Sew & Tell

Oh, hey there, sewing friends! Welcome to the first edition of Sew&Tell. I am beyond excited to present this special magazine to you all – it’s been such a long time coming. Sewing is part of Peppermint’s DNA – our stories and content have had tales of stitching woven through them since the beginning. There’s been a rise of people making their own clothes recently, with many even picking up a needle and thread for the first time over the last 18 months of #isewlation and #isolationcreation. Home sewing has grown exponentially thanks to mask-making, lockdown projects and stores closing their shopfronts. Sewing has given us purpose and community – truly the thread that holds us together. Not that we need to tell you, but whipping up your own wardrobe…

BROOCH THE TOPIC How do you best signal to the world that the incredible outfit you’re wearing was made by yours truly? Perhaps with a subtle lapel pin from Jubly-Umph’s Crafty Collection. Melbourne artist Tasha Miller and her team specialise in cute and quirky brooches for all situations but this range is specifically for the sewciopaths and procraftinators out there looking for a little bit of adorable eye candy to proclaim their allegiance to the me-made movement. jubly-umph.com WOODEN IT BE LOVELY? Pine-ing for the outside world? Bring a touch of the trees to you with Arrow Mountain’s gorgeous assortment of wooden sewing goodies. The one woman powerhouse behind the brand, Ho-mei, started making buttons to elevate her own sewing projects and unlocked a new passion. Soon overwhelmed by more…

Tell us a bit about your art… I draw images with sewing machine free-hand stitches. It is embroidery but I consider it more like illustration done by thread. What led you to creating still life artwork with a sewing machine? When I was in art school, we all wanted to find our own medium and method. I found the sewing machine as my tool – my mother was a dressmaker and the sewing machine was so familiar to me. Soon after that, I found that still life subjects work best to draw with thread. What inspires you? Any kind of textile art. Artists, craftspeople and the energy of fabric, thread and fibre all make me feel honourable and help me appreciate what I’m doing, while pushing me to be creative.…

It seems to elevate any make while bringing a sense of playfulness. Gingham originated in South East Asia, and is thought to come from the Malay word genggang meaning ‘separate’ or ‘striped’. When gingham arrived in Europe it was actually a striped fabric! The checks that now define it were an eighteenth century addition from the mills of Manchester, where they were a popular fashion statement among the young cheeky chaps and mad lads. Pick a bolt for your next picnic here.…

For proud Bundjalung woman Holly Sanders, art is as much a connection to people and place as it is a personal practice. Referencing long days at the beach with family and an ongoing connection to the land and ocean, her artwork looks to the landscapes of Saltwater Country for inspiration. “Connection to Country is important for all Aboriginal people and it’s something I enjoy painting and sharing,” she says. “Country is more than a place, it’s part of our lives in every aspect – spiritually, physically, emotionally, socially and culturally.” With swirling colours of a sunburnt country bringing a comforting sense of home, Holly’s work has endeared her to so many – canvases popping up in homes across the country… and most recently on a collection with beloved Melbourne fabric…

As a special offer for our first issue of Sew&Tell, the lovely Nerida Hansen is offering all readers a PDF download of her Tiered Maxi Skirt sewing pattern for free! The Tiered Maxi Skirt is a showstopper – with a fully elasticated waist and practical pockets, it’s equal parts feminine and fun. The pattern carefully details how to proportionately adjust the skirt’s length to suit your height, so you can finally have the maxi skirt that actually works for you! All pattern pieces provided include a 1cm seam allowance. Just cut along your chosen fabric and you’re ready to sew! Head to the Nerida Hansen Fabrics website and use the code below to download this pretty pattern now. Start your (sewing) engines pronto because this offer is only valid until…