Simply Sewing

simply sewing fresh ideas with fabric

With Christmas on the horizon, it’s all too easy to forget to treat ourselves when we’re busy trying to find new ways to spoil our loved ones. So, we’re hoping you’ll embrace The Polly Top and The Orion Set with both arms and dedicate some time to sewing something special just for you. If your sewjo is on a roll after that, you’ll find plenty of Christmas-time makes to gift or to decorate your home with in our Christmas Gifts to Sew booklet. There’s a great variety of projects in there so if you’ve got half an hour for a quick upcycle or a couple of hours for some steady stocking making, you’re all set. Happy sewing! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

we're almost there!

I think it's safe to say, as we're well and truly enjoying autumn (my fave season of the year), it's time we started thinking about Christmas! I expect that 'C-word' will well and truly divide our audience (I have to admit I'm still working out when is 'too early'...). As we all know, handmade takes a bit more time and preparation so I'm giving you a head start. Pop on a pair of me-made slippers (page 79) and delve into our playful makes for your home (page 28) before indulging in some selfish sewing with our transeasonal Polly Top (page 20) – which can be made with long or short sleeves. Enjoy!…

contributors

MARIE-EMILIENNE AND BLANDINE Marie-Emilienne and Blandine are the talented sister team behind I AM Patterns and the Orion Set included with your magazine. Which version will you make? We’ve loved shopping for pleated fabric, find our suggestions on page 56. FIONA HESFORD Fiona is an indie pattern designer at Sewgirl and the creative mind behind the Polly Top. She sells her dressmaking and bag patterns on Etsy, as well as sewing kits that come with everything you need. Try her latest, exclusive-to-us pattern on page 20. PAIGE JOANNA If you’re looking for all things bright and fun, Paige Joanna’s designs and makes are exactly what you’re after! Paige is a multicoloured multi-crafter who is bringing joy to the sewing community. Get to know her better in her column on page 42. NICOLE AKONG Sewing Bee finalist Nicole…

pinboard

SHIRRED SOFIA The gorgeous Sofia is the latest release from Victory Patterns. There are three variations to make, including two tops and a dress, and each has three sleeve options – we love a pattern with so much choice! Even more exciting, the Sofia is the first pattern to be released in their new size range and is available in sizes 0–18 and 14–30. Find it at victorypatterns.com A SWISHY STITCH The speedy-sew Lotta Dress might just be your new Tilly fave. The dress can be made in knits or wovens, with long or short sleeves, and with or without pockets, so design your dress and get sewing! There's an online workshop for Lotta, too. shop.tillyandthebuttons.com ECO ESSENTIALS Selkie Patterns has released a fab new resource for parents – the Parent & Baby e-book. There…

christine leech

The first sewing memory Christine has is hand sewing the hem on a small white handkerchief with her nanny when she was about 5 years old. The handkerchief was an entry into the local Flower and Produce show and went on to win first prize. That was the point that Christine became hooked on sewing and making things. “I loved sewing and making projects when I wasa child. I won a book on making soft toys when I was at junior school and I think I made pretty much every project in that book." “I was always encouraged to make my own clothes when I was at school, and when I was at college I was always being asked by my friends to make them clothes. There was a trend for…

the pattern edit zero waste

MAYNARD DRESS, ELBE TEXTILES The Maynard Dress is proof that eco-conscious sewing doesn't mean having to compromise on style. This contemporary relaxed-fit wrap dress with tie closures is available in sizes A–I, elbetextiles.com/au ZERO-WASTE 006 ADONIS DRESS, MILAN AV-JC The Adonis Dress is a jigsaw-style pdf pattern designed to optimise fabric consumption. The gorgeous midi dress features a tie-front and a slit back. Best of all, this is available for free download as long as Milan AV-JC is credited if you share or modify the pattern. Check out Mylène's other zero-waste patterns, too. Available in sizes 34–48, milanavjc. com GATHER DRESS, BIRGITTA HELMERSSON The oversized Gather Dress is drawn straight on to your fabric, minimising printing and making it super easy to customise. Modelled and made here by Emily Jones (@ emilynatsai). Available in sizes…