MASTERCLASS SCUBA SUCCESS

Welcome

… to issue 87 of Love Sewing

Love Sewing loves…

The patterns, people, fabric and finds getting us sewing this month

IN THE GOOD BOOKS

Our pick of this month’s new sewing and dressmaking books

MEET Jacqueline Shaw

After decades in the fashion industry and coaching aspiring entrepreneurs, Jacqueline Shaw is bringing her passion for African fabric to sewists with her brand-new subscription box Wax and Wraps!

Reader Review McCall’s 7861 dress

Liz Owen, sewing instructor and sample maker for Love Sewing, reviews this issue’s chic shift dress pattern

Straight to the PONTE

Stretch yourself this winter with 20% off Ponte Roma and Puntodi Milano fabric at Dragonfly Fabrics

MASTERING DARTS – Getting to the point!

Darts provide shaping and aid fit as they mould fabric to conform to the shape of the body. Wendy Gardiner, brand ambassador for The McCall Pattern Company, provides some useful stitch tips

JOIN LOVE SEWING TODAY!

10 REASONS TO SUBSCRIBE:

The Dressmaker's DIARY

Elisalex reveals how to inject a little pizazz into your winter wardrobe using sequins

GIVEAWAY

Win the Janome DKS30 sewing machine with our exclusive giveaway

CRAFTY BETTY

We head to Newark-on-Trent to catch up with Michelle Baker, owner of sewing studio, gift shop and tearoom Crafty Betty

Faux LEATHER

Pleather, faux leather, leatherette - whatever you want to call it - has been around longer than you might think. Read on to fifind out how this versatile fabric came to be an everyday staple

MASTERCLASS STRETCH YOURSELF

Knit fabric is great to sew with, but how do you know just how stretchy your jersey fabric is? Coralie Grillet of blog Stitch n Smile talks us through accurate measuring for great results

MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS

Get into the festive spirit with the new Nostalgic

Love Sewing CHRISTMAS GIFT GUIDE

Whether you’re part of a sewing group Secret Santa, you want to treat a loved one or you just need a crafty pick-me-up, here are our favourite festive finds!

READERS' MAKES

Liz

Shows you how to… READ A PATTERN ESSENTIAL STITCH SETTINGS

PATTERN CUTTING LINE

Making a Couture Dress Part 1

Alison Smith MBE explains how to create a couture dress in the first of her skillbuilding three-part series

MACHINE REVIEW

This month we explore the diverse range of sewing machines on offer from Brother

Next month in love Sewing

Inspiring articles, projects and guides:

This month 1'm making GRAINLINE STUDIO Lark Tee

Helen Baker shares her version of this year-round classic T-shirt. See more of Helen’s makes atwww.justsewhelen.com

Christmas CRACKER!

This year might not have turned out as we planned, but we reckon it’s still worth making a Christmas party dress, even if you’re partying at home!

Baby it’s COLD outside!

Get creative with this 4-in-1 pattern and create your

All that GLITTERS

Add a little festive sparkle into your winter wardrobe with this chic sequin party top

Go full CIRCLE

Make a statement in gold leatherette. With its fun shape and decorative tassel, this great little bag has it all

Lovely in faux LEATHER

Find a wide range of lovely leather alternatives online at Fabric Guys

All-season TROUSERS

The classic joggers with a drawstring waist and elasticated cufs gets an upgrade in a stylish print and wide contrasting fabric at the side seams – perfect for all occasions!

DRESSED to impress

Are you a dressmaker or a quilter? Why not be both?! Sandra Johnson shares how she united her joint passions to create patchwork garments to be proud of

THRIFTY STITCHER

Claire-Louise Hardie explains how to blend pattern sizes to give you a perfect fit for your body

Fall into WINTER

Our pick of chic jackets and coat-igans to guide you through the colder months

AUTUMN daze

This gathered Grace skirt from Simple Sew is the perfect day-to-evening option. It's ideal for showing off a bold viscose print!

Turn up the VOLUME

Transform your Threadcount 2010 pattern with Pauline’s dress hack, including striking puff y sleeves

Unicorn DREAMS

This sweet unicorn makes a great wall decoration or gift. Play with colours or add some sparkly thread to add to the magic!

IN BLOOM

This drapey cover-up will keep the chill off on evenings out. It features a neat shawl collar, flutter sleeves and soft gathers at the back neck

Call it a DRAW

Carry snacks and supplies in style with this clever drawstring lunch bag