY
Exclusive style advice

with May Martin
JACKET PATTERNS TO FIT AND FLATTER

CHALLENGE
YOURSELF!
Top pattern pick ...

Burda 6772
Sizes 8-18

Papercut Patterns
Watson
Sizes XXS-L
Why we
love it...
Princess seams
create a flattering
line down the
length of the body
to elongate an
apple shape.
Why we
love it...
Detail in the upper
body counterbalances
broad hips.
Double breasted
styling accentuates
the top line drawing
the eye to
the bodice.
The open neck style

with a belted waist
draws the eye to
the waistline,
which is great
for pear shapes.
TWO CHIC
DESIGNS
You may
also like
Vogue 8884
Sizes 6-22
TOPSTITCHING DETAIL
16 sewmag.co.uk
The cape effect

over the sleeves
broadens the shoulder
line and the collar
draws the eye
to the neck.
Omit the belt and

add pocket flaps to
create a more formal,
streamlined and
tailored garment.
Best of
the rest
Butterick 5819
Sizes XS-XXL
WRAP VARIATION
Dressmaking with May_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:53 Page 2
sew DRESSMAKING & STYLE
Stockist information
For Burda patterns, visit www.simplicitynewlook.com, 0161 480 8734.
For Butterick and Vogue Patterns, visit www.sewdirect.com, 0844 880 1263.
For Colette and Papercut Patterns, visit www.sewbox.co.uk, 01787 269366.
NECKLINE
VARIATIONS
Sewing Bee judge May Martin

shares her dressmaking secrets
Burda 6901
Sizes 6-18
Why we
love it...
A smart style that
can be made with
or without a collar,
achieving two
different necklines.
Peplum detail
accentuates the
waistline of an
hourglass figure
and focuses the
eye on the contour
of the body.
Stitch in lightweight
wools, boucl or a
pretty pastel tweed
for spring.
Why
not try?
Colette Patterns Anise
Sizes 0-18
CLASSIC SHORT LENGTH
Summer is on its way and a jacket or lightweight coat is a useful addition to your
wardrobe. A smart style looks great with a pair of jeans and when teamed with a
matching skirt or trousers, it can take you to an interview or important meeting
in style.
Princess seaming creates a flattering line down the length of the body to
elongate and enhance an apple shape. These seams can be tricky as they are
curved. Pin together putting your pins in at right angles and picking up a very
small piece of the two fabrics you are joining together on the fitting line, which
is 1.5cm from the cut edge. You will find that it is much easier to work with the
curve and ease the two pieces together.
Necklines have an enormous impact on the perception of the upper body.
Keep collars small or flat to the neckline of the garment if you have a short neck.
Jackets usually have button fastenings and some have collars; and it's really
important to support your buttons, buttonholes and collars with interfacing.
There are many products on the market and it can be quite confusing. The one
you select should not overpower the fabric but support it and give it body. Put
a piece of fabric against it. How do they work together? If in doubt, choose a
lighter weight interfacing.
If hems are not topstitched they should be completely invisible. Neaten the
edge of the hem and turn up once and blind hem in place. Pressing can make or
break the finished look of a garment, particularly the hem. Lay damp muslin over
your hem and take the point of the iron just up to the neatened edge. This will
prevent a ridge showing on the right side of the jacket.
For your first project, choose a simple pattern without too many style lines.
There are endless possibilities of the looks that can be achieved with clever
combinations of fabric, style and colour.
Until next month,
May Martin
SUBSCRIBE TODAY!
Subscribe today and get
May Martin's Sewing Bible:
40 Years of Tips and Tricks
for FREE, see p50.
sewmag.co.uk 17
SimplicityPage_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:05 Page 2
WENDY GARDINER
THE REALLY USEFUL GUIDE
SIMPLICITYS STITCH GURU ON PERFECT TOPSTITCHING
Simple Steps to...

TOPSTITCHING
Quite simply, topstitching is stitching that is meant to be seen on the

surface of the project. It can be functional, used to hold facings, linings
and pockets in place, or purely decorative. It can also make seams
more durable.
For simple topstitching, use a thread colour to match the
fabric and a straight stitch. Sew approximately 6mm
from the edge, working from the right side of the project.
Use the edge of the presser foot as a guide, with the
fabric against the side of the foot. Move the needle to
the right using the stitch width button to change the
needle position.
To make the topstitching stand out, use a contrast
thread colour in a topstitching thread (which is thicker
and so the stitches will be more pronounced) and a topstitch
needle (which has a larger eye for the thicker thread).
If you dont have topstitching thread, attach your second thread
spindle, and put two threads through the one needle.
For an attractive finish, use contrasting threads and any
decorative stitch. Try out the stitches on scraps of the same
fabric and number of layers.
To create two perfectly parallel rows of topstitching use a
twin needle with two reels of thread, through the top. (The
bobbin thread will then be taken up by both needles creating a
wavy zig zag stitch on the underside). Sew with the right
side uppermost.
Edge stitching is the same as topstitching but sewn closer
to the edge (2mm to 3mm from the fabric edge). Pockets are
usually edge stitched in place.
1
2
PATTERN of 50%
the MONTH OFF
3
4
This unlined jacket can be made with or without a collar and has
separate pattern pieces for cup sizes A-D making it so much easier to
fit. Finish the jacket with contrasting trim or bias binding for a really
bold edge. Add statement buttons for a real on-trend look. Available in
sizes 6-24.
READER OFFER
50% off Simplicity 1421! Buy now for 4.05 plus 85p postage (RRP
8.15 plus postage). Visit www.simplicitynewlook.com and enter
SEW1421 at the checkout. Offer valid 13th March 10th April 2015.
If you liked
our pattern
of the
month...
Visit the link
below for even
more stylish
patterns
Tools of
THE TRADE
DELUXE STORAGE SOLUTION
Simplicitys new nifty and compact Deluxe Storage

Solution is ideal for containing all sorts of crafty
items. Removable containers with recessed
handles, snap lock closures and hinged lids can be
used individually, or stacked, stored and wheeled
into place on the wheeled trolley. Priced 119.99,
the Deluxe Storage Solution is available from
Simplicity stockists nationwide, visit
www.simplicitynewlook.com or call 0800 214455.
More information at www.simplicitynewlook.com

18 sewmag.co.uk
Sewing Bee Pencil Skirt_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:21 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
PATTERNS
ONLINE
STEP OUT IN STYLE IN

CLAIRE-LOUISE HARDIES
A fitted skirt is the perfect

blank canvas to showcase an
amazing lace fabric, and with
no front darts or back vent,
there's nothing to disrupt the
beauty of the overlay in this
double layered garment.
Play around with colour
combinations or level of
detail in the lace to create
a unique item you can
wear to any occasion.
Photography: Jenni Hare
UK
SIZES
8-20
LACE
PENCIL
SKIRT
sewmag.co.uk 19
DOWNLOAD
PATTERNS
ONLINE
ESSENTIALS
SEW A SKIRT
Lace fabric, 150cm wide, 80cm or 114cm wide, 130cm

Medium weight satin lining, 150cm wide, 80cm or 114cm wide, 140cm
Coordinating concealed zip, 23cm
Very lightweight fusible interfacing, 20cm
Coordinating sewing machine thread
Download the pattern from

www.sewmag.co.uk, print, and piece
together. Trace then cut out all the
pieces following the cutting guide and
transfer markings. When placing the
lace skirt pattern pieces on the fabric,
carefully match up any horizontal
motifs across the side seam. Lay the
edge of the pattern just above the
scalloped edge.
Dimensions:
Size
10
12
14
16
18
20
Waist
71
76
81
86
92
98
104
Hip
93
98
103
108
114
120
126
Carefully staystitch the waistline of

the three lace skirt pieces, sewing
1cm from the edge. Repeat on the
three lining skirt pieces. Make up
the inner lining shell by pinning and
sewing the darts into the two back
underskirt pieces. Press them
towards the side seams.
Cutting guide
1 Front facing, cut on one fold from

lining and interfacing
2 Back facing, cut two from lining
and interfacing
3 Underskirt front, cut one on fold
from lining
4 Underskirt back, cut two
from lining
5 Outer skirt front, cut one on fold
from lace
6 Outer skirt back, cut two from lace
A 1.5cm seam allowance is included
throughout unless otherwise stated
Make up the underskirt

first, then fit it and transfer
any adjustments onto the
lace pieces. Lace fabric
doesnt like being
unpicked, so this way you can avoid
having to sew it before trying it on
LOVE IT... BUY IT!

Scalloped
edged lace
Classic and elegant, this is the
perfect choice for this skirt,
priced 7.99 per metre,
www.whitelodgefabric.com,
01630 620387.
20 sewmag.co.uk
With right sides together, matching

up the notches, pin and stitch the
underskirt front to the underskirt back
pieces at the side seams. Neaten the
raw edges and press the seams open.
Pin the centre back seam from the
hem up to the bottom of the zip
opening. Try the skirt on and check
the fit. Make any necessary fitting
adjustments, then transfer them
to the lace pieces.
Sew the darts into the two back
sections of lace in the same
way as for the underskirt. If the
seam allowance of the darts looks
bulky when pressed, follow the
instructions for a hairline seam, (see
Crash Course). Pin and stitch the outer
skirt front and back pieces at the side
seams. Neaten the raw edges and
press the seams.
Lay the lace layer over the

underskirt, both right sides up,
making sure that the side seams and
darts line up. Pin or tack in place.
Hand tack around the opening for the
zip and along the waistline, stitching
1cm from the edge [1].
Sewing through both skirt layers,

line up the top of a concealed zip
1.5cm below the cut edge of the
waistline and insert it. Tuck the bottom
of the zip away from the seam and
sew the centre back seam for 7cm
below the bottom of the fastening,
making sure you back stitch at
each end of the seam [2].
Before you sew the rest of the back

seam, its important to release the
lace from the lining layer. Snip into the
seam allowance of the lace, making
CRASH COURSE...
hairline seams
FREE BOOK*
Subscribe to Sew to get your copy of

The Great British Sewing Bee: Fashion with
Fabric by Claire-Louise Hardie (worth 25,
Quadrille), with forewords and
masterclasses by May Martin and Patrick
Grant completely FREE. See page 82!
A hairline seam is one that is stitched, zig zagged, then

trimmed. This type of seam is a really good choice for most
lace or sheer fabrics. As any seam and finish is visible through
the lace, you need to use one that creates a light finish.
With right sides together, matching

up the notches, pin and stitch the
front to the back pieces at the side
seams, using a 1.5cm seam allowance.
FREE
when you
subscribe
to Sew
Stitch the seam again about 3mm

from the first, using a narrow zig
zag stitch. Trim the seam allowance
away close to the stitches.
Press the seam flat, then carefully

to one side, making sure you do
not overstretch the lace as you press.
sure you do not get too close to the

stitches. Over stitch around the
snipped edges by hand to
strengthen the seam [3].
Pull the underskirt up and away,
and machine the rest of the lace
centre back seam below the snip.
Repeat on the underskirt layer,
sewing from the bottom of the zip
to the hem [4].
Decide how much of the
scalloped hem youd like to
see. As a general guide, the hemline
of the lining should sit at the top
edge of the lace scallop. However,
you can have a shallower or deeper
lace edge if youd prefer.
11
Carefully iron lightweight

interfacing onto the back
of the facing pieces. This is
optional, as if you have a very
light lace fabric, the interfacing
can make the facing noticeable.
With right sides together, pin
then stitch the front facing to the
back pieces at the side seams,
then press them open.
10
12
Neaten the raw lower edge

of the facing with either a
zig zag or an overlock stitch [5].
Attach the facing to the waistline,
under stitch and attach to the zip.
Hand stitch the facing to the side
seams to finish [6].
FREE
PAPER
PATTERN!
Stitch it with...
Brother Innov-is 20LE
Stitch up garments like these in no time with Brothers
easy to use computerised machine from the Innov-is series.
With 40 built-in stitches, theres plenty of choice and the
electronic jog dial makes selection simple. The automatic
needle threader and quick set top
loading bobbin make getting started
quick and easy, and the LCD screen
shows you everything you need to
know, including stitch type and
length. Slide type speed control
and the start/stop button mean that
the machine can be used with or
without foot control. Theres
also five styles of one-step
buttonhole so youre always
spoilt for choice.
Priced 329, visit
www.brothersewing.co.uk or
call 0333 777 4444 to find
your nearest stockist.
Next
month...
Next issue we have a
classic shift dress pattern
from The Great British
Sewing Bee: Fashion with
Fabric, in sizes 8-20 FREE
with your magazine.
sewmag.co.uk 21
DrapedTop(P) qx_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:36 Page 1
Beginner
Make
GET TO GRIPS WITH JERSEY

TO MAKE AMANDA WALKERS
Essentials
DRAPED TOP
Jersey fabric
Coordinating sewing thread
Fusible hemming tape
Dimensions
Custom size
MAKE A DRAPED TOP
First measure your hips. Cut a rectangle from jersey fabric with
the width as half your hip measurement, plus an extra 8cm, by
the length you would like your tunic to be, plus 3cm for the hem and
6cm for the facings at the top (9cm in total). This will be the back of
the tunic [1].
For the front, adapt the back pattern so the top is 16cm wider
(8cm either side), but the base and length should measure the
same. Angle the side edges down to the base [2]. Cut this shape
from jersey.
Lay the front and back pieces together with the right sides facing.
The base and side edges should match together, the front at the
top will be larger to create the cowl effect [3]. Stitch across each
shoulder seam with a stretch stitch, using the diagram which
indicates the seam allowance and the angle of the seams [4]. Stitch
the side edges together with a 4cm seam allowance leaving a 23cm
gap down from the shoulder seams for the armholes.
Open and press the large seams allowances to become the

facings for the neck and armholes. Use fusible hemming tape
to keep the facings in place. Fold and press a 3cm hem and either
use hemming tape to secure, or a blind hemming stitch on your
sewing machine.
+8cm
BACK TUNIC
+8cm
Desired length plus 9cm
Half hip measurement
FRONT TUNIC
Half hip measurement
13cm
23cm
8cm
4cm
22 sewmag.co.uk
6cm
This loose fitting tunic is not only comfortable and stylish,

but easy to stitch, too. Its custom sized, which means no
tricky pattern pieces to follow simply use your own
measurements to cut the shapes and stitch together. Fusible
web tape is used for fuss free hemming and the facings are
made from an extended seam allowance, so theres no
excuse not to get stitching!
DrapedTop(P) qx_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:36 Page 2
C R A S H C O U R S E ...
working with jersey
3 Jersey fabrics are produced with either a one way or a

two way stretch, this needs to be taken into consideration
when choosing a pattern.
3 As knits stretch when pulled, an overlocker is best used
to sew garments together, or your machine needs to be set
to a stretch stitch.
3 Jersey is a great fabric to use for body hugging garments
as no shaping such as darts need to be used, as it will
stretch around the contours of your body.
3 It does not generally fray when cut, which means you
dont have to neaten the edges of the seams inside
garments. This speeds up the making up time.
3 Fine jerseys have great draping properties, making them
a brilliant fabric to use for details such as cowl necks.
LOVE IT... BUY IT!

Geometric print
Amanda used this bold John
Kaldor Cannes fabric in Blue
for our top, priced 11.69,
www.sewessential.co.uk,
01283 210422.
sewmag.co.uk 23
Rara Skirt_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:50 Page 1
Essentials
YOUR LITTLE LADY WILL LOVE TO TWIRL

IN ALICE GARRETT'S
White floral cotton lawn, 20cm x 137cm

Rose print cotton lawn, 24cm x 137cm
Pink print cotton lawn, 35cm x 137cm
Regular or buttonhole elastic, 2cm wide,
55cm
Button (if using buttonhole elastic)
LIBERTY
RA-RA SKIRT
Dimensions
Custom sized
Cutting guide
To customise the skirt size, measure from
the childs waist to the desired hem length of
the longest rue (above or below the knee),
then add 7.5cm to this measurement. This is
the length of 137cm wide fabric you will
need for the bottom rue. For the elastic,
add 7.5cm to the waist measurement.
This easy-to-make tiered skirt is perfect for twirling at parties. You

could mix up your fabric choices with rainbow shades, graduate the
tones or use your little ones favourite colours. Floral Liberty prints in
popping hues are the perfect match for energetic tiny people and with
an elasticated waist, there's plenty of growing room, too.
2
MAKE A RA-RA SKIRT
To make the top rue, cut 20cm x 137cm

of cotton lawn. Cut 24cm x 137cm from a
different print for the middle ruffle and 35cm x
137cm for the bottom one. Cut a 9cm strip off
the top ruffle and put aside. Fold the top ruffle
in half widthways, with right sides together,
and stitch the edges to form a loop using a
1cm seam allowance [1]. Finish the seam
and press to one side. Repeat for the other
ruffle pieces and the 9cm strip to make
the waistband.
To hem the top rue, fold over 5mm on one

long edge and press. Fold another 1.25cm
over and press again. Stitch all around the hem
2mm from the fold. Repeat with the other two
rue pieces.
3
5
Work gathering stitches all around the

circumference of the middle rue at a
distance of 12.5cm up from the bottom
hemmed edge. Leave long threads at both
ends. Take hold of a set of thread ends and
pull to gather. Ease the fabric along the
stitches until the circumference is reduced to
about 90cm long (or 45cm when the skirt is
folded at) [2].
Sew regular length zig zag stitches around

the circumference between the tacking
rows. Remove the tacking stitches. Repeat with
the bottom rue, 15cm from the bottom edge.
Insert the middle followed by the bottom rue
inside the top rue loop. Align the top edges,
pin in place and stitch together 1cm from the
top edge [3].
If using buttonhole elastic, fold up 1.25cm

to the wrong side of one long edge of the
waistband strip and press. Make a 2cm
24 sewmag.co.uk
buttonhole 5mm from the top folded edge

of the waistband, stitching through the
folded edge [4].
Turn the skirt inside out and insert into the

waistband loop, aligning the top edges (the
non folded edge of the waistband). Pin and
stitch together with a 1.25cm seam allowance.
Trim to 5mm and nish the seam.
Turn the skirt right side out. Fold the

waistband over the top edge of the skirt,
ensuring that the folded waistband edge
covers your stitching [5]. Sew 2mm from the
folded edge all around the top of the skirt.
Leave a 4cm gap if you are not using
buttonhole elastic.
Machine zig zag stitch over the ends of the

elastic to prevent fraying. Attach a safety
pin to one end and insert the elastic into the
waistband through the buttonhole (or through
the gap if not using buttonhole elastic). Make
sure it lies at within the waistband.
If you are using buttonhole elastic, pull it

out of the buttonhole by about 7.5cm.
Adjust the other end of the elastic so that it
sits just inside the buttonhole, and pin it in
place. Secure the elastic, stitching through all
the layers close to the buttonhole using
machine zig zag stitch [6]. Sew a button in
place, close to the buttonhole. Adjust the
elastic to the desired length and push a
buttonhole over the button.
10
If you are using plain elastic, pull both

ends of elastic about 7.5cm out of the
gap and tie in a knot at the required waist
measurement (about 59cm for five to seven
year olds). Slip stitch the gap closed.
Rara Skirt_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:50 Page 2
ALL SEWN UP!
If you are using plain

elastic, leave some spare
in the waistband so that in
the future you can open the
stitched gap, undo the knot
and adjust the length, or
even replace it, if a
different size is required.
READER OFFER
These projects are taken from

Little Lady Liberty by Alice Garrett
(15.99, David & Charles). Sew
readers can purchase a copy for
10.99 including free postage by
calling 01206 255777, quoting
SM115 before 31st May 2015.
www.fwcommunity.com
LOVE IT... BUY IT!

Liberty Tana
Lawn Rosa A
English roses in purples
and pinks.
Liberty Tana
Lawn Nina M
Classic miniature
floral print.
Liberty Tana
Lawn Clare and
Emily D
A vibrant and bold
patterned design.
For a fantastic range of Liberty fabrics, including the prints used for our ra-ra skirt priced 22 per metre each, visit www.alicecaroline.co.uk
sewmag.co.uk 25
Fashion forecast_Layout 1 27/02/2015 12:39 Page 1
Fashion Forecast
Totally
tropical
Louise
SAYS
Remnant Kings
has just had a
tropical fabric
drop! Here are
Louise Clasons
top pattern picks
to pair with the
latest prints.
BECAUSE IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE

SUMMER TO WEAR FUN PRINTS!
Who says that it has to be sunny outside to add a little
touch of the tropical into your wardrobe. The Great
British Sewing Bee contestants have wowed us each
week with their striking fabric choices, and we want
to get in on the action too. So be brave, be bold and
dare to be different!
Keep it simple
Miette by Tilly and the Buttons is a
great beginner pattern that can be
made up in lots of different prints for
varying looks. It's a
true spring into
summer staple.
GREAT
Two garment options

Colette Patterns' Laurel is a great basic, which is perfect for
beginners and experienced sewers. With its simple shape it
lets the fabric do the talking, making it ideal for our tropical
prints. Plus you can create a top or
shift dress style, so the opportunities
are endless.
BEGINNER
MAKE!
Stitch
with knits
This is a great introduction to
a knit pattern if youve never
tried one before. Moneta is
very versatile and suits all
body shapes, plus it comes
with ve collar variations to
truly make it your own.
TRY
KNITS
26 sewmag.co.uk
Look sharp
Everyone needs a blazer, and
this is our favourite pattern!
By Hand London's popular
Victoria makes up a treat and
suits a variety of fabrics and
styles. Pair with skinny jeans
or a LBD to make a striking
style statement.
Stockist information
All patterns are available from Remnant Kings

www.remnantkings.co.uk, 0141 418 0333.
Fashion forecast_Layout 1 27/02/2015 12:39 Page 2
sew DRESSMAKING
FABRIC PICKS
A tropical
print makes
this a fun look
Cropped length
option
INDIE
PATTERN
TAKEOVER
1 Tropical viscose
2 Textured floral jersey
in Turquoise
3 Liberty Fierce, colour B
4 Flamingos in mint
5 Palm tree polyester
All featured fabrics are
available from Remnant
Kings, from 2.99 per metre,
www.remnantkings.co.uk,
0141 418 0333.
By Hand London's Victoria blazer
sewmag.co.uk 27
Lauren_Layout 1 27/02/2015 09:32 Page 2
the BUSY BEE
LAUREN
GUTHRIE
Everything seems to start
getting more colourful at this
time of year
Oakridge blouse by Sewaholic
LAUREN TALKS STITCHING FOR SPRING AND

GIVES HER ADVICE ON TOPSTITCHING
Lauren Loves
NEW LIBERTY PRINT
Phoebe Tana Lawn in

colourway M, 22 per metre,
www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk
SPRINGTIME
WEEKEND
GETAWAY
There's nowhere
better than Paris!
FAVOURITE WAY
TO RELAX
I really enjoy yoga
Nothing says spring to me more than the fresh new floral prints from the
spring/summer Liberty Tana Lawn collection. Everything seems to start getting more
colourful at this time of year, from the longer days and the bright flowers to whats on
my sewing table!
Ive been making some gorgeous blouses recently using the new Oakridge pattern
by Sewaholic. Its a classic style thats ideal for this time of year as it has long sleeves if
its still a bit cold, but also looks great with the cuffs rolled up for a more relaxed look.
Ive been using some of my favourite new Liberty prints to make up a few versions.
A garment like this is perfect for lightweight lawn as it presses well and you can get
a really neat finish.
I love adding detail to garments with topstitching,
such as around the cuff or at a neckline. I think it makes
your handmade clothes stand out and look extra
professional. It can be tricky to get it looking neat when
you are first starting out, so here are my tips for
achieving flawless topstitching. My first piece of advice is
to press well as you work. A good steam iron is key, along
with an ironing board that has a slightly padded cover. If possible, always sew with the
right side of the garment facing you. The top thread usually looks better due to the way
the machine forms stitches. Find a marker on the machine to act as a guide as you sew.
Ensuring that the edge of the fabric is always lined up with a specific point on the foot
or on the plate will ensure consistency in stitching, making it much neater. When sewing
close to the edge, there will be less material under the foot. This can alter the way the
machine feeds the fabric through as its stitching. Practise will get you used to how you
should be guiding your fabric through the machine. On my Brother Innov-is 350, the
default position of the needle is to the left-hand side of the foot, but when topstitching
I always move it to the centre. This means that there is a bit more fabric for the machine
to grip onto, making it easier to keep the stitching straight!
We have lots of new workshops on our ever-growing calendar at Guthrie & Ghani
over the next few months. Learn the tricks of the trade from professional shirt maker
Rich Battye in a two day mens shirt making class, or get to grips with plackets, collars
and bust adjustments in the ladies class with Layla Totah. If getting patterns to fit you
is always a struggle, then the draft a skirt or bodice block workshops with Alexandra
Hughes can help solve your fitting nightmares.
Im also looking forward to being part of the judging panel at the National
Dressmaking Awards at the Sewing For Pleasure show at the NEC in Birmingham on
the 20th of March. I love meeting fellow stitchers and Im really excited to see what all
the entrants have made Im sure it will be tough to pick a winner. I hope to meet some
of you there!
I love adding
detail to
garments with
topstitching
Happy Sewing!
Find out more, visit www.guthrie-ghani.co.uk
28 sewmag.co.uk
Pattern hacking feature_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:10 Page 2
You can do it!
PATTERN
HACKING
OUR EXPERTS EXPLAIN
HOW YOU CAN BE MORE
CREATIVE WITH YOUR
DRESSMAKING
What is pattern hacking?
Pattern
hacking:
The process of
combining and
adapting
patterns
Seamstress and dressmaking expert

Elisalex de Castro Peake from indie
pattern house By Hand London
demystifies the technique.
Pattern hacking, or the process of combining
multiple sewing patterns to create something
entirely new and unique, is probably the thing
that excites me most about sewing. The main
reason I started dressmaking was so that I could
stop dreaming about wild and wonderful outfits
that didnt seem to exist in the shops, and start
making them.
With the explosion of sewing blogs and indie
pattern companies, certain designs and fabrics
have taken on a cult status, and Ive sometimes felt
more of an urgency to sew the latest pattern as
opposed to something more me. The way I see
it, pattern hacks, hybrids, or lovechildren (as we
like to call them at By Hand London HQ) bridges
the exciting world of sewing pattern companies
and the development of our own individual
aesthetic.
When you put together, say, the bodice from
one pattern and the skirt from another, then add
to that the neckline detail from yet another design,
your freedom of stylistic expression explodes with
possibility. By thinking laterally when it comes to
garment construction we can create a versatile
and personal wardrobe, party frocks that we will
want to pass down to our daughters, and
statement pieces that really are unique all the
while learning more about pattern construction
and alteration, how to make very different design
elements work together and supporting multiple
businesses in the making of just one garment!
Pattern hacking, or the process of mashing together

multiple sewing patterns to create something entirely
new and unique, is probably the thing that excites me
most about sewing
30 sewmag.co.uk
5 top tips for success
1
2
Cross reference the finished measurements

of the various patterns youre combining
to be sure that seamlines match closely.
If the bodice from one pattern has a
waistline dart, and the skirt/trousers of
another pattern has a similar waistline dart
or pleat, you may need to move one ever so
slightly so that they match either side of the
waistline seam.
Train yourself to look at patterns with

a design eye and imagine the various
elements as a whole. Just because you like
the bodice from one pattern and the skirt
of another, it doesnt always mean theyll
work together!
4
5
Be brave, but be cautious, too always

make a toil of your pattern hack before
cutting into your fabric.
Check out what other sewists have come
up with. The sewing blogosphere is an
infinitely inspiring place!
For more from By Hand London, visit
www.byhandlondon.com
sew LIVING
Try it yourself: Fashion formulas

These pattern hack tutorials are tried and tested by the experts. Why not give them a go?
Cute crop top

Visit Colette Patterns blog for this simple hack
to turn the bodice of the Hawthorn Dress into
a summery top.
Visit www.coletterie.com for a step-by-step
how-to.
l
ria
uto
eo t
Vid
Pretty peplum
By Hand Londons
Elisalex shows you how to
transform the bodice of
the Holly Jumpsuit into
an adorable button down
peplum top using a free
circle skirt app.
Dress chop
See the tutorial at

www.byhand
london.com
Watch the tutorial at

www.sewing
london.co.uk
The Little Tailoress

blogger, Ami explains
how to crop the Deer and
Doe Reglisse Dress into a
sweet blouse in a handy
how-to video.
One pattern... multiple ways!

Tilly Walnes keeps
it simple by altering
the sleeves of her
Mathilde Blouse
from three-quarter
length to a short
and floaty variation
for summer.
Blogger Em from
Em Makes Patterns
lets loose by
extending the design
to create an A-line
dress with pleats
instead of tucks.
Learn how at
www.tillyandthe
buttons.com
See her hack at

www.emmakes
patterns.com
sewmag.co.uk 31
Get involved!
Sewing Indie Month
Blogger Rhonda Buss
tells us about judging
the pattern hacking
category in last years
Sewing Indie Months
competitions, why it
was such a success and
plans for this year.
Sewing Indie Month was
created by Mari Miller of
Seamster Patterns to bring attention to the
growing independent pattern industry and the
quality of their patterns. I headed up the pattern
hacking category which focused on showing
how a basic pattern can be used to create a
unique design.
Most of the entries were simple but classic
hacks, but all in all, they did a wonderful job of
taking the pattern and creating something unique.
We had almost 30 entries, but the winner was
Siobhan of www.justkeepsewing.net as voted
for via my blog.
Sewing Indie Month is still in a planning stage
for 2015, but they are hoping for the event to once
again take place in May. It will be announced on
blogs, Facebook, Twitter and other social media
sources, so keep a look out!
Read more...
The Great British
Sewing Bee:
Fashion With
Fabric (25,
Quadrille) by the
series sewing
producer ClaireLouise Hardie
includes full-size
paper patterns
needed to make
30 projects, with
instructions for
many hack
variations.
In my own sewing practice,

I make up a pattern, perfect the
fit, then use that same one over
and over in different fabrics,
changing details like sleeves,
cuffs, collars and hem lengths. This way Im
not repeating the fitting stage. It was this that
made me want to encourage people to hack the
designs in the book and try different variations.
Weve included at least one hack for most of
the patterns, but its my hope that readers will
take this idea and create their own designs.
Begin with something

simple, like a different
collar treatment, or
reworking the sleeve
I love wearing clothes that are unique and that
stand apart from the crowd. Whenever I look at a
pattern, I see what it can be rather than what it is
at present. Taking a basic design and building on
it is a thrill as it stretches my creative ability. If you
have never tried redesigning a pattern, begin with
something simple, like a different collar treatment,
or reworking the sleeve. Before long youll realise
that the possibilities of what can come from a
pattern are endless.
Visit www.rhondabuss.blogspot.com
Pattern
Hacking
winner!
Hear more on pattern hacking from ClaireLouise at www.sewmag.co.uk or visit her

blog at www.thethriftystitcher.co.uk
Over to you...
Reader hack
This week I
upcycled my
husbands old
T-shirts into dresses
for my daughter.
I used the Uptown/
Downtown Dress by
Sew Straight Pattern
Co. as a basis to
work out the
bodice/sleeves and
then adapted it.
You can find the
pattern here
www.etsy.com/uk
/shop/sewstraight
patternco
Vicky Myers
32 sewmag.co.uk
Uptown/ Downtown
Dress by Sew
Straight Pattern Co.
Love that Fabric_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:45 Page 2
Love that
FABRIC
BOTANICAL PRINTS
1
BRING YOUR
DRESSMAKING
TO LIFE WITH
THESE NATURE
INSPIRED
FABRICS
Flora, foliage and forest floor

creatures make pleasing repeats on
these dressmaking cottons
Steph Durrant,
Sew Deputy Editor
3
5
FABRIC
SHOPPING
6
1 Central Park Breeze voile, Gramercy collection

by Leah Duncan for Art Gallery Fabrics, 16.60
per metre, www.misformake.com
2 Big Blooms in Blush, Emma's Garden by Patty
Sloniger for Michael Miller, 14 per metre,
www.eternalmaker.com
3 Green cotton lace, 1.20 per metre,
www.textilegarden.com, 0207 794 5635.
4 Vega polycotton spandex (0001A), 8.99
per metre, www.calicolaine.co.uk,
0151 336 3939.
5 Jade Bumble Bee Peached poplin by
Tula Pink for FreeSpirit, 11 per metre,
www.rooftopfabrics.com, 0871 315 5432.
6 Selection of buttons, priced from 1.10 each,
www.textilegarden.com, 0207 794 5635.
7 Mushroom Frog in Pink, Far Far Away by
Heather Ross for Windham Fabrics, 14 per
metre, www.eternalmaker.com
8 Stems in Pink, Blooms and Bursts collection
by Jen Da Silva for Studio e, 9.96 per metre,
www.fabricrehab.co.uk
9 Forest Floor in Ivory, Wildwood collection
for Cloud9 Fabrics, 14.40 per metre,
www.misformake.com
sewmag.co.uk 33
Masterclass Apr15 qx_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:03 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
PATTERNS
ONLINE
LEARN WITH
The author
shows you how
to make an
adorable
romper suit
Vanessa Mooncie
Sewing elastic,
gathers and fastenings
This cute romper has front-buttoned shoulder straps crossed at the back,
an elasticated back waist, and snap fasteners at the inside leg for easy
nappy changes.
Dimensions
6 months to 2 years
1.5cm seam allowance
Visit www.sewmag.co.uk to
download the patterns. Cut all
the pieces from fabric as per the
cutting guide. With right sides
together and notches matching,
stitch the bib facing and
waist-casing facing together at
the sides up to the small dot at the
top edge. Press the seams open.
Join the centre-front and

centre-back seams of the
shorts. Stitch a second row over the
first to reinforce the seam. Clip the
curves and press the seams open.
With right sides together, stitch the
side seams of the shorts. Trim the
seams and press open.
Run two rows of gathering

stitches along the upper edge
of the front and back of the shorts,
working one row along the seamline
and the other 6mm inside. Pull up
the gathering stitches on the front
and back of the shorts separately
to fit the lower edge of the bib and
waist-casing facings, matching
the seams [1].
With right sides together, stitch

the side seams of the skirt. Trim
the seams and press open. Turn
under and press 1.5cm on the hem
of the skirt. Turn under the raw
edge, press and stitch. Gather the
skirt as for the shorts. Place the
wrong side of the skirt over the right
side of the shorts, matching the side
seams. Adjust the gathers to fit and
tack together at the top edge.
5
34 sewmag.co.uk
With the right side of the bib

and waist-casing facing to the
wrong side of the gathered edge of
the shorts, matching the side

seams and the large dot to the
centre-back seam, pin and stitch
together [2]. Press the seam
towards the facings. Remove the
tacking stitches.
With right sides together, fold

the strap along the line
indicated on the pattern. Stitch
along the edges, leaving the slanted
end open. Trim the seam and clip
the corners. Turn out and press.
Topstitch close to the edges. On the
right side of the waist-casing facing,
matching the dots, tack the straps
in position with the seams facing
towards the centre, aligning the raw
edges with the top edge of the
waist-casing facing [3].
Press under 1.5cm on the lower

edge of the waist casing. With
right sides together, matching
notches and the small dots to the
side seams, stitch the waist casing
to the waist-casing facing at the top
edge between the small dots,
sandwiching the straps between
them. Press the waist casing up
and the seam towards it.
On the outside of the garment,

pin the pressed edge of the
waist casing over the seam,
matching the small dots with the
side seam. Topstitch close to the
pressed edge, then to the top edge
of the waist casing between the
two sets of small dots [4].
Cut a length of 2.5cm wide

elastic to fit the back of your
childs waist, adding 2cm. Use a
bodkin or safety pin to thread it
Masterclass Apr15 qx_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:16 Page 2
sew TUTORIAL
through the opening at the waist
casing. Adjust to fit, trim the excess
elastic and stitch down at the side
seams to secure the ends.
10
Turn under and press 1.5cm

at the side seams and lower
edge of the bib. With the right sides
of the bib and the bib facing
together, pin and stitch the armhole
and top edges together, leaving the
side and lower edges open. Trim the
seams, snip the curves and clip the
corners [5]. Turn out, then pin the
pressed lower edge of the bib over
the seam and topstitch. Topstitch
the pressed side edges down over
the waist casing, then close to the
armhole and top edges of the bib.
ALL SEWN UP!

Make a version for
a boy by omitting
the skirt.
Simple button
and snap
fastenings
11
Turn under and press 2cm

on the hem of the leg edges.
Turn under the raw edge, press and
stitch to form a casing. Topstitch
close to the outer edge. Cut two
lengths of 6mm wide elastic to fit
around your childs leg, adding 5cm
to each. Using a bodkin or a safety
pin, insert the elastic through the
opening in the leg casing. Adjust to
fit and stitch across the ends.
12
Cut two 3cm wide bias strips

to fit the length of each
inner-leg edge at the front and back,
adding an extra 2cm to each. Use to
bind the front and back inner leg
edges, turning under 1cm of the
strip at each end and using a 6mm
seam allowance [6]. Slip stitch the
ends of the bias strips to the edge of
the hem. Sew snap fasteners to the
front and back inside legs at the
medium dots. Work buttonholes in
the bib front. Sew two buttons
securely to each strap, indicated on
the pattern by an X.
Next
month...
Kirsty Hartley explains how to make a fun

dress with perfect appliqu.
GET THE BOOK
Check out Sew Adorable by Vanessa

Mooncie (14.99, GMC) for more
classic garment patterns for boys and
girls. Visit www.thegmcgroup.com
sewmag.co.uk 35
Pyjama shorts_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:05 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
PATTERNS
ONLINE
Essentials
Lightweight cotton, 100cm x 110cm
Coordinating thread
Cotton lace trim, 150cm
Ribbon, 2cm wide, 150cm
CREATE STYLISH LOUNGEWEAR WITH KATE SMITHS
PYJAMA SHORTS
Dimensions
Small, medium, large
What better reason to have a duvet day than these pyjama shorts? They are so
pretty, you may just want to stay in them all day long! Theyre easy to stitch,
making them an ideal first garment and would make the loveliest present.
Sew them in a soft cotton lawn for extra comfort and style.
SEW PYJAMA SHORTS
Download the patterns from

www.sewmag.co.uk and print. Cut
the pattern in half as indicated and
widen or enlarge it in the middle
section by the measurement according
to your size. Fold lightweight cotton in
half widthways, right sides facing. Pin
the pattern pieces onto your fabric and
cut out around them through both
layers. Mark the buttonhole lines.
Zig zag stitch along the curved

edges of each piece. Keep your
stitching close to the fabric edge. Lay
the pieces on top of each other, right
sides together, matching up the
edges. Pin in place. Using a straight
stitch and a 1cm seam allowance, sew
through both layers of fabric along one
of the curved edges [1]. Reverse
stitch at the start and end to secure.
Open the seam and press. Repeat for
the other curved edge.
Keeping the right sides of your

fabric on the insides and the raw
edges on the outside, fold the leg
pieces so that the two seams youve
just stitched are in the middle and lie
on top of each other. Match short edge
A with short edge B on one of your

fabric pieces and pin together. Repeat
for the other side. Using a 1cm seam
allowance, stitch all the way along
edges A and B on both sides, in one
continuous line of sewing [2].
Sew two buttonholes over the

marks you made on the fabric.
With the shorts inside out, turn the
waistband over by 1cm then another
3cm towards the wrong side. Pin and
press. Machine stitch all the way
round, 5mm above the bottom of the
fold to create a channel for the ribbon
[3]. Turn up the fabric for each leg
hem by 1cm, then 3cm towards the
wrong side. Pin and press.
Stitch around both hems, 5mm

down from the top of the fold.
Position a length of trim around one
of the legs on the right side, over the
stitching. Cut so that the ends of the
lace meet. Pin in place and machine
stitch to secure. Repeat for the other
leg. Finally, attach a safety pin to one
end of ribbon and thread it in through
one buttonhole. Wiggle the pin
through the waistband until it comes
out of the other buttonhole.
LOVE IT... BUY IT!

Cotton lawn
A lightweight fabric such as
cotton lawn is perfect for
nightwear. Kate used this
Claire Aude Liberty Tana Lawn
print, priced 22 per metre,
www.alicecaroline.co.uk
36 sewmag.co.uk
ALL
SEWN UP!
If you prefer, add

a length of elastic
with ribbon
attached either
side into the back
of the waistband
before you stitch it
up. Secure the
elastic at the sides
and thread the
ribbon through
the buttonholes
as described.
Pyjama shorts_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:06 Page 2
MEET THE
designer
Kate Smith runs sewing
workshops at her shop The Makery

in Bath which she launched with
her husband in 2009.
What made you start

The Makery?
Ive always enjoyed the satisfaction to
be had from making things myself. My
husband and I moved from London to
Bath in 2008 and wed always talked
about wanting to start our own
business. We started planning
The Makery together, and launched
late 2009. Were both very creative
and had noticed the rise in popularity
of sewing, and felt the time and place
were both right for us to launch our
shop in Bath.
Do you have a creative

background?
I have always made things on the side
to support my career and I spent
11 years working in the media industry
as a producer, making commercials
and trailers for films and games. I dont
think I would have had the knowledge
or confidence to launch The Makery
without having had the prior business
experience that I had.
Whats your most popular

course?
Hmm, a tricky one. I guess the Learn
to Sew workshops are perennially
popular, so probably those ones!
Any advice for dressmaking

newbies?
Dont beat yourself up if (when)
you make a mistake or have to
unpick some stitching. I honestly
cant think of many items Ive made
where I havent had to unpick at
least a little stitching! Usually
no-one can ever tell youve made
a mistake, and its the best way
to learn so you dont repeat them!
Whats your favourite

accompaniment to stitching?
Ooh, I love taking hand sewing onto
long train journeys. And Maltesers are
my favourite munchie snack, but they
dont exactly mix well with sewing!
Find out more at
www.themakery.co.uk
sewmag.co.uk 37
How I made it_Layout 1 27/02/2015 09:31 Page 2
how I MADE IT
CAROLINE SMITH
I wanted to create patterns

that make people feel good
CAROLINE SMITH REVEALS HOW HER PASSION FOR
BYGONE ERAS LED TO THE CREATION OF
SEW LA DI DA VINTAGE
Designer Caroline Smith works in her
picturesque studio Sew La Di Da Vintage,
where she and her team produce
vintage-style dress patterns and teach
a wide range of workshops and courses.
We discover how she helps her students
create the outfits of their dreams.
and a sleeve in, I can make almost anything?

Simple skills such as these all add to the freedom
of creativity and show people just how much
theyre capable of. Some of my students have even
gone on to work at big names in fashion, and make
the most amazing creations.
What did you do before setting up

Sew La Di Da Vintage?
Whats your most popular course?
After studying fashion and eventually specialising in

print design, I worked in London as a jeans designer
before moving into cocktail dresses in the 1980s.
This led to having a few shops of my own, designing
and making bespoke wedding dresses, evening wear,
and the odd outfit for garden parties at Buckingham
Palace. As most of my designs have been vintage
inspired, it followed naturally that my workshop and
teaching space would be cut from the same cloth, as
it were!
What do you most enjoy about teaching?

I love that lightbulb moment when you can see the
cogs going round before a huge grin spreads across
a students face: You mean now I can put a zip
The two most popular are Frocks that Rock, a

two-day workshop using a Sew La Di Da pattern
of your choice, and the Body Blue Print, a
four-day course where you make a block to your
own measurements and use it to adapt patterns
so that they fit like a glove. We are expanding our
range all the time; I think its important to listen
to the public and respond to their needs.
What made you launch your own patterns?

Having worked for years with women and girls
spanning all ages, I felt I had a good knowledge of
body shapes and issues. I wanted to create patterns
that would make people feel good about
themselves, with realistic sizing, flattering shapes,
and easy to follow instructions.
What is your favourite fashion era?

The 1920s and 1930s appeal to me with their
whimsical, defiant feel. Skirts (and spirits!) went
up and corsetry went out, enabling Chanel and
Schiaparelli to explore a brave new silhouette.
I also love the 1940s, with the strength of
character that came from the war years, but the
1950s is my very favourite. Its steeped in romance
and femininity, but also striking and bold with
a reactionary rejoicing in voluminous skirts,
unashamed use of fabric, pointy bras and
nipped-in waists!
Whats next for Sew La Di Da Vintage?

We have exciting times ahead! Weve updated
our packaging and got several new patterns
in the pipeline, plus well soon be launching
our new Little Miss & Me range for you and
that special young person in your life. Well also
be at the Twinwood vintage festival this year,
where were hoping to have some very special
events. For more details, keep checking our
website, which were relaunching with a brand
new design!
Carolines
Top Tips
l Dont ignore paperwork. It doesnt
go away!
l Try and be organised, or find
someone to organise you. Block out
days for specific tasks, such as Monday:
admin, Tuesday: designing.
l Do the most uninteresting thing first
in the day, then the rest is plain sailing.
l Its important to keep your pot of
creativity well stocked. Visit an art
gallery, watch a kids movie, draw, paint,
dance or whatever helps you relax!
For more from Sew La Di Da Vintage, visit www.sewladidavintage.com

38 sewmag.co.uk
Machine spotlight_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:47 Page 2
LONG ARM
MODELS
Machine Spotlight
STITCH LARGE PROJECTS WITH EASE USING THESE
TOP SEWING MACHINES
If you often sew oversized projects such as quilts, curtains or wedding dresses, then a long arm machine
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models have an extended space to the right of the needle allowing the capacity for stitching larger makes.
MODEL OF
THE MONTH
JANOME MEMORY
CRAFT 8200QC
This long arm model from Janome's
Memory Craft line provides a great
range of practical features at an
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stitching larger projects, with 28cm
arm space to the right of the needle
and a total arm length of 44cm. Fully
computerised, it offers more than 200
built-in stitches with seven styles of
automatic one-step buttonhole. It has
the capacity to memorise stitch and
alphabet combinations and the 9mm
stitch width gives added creative
options. The built-in AcuFeed system
ensures precise fabric handling and
there's a maximum speed controller,
lock stitch feature and programmable
needle up/down for optimum ease
and accuracy.
The built-in AcuFeed

system ensures precise
fabric handling
KEY FEATURES
l Fully
computerised
l 200+
built-in stitches
l Memorise
stitch and
alphabet combinations
l Auto
needle threader
l Maximum
speed controller
Price: 1,499
Contact: www.janome.co.uk,
0161 666 6011.
1,499
Shop of the
MONTH
MKC Services is a dedicated
sewing machine shop and service
centre. It is run by business
partners Roy and Sheila, each
bringing their own expertise to
create the perfect partnership.
Roy has the magic touch to fix
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OVERLOCKER
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WITH ANY
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JANOME
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l
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WHILE STOCKS
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Roy Routledge, MKC Services
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FREE
Find out more...
Visit MKC Services, Unit 8, 30-38 Dock Street, Leeds, LS10 1JF. Alternatively, log on to
www.mkcservice.co.uk, or call 0113 245 3156.
sewmag.co.uk 41
Machine spotlight_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:47 Page 3
4 more... long arm models

THESE MACHINES OFFER AN EXTRA LARGE SEWING SPACE
ELNA EXCELLENCE 760
BROTHER INNOV-IS VQ2
The Excellence 760 by Elna features 270 built-in stitches, with

11 styles of one-step buttonhole and three alphabets for
personalising projects. It can memorise stitch combinations
and elongate stitches up to ve times normal. There are a
number of automatic features including a lock stitch key and
thread cutter, and the built-in needle threader saves time. The
smart LCD information screen is ideal for editing and making
selections. For clear vision while stitching, there are three LED
lighting zones and three accessory storage areas for keeping
all your essentials to hand.
This sewing and quilting model from Brother

has a great selection of features which allow
you to express your creativity. The bright,
full-colour touch screen display offers user-friendly
controls and on-screen tutorials. There are a number of
decorative stitches available and crazy quilting designs for the
avid quilter. Alternatively, create your own stitches directly on
the LCD panel with My Custom Stitch. Other useful functions
include the lock stitch key, automatic needle threader,
seven-point feed and quick set bobbin. There's also a handy
knee lifter for when working on larger projects.
KEY FEATURES
KEY FEATURES
l 270
built-in
stitches
l Three
l 545
built-in
stitches
alphabets
l Memory
1,999
l 28.5cm
facility
l LCD
l Extra
large
arm space
long arm
touch screen
l Multi-directional
feed
l LCD
information
screen
1,999
l Knee
lift
Contact: www.brothersewing.co.uk, 08444 999444.
Contact: www.elna.com, 0161 666 6011.
BERNINA 880
PFAFF POWERQUILTER
This top of the range Bernina sewing and embroidery machine

offers the largest free arm with 30cm to the right of the needle
and 13cm height clearance. Complete projects in super-fast time
with 1,200 stitches per minute. You can sew for longer too, with
a jumbo bobbin that holds 80% more thread than standard. The
possibilities are virtually endless with a huge 1,764 stitches on
offer and the new built-in stitch designer means more
opportunities to be creative. Automatic threading
and thread cutting are other useful features.
This specialist machine from Pfaff features a professional size

workspace for completing any size quilting project and the
entire work area is lit with bright LEDs for maximum visibility.
It's powerful and precise, with up to 1,500 stitches per minute,
however the speed can be controlled on the colour touch
screen. The Powerquilter has a four spool thread
stand and large capacity M-size bobbins. There's
also a separate bobbin winder and needle
up/down with one tap of the foot pedal.
KEY FEATURES
l 1,764
6,995
stitches
l Largest
free arm
l 1,200
stitches
per minute
l Jumbo
bobbin
l Automatic
threading
Contact:
www.bernina.com, 0207 549 7849.
4,350
KEY FEATURES
l Extra
large throat space
l 1,500
stitches per minute
l Bright
LED lights
l Professional
l Large
capacity bobbins
Contact:
www.pfaff.com,
01527 519480.
42 sewmag.co.uk
size
workspace
Sewing Machine Sales & Service

Tel: 0113 245 3156
Email: mkc@mkcservices.org.uk
INTERNET
PRICES
in shop
BERNINA
&
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Our back up service is second to none
www.mkcservice.co.uk
MKC Services, Unit 8, 30-38 Dock Street, Leeds LS10 1JF
PATTERN CUTTING
FOR WOMENSWEAR
SUMMER SCHOOL
A step-by-step course for stitchers and
teachers to learn how to make patterns
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out how to change necklines, adjust
panels and fit to your own figure. Learn
the core skills needed to develop your
own designs or adapt from commercial patterns.
Venue: Moor Hall Shropshire - the studio and home of Bobby Britnell Textile Artist.
Taught by Judi Evans of Stroud School of Sewing. Date: 20th -24th July 2015
Cost: 400 for 5-day course

Further course details and brochure via www.stroudschoolofsewing.com
Bookings and payment via bobby@bobbybritnell.co.uk
Cliffords Sewing Machines Ltd

154 WESTERN STREET, SWANSEA SA1 3JY
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e mail cliffordsew@hotmail.co.uk
web www.cliffordselnapress.co.uk
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www.sovintagepatterns.com
sewmag.co.uk 43
Jersey Maxi Skirt_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:47 Page 1
Beginner
Make
CREATE YOUR FIRST KNIT GARMENT

WITH AMANDA WALKERS
JERSEY SKIRT
Many stitchers avoid sewing with knit fabrics because they have a reputation for being a little
tricky to handle, however this simple jersey skirt can be knocked up in just a few hours.
Access to an overlocker makes sewing seams even easier and weve used fusible hemming
tape for a quick and invisible hem. Go on, give it a go!
Essentials
Jersey fabric
Elastic, 3cm wide
Fusible hemming tape
Dimensions
Custom sized
Measure your waist and hips.

Cut a rectangle from jersey
fabric with the width as your hip
measurement by the length you
would like your skirt to be, plus 3cm
for the hem and 3cm for the elastic
at the top of the skirt (6cm in total).
Fold the rectangle in half

lengthways with right sides
facing, then pin the two raw edges
together. Set your machine to a
stretch stitch and sew with a 2cm
seam allowance. Leave about 40cm
at the base of the seam, which
will become a split at the back of
the skirt.
Lay the tube that has been

created flat on a surface and
centre the seam, the two folded

edges will become the sides of the
skirt. Measure 20cm down from the
top corners and place a pin on the
two folded side edges at this point.
From these 20cm points, draw

a curved line up to the top of the
skirt on both sides; the
measurement between the top of
these lines needs to equal your
waist measurement. Remember you
are just looking at the back of the
skirt so when calculating these lines,
half your waist measurement. Cut off
these sections and stitch them
together with either an overlocker
or with a stretch stitch using a 5mm
seam allowance. Turn the skirt to the
right side.
5
LOVE IT...
BUY IT!
Soft jersey
Amanda used the fresh and floral
Buds Aqua knit fabric by Jeni Baker
from the Geometric Bliss range by
Art Gallery Fabrics. Visit
www.hantex.xo.uk/agf for stockists.
44 sewmag.co.uk
Cut a piece of elastic to your

waist measurement, plus 2cm.
Lap the two ends over each other
and stitch together making a loop.
Position the elastic inside the top
of the skirt 5mm away from the top
edge and pin in position. Overlock
the elastic to the skirt. The machine
needs to cut 5mm off the skirt fabric
but stitch through the elastic. Fold
the top of the skirt inside on the
edge of the elastic and make a few
over stitches on the side and back
seams to keep the fold in place.
Finally, fold and press the 2cm

seam allowance around the split
at the back of the skirt and fuse in
place with webbing tape. Fold and
press a 3cm hem and use fusible
hemming tape to secure it in place.
Jersey Maxi Skirt_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:47 Page 2
ALL SEWN UP!
Many workshop venues

offer overlocker hire if you
dont have one.
Alternatively, finish seams
with a zig zag stitch.
TO BUY
5 REASONS
AN OVERLOCKER
Overlocking seams provides

a professional nish on
stretch fabrics.
With a four thread
overlocker you can assemble
and nish garments
simultaneously with no need
to use a sewing machine.
An overlocker makes it
easily to attach necks and
cuffs to sweatshirts etc.
Prevent fur fabrics from
fraying by overlocking in single
layers rst, then seam on a
sewing machine.
Achieve a neat nish
on ne fabrics by choosing an
overlocker with a rolled
hem capability.
Juki has a great selection of

overlockers available. To view the
range, visit www.juki-uk.com or
call 01206 563955.
sewmag.co.uk 45
46 sewmag.co.uk
Best of.. Indie Patterns_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:19 Page 2
sew DRESSMAKING
BRAND
NEW
FEATURE!
Wear with the

Drawstring-neck
Top pattern!
Best of...
INDIE
Patterns
Our Top Choice

THE ULTIMATE
PENCIL SKIRT
The Makers Atelier
Sizes UK 8-18
Price 22.50
I created this
pattern because
I wanted a pencil
skirt design that
worked with any
fabric; thats why
I called it The
Ultimate. It is in effect two
patterns in one; a shaped pull-on
style for stretch fabrics and a
tailored look for rigid ones.
Frances Tobin,
The Makers Atelier
The independent
garment patterns
on our make list!
Theres a growing number of
independent pattern
designers on the market,
each with their own unique
sense of style, and theres
now more choice than ever
available. Sew HQ could not
be more delighted by this
trend, so each month in this
brand new feature well be
bringing you our top picks,
as we meet the talented
people behind the ranges
and showcase the styles
which need to be in your
shopping baskets!
Why SeW
loves...
Works with any fabric.
Creates the perfect pencil shape.
Clear instructions on how to get
a great fit.
Printed on pattern paper not tissue,
to use again and again.
Beautifully presented in a
card envelope.
www.themakersatelier.com
We also rate
UTILITY DRESS
Cassandra Ellis
Sizes UK 8-16
Price 8.50
NEW
PATTERN
RANGE
AVAILABLE
FROM APRIL!
This slipover dress is both useful

and beautiful. Its a simple and
elegant construction that can
be belted or worn loose. Its
designed for every day whether
at home or out and about.
Cassandra Ellis
Why SeW loves...
Download format; print and make straight away.

Three lengths and two sleeve options.
Make in cotton, linen, fine wool, or silk.
www.cassandraellis.co.uk
BILLIE JEAN DRESS

Bluegingerdoll
Sizes US 4-18
Price 14.50
GREAT
VINTAGE
STYLE
Billie Jean is a beautiful 1950s-inspired

dress, with a touch of old Hollywood
glamour. Featuring a fitted princess
seam bodice to enhance the waist,
unleash your inner bombshell!
Abby Horskins, Bluegingerdoll
Why SeW loves...
Clear, concise and easy to read instructions.

Full-size paper pattern, printed on traceable paper.
Two style options: figure hugging wiggle dress
or full gathered skirt.
Shop the range at www.purple-stitches.com
sewmag.co.uk 47
Bowling bag_Layout 1 26/02/2015 16:44 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
TEMPLATES
ONLINE
MAKE A FASHION STATEMENT WITH

CORINNE BRADDS
Essentials
Three fabric prints, 50cm of each
Lightweight fusible interfacing
Heavyweight interfacing
Zip, 44cm
Leather bag handles
BOWLING BAG
Dimensions
27cm x 37cm (excluding handles)
This fully lined stylish holdall will certainly turn heads with its bold pattern
and unique shape. Fill it with all your necessities, theres plenty of room, plus
two pockets for smaller items like your keys. Weve used the Fenton House
collection for Gtermann, but you could mix and match colours and patterns
to make this a truly personal accessory for your spring wardrobe.
STITCH A BAG
Go to www.sewmag.co.uk and download the template.

Print, trace onto card and cut out. Select three
different prints for the outer bag, contrasting sections
and lining. Cut two 7cm x 48cm pieces of contrasting
and lining fabrics to make the gusset for the zip. Fuse
lightweight interfacing to the lining pieces and trim to
size, laying one of them horizontally, right side up on a
work surface. Place the zip face up on top, lining up the
bottom edges. Lay one contrasting section face down,
to sandwich the fastening. Ensure there is 2cm of spare
fabric at either end.
Use a zipper foot on your sewing machine to stitch the

three pieces together, close to the teeth of the
fastening. Unfold the layers so the fabrics lay wrong sides
together and the zip sits along the top, press and topstitch
3mm from the zip. Repeat this process on the other side of
the fastening and zig zag stitch the long outer edges on
each side of the panel to hold it flat. Trim the short ends of
the finished band to 1cm from the zip end.
Cut 13cm x 18cm of contrasting print for a small side

pocket. Interface half of the wrong side, fold the
fabric over it and press. Zig zag stitch around the three
raw edges. Cut 12cm x 13cm pieces from the outer print
and lining fabric to make the short side panel. Fuse
interfacing to the wrong side of the inner print. Sandwich
the closed end of the zip panel between the two pieces,
making sure the prints are right sides together. Stitch
across the end of the gusset.
Open out the fabrics so they lie wrong sides together

and topstitch 3mm from the seam. Line up the raw
edges of the folded pocket and the side panel and zig zag
stitch to hold in place. Make a larger pouch from 13cm x
30cm of contrasting print, and a lined side panel of 13cm
x 33cm for the other side of the bag in the same way.
Cut two 26cm x 31cm pieces of the contrasting print to

make the internal pockets. Fold them in half widthways
right sides together. Sew around the three raw edges
leaving a 10cm gap in the middle of one side for turning.
Turn out and press, folding the raw edges of the gap inside.
48 sewmag.co.uk
Using the template, cut two bag pieces from both the
lining and outer fabrics. Fuse interfacing to the wrong
side of each inner piece and trim to size. Position a
pocket on the right side of each one and topstitch 3mm
from the edge around the sides and base to hold in place.
Find the centre of the zip panel and mark with a pin. Do
the same on all four bag pieces.
Lay the bag lining right side up and completed gusset

outer side up on a work surface with the outer bag
face down on top, match the centre marks and pin in
place. Pin the edge of the zip panel between the two bag
pieces, working out from the middle and easing the
fabric on the curve. Sew in place. Turn the fabrics right
sides out, topstitch 3mm from the seam and zig zag the
bottom edge to hold. Attach the other half of the bag to
the zip panel in the same way. Turn the bag inside out.
Cut 14cm x 40cm of the outer fabric for the bags

base. Pin and stitch to the bag, right sides together,
making small tucks at the corners if necessary for a
perfect fit. Cut 13cm x 38cm of heavyweight interfacing
and iron to the centre of the wrong side of a piece of
lining print measuring 17cm x 42cm. Fold the edges of
the fabric over the interfacing and tack down.
Place the stiff lining piece over the bottom of the bag,
wrong sides together. Pin in place, tucking the raw
edges underneath. Slip stitch in place and turn the bag
out. Pin leather handles to each side of the bag, ensuring
they are level and the same distance from the centre.
Sew them in place by hand with strong, thick thread and
backstitch, passing through all the layers of the bag.
ALL SEWN UP!
Add embellishment to
the outer pockets for
a quirky detail.
Bowling bag_Layout 1 26/02/2015 16:44 Page 2
sew ACCESSORIES
LOVE IT...
BUY IT!
Fenton Dream 3
Bold spots in a gorgeous plum.
Fenton Blossom 2
A modern twist on a floral design.
We used the funky Fenton House collection
for Gtermann. For stockists, email
gutermann@stockistenquiries.co.uk
sewmag.co.uk 49
Subs70_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:47 Page 2
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Awards qx_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:48 Page 2
BRITISH
SEWING
AWARDS
Winners!
WE CAN NOW ANNOUNCE THE WINNERS OF

THE BRITISH SEWING AWARDS 2014, AS
VOTED BY YOU!
BEST THREAD
BRAND
Winner: Gtermann
Runner up: Coats
3rd Place: Aurifil
BEST EXHIBITION/SHOW
EXPERIENCE 2014
Winner: Hobbycrafts and Sewing for
Pleasure, NEC, Birmingham
Runner up: The Knitting & Stitching
Show, Alexandra Palace, London
3rd Place: The Festival of Quilts,
NEC, Birmingham
BEST BRAND OF HABERDASHERY

Winner: Fiskars
Runner up: Clover
3rd Place: Prym
BEST FOR SEWING

WORKSHOPS/
COURSES
Winner: Craftsy.com
Runner up: Sew Me
Something
3rd Place: Lady Sew
and Sew
BEST FABRIC BRAND

Winner: Liberty
Runner up: Moda
3rd Place: Michael Miller
It has always been the
philosophy of Liberty to
influence the publics
taste by giving them the
opportunity to buy
beautiful and affordable
things. To receive an award for this is
such a compliment and very gratefully
received. A massive thank you to
Sew magazine and all their readers
for this accolade.
Emma Mawston, Head Designer,
Liberty Art Fabrics
52 sewmag.co.uk
The votes are in and we

can now reveal the
winners of the British
Sewing Awards 2014!
You voted in your
thousands to give
recognition to those
deserved brands and
individuals inspiring the nation to keep on
stitching. As well as big names, were also
pleased to be recognising the independent
haberdashers from across the UK.
A big thank you to all who voted!
BEST PATTERN
HOUSE
Winner: Simplicity
Runner up:
Vogue Patterns
3rd Place:
Colette Patterns
Simplicity
is absolutely delighted to have
won the Best Pattern House
award again. We constantly
strive to bring sewists new
pattern collections that entice, inspire and
simply make you want to sew!
Wendy Gardiner, Simplicity
BEST NEW PRODUCT 2014

Winner: Fiskars Combo Rotary
Cutter & Ruler
Runner up: Janome Memory Craft 15000
3rd Place: Clover Puff Quilting Clips
BEST ENTRY LEVEL SEWING

MACHINE BRAND
Winner: Janome
Runner up: Brother
3rd Place: Singer
BEST QUILTING/EMBROIDERY
SEWING MACHINE BRAND
Winner: Janome
Runner up: Bernina
3rd Place: Brother
FAVOURITE SEWING PERSONALITY

Winner: Kirstie Allsopp
Runner up: Tilly Walnes
3rd Place: Patrick Grant
Awards qx_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:48 Page 3
BEST INDEPENDENT STORE
MOST DESIRABLE SEWING

MACHINE
Winner: Janome Memory
Craft 15000
Runner up: Brother Innov-is V7
3rd Place: Bernina 880
We love Sew and therefore to be
recognised by the magazines readers
in such a positive way means a great
deal to everyone here. We are
delighted that Sew readers have such
a high regard for Janome products
and would like to thank them for their
continuing support.
Ron Stower, Managing Director, Janome
BEST SEWING BLOG

Winner: So Sew Easy
Runner up: Tilly and the Buttons
3rd Place: Plush Addict
BEST ONLINE RETAILER

Winner: Plush Addict
Runner up: Lady Sew and Sew
3rd Place: Croft Mill
BEST UK CHAIN STORE

Winner: John Lewis
Runner up: Hobbycraft
3rd Place: Fabric Land
BEST SEWING BOOK 2014

Winner: Love at First Stitch by
Tilly Walnes (Quadrille)
Runner up: The Great British Sewing
Bee: Sew Your Own Wardrobe by
Tessa Evelegh (Quadrille)
3rd Place: The Great British Sewing Bee
by Tessa Evelegh (Quadrille)
Wow! Thank you
so much to
everyone who
nominated and
voted for me and
Love at First Stitch
in the British
Sewing Awards.
Im over the moon
that you love my
book as much as I enjoyed creating it.
Tilly Walnes, Owner, Tilly and the Buttons
IRELAND
Winner: The Cotton Shed,
Craigavon
Runner up: Craftswoman Fabrics,
Carrickfergus
3rd Place: Windmill Fabrics,
Saintfield
EXPERT JUDGES
SCOTLAND
Winner: The Cloth Shop
(Remnant Kings), Edinburgh
Runner up: Edinburgh Fabrics,
Edinburgh
3rd Place: The Fabric Shop, Melrose
WALES
Winner: Busy Bees Patchwork,
Newport
Runner up: Calico Kate, Lampeter
3rd Place: Lee Mill Fabrics, Swansea
NORTH OF ENGLAND
Winner: Croft Mill, Colne
Runner up: Just Sew, Penrith
3rd Place: Minerva Crafts, Darwen
MIDLANDS
Winner: Sew Me Something,
Stratford-upon-Avon
Runner up: Guthrie & Ghani,
Birmingham
3rd Place: Karen Delahunty
Sewing & Knitting Centre,
Kenilworth
To have been voted
for by our customers
is wonderful and we
are honoured to
receive this award.
I have a fantastic
team and we know most of our
customers by name as they come
back time and time again.
Jules Fallon, Owner, Sew Me Something
SOUTH OF ENGLAND
Winner: Lady Sew and Sew,
Bucks
Runner up: The Village
Haberdashery, West Hampstead
3rd Place: Quilters Haven,
Wickham Market
BEST FOR CUSTOMER

SERVICE
Winner: John Lewis
Runner up: Plush Addict
3rd Place: Lady Sew and Sew
BRITISH
SEWING
AWARDS
We asked these leading personalities
and friends of Sew to nominate who
they thought deserved recognition for
their services to the sewing industry
Zandra Rhodes:
Services to
Education
Winner: London
College of
Fashion
I nominate the
London College
of Fashion
because they have
a practical course
on dressmaking. To achieve the best from
design, practical knowledge is essential.
The couture industry requires the same
level of construction skills as tailoring.
Also, the re-emergence of apprenticeships
such as the one at Newham College of
Further Education has helped to secure
the future of Savile Row. It is extremely
important to highlight this issue, as I think
more pragmatic courses must be
introduced so the art of practical sewing
does not become a dying craft.
May Martin: Best
British Retailer
Winner: Sewing
Machines Direct
Sewing Machines
Direct is an
established British
company based in
Wrexham who
have been
supplying sewing
machines for over 40 years. Russell and
the team have supplied hundreds of sewing
machines to my students over the years.
They provide a reliable, friendly service
advising on choice of machine if required
and next day delivery to any chosen
address. They respond swiftly to any
problem and show endless patience
answering technical questions. A
remarkable company and a worthy
recipient of this award.
John Lewis is delighted at winning Best UK Chain

Store and Best For Customer Service. We endeavour
to hold a wide range of the latest brands and
models to ensure our customers can be offered the
broadest variety of products.
Vanessa Bowerman, Buyer, John Lewis
sewmag.co.uk 53
01792 468504
info@leemillfabrics.co.uk
213 Oxford Street, Swansea SA1 3BG
At Lee Mill Fabrics we pride ourselves on our

ability to source quality fabrics at low prices.
We have OVER 10,000 FABRICS
to choose from, making us one of the largest
fabric stores in South Wales.
Call us today and prepare to be dazzled!
BEST INDEPENDENT
HABERDASHERY STORE
IN WALES
3rd Place
www.leemillfabrics.co.uk
54 sewmag.co.uk
Suppliers of mail order fabrics for over 40 years

we source beautiful fabrics from
Britain, Europe and rest of the world.
sewmag.co.uk 55
10 Kits feature_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:42 Page 1
SPRING
STITCHING
10 TOP KITS YOULL LOVE!
Many of us enjoy creating something entirely original,

however, its sometimes good to have an end goal
already in sight and all the essentials at your fingertips!
These kits have everything you need to make
something beautiful. We have included makes for your
home, your little ones and, of course, for yourself.
Whether you are a beginner or an advancer stitcher,
there is something for everyone. The only difficult part
is deciding which one to try first!
Have your cake

This embroidery kit would make
a great gift for a birthday or
wedding. The kit comes
complete with embroidery
threads in five colours to finish
the project, as well as an
alphabet so you can customise
the name and date. The finished
piece is approximately 24cm
x 32cm. Priced 17.50,
www.nancynicholson.co.uk
Great for beginners!
Beautiful butterfly
In an on-trend mint and coral colour combo, this swallow tail
butterfly cross stitch kit comes with everything you require
to make a beautiful piece that you can keep or give as a
unique gift. Measures 8.9cm x 10.9cm. Priced 14.99,
www.flossandmischief.com
For the more advanced stitcher
Are you feeling lucky?

With a bold colour scheme and funky design, Emily Peacock has everything you
need to brighten up your home. Turn this Lucky needlepoint kit into a pillow or
centrepiece for your living room to bring a bit of positive energy your way. The kit
comes in two sizes, 24cm x 69cm or 31cm x 91cm, priced 58 and 78,
www.emilypeacock.com
SEE 2
9
PAGE IN
W
TO S
THI
KIT!
56 sewmag.co.uk
4
Liberty
Love
Create a fabulous quilt with this kit of precut strips of Liberty

Tana Lawn fabrics. It comes with fully illustrated instructions
and the finished quilt measures 96.5cm sqaure. This would
brighten up any room in the house, or make a wonderful gift.
Priced 35, www.alicecaroline.co.uk
10 Kits feature_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:42 Page 2
sew SHOPPING
Fabric flowers
These three dimensional flowers would be a quirky addition to any
bouquet, or would look stunning on their own as a table decoration.
With two kits to choose from, all the materials are ethically made
from recyclable materials. Priced 15, www.gilliantravis.co.uk
Top collar
With this kit you get everything you need to

make The Tallis collar in an amazing turquoise
leopard print. Perfect for those who like
creating their own unique fashion items, or
enjoy customising their wardrobe, there are
two versions to make, a rounded version or
squared style. Priced 10, www.gatherkits.com
For the little people

REAL
!
READER
7
9
Fancy pants
SEE
PAGE 92
TO WIN
THIS
KIT!
Everything you need to make your own set of pretty knickers! Including
a fully graded reusable pattern in sizes 8-18, this delightful pack comes
with clear instructions and diagrams. There are some gorgeous prints
to choose from, you could make a pair for every day of the week! Priced
15, www.flo-joboutique.co.uk
First sewing kit

Perfect for small fingers and to help little ones
learn basic sewing skills, this friendly looking
felt stegosaurus from www.clothkits.co.uk is
fun and educational. Priced 11.
I tried the dinosaur kit

because it was something
I could make with my god
daughter when she came to
stay. The instructions were
clear and we had a lot of fun!
Fiona Eyres, Sew reader
Bag it up
This lovely bag is large and sturdy, with
long webbed cotton shoulder straps.
Use it for your shopping, overnight stays
or your craft stash! There are two colour
choices of thread for the wolf, and the
instructions are clear enough for a
beginner or first-time cross stitcher.
Priced 22,
www.whatdelilahdid.bigcartel.com
10
Pretty purses
Create two purses with this pretty kit. Perfect for storing
make up or beauty supplies, or keeping your pennies safe.
Use the dainty Liberty prints provided for a real touch of
class. Priced 14.90, www.alicecaroline.co.uk
sewmag.co.uk 57
Pattern weights_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:19 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
TEMPLATES
ONLINE
Essentials
Hand-dyed batik cotton, selection
Cream cotton, 22cm x 30cm
Toy filling
Embroidery thread, green, yellow, lilac,
pink, black
Flower buttons, green, pink
Split yellow lentils
Scrap of pink felt, scrap
Dimensions
10cm x 15cm
MAKE ADORABLE SEWING FRIENDS

WITH ELLEN KHARADES
TORTOISE PATTERN
WEIGHTS
These cute little tortoises would make a really irresistible gift set.
Make them as a pair of pattern weights or individually as a pincushion.
Each one has been patchworked from six segments of fabric to achieve
the rounded shell shape, and padded with fibre filling and split lentils to
add extra weight. The unusual hand-dyed fabric, embroidery and
button detail add further interest to these irresistible little critters.
SEW A TORTOISE
Go to www.sewmag.co.uk and download the

templates. Print and cut out. Pin the lozenge
shape template to cotton fabric and cut out six
sections, varying the shades. Pin the remaining
templates to cream and trim two heads, eight legs
and two tail sections. Pin the belly template to
coloured fabric and cut one.
Place one lozenge with a different colour each side.

With right sides facing, pin and machine stitch
two together, then repeat adding the remaining
shape to the other side. Stitch three more pieces
together in the same way.
With right sides facing, pin the two sections

together, making sure that all the points meet,
and machine stitch leaving a 3cm gap at the base
for turning. Finger press all of the seams open
and turn out. Stuff the ball with filling and a
handful of split lentils to add weight, then sew
up the gap using small stitches.
With right sides facing, pin two leg sections

together and machine stitch, trim the seam slightly,
turn out and stuff with toy filing. Sew the remaining
legs, head and tail together and stuff in the same
way. Turn the tortoise over and pin the head,
tail and legs to the underside. Hand sew firmly
into place using back stitches.
ALL SEWN UP!
Why not adapt the pattern and

make a cute snail instead?
58 sewmag.co.uk
Press the edges of the belly section to the wrong

side by 5mm. Pin to the underside of the tortoise,
covering the raw edges of the limbs, head and tail and
sew into place using neat whip stitches. Sew a flower
button to the top of the shell using embroidery
thread. Embroider star stitches into each segment
in a contrasting colour.
Add features using French knots for the eyes and

a back stitch for the mouth. Cut out two small
circles from pink felt and stick each rosy cheek to the
side of the face with PVA. Repeat as desired.
See www.sewmag.co.uk
for more FREE stitchy projects
Pattern weights_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:20 Page 2
sew GIFTS
OUR
Patchwork
PROMISE
Reduce the
size to create
smaller
weights
LOVE IT... BUY IT!
Hand-dyed fabric
Bali Boutique hand-dyed batik fabrics give these tortoises
a natural feel. For stockists, visit www.hantex.co.uk
sewmag.co.uk 59
Q&A 70_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:49 Page 1
WHATEVER YOUR SEWING

PROBLEM, OUR EXPERTS
HAVE THE ANSWER!
Send your queries to
stephanie.durrant@aceville.co.uk
////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////
would really like to stitch

my own maternity wear,
but Im not too sure where
to start. Do you have any tips
for creating comfortable
garments that still have an
element of style?
is an Australian
indie pattern
designer and
mother of three.
Her designs are
poised between
modern style
and wearability,
and her
maternity
sewing patterns
have quickly
become the
most popular
on the market.
She also
authors the
popular blog
www.diy
maternity.com
providing free
maternity wear
sewing tutorials
to expecting
mothers.
Diane Hudson
Megan says
It can feel daunting, but creating a
stylish handmade maternity wardrobe
is easier than you think!
Consider the proportion and balance.
If you wear volume over your torso, keep
your bottom half fitted, and vice versa.
Opt for sewing patterns that will give
you the most wear throughout all
trimesters, and can potentially be worn
after your little one arrives. Ruching is
wonderful for fitting in a bump, and
disguising a postpartum tummy
afterwards. Steer clear of fussy details.
The key to looking stylish when youre
pregnant is simplicity.
Knit fabrics are your

best friends during
pregnancy
I strongly recommend learning to sew
with stretch fabrics, elastic and elastic
thread shirring. Knit fabrics are your best
friends during pregnancy as they fit
around your bump and help you stay
comfortable.
Im also a great believer in
re-purposing old fabrics and clothing,
especially over pregnancy. Its a
relatively short period of time, and
buying a whole new wardrobe can be
overwhelming and feel wasteful. Adding
elastic or shirring to an old men's shirt,
for example, can instantly create a
stylish blouse or dress that can even be
used when breastfeeding later on.
60 sewmag.co.uk
www.DIYmaternity.com
Megan
Nielson
Q&A 70_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:49 Page 2
sew ADVICE
love the look of patchwork quilts, but the

quilting part at the end puts me off as
I dont know what supplies I need or
techniques to use. Any advice please?
Christine McDermott
Dawn
CameronDick
is a traditional
quilter and
Mettler Threads
ambassador.
Although a lover
of hand quilting
and appliqu, she
also teaches
machine quilting
and has written
two books on her
signature
technique,
invisible machine
appliqu.
Visit www.dawn
camerondick.com
Dawn says
Hand and machine quilting essentially do the same job; it holds the
backing, wadding and top of the quilt together. Hand quilting is
portable and requires few supplies. All you need is a hoop, a
Between needle size 9-10, and cotton thread in size 40 (the most
popular). Mettler makes a poly-coated cotton and a 100% cotton
in many colours. I prefer the all cotton 40 weight variety. To hand
quilt your piece, simply work a running
stitch (which is what a quilting stitch is)
in from your seams or in any design you
choose across the quilt. There are many
books available with patterns or you can
draw out lines yourself.
Machine quilting does not require a
special machine. As long as your model
is in good working order you can
successfully machine quilt. You will need to purchase a walking foot
if yours does not already come with one (available for almost any
machine as a separate attachment), a quilting needle size 90/14 for
40 weight thread, and a 40 weight thread.
Using a thin wadding will help make your rst attempts easier.
Attending a workshop at your local quilt shop would also be
invaluable. Just relax and enjoy the process!
Hand and
machine
quilting
essentially do
the same job
hat is wearing ease

and how do I know
how much is included
in the pattern design?
Debbie Hackett
Elisalex says
Looser fitting and drapier styles will

have considerably more wearing ease
Wearing ease, or just ease as its most

commonly referred to, is one of those
unnecessarily unclear sewing terms that can
cause even a condent beginner to feel like
a newbie! Simply translated, it refers to the
extra inches factored into the drafting of a
pattern (for both home sewing and ready to
wear) to allow the body to move and feel
comfortable while wearing the nished
garment. Even very tted bodices will have a
nished measurement ever so slightly larger
than that of your actual body measurements.
Looser tting and drapier styles will have
considerably more wearing ease; while super
tight garments designed to be made from
stretch fabrics will have negative ease,
meaning that the nished measurements will
be smaller than your body measurements,
allowing the garment to stretch and form
to your body.
To nd out how much ease a pattern has,
and thus get a better idea as to how it will t
your body, check out the technical
information on the sewing pattern itself. As
well as a standard sizing chart which outlines
body measurements, most sewing patterns
will provide a nished measurements chart.
By comparing the nished measurements
with your size, youll see how much ease your
pattern has been drafted with.
Elisalex De
Castro Peake
is one third of the
trio who set up
indie pattern
label, By Hand
London. Based in
the Capital, she
loves the
technical side of
sewing and
enjoys writing
tutorials and
sewalongs on the
companys
successful blog.
Read more at
www.byhand
london.com
sewmag.co.uk 61
Lunchtime Make Bunny_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:06 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
Lunchtime
Make
TEMPLATES
ONLINE
STITCH AN EASTER DEC LITTLE ONES

WILL LOVE WITH LUCINDA GANDERTONS
With large expressive eyes, sweet little April Bunny is sure to be loved by all.
Made from soft felt and wearing a pretty pinafore dress, shell delight
anyone whos lucky enough to receive her this Easter. Why not
present her a gift bag with chocolate eggs for a truly special gift?
APRIL BUNNY
Essentials
Turquoise cotton, 20cm x 30cm

Floral cotton, 8cm x 40cm Cream
felt, 30cm square Pink felt, scrap
Fabric marker pen Safety eyes,
15mm, two Brown embroidery
thread Sewing thread Toy
stuffing Small pom pom Small
press stud or button
Go to www.sewmag.co.uk to
download and print the
templates. Cut out two heads
from cream felt and sew the darts
together with a narrow seam. Trim
two outer ears from cream and
two inner ears from pink felt. Sew
in place. With the curved edges
matching, tack the ears to one
head, between the points marked
A and B on the template.
Draw around the body
template on cream felt and cut
out roughly. Pin to the remaining
felt and sew through both layers
following the marked line. Leave
the neck edge open. Trim the
seam allowance to 3mm and snip
the centre of one side, along the
dotted line. Turn right side out,
ease the seams and stuff. Stuff,
then sew the head in place
securely, and the pom pom tail.
3
SWEET
GIFT
IDEA
Draw around the bodice on the

back of turquoise fabric. Cut
out and pin to the remaining
fabric, right sides facing. Stitch
from C to C. Trim the seam to 3mm
and turn out, using a knitting
needle to ease out the straps.
Press lightly. Fold 8cm x 40cm of
floral fabric in half lengthways
with right sides facing. Seam the
short edges, clip the corners and
turn out. Gather the top edge to
20cm. Press under one long side
of turquoise fabric, 4cm x 24cm.
With raw edges matching and
right sides facing, stitch to
the gathered edge of the skirt.
Tuck in the ends and turn
the folded edge to the reverse.
Pin and stitch in place. Sew the
bodice to the centre back of
the waistband and add a press
stud or button and loop.
LOVE IT... BUY IT!
1
62 sewmag.co.uk
We made Aprils skirt

from Gillie Wishes Cool
from Art Gallery Fabrics
Emmy Grace range by Bari J,
3.50 per fat quarter,
www.sewmesomething.co.uk,
01789 330588.
Stuart Hilliard_Layout 1 27/02/2015 09:38 Page 2
at home WITH
STUART HILLARD
I have decided to make Easter
my big thing this year
THIS MONTH OUR FAVOURITE HOME STITCHER
SHARES INSPIRATION FOR A SPRING CELEBRATION
I got off pretty lightly during the Christmas
festivities as I was entertained and fed from
Christmas Eve till New Years Day. I didnt
cook once and Im ashamed to say, I didnt
wash up either! Although I did give my
mother in law two days worth of sewing
machine tuition, so it all worked out in the
end. As penance, I have decided to make
Easter my big thing this year and go all out
with the entertaining. Ive never really done
Easter before, so Im enjoying the novelty of
planning for an entirely new celebration.
Im organising an egg hunt in the garden
followed by an outdoor lunch for 20. Im
praying for sunshine but planning for rain,
so Im borrowing a gazebo for the weekend
from a friend, and theres always Charlies
man cave if it really starts chucking it down.
Im hiding a mixture of chocolate eggs and
fabric bunnies for
the children
to find. I just
downloaded a
simple rabbit
shape from the
internet, cut two
shapes from
hessian and
sewed around
the edge, adding
a little stuffing.
A length of ribbon round the neck and they
are done! Im covering a long tressle table
with more hessian and raiding my china
cupboard for every pretty glass and pottery
jug I can find to cram with orange and
peach tulips for the centre. Ive already
whipped up a batch of bright orange linen
napkins to wrap around green handled
cutlery. See Stuarts Stash for a great stockist
of quality linen. Tied with green ribbon,
each place setting will look like a carrot
so cute! Heres to a fun and hopefully
sunny Easter!
Im hiding a
mixture of
chocolate eggs
and fabric
bunnies for
the children
to find
Style
Advice
www.tch.net
HOME INSPIRATIONS
Hessian, jute or burlap, as its known in the US, is a wonderful

natural fibre made from the skin of the jute plant. Most of us
have at least one of those eco hessian bags from the
supermarket (I think mine came free with six bottles of wine!),
but its fast becoming one of the trendiest fabrics for home
dcor, particularly for spring entertaining and weddings on
everything from garlands and bunting to cushions, table
linens and upholstery. Of course, on its own it can be rather
coarse, it is what coffee sacks are traditionally made of after
all, but when teamed with pretty pastel silks and ribbons it
becomes rather elegant and wonderful. Scour the internet for
printed grain and coffee sacks and cover
an old stool or armchair for a look which
is eco friendly and punchier than a cup
of Java Joe!
Find more at www.stuarthillard.com
For the prettiest and

craftiest spring
centrepiece, make an
Easter tree to adorn
your table. Start with
a good sized twiggy
branch and spray it
white. Get the kids
making little pom
poms in as many
bright colours as you
have scraps of yarn,
then use a glue gun
to attach them all
over the branches.
Guaranteed to keep
children busy during
the holidays and wow
factor for all your
Easter entertaining.
Stuarts
Stash
Top of my to buy list this month

was bright orange linen for my
carrot napkins. My favourite is
this quality pure linen, priced
18.99 per metre from
www.trurofabrics.com. Linen washes
up nicely, so these will be perfect
for autumn and Halloween
entertaining, too!
Set of three Easter bunnies,

16.94, www.luckandluck.co.uk
Floral paperchains, 5.99,
www.oakroomshop.co.uk
sewmag.co.uk 63
HomeTrends_Layout 1 27/02/2015 09:29 Page 1
ME TRENDS
O
H
Easter Table
BRING ALL THE FUN OF EASTER INTO YOUR HOME

Whether you are giving your home a makeover for spring, or decorating for a party, there
is plenty of inspiration this season. Eggs, chicks and bunny patterns are great for fun
makes, while light florals and detailed prints can make storage solutions and home
furnishings stand out from the crowd. Pastels are perfect for this time of year, but don't
be afraid to use less traditional, bolder colours too.
Clockwise from bottom left: 1 Japanese M Dobby Bunnies Pink, 9 per metre, www.fabricinspirations.co.uk 2 White rabbit buttons, 1.75
for ve, www.beadandbuttoncompany.co.uk 3 Cloudwork by Makower, 12 per metre, www.eternalmaker.com 4 Spring mini chicks,
Urban Zoologie collection by Robert Kaufman, 12 per metre, www.plushaddict.co.uk 5 Easter Bunnies ribbon, 70p per metre,
www.prettyfabricsandtrims.co.uk 6 Ducks on Yellow by Lecien, 15 per metre, www.thehomemakery.co.uk 7 Rabbits and Hares in Sea
Green, 11 per metre, www.fabricrehab.co.uk 8 Luxury Hessian, 4.50 per metre, www.plushaddict.co.uk 9 Floral Dandelions, Suffolk
Garden collection by Brie Harrison for Dashwood Studio, 13 per metre, www.elephantinmyhandbag.com 10 Linen Closet Bee by
Makower, 10 per metre, www.plushaddict.co.uk 11 Chicks by Timeless Treasures, 14 per metre, www.elephantinmyhandbag.com
12 Lilac Gingham by Sevenberry, 13 per metre, www.thehomemakery.co.uk 13 Pom pom trim in Lemon and Mint, 2.25 per metre,
www.thehomemakery.co.uk 14 Riley Blake Flower Patch Bees Multi, 12 per metre, www.plushaddict.co.uk 15 Roald Dahl Fantastic Mr
Fox, 13 per metre, www.sewscrumptious.co.uk
64 sewmag.co.uk
HomeTrends_Layout 1 27/02/2015 09:28 Page 2
sew HOME
Use pastels to make

spring-themed garlands
and decorations
Fun prints make

great accessories for
little ones
Create storage
solutions for all your
Easter treats
www.hobbycraft.co.uk
sewmag.co.uk 65
Applique Hare Cushion_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:04 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
TEMPLATES
ONLINE
LEARN A NEW TECHNIQUE WITH CHERYL OWENS
HARE CUSHIONS
Essentials
Pink patterned cotton, 35cm x 112cm
Blue patterned cotton, 35cm x 112cm
Cream boiled wool, 35cm x 70cm
Tracing paper
Cream sewing thread
Embroidery thread, navy, deep pink, one
skein of each
Zip, 25cm, two
Cushion pad, 30cm, two
Weve used the reverse appliqu technique to make these contemporary

Dimensions
cushions featuring a pair of enchanting spring hares. The top layer of boiled 30cm square
wool is cut away to reveal pretty patterned cotton underneath. For best results,
choose a small print so that it wont detract from the embroidery.
STITCH A CUSHION
Cut a 33cm square of patterned cotton fabric and

cream boiled wool for each cushion. Go to
www.sewmag.co.uk and download the template. Print and
copy onto tracing paper using a pencil. Cut out the printed
outline along the broken lines.
Pin the template to the centre of the wrong side of one

boiled wool square, matching the straight side to the
lower edge of the square. Draw around the outline with a
sharp pencil. Cut out, then flip and repeat on the other
wool square to make a mirror image. With right sides
facing up, pin and tack to the cotton squares, matching
the outer raw edges.
Oversew the edges of the wool around the heads with

small stitches. Place the tracing, pencil side down,
on one head. Redraw over the details to transfer. Flip the
tracing and repeat on the other square. Fill in the solid
areas on the eyes using three strands of embroidery
thread and a crewel needle. Use navy thread on the blue
head and deep pink for the pink. Outline the eyes and
head, then stitch the details with stem stitch. Press the
squares face down on a towel.
To make the cushion back, pin and stitch two 18cm x

33cm rectangles of patterned cotton right sides facing
along one long edge, taking a 1.5cm seam allowance and
leaving a 25cm gap in the centre. Tack the pinned edge
between the stitching. Press the seam open. Lay a zip
centrally along the seam, face down. Pin and tack in place.
On the right side, use a zipper foot to stitch the zip

6mm from the tacked seam and across the ends.
Unpick the tacking and open. Pin the front and back of
each cushion cover together with right sides facing.
Stitch the outer edges, with a 1.5cm seam allowance.
Clip the corners. Turn right side out and insert a cushion
pad. Close the zip and repeat.
ALL SEWN UP!
Dont discard the

cut-out heads, you can
incorporate them into
other sewing projects.
66 sewmag.co.uk
LOVE IT... BUY IT!

Ditsy prints
True Blue
The small repeat of this

Cherry print cotton poplin
is perfect for these
cushions. 6.99 per metre
www.minervacrafts.com,
01254 708068.
Ditsy Light Blue from

Dashwood Studios Flyaway
range, would make a nice
contrast to the pink print.
12 per metre,
www.purple-stitches.com
Applique Hare Cushion_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:04 Page 2
sew HOME
See www.sewmag.co.uk
for more Easter inspiration
sewmag.co.uk 67
Love that Fabric_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:19 Page 1
sew HOME
Love that
FABRIC
APRIL SHOWERS
HAVE FUN
WITH PRINT
AND PATTERN
AND STEP
INTO SPRING
April showers are coming,

so cosy up with weatherthemed patterns
Lorraine Luximon, Sew Editor
2
3
5
6
8
7
68 sewmag.co.uk
1 Cat with Red Umbrella by Timeless Treasures,

11.99 per metre, www.minervacrafts.com,
01254 708068.
2 Clouds from Petite Street collection for
Dashwood Studio, 11.20 per metre,
www.purple-stitches.com, 07900 828431.
3 Rainbow & Clouds iron-on patch, 1.49,
www.myfabrichouse.co.uk
4 Rainbows & Unicorns by Michael Miller, 12
per metre, www.sewscrumptious.co.uk,
07854 820354.
5 Spring Showers Raindrops in Blue by
Windham Fabrics, 12 per metre,
www.sewscrumptious.co.uk
6 Dress It Up April Showers buttons, 2.45,
www.beadandbuttoncompany.co.uk
7 Sunshines from Rain or Shine? collection
for Dashwood Studio, 11 per metre,
www.secretgardenquilting.co.uk,
01582 227808.
8 Pink Puddle from Rain or Shine?
for Dashwood Studio, 11 per metre,
www.secretgardenquilting.co.uk
9 April Showers for Moda, 12 per metre,
www.hulucrafts.co.uk
Sew Personality - Alice Caroline_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:20 Page 3
sew PERSONALITY
ALICE GARRETT
My favourite thing is
combining the different colours
and prints of Liberty fabrics
ALICE GARRETT IS LIVING THE DREAM, AS OWNER
OF LIBERTY FABRIC EMPORIUM, ALICE CAROLINE
Alices business grew out of a

lifelong love of vibrant Liberty
prints. As a child she would pore
over her grandmothers stash of
quilting fabrics, and after a
successful career in science she
longed to rediscover her creativity.
And so, Alice Caroline was born!
Now working in her thatched barn
studio surrounded by rolling
Cotswold hills and the latest
Liberty prints, with a book deal
under her belt, life really couldnt
get any better!
What did you do before launching
Alice Caroline?
I actually did a chemistry degree and PhD
before launching Alice Caroline. I initially made
and sold handbags and jewellery, mixed in with
working in the local post office! I was also a
full-time mum for a few years, but I longed to be
creative again. My mum taught me how to sew
when I was a child, and my grandma was an
avid quilter, so it was in the genes, I guess!
What kind of things do you enjoy

stitching?
When I first started the business, I loved making
bags and obsessed over the perfect dimensions,
trying to create the right size to fit a copy of
Vogue, plus other essentials! As a student I got into
making dresses and now I stitch most of my
summer clothes. At the moment Im playing with
combining Liberty fabric with heavier, winter
weight fabrics like fleece.
How did your book deal come about?

Twice a year I exhibit at retail shows, The Festival
of Quilts at Birmingham NEC and The Knitting
& Stitching Show at Alexandra Palace. Ame my
now editor at David & Charles, saw my stand
and asked if I would like to write a book,
so its a bit of a dream come true!
What do you most enjoy about your

business?
There are so many aspects. But probably my
favourite thing still is combining the different
colours and prints of Liberty fabrics for
coordinated packs and bundles; basically playing

with colour! I also enjoy designing and writing all
the instructions for the kits on the website. I like
the challenge of trying to keep in mind optimum
fabric usage and ease of construction.
Whats your favourite fabric in

the new Liberty Alice in
Wonderland collection?
Thats tricky as there are so many beauties! I do
love Gallymoggers Reynard, though, as it features
all of the characters from Alice in Wonderland.
I particularly like the biscuits that have
EAT ME! written on them.
Whats next for you and the

business?
We have plans to move to bigger premises, so
well be continuing to expand our range of fabrics
and kits. Excitingly, Little Lady Liberty is being
translated into French in June, and an appearance
on Create and Craft TV and at literature festivals
is also in the pipeline. One day Id love to write
another book, too!
Shop the full range at www.alicecaroline.co.uk

sewmag.co.uk 69
Teatime set_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:11 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
TEMPLATES
ONLINE
Essentials
Mustard patterned cotton
Liberty prints, selection
Plain mustard cotton
Plain blue cotton
Blue spotty cotton
Lining fabric
White circular coaster, 14cm
Pink bias binding
Mustard grosgrain ribbon
Iron-on interfacing
Wadding
Dimensions
Tea cosy: 25cm x 34cm

Coaster: 12cm x 15cm
CELEBRATE THE 150th YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF ALICE

IN WONDERLAND WITH CAROLYN LETTENS
TEA PARTY SET

Made in delightful Alice in Wonderland-inspired prints, this set will
ensure you serve your favourite beverage in style! Teamed with spotty
and retro print fabrics, its sure to bring a touch of occasion to a soire.
And if you like to indulge in biscuits and cake, then the napkins will
come in very handy!
FAVOURITE TEA COSY
Go to www.sewmag.co.uk and download the

templates. Using the tea cosy template, cut two
from mustard patterned fabric, the front piece will be
shorter than the back. Cut two full size from lining fabric
and two from wadding. Trim one 7cm x 37cm piece from
Liberty grass print fabric, back with iron-on interfacing
and set aside. Use the template to cut out all the pieces
for the teapot and cup and saucer, using a selection of
fabrics, and back each with iron-on interfacing.
Back a 14cm circular coaster with interfacing and pin

it to the right-hand side of the main body of the tea
cosy. Secure in place with bright pink thread. Iron on the
reverse. Place all the teapot pieces as shown, using pins
or acid-free glue to hold them in place. Stitch using a teal
coloured thread. Add a decorative stitch to the teapot.
Iron on the reverse. Repeat for the cup and saucer. Trace
favourite tea from the template onto tissue paper. Pin in
place, stitch over the paper and then tear it away. Stitch
the steam lines from the cup.
Make
&Share
Fold 38cm of bias binding in half lengthways and run

a line of stitching down it to hold it together.
Pin across the bottom of the tea cosy front on the right
side so that the line of stitching you have just sewn is
1cm from the raw bottom edge of the tea cosy. Stitch it
across. Fold the bottom raw edge under and pin it across
the front of the grass print fabric interfaced earlier,
allowing for a 1cm seam. Secure in place by stitching
across the mustard fabric just above the pink bias tape.
Iron on the reverse.
Pin together a lining piece wrong side up then a

piece of the wadding and the finished front right
side up. Hand or machine quilt around the edges of the
teapot, coaster, cup and saucer, just underneath the pink
bias tape and around some of the flowers on the grass
print fabric. Stitch around the curve just in from the edge
and set aside.
To create the back, pin together the lining wrong side

up then the wadding then the back right side up.
Quilt across the pattern of the fabric and stitch around
the curve. Place the front and back right sides together
and make a mustard grosgrain ribbon loop. Place in
between the front and back with the raw edges sticking
70 sewmag.co.uk
Create a napkin from two rectangles, French

seaming them together. Use the template to
cut out the cake pieces. Place as shown,
stitching with teal thread. Embroider mad
hatters tea party wording
to finish.
out. Stitch bias binding around the curved edge.

Turn right side out. Starting at the back, stitch pink
bias tape around the raw bottom edge.
TEAPOT COASTER
Using the coaster template, cut two from blue spot

fabric, reversing the template for the back. Set the
back aside. Cut out the teapot shape in floral Liberty
print fabric, the middle band in mustard and the two lid
pieces. Back them all with lightweight interfacing.
Pin the teapot to the middle of the blue spot fabric

leaving an equal border all the way round. Use an
acid-free gluestick to secure the middle band and lid

pieces, allow to dry. Stitch all the details using teal
thread stitching over it twice. Use the same technique as
before to write the word tea. Iron on the reverse.
Cut a piece of wadding the same size. Pin the

finished front right sides together with the back,
placing the wadding underneath. Stitch all the way round
with a 5mm seam allowance, leaving a gap at the bottom
for turning. Clip into the curves, trim away the excess
wadding and turn right side out. Iron flat and topstitch
3mm in from the edge using blue thread, closing up the
gap. Quilt around the teapot to finish.
Teatime set_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:11 Page 2
sew HOME
Create and Craft

are celebrating their
birthday this year with
a tea party theme
throughout April!
Make a cuppa and get
in on the action at
www.createand
craft.tv.
LOVE IT...
BUY IT!
ALL SEWN UP!

Liberty prints
Liberty Tana Lawn selection (610),
30 for six fat quarters,
www.alicecaroline.co.uk, 01242 677755.
Use an embroidery
hoop when stitching
letters to hold the
fabric taut.
sewmag.co.uk 71
Quilter's Corner_Layout 1 27/02/2015 09:37 Page 2
quilters CORNER
CORINNE BRADD
I dont put red in every quilt, but

I often feel theres something
missing if I dont
GET THE LATEST PATCHWORK AND QUILTING NEWS
WITH OUR QUILTING AMBASSADOR
Whats your favourite colour combination
when youre quilting? Mine was red for
years, but the more I look around my house,
wardrobe and collection of fabric, the less
I see! Ive started to use it as an accent
colour to perk up other combinations. A
splash of scarlet brings depth to an
otherwise insipid selection. Ruby instantly
warms up chilly blues and looks fantastic
with deep teal. Cherry red mixed with
orange, sunshine yellow and lime green
makes a zingy summer quilt. I dont put red
in every one I make, but I often feel theres
something missing if I dont.
Selecting fabrics for a quilt isnt as simple
as it used to be. Before, quilts were made
from cottons
that had been
bought
specifically for
that purpose
from my local
shop, my choice
dictated by their
stock at the time.
Online shopping changed all that. I can get
any fabric I like, but theres no guarantee itll
be the colour I think it is. I have umpteen
pieces of cotton that dont really go with
anything else, simply because the shade is
not quite what it looked like on screen.
Even when I have a stack of perfectly
matched shades I tend to go off on a
tangent. A hint of another colour will catch
my eye and a whole new combination
evolves. I tried keeping my fabrics stacked
up in piles of the same colour, but that was
as futile as alphabetising the DVDs so I gave
up! My stash is a glorious mismatched
rainbow, rather like an explosion in a
paint factory.
Picking random hues could give your
quilt designing a burst of inspiration this
spring, and if youre still not convinced, stick
a bit of red in there!
OUR
Patchwork
PROMISE
Corinne
Loves!
Im always looking for a

new storage solution for
my stash, so this sturdy
bag is perfect! It has a
see-through lid so you
can see exactly whats
inside. Priced 10.95,
groves@stockist
enquiries.co.uk
0145 388 3581.
Selecting
fabrics for a
quilt isnt as
simple as it
used to be
Quilters
Exhibition
Red Tractor Patchwork Cot Quilt,
www.marquisanddawe.co.uk
WHAT IM
WORKING ON...
This month I not only used one of my
favourite colours, but also paid homage to
much loved fairytale Little Red Riding Hood.
This childs quilt, made using a themed print,
is perfect for a little ones bedroom or
nursery. You could change the fabric to
include their favourite story, or create an
entirely new colour scheme to make this a
very personalised gift.
Find out how to make this in the April
issue of our sister magazine, Crafts
Beautiful, out now!
Visit Crafts Beautiful at www.crafts-beautiful.com

72 sewmag.co.uk
The Quilt Museum and Gallery is

celebrating the design and
draughtsmanship skills of quilters
through the ages at its exhibition All
Shapes and Sizes, until May 9th. This
stunning collection of quilts reveals
complex, geometric designs that are
pieced to perfection. The exhibition
showcases a fascinating and varied
selection of items from The Quilters Guild
Collection including The Billings Coverlet
dated 1805-1810, a Tour de Force of
geometry. Visit the Quilt Museum and
Gallery website for more information
www.quiltmuseum.org.uk/events.
Inside Pride & Joy

The Old Bakery
Aldermaston Road
Sherborne St John
RG24 9LA
LUDLOW QUILT AND SEW

Easy quilt patterns and tutorials
for the beginner quilter
www.ludlowquiltandsew.co.uk
Cats
April Showers
Whitewashed Cottage
Spring Hare
We stock: modern & quirky quilting cottons natural waddings

dressmaking and soft furnishing fabrics
beautiful ribbons, trims and buttons dressmaking patterns
from independent designers Auriful threads haberdashery
and much much more ~ visit us online at:
www.purple-stitches.com
email: info@purple-stitches.com
sewmag.co.uk 73
On-line stockists of Liberty fabrics - Including Liberty

Tana Lawn, Poplin, needlecord and Lifestyle.
Indie dressmaking and crafting patterns - Hot Patterns, Colette,

Serendipity Studio, Sewaholic, Gather, By Hand, Christine Haynes,
Kwik Sew, Bluegingerdoll, Cake, Victory, Vogue, Modkid, Tilly &
the Buttons, Simple Sew, Eliza M, Papercut and more ....
For amazing offers go to
www.sewbox.co.uk
Hand Embroidery
Courses based at
Hampton Court
Palace
Our Day Classes offer fun, small

group learning where beginners are
welcome (also in Exeter, Bristol,
Rugby & Glasgow)
Our Certificate & Diploma courses

offer intensive study in individual
techniques with flexible attendance
options (also in Bristol, Rugby,
Durham & Glasgow)
We run a full-time
BA (Hons) Hand Embroidery for
Fashion, Interiors, Textile Art
www.royal-needlework.org.uk/learn
T: +44 (0)20 3166 6938
RCN 312774
74 sewmag.co.uk
Making great things from

your fabric since 1968
Top designers come to us because our
quality is superb, our turnaround time is
exceptionally fast and we have a passion
for what we do we speak your language!
Harlequin, Shop Road, Little Bromley,

Manningtree, Essex CO11 2PZ
01206 396167
www.harlequin-uk.com
@coveredbuttons
sewmag.co.uk 75
Block of the Month_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:30 Page 2
sew HOME
BLOCK
of the
MONTH
CREATE A SIMPLY BEAUTIFUL
PATIENCE QUILT BLOCK
OUR
Patchwork
PROMISE
This design can be made with as few as two prints for a really understated, yet
striking effect, but weve gone all out with five per block in a sweet floral colour
scheme thats perfect for springtime. We used the Primrose Garden collection from
Riley Blake Designs and added a contrasting striped border to make the prints
really stand out.
sewmag.co.uk 77
WE SHOW YOU HOW!
Choose two prints and cut 11cm

squares from each. Cut two 6cm x
16cm pieces from two more designs.
From a fifth fabric, cut four 6cm x
11cm rectangles.
Join a 6cm x 11cm rectangle to one

side of a square, right sides
together with a 5mm seam allowance
[1]. Open out and press flat so the
rectangle sits at the bottom of
the square.
Attach a 6cm x 16cm rectangle to

the left side of the block in the
same way [2]. Open out and
press flat.
Make up three more mini blocks

[3] and join these into a square
Essentials
16 prints from the Primrose Garden Collection
by Riley Blake Designs, fat quarter of each
Pale pink cotton sashing, 50cm
White cotton backing, 150cm
20oz wadding, 150cm
Dimensions
Block: 30cm square

Quilt: 104cm x 108cm
Note: Use a 5mm seam allowance unless
otherwise stated.
ALL SEWN UP!

Alternate between intricate
florals and plain cottons for
each block to create a
different effect.
78 sewmag.co.uk
to create each entire block, using the

diagram as a guide for fabric placement.
MAKE THE QUILT
Use three different pattern

combinations and make four blocks
of each. Put a striped fabric aside, to
use as a border for the quilt. Cut
several 4cm wide sashing strips of pink
cotton and use these to join the blocks
together, firstly in rows of three, then
joining them into a rectangle. Add a
pink overlapped border all round the
quilt top.
Cut the striped print into 4cm wide

strips across the pattern. Use these
to make a second overlapped border
around the quilt top. Press the entire

panel. Lay down backing fabric, wadding
and the quilt top on a flat surface and
pin the three layers together at regular
intervals. Machine quilt them together
in the ditch along the sashing lines.
Quilt each block pattern if desired.
Fold the outer border back along the

seam and trim the wadding to this
line. Cut the backing fabric 2cm wider
and bring up and over the wadding
edge, mitring the corners and pinning in
place. Turn in 5mm of the striped border
before folding over the edge of the quilt
and pinning to the back. Topstitch in the
ditch, making sure the hem at the back
is secured.
sew HOME
E
B
E
C
A
D
C
A
D
B
E
E
USE EASTER-THEMED
COMING
PRINTS TO MAKE THIS
NEXT MONTH
QUILT THE PERFECT
MAKE A SPLIT NINE
PATCH BLOCK WITH
DECORATION FOR YOUR THE NEXT ISSUE
OF SEW!
HOME THIS SEASON
LOVE IT... BUY IT!
Primrose
Petal Red
Primrose
Paisley Aqua
Primrose
Main Red
Sweet little flowers

on a bright
background.
A detailed design
with a retro feel.
A big bold print with

red roses.
We used the floral Primrose Garden range by Riley Blake Designs. For stockists, visit www.rileyblakedesigns.com
sewmag.co.uk 79
Patchwork fabrics_Layout 1 27/02/2015 09:33 Page 2
his month's
collections
are both
heavily
influenced by
nature. For
Elizabeth Olwen,
her Morning Song
collection for
Cloud9 Fabrics is
inspired by spring,
with beautiful
flowered patterns.
Maureen Cracknell
draws upon the
wilder aspects of
the great outdoors,
with rich earthy
hues and Native
American style
design in her Wild
& Free range for
Art Gallery Fabrics.
Both feature prints
that are great for
accessories, such
as picnic mats or
cushions to sit on
while you enjoy
dining alfresco,
or you could
make beautiful
patchwork quilts.
OUR
Patchwork
PROMISE
Wild & Free

Maureen Cracknell
MEET THE
designer
Maureen
Cracknell
Wild & Free celebrates
my beautiful children
and my lifelong love
for Potter County,
Pennsylvania. Each
print explores the
essence of a bohemian
spirit, one who loves
adventure and lets
their hair down, kicks
off their shoes and
runs free!"
Love that FABRIC
WE PICK THE BEST NEW PATCH

Sun Tracks
Fletching Chant
For Cloud9 Fabrics, visit

www.hantex.co.uk/
cloud9fabrics
For Art Gallery Fabrics,
go to
www.hantex.co.uk/agf
Morning Keepsake
Bold and bright pattern
We love!
Crimson Dance
Luminous Field
80 sewmag.co.uk
Folk Plaid
Great for picnic quilts
Patchwork fabrics_Layout 1 27/02/2015 09:33 Page 3
sew SHOPPING
MEET THE
designer
Morning Song
Cloud9 Fabrics
Elizabeth Olwen
Morning Song is inspired by
spring, when the earth
comes back to life, the
morning is lit by warm sun,
and the birds sing their
sweet songs. It speaks of simpler times, and
days spent frolicking through fields of
wildflowers. Each print in the collection is
like a little sonnet dedicated to charmed
and beautiful landscapes."
Rich Meadow Navy
Lush Lullabye Gray
Intricate floral
Dancing Vines Orange
Dotty Blooms Ivory
WORK COLLECTIONS
Beautiful colour contrast
Breezy Floral Blue
Rich Meadow Ivory
This months
Pantone colours
April's shades are
warm and inviting
Yolk Yellow 17-2625 TCX
Coral 16-1539 TCX
Greengage 16-5431 TCX
sewmag.co.uk 81
Sew subs offer 2_Layout 1 27/02/2015 12:16 Page 2
BOOK & FABRIC BUNDLE EXCLUSIVE TO SEW READERS!
FREE SEWING BEE BUNDLE

When You Subscribe Today!
Plus,
downloadable
instructions to
make this skirt!
METRES
OF
FABRIC!
Pay only
29.80
every
6
issues!*
INCLUDES: Fashion with Fabric, the

new book from The Great British
Sewing Bee and 2 metres of gorgeous
floral fabric!
3 EASY WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE

: www.sewmag.co.uk/subscribe-2
01795 592967
Quote SEW0415
Sew, 800 Guillat Avenue,

Kent Science Park,
Sittingbourne ME9 8GU
Lines are open Monday-Friday 8am-8pm, Saturday 9am-1pm

*this is a UK only Direct Debit offer. Gift is only available to UK subscribers. Existing subscribers can renew using this offer. Your subscription will begin with the next available issue. Subscriptions are for a 12 month period including all gift subscriptions. Your free gift will be
dispatched within 28 days of your payment being received (sent separately from the magazine). If your subscription is a gift, the gift and gift card will be sent to the donor. You can also subscribe via cheque or credit card. In the event of a gift being faulty or damaged, please
contact us within 28 days of receiving the gift. Alternative gift may be supplied to the same or greater value thereafter. This is a limited offer and may be withdrawn at any time. Photocopies accepted. Cancellation policy applies refer online or contact customer services for
more details. ^Please note: Digital subscriptions do not include the subscriptions gift, nor cover mounted gifts.
Bookmark this_Layout 1 26/02/2015 16:39 Page 2
sew ONLINE
Special
BOOKMARK THIS
We take a look at what the best sewing
sites around have to offer!
Blog of the month

DFABRICATE.BLOGSPOT.CO.UK
Sewing Bee contestant Deborah set up
her blog back in 2010, initially to
record and show the things she'd been
stitching. Mostly I write about the
clothes I stitch and anything I've
learned along the way. I got to the
point though where I was making a lot
of dresses but felt a little lost about
where to go next. Step forward the Sewing Bee!
Although I never thought I'd get through, it looked like
a lot of fun and I wanted to push myself. I had an
absolutely fantastic time, and I now have a group of the
closest friends you can imagine, who want to talk
about sewing! It's also lovely that people have found
my blog through the show. Hopefully it will inspire
them too. In the future I'd love to teach, and have
helped many of my friends on the path to dressmaking.
I have some classes in the pipeline, but I would love to
have my own teaching studio one day.
And as for her blog? I dont want to
FOLLOW ON
stray too far from what I already do,
TWITTER,
perhaps just a bit of a makeover!
@DFABRICATE
Deborah Simms, dfabricate
FABRICS
www.thesewing
directory.co.uk
Want to shop the fabrics,
patterns and learn the
techniques you coveted in the
Bee? Then check out the
Sewing Bee series 3 section
here for an episode by episode
archive and lots more!
PATTERNS
www.sewdirect.com
Butterick's 4790 Walkaway
Dress pattern caused quite a
stir on the Sewing Bee's
vintage week. If you
want to get your hands on
this and more styles, both
modern and retro, you can
shop it all here.
TUTORIALS
www.sewcurvy.com
Fancy trying your hand at a
corset after being inspired by
the Sewing Bee? Then
bookmark corset
extraordinaire Julia Bremble's
tutorials, including everything
from understanding patterns
to creating channels.
SEW ONLINE
www.sewmag.co.uk
Missing your favourite stitchy
programme already? Then a
visit to The Great British
Sewing Bee hub is in order.
Find out the latest contestant
news here, plus all the exciting
behind the scenes gossip from
those in the know.
sewmag.co.uk 83
Easter treats_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:13 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
TEMPLATES
ONLINE
MAKE SWEET SPRINGTIME ADORNMENTS

WITH ELLEN KHARADE'S
Essentials
Pastel coloured felt, 20cm x 40cm,
plus scraps
Coordinating embroidery thread
Narrow ribbon, selection
Fusible webbing, 10cm x 15cm
Polyester toy stuffing
Decorative button
Dimensions
Rabbit: 10cm x 13cm

Egg: 8cm x 10cm
Flower: 8cm in diameter
MAKE A RABBIT
EASTER TREE DECS

A festive centrepiece is not just for Christmas, you can get creative with
an Easter display in so many ways. These seasonal hand-embroidered
decorations have a vintage feel about them, and can be made from any
of the gorgeous pastel shades that are so on trend right now. Make
yours double-sided, to give you two designs in one!
Download the templates from www.sewmag.co.uk,

trace the rabbit shape onto card and cut out. Place it
onto felt and draw around the shape with a pencil, then
fit the fabric into an the embroidery hoop. Using three
strands of embroidery thread throughout, embroider a
lazy daisy near the tail and use a straight stitch with
a V either side in two sets to create a branch.
Make
&Share
Stitch a chick-shaped decoration using the

template with a similar embroidered design
to the rabbit. Make up as before attaching
ribbon to the inside for hanging.
Add French knots at the ends of the branches,

repeating the pattern for the other side of the flower.
Sew the same design across the chest and ear of the
rabbit and stitch a French knot in black for the eye.
Release the felt from the hoop and cut out the shape.
For the back, transfer the template onto contrasting

felt, reversing it. Iron a small piece of fusible webbing
onto the back of another piece of a different colour, and
cut into three narrow strips using pinking shears. Peel
off the backing paper, position across the rabbit and iron
into place.
Fit the fabric into the embroidery hoop and work

feather stitches across the bands in coordinating
thread. Add little arrows and French knots across the
main body. Release the felt from the hoop and cut the
shape out. Sew a length of ribbon to the inside of the ear.
With wrong sides facing, pin the two rabbit sections

together and sew around the outside in blanket
stitch. Leave a small gap on the side and fill with toy
stuffing, before closing up the gap. Sew on little bows
at the neck either side to finish.
STITCH AN EGG
Transfer the motif for the egg onto felt and iron on
three strips in a contrasting colour as for the rabbit.
Work feather stitch across the top and bottom bands in
coordinating thread, adding French knot details. Sew
ribbon across the centre of the middle panel. Tie a bow
and stitch to the middle of the egg. Stitch little arrows in
between the stripes, adding more knots as in the picture.
Place the template for the egg onto contrasting

felt, draw around the shape and cut out. Snip
circles from two darker felts in various sizes. Sew them
to the other side of the egg using star stitches in
coordinating colours.
84 sewmag.co.uk
CREATE A FLOWER
Sew a double loop to the inside of the felt egg. Pin

wrong sides together and sew around the outside of
the shape using blanket stitch, leaving a small gap on
the side for stuffing. After filling, close up the gap.
Draw an 8cm circle onto felt and fit into an

embroidery hoop. Cut six large and 11 small petals
using the templates. Arrange the big petals over one
circle and attach them using embroidered branches as
before, working French knots into each one, plus several
in the centre of the flower. Add a few more around the
middle in a contrasting colour.
Trace another 8cm circle onto coordinating felt and

fit into the hoop. Arrange the smaller petals, as
shown, around the circle and sew into place. Cut out
a circle of felt for the middle, place a decorative button
on top and sew both to the centre of the flower.
Cut out both motifs. Sew a loop of ribbon to the
inside of one of the decorated circles and with
wrong sides facing, pin the pieces together and
embroider blanket stitch around the shape, leaving
a gap for stuffing. After filling, close the gap.
Easter treats_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:13 Page 2
sew HOME
LOVE IT... BUY IT!
Cotton
embroidery thread
In a variety of colours, choose your
favourite shades! Priced 72p per skein,
www.willowfabric.com, 0800 056 7811.
Colourful felt
This felt can be cut into any shape you
need, perfect for this make! Priced 1.50
per sheet, www.bloomingfelt.co.uk,
01245 471690.
sewmag.co.uk 85
Easter bunting_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:09 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
TEMPLATES
ONLINE
DECORATE YOUR HOME THIS SPRING

WITH JANE KHARADES
Essentials
Printed cotton, 10 fat quarters
Turquoise cotton, fat quarter
Pink and white felt, scraps
Pink bias binding, 250cm
Coordinating thread
Coordinating ribbon
Lace trim
Coordinating pom pom braid
Turquoise flat backed crystals
PVA glue
Dimensions
Bunting: garland length 250cm, each

pennant 17cm x 21cm
Drawstring bags: 11.5cm x 19cm
BUNTING AND BAGS

This pretty garland will make Easter time egg-stra special with sweet
little rabbits and pom pom trim. Use it to festoon your hallway, or
drape it above your kitchen table for when you tuck into your chocolate
eggs. The drawstring bags can be filled with a variety of treats and are
a perfect way to present a loved one with a gift this season.
SEW SOME BUNTING
Download the templates from www.sewmag.co.uk and

use them to cut out 10 bunting flags from the
various printed fat quarters folded diagonally. Cut a
selection of ribbons and trims for around the back and
front of the flags. Pin and machine stitch them in place
using matching thread.
Use small sharp scissors to cut out five rabbit backs

from pink felt and five bunny fronts from white felt.
Press in a 7mm seam allowance on the side of the
bunting and position the bunnies. Alternating between
pink and white on each different print, fix them into
place with PVA glue. Using small stitches, sew around
each shape.
Stitch the nose and mouth detail onto the rabbit

fronts. This can be drawn on first with a fine felt pen,
then stitched over using small black stitches. Sew a pom
pom on each bunny back for a tail. Fold each flag in half
with right sides together. Pin and machine stitch the long
edge, turn out and press.
Position the top of each flag in bias binding, spacing

them at 2.5cm intervals. Pin each one in place and
machine stitch with matching thread. Glue turquoise flat
backed crystals as eyes on the white rabbits and finish
by sewing a pom pom to the end of each pennant.
MAKE DRAWSTRING BAGS
Press 22cm x 23cm of printed fabric. Fold a double

hem of 1cm and 3.5cm along one long side and press.
Stitch as close to the edge of the first fold as possible,
then sew two rows along the top of the bag to create a
channel. Sew a length of ribbon 1cm up from the bottom
of the bag.
Fold the fabric widthways and press. Cut out a rabbit

from white felt, position it centrally on one half of the
bag and sew in place. Take into consideration the seam
allowance as the pouch will be folded and stitched along
one side.
86 sewmag.co.uk
Fold the bag in half right sides together, stitch along

the bottom and down the side leaving a small gap at
the channel opening for the ribbon. Back stitch around
the gap to reinforce the seam. Turn the bag out and
thread a length of ribbon through the channel. Add
turquoise crystal eyes and pink felt ears onto the
rabbit to finish.
ALL SEWN UP!
Snip the pom poms from a

piece of white braid and sew
them to the ends of the bunting
as a quirky design detail.
Easter bunting_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:09 Page 2
sew HOME
LOVE IT...
BUY IT!
Camden
Market prints
20 different fabrics, perfect

for colourful bunting! We used
the sweet Camden Market
Patchwork Palette by Cotton
Patch. Priced 15.75, Visit
www.cottonpatch.co.uk,
0121 702 2840.
sewmag.co.uk 87
Dog Bed & Toy_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:05 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
TEMPLATES
ONLINE
Essentials
A suitably sized hamper, crate or drawer
Fabrics, assorted
Thread
Elastic, 1cm wide
Polyester filling
SPOIL YOUR BEST CANINE FRIEND

WITH RACHELLE BLONDELS COSY
DOG BED & PILLOW

Who says a dog bed can't be comfortable and stylish? By adding a pretty
lining, you can transform a picnic hamper, wooden crate or similar into
somewhere for your pet to snooze happily. Whats more, the lining is
removable, so it can be washed regularly to ensure sweet dreams for everyone!
You could also add a bone-shaped pillow for a fun and attractive touch.
MAKE A DOG BED
Before you begin, clean the base of the hamper or

box to be used for the bed. Also ensure that it is
free from any loose bits, sharp nails, hinges or anything
else that could harm your dog.
Measure the base length and width, then add a 1cm

seam allowance to each side. Cut a piece of fabric of
this size. Measure the depth of the box and add a 5cm
seam allowance to the top edge and a 1cm seam
allowance to all other edges. Cut four pieces of different
fabrics to this size.
Stitch the sides to the fabric base [1], leaving 1cm

unstitched at each end of the seams. Pin the corner
seams together and sew to create a box-shaped lining.
Neaten off the top edge with an overlock or zig zag
stitch, then press over 5mm of fabric to the wrong side.
Lay one end of a length of elastic on the other end

and pin. Check to see if it fits around the top of the
bed, making adjustments if necessary, then sew the
ends together to make a flat join.
Stretch and pin the elastic evenly around the top

edge of the lining, then using a stretch stitch
setting sew with a wide zig zag, pulling the elastic
taught as you work. Place the liner into the bed, folding
the elastic edge over the top to keep it secure.
SEW A BONE PILLOW
Go to www.sewmag.co.uk and download the bone

template. Enlarge as desired, remembering to allow a
1cm seam allowance. Cut out two shapes from fabric and
pin them together with right sides facing.
Stitch around the edge of the bone, leaving the seam

open where indicated on the template. Trim the
allowance and snip the seams on all the curves. Turn the
pillow right side out and stuff with polyester filling, then
sew the opening closed.
88 sewmag.co.uk
GET THE BOOK

This project has been
extracted from Pamper your
Pooch by Rachelle Blondel
(9.99, Kyle Books),
featuring 30 practical
and fun dog accessories,
from towels and coats
to toys and more.
Dog Bed & Toy_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:05 Page 2
sew HOME
LOVE IT... BUY IT!

Dog fabric
Make your bed in this
striking Dalmations print
by Makower, 9.98 per metre,
www.honeybeecloths.co.uk,
0789 646 4376.
sewmag.co.uk 89
Susie's Stitch School 70 qx_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:47 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
CHART
ONLINE
Susie s
BACK STITCH
STITCH SCHOOL
Assisi embroidery 1
Perfect this technique and make
a spring Scandi pillow
Assisi embroidery is a kind of reverse cross stitch, where the backgrounds are
stitched and the main motifs left untouched. It originated in the Italian town of the
same name. Holbein stitch is used to add finer details and flourishes, but in Assisi
work its called Chiara stitch. Worked on an evenweave fabric, usually cream or white,
the traditional colours are red, blue, green or gold for the backgrounds and black or
brown for the outlines. Common motifs are mythical creatures, although flowers and
geometric designs are also popular. For this stylish cushion, the Assisi embroidery is
worked on bands of cross stitch fabric, which are then sewn to a plain cotton, and
edged with ric rac.
Secure the thread on the

wrong side of the fabric and
bring the needle through to the
surface to start the first stitch.
Move a stitch length backwards
along the sewing line, take the
needle back through the fabric and
then bring it to the surface at the
end position of this stitch.
Moving back along the stitching

line, take the needle down
through the same hole as the
previous thread. Bring it to the
surface for the end position of the
stitch. Repeat along the sewing line
to create even stitches.
until all the cross stitched areas are

complete. Thread the needle with a single
strand of black and work the outlines and
details in Chiara stitch or back stitch.
Repeat with the other length of Aida.
When you have finished both strips,

press them lightly on the reverse.
Cut two 33cm x 38cm pieces of grey fabric
for the pillow. Put one aside for the back
section. Place the other flat on a work
surface and position the two bands across
the width of the fabric. Pin in place.
Essentials
16 count Aida, 5cm x 70cm
Grey cotton, 66cm x 80cm
Cushion pad, 30cm x 35cm
Embroidery thread, red, black,
one skein of each
Tapestry needle, size 24 or 26
White ric rac, 130cm
Dimensions
30cm x 36cm
90 sewmag.co.uk
MAKE A PILLOW
Go to www.sewmag.co.uk, download and print

the cross stitch chart. Cut 5cm x 70cm of
Aida in half. Fold one half in two to find the
centre, mark with a small stitch and place in an
embroidery hoop. Thread a tapestry needle with
two strands of red embroidery thread. Knot the
end and take it down through the fabric at the
edge of the band. You can snip this off once the
first few rows of stitches have been completed.
cross stitches. Work in rows from left to

right. Bring the needle up at the lower left
hole of one square of the fabric and back
down at the upper right hole of the same
square. This forms a diagonal stitch.
Continue making rows of diagonals.
Once you reach the end of the row,

work back over each stitch with a
diagonal that slants in the other direction.
Work subsequent rows in the same way,
making sure that the top stitch of each
Starting at the centre of the charted design, cross lies in the same direction. Move the
and working outwards, begin to work the
fabric in the hoop as often as necessary
Cut ric rac into four equal lengths and

pin on either side of the embroidery.
When you are happy with the
arrangement, stitch everything in place by
hand or machine. To make the pillow, place
the front and back pieces right sides
together, pin and stitch around three sides
with a 1.5cm seam allowance.
Clip the corners and trim off any

excess Aida and ric rac that may be
protruding from the seams. Turn the pillow
out and press lightly, then insert a cushion
pad. Fold raw edges to the wrong side and
slip stitch to close.
Susie's Stitch School 70 qx_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:38 Page 2
sew TUTORIAL
Cross stitch is a very

popular craft and its
good to explore some
traditional variations
ALL SEWN UP!

Why not use this technique to
decorate pillowcases to create
personalised bed linen?
sewmag.co.uk 91
Giveaways_Layout 1 27/02/2015 09:27 Page 1
MORE
THAN
April giveaways
1,000
WORTH
OF PRIZES!
Enter now for your chance to win these amazing prizes!

Sewing kits
Easter haberdashery
When it comes to stitching for Easter, there
are so many possibilities. With pastel shades
and cheerful fabrics, its sure to put a spring
in your step. To help boost your supplies, we
have three delightful bundles to give away.
Each includes a fat quarter pack of 100%
cotton Notting Hill prints by Gtermann and
coordinating thread sets in fresh hues, plus a
pair of pretty patterned embroidery scissors
by Hemline and two reels of Berisfords
Essentials ribbons, perfect for adorning your
Easter makes.
To enter to win one of three bundles worth
over 50 each, tick the EASTER box. For
Berisfords stockists, email
berisfords@stockistenquiries.co.uk, for
Gtermann stockists, contact
gutermann@stockistenquiries.co.uk, and
email groves@stockistenquiries.co.uk
for Hemline.
to win!
to win!
Sewing Bee books

The Great British Sewing Bee: Fashion With
Fabric by Claire-Louise Hardie (25,
Quadrille) accompanies the third series of
our favourite TV programme and includes
forewords and sewing masterclasses by
judges May Martin and Patrick Grant.
Penned by the series sewing producer,
Fashion with Fabric has easy to follow
instructions and illustrations to aid
understanding. Theres also a full-size
pattern sheet for over 30 projects.
We have four copies of the title to give
away. To enter, tick the BOOK box.
Visit www.quadrille.co.uk for
more information.
10
to win!
Soak wash
Knicker kits
Make your own fancy underwear with Flo-Jos
knicker making kits. Each one contains a fully
graded reuseable pattern in sizes 8-18 with clear
instructions and diagrams, plus 100% cotton
fabrics matched with frilly elastic and satin
ribbons. All you need are basic sewing skills and
a sewing machine
with a zig zag
stitch. They make
great gifts, too!
To be in with a
chance of winning
one of 10 knicker
kits worth 12
each, tick the
KNICKERS box.
Visit www.flojoboutique.co.uk
or call
0117 904 1498.
The Crafty Kit Company designs and makes

adorable sewing kits and weve got two
varieties to give away. The Patchwork Owl set
contains all you need to make this sweet little
fellow from printed 100% cotton fabrics
great for intermediate stitchers.
Alternatively, sew a pretty yet practical
pincushion which you can use again and
again. Each comes in a sturdy, recycled
cardboard tube and make great gifts.
There are 10 kits available to win worth
9.95 each. To enter, tick the KITS box. View
the range at www.craftykitcompany.co.uk
10
to win!
Soak is a pure, gentle and deliciously scented way to wash the delicate
items you care about most, especially handmade garments. It is designed
with fabric-friendly ingredients that revitalise bres so they look great and
last longer. Flatter, the newest member of the Soak family, is a starch
alternative for ironing and quilting. Plus, the mild formulation is easy on
sensitive skin. All the fragrances are really light and clean, whether you
enjoy Celebration, Yuzu, Fig or Scentless, youre sure to nd a favourite to
make your washing and ironing experiences more pleasurable.
One lucky winner will receive four 12oz bottles of Soak in each scent,
plus four bottles of Flatter. To enter, tick the SOAK box. Visit
www.purlescence.co.uk
Enter online at www.sewmag.co.uk

92 sewmag.co.uk
Giveaways_Layout 1 27/02/2015 09:27 Page 2
Tapestry kits
Cath Kidston
books
Patch by Cath Kidston (16,
Quadrille) combines traditional
techniques with more
contemporary designs and
mixes Caths distinctive prints
to create an inspiring title lled
with irresistible projects. From
simple machine piecing to
complex, crazy patchwork,
there are makes for all
abilities. Bags, cushions and
even a dog bed are among the
30 original makes on offer, all
with clearly written instructions and diagrams.
There are 10 books up for grabs, simply tick the
PATCH box to enter. Visit www.quadrille.co.uk
for more information.
10
to win!
Tina Francis combines her

love of printing and
stitching to design stunning
tapestry kits. Each one
contains everything you
need, with canvas printed in
the UK, needles from John
James and wool from
Anchor, plus full
instructions. The Pavilion
Tops design is one of Tinas
most notable, inspired by
the domes in Brighton,
where she used to live.
Charley is inuenced by
illustrator Charley Harper
and depicts an abstract, non symmetrical pattern.
We have a Pavilion Tops and a Charley tapestry kit worth 60 each to
give away to one lucky reader. To enter, tick the TAPESTRY box. To view
the full range, visit www.tinafrancis.co.uk
The Makery bundles
Emily Peacock kit

One reader sure will be lucky to receive this fabulous needlepoint kit by
Emily Peacock. This new offering by the well-renowned designer is
worked on canvas with Appleton Brothers tapestry wools in counted
cross stitch. The vibrant Lucky design featuring beautiful roses can then
be stitched into a striking cushion to adorn a sofa, chair or bed.
We have a large Lucky kit worth 78 to give away. To enter, tick the
LUCKY box. To view Emilys full range, visit www.emilypeacock.com
or call 07964 734978.
just tick
the boxes!
EASTER
TAPESTRY
BOOK
LUCKY
KITS
Kate Smith, author and co-founder of Bath-based crafting

boutique The Makery has collaborated with Wild & Wolf to
create a colour-popping range of kits and haberdashery. The
packaging is simply delectable, whether its a reel of ribbon or fun
kit. To celebrate the launch, we have two fantastic bundles worth
55 each to give away, which include Clasp Purse and Sewing
Makeaway kits, ribbon reels in three gorgeous colours, plus two
shades of twine.
Theyll look stunning
displayed in your
sewing space!
To be in with a
chance of winning,
tick the MAKERY
box. See the range at
www.wildand
wolf.com or call
01225 789909.
To enter our giveaways, just tick the box

that corresponds with the prizes you want
to win and send your entry to us, to arrive
no later than 24.04.2015. Mark your
envelope: Sew April Giveaways,
PO Box 443, Ipswich, Suffolk, IP2 8WG.
KNICKERS
SOAK
PATCH
MAKERY
Only one entry per household please.
This competition is open to all UK residents aged 18 or over, excluding employees or agents of the
associated companies and their families. One entry per person. The prizes detailed in each
competition cannot be exchanged for goods, or towards the purchase of goods at any retail outlet.
Entries must be on the coupon provided. It cannot be exchanged for cash, or replaced if lost or
damaged. Illegible entries and those that do not abide by these terms and conditions will be
disqualified. Prizes must be taken as stated and cannot be deferred. The decision of the judge is final
and no correspondence will be entered into. CLOSING DATE 24.04.2015 Winners will be notified after
the cover dated month, a list of winners will be available in writing on request from Rachel Tudor,
21/23 Phoenix Court, Hawkins Road, Colchester, Essex, CO2 8JY.
Data Protection
Your details will be processed by Aceville Publications Ltd (publishers of Sew) in full accordance with
data protection legislation. All entries become the property of Aceville Publications Ltd, publishers of
Sew. Aceville Publications Ltd and sister companies may wish to contact you with information of
other services and publications we provide which may be of interest. Please tick here if you DO NOT
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sewmag.co.uk 93
CNM_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:34 Page 1
NEXT MONTH IN
Patchwork
pouffe
Home&Style
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
The Great British Sewing Bee

meet the winners!
l May Martin on stitching a
wedding dress
l The latest indie patterns rated by Sew
l
Girl s appliqu
dress
Easy sew headbands
Plus...
We meet the Singer

girls, the experts offer
handmade wedding
inspiration,
and more.
94 sewmag.co.uk
Liberty
pencil case
CNM_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:34 Page 2
Simplicity offers
award-winning
patterns, and this
stylish option has
not one but four
great garments
to make!
Just for you!

Great wear-all
garments
All features are subject to change
PATTERN
SIMPLICITY 1467
WARDROBE PACK
l Sleeveless top
l Loose fitting
trousers
l Skirt with mock
drawstring
l Peplum jacket
DONT
MISSS!T
BIGGE
RIZE
SEWING P!
EVER
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SHIFT DRESS
PATTERN
FREE PAPER
PATTERN WITH
YOUR NEXT ISSUE
May issue on sale 10th April

sewmag.co.uk 95
Lunchtime Easter Wreath_Layout 1 27/02/2015 11:05 Page 1
DOWNLOAD
Lunchtime
Make
TEMPLATES
ONLINE
ADD A TOUCH OF SPRING

WITH LUCINDA GANDERTONS
SPRING WREATH
This pretty no-sew decoration is quick to make and would
look lovely hanging in the home this Eastertime. Give your
garland a patchwork look by using tiny scraps salvaged from
other sewing projects, or use a single print for all the leaves.
This is a great project to get the family involved in too.
Essentials
Cut 10, 20cm lengths of wire.

Fold them in half and twist the
centres, so that you have a loop at
the top. Go to www.sewmag.co.uk
to download and print the
templates. Trace the leaf outline
10 times onto fusible webbing.
Cut out the shapes roughly and
press onto the wrong side of
patterned fabrics. Peel off the
paper and place onto yellow fabric,
slipping a wire loop between
the two layers. Using pinking
shears, snip each one out,
just inside the edge.
Twist the wire stalks together

to make the garland. Hold two
leaves together so that the
second one lies 2cm below the
first. Starting 2cm below the
second leaf, twist the ends of
the wire together, then add eight
more leaves in the same way.
Plain yellow fabric, 30cm square

Patterned green fabric, 30cm
square Fusible webbing Craft
wire Wreath Buttons, four
Pliers Pinking shears
GREAT
HOME DEC
IDEA
Cut two small and two large

double-sided flowers in the
same way as for the leaves. Snip
a small gap in the centre of each.
Thread one or two 15cm lengths
of wire through the holes in four
buttons and twist to make a
stalk. Push the wires through the
flowers. Lay the garland around
the wreath and secure with short
lengths of wire. Arrange the
flowers along the leaves and
twist the stems around the
garland to hold in place.
LOVE IT... BUY IT!
1
96 sewmag.co.uk
Amy Butler Violette

prints would be
perfect for this
spring make, visit
www.makeitcoats.com
for stockists.
Start Right 70_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:53 Page 1
LEARN THE BASICS

WITH OUR ESSENTIAL
STITCHING GUIDES
START
right
Machine Matters
with
Wendy Gardiner
MACHINE FOOT
OF THE MONTH
Flower stitch attachment

The flower attachment has a large circular base with
notched steps and an arm that is placed over the
needle holder attached to a spring loaded clip that
moves over the steps one by one as the needle goes up
and down. To connect it, the presser foot shank is first
removed so that the attachment can be fixed directly
to the needle holder. On some models it is necessary to
have a short shank adaptor too. A centre prong, moved
left or right when the retaining
screw is loosened,
determines the size of
the flower head stitched.
How to...
create a flower stitch
Stitch perfectly circular little flower heads

using this nifty attachment which can be fitted
to most sewing machines.
Lower the feed dogs, set the needle position to the left
and reduce the top tension on the thread to 3.53.
Note that the fabric will be moved by the flower
stitch attachment.
WENDYS TOP TIPS:

MACHINE STITCHING
FLOWERS
As with any concentrated area of stitching, it is

essential to stabilise and support the fabric to
prevent it puckering. To do this, add interfacing or
tearaway stabiliser to the underside of the material
(or sew with two or more layers).
You can use a good variety of widthways stitches

with the flower stitch attachment, but do check
that the needle will not hit the side or the throat plate
by turning the balance wheel on the right of the
machine to raise and lower the needle through the
stitch sequence. If it does, reduce the stitch width
and try again.
To change the flower size, realign the centre prong

with the +/- guide on the front by loosening the
screw at the left back of the attachment. The nearer the
prong is to the minus sign, the smaller the flower and
vice versa. Once it is moved, tighten the screw.
You can use a twin needle too, just check that the
width of your chosen stitch is no more than 5mm
so that both will fit through the foot and the throat
plate. Twin needles come with different gaps between
the needles, so check the stitch choice. Insert the twin
needle and thread with two different colours.
Bring the bobbin thread to the top and hold the tails
behind the work. Select a widthways stitch such as zig
zag, blind hem or three-step zig zag stitch and set it to the
widest width. Sew slowly, taking care not to trap or catch
the fabric so it can turn the fabric smoothly as it sews.
3
4
Return the needle to the left position, work a few

stitches on the spot and remove the work to cut
the threads.
Make a centre to the flower by returning the needle to
the left-hand position. Set the stitch to straight and
continue to sew round the inside of the flower design. Work
some with the right side of the fabric facing the throat plate
so that it is the bobbin thread that shows.
You can stitch a larger flower and then a smaller one

inside. Set the centre prong in the direction of the (+)
and sew the outside pattern using a three-step zig zag
stitch. Then loosen the screw on top of the device, raise the
needle and presser foot level, and slide the large disc and
the fabric to set the prong in the direction of the (-).
Lower the presser foot level, tighten the screw and

sew the inside pattern. It does take practise to move
the fabric and the large disc evenly but actually, smaller
flowers stitched off-centre in the middle of the large
flower can look good too!
WHICH STITCH?
Stretch blind hem stitch is formed with

a small zig zag stitch and occasional larger
zig zag going to the left. It is designed
primarily to sew blind hems on knit fabric
that still needs some stretch.
4 To create a blind hem, first fold the
fabric hem allowance up to the wrong
side, then holding it in place, fold it
back on itself so that a single layer of
hem allowance only protrudes about
1.3cm to the right, with the rest folded
under the garment. Attach the blind
hem foot and with the piece wrong
side uppermost, place the fold up
against the protruding right-hand toe
of the foot so that the small zig zag
part of the stitch will be formed in the
single layer of the hem allowance to
the right, and the larger zig zag swings
over to the fold of fabric to the left,
catching the garment and hem
allowance together. Once complete,
unfold the hem allowance and you will
see the stitching is virtually invisible,
with just a tiny ladder stitch to be seen
on the right side of the fabric.
4 The stretch blind hem stitch is also
perfect for decorative stitching and for
using with the flower stitch
attachment. Use a contrast thread to
make it really stand out. You can also
use it with a twin needle.
sewmag.co.uk 97
Templates(in mag) 70 NEW qx_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:45 Page 2
templates
To download more templates,
visit www.sewmag.co.uk
APRIL BUNNY
Designer: Lucinda Ganderton

Page: 62
Shown at 100%
B
A
HEAD
Cut two
BODICE
Cut one
C
EARS
Cut two outer ears

(one reversed)
Cut two inner ears
(one reversed)
BODY
Cut one
98 sewmag.co.uk
Templates(in mag) 70 NEW qx_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:45 Page 3
sew TEMPLATES
EASTER TREE DECS
Designer: Ellen Kharade

Page: 84
Shown at 100%
EGG
Cut two
BUNNY
Cut two (one reversed)
CHICK
Cut two
(one reversed)
PETAL
Cut six
PETAL
Cut 11
Aceville Publications Ltd.

All projects, templates and patterns are for personal home
use only and cannot be sold or used for commercial purposes.
sewmag.co.uk 99
daylight products for stitching
Discover
daylight
sewing
machine
lamp
DN1180
www.daylightcompany.com
100 sewmag.co.uk
**ALL SEWN UP classifieds_ALL SEWN UP 27/02/2015 13:14 Page 101
directory
BEADS & BUTTONS
The essential A-Z for all your

sewing needs
FABRICS
Textile Garden
01903 815702
Fancy Moon
0845 519 4354
Fletchers Fabrics
01904 692984
BESPOKE
Fobbles
01946 724764
Harlequin-UK
01206 396167
Simple Way
01207 566100
BRIDAL FABRIC
Carrington Fleet Textiles Ltd
01204 692223
CRAFT SUPPLIES
Paper and String
www.paper-and-string.co.uk
Belle Fabrics
Eclectic Maker
0845 8625552
For Bridal, Dress, Craft & Furnishing Fabrics

Stockists of Butterick, Vogue, McCalls
& Simplicity Dress Patterns
Fabric 8
01206 763432
EXTENSIVE RANGE OF HABERDASHERY

AN ENORMOUS RANGE OF FABRICS
STOCKISTS OF STYLECRAFT AND
BERGERE DE FRANCE WOOL
AEG Adjustoform Group

01233 625227
Corset Laced Mannequins
07960 656349
Vintage Style Mannequins
01704 551955
DRESSMAKING
Silver Needle Designs
0755 752 6061
EMBROIDERY
Needle Passion Embroidery Ltd
www.needlepassionembroidery.com
Royal School of Needlework
0203 166 6943
Gone to Earth
01933 623412
Hansson Silks
01483 451628
www.fabricland.co.uk
TEL 01702 474115

belindam@bellefabrics.freeserve.co.uk
4-12 Elm Road, Leigh-on-Sea, Essex SS9 1SN
DRESSFORMS
Frumble
07982 253748
Dragonfly Fabrics
01435 819048
Everything from Craft Cottons, through Polar Fleece to Lycra
OPEN MON-SAT 9am-5.30pm
tel: 01425 461444

Bramble Patch, The
01327 342212
Wide selection of upholstery fabrics, Luxury Faux Fur, Anti Pil Fleece
- Plain & Printed, Animal Prints, Bamboo Towelling & Minky
Broadwick Silks
020 7734 3320
Minimum order 1m, Speedy Delivery.
Butterfly Fabrics
01467 621455
www.fabric-online.co.uk
Calico Kate
01570 422866
Clothkits
01243 533180
Coats Crafts UK
01484 690803
Cotton Patch
01217 785327
Hantex Ltd
01754 820800
Hobkirks Sewing Machines
01254 693555
EVENTS
John Kaldor UK Ltd

0207 874 5070
Big Textile Company Ltd, The

07711 371333
Grosvenor Shows Ltd
01406 372600
ICHF Events
01425 272711
Nationwide Exhibitions
0117 907 1000
Trident Exhibitions
01822 614671
Liberty
0207 734 1234
Croft Mill
01282 859281
Fabric Loft, The

01235 519409
Minerva Crafts & Fabrics

Ditto Fabrics
01273 603771
Fabric Magic
01225 768833
More Sewing
01903 442373
Donna Flower
07896 922694
Natures Threads
07778507167
Upper Street Events

0207 288 6125
FABRICS
Abakhan Hobby and Home
01745 562100
Art Gallery Fabrics
001 888 420 5399
Make-it
Back Stitch
enquiries@make-it.org.uk
01223
778118
Berwick
Street
Cloth Shop, The
Nationwide
Exhibitions
0207
0117 494
907 1666
1000
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.
Patchwork & 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
North Bar Fabrics

01964 551955
Oakshott Fabrics
01452 371571
Only Oilcloths
01772 790017
www.onlyoilcloths.co.uk
If you want something a little bit different

then visit us at
Orchard Fabrics Ltd

0161 477 4225
www.dotsnstripes.co.uk
Paper Village
0117 9639452
www.sewmag.co.uk
directory
FABRICS
HABERDASHERY
MANCHESTER
419 Barlow Moor Rd

Chorlton
Manchester M21 8ER
Tel: 0161 881 7960
BIRMINGHAM
1 Moseley St
Digbeth
Birmingham B5 6JX
Tel: 0121 622 6102
Fabrics for all your sewing needs
1000s of Rolls at Realistic Prices!

01420 260036
www.rooftopfabrics.com
Stockists of all kinds of

Fashion Fabrics Woolens Worsteds
Polywools Polyesters Cotton Dance Wear
Linings Bridal Wear Satins Suiting
Lycra and much, much more!
www.leonsfabrics.co.uk
Sew Crafty
01628 620703
Sew Hot
0330 111 3690
Silk Route, The
01252 835781
Silks & Crystals
sales@silksandcrystals.co.uk
Stitch
0208 989 9970
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01603 411880
Tetford Fabrics
01507 533682
Pins and Needles

0131 622 7222
Dress, curtain, and patchwork

fabrics. Haberdashery, buttons
and quilting notions.
And much, much, more.
www.mandors.co.uk
134 Renfrew Street Glasgow, G3 6ST
131 East Claremont Street,
Edinburgh, EH7 4JA
Thread Mill
01709 571684
Plush Addict
0845 579 4422
Top Fabric of Soho

www.topfabric.co.uk
Pongees
0207 739 9130
Warner Textile Archive

01376 557741
Pretty Fabrics and Trims

www.prettyfabricsandtrims.co.uk
Westfalenstoffe
01528 522277
Purple Stitches
01256 882163
White Tree Fabrics Ltd

0115 924 8666
Quick Fabrics
0207 2494129
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01245 471690
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Tel: 01278 794751 Simplicity, Butterick and Kwik Sew Patterns
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01905 612330
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Beautiful Fabric Collections

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02381 783386
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Patch Fabric
01502 588778
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01738 717009
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www.stores.ebay.co.uk/piglets-pincushion
Bee Crafty Ltd

01480 891746
Calico Laine
0151 336 3939
Grimsby Sewing and Knitting

01472 343921
Robert Kaufman
+1 310 538 3482
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0121 449 8419
Sewbox
01787 269366
Lee Mill Fabrics

01792 468504
Sew County
07944 006636
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0207 629 0311
Tel: 01524 263377
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01750 22123
NEW
THREADS QUILT SHOP
Tel: 01264 771443
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www.new-threads.com
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01280 822236
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01993 700411
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0207 704 1060
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01283 210422
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0208 661 9371
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01970 62888
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01206 563955
www.pennineoutdoor.co.uk
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info@sewcurvy.com
Remnant Kings
0141 418 0333
Specialist outdoor fabrics, zips, buckles, webbing etc.

Waterproof fabrics, microfibres, moleskin, sweatshirting,
cotton interlock, bag fabrics and canvas etc.
www.justsewpenrith.co.uk
01768 866791
justsewpenrith@googlemail.com
HABERDASHERY
FOR DRESS AND QUILTING FABRICS
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Just Sew is a family run business, stocking a wide

range of dress and patchwork fabrics along with a
wide range of haberdashery.
Come and see us in the beautiful town of Penrith.
Millcroft Textiles
0115 926 3154
Millie Moon Haberdashery Boutique
01373 464650
Morplan
0800 451122
www.sewmag.co.uk
Windmill Fabrics
0289 7519229
Witney Sewing Machine Centre
01993 704535
Yards Ahead
01453 571010
INTERIORS
Dotty Brown
0161 725 9395
Down Quilt House
01302 329604
Musbury Fabrics
01706 244200
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01992 700311
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01663 762457
KITS
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www.patchkits.co.uk
directory
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LACE
PATCHWORK & QUILTING
Gypsy Lace
01332 864466
Sandpiper Sewing
01908 330020
Angies Patchwork & Quilting Shop

07807 530441
Patches Corner
01463 783668
Mainly Lace
01702 306381
School of Sewing, The

01530 416300
Bobbin Patch
01706 671692
Patchfinders
0161 478 1807
School of Stitched Textiles

01257 463163
Butterfly Quilters
01288 321480
Patchwork Basket, The

01531 822442
Ardington School of Sewing

01235 833433
Seams So Easy
07717 315735
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Supplies - 01242 603740
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01372 459908
Barry Rogers School of Sewing

02380 982 595
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07975 631710
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01872 870478
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01442 259000
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sarah@craftysewandso.com
Sew Materialistic
01292 285801
Creative Sanctuary, The

01992 558106
Sew Over It
0207 326 0376
Faff Room, The

amanda@thefaffroom.co.uk
Sewing Cafe, The

01455 698034
Falmouth University
01326 255983
Sewing Shop Canterbury, The

01227 457723
Fiber Art Studio

07949 782887
Sewing Space, The

01303 261329
Gawthorpe Textile Collection

01282 773963
Solent University
02380 319200
LEARNING
Just Hands On TV
justhandsontv@googlemail.com
Karen Delahunty School of Sewing
01926 859892
Start Sewing Now

07768 363041
www.startsewingnow.co.uk
Kitty Katy Make & Sew

01788 567858
Stitching Boutique
029 2039 7049
Leicestershire Craft Centre

01858 466692
Studio, The
07803 935779
Lets Learn
0208 445 2475
Textile Space, The

01243 811300
Love Dress Making

01952 276061
Textile Studio, The

01425 655146
Manor House Hotel

01837 53053
Textile Workshop, The

07809 158606
MIY Workshops
01273 693451
Thrifty Stitcher, The

0779 255087
My Bear Paw
www.mybearpaw.com
Totally Patched
01299 409390
National Design Academy

01159 123412
Tutor Couture
01394 548346
Northumbria University
0191 2326002
University of Northampton
01604 735500
Norwich University of The Arts

01603 610561
West Dean The Edward James

Foundation - 01243 811301
Nottingham Trent University

01159 418418
York School of Sewing

07503 510733
Pat Dodds School of Sewing

01246 823334
MILLINERY
Cross Patch-specialising in our own unique

designs and Australian BOMs & stitcheries
See us & our designs on Create & Craft TV
www.cross-patch.co.uk
enquiries@cross-patch.co.uk
01559 371018
Blaen Bran, Velindre, Llandysul SA44 5XT
If were here were open!
Doughtys Patchwork and Quilting
01432 265561
Patchwork Dreamer
info@patchworkdreamer.co.uk
European Quilting Specialists

0116 271 0033
Patchwork Elephant
alexie@patchworkelephant.com
Fabrics Plus
0117 329 3857
Patchwork Garden
0114 258 3763
Fat Quarters, The

01207 565728
Patchwork Goose
02890 351465
Utterly Delightful Fabric Emporium
Patchwork Parade
0161 633 5900
Pelenna Patchworks
01639 898444
Pippins Patchwork and Crafts
01778 394131 / 07951 040717
Poppy Patchwork
07900 927279
Glenroy Designs
01603 927607
Puddleducks
01732 743642
Goose Chase Quilting

01242 512639
Purely Patchwork
01506 846200
Lady Sew and Sew

01491 572528
Quilt Association, The

01686 413467
Longarm Quilting
01323 325828
Quilt Direct
01822 810877
Ludlow Quilts
01584 879131
Quilt Essential
01629 825936
Running With Scissors

07901 875599
Milliner Warehouse
0207 7304918
Monkey Buttons
01902 898572
Quilt With Jenny

01264 710261
Ruth Singer Studio

07740 345062
Parkin Fabrics
0161 627 4455
Passion 4 Quilting
0207 193 3104
Quilted Sheep, The

01539 565800
Rutland Sewing
rut;andsewing@outlook.com
School of Millinery
01386 832901
Patches and Pots

0161 881 9861
Quilters Cupboard, The

0191 3781663
www.sewmag.co.uk
directory
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Quilters Den, The

01926 408247
Juki
01206 563955
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01264 324420
Pfaff
www.pfaff.com
Quilters Haven
01728 746275
Silver Viscount
01933 311888
Quilters Quarters
01772 780998
Singer Sewing Machines

www.singerco.co.uk
Quilters Trading Post

01270 812541
SEWING MACHINE STOCKISTS

Phil Morton Sewing Machines
01625 433131
PEMBERTONS
OF STIRLING
Bag-Clasps
07990 960156
Crafty Computer Paper
0844 809 9535
DMC
0116 275 4031
Dylon
01737 742009
Entaco
01527 830940
SEWING MACHINE STOCKISTS

21 - 25 Friars Street, Stirling FK8 1HA
Tel: 01786 462993
info@psmc.co.uk
Tabby Cat Limited, The

01652 680776
Ashford Sewing Centre

01233 620948
Thread Bear
0208 657 5050
Bamber Sewing Machines

0161 707 7786
Threads and Patches

01908 649687
Beccles Sewing and Handicrafts

01502 711632
Redgewell Sewing Machines

0208 337 3444
Vintage Quilt, The

01768 372529
Brighton Sewing Centre

01273 621653
Rona Sewing Machines

01992 640250
PATTERNS
SEWING SUPPLIES
www.psmc.co.uk
Cliffords Sewing Machines Ltd

01792 655928
Hobbycraft
0330 026 1400
Log Cabin, The
01277 622245
S Nutt Sewing Machines

0121 327 2828
Sew Creative
01223 350691
Sew Devine
0118 926 8664
Sew Northampton
01604 637200
Patches and Buttons

01200 423089
Prym Group
www.prym.com
Serious Readers
0800 028 1890
Sewing Online General Merchandise
International - 0115 987 4422
Sewing World
01202 528451
Moms Patterns
www.momspatterns.com
Pattern Pages, The
02392 354162
Sew Me Something
01789 330588
Simplicity Limited
0161 480 8734
Coles Sewing Centre Ltd

0115 988 1550
So Vintage Patterns
www.sovintagepatterns.com
David Drummonds
0131 539 7766
PUBLISHERS
Direct Sewing Machines

0117 977 8216
Reads of Winchester 1 St Thomas Street

Winchester S023 9HE Tel: 01962 850950
Exeter Sewing Machines

01392 275660
* Suppliers of most makes of sewing

machines & overlockers
- new & reconditioned *
Great British Bookshop, The

www.thegreatbritishbookshop.co.uk
Quadrille Craft
www.quadrillecraft.com
Search Press
01892 510850
SEWING MACHINE MANUFACTURERS

AEG - Adjustoform Group
01233 625227
Aisin Europe (Toyota)
01322 291137
Bernina
www.bernina.com
Britannia Sewing
01206 563955 / 574758
Singer Sewing Centre, Southend on Sea

01702 601931
Reads of Winchester
Frank Knutt Sewing Machines

0121 443 5555
Husqvarna Studio
01225 482413
Leamington Spa Sewing Machines
01926 427572
* Servicing & repairs *
M and S Sewing Machines

01706 366943
Maidstone Sewing Machine Centre
01622 670254
Maury Sewing Machine Co
0207 7297328
Modern Sewing Centre & Creative Hands

01905 24940
Husqvarna Viking
01527 519480
Newport Sewing & Craft Centre

01633 284646
Parrs Sewing Machines
01684 563106
Superior Sewing Centre

01228 599880
www.superiorsewing.co.uk
14, Rosemary Lane
Carlisle CA3 8PN
Tullys Sewing Machines
0191 565 7995
MKC Services
0113 245 3156
STORAGE
Horn Furniture UK Limited
01793 834304
THREADS
Lewisham & Deptford Sewing Machines

0208 6982 1077
Brother Sewing Machines

www.brothersewing.co.uk
Janome UK
0161 666 6011
* Industrial machines available *

* Many machines on display in showroom
- demonstrations available*
Tailor Mouse Ltd

01423 313004
Tysons Sewing Machines Ltd

0208 574 1750
West End Sewing Centre Ltd
01242 244025
Woking Sewing & Knitting Centre
01932 352958
www.sewmag.co.uk
Gutermann
0208 589 1635
Lenham Needlecraft
0118 934 3207
Madeira UK Limited
01765 641700
Mettler Threads
01822 810877
Presencia Threads
01634 711228
TRIMMING
Crafty Ribbons
01258 455889
Sew On The Go 70_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:37 Page 1
Inspired by the Sewing Bee?

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105 sewmag.co.uk
Join our sister crafting

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MySewingRoom_Layout 1 27/02/2015 12:40 Page 1
my SEWING ROOM
ALEX FLOREA
The cupcake costume would

have been awesome, but
I needed another day!
SEWING BEE CONTESTANT ALEX FLOREA TELLS
US ABOUT HER ON-AIR EXPERIENCES AND LOVE
OF SUSTAINABLE FASHION
I've always had a creative streak,
making dresses for my dolls and later
refashioning my mums old clothes
into new outfits for me and my sister.
I bought a cheap sewing machine and
decided to teach myself to use it, and
when I moved to the UK I found a
lovely lady who ran workshops in her
home studio and started taking classes.
None of my family sews, my mum
used to knit when we were kids, but
no one else really did anything
creative. I'm not sure how I got the
gene really!
I like to think of my style as clean,
quite simple in construction, but with
quirky details to set it apart. My idea of hell is
anything messy, busy or frilly, but I love unusual
combinations of fabrics and textures, like leather
and chiffon, faux fur and leather. I like elongated
silhouettes that make my pear-shaped body look
willowy and tall. Im not
fashion driven in general,
as I know what
I like and what suits me.
Thats why its great to
be able to make things,
they fit better and I can
combine styles and
details as I choose.
I love Pinterest and spend a few minutes every
day looking at new sewing patterns and squirrelling
ideas for projects. I also follow creative blogs avidly.
A lot of projects come from my own imagination or
clothes Ive seen in shops. My favourite dress is a
combination of two patterns and two different types
of fabric, which make it totally unique.
Being a contestant on The Great British Sewing Bee
pushed me to start a blog of my own. I knew there
were stitchy people out there, but they all seemed
too famous to reach out to! Meeting the fellow Bees,
I realised how amazing these people are and how
great it is to tap into this fabulous community. We

will be friends for life, weve been speaking almost
every day since filming ended and try to meet in
person as much as possible. What happened
exceeded my expectations. It was a revelation how
people from different parts of the country, of
various ages and backgrounds can become such fast
friends. Going out so soon left me disappointed with
myself because I don't feel I made any garment
I was truly proud of. I had fun making the tulle skirt
and the harem trousers, and the cupcake costume
would have been awesome, I promise you, but
I probably needed another day to make them
up to my standards!
My blog is a great outlet to talk about my
passion for sustainable fashion. My day job is in
sustainability, so I am exposed to the ins and outs
of how clothes are made and the incredible new
technologies for recycling them. I try to make better
personal choices and because I can stitch my own
clothes, I am able to reduce my impact by buying
less and sewing with more
renewable fabrics.
I have turned our spare
bedroom into a sewing
room, which at the moment
looks like a battle ground!
I try to keep things
organised, otherwise I can
never find anything. Its my
happy place, where I can spread my projects out on
the floor, listen to the radio and go guilt-free creative
crazy! The blog is at the core of my future plans.
I want to continue to inspire as many people as
I can. On a personal level, Im challenging myself
not to buy any new clothes in 2015, creating is now
a necessity as much as a hobby! Teaching sewing to
children could be on the cards; Heather Jacks
work is very inspiring and I would love to get
involved with something similar. Right now I am
looking to find new ways to help save the planet,
one stitch at a time!
Im challenging myself
not to buy any new
clothes in 2015, creating
is now a necessity as
much as a hobby!
Find more at www.sewrendipity.com

106 sewmag.co.uk
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SPECIAL
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849
To find your nearest dealer :
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SEW Cover 70 qx_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:48 Page 1

*SEW APRIL 15 ISSUE 70_SEW 26/02/2015 10:08 Page 2

Leader_Layout 1 27/02/2015 15:45 Page 3

Suit your style

Welcome to your Fashion

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Sew Magazine, 1 Phoenix Court,

Contents_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:49 Page 1

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06 Want it, need it

The best news, products, shows and more.

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106 My sewing soom

68 Love that fabric...

Next month we have a FREE Simplicity 1467

70 Tea party set

Make a cute springtime companion.

Get the practical information and advice

105 Sew on the go

Keep in touch with Sew, wherever you are.

We chat to The Great British Sewing Bees

Stuart tells us his plans for an

Our top 10 favourite kits for making

We meet Alice Garrett to talk Liberty

Decorate your home with seasonal shades

Create beautiful pillows with this

A quirky April showers print selection for

Get the latest patchwork and quilt news

77 Block of the month

Youll love this months Patience block.

80 Love that fabric...

The best new releases from Cloud9 Fabrics

84 Easter tree decs

Get stitching a fabulous centrepiece.

86 Bunting and bags

Contents_Layout 1 27/02/2015 16:49 Page 2

Dressmaking & Style

34 pages of fashion, garments and more!

FREE this month!

11 Poppy dress pattern

33 Love that fabric...

16 Dressmaking with May

34 Learn with... Vanessa

Use your FREE gift to make five different

88 Dog bed & pillow

Pamper your pooch with this set.

90 Susies stitch school

Discover Assisi embroidery and make

May Martin gives advice on lightweight jackets.

18 The really useful guide