Simply Sewing

This month, we’re focusing on slowing down and getting mindful in the best way we know how, just in time for Stress Awareness Month. In our Mindful Makes set, we’ve got six projects for you to find self care in the process of making and using once they’re finished; get some soothing hand stitching in with our upcycled shirred T-shirt; cosy on down with the Pyjama Bottoms from Crafty Sew & Sew; and spend some quality time crafting ten sweet projects for the little ones with our Sewing For Kids booklet. And, of course, treat yourself to making our cover star this issue, the beautiful Marie Dress! WWW.GATHERED.HOW/SIMPLYSEWING #SIMPLYSEWINGMAG facebook.com/simplysewingmagazine twitter.com/simplysewing_ pinterest.com/simplysewingmag instagram.com/simplysewingmag…

As a working mum, I really understand the importance of 'me-time' when it comes to managing stress. Whether that's a quiet cuppa with a pal, a brisk walk in the countryside or some slow embroidery in front of the TV, I relish those moments of calm. April marks Stress Awareness Month in the UK, so I hope that our mindful projects (p26) will encourage you to do more of the above, too. There's a clever (and satisfying) fabric manipulation project to try (p75) and cute embroidery (p81) if you're after some slow hand-stitching. For those itching to get behind a machine, you'll find the Marie Dress a dream to sew – and even more of a delight to wear!…

JENNY HASSLER The fabulous Jenny is a wife, mother, grandmother, CPA, and artist, living and working in western North Carolina. Check out her exclusive column on page 38 to hear about her inspiring sewing journey and her mission for more inclusivity! FREYA GILBERT You’ll love this issues’ cosy pyjama bottoms pattern by Freya – one half of the dynamic duo behind Crafty Sew & So. Grab a soft and fleecy brushed cotton or a silky viscose and turn to page 56 to get sewing and stay cosy. TENDAI MURAIRWA Yorkshire based, self taught sewer Tendai loves to sew and create with vintage and African print fabrics and is a genius for self-drafting garments – turn to page 60 to find her stunning and prismatic self-drafted infinity dress. FINN HOWELL Analytical…

PIP, PIP, PIPPA! Back for 2023 with a brand-new pattern release, please welcome Sew Over It's dreamy Pippa Dress! Featuring a modern, asymmetrical design with a line of decorative buttons (yep, that's right, no buttonholes needed!) trailing down the front, three sleeves and skirt lengths to choose from, and even an optional slit for a dash of sass, the Pippa Dress pattern is packed with versatility, so you can wear her across the seasons. Available in UK sizes 6-30 from sewoverit.com. POCKET-SIZED STASH Say hello to Stash Hub, your new favourite app and organisational bestie, Helping sewists get more organised, one download at a time! Create a fabric catalogue, store all your patterns in one place and document your projects seamlessly. stashhubapp.com SEW BRILLIANT! Did you know that we have…

SARA STRETCH FLARE PANT, AT THE SEAMS PATTERNS Ideal for beginner sewists, the Sara flares are a quick make with minimal sewing. Choose stretch knit fabric for a casual feel or go full glitz and glam with a shimmer fabric. Available in sizes XS-XL from AtTheSeamsPatterns. etsy.com DAPHNE BELL PANTS, SAMANTHA MARIE DESIGNS These must-sew pants come in a wide leg and flare option as well as bells. Plus, with both child and adult sizes, you can match with your mini-me too! Available in US sizes NB-16 years and adults 0-32 from samanthamariedesign.com FLARE LEGGINGS, GREENSTYLE PATTERNS Check out these bang on trend flares, featuring four waistband options. Available in sizes B-M in standard, petite and tall, these leggings are practical as well as pretty – wear them for both…

FASHION BAG & ACCESSORIES Darla-Jane Gilroy (£28, Quercus Books) Explore fashion bags, purses, wallets, clutches, cases, gloves and belts, through a creative design approach and get your cogs working as you learn about the key construction of these stylish staples with Darla-Jane Gilroy. Evolve and expand your sewing knowledge and discover the craftsmanship and skill that goes into creating practical and iconic accessories. COMPLETE BOOK OF SEWING TECHNIQUES Wendy Gardiner (£16.99, Landauer Publishing) Perfect for beginning sewists and seasoned stitchers alike, this new, second edition of Complete Book of Sewing Techniques features step-by-step instructions, friendly advice and top guides, from hand stitching, to hemming, to adding darts and mor – from internationally accredited sewing expert, Wendy Gardiner. FUN WITH FAT QUARTERS Wendy Gardiner (£9.99, Search Press) From sewing guru, Wendy…