When shortening a gown there are a variety of hem choices, but certain hem types will work better on certain fabrics. Normally with clothing alterations you would repeat the original hem style, but sometimes this is not possible or a different method

Let’s start with the soft drape of fabrics. If you have a pattern that needs a fabric with soft drape it will be a pattern like Vogue V1302. The fabric suggestions could be silk chameuse, silk crepe de chine, or even stretch jersey. The best thing to

V1417: (main image) Pullover top has collar, bias front and back, no side seams, back neck slit with invisible back zipper, shaped hemline, cape attached at neckline and topstitching. Tapered pants (loose-fitting through hips) have waistband, front p

MISSES' TOP: Pullover, fitted top has neck and armhole binding, single-layer, shaped overlay variations with narrow hems, wrong side of fabric shows. FABRICS: Matt jersey, lightweight jersey, interlock. Unsuitable for obvious diagonals. MISSES’ siz

The difference between a good outfit and a great one is often not the degree of expertise with which the garment was made but the ability to have selected a style which flatters the wearer. Many sewers are frustrated at having made outfits where the

B6086 ‘Fast & Easy’: For gabardine, crepes, taffeta, or double knits. B6087: For crepes or jacquards. B6088: For gabardine, crepes, linens or faille. These above three patterns in Misses’ sizes: 6 – 22. B6090: For challis or crepes. Misses’ sizes:

THE SWEATSHIRT UPGRADES TO SOPHISTICATED ‘STATEMENT’ STATUS – 1317: Cropped or full-length sweatshirts, with long or ¾ sleeves, can be made in a variety of knit fabrics with decorative contrast trim, studs, rhinestones and more, as shown here. It’s t

K4085 (main image): Pullover tunic has mock-wrap bodice and wrap peplum with uneven hemline, and elasticised waist. Also in sleeveless version. Sew in stretch knits only, with 35% stretch across the grain, such as interlock, jersey, textured knits.

Autumn 2015 sees an influx of blue – from baby blue to aqua to cobalt to light navy to midnight! And, at last, navy accessories are being developed to complement. Yes, navy shoes and handbags are back in the fashionable accessory stores. Martin & Sav

Navy and white always conjures up a nautical theme but what about using Navy in a more dramatic way by marrying it with silver, copper, gold or olive? Its rich sophistication contrasts so beautifully with these other dramatic colourways you will cert

Say the word ‘knits’ and run-of-the-mill chunky jumpers or boring sensible cardigans may come to mind ... and while a chunky cocoon-shaped sweater and (now not-so-boring) cardigan are actually at the top of fashion’s hit list this season, which we’ll

Every issue we present the latest in fabric trends, but how often do you look at those luxurious fabrics and wonder what pattern styles would be suitable for them? Here’s some inspiration for these jersey fabrics ... See page 10 for all details of

6266 SHIRT (above inset): Sleeveless, short- or long-sleeve lengths, in four versions. Misses’ sizes: 8 – 18. 6290 SKIRT: pattern also includes shorts and pants. Misses’ sizes: 4 – 16. 6287 SKIRT (main image): Four versions, in three different leng

Do you want to hear a sad story? Probably not, but here goes anyway ... A few years ago a woman told me that after her sons had gone back to other cities after the holidays she found her lovingly made, matching, tartan Christmas hats tucked away in a

In every sewer’s life there are times when she slows down, or stops sewing. There can be many reasons for this. Machine issues can be one. ‘Old faithful’ might be off in the shop while someone works on her ‘timing’ or even worse, her tension. These a

The collection celebrates a breezy bohemian-luxe vibe (Kelli lives and works in Byron Bay, so the beach-loving lifestyle filters through naturally in her designs) … in soft, silky, very feminine silhouettes and especially in their distinctive prints

One of the most wonderful senses in our body is touch. I love the feel of quality fabrics, but they have to feel wonderful before I want to put them against my skin. Certain fabrics are more appealing to different people. When I conduct a class of an

Lace is a beautiful fabric that creates the most stunning of gowns, whether it is for evening or bridal wear, but it usually comes with a hefty cost. If the gown is too long, it will need to be altered – another expense to consider. Here, Judith disc

Manufacturers seem to think that just because you have a large bust, you must have wide shoulders, long arms, and be 6ft tall. Unfortunately this isn’t the case with most plus-size women and here lies a continual fitting challenge for this figure typ

Now that shirts and blouses are back in fashion, and due to the number of new readers who are requesting information on how to make the perfect shirt collar, we have decided to re-run an article we did many years ago, as it is still the best method L