Modern Sewing Starts Here Edition 10

Edition 10 – May 2020
Modern
sewing
starts here..
GIVEAWAY
Fabric Wonders
Win a fabulous pack of
the new pre-cuts from
Art Gallery Fabrics
wear the
TREND
3 dress styles for summer
SEW AT HOME
Ideas & inspiration for using the
Waterfall bundle from Art Gallery
Fabrics’ Color Elements
16 fat quarter bundle
HELLO
SUNSHINE
Feast your eyes on
the latest fabrics
PICK OF THE
PATTERNS
All the latest patterns &
easy makes to start you sewing!
www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk

Sewing patterns that
allow you to create your
own style and stand out
in the crowd

Editor’s Letter
Hello
In these unprecedented times, a little light relief is in order so we are all
about looking forward to warmer days in this edition with lots of lovely fabric
collections to brighten your day!
For those of you that sew – we have three dress trends to share with you
that you can make and wear and on the second page of Pick of the Patterns,
if you fancy learning to sew while in lockdown, there’s three easy patterns to
get you started! And of course, we have all the latest pattern launches too.
Sarah Ashford is always brimming with inspiration for quilters, and this
time she has some great ideas to make with the Waterfall Color Elements
bundle from Art Gallery fabrics, which will lift your spirits while we all sit tight
at home. For Wardrobe By Me sewing pattern fans – we interview Christina
Albeck, the designer behind this Danish brand as she starts to sell her
patterns in printed format here in the UK.
Happy stitching!
Hantex team
www.hantex.co.uk
www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk
Subscribe free to get your copy – click here
WIN WIN WIN!
We have 3 prizes to giveaway.
Each winner will receive a
10in pack of Oh Meow Fabric
Wonders from Art Gallery Fabrics,
which contains 42 pieces for
small projects.
For a chance to win – click here
Closing date is 30 th June 2020
STYLE ARC PATTERNS IN PRINT IN THE UK
Hantex is delighted to announce it has added the popular Style Arc
brand to its range of sewing patterns. Style Arc sewing patterns are real
industry-based patterns, and include dresses, skirts, trousers, blouses,
jackets and even some special occasion or bridesmaid dresses. Each
pattern contains a construction sheet, with the pattern pieces numbered
and easily recognisable fabric estimates.
They do assume some sewing knowledge,
which is reflected in the ‘straight to it’ style
instructions. Stock arrives mid May for the
initial range, and the range will increase
throughout the year.
To view the complete range –
click here
#modernsewingstartshere

Trendsetter
Dress rehearsals
3 dress trends to make and wear for the summer
SLIP STYLE
The Slip dress has made a comeback. This straight dress
pattern hits mid calf and has exposed bias binding that
extends into long ties to form a bow. It’s crying out to be
made in silky fabrics, and has adjustable shoulder straps for
the perfect fit.
To view the Calvin Wrap Dress from True Bias –
click here
MUST-MAKE MIDI
Calf-length dresses can be worn for all sorts of
occasions, and they are extremly flattering. This easyto-sew
dress has relaxed and elegant style but also has
bust darts for shaping, and on-seam pockets and sash.
To find out more about Terrace Dress from Liesl + Co -
click here
BORROWED FROM
THE GUYS
A shirtdress is such a practical
staple to your wardrobe and
borrows its detailing from a
man’s shirt. Matilda is a modern
utility style A-line shirtdress with
princess seams; drop shoulders,
and pleated breast pockets.
To see more from the Matilda
Dress from Megan Nielsen -
click here

Wear the Trend:
An elevated classic
Brazilian-born sewing blogger, Rachel Pinheiro shares how
to elevate a classic white blouse into something special!
This edition, we have another
recurrent wardrobe staple – a white
blouse. This sewing pattern from
Closet Case Patterns has been reimagined
with the ‘keep it simple
but never boring’ mantra, and has
been elevated by adding a blouson
gathered sleeve. Classic white blouses
transcend the seasons, so you can
wear this style for years to come. Style
the neckline with a golden pendant
or chain necklace to highlight the
speckled golden dots.
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Tips for working
with double gauze
Rotary cutters and sharp pins
are helpful tools, along with
Microtex size 80 needles and
cotton thread.
Pre-wash gently and take care
when pressing to not flatten the
texture.
Cut fabric with nap option.
Make sure you overlock or finish
the seams, as this fabric tends to
fray easily.
Because of the open weave,
manipulate as little as possible
to avoid distortions.
Don’t skip on that all-important
neckline stabilising stitch!
Perfect Fabric
Gatherings on this fabric look
particularly dashing. Here are my
top tips on how to sew gathers and
getting a clean finish:
It’s made from my favourite springsummer
fabric. Double Gauze has a soft,
lightweight, and slightly crinkly texture. The
fabric is made from two light-layered fine
open muslin, which are joined as one, and
has a slightly transparent feel. It’s naturally
breathable, really soft and is semi-stable.
Editor’s notes
The Cielo Dress & Top is an easy, breezy take on
a boxy tee and shift dress. It’s loaded with lots of
interesting details and interchangeable features
such as semi-cropped top with a cuffed short
sleeve or dramatic gathered long sleeve. All views
have a slightly dropped shoulder, angled shoulder
yoke and roomy fit, with a choice between an
elegant bias binding or faced neckline finish.
To view this pattern – click here
The fabric Rachel has used is Moondust Double Gauze in white from Modelo
Fabrics. It comes in a range of stylish colours and enhanced with a gold or silver
dot design. To view – click here
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Best way to achieve even
gathering is to sew two rows
of basting stitches. One of the
basting stitches should be on
the seam allowance.
Don’t backstitch and try to leave
a long tail both sides.
Gently pull the long thread tails
at stages to gather the fabric.
Use the upper thread only.
If you don’t have an overlocker,
French seams are your best
friend! To achieve a neat finish:
Divide the seam allowance by
WS/WS: 1cm, trim and RS/RS:
0.5 cm.
Press the seam as it was sewn,
and finger-roll the seam to sit
perfectly at the centre. Don’t
over trim.
When sewing the underarm
curve, stretch the curve
slightly to avoid any puckering
when finished.

New sewing pattern releases that
you’ll want to sew!
JALIE
An easy make
The Geneviéve pull-on gathered
skirt is just one of 15 new patterns
that Jalie has added to its
collection. This below-the-knee
skirt has inseam pockets, elasticated waistband
that sits at natural waist, and optional waist pouch.
Choose fabrics with a soft hand and nice drape
for best results!
To find out more about this skirt sewing pattern –
click here
NOODLEHEAD
CASHMERETTE
Love wearing wide leg trousers
Elevate your look with the Calder Pants & Shorts!
These wide-legged woven trousers feature a flat front,
elasticated back waistband, faced in-seam pockets, and
three length options – mid-calf, full, and shorts. Choose
between a dart-less apple fit and a darted back pear fit for
ideal bottom shaping. Designed for advanced beginner
sewers, this pattern comes in sizes 12-32 (US).
To find out more about this pattern from
Cashmerette – click here
Get organised!
The Hillside Tote is perfect for when you want something a little
simpler but still keep organised. Make this classic cross-body
bag in your favourite print or keep it simple with a solid! With
lots of front and back exterior and interior pockets, you will
be able to find everything easily. It can be made in either the
regular size or the mini!
To view this bag pattern – click here

MEGAN NIELSEN
EASY
Peasy
Virginia leggings
Every one needs a comfy pair of leggings.
These ones come with an elasticated waist,
two choices of rise, and extra length to allow
for easy adjustments. Make with a ruched
ankle too in stretch fabrics with
at least 40% stretch.
To view these leggings – click here
Do you fancy learning to sew while in
lockdown? Here are 3 easy patterns to
get you started!
VICTORY PATTERNS
Satsuki dress
This simple and elegant slip-on dress
is easy to wear and even easier to
sew! The dress has two full sleeves,
that allows you to create a loose,
draped fit with a flounce front
detail, or hug your waist with
the sash. You can also
make it into a top and a
classic cold shoulder.
To see more views of this
dress – click here
FANCY TIGER CRAFTS
Adventure Tank
This top pattern has been designed by Amber Corcoran, and comes
in two styles – a muscle tee or racer-back tank. It’s perfect for those
who want to try their hand with mid to lightweight knits.
To find out more about the Adventure Tank – 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

DESIGNED
to wear
Christina Albeck talks to us about what inspires her Danish designs and why
she has decided to start offering printed patterns
Tell us a bit about your
background?
I have worked as a Pattern
Designer in the Fashion
Industry for the past 25
years. First in California,
where I lived in my twenties,
and then upon my return to
Denmark, I became a teacher
of pattern making on CAD
and started working in the
Danish Fashion industry. I
worked mainly as a freelancer
and got to work on women’s,
children’s, and menswear.
What inspired you to start
Wardrobe By Me?
As a freelancer, I experienced
the ‘on and off’ periods
significant to the fashion
cycles, and felt frustrated
that I had to wait for work
coming my way. After
discovering the Indie PDF
market, I thought; “Hey,
this is easy, I can do this!”
Little did I know!
The first couple of years,
Wardrobe By Me was more
of a hobby for me, but since
January 2018, it has been my
full-time job..
How would you describe
your style of patterns?
I would describe the
women’s collection
as simple, modern,
contemporary. I focus on
the types of garments that
I wear myself. And clothing
that is worn over and over
because you love the fit, the
comfort, and the fabric. The
fit is very important to me
and style is best reflected in
well-fitting garments.
The men’s collection
is focused around the
pieces that men wear on a
daily basis such as shirts,
T-shirts, sweaters, shorts,
chinos, or light jackets or
cardigans. I do look at what’s
in style currently, but tend
to gravitate towards what I
would call ‘normcore’. Men
tend to stick with what
works, and again where the
fit is key.
Recently Wardrobe By
Me patterns have become
available in a printed format.
Tell us why you’ve decided
it was time to do this?
Selling PDF patterns is great,
but some people still prefer
going to the fabric shop to

obvious and simple. I’m
happy that I finally decided
to go ahead, and I know my
customers are too!
I designed Mirri for
my sister (her name is
Marianne, but we have
always call her Mirri). She
has always been a sucker for
a good wrap dress. The Mirri
Jersey Dress is stunning,
and I love the fact that there
are only four pattern pieces!
The best-selling men’s
patterns are the Tropical
Shirt and The Cargo Shorts.
It’s quite interesting to see,
that on the women’s side,
it’s the easy, uncomplicated
patterns that sell best,
whereas the men’s patterns
are much more complicated.
When we first launched
the line of patterns for
men – we were targeting
women sewing for men, but
it has turned out that there
are many men out there
that sew. And what’s more,
they are not intimidated by
more complicated sewing
techniques.
What pattern plans do you
have for the rest of this year?
We plan three months ahead,
and try to focus on a mixture
of wardrobe staples, spiced
up with an occasional trendy
piece.
We are releasing a front
button skirt next and have
a cute boho dress and a
jumpsuit in the pipeline. If
they do well, they will also
become paper patterns in the
near future.
In the autumn, I have ideas
for a ‘loungewear’ collection.
I’m thinking about the type
of garments that you want to
wear when you come home
from work. For the men’s
collection, we are planning a
coach jacket, which is simple
front zipper jacket with welt
or patch pockets and a collar.
To find out more about
Wardrobe By Me patterns in
print here in the UK –
click here
touch the fabric, and get
inspired to buy a pattern
and the fabric together for a
specific project. Expanding
into paper patterns is a way
for Wardrobe By Me to reach
new customers, and also
to place our product where
it really belongs, in the
fabric shop.
How can sewers get hold of
your printed patterns?
The paper pattern collection
is available in fabric shops
in the UK (distributed by
Hantex), Denmark, Norway,
Sweden, The Netherlands,
Spain, USA, and Canada. We
now only sell PDF patterns
from our website. We have
a list on the website with
links to all the shops that
sell the WBM Paper Pattern
Collection. We have chosen
this solution to minimise the
cost of shipping for
the customer.
What is your best-selling
sewing pattern and why do
you think this is?
The best-selling women’s
patterns are Mirri Jersey
Dress and Asta Jersey Dress.
Both are very simple, but
great fitting dresses that
are easy to style, and quick
to sew.
When I first designed Asta,
I had the dress hanging
in the studio for several
months before deciding to
release it. I felt it was too

FABRIC WONDERS
Art Gallery Fabrics has just launched a
range of 100% cotton pre-cut fabrics that
are perfect for smaller sewing projects.
This collection comes in four of its latest
designs – Mayfair, Oh Meow, Her & History
and 365 Fifth Avenue, and is available in a
10in square pack and fat quarter bundle.
To see more from this pre-cut collection
from AGF – click here
Focus on
FABRICS
Feast your eyes on the latest fabric
collections that are perfect for spring
RAVE ABOUT RAYON
Rayon is such a popular choice for dressmakers at the moment as it is the
ultimate soft and drapable fabric. This new Praia range from Modelo is made
from 65% rayon and 35% polyester, and comes in 14 lovely colour ways so
there’s bound to be a shade for your next make.
PROTECT ME
Protect-Me is a new innovative fabric from
Albstoffe that’s made from Trevira-Bioactive. This
fabric contains fibres impregnated with silver
ions that have an antimicrobial effect and inhibit
the growth of bacteria, which is perfect for those
garments that you exercise in! The fabric remains
permanently fresh after washes and is odour-free.
It’s not only perfect for sports and activewear but
snoods and non-medical facemasks, and is also
kind to your skin.
To view this new fabric collection – click here
To find out more about this beautiful range – click here
GARDEN OF EDEN
Designed by illustrator and pattern
designer, Louise Cunningham for
Cloud9. This collection features
flora and fauna from around the
world from lush foliage and forests,
to parrots and monkeys, to giraffes
from Africa. The collection is ideal
for making bags and other fun
accessories.
To see more of the lovely designs in
this collection – click here

HELLO SUNSHINE
Feel the warmth of the coastal sun in Katie’s latest
collection, Hello Sunshine! Mix and match these
gorgeous bold and vibrant prints to make summerworthy
garments and accessories. Choose from fruity
pineapples, chic geometrics, and birds of paradise
flowers – all of which would make a fun holiday shirt or
sundress! The cotton collection also includes a knit and
rayon fabric option.
To view the full range of prints available – click here
SWISS DOT CRINKLE
This soft 100% viscose fabric features the popular
crinkle finish and added Swiss dot. The range comes
in lots of summer’s trending colours including mustard
yellow, mango and vibrant orange. It’s the ideal fabric
for a lightweight, floaty summer dresses. For some dress
inspiration, flip to page 7.
To see all of the colours available – click here
LOVE LINEN
Linen is always a favoured fabric for summer
because of its breathable and cooling properties.
The new line of linen from Modelo is light and airy,
and such a versatile and easy to sew fabric too.
The viscose and linen mix means it is less likely
to wrinkle, and is also softer on the skin. It has
a great drape and weight meaning it will work
wonderfully for dresses, trousers, shorts and tops.
It comes in 11 muted and brigher colours.
To see more from this linen range – click here
Dress and top illustration is from Megan Nielsen’s popular River sewing pattern

Put a spring in
your step!
Sarah Ashford, obsessive quilter and fabric lover shares her
ideas for working with the colourway, Waterfall from AGF’s
Color Master Elements
Ideas to inspire
Spring arrived and with it has this gorgeous
Art Gallery Fabrics Color Elements Waterfall
bundle to lift our spirits as we all sit tight
at home. Now is the perfect time to make
something in these gorgeous greens, and
if you can’t go outside, bring the outdoors
inside!
There’s such a lovely selection of prints
and shades in this 16 fat quarter bundle.
From zesty green circles and neon squares
to emerald green florals and aqua triangles,
there’s a shade for every project.
There are so many possibilities with this
beautiful bundle. Why not make a picnic
blanket using blocks such as this pretty
antique star block. We might not be able
to go to the park or beach right now but
you can always have a picnic in your back
garden or on your balcony!
Failing that, it would make a happy
drape for a child’s den. Or just make
one block and turn it into a cushion
or set of cushions – they would look
lovely in your kitchen or on the patio
chairs. This star block comes together
surprisingly quickly as it’s just made
up of half square triangles in a clever
orientation.
If you’re looking for a quick finish, why
not make a set of napkins. You could
add some appliqué detail or add some
embroidery to make them extra special. It’s
always lovely to bring a handmade touch to
the dinner table.
Or why not keep the kids organised and
make a cute patchwork pencil case. It’s the
perfect and stylish way to keep those felt tip
pens and crayons tidy! My daughter
has snagged this one already!
Colour combos
This bundle would also look great
paired with sunny yellows and
oranges, or why not add in hot pinks
for a wonderful tropical feel. With 16
fat quarters to choose from in this
bundle, the possibilities really are
endless!
Editor’s notes
To view all the colourways
in Color Master Elements
collection from Art Gallery
Fabrics – click here

QUILT PATTERN BOOKS
Elizabeth Hartman has just released two new patchwork
sample pattern books that are perfect for children’s rooms
and nurseries. The Dinosaurs Quilt Pattern Book features
Brachiosaurus, Stegosaurus, Tyrannosaurus, and Triceratops
blocks and The Puppies Quilt Pattern features three dog blocks
– Smokey, Toby, and Lulu. Both are made from square and
rectangular pieces sewn together using conventional patchwork
techniques. There are no templates or paper piecing, and the
pattern includes two quilt sizes, both of which can be made
using either 10in x 10in squares or fat quarters.
To view more quilt pattern books – click here
WHAT’S
NEW
We keep you posted on the latest launches
LINT REMOVER
The battery-operated lint shaver from Prym leaves
woollen clothing looking like new! Behind the
shaving head with holes lies a shearing device
with sharp blades that rotate. When you pass this
over the fabric and apply slight pressure, it shaves
the surface lint and little pilled fibre balls off, and
collects them in the collection cup. The spacer has
three settings to suit different materials.
To see more about this handy tool – click here
RECYCLED WADDING
Vlieseline has just brought out two weights
of high loft polyester wadding that is
entirely made from recycled polyester – R80
and R200. R80 is a lighter weight, whilst
R200 is a heavier (200gsm) weight wadding
but both have the same qualities. The bulky
sew-able wadding has a soft handle made
from100% recycled polyester fibres with a
high migration resistance. They are ideal
for all your quilting, patchwork, and
garment projects, and can be sewn by
hand or machine.
To find out more about Vlieseline products
– click here

Super useful
SEWING TOOLS
Julie Bonnar from The Pattern Pages shares 5 of her favourite sewing
tools that are a must-have for dressmakers
When making your own clothes, do you dread certain sewing techniques, I
know I certainly do? But with the correct tools in your sewing box
the sky’s the limit to what you can sew!
SHOESTRING STRAPS
& OTHER SKINNY FABRIC TUBES!
The Turning Set is such a practical
tool, and makes turning those tubes
of fabric that make shoestring straps,
rouleau and belt loops that bit
easier! It’s easy to use, just take your
fabric tube on one side and place
over the plastic tube. With the plastic
rods you can now push your fabric
through on the stitched side, and
turn. This set has three sizes.
To view this one from Prym – click
here
BIAS BOUND ARMHOLES
Does the mention of self-fabric bias
binding fill you with dread? Then you
need this little tape maker to form
perfect lengths of bias binding. By
cutting the fabric strip at a 45 o angle
to the grain of the fabric, the bias
binding is more elastic and can be
used on necklines and armholes as
a finishing. After the fabric strips are
cut and joined together, it can be
pulled through the wide opening of
the tape maker and smoothed out
with the iron. They come in a wide
range of sizes – 6mm, 12mm, 18mm,
25mm and 50mm so there’s one for
your sewing project. Use for binding
fabric edges such as armholes,
necklines and hems.
To view all the sizes – click here
EVERYTHING TO HAND
If you are like me, you like to have all
your sewing tools to hand when you
are cutting out fabric. This Stash ‘n
Store organiser is great to have by
your side on the cutting table to stow
all those marking tools, small scissors
and rulers. The silicone pockets are
smooth and offer a sturdy grip and
it is also simple to clean. It comes
in lots of lovely colours to fit your
sewing room’s colour scheme, and
there’s a mini version too.
To view the complete range of
colours from Oh Sew! – click here
PERFECT SEAMS
Any area sewn where you have to
fold while you press, there’s a chance
of burning your fingers! This Quick
Press Seam Roller by Lori Holt has
been designed for quilters but is the
perfect tool to flatten seams as well
as appliqué shapes. Made of sturdy
wood, the seam roller creates fast
and flat seams with just the slightest
pressure so you can finish your
project faster and heat-free or why
not use it with a steam iron.
To find out more – click here
TURN A CORNER
The plum blue corner and edge
shaper, with its asymmetrical pointed
and rounded blunt tip, enables the
moulding of turned over corners,
edges and curves without damaging
the fabric. This tool has no sharp
edges but rather a rounded tip,
making it the perfect moulding aid
when sewing small items and collars.
It’s also useful for spreading out
seams without ironing.
To view this sewing tool – click here

FOR THE LOVE
of scrubs
Many of you in the sewing community have been busy supporting the NHS
to #StayHomeAndSew
Nurse, Ashleigh Linsdell works in a busy A&E, and her original quest was to make scrubs for her department after they
ran out of paper ones. Now she is gathering thousands of volunteers to make uniforms at home for NHS workers amid
coronavirus scrubs shortage. Thousands of sewers have joined to help make PPE clothing and this has become a national
campaign. ‘For The Love of Scrubs’ makes scrubs for the doctors and nurses and other key workers in health centres, and
those retired NHS workers, and new volunteers who are returning to work and don’t have scrubs to wear.
SUITABLE FABRIC AND PATTERNS FOR MAKING SCRUBS
Understandably, over the
last few months sewers
everywhere have been keen
to help out where possible
with the production of much
needed scrubs for the NHS.
Hantex was able to donate
400 metres of suitable fabric
to the ‘For the love of scrubs’
groups in their local area.
Fabric was also made available
at a ‘non-profit’ price for
everyone to make scrubs.
Some of the brands that we distribute for or buy from us have
designed scrubs patterns.
Here are just two
that we are aware
of:
1. Unisex Scrubs
From Sew Me
Something – click
here
2. Eliane Scrub Top
as pictured here
from Jalie
To find a stockist
near you – click here
FACE MASKS
A facemask will help prevent the spread of Covid-19 but it should be emphasised that non-medical masks are not a direct
replacement. That said fabrics with a high thread count such as Art Gallery Fabric’s Pima cotton should have an improved
performance. Ideally you want an OEKO-Tex certified fabric as it has no hazardous chemicals. Fortunately Art Gallery Fabric is OEKO
-Tex certified, and also its Pima cotton has very low shrinkage when washed so added bonus!
Hantex will be offering an alternative design face mask pattern shortly, which uses a sandwich of fabrics that are high-thread count
Pima cotton on the outside and a lining of Albstoffe Protect-Me anti-microbial fabric on the face side, (see page 10 and 11 for details
about this fabric).

Available in
10in squares and
fat quarter
packs
A collection of pre-cuts to cater
for all your sewing projects -
click here