Modern Sewing Starts Here Edition 32

Modern
sewing
starts here..
Edition 32 - February 2024
SLOW
SEWING
Hand Stitching
Techniques
FAB FABRICS
Eclectic collections for the
seasons ahead!
In the spotlight
Saara and Laura Huhta from Named Clothing
LET’S
TALK
TECH
Tips to start sewing
your own clothes &
patterns for beginners
www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk

Pattern Finder
www.hantex.co.uk/patternfinder
Find the perfect pattern for your next project …
search by brand, garment type, fabric type, skill level or even season
Pattern Finder
Use the find a stockist facility to support independent retailers and designers

Editor’s Letter
With spring to look forward to, it’s a time to add some colour to your
sewing and think floral and fun fabrics. We put the next collections
from Art Gallery Fabrics and Cloud9 in the limelight!
The Gilet is the ideal garment to transition between the seasons,
we share four of our favourites for you to sew and other patterns
that are perfect for beginners to make. Talking about learning to
sew, Julie Bonnar shares her tips for those wanting to start making
their own clothes.
We are delighted to have a chat with Saara and Laura Huhta, the
sisters behind the pattern sewing company, Named Clothing, who
started their business from a simple passion for making clothes and
sustainable fashion. Jacqui Smith has chosen to make the Talvikki
Sweater from this duo and shares her experience of the pattern.
We welcome back Sarah Ashford to this edition who shares her
favourite hand stitching techniques for slowing down your sewing
and adding an individuality to your next project.
Until next time, from the team at
Modern Sewing Starts Here
www.modernsewingstartshere.co.uk
Subscribe and never miss the latest copy of Modern Sewing Starts Here - click here
#modernsewingstartshere

Focus on
FABRICS
Eclectic collections for the seasons ahead!
Brand new fabric collections from Cloud9 Fabrics:
Garden Breeze
Fleurs
Tournantes
Romantic
Roses
FLOWER GARDEN
This collection is a celebration of surface designer, Heather Dutton of Hang Tight Studio love for nature and vintage designs.
Influenced by her morning walks with her dog and the beautiful gardens that they pass by – this range has a nostalgic feel and
calming beauty that nature provides us with. Her diverse style manages to bridge the gap between retro and contemporary
design with a touch of whimsy mixed in and just what you need heading into spring.
Zephirine George Nadine
ROSY DECOR
This pleasing Rosy Deco fabric collection by Amy MacCready has a lovely retro feel with soft corals, saturated reds and lush greens
that bring the outdoors inside. This collection is inspired by Amy’s walks around a Seattle neighbourhood – the dusty pink roses
touched by spring rain, soft greens in the misty sky, and the elegant architecture of craftsman homes. It’s an elegant collection
without being too formal, and perfect for patchwork, apparel and home decor.
To see more from these Cloud9 Fabrics collections - click here

Brand new fabric collections from Cloud9 Fabrics:
Upwards in
Rust
Domino in
Grey
Ridge in
Blue
IMPRINT
Inspired by block prints and hand printing techniques, these easy-to-use designs reflect craft textiles. The collection is full of a
sophisticated but neutral colour palette and pared-back patterns that are ideal for contemporary quilters and sewists. Designed by
British Artist, Eloise Renouf, who is known for her strong shapes, clean crisp lines and bold colour combinations.
Look Don’t
Touch
Stained
Glass
Climbing
Vine
THROUGH THE WINDOW
Influenced by vintage nursery rooms and the idea that a window is a magical passage that connects the inside world with the outside
world. This fabric range lets in the light with the scent of the flowers and the sound of buzzing insects so that everything starts to
move beautifully in sync! This collection is perfect for making dresses, blouses and home accessories.
To see more from theseCloud9 Fabrics collection s- click here

The perfect quilt for
pooch lovers! This cute
and bright quilt would
make a lovely addition
to your home! To find the
free pattern - click here
Beach Ball
Bounce
Summer Sky
in Pink
DOG DAYS OF SUMMER
Designed by Krissy Mast, this canine collection features cute dogs sunning their fur in the sun and cooling off in the salty sea. With
bold colours, organic linework, and pups with tons of personality!
To see more from these Cloud9 Fabrics collections - click here

The latest fabric collections from Art Gallery Fabrics:
Timeless Ticking Ginger Juniper Grove Snow Pretty Paper Teal
Yearling Camouflage
in flannel
JUNIPER
Experience the rustic charm of winter tide with the Juniper fabric collection designed by Sharon Holland. This exquisite collection
perfectly encapsulates the natural beauty of piney greens, cinnamon spice, and cosy charcoal and white hues. Cherish the season’s
simple pleasures and savour the serene allure of winter.
Kattaland Flora Deep Canoe Trip Shorebird Summer Camp
LAKELIFE
Designed by Jessica Swift, these fabric designs are inspired by the escape to a world of nostalgia, tranquility, and the carefree
spirit of summer days. Immerse yourself in the warm embrace of a cosy cabin and the gentle sway of a canoe on the lake, all
captured in whimsical patterns of canoes, trees and wildlife.
Mesmorize Renewal Floriferous Folk Trinkets
MAVEN
Indulge in the alluring boho folk style with Maven, a fabric collection that
personifies Maureen Cracknell’s love for her folk art heritage. It is overflowing with
a rich palette of greens, ruby, gold, and blues and showcases mixed textures and
intricate details that will transport you to a world of eclectic charm and wonder
which are perfect for flowing dresses and blouses for the new season.
To find a stockist near you of the latest Art Gallery Fabrics collections - click here
All Art Gallery Fabrics
collections contain 100%
premium cottons with
many of the ranges
including rayon, flannel,
canvas and knit
options too.

BEGINNER’S
GUIDE
Julie Bonnar shares her tips for learning to sew your own clothes
Learning to sew your own clothes can be challenging if you’ve not sewn before but also it’s very rewarding too. It’s like learning a
new language, it comes with its own jargon, tools and a brand new skill set to conquer so it can feel as though there’s a lot to take
in all at once! Here is my advice to get you started:
Choosing a sewing machine
There are two types – mechanical and computerised machines.
A mechanical machine has knobs and manual buttons while
computerised sewing machines have a digital screen, multiple
options and software that you can download to your machine.
Always buy a machine from a reputable brand and dealer where
you can try the machines and decide what features you need, sew
on different fabrics, and test different stitches.
Consider what you’ll be using it for and what types of stitches
you may need. Someone wanting to make their own clothes may
need different features from a quilter. Nice things to have include
a needle threader and thread cutter, a good range of stitches
including a buttonhole stitch and a good selection of presser feet.
The budget, you don’t need to buy the most expensive machine
possible to get started but do buy the best you can afford and don’t
rule out buying a second hand machine, it can be better value.
TIP: You’re probably chomping at the bit to start but take the time
to make friends with your sewing machine. Read the owner’s manual
as this will show the parts, how to care for and how to use all the
functions of the machine.
Putting together a basic
sewing kit
When you start sewing, the basic sewing supplies
shouldn’t cost you lots of money but they will save
you from being unprepared without an item that
would make a task easier.
HERE ARE MY RECOMMENDATIONS:
• A good pair of fabric scissors
• Seam ripper
• Chalk pencil
• Measuring tape with metric and imperial
• Fabric clips or pins
• A selection of hand and sewing machine needles
• Extra bobbins for your sewing machine
• Basic colour threads including black and white
Selecting a suitable sewing pattern
Choose patterns that include the words like quick, easy, simple and for
beginners or that just has a few pattern pieces to sew together. Check pattern
review sites online to see what other sewers say about the pattern too. Buy
your first sewing pattern from a retail shop where you can get expert advice.
A sewing pattern gives you all the know-how you need to make a garment.
It’s made up of an envelope full of useful information about sizing, what skills
you need, garment descriptions, photos and illustrations, body measurements,
as well as fabric suggestions and requirements. I find the Finished
Measurements chart is a more useful set of measurements shown here on the
Wilder Gown from Friday Pattern Co. This includes ease, which is the amount
of room a garment allows the wearer beyond the measurements of their body
so essentially how loose the garment will be.
Inside you’ll also find a set of instructions – this is your guide to making the
garment, along with the paper pattern, which you’ll use with your fabric to cut
out the garment.
TIP: If you’re new to dressmaking, it’s better to make a really good job of
a simple garment and boost your confidence rather than make a mess of
something that’s too complicated and will put you off sewing again!

Selecting the fabric
Choosing the right fabric can make or break the finished
garment. The best advice I can give, is to use one of the fabric
types that are recommended on the sewing pattern envelope.
Easy-to-sew patterns will recommend easy-to-work with
fabrics such as cotton, plain and knit fabrics that don’t fray,
aren’t too slippery and where no pattern matching is required
like prints or stripes. Avoid sewing patterns where you need
to cut the fabric on the bias as this adds an element of stretch
to the mix! The pattern will also have a shopping or checklist
of all things you will require but also make sure you have the
right sewing machine needles and thread for the fabric?
Take accurate body measurements
Always match up your body measurements with the patterns
rather than by your size (ignore your shop-bought size as
it has no relevance when sewing your own clothes). Some
patterns have multi-sized patterns while others split the sizes
over two patterns so make sure you buy the right sewing
pattern for your size.
What comes first, the pattern or
the fabric?
I would say for beginners, the sewing pattern comes first and it
will use easier techniques and avoid any complex tailoring and
fitting. Most pattern brands will have patterns in their collection
that are specifically designed for those starting out, plus a list of
fabric suggestions that have been tried and tested as shown here
on the Opal Pants from Megan Nielsen.
There are lots of new terms to get to grips with so by reading
the pattern first, it will help you to make these choices easier.
Other things you can do
• When you come across a new sewing technique – why
not try an online video to become familiar with how to do
it and practise it on a scrap of fabric.
• Understand that you’re going to make mistakes and have
to unpick. Once you accept this is all part of a sewing, it
will be less frustrating when you have to do it.
• Don’t rush your sewing – try to be accurate rather
than speedy as you want your clothes to last and be
something you want to wear time and time again.
• Practice really does make perfect and making the most
of your new and growing skills to gain confidence as you
sew, but most of all sewing, it’s about having fun!
To find more sewing patterns for beginners and get started - click here
Julie Bonnar Is the Editor of The Pattern Pages, an independent sewing magazine started by
mother and daughter team. It’s the first magazine to champion indie designers with Interviews,
collaborations, sewing techniques and projects.
www.thepatternpages.co.uk

Start to sew…
4 beginner-friendly sewing patterns to inspire confident sewing
Everyday go-to pattern
The Pinafore Dress from the Basics Collection is both an apron and
a garment. This easy-to-sew, calf-length dress features two patch
pockets with pocket bands and wide straps that button in front. It’s
the ideal dress for everyday and can be worn in any season – wear
over a shirt and leggings for winter, or on its own or with a tank top for
summer or use it as a work/garden smock. This pattern is available in
sizes XS-3XL.
To view the full sewing pattern range from Folkwear– click here
Simple styling
The Coram Top and Dress pattern is a loose-fitting raglan that’s ideal
for woven fabrics with drape like rayon/linen blends, rayon challis,
Tencel, crepe de chine, and georgette. This design has bust and
shoulder darts for shaping, and sleeve cuffs and a curved, dolphin
hem for a clean finish. The pattern is available in sizes 0-30.
For more sewing patterns from Allie Olson – click here

Cool choices
The Opal Pants & Shorts pattern has a relaxed fit highwaist
trouser with some lovely mix and match options.
Make with a standard elastic waistband with wide leg or
paperbag waistband with a tapered leg. Choose inseam
or patch pockets, back pockets, belt loops, belt and
different lengths. It comes in a good range of sizes 0-20.
To view the full pattern range from
Megan Nielsen – click here
Good starter
for knits
The Cosmos Sweatshirt is an oversized
raglan knit top designed with comfort
and style in mind. This generous fitting
sweatshirt is a quick and easy make
and features a wide bottom band that
lands just above the hip. The pattern
also includes the Elemental Pencil Skirt.
This slim, high waist pencil skirt has a
hidden elastic waistband that’s designed
for knit fabrics with at least 40%
horizontal stretch. The pattern comes in
sizes 00-20.
To find more patterns from Sew House
Seven - click here

MAKING
An Elevated Talvikki Sweater
from Named Clothing
With Jacqui Smith
Embarking on a sewing journey, whether you’re a novice or a seasoned
dressmaker, can be a rewarding and creative endeavour. One project that
perfectly caters to both ends of the spectrum is the Talvikki Sweater from
Named Clothing. Designed for stretch fabrics, it not only serves as a cosy casual
garment but also transitions seamlessly into a chic and smart wardrobe piece.
My pattern choice
The only modification required for this project was a slight
sleeve shortening of approximately 3cm. The top’s distinctive
darts at the neckline add a touch of elegance, enhanced by a
well-executed facing. It is crucial to interface the facing with a
material possessing the same stretch as the fabric itself.
While the Talvikki Sweater can be sewn using both a sewing
machine and an overlocker, it’s entirely possible to complete
the project solely on a sewing machine with a stretch stitch.
Marked as suitable for novice dressmakers, this sewing
pattern introduces interesting features like darts and a
stepped hem without involving intricate fastenings or complex
techniques. Its quick and uncomplicated nature makes it the
perfect choice for crafting a snug and stylish garment—ideal for
the current season.
So, whether you’re taking your initial steps into the world
of sewing or seeking a satisfying and swift project, the Talvikki
promises a fulfilling experience for all!

My fabric choice
The Talvikki Sweater pattern specifically
calls for fabrics with a minimum stretch of 40%
across the width, and the suggested materials
include sweatshirting, bouclé, or lightweight
neoprene. A fantastic match for this project is
the soft touch scuba fabric—a versatile choice
with excellent stretch and recovery. Its soft
and silky texture, combined with substantial
weight, makes it an ideal candidate for both
leisurewear and more sophisticated ensembles.
Whether crafted in soft sweatshirt fabric for
a casual vibe with jeans or in a sweater knit or
scuba for an elegant top for work paired with
tailored trousers or a skirt, the Talvikki offers
endless possibilities.
Working with the soft touch scuba fabric
proves to be super easy. It effortlessly glides
through both the sewing machine and the
overlocker, requiring only minor adjustments
such as using a ballpoint needle and setting
the overlocker to the stretch fabric setting.
When dealing with scuba, careful pinning
within the seam allowance and the use of a
pressing cloth ensures a flawless finish without
marking or shine on the fabric.
One notable advantage of working with
scuba fabric is its resistance to fraying, making
it an excellent choice for beginners who may
opt to skip finishing internal seams and hems.
EDITORS NOTES
THE PATTERN:
The Talvikki Sweater is a soft
and warm sweater with both
casual and crisp elements.
The loose fit and dropped
shoulders are balanced
with an elegant funnel neck
shaped with darts. The
deep vents at the sides and
the longer hem at the back
add a sharp look to this cosy
sweater. This sewing pattern
comes in sizes XS- XXL
To view this pattern and
others from Named
Clothing – click here
THE FABRIC:
Jacqui chose to make her
Talvikki Sweater in the new
Scuba fabric collection from
Modelo. This fabric is made
from a blend of 51% Polyester,
43% Viscose, and 6% Elastane,
and has a soft feel, with great
stretch and recovery making it
perfect for active wear as well
as garments where comfort is
important. Raw edges are easy
to finish as Scuba doesn’t fray.
To view more from the Tullum
Scuba Collection from Modelo
– click here

Friday Pattern Company
The Bernadette Skirt is such a stylish pattern – it’s pleated in the front
and darted in the back! Store your treasures with the super fun belt
bag! The pattern includes two length options – mini and midi and is
a versatile and fun to sew pattern. Make it in hardwearing fabrics like
denim, corduroy, and boiled wool. This sewing pattern comes in sizes
XS-7X.
To find your nearest stockist of Friday Pattern Company – click here
New apparel sewing pattern releases for you to make!
Mönsterfabriken
The Flora Collarless Overshirt can be worn on top of pretty
much anything. It has a slightly wider and boxy shape, a raglan
sleeve and two inseam pockets at the front as well as slits at
the neck and side seams making this top very comfortable and
easy to wear. The pattern is ideal for denim, corduroy, boiled
wool and semi-heavy wool and if you prefer a more oversized
look you can make in a larger size.
It also has the option to play around
with topstitching and comes in sizes
80-166cm chest.
To view this latest pattern and more
from Mönsterfabriken - 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 PASSION FOR
MAKING CLOTHES
Sisters, Laura and Saara Huhta share what their
vision for Named Clothing is all about!
Tell us a little bit about yourselves and how
Named Clothing came about?
It all began in the autumn of 2012, and the idea actually came
to us all of a sudden, when we were sitting on a bus and going
to have lunch at our parents’ place. We started chatting about
what we would love to do for a living, if we could choose any
profession.
Saara had recently graduated as a fashion designer and
pattern maker, and Laura as a shoe designer. We talked about
sewing, designing and fashion – things that we both have a lot of
passion for, and realised that having our own pattern label would
be the dream job for us!
During that 20-minute bus ride, we had pretty much talked
through our business plan, and as soon as we were there at our
parents’ house, we started writing it down. After one year of
work and planning, we had our web store up and running and
our first collection out!
How is it for both of you working in a sister
team and how do you split your workload?
It’s definitely an advantage! We have a very similar sense of style,
so designing together is easy.
We complement each other well, so tasks divide between us
pretty naturally. Laura has a good eye for the visual stuff and
she’s a better writer, and Saara is a phenomenal pattern maker.
So Saara takes care of all pattern-making related tasks, such
as drafting and grading the patterns, as well as developing them
into pdf, printed and projector pattern files. Laura writes and
illustrates the instructions, and puts them together into pdf and
printed files.
Of course, there are other tasks involved in running a small
business, such as customer care, web shop deliveries, sales and
video editing, which Saara handles, and marketing, social media
and photography, that Laura takes care of.
Tell us a little bit about your patterns, and how
you go about choosing and designing them?
We usually design our collections around a specific theme. The
theme could be anything that inspires us at that moment. For
example, in the past, we have been inspired by themes like
geology, childhood and kids’ clothes and travelling.
Our core values include sustainable and sensible consumption,
and our aim is to create carefully designed patterns that
encourage people to create a practical wardrobe that can
withstand time and use. We design our patterns so that they
are pleasing to the eye and also offer an opportunity to learn
new and different – even unusual – techniques. Our designs
are timeless basic clothes that nonetheless include interesting
details. To balance out the pressure to sew as much as possible
as quickly as possible, we want to use our products to emphasise

To view more
patterns from
Named Clothing -
click here

the fact that the most wonderful thing
about sewing is the opportunity to
keep developing yourself and learning
new things. Quality over quantity is
our motto!
How would you best
describe your personal style,
and what impact has it had
on your pattern collections?
Our style is simple and relaxed. We
like practical and comfortable basic
garments, a wardrobe that’s easy to
mix and match. To balance the simple
designs, we like to choose interesting
colours and patterns, fun materials
and intriguing details and cuts. This
aesthetics is basically also what
Named is all about. The area where
the two of us differ most is the use of
colour – Saara loves shades of yellow
and rust, combined with pastels, icy
blues and turquoise. Laura wears a lot
of earth tones and pale pink.
What do you feel makes
Named Clothing patterns
different?
We can’t speak for other pattern
companies, but we try to design our
patterns so that not only the end
result – the finished garment – is
pleasing to the eye, but the process
itself is fun and rewarding. So maybe
that could be something where we
differ from other companies. We
do this by designing surprising cuts
and constructions, and by including
new sewing techniques collection by
collection, so that you can always learn
something new, while still using the
skillset you’ve already built.
What has been your
favourite pattern to design
and what’s the most popular
pattern with sewists?
The Hali Wrap Dress and Jumpsuit
from our 2022 collection was fun to
design! The construction is based on
our Helga Playsuit pattern from 2017,
but it’s such a fun construction we
really wanted to repeat it. The Kielo
Wrap Dress and Jumpsuit is definitely
our most popular pattern, and
no wonder, it has a unique shape
that flatters many body types,
but it’s still surprisingly easy to
sew. In 2023, we also released
the Lilja Wrap Dress, Pinafore and
Blouse pattern that has the same
construction but is designed for
woven fabrics. It was fun to reimagine
the iconic Kielo in different
fabrics and with some new details!
How does it feel seeing
your patterns made up by
sewers from all around
the world?
That is the best part of our job
really! It’s so rewarding to see
that sewists all around the globe
actually use the patterns we make,
and make them look even better
with their personal tweaks and
additions. We love it!
2020 saw a bit of a rebrand
for you, explain what
changes you made for
sewers?
We made a bunch of big
improvements, firstly we upgraded
our entire web shop to be more
user-friendly, we added payment
methods and improved the
shipping service. We also updated
our pattern packaging to be more
informative. We extended our size
range (for most patterns, but we’re
still in the middle of that process
since it’s very time-consuming). We
polished the pattern sheets and
instructions to be more detailed
and easier to use.
What are your plans for
2024 for Named Clothing?
For the past few years, we’ve
focused on important ‘maintenance
work’ just to keep our products
technically up-to-date, and added
other content to maintain the
quality of our service. This year we’ll
return to our roots and focus on
producing two capsule collections
just like in the old days. So exciting!

TRENDSETTER
Look no sleeves
THE TREND
Gilets, vests, and waistcoats are a sleeveless trend that’s perfect for those in-between seasons and are easy to style and wear. This
sleeveless jacket is typically worn as a layering piece as it provides extra warmth but we’re also seeing it as a standalone top.
UP YOUR
GAME
The Pika Vest is perfect to
wear over shirts, blouses,
T-shirts or alone as a
stylish top. The front hem
is pointed and the back
hem is slightly longer than
the back. There are also
decorative welts, princess
seams, back darts, and a
shaped back seam. This
pattern comes in sizes 0-24
(30-54 EUR).
To see more sewing
patterns from Wardrobe By
Me - click here
VERSATILE
ONE-PIECE
The Charlie Bomber
Jacket has been
designed for stable
knits or stretch wovens
with a zipper at the
front, ribbing collar,
cuffs and waistband.
Extra details include
pockets with single
welt and forward
shoulder seam. The
pattern is available
in 27 sizes for girls
and women.
To view this
pattern and
others from
Jalie Patterns -
click here
PERIOD
DRAMA
In Victorian times, both ladies and
gentlemen were not considered
properly dressed without
a vest or waistcoat. This
Vintage Vest pattern features
three styles, all the backs
are cut from lining fabric
for comfort and to reduce
bulkiness. Make in medium
to heavyweight fabrics like
cotton, silk, wool, or with
nap like velvet, corduroy
or synthetic suede. The
pattern comes in sizes 6-16
(Misses) and 36-44 (Mens).
To view this pattern and
others from Folkwear -
click here
WEEKEND
WEAR
The Ozark Vest is a casual
urban vest that’s ideal for
transitional weather over a
sweater or hoodie. It has
big patch pockets on the
outside as well as an inside
pocket and closes with a
heavy metal zipper. The
collar is cut in rib fabric. Use
woven fabrics like canvas,
rip-stop, wool, corduroy for
the outside, and quilted
lining.
To view this pattern and
others from Wardrobe By Me
- click here

FEEL THE LOVE
for Hand Stitching
Sarah Ashford shares two of her favourite slow hand stitching techniques
As much as I love stitching up a storm on the sewing machine,
more recently I’ve been taking pleasure in slowing things down
and embracing the process of hand stitching.
Kantha quilting is something I’ve always enjoyed and I’ve
recently discovered the beauty of Boro – a Japanese visible
mending and decorative technique that’s easy to achieve – and
even better doesn’t need to be perfect!
So I thought I’d share a little more about these two
techniques, and given that the season of love with Valentine’s
Day is approaching, it seemed only appropriate to use the
beautiful ‘Love Struck’ collection by Art Gallery Fabrics to make
some samples.
KANTHA QUILTS
Kantha quilts originate in
Bangladesh, and were made by
women out of necessity, as they
turned scraps, saris and cloths into
bedcovers, mats and all-purpose
wrappers, by using a running
stitch to sew them all together. Far
from the decorative purposes that
we see today, these quilts were
functional, and to keep people
warm. The characteristic big
running stitches, in thick thread,
create a gorgeous texture and soft
organic feel, which make them
so beautiful and popular today.
Kantha stitches are often seen
on whole cloth quilts that feature
elaborate and brightly coloured
patterns, and they also work
perfectly with simple patchwork,
which is what I’ve done in my little
sample.
I’ve stitched Kantha stitches into
regular patchwork, made up of the
quilt top, batting and backing. You
can see the added dimension and
interest that the stitches give. I’ve
had fun using both pink and white
threads to add interest, and the
12 weight thread gives a lovely
textural quality. The joy of Kantha
quilting is that you don’t have to
worry about perfect stitches, so it’s
great for beginners!

BORO STITCHING
Similarly, Boro (meaning ‘rags’) is a Japanese
mending technique where traditionally, textile items
are mended with scraps of cloth sewn over tears and
parts of the garment that are worn out. It originated
in rural Japan, by humble peasant farmers, out of
necessity to stay warm during periods of extreme
temperatures and poverty.
The Boro stitching strengthens and extends the life
of the garment, as well as adding an additional layer
of beauty. The philosophy behind Boro is that there
is beauty in mending and that nothing should be
wasted and that imperfections have their own subtle
appeal.
Today, we often refer to this technique as ‘visible
mending’ or ‘up-cycling’, and while it’s currently seen
as something ‘trendy’ to do, as we see a resurgence
in the ‘make do and mend’ approach, it’s actually
been practiced for hundreds of years.
My sample is a modern take on the Boro technique,
where I’ve created a fabric collage, using Boro style
stitches. In keeping with the Boro philosophy, I used
a small linen off-cut from my stash, and scraps from
my leftover patchwork. I stitched mindfully and slowly,
and enjoyed the playfulness of the imperfect stitches,
against the backdrop of imperfect fabric pieces.
I hope you’ll be inspired to try these two different
techniques, and heed the call to slow down, stitch
intentionally and appreciate the beauty of what can
be created with just a needle, fabric and thread.
EDITOR’S NOTES
If you have been inspired by Sarah’s project – she used fabric
scraps from the Love Struck fabric collection by AGF Studio.
To view all stockists and view the complete collection – click here

Vlieseline Packs
Vlieseline has introduced four new handy packs
of interfacing and wadding including Decovil
Light, Thermolam, Style-vil foam and mediumweight
fusible interfacing which are perfect size
for one-off sewing projects.
To view Vlieseline interfacings – click here and
for Vlieseline wadding - click here
WHAT’S
new
We keep you up-to-date on the
latest products
Stylish Sewing Notions
Prym Love has launched some lovely new
products to aid home sewists get professional
results but have fun too!
We love the new Fabric Clips, they are a
quicker and great alternative to traditional pins
and don’t leave any pesky marks behind that can
come with using pins. They come in a neat heart
storage box that really makes sewing projects
with fabric clips twice as easy!
How sweet are the new pin cushions, they
are a unique two-in-one solution for your
sewing needs. These pretty helpers come in
an orange, kiwi, or melon design and are both
decorative pin cushions and fixing weights. The
fixing weights are perfect for positioning fabrics
and sewing patterns on the cutting mat and
cutting them out with a rotary cutter. Their soft,
crocheted surface prevents pressure marks,
making them ideal for delicate fabrics,
oilcloth, and soft shell fabrics.
Scissors are crucial for any sewer
and these textile scissors feature micro
serration that makes even the slipperiest
of fabrics, such as silk and synthetics,
securely and precisely cut. The handle
design is what truly sets them apart with a
bright, cheerful pink colour, with soft inner
ring and larger eye allows for several fingers
to fit, making it comfortable to use for
extended periods and reduces strain while
cutting.
To view the new
products from Prym
Love – click here
Snow Quilt
This is the latest pattern from Pen + Paper. Snow Day is a
fat-quarter friendly, traditionally pieced quilt recommended
for the intermediate sewist and above. The pattern includes
instructions for making two throw size options that measure
66in x 78in and consists of a Beanie block (10½ in) and
Scarf block (10½ in x 22½ in) that are arranged randomly
throughout the quilt. The 19-page pattern has an optional
FPP pattern for the brim of the beanie, tags for organising
your cuts of fabric, downloadable colouring pages, detailed
instructions, and colourful diagrams.
To view this new quilt pattern and others from Pen + Paper
– click here

New fabrics for this season
PIMA Cotton
Experience the rustic charm
of wintertide with Juniper by
Sharon Holland. This
exquisite collection perfectly
encapsulates the natural
beauty of piney greens,
cinnamon spice, and cozy
charcoal and white hues.
Cherish the season's simple
pleasures & savour the
serene allure of winter..
Full details & stockists

New fabrics for this season
Escape to a world of nostalgia, tranquility,
and the carefree spirit of summer days.
Immerse yourself in the warm embrace of
a cozy cabin and the gentle sway of a
canoe on the lake, all captured in
whimsical patterns of canoes, trees, and
wildlife.
Full details & stockists
PIMA Cotton & Flannel

New fabrics for this season
PIMA Cotton & Flannel
Indulge in the mesmerising boho folk style
with Maven, a collection that embodies
Maureen's love for her folk art heritage.
Overflowing with a rich palette of greens,
ruby, gold, and blues, this collection
showcases mixed textures and intricate
details that will transport you to a world of
eclectic charm and wonder.
Full details & stockists

New fabrics for this season
Sunning their fur in the
summer sun and cooling off in
the salty sea, these dogs are
having their best summer ever
at the beach. Featuring bold
colours, organic line work, and
pups with tons of personality,
Dog Days of Summer is the
perfect celebration of sunny
days and sandy paws
Full details & stockists

New fabrics for this season
Flower Garden is a
celebration of Heather’s love
for nature and vintage designs.
Inspired by her morning walks
with her dog and the beautiful
gardens that they pass by, the
collection evokes a nostalgic
feeling and the calming beauty
that nature provides.…
100% Organic Quilter’s
Full details & stockists

New fabrics for this season
Inspired by block prints and the
techniques of hand printing, Imprint
is a collection of modern, minimal
and easy to use designs.
Reflecting the handmade and
textural qualities of craft textiles
and with an accompanying
sophisticated and neutral palette,
the collection offers considered and
pared-back patterns for the
contemporary quilter.
Full details & stockists

New fabrics for this season
This collection was inspired by
walks around a Seattle
neighbourhood: the dusty pink
roses touched by spring rain,
soft greens in the misty sky,
and the elegant architecture of
craftsman homes. It is an
elegant collection without being
too formal, perfect for home
décor.
Full details & stockists

New fabrics for this season
Inspired
by vintage nursery rooms and the
idea of a window as a magical
passage that connects the inside
world with the outside world.The
items inside of the nursery start
moving in sync with the outside
world once we open the window
and let in the light, flower scents,
and the sound of insects buzzing..
Full details & stockists

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