Modern Sewing Starts Here Edition 15

Edition 15 – April 2021
Modern
sewing
starts here..
FOCUS ON
FABRICS
Put the spring
back into your
sewing projects
BE ACTIVE!
Tips for making activewear
with Tommie Hernández
Behind the
SCENES
Bari J. shares her interior style
EVERYDAY
WEAR
Rachel Pinheiro shows
us her go-to style that
she turns to most days
Fabric from Art Gallery Fabrics new
collection - Pollinate
www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk

gender

Editor’s Letter
Hello
Warmer days and lighter evenings are definitely in our sights and it’s time to think
about your spring wardrobe. It can still be pretty cold, but it’s time to prepare your
wardrobe for the switch from coat to jacket – we share three of the best jackets for
this season.
This time Rachel Pinheiro shows us her go-to style that she turns to most days,
using True Bias sewing patterns and a fresh colour scheme. Something a little
different – Bari J. shares a sneak peek behind the scenes of her interior style and
her love for colour.
Do you love fabric prints? We spoil you with choice for your sewing projects with
lots of lovely fabric designs. And Sarah Ashford shares what she has been making
with one of the latest fabric collections form Art Gallery Fabrics, Serenity.
Happy stitching!
Hantex team
www.hantex.co.uk
www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk
Subscribe free to get your copy – click here
WIN WIN WIN!
A lucky reader will receive the Nikko
sewing pattern from True Bias along
with Albstoffe Knit Knit fabric to
make the long sleeve top in Rachel
Pinheiro’s feature.
How to enter: Current and new
subscribers can visit
www.hantexonline.co.uk/prizedraw
for a chance to win this prize.
Closing date - 30th April 2021
PEPIN TOTE
This bag pattern is the perfect go-to bag, which you can use to and from work, on car
trips, and anywhere you travel that you need to stash a notebook and extra items that
don’t normally fit in your purse. This is a quick tote designed with a few useful optional
add-ons. It can be made in canvas or waxed canvas so it’s hardwearing.
To view this bag pattern from Noodlehead – click here
#modernsewingstartshere

COME INTO
BLOOM
We talk to Bari J. artist, author, designer and home décor
expert about her instantly recognisable floral style!
Q1. Tell us about your journey to
becoming an artist, designer, and
home decor expert?
I actually think my first love was always
home design but creating art lead
me back around to it. It was a natural
progression from creating fabric and
art. And the more I created, the more
I designed rooms until I ended up
merging what I do.
I have been passionate about
design for as long as I can remember.
As a child, my mother would paint
and craft, so it was only a natural
progression that I’d inherit her love of
crafting. I began crafting and creating
jewellery, but when I first learned to
sew I knew I had found my passion.
I was hooked on it. That obsession
is what inspired my own handmade
handbag business and my first book:
Inspired to Sew.
Q2. How would you describe your
interior style?
While I love vintage and soft designs,
I’m constantly drawn to colour and
bold prints which are very modern, as
well as mixing the two for surprising
combinations.
I don’t hold back when it comes to
mixing fabric prints and colours. I
call my style ‘Curated Maximalism’.
What I mean by this is that it’s defined

y layers of colour and pattern
intentionally that’s edited for the most
meaningful and impactful pieces. It
is less about stuff and more about
intentional layering.
Q3. What do you love most about
your work?
It simply makes me happy. Colour
is an instinct for me and takes
precedence over all-else! I’m a colour
junkie!
Q4. When did you first know that
you wanted to share your designs?
This was back in 2008 when I had
been making and selling handbags
and collage art. I started designing
fabric intending it to be for the
handbags but it ended up licensed
for all to use.
Q5. Where do you find the most
inspiration and what’s the most
surprising place you’ve found it?
I was surprised to be so inspired by
the desert as I remember thinking
it was so brown and lifeless initially.
But moving to where I live now, it’s
anything but!
I find inspiration all around me. I
look at photos and imagine faraway
places. I see a colour and that inspires
a whole collection. And when I can’t
travel I look to books and museums –
and local hikes!
Q6. What advice would you give to
someone who wants to experiment
with adding more colour and
pattern to their interiors but don’t
know where to start?
Start experimenting. It will naturally
lead you to enjoying it. Put a pop
here and a pop there, and it’ll all
come together!
Q7. What would you say is the
most important aspect of creating
a room scheme for your home?
Pick one central thing you adore and
design around that.
Q8. Do you use your own designs
in your home, and is there a
particular design that’s become
one of your favourites?
I do. And it’s always the last one I
created. Right now, I have 365 Fifth
Avenue that I designed for Art Gallery
Fabrics just about everywhere!
Q9. Tell us about some of the
collaborations you have done?
Art Gallery Fabrics is my heart – I
adore fabric and love the freedom
that I’m given to design with this
fabric company. Rugs for Loloi have
been very special to me as well. And
I have a special furniture partnership
coming up I can’t wait to share!
To see more gorgeous fabric
collections from Bari J. for
Art Gallery Fabrics – click here

WASHED RAMIE
Ramie is such a great fabric to sew with
and perfect for making garments for
the warmer weather. This new washed
fabric is available in a range of 14
different colours, and perfect for your
spring/summer wardrobe.
To view the new Sligo ramie
collection from Modelo – click here
NEW ORGANIC COLLECTIONS
Cloud9 Fabrics has just released four
new organic fabric lines that will be
available for spring/summer 2021. Here
is a taster of what you can expect from
each of the collections.
To see more from Cloud9 Fabrics
– click here
Floral Deco by
Elizabeth Olwen (rayon)
Focus on
FABRICS
Sweet Nothing by
Elizabeth Olwen
(sateen cotton)
Put the spring back into your sewing
projects with these lovely designs
Arid Wilderness by
Louise Cunningham
(quilter’s cotton)
Bloom Together by
Meenal Patel
(quilter’s cotton)
SUMMER JERSEYS
Looking for gorgeous summery colours to make tee shirts, summer dresses and
tops, then this cotton knit organic jersey from Modelo is ideal. The organic fabric
is OEKO-TEX certified and available in a vibrant range of bright, cheerful, summer
colours. With eight to choose from you will be spoilt for choice! It has 5% Elastane
so it’s perfect for garments that need a bit of stretch.
To view all eight of the vibrant colours this cotton knit has to offer – click here

SHEER COTTONS
This fabric is lightweight, semi sheer and perfect
for those floaty dresses when the sun is beating
down. This woven-striped cotton has a pretty
Swiss dot effect making it perfect for those
easy to wear tops and dresses where floaty
fabrics are a must! There are 10 pastel
colours to choose from.
To see more from the new Bern collection
from Modelo – click here
POPULAR PRINTS
The last Monaluna range was incredibly popular and sold
out quickly and we think Vintage 74 will be just as popular!
This harmonious collection includes beautiful prints
featuring beautiful florals, birds and butterflies.
Inspired by designer, Jennifer Moore, grandmother’s
farmhouse in the mid 70’s, the palette and prints lend
themselves to bright, summery designs, with a bit of a retro
styling thrown in! The range is GOTS-certified organic and
there are 11 great prints to choose from!
To view this new retro collection from Monaluna – click here
RAYON PRINTS
Modelo has just brought out a gorgeous range of 44 stunning rayon
print fabrics for spring/summer. This new collection of prints
contains co-ordinating groups of three and four fabrics that work
perfectly together. They’re ideal for mixing and matching.
Modelo has a wonderful ethos of sustainability through quality
where its fabrics can stand the test of time, look better for
longer and reward your sewing time with a great finished
garment. These rayons are beautifully soft, light and perfect for
your warm weather wardrobe!
To view more from the Mistral Rayons from Modelo – click here

CELEBRATING SPRING
With Art Gallery Fabrics
FRESH DECOR
The new Velvet fabric collection is
all about the luxury of home, the
comfort of being surrounded by
loved ones, and one’s most beloved
art, books, and souvenirs. The range
features a mix of rich and gentle hues to
give a feel-good colour palette that also tunes
in with the opulent prints of this collection, and is
perfect for adding the finishing touches like cushions
and throws to your home this season.
To see more of the fabric designs from this collection
– click here
FULL OF FLOWERS
There is nothing better than sewing for spring.
The Flower Society collection from AGF Studio is
brimming with cute florals both big and small ranging
in dark, moody to simple, modern, ditsy, and retro
designs. Packed full with floral designs there’s a style
for everyone. To see view the full Flower Society
fabric collection – click here
ESSENCE OF SPRING
The Pollinate fabric collection is perfect for your springtime makes! Designed by Jessica Swift for Art Gallery Fabrics with
bees buzzing, birds singing, and flowers blooming bright, it brings the wonders of nature together during this cheerful season
right into your sewing room any time of the year!
To learn more about this collection - click here

TRENDSETTER
3 of the best jackets for spring
1. THE LONGLINE JACKET
Find the middle ground in a lovely longer line
jacket. This style of coat is a little bit smarter and
perfect for everyday. The Alegra Jacket is a great
option for transcending the seasons. This open
front collarless jacket has deep raglan sleeves
giving it a Magyar effect. The clever cocoon shape
is created by the darts on the hemline. While the
pleated back blouson adds to its distinctive style.
Alegra Jacket from Style Arc
- click here
Yanaka
Jacket from
Liesl + Co
– click here
2. THE HYBRID JACKET
A garment that’s a cross between a blazer and
a cardigan is what’s called for! This unlined
jacket is semi-fitted, slightly cropped, and
includes a stylish cutaway silhouette, cut-on
sleeves, a sleeve gusset for better movement
and fit, and a gentle stand-up collar. With no
set-in sleeve or closures, this style is fun and
easy to sew as well as versatile to wear!
Stafford
Jacket from
The Sewing
Workshop –
click here
3. THE JEAN JACKET
You can make in denim but this is no standard jean jacket! The Stafford is
a loose-fitting, non-traditional jacket that has front and back yokes, faux
button flaps over western-style front panels, collar with inset stand, ¾
length full sleeves and classic topstitching.
FABRIC SUGGESTIONS
PONTE ROMA
Korem Royal Blue
Modelo – click here
LINEN
Sligo Ramie Washed,
Modelo - click here
WASHED CANVAS
Wonderful Things
Aquarelle Study, AGF
- click here
FINE NEEDLECORD
Hartford Dusky Pink,
Modelo - click here
DENIM
Ditsy Abrasion Print,
Art Gallery Fabrics
– click here
Check out the free-to-use resource listing of the very best Indie patterns and filter by fabric, garment, brand
or skill level by visiting www.hantex.co.uk

MAKING
activewear
Tommie Hernández founder of sirenapatterns.com shares her
tips for making activewear
For many home sewers, making their own activewear is a challenge. But think about how proud you would feel
if someone in the gym asked you “Where did you buy your outfit?” and you could answer, “I made it myself!”
I encourage you to give it a shot and make your first activewear outfit.
Here are some tips to help you get started
with making this type of garment:
FABRIC TYPES:
• Activewear garments have negative ease, which means
the pattern is smaller than the actual body measurements.
And because of this, you’ll need to use a fabric that has the
proper stretch percentage and recovery.
• Since you’ll probably sweat a lot in this type of garment,
I recommend you use a naturally hydrophobic fabric that
wicks away moisture. Nylon/spandex or polyester/spandex
that stretches at least 50% are great synthetic alternatives
that don’t absorb moisture (like cotton). Bamboo/spandex
is a more eco-friendly alternative since bamboo is not
only a natural fibre but also anti-bacterial. Remember that
spandex, elastane and Lycra all mean the same! Lycra is a
name brand, and constitutes a small percentage (around
3% to 20%) of the fabric.
• Four-way stretch fabrics are fabrics that stretch in both
directions, warp and weft while two-way stretch fabrics
stretch only in one direction (either warp or weft)
• For very fitted garments like leggings and sport-bras, 4-way
stretch fabrics in the fibres mentioned with a stretch of at
least 50% or more work great. For loose fitted activewear
such as T-shirts – the fabric can stretch less (25%), and can
be either two-way stretch or 4-way stretch.
CUTTING:
Cutting knit fabrics can be difficult, especially if they’re
lightweight and slippery. If things get difficult when cutting
with regular scissors consider using a rotary cutter instead. This
cutter allows you to make accurate cuts when cutting multiple
layers of fabric, even stretchy ones. Make sure to always use a
cutting mat to protect the surface, change the cutter blades
regularly, and of course, keep it away from children.
STITCH & NEEDLE:
Both the fabric and the stitch should stretch enough to get
the garment in your body, but then recover so you can wear
it comfortably. That’s why it’s so important to use not only the
correct fabric, but also stitches that stretch. If not you will end
up with an ill-fitting garment and popped stitches.
• You can fashion an activewear garment from beginning
to end using a regular sewing machine with a narrow
zigzag stitch (1.5mm wide x 2.5mm long), but I prefer an
overlocker to sew most of the garment (except the hems
and topstitching).
• Keep in mind that the seam allowance for knits is smaller,
usually 6mm (¼in), instead of the usual 1.5cm (5/8in). You
don’t want bulky seam allowance in this type of fabric,
especially in fitted garments. Always read the pattern
instructions and apply the included seam allowance.
• Always test your stitches in a scrap of the same fabric that
you use for the outfit. To prevent skipped stitches, make
sure to use a ballpoint or stretch needle. The size will
depend on the weight of the fabric.

FINISHINGS:
To finish hems on activewear with a regular sewing machine you
can use a medium zigzag stitch or a twin needle. For a more
professional finish, a coverstitch sewing machine is ideal, but
not indispensable. with either 2 or 3 needles. Always test the
stitch you want to use first in a scrap of fabric and adjust the
tensions accordingly.
COVERSTITCH
This stitch is the most recommended for activewear and
achieving a professional looking finish. It looks like two rows
of stitching on the outside and on the inside it’s similar to a
serger stitch.
ZIGZAG
A medium zig zag (3mm x 3mm) is ideal for finishing hems.
REVERSE COVERSTITCH
Here you’ll hem using the same coverstitch sewing machine but
you simply make the hem with the wrong side of the garment
towards the presser foot. That way, you will have the two rows
of stitches on the inside and the serger looking finish on the
outside. If you combine different colors of threads on the
needle you can achieve a very fun, casual look, great
for activewear.
AND FINALLY…..
Practice makes perfect! Keep practising with the equipment
you have, and if you’re sewing knits frequently consider adding
an overlocker, and eventually in a coverstitch to your sewing
machine inventory, both are great investments for sewing
knits enthusiasts!
TWIN NEEDLE
Alternatively, you can also use a ballpoint twin needle to
achieve a look similar to the coverstitch with two rows of
stitching, although it doesn’t stretch as much as the
coverstitch one.
Tommie Hernandez is a Fashion Designer with over 20 years
of experience and four years ago, founded Sirena Patterns.
Sirena Patterns is the only Puerto-Rican sewing pattern
company, and sells to more than 43 countries in digital
format and with printed distribution in the UK, US and Puerto
Rico. She also uses her experience to teach how to create
clothes and swimwear. Her online fashion academy has more
than 1,700 students around the world, and Tommie says
“For me, technology is a great tool to compensate for inperson
contact, even if it doesn’t replace it!” She also helps
entrepreneurs launch their own fashion businesses.
To find your local stockist of Sirena Patterns – click here

BE
active!
Discover patterns and fabrics
for staying active!
SIRENA PATTERNS
Sirena Patterns will be branching out into
activewear (as well as swimwear patterns)
and has five patterns including sports
bra, leggings, joggers and hoodies all
in sizes XS-XXL. These are currently in
development so watch this space!
To find more sewing patterns
from Sirena Patterns – click here
CASHMERETTE
Performance meets style with
the Belmont Leggings & Yoga
Pants! With this pattern you can
make the ultimate wardrobe
essential, a pair of full-length
leggings with a clean hidden
elastic finish. Or salute the sun
in the other option – a classic
pair of yoga pants featuring a
Capri length hem and fold-over
waistband, which can be worn
up or down. Designed with
comfortable, ultra-high rises and
optional flexible gussets, these
will keep you moving all day
long. The pattern is available in
sizes 12-32.
For more sewing patterns from
Cashmerette – click here
JALIE
Whatever the specialist activewear you’re looking for, Jalie probably has it! They’ve a wide selection of
patterns that are great for running, working out at the gym, tennis, the beach, your bike, the ice or dance
floor, and cover many patterns that are hard to find. The patterns come in an impressive range of sizes for
women, men and children.
To view more of the patterns available from Jalie – click here
Modelo Activewear Fabric collection is a high quality blend
of nylon and elastane, which is designed specifically for
activewear. These fabrics can also be used for dancewear
and swimwear too. With vibrant and contemporary designs
that work well alone or in combination with solid colours,
there’s one just right for your next pattern.
To this wide range of fabrics from Modelo – click here
Check out the free-to-use resource listing of the very best Indie patterns and filter by fabric, garment, brand
or skill level by visiting www.hantex.co.uk

New spring sewing pattern releases
for you to sew!
SEW HOUSE SEVEN
The Wildwood Wrap Dress is now
available in a printed format. The
dress is perfect for the office, a
wedding or party or when you just
feel like wearing a dress. It’s a true
wrap dress, with a detached obiinspired
belt. The beauty of this
dress is created by the drape of
the shawl collar and enhanced by
the waist and shoulder pleats. It
has generous front pockets, and
a slim skirt with a wide faced
hem. French seams are used to
construct the upper bodice so
version B looks pretty once the
sleeves are rolled up. Choose a
below the knee or longer midilength
hem. The pattern comes in
sizes 00-22 and 16-34.
To find more patterns from Sew
House Seven – click here
CASHMERETTE
The Appleton Dress is now available in two new sizes 12-28
and 0-16. This classic knit wrap dress is designed to play
up your curves with a crossover front, built-in waist tie, and
deep V-neck. Designed by and for curvy women, it has an
innovative neckband construction, which prevents gaping
across your bust that can happen on this style of dress.
For more sewing patterns from Cashmerette – click here
STYLE ARC
This pattern company has spring all styled out with lots of new
patterns available. We particularly love the Wilma Top, which now
comes in a smaller size 4-16 as well as 18-30. This square shaped
pull-on top has a pretty gusseted dolman sleeve, and is shaped
with front and back body darts extending from the gussets and
finished with topstitching. The Hope Dress is another great option
for transcending the seasons. This pull-on dress is so versatile with its
3/4-length sleeves, high waist and comfortable deep raglan armhole.
To view more of the new sewing patterns available
from Style Arc – click here
Check out the free-to-use resource listing of the very best Indie patterns and filter by fabric, garment, brand
or skill level by visiting www.hantex.co.uk

A favourite formula
Brazilian-born sewing blogger, Rachel Pinheiro shares her
go-to style that she turns to most days!
This trend is almost unconscious. You pick
every element effortlessly and you feel great.
Yes, I’m talking about wearing clothes that
you feel comfortable in and look your best
that you can use as a ‘uniform’ for your
lifestyle. We all have a particular formula that
will take us through most events with no fuss
but a ton of style power. Even better when it
forms a strong base layer, which by adding
fresh new colours, it revitalises our wardrobe
without too much effort. Today, I’m talking
about my favourite formula – the turtleneck
and high-waisted trousers.
The thing about style is that your personal
taste and point of view trumps old-fashioned
‘Fix your body’ shape advice would dictate.
For example, I’m a 6ft tall gal with short body
length and busty. My all time go to outfit
‘highlights’ that I’m top heavy and the lack of
distance to my waist (shorten body length).
I’m a firm believer that you can wear
anything but there is a secret, you need to
balance your hems. This style works so well
for me, that if you ask a friend to describe a
usual day to day outfit that they would see
me wearing, it’s most likely they’d say with
enthusiasm that I would be wearing turtleneck
and waist defining trousers as a base layer
plus a blazer or a coat. This is my off duty style
encapsulated. This season, I’m swapping a
jacket/coat for a quilted long waistcoat and
adding the ‘refresh’ colour of a yellow scarf.
The outfit, pattern
and fabric and the
modifications I’ve done!
PATTERNS FROM
TRUE BIAS
Nikko Top
I have made this pattern before into the
turtleneck dress for a previous issue of this
magazine. You can view it here.
It’s good to remake a sewing pattern
and try something a little different. I
lengthened the turtleneck by 5cm, and
now it folds nicely for a traditional look or
wear it full up to make a big statement!
The fabric has a lovely weave texture and
mid-weight that feels cosy but thin enough
to fit well when layered.
Lander Pants
I’ve seen lots of photos on
Instagram from sewists of this
pattern and I must be the last
person on earth to make it! To
make mine a little different, I’ve
added an extra button with an
extended waistband. I really love
the width of the legs as it has a
’70s feel.
The fabric has a slight stretch
and sheen with a granular
texture. I prefer more weight

for trousers. It just feels a little summertime
for now. A couple of tips – be prepared
to really reinforce the areas that tend to
stretch and be careful when pressing. Like
many gabardines, heat will stain the fabric
so use a press cloth. I enjoyed constructing
both of these patterns.
Tips for buttonholes
1. Make a sample that replicates the
garment – fabric, interfacing and
layers of fabrics. Adjust your tension
if necessary.
2. Test the size with the button - cut
the buttonhole open and check
how the buttons fit. When wearing
jeans the placement of the buttons
will influence how nicely the seam
matches. Positioning the button in the
middle will not necessarily give you
the best result.
3. Use a fray deterrent like Fray Check
from Prym. That will make the buttons.
4. I recommend investing in a
buttonhole cutter. It’s life changing!
Editor’s notes
PATTERNS
Rachel has this time used two patterns from True Bias to make her outfit.
The Nikko includes four views, all with a simple and stylish mock turtleneck.
This fitted silhouette is perfect pairing for high waisted trousers. Fabric
suggestions include medium weight knit fabric with an approximate 75%
stretch such as rib knit, sweater knit, bamboo knit, or stretch velvet.
The Lander Pant has a lovely high waist and button fly that’s flattering and
comfortable for all body types. The pattern includes front and back patch
pockets, belt loops, and a straight fit through the legs. Make in an ankle or
boot length pant and shorts. Fabric suggestions include medium to heavy
bottom weight fabrics with little to no stretch like twill, linen, corduroy and
denim. The best lining fabrics are cotton voile, quilting cotton and linen.
To view other True Bias sewing pattersn or find a local stockist – click here
Rachel chose to make her top in Organic Knit Knit natural 3D jacquard
jersey from Hamburger Liebe for Albstoffe. To view all the colours from
this fabric range – click here
To make the Lander Pant, Rachel has used Modelo’s Cotton Stretch Twill
fabric in Attica Sand. To view the rest of the colours – click here
OTHER THINGS YOU MAY NEED:
Prym Fray Check – click here
Prym Jeans Buttons – click here
17mm antique copper with laurel wreath design

Tips for measuring
AND MAKING SUCCESSFUL GARMENT
Julie Bonnar from The Pattern Pages shares her tips on making
sure your garment is the perfect fit!
We’ve all done it, haven’t we? We’re so excited to be sewing that we’ve launched straight in! Then we spend all that love,
attention and time, cutting out and sewing only to find it doesn’t fit properly. You heard the phrase ‘measure twice and cut once’
well this is how you put it into practice!
THINGS ABOUT A SEWING PATTERN YOU
MIGHT ASSUME:
1. The pattern size is the same as readymade garments you buy on the
High Street. It’s not and also more importantly each indie pattern
company will have its own sizing charts and measurements too.
2. All sewing patterns follow a set of standard measurements. No
they don’t, and very few of us would match these measurements
completely as we’re all different shapes and sizes and something to
be celebrated.
3. Use your own
measurements for every
pattern you sew. Yes this is true,
but you should always redo
these every time you start to
make a garment, even if it’s
a pattern that you’ve made
before. Just like our weight, our
measurements can fluctuate too.
WHAT MEASUREMENTS
DO YOU NEED:
thepatternpages.com
A. Height - Stand with your
back, head and heels against My measurements cross between two sizes
the wall without shoes. Your on this Olive Dress from Megan Nielson so I’d
friend should place the ruler pick to make the size 14 for the bust, as the
across the top of your head and
dress is loose fitting.
mark. Measure from the floor to
the mark for height.
B. Chest - Measure immediately under your armpits and across the top of chest.
C. Bust - Measure across the bust’s fullest part and the widest part of the back.
D. Waist - Measure your natural waistline. To find this – you can tie a piece of string around
your waist and let it settle as you bend left and right.
E. Hips - Take the measurement around the fullest part (this is usually 8cm-23cm below the
waistline).
TIP: For more precise measurements, always round up to the nearest whole centimetre.
thepatternpages.com
HOW TO TAKE YOUR MEASUREMENTS
Making a pattern fit you well is all about taking accurate body measurements.
Take your measurements over your usual underwear and don’t be tempted to pull the
measuring tape too tightly. Ask a friend around and ask them to help. They will be able to
get more accurate measurements as you can stand still.

Olive Top shown with Opal Pants –
both from Megan Nielsen
TIP: If no one else is around to help then you might like the Self Measuring
Tape from Sew To Grow! It’s easy to use, simply wrap the tape measure
around your body, place the end of the tape into the opposite side of the
device, push the button so the tape retracts and let it contour to the shape of
your body. This allows you to look in a mirror and make sure the tape is level
and in the right spot so that you get accurate measurements every time.
To find your local stockist – click here
WHAT OTHER MEASUREMENTS YOU MIGHT NEED:
Shoulder length
Measure from the base of the neck to shoulder point.
To find base of the neck – place tape measure around your neck under the
thyroid.
To find the shoulder point – raise the arm to shoulder level and this is where
the dip forms at the shoulder bone.
Front waist length
Measure vertically down from the prominent shoulder bone over bust point
to the waist.
Back waist length
Measure from the top of your spine to natural waistline.
Arm length
Measure from the shoulder bone to elbow and then with elbow bent
measure to the wrist.
OTHER TECHNICAL THINGS YOU MAY LIKE TO KNOW:
Garment ease
For a garment to fit comfortably, the pattern might say it has ease. This is so
you can move freely such as moving your arms up and down.
Wearing ease
This is the minimum amount of ease for a garment to be comfortable.
Within the sewing industry wearing ease is usually 6.4cm at the bust, 2.5cm
at the waist and 7.6cm at the hip area.
Design ease
This is an amount that the designer has added/subtracted to create a
specific silhouette. To determine ease, measure the pattern from seam
to seam (excluding seam allowances) and compare it with your body
measurements to the total circumference measurement of the pattern. The
difference is the amount of ease the pattern has.
TIPS FOR CHOOSING A
COMMERCIAL PATTERN
For skirts, shorts and trousers
Use your hip measurement to select
the pattern size
For dresses, tops and jackets
Use the bust measurement to select
the pattern size

Finding Calm with
Serenity Fusion
Sarah Ashford, obsessive quilter and fabric lover shares her sewing
with the Serenity fabric collection from Art Gallery Fabrics
I really enjoyed making this oversized
patchwork drawstring bag, which is perfect
for a beach themed home. I’ve used a
pattern called The Finch Bucket by Stitch
Mischief. I’ve actually put mine in the
bathroom – it’s a great way to keep all
those bottles, toys or even toilet rolls tidied
away! The beach theme so inspired me
that I also made a little patchwork sailboat
block, riding the waves of the ocean. I
can just imagine a whole quilt of small 6in
illustrative blocks like this – it would be
perfect for a seaside retreat or even for a
picnic blanket to take on the beach. If you
fancy making your own Serenity Fusion
quilt, you can find the free pattern for the
‘Pacific’ quilt on the Art Gallery Fabrics
Website. Do check it out here.
Muted, subtle, dreamy and calming are
the perfect adjectives to describe the
latest collection, Serenity Fusion from
Art Gallery Fabrics. Each of the prints is
designed by a different AGF designer and
their distinctive styles shining through.
If you’re looking for a soft colour palette
that’s gentle on the eye, then this beautiful
low volume collection is it. It reminds
me of hazy days at the seaside, with the
seagulls over head, and the waves gently
lapping at the shore and the grains of
sand tickling my feet. Pure bliss!
There are 12 cotton prints in this
collection, and while the palette is gentle
– there’s a good variation in scale and
print, making them perfect for patchwork.
There are seagulls, feathers, tiny florals
and some beautiful textures, which all
work harmoniously together. Equally, they
would work well paired with other more
vibrant collections, to provide a ‘resting
place’ for the eyes. Or if you wanted
to pair these prints with some solids,
the matching blenders from the Pure
Elements collection that work really well
include Macchiato, Cafe Latte, Cloud and
Aquarium.
Editor’s notes
The Serenity Fusion fabric
collection from Art Gallery Fabrics
is a breath of fresh air with its
low volume prints, inspired by
the tranquil waters of the ocean
and feeling the warm sand
between your toes. This collection
highlights celeste tones with
creamy, ethereal, and subtle
textures.
To view more from this cool
collection – click here
This collection would also work
wonderfully for light summer dresses
or tops, either for the little ones or for
you! The tiny floral print, in particular
is perfect for this and there are some
lovely samples in the Serenity Fusion
‘look book’ on the AGF website.
I really like the simplistic beauty of
this collection. With hand drawn lines,
brushstroke lines, dots and crosses,
it has a really organic, gentle feel,
inspired by nature. It would be perfect
for baby quilts, garments and home
décor. The range of textured prints
make it really versatile, and a great
one to have in your stash to blend with
other prints as well.

CRYSTAL CLUSTER
This quilt pattern by Elizabeth Hartman includes all the instructions to make the same
bold starburst quilt design in three sizes, plus a cushion. Everything is made using
conventional patchwork techniques so there are no templates or paper piecing!
This is a perfect project for featuring your favourite colours and prints, and the
pattern includes a detailed colour chart that can be used to duplicate the fabrics that
the designer has used, or as a guide for organising your own fabrics, and it’s great
for using up fabric scraps too.
To view this colourful quilt pattern – click here
WHAT’S
NEW
We keep you posted with the
latest launches
MIX & MATCH EXPANSION PACK
Mix and match your way to a wardrobe of beautiful dresses and
skirts with the Upton Dress & Skirt plus Mix & Match Expansion
Pack! This pattern features multiple bodice, skirt, sleeve, and
neckline options for hundreds of dresses. Choose from dresses for
brunch and cocktails to weddings, this single pattern can do it all!
The full pattern option includes the original Upton Dress pattern
pieces, which are necessary to use in conjunction with this pattern.
Choose your own adventure with lots of styles that can be mixed
and matched with over 350 combinations! The new pattern
features include darted or princess seamed bodices with and
without sleeves as well as new necklines and standalone skirt with
a new contoured waistband and different length options.
To view this pattern from Cashmerette – click here
KALEIDOSCOPE DESIGNS
This new book from Lori Holt of Bee in my Bonnet Co. is
sure to shake up your world with colour! Create quilts filled
with a myriad of cool, light and bright colours, centred on a
kaleidoscope-inspired star block. There are three quilt and
three pillow size options to choose from and an endless array
of colour and design options to select! It also has a radiant
coordinating cross-stitch that will light up your home as well
as showing two different methods for making flying geese and
half square triangles!
To find out how to get your copy – click here

Details
Chambrays &
Denims
By Modelo Fabrics
Patchwork design by Rachel Pinheiro using the Tamarack pattern by
Grainline Studio and featuring Modelo chambray
Distributed Exclusively in the UK by Hantex Ltd
modelo
fabrics
Find patterns, fabrics and everything
‘Denim’ as well as stockists at …
www.hantexonline.co.uk/denim-edit