Magzter Gold (Sitewide Promotion)

Magzter Gold (Sitewide Promotion)

Digital Delivery

Australian Stitches December 1st, 2021 Digital Back Issue Cover

Australian Stitches No 29-2 (Digital)

(Write a Review)

Single Digital Issue

No 29-2

$4.75

Powered By Zinio

Zinio

Satisfaction Guaranteed

Instant Start

Subscribe Instead

1 Year Subscription

3 digital issues

$13.52

($4.51/issue)

Go to Subscription

View Subscription Options

Also available on ZINIO Unlimited logo

Get unlimited access to Australian Stitches (Digital) + Back Issues & 5000+ other magazines

1-month free trial

Renews at $8.99/month after trial.
Cancel anytime.

Get unlimited access to Australian Stitches (Digital) + Back Issues & 5000+ other magazines. Renews at just $8.99/month after trial. Cancel anytime.

Start Trial Learn more

17 Articles

It’s the DRESS Daytime … Night time … Anytime!

When the weather heats up, who has the time or energy to fuss about with separates? The dress is definitely the easiest answer – you’re dressed in a flash with a minimum of fuss, but ‘easy’ doesn’t have to mean uninteresting, or that it’s just for the most casual moments. In fact, another benefit of this one-item wonder is its versatility. It can be as casual or as dressed as you want it to be, and can work just as easily for day or night … and because you can sew, finding just the right ones for you are a cinch! But, how do you narrow down the options to do just that? A great place to start would be to look at what’s happening with dresses this spring and summer.…

It’s the DRESS Daytime … Night time … Anytime!

WORKING 9 TO 5 AND THEN SOME!

Think Diane von Furstenberg and her iconic jersey wrap dress – after all it’s perfect for a classic Nine to Five look. Add a classic court shoe, a supersized handbag – with your lap top in it of course – and a pair of oversized sunnies! Then for After Five – kick off the court shoes, add a killer heel and layer on some jewellery! Perfect for travelling – Martin & Savage’s Palazzo, Moda and Ink Jet Studio jersey collections – all 100% washable and they just won’t crease. And, when you need an even more corporate look add a classic linen-like jacket – try our Harmony and Maldives linen-look fabrics. Because this dress is so simple in its styling – we’re suggesting a bold palette – yes, fuchsia, cobalt, Prussian blue,…

WORKING 9 TO 5 AND THEN SOME!

Haute Couture and Charles Frederick Worth

Considered the father of haute couture, an Englishman named Charles Frederick Worth moved to Paris in the early 1850s and began working as a sales assistant at the famous Parisian fabric store, Gagelin-Opigez et Cie. At the time, Gagelin-Opigez et Cie was similar to today’s fabric stores. The customer would select the fabric, make it herself, or take it to her dressmaker, and give her instructions for making the dress she wanted. Worth persuaded his employers to allow him to open a new and revolutionary department with a few dressmakers. By combining his extensive knowledge of fabrics and garment construction with a talent for promotion, Worth soon developed a flourishing department, establishing himself as the only male dressmaker in Paris. Worth executed each of his original designs in several Gagelin fabrics,…

Haute Couture and Charles Frederick Worth

It’s the DRESS Daytime … Night time … Anytime!

When dresses move into the evening, they go in two distinctly different directions this season. On these two pages, we show a more classical turn, in long, lean but fluid shapes with a graceful ease at the hem ... the modern difference is that there’s nothing complicated or fussy about the line or detailing – silks, satins and even jerseys smoothly glide over the body, with no surface decoration whatsoever. Detailing now becomes an integral part of the garment as opposed to something that’s added on, such as in an interesting neckline or a saucy bow tied at the back, as in New Look’s ruby red satin knockout above. All the ornamentation you need is in the colour or the cut; David Tutera’s show-stopping waterfall of cascading tiers from a…

It’s the DRESS Daytime … Night time … Anytime!

25 Tips for Sewing Silks and Silkies

1. Tissue fit patterns before cutting into your silk. 2. Even silks that you plan to dry clean, after construction can benefit from pre-washing, before construction. Pre-washing eliminates permanent spotting from rain or grape juice. 3. Silk Dupion can be washed if pre-shrunk before construction (see instructions below). 4. DO NOT wash Raw Silk or Tussah Silk. 5. Wash finished garments often, while only slightly soiled, so that you can use very mild detergent and gentle hand washing. Also moths don’t attack clean silk. 6. Straighten fabric ends by pulling a thread and cutting off the uneven end. 7. ‘Grain up’ silk on a gridded cardboard cutting table or fold out cutting board. 8. Use fine, glass headed silk pins to anchor silk and pattern pieces to the cardboard. 9. Silk blunts scissors. Always keep scissors cleaned and…

1183 ‘AMAZING FIT’ CORSET TOP: Corset in two styles, both with lace up backs. Features include 1/4in steel boning, over-bust boning and under-bust stay, for better fit and to keep the shape. Pattern includes separate pattern pieces for B, C, D and DD cup sizes for both miss and plus sizes. For broadcloth, brocade, chambray, chintz, damask, dupioni, shantung, eyelet, linen types, poplin, sateen, satin or taffeta, with overlay in lace. Misses’/ Women’s sizes: 10 – 18/20W – 28W. www.simplicity.com…

SLEEVES: The Cover Up

This dress (Kwik•Sew K3521) is quick and simple to make and the fit is very flattering on a variety of figure types. Trace out the pattern, making sure to mark in the correct seam allowances around all of the edges. See photo 1. Trace off the seam allowances for both the front and back armholes. See photo 2. This may seem odd but we need to use these pieces to establish a sleeve that will fit directly into the armhole without much fuss. Measure the stitching line of both the front and the back armholes and make a note of these. See photo 3. The front armhole is usually a little deeper than the back but with sleeveless garments the pattern may have had the front armhole tightened to prevent…

SLEEVES: The Cover Up

The Blind-hemming Foot

Whether you should use a machine blind-hemming foot and stitch is totally dependent on the type of fabric that you are trying to hem. Fabrics such as linen, wools, those that have an open slubby type of weave and almost all knits will blind-hem beautifully. Fabrics that have a fine close weave are better either hemmed by hand or with a machine topstitched hem that can become a feature. There are two types of blind-hem feet, one is preset and one is adjustable. Which one you have will depend on the make and model of your machine. See photos 1 and 2. These feet were designed to machine-sew a blind hem, saving you the time and trouble of hand-sewing. The success or failure of a blind hem is also related to the way…

The Blind-hemming Foot

A Shapely Solution to a Straight Figure!

As we age our middle tends to expand to the point that our profile is just plain, and devoid of any shape. Here is a way to cheat the 'design eye' so that we look like we still have something of a feminine curve. Choose a flattering colour or print for the centre panel (that is the one that everybody will be looking at), and a darker colour (such as black, navy or charcoal) for the side panels, to act as a frame for the centre feature; this will bring the whole look together. 1. Start with a perfectly plain shift that fits you well, featuring separate bust and waist darts. Draw in Waist and Hip lines for reference. See diagram 1. 2. Place a dot, in from side seam, as shown in diagram…

A Shapely Solution to a Straight Figure!

Summer evenings take THE LONG VIEW

THE BRIGHT MAXI EASILY MOVES FROM DAY TO NIGHT WITH A QUICK CHANGE OF ACCESSORIES – 6372 ‘EASY’: Day or cocktail dress in either short or maxi-length, as shown here (maxi-length with back slit) and with two neckline variations; shown here with purchased chain trim (also could be self-fabric tie), while the other option has a neckband and keyhole trim. Sew in batiks, charmeuse, cotton lawn, cotton types, crepe, crepe de chine, lightweight linen types, silky types or voile. Misses’ seven sizes in one: 6 – 18. New Look patterns at www.simplicity.com…

Summer evenings take THE LONG VIEW

Summer refreshers

B6206: Pullover dress and tie-belt has hem, neckband and close-fitting bodice variations, elasticised waist and narrow hem. Designed for lightweight moderate stretch knits such as jersey. Misses’/Misses’ Petite sizes: 6 – 22. B6208: Loose-fitting, pullover dress (also at tunic length) has neck and front bands, tucks, button/bias self-loops, extension, back yoke with forward shoulder seams, narrow hem, three sleeve options and guide for tucks. Also with optional back casing and belt. Designed for lightweight woven fabrics, such as georgette, challis, faille, linen, chambray. Misses’ sizes: 6 – 22. www.butterick.com…

Summer refreshers

Jetted Pockets are Easy!

Note: Although this has been executed on a man’s jacket, exactly the same method is used for women’s tailoring. On the right side of the garment, mark the position of the pocket. Reinforce the pocket placement area with a soft interlining (if there is no interfacing in this area of the garment); perhaps feather the edges with pinking shears so as not to leave an impression on the right side of the fabric when pressed. Photo 1 shows the pocket placement marked with chalk and the two jets ready for stitching. Transfer any alignment markings to the jet strips to ensure accurate starting and finishing points (pencil or fade-away markers are good for this). It is recommended that the jets are at least 1.5 – 2 cm (5/8 – ¾in) longer…

Jetted Pockets are Easy!

Embellishing T-Shirts

For this article I took a few plain cheap t-shirts and looked in my stash for something to add around the neckline. I have 6 x 50 litre plastic containers in my garage with my fabric accessory stash. There is a bin for lace, one for wool, another for ribbon and so on. I have this much because I have sewn for 20+ years. The first is a black tee which suited a black fringing in my stash. This was reasonably easy to attach. The ends of the fringing are folded under at the shoulder seams. The back neckline has been left plain. This is now a favourite t-shirt and is worn a lot. It has to be hand-washed. I could not find anything in my stash for the orange…

Embellishing T-Shirts

Whenever working with lace, the aim is to make it appear as one continuous piece – a seamless gown. Therefore, design is the key. If there is a large area to be covered with lace, such as a complete bodice, always choose a pattern with a simple design. Keep seams and darting to a minimum and eliminate seams or design lines, such as a centre front seam or shoulder yoke that are not needed to fit and shape the gown to the body. See diagram 1. Although lace is quite durable and can be stretched to mould the figure, it still requires some seaming and darting, especially when used on a fuller or more curvaceous figure type. Always study a lace before you cut. Plan where to place seams in order…

The YIN and YANG of Sewing

During a Colour and Image class, we discuss some of the many things that influence the choice of fabric and pattern styles to suit the individual. Some of the things are: • Colour – either cool blue base or warm yellow base • Face shape • Body shape • Personal Style • Yin and Yang • Climate • Lifestyle • Budget • Feel and finish of fabrics • Fit of garments YIN and YANG, you may ask? Knowing the differences of Yin and Yang can change your sewing success. Basically YIN is curved and feminine and YANG is angular and natural. In my consultations each client learns about your face shape. There are 5 curved face shapes: Heart, Round, Oblong, Pear and Oval. These are Yin shape. Curved things like necklines, collars, accessories and hair styles suit curved face shapes. If you have…

The YIN and YANG of Sewing

Sewing with Ease

Fabrics Have Ease More give: Loose weaves Knits Natural fibre fabrics Thin fabrics Bias grain Less give: Tight weaves Woven and nonwovens Synthetic fibre fabrics Heavy fabrics Straight grain Permanent press finishes What Is Ease? Ease is the difference between body measurements and garment measurements. Some people like tight clothes and others like loose-fitting clothes. The amount of ease you find comfortable is a matter of personal preference. It varies with size, age and lifestyle. Minimum Ease This is the amount of fullness pattern companies allow for wearing comfort (or wiggle room) in a fitted garment made from a woven fabric. It is the amount found in the basic fit dress patterns offered by the pattern companies. Their minimum ease for a fitted garment is as follows: Bust: (2in – 3in) Waist: 1in – 1½in Hip: 1 1/2in – 3in Upper Arm: 1½in Design Ease This is the…

Sewing with Ease

Attaching Hooks and Eyes – The couture method

The term hook and eye dates from the seventeenth century. Today they are available in four sizes – 0, 1, 2 and 3. Size 0 is small and fine and size 3 is the largest and heaviest. Every size is available in either black or nickel finish. See photo 1. To serve a separate purpose, small and large skirt or trouser hooks and bars are also available in black or nickel. Positioning Hooks and Eyes Hooks and eyes may be used on a butted or lapped edge. The only difference is the positioning of the hook and eye. The stitching is the same. Lapped Edge When a hook is used at a lapped edge, the hook is positioned on the wrong side of the overlap. The end of the hook is positioned about 3mm from…

Attaching Hooks and Eyes – The couture method

In This Issue

Description

Details

Reviews

Recent Digital Issues Browse all

Recent Australian Stitches Digital Issues Browse all back issues

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription December 1st, 2022 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 30-2: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription August 1st, 2022 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 30-1: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription April 1st, 2022 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 29-3: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription December 1st, 2021 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 29-2: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription November 1st, 2024 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 32-2: $4.72

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription July 1st, 2024 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 32 -1: $4.72

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription April 1st, 2024 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 31-3: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription December 1st, 2023 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 31-2: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription August 1st, 2023 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 31-1: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription April 1st, 2023 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 30-3: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription December 1st, 2022 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 30-2: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription August 1st, 2022 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 30-1: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription April 1st, 2022 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 29-3: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription December 1st, 2021 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 29-2: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription November 1st, 2024 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 32-2: $4.72

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription July 1st, 2024 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 32 -1: $4.72

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription April 1st, 2024 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 31-3: $4.75

Australian Stitches (Digital) Subscription December 1st, 2023 Issue

Australian Stitches (Digital) No 31-2: $4.75

Customers Also Viewed

Australian Stitches Magazine (Digital) Subscription November 1st, 2024 Issue

Australian Stitches Magazine (Digital)

3 Issues: $13.52 ~~$13.53~~

Living Etc Magazine (Digital) Subscription April 1st, 2025 Issue

Living Etc Magazine (Digital)

12 Issues: $37.71 ~~$60.36~~

Ornament Magazine Subscription

Ornament Magazine

(4)

5 Issues: $29.99 ~~$34.19~~

Reviews