Modern Sewing Starts Here Edition 12
Modern Sewing Starts Here is the digital publication which features articles, reviews and handy tips for anyone with an interest in contemporary sewing In this edition ... Pick Of The Patterns .... New sewing pattern releases that you’ll want to sew! A Home For Dressmakers ... We talk to Rachel Walker and Kate Underwood – the sewing duo behind The Fold Line. On The Mark ... 4 ways to transfer pattern markings to fabric ... Trendsetter ... Take centre-stage this season with oversized necklines, bib-like collars and statement décolletages! Stretch Your Sewing ... Julie Bonnar from The Pattern Pages shares things you ought to know about stretch fabrics! Focus On Fabrics. Wear The Trend ... Sewing blogger, Rachel Pinheiro shows us how to stay cozy in knits. Sarah Ashford gets us in the Halloween mood with Spooky ‘n Sweet ... + More ...
Modern Sewing Starts Here is the digital publication which features articles, reviews and handy tips for anyone with an interest in contemporary sewing
In this edition ...
Pick Of The Patterns .... New sewing pattern releases that you’ll want to sew!
A Home For Dressmakers ... We talk to Rachel Walker and Kate Underwood – the sewing duo behind The Fold Line.
On The Mark ... 4 ways to transfer pattern markings to fabric ...
Trendsetter ... Take centre-stage this season with oversized necklines, bib-like collars and statement décolletages!
Stretch Your Sewing ... Julie Bonnar from The Pattern Pages shares things you ought to know about stretch fabrics!
Focus On Fabrics.
Wear The Trend ... Sewing blogger, Rachel Pinheiro shows us how to stay cozy in knits.
Sarah Ashford gets us in the Halloween mood with Spooky ‘n Sweet ...
+ More ...
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<strong>Edition</strong> <strong>12</strong> – September 2020<br />
<strong>Modern</strong><br />
sewing<br />
starts here..<br />
GIVEAWAY<br />
Pattern & Fabric<br />
Win one of two sets of the<br />
Carolyn Pajamas pattern<br />
and fabric from the Cozy<br />
& Joyful fabric collection<br />
from Art Gallery Fabrics<br />
wear the<br />
TREND<br />
3 necklines to sew this season<br />
STYLE ARC<br />
We catch up with this<br />
pattern company as its<br />
printed patterns become<br />
available in the UK<br />
PICK OF THE PATTERNS<br />
The latest pattern releases to sew for autumn<br />
Image features the Carolyn Pajamas<br />
from Closet Core Patterns made<br />
in fabric from the Cozy & Joyful<br />
collection from Art Gallery Fabrics<br />
www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk
Multi weight &<br />
colours<br />
Springfield Denim<br />
by Modelo Fabrics<br />
Springfield Denim is excellent quality<br />
and perfect for these Getaway Jeans by<br />
The <strong>Sewing</strong> Workshop<br />
Photo and make : Loopy Mabel<br />
For more details and stockists<br />
visit www.modelofabrics.co.uk<br />
Quality wearable fabrics
Editor’s Letter<br />
Hello<br />
You’ve probably noticed that the seasons are already starting to<br />
change, so in this issue, we bring you sewing projects to inspire you<br />
for the autumn.<br />
Sarah Ashford shares her ideas for making Halloween special with<br />
Art Gallery’s new collection Spooky ‘n Sweet. Take a look at her cute<br />
trick or treat bag that she’s made using these fabrics.<br />
There are so many gorgeous fabric collections out including fluffy<br />
flannels, crochet-masquerading fabrics and fun rayon prints. We look<br />
at just a few of them in our Focus on Fabrics feature.<br />
We also catch up with the team at Style Arc as its sewing patterns<br />
go into print in the UK. Stretch fabrics are a must-sew for autumn,<br />
Julie Bonnar shares some facts about them. We also focus on<br />
patterns for your summer-to-autumn wardrobe using these versatile<br />
knit fabrics.<br />
Happy stitching!<br />
Hantex team<br />
www.hantex.co.uk<br />
www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk<br />
Subscribe free to get your copy – click here<br />
WIN WIN WIN!<br />
We have 2 prizes to giveaway.<br />
Each winner will receive the Carolyn<br />
Pajamas pattern and fabric from the<br />
Cozy & Joyful fabric collection from<br />
Art Gallery Fabrics.<br />
For a chance to win – click here<br />
Closing date is 30 th October 2020<br />
SEW MUCH FUN WITH YOUR PHONE!<br />
Art Gallery Fabrics has just released a sewing emoji app!<br />
Now you can contact your friends and send fun little hand<br />
drawn AGF mojis that have been created especially for sewers,<br />
quilters and makers to share with one another!<br />
It requires iOS <strong>12</strong>.4 or later, and is compatible with iPhone,<br />
iPad, and iPod touch. Why not use them on your Instagram<br />
stories too? Android users do not be disheartened a version<br />
for you is coming soon!<br />
To find out how to download – click here<br />
#modernsewingstartshere
A HOME FOR<br />
DRESSMAKERS<br />
We talk to Rachel Walker and Kate Underwood –<br />
the sewing duo behind The Fold Line<br />
Tell us about what you<br />
were both doing before<br />
The Fold Line?<br />
We’re both keen creative<br />
types! Kate trained in<br />
millinery before she moved<br />
on to manage a sewing<br />
business in London. Kate<br />
then worked freelance doing<br />
creative marketing and social<br />
media consultancy for small<br />
businesses. I originally started<br />
my career in science, carrying<br />
out research projects at the<br />
Natural History Museum and<br />
Kew Gardens in London. I then<br />
started working at a sewing<br />
business managing wholesale<br />
and pattern production,<br />
before retraining in patterncutting<br />
and product design for<br />
creative businesses.<br />
How did the business all<br />
start and how did you meet<br />
each other?<br />
We met when we worked<br />
together at a sewing cafe<br />
in London. With a surge<br />
in people starting to sew<br />
in recent years, pattern<br />
designers have responded<br />
to this renewed interest in<br />
sewing with an ever-growing<br />
number of new releases. As<br />
avid makers ourselves, we’ve<br />
struggled to keep up with<br />
all the pattern releases and<br />
growing number of bloggers<br />
sharing their makes and<br />
tips. We were inspired by<br />
the growing online sewing<br />
community to build a home<br />
for everyone interested in<br />
dressmaking. From this The<br />
Fold Line was born, a place to<br />
share tips and ideas, and get<br />
lots of inspiration for your<br />
next make.<br />
What do you love the most<br />
about sewing and the sewing<br />
community?<br />
We set up the business five<br />
years ago and one of the<br />
most wonderful things about<br />
sewing is all the possibilities<br />
of what you can make, from<br />
the choice of fabric to being<br />
able to fit clothes to our<br />
unique body shapes. We want<br />
everyone to feel represented,<br />
included, and inspired to<br />
create a handmade wardrobe<br />
they love.<br />
What advice would you give<br />
anyone that’s thinking<br />
about starting to make their<br />
own clothes?<br />
Starting any new hobby can<br />
be overwhelming but there<br />
are lots of resources online<br />
to help you get started with<br />
dressmaking. First of all, you<br />
will need a few basic supplies<br />
including a sewing machine<br />
– ideally you could borrow<br />
one from a friend or relative<br />
to test out.<br />
Cotton fabrics are the<br />
easiest to start sewing<br />
with as they have a bit of<br />
structure so are easier to pin
together and put under the sewing<br />
machine. Buy some less expensive<br />
fabric for your first couple of projects<br />
or even use some old bed sheets or<br />
lightweight curtains to practice on.<br />
Choose a simple dressmaking pattern<br />
that has easy instructions. <strong>Sewing</strong><br />
classes are also a fantastic way to<br />
meet other people who are learning<br />
to sew and get to grips with the<br />
basics too.<br />
Do you both have a sewing pattern<br />
that you love to make over and over<br />
again?<br />
The pattern we’ve both made time<br />
and time again is the Ogden Cami<br />
by True Bias, which must be the<br />
most popular pattern in the sewing<br />
community. This classic shape is<br />
timeless, and it also uses just over a<br />
metre of fabric making it a fantastic<br />
stash buster. The pattern features fine<br />
straps and a sleek clean finish around<br />
the neckline thanks to a facing. The<br />
pattern’s fit is great as it flares slightly<br />
from the bust. An updated version<br />
was recently released with a more<br />
inclusive size range and additional<br />
style options, making it a wardrobe<br />
staple for everyone.<br />
How do you keep up with<br />
what’s happening in the<br />
sewing industry?<br />
We keep up-to-date with<br />
the latest news in the<br />
sewing industry in lots of<br />
ways, including following<br />
businesses on social media,<br />
signing up to newsletters<br />
and attending shows<br />
throughout the year.<br />
Facebook groups are also<br />
a great way to connect<br />
with other businesses and<br />
discover trends.<br />
Do you have any<br />
interesting facts about the<br />
sewing community you<br />
can share with us?<br />
We get asked a lot about<br />
what are the most popular indie<br />
patterns so we recently took a look at<br />
all the sewing patterns and here are<br />
the most made outfits in the sewing<br />
community – click here.<br />
For the keen makers, I’m sure a lot<br />
of these won’t be a surprise but there<br />
were a few in there we hadn’t guessed!<br />
CONTACT<br />
Kate Underwood and Rachel Walker<br />
The Fold Line<br />
www.thefoldline.com
New sewing pattern releases that<br />
you’ll want to sew!<br />
CLOSET CORE PATTERNS<br />
This indie pattern company has two new patterns –<br />
the Elodie Dress and Bianca Flight Suit. The Elodie is<br />
a modern romantic take on the classic wrap dress but<br />
has a variety of skirt and sleeve options making it the<br />
ideal garment for lots of occasions. All you need to do<br />
is decide on one of the gorgeous lengths - above the<br />
knee, midi or maxi!<br />
The Blanca Flight Suit is a customisable boilersuit<br />
pattern inspired by vintage work wear. It features<br />
patch pockets that double as belt loops, tie belt or<br />
buckled belt, a traditional shirt collar and a unique<br />
pleated back design. Just decide on a long sleeve,<br />
tapered sleeve with snap button, or short sleeve.<br />
To view these two new patterns and more from Closet<br />
Core Patterns – click here<br />
GRAINLINE STUDIO<br />
Grainline has extended the sizing on its popular Uniform Tunic.<br />
This top is designed as a ‘choose your own’ sewing pattern, and<br />
provides four options for you to mix and match! All you have to<br />
do is select your favourite neckline, decide between sleeves or<br />
sleeveless, and whether to add pockets. This printed pattern is<br />
now available in sizes 0-18 and 14-30.<br />
This indie pattern company also has a new pattern out. The<br />
Augusta Shirt & Dress Pattern comes in sizes 0-18 and 14-30. This<br />
pattern includes a lovely cocoon-shaped dress and shirt with an<br />
asymmetrical collar and a mitred split hem. With interchangeable<br />
short-cuffed sleeves or long straight sleeves – there are lots of<br />
options for the forthcoming season.<br />
To find your local stockist and view all the Grainline Studio<br />
patterns – click here<br />
SEW LIBERATED<br />
New to the Sew Liberated<br />
line up of printed patterns<br />
is the Strata Top and Lichen<br />
Duster. The Strata Top will<br />
become the backbone of<br />
your handmade wardrobe,<br />
and is a great pattern for<br />
beginners. It’s the perfect<br />
blank canvas to experiment<br />
with natural dyes and<br />
embroidery. It has just three<br />
pattern pieces so is easy to fit,<br />
as well as effortless to wear.<br />
We love the Lichen Duster; it’s<br />
so versatile and can be worn as<br />
a lightweight coat, wrap dress<br />
or robe. It has a contemporary<br />
shawl collar, princess seams,<br />
unique pockets, four skirt gores<br />
and hand-stitched facings<br />
making it a beautiful heirloom<br />
piece to sew.<br />
To find out more about Sew Liberated sewing patterns and<br />
find your local stockist – click here<br />
Check out the free-to-use resource listing of the very best Indie patterns and filter by fabric, garment, brand<br />
or skill level by visiting www.hantex.co.uk
Trendsetter<br />
Stick your neck out!<br />
Take centre-stage this season with oversized necklines,<br />
bib-like collars and statement décolletages!<br />
PETER PAN<br />
A collar is the ideal pattern piece to add embroidery or<br />
use a different coloured fabric. What’s unusual about this<br />
pattern is that the Peter Pan collar can be worn at the front<br />
or the back to give you lots of style options.<br />
To find out more about the Sudley Blouse & Dress from<br />
Megan Nielsen - click here<br />
CONTRASTING YOKE<br />
A big trend is the yoke collar but why not go all the way<br />
and make it in a complementary fabric so you really do<br />
stand out from the crowd! This dress or tunic features<br />
front and back pin tucks that extend from the fitted<br />
yoke with button detailing making a lovely decorative<br />
front placket.<br />
To view from the Anouk Dress & Tunic from<br />
Victory Patterns - click here<br />
SQUARE UP!<br />
The square neckline is such a flattering shape<br />
and is everywhere at the moment! Designed for<br />
knit fabrics, this top has front darts, a dolman<br />
silhouette and hem falls just below waistline.<br />
To find out more about the Square Neck Top<br />
from Friday Pattern Company – click here
Stretch your<br />
SEWING<br />
Julie Bonnar from The Pattern Pages shares things you ought to know<br />
about stretch fabrics!<br />
I love working with stretch fabrics. Garments made using them are super<br />
drapey, less fitted, and wash really well. However, they can be a little scary<br />
to work with if you haven’t sewn with them before!<br />
FABRIC MAKE UP<br />
Knit fabrics are made up of rows<br />
of interlocking yarn loops and<br />
also have a small percentage of<br />
elastic synthetic fibre like Lycra,<br />
Elastane, and Spandex (around 5%)<br />
running through. Depending on the<br />
production method, the fabric<br />
can have a two-way stretch or a four<br />
way stretch.<br />
Two-way stretch fabrics have either<br />
a warp or weft stretch. The stretch<br />
is less than 25%. The fabrics are<br />
comfortable to wear, and ideal for<br />
tops and dresses but are not suitable<br />
for making active or swimwear.<br />
Four-way stretch fabrics stretch<br />
in both directions – crosswise and<br />
longwise. Because of its better<br />
elasticity, they are great<br />
for sportswear.<br />
4 THINGS YOU NEED TO<br />
KNOW<br />
1. You’ll need to find out how much<br />
stretch your fabric has and how it<br />
reacts when it’s stretched. You will<br />
need to measure a 4in piece of<br />
fabric’s crosswise stretch to check<br />
for distortion.<br />
2. Knit fabrics can suffer from pilling<br />
when worn and washed. You can test<br />
a fabric before buying by rubbing a<br />
swatch together to see what affect<br />
friction has on it.<br />
3. These fabrics although don’t<br />
fray, the raw edges can roll up when<br />
cutting or washing. For knits that are<br />
more prone to this – finish raw edges<br />
with a topstitched hem and twin<br />
needle. This will produce a zigzag<br />
stitch at the back that neatens the<br />
raw edge.<br />
4. It is important to buy a quality<br />
knit fabric. Some knits can be quite<br />
rough on the skin, and usually<br />
the softer the feel, the better the<br />
drape. Both Modelo and Art Gallery<br />
Fabrics produce lovely collections of<br />
medium-weight knits in both prints<br />
and plains colours.<br />
TIPS FOR WORKING<br />
WITH KNIT FABRICS:<br />
Best needles – Ballpoint/<br />
Jersey/ Stretch<br />
Best presser foot -<br />
Walking foot<br />
Best stitch – Narrow zigzag<br />
Perfect seams – Use a stay<br />
tape or knit interfacing<br />
within the seam to keep the<br />
seams from stretching out<br />
of shape.<br />
To view the selection of knit/jersey<br />
fabrics in different mixes and finishes<br />
that are perfect for tops, dresses,<br />
leggings and leisurewear –<br />
click here<br />
Sete Melange Summer<br />
Rib Knit in Navy<br />
Tech1 Parasols for<br />
swimwear in Blue<br />
Knit Solids in Amaranth<br />
Striped Alike in Aqua<br />
Striped Sleek in Sun<br />
Flower Stream Knit, Catch & Release<br />
by Mister Domestic<br />
Hoxton Heathered Knit Jersey in Rust<br />
Tech1 Nimari Safari for<br />
activewear in Aqua-Navy
WARDROBE<br />
fillers<br />
Focus on your summer-to-autumn<br />
wardrobe with these versatile knit fabrics<br />
LIESL + CO<br />
Dress up<br />
This is such an elegant knit dress with a deceptively<br />
uncomplicated wrap detail. It features simple setin<br />
sleeves, as well as an easy-to-sew V-neck, and a<br />
front-slit skirt. The dress comes together quickly and<br />
is very comfortable to wear. Make with long or short<br />
cap sleeves. This dress would make an office-worthy<br />
or cocktail dress! To see more of the Belgravia Knit<br />
Dress by Liesl + Co – click here<br />
ALLIE OLSON<br />
Recommended<br />
for super stretch<br />
knit fabrics<br />
Fitted tees<br />
The Kila Tank is a fitted tank top designed for stretchy rib knit fabrics. It<br />
has a slight racer back design that gives this top a sporty look, and a deep<br />
scoop neckline and bulk-free bound armholes, which mimic ready-to-wear<br />
techniques. This top is a handy addition to your wardrobe and can be tucked<br />
into high-waist trousers, overalls, and skirts and would also make a great<br />
pyjama top too.<br />
To find out more about this pattern from Allie Olson – click here<br />
Sew with<br />
light- to mediumweight<br />
knit fabrics<br />
like jersey, Ponte di<br />
Roma, interlock, and<br />
French terry.<br />
MADE BY RAE<br />
Casual trousers<br />
Since lockdown, it’s all about home<br />
comforts and the Luna Pants are the<br />
perfect loose-fitting trousers. With<br />
a tapered leg and a comfortable<br />
fit, they are quick to sew, and<br />
have inseam pockets. The pattern<br />
comprises of four main pieces, with<br />
facings that form the waistband.<br />
Choose a variety of prints and<br />
fabrics to style these for both casual<br />
and dressier occasions. You can<br />
also use woven lightweight cotton<br />
and linen blend fabrics such as voile,<br />
rayon challis, shot cotton, shirting,<br />
double gauze lawn, broadcloth,<br />
and chambray.<br />
To find out more about this sewing<br />
pattern from Made by Rae –<br />
click here<br />
Choose<br />
stable knits<br />
with 30% stretch<br />
or less such<br />
as jersey or<br />
interlock<br />
Check out the free-to-use resource listing of the very best Indie patterns and filter by fabric, garment, brand<br />
or skill level by visiting www.hantex.co.uk
BOLD BABY CORDS<br />
The designer behind these beautiful bold<br />
designs is Kate Rhees. What’s surprising is<br />
that the fabric collection is 100% organic<br />
baby needlecord. Needlecord has had a<br />
bit of a comeback and we can’t wait to<br />
start sewing with them. Designs include<br />
swooning cranes, juicy pears, sly foxes and<br />
orange tabby cats!<br />
To see more from A Walk Remembered fabric<br />
collection from Cloud9 – click here<br />
Focus on<br />
FABRICS<br />
Feast your eyes on the forthcoming<br />
fabric releases!<br />
RAYON REVELATIONS<br />
Cloud9 has taken some of its best selling prints and re-worked them into a<br />
great range of rayon fabrics. Rayon is such a popular fabric with dressmakers<br />
and is such a lovely drapey fabric. The range features a wonderful mix of<br />
gorgeous florals and easy on the eye patterns.<br />
To find out more about Cloud9’s new rayon collection – click here<br />
LAST OF THE SUMMER HUES<br />
Prolong the summer months and set the mood<br />
with grounding emerald greens, blue tints, and<br />
vibrant reds. The Flowerette collection will help<br />
bring the garden into your home with delicate<br />
and cheerful florals that will inspire you to create a<br />
myriad of dashing projects.<br />
To view this floral collection from Art Gallery<br />
Fabrics – click here<br />
DESERT GLOW<br />
The beauty of nature’s desert sunsets are glowing through<br />
in the Terra Kotta collection. This group of soft, minimalist<br />
prints were created to bring out the modern quilter in you<br />
with golden hues, and buttered neutrals painted with rough<br />
edges and expressive brushstrokes.<br />
To see more of the colourways available – click here
CROCHET VIBES<br />
Mathew Boudreaux of Mister Domestic introduces a<br />
fabric collection that is inspired by his love of crocheting.<br />
Hooked celebrates the handmade beauty created with<br />
colourful yarn and playful block patterns. Bring some<br />
crochet to your sewing machine with unique textures,<br />
vibrant colours, and fun notions.<br />
To see all the fabric designs in this range – click here<br />
Home pyjama vector created by macrovector - www.freepik.com<br />
PYJAMA SEASON<br />
It’s that time of year when we start to think of anchoring<br />
down and what’s better than making cosy pyjamas and soft<br />
furnishings for the home. Cloud9 has just released its 100%<br />
organic cotton flannel collection, which is perfect for winter<br />
pyjamas, nursery blankets and baby rompers. Whether you<br />
like a spot, stripe or animal print, there’s something for<br />
everyone.<br />
To view the rest of the Northerly cosy collection of<br />
flannels – click here<br />
FESTIVE FUN<br />
Maureen Cracknell’s latest collection<br />
for Art Gallery Fabrics is called Cozy<br />
& Joyful. It celebrates the comfort<br />
and warmth of the family, a steaming<br />
mug of cocoa, and the soft twinkle<br />
of Christmas tree lights. The fabrics<br />
are perfect for all sorts of projects<br />
including handmade gifts and<br />
seasonal makes for the home.<br />
To view this festive collection from Art<br />
Gallery Fabrics – click here
SIMPLE & STYLISH<br />
We catch up with Australian pattern brand Style Arc, as its sewing patterns<br />
become available in printed format in the UK<br />
Tell us a bit about your pattern philosophy and what<br />
makes Style Arc patterns stand out?<br />
At Style Arc, we wanted to give every sewer the<br />
opportunity to access a fashionable sewing pattern with<br />
simple lines that’s relatively easy to construct.<br />
We believe a great looking garment doesn’t need to be<br />
complicated or difficult to sew. <strong>Sewing</strong> should be a creative<br />
medium that allows an individual look by the choice of<br />
fabric or trim. We are the architects; you are the creator!<br />
Why have you decided that the time is right to offer<br />
printed patterns?<br />
We had a freelance pattern making business working<br />
for many of the large manufacturers and retailers in<br />
Melbourne in Australia. The clothing industry had slowed<br />
considerably because manufacturing was moving off<br />
shore, so we needed to choose a different path.<br />
The idea of selling patterns on the Internet had been in<br />
our minds for quite some time and so we decided this was<br />
the time to pursue this endeavour. We found an amazing<br />
graphic artist who set up our initial website with whom<br />
we still work. We started working on creating a library of<br />
fashionable patterns with an industry base.<br />
What kind of sewer does your sewing patterns cater for?<br />
We try to cater for all sewers, and across all seasons and<br />
age groups. We focus on women’s sewing patterns but<br />
we’re slowly growing a kids-wear range.<br />
Our constructions are known to be brief but we’re<br />
working hard to improve these. We do believe simple<br />
instructions are better than highly involved ones, and if<br />
the text on the pattern and the notches are followed the<br />
construction becomes easy. A pattern is like a jigsaw<br />
puzzle, it will slot together if you carefully follow<br />
the notches!<br />
How many pattens do you release each year?<br />
We release around three patterns per month, which<br />
equates to around 30-40 each year.
When you see one of your ‘Get the Look’ pattern<br />
illustrations, you know immediately that its Style Arc.<br />
How useful do you think these are for sewers?<br />
Our ‘Get the Look’ bundles give sewers a different way of<br />
looking at how to put our styles together – perhaps very<br />
different to their original thoughts. They’re just an example<br />
of how to use different pieces together but we find the<br />
feedback and pattern orders reflect this! Our sewers enjoy<br />
the challenge of creating a total outfit.<br />
What is your best-selling sewing pattern, and do you have<br />
a favourite one?<br />
Dresses have been super-popular this year. The Sydney<br />
Dress has been a great style, along with Montana, Patricia<br />
Rose and Autumn.<br />
The Linda Stretch Pant was our first best seller, and we’re<br />
well known for our trousers, and in more recent times the<br />
Bob Pant has proven very popular.<br />
We took the philosophy of only drafting patterns that we<br />
would be happy to wear ourselves so therefore we can’t<br />
pick out favourites – we love them all!<br />
How can sewers get hold of your printed patterns in<br />
the UK?<br />
Style Arc patterns are available through our website with<br />
a choice of many different formats. Our paper patterns are<br />
available through a growing list of stockists in the UK and<br />
distributed by Hantex Ltd.<br />
To find your local UK stockist and view more Style Arc<br />
Patterns – click here<br />
BOB PANT
Get Spooky ‘n Sweet<br />
this Halloween<br />
Sarah Ashford, obsessive quilter and fabric lover<br />
shares her ideas and inspiration on how to use the new<br />
Halloween fabric collection from Art Gallery Fabrics<br />
A little witch girl called Peppermint, a boy<br />
child vampire, skeletons selling candy apples,<br />
graveyard cats and some not so scary looking<br />
ghosts are all featured in this gorgeous<br />
‘Spooky ‘n Sweet’ collection for Art Gallery<br />
Fabrics. I just love the nostalgic feel of these<br />
magical prints, which are just perfect for<br />
Halloween makes.<br />
I’m thinking drawstring treat bags – like the<br />
one I’ve made here – bunting, place settings<br />
and table runners and even a Halloween<br />
themed quilt. I’ve made some squares in<br />
square blocks, which are ideal for fussy<br />
cutting the adorable spooky characters,<br />
and they would look great incorporated<br />
into a quilt.<br />
The collection also includes a fantastic<br />
panel, with illustrated phrases such as<br />
‘Trick or Treat’ and ‘You are Magic’ (as<br />
shown) and the character Peppermint<br />
the witch with her spooky friends. You<br />
could easily trim these panels into<br />
<strong>12</strong>½in blocks, and add a few blocks of<br />
your own to make a Halloween quilt that<br />
would come together in no time at all.<br />
Along with the cute illustrated prints<br />
there’s some fantastic ‘blender’ prints.<br />
The orange and purple ‘Stars Aligned’<br />
prints are really pretty, and would work<br />
well with other collections, as they aren’t<br />
Halloween specific.<br />
There’s also a ‘candy’ theme, with a<br />
‘Candy Bowl’ print, and another print<br />
full of sweets – the bit the kids love best<br />
about Halloween!<br />
I think my favourite print has to be<br />
the ‘Cast A Spell’ print that I’ve used<br />
as the main panel of the drawstring<br />
bag. With big blooms, autumnal leaves<br />
and cobwebs, it has a lovely eerie<br />
yet beautiful feel to it. I also love the<br />
cleverly named ‘Purranormal Activity’<br />
print featuring cats in the graveyard. It<br />
has a quirky, fun, illustrative feel to it,<br />
without being novelty.<br />
I’ve so enjoyed playing with this<br />
spooky collection and admiring all<br />
the characters as they head out on All<br />
Hallows’ Eve. I’m looking forward to<br />
adding more makes to my collection for<br />
a fabulous handmade Halloween!<br />
Editor’s notes<br />
The Spooky ‘n Sweet fabric collection from Art Gallery Fabrics is all about<br />
celebrating the magic of Halloween! Taking inspiration from vintage decorations,<br />
this nostalgic collection tells a sweet story about ghoulish friends who set out on an<br />
adventure on All Hallows’ Eve. To view the full range – click here
TRANQUIL COLOURS<br />
National Nonwovens has just introduced the new Tranquility collection with beautiful new<br />
colours to add to its popular Woolfelt range.<br />
The new wool-blend felt colours reflect on the more serene moments, when all the<br />
stress drifts away. Made up of between 20-35% wool and 65-<br />
80% rayon – it’s the perfect crafting medium and the uses are<br />
endless. You can make decorations, ornaments, wearables,<br />
appliqué, cushions and more!<br />
To view the new colours in this collection – click here<br />
WHAT’S<br />
NEW<br />
We keep you posted on the latest launches<br />
WITCH’S NIGHT OUT QUILT BOOK<br />
This is the latest quilt book from It’s Sew Emma,<br />
and is full of fun but no fright! The book takes you<br />
through creating this whimsical quilt with pointy<br />
black hats to some of the hallmarks of Halloween<br />
like black cats on broomsticks, flying bats and<br />
witchy hats, cauldrons and pumpkin patches! The<br />
finished quilt measures 57 ½ in x 64½in as well as a<br />
bonus table runner.<br />
To view this quilt pattern book - click here.<br />
CAT STYLE<br />
It is not only cat-lovers who will love this<br />
pretty asset for the sewing workplace.<br />
The practical pin magnet can be<br />
attached directly to the sewing machine or<br />
on any other smooth, dust-free surface by<br />
means of the suction cup. A small loop lets<br />
you remove its sturdy, transparent silicone<br />
suction cup with ease. The smooth,<br />
brushed stainless steel surface of the pin<br />
magnet gives you plenty of space for quick<br />
access to all your sewing needles and pins<br />
when you are sewing, embroidering or<br />
doing patchwork.<br />
To find your local stockist and learn more –<br />
click here
Wear the Trend:<br />
Cosy Knits<br />
Brazilian-born sewing blogger, Rachel Pinheiro shares how<br />
to wear knitwear head-to-toe!<br />
The sun may still be shining however I’d like<br />
to inspire you to try out this autumn/winter’s<br />
big knitwear trend. If wearing knitwear<br />
from head-to-toe probably isn’t something<br />
you’ve considered before then it might be<br />
time to try! Carrying on from our ‘comfort<br />
at home’ lockdown co-ord days, now’s the<br />
time to add a cosy layer. We need every<br />
little bit of luxury right now and this fabric<br />
is lush!<br />
I have made two of the Como patterns<br />
Style Arc - the trousers and the top. This<br />
indie sewing pattern brand has designed<br />
a Como three-piece set, in which you can<br />
buy separately or as a bundle. I skipped the<br />
cardigan because this outfit is crying out<br />
for a knit blazer (I’d recommend the Morris<br />
from Grainline Studios). At the moment, this<br />
style is perfect for my stay-at-home dressing<br />
however, dare I dream one day to travel on<br />
an airplane this would be perfect. I could<br />
even made a matching mask.<br />
I picked grey for the whole look, as I love<br />
monochrome these days. To avoid it being<br />
too much of a single-colour – pick a fabric<br />
with a lovely texture. Because let’s face<br />
it, as the nights draw colder and darker,<br />
there’s nothing better than luxuriating in a<br />
sumptuous, comfy, and cosy knit set!<br />
Working with<br />
Style Arc patterns<br />
Little note about Style Arc patterns – the<br />
instructions are minimal. Honestly I love<br />
that, because they focus the illustrations on<br />
the more tricky areas only. They list action<br />
step-by-step as text, which is simple and<br />
straightforward. I sometimes find myself<br />
confused by really long and overwritten<br />
instructions, don’t you? That is exacerbated<br />
by a language barrier that many makers<br />
have if they aren’t native English speakers.<br />
To have ‘perfect instructions’ is something<br />
very hard for pattern brands because<br />
each individual sewer has different needs.<br />
Some makers need the pattern to teach<br />
as they sew and seek the instructions to<br />
explain every little detail. Others are more<br />
experienced, and only need to check<br />
instructions for reference occasionally, so<br />
having text only doesn’t matter.<br />
For reference, on Style Arc sizing – for this<br />
top, I made size 10, which is one down from<br />
what they suggested for my measurements<br />
(size <strong>12</strong>) because I wanted a snug fit. And<br />
I went with a size <strong>12</strong> on the trousers. I<br />
never use the elastic measurements of a<br />
pattern because the stretch tends to differ<br />
depending on the elastic brand and width.
Editor’s notes<br />
Style Arc produces real industry-based sewing patterns.<br />
Each pattern contains a construction sheet, with the<br />
pattern pieces numbered and easily recognisable fabric<br />
estimates. They assume some sewing knowledge, which<br />
is reflected in the ‘straight to it’, style instructions.<br />
The top is drafted with a double<br />
layer at the front, and as much as that<br />
makes sense, I didn’t want that amount<br />
of thickness and texture. So instead, I<br />
used a thinner knit fabric with similar stretch.<br />
It was the same for the waistband of the trousers.<br />
Style Arc recommends using a knit interfacing around the<br />
V- neck to avoid stretching. It’s a technique that I always<br />
use. The neckline is constructed like a jacket where the<br />
two fronts meet to create a mirrored shape to sew against<br />
the back neckline. I love this detail, and appreciate it on a<br />
simple garment.<br />
The trousers feature a wide leg that’s not too wide at<br />
the hips, just at the legs. The flat elastic waist and in-seam<br />
pockets look great and make the trousers so comfortable<br />
to wear. I didn’t include the drawstring and chose to secure<br />
the elastic with multiple stitching.<br />
Style this knitted co-ord with messy French plaits and<br />
quilted slippers or put your pearls and grab a<br />
glass of champagne!<br />
The Como Knit Pant<br />
is an on-trend knit<br />
pant pattern that<br />
includes the new<br />
wider leg, flat elastic<br />
waist and in-seam<br />
pockets. Make<br />
them with a fulllength<br />
leg or crop<br />
them to what length<br />
you prefer, they are<br />
so comfortable<br />
to wear!<br />
To view this pattern<br />
– click here<br />
The Como Knit<br />
Top is the perfect<br />
partner to the Como<br />
Knit Pant and has a<br />
flattering V-neckline<br />
that hugs the neck<br />
and is designed to<br />
stand at the back.<br />
This versatile pattern<br />
has some shape<br />
over the body, and<br />
the shoulder line is<br />
extended to cover<br />
the shoulders.<br />
To view this pattern<br />
– click here<br />
Both patterns come in sizes 18-30. To view the Como<br />
Cardigan that Rachel mentions – click here<br />
The fabric Rachel has used for this make is the Barso<br />
Grey Heathered Cable Jacquard Knit Fabric from<br />
Modelo Fabrics. It comes in 10 stylish colours, and<br />
has the perfect amount of stretch for tops, trousers,<br />
sweatshirts, dresses, tops and coatigans.<br />
To view this warm Jacquard Jersey – click here
The New Augusta<br />
Dress Pattern<br />
The New Augusta Dress<br />
Distributed Exclusively in the UK by Hantex Ltd<br />
Use Pattern Finder to search for<br />
your next dressmaking project.<br />
More Details<br />
Search by Brand | Garment type<br />
Season | Fabric<br />
www.hantex.co.uk/patternfinder