No 30-3

Australian Stitches

Australia’s leading dressmaking magazine

Australian Stitches1 min read
Black White And Blue All Over!
Black and winter white harps back to the Sixties – the days of Courrges and the structured shift dress, ensemble coat, jacket and skirt suits and the classic pants suit. Texture reigns as do stretch fabrics! Travel perfect and transseasonal so you ca
Australian Stitches2 min readPopular Culture & Media Studies
Fashion's KEY POINTS
When it comes to fashion, how does one distinguish a winner from an also-ran? An up-and-comer from a has-been? The directions that matter from mere trends? Fear not! Here’s your quick and easy cheat sheet to the new season … Note: More fashion news
Australian Stitches4 min read
APPLYING A LINING – Couture-style
Generally speaking, facings are seldom used in couture garments. Instead, seam allowances are left generous (at least an inch wide), and once folded back, serve as built-in facings. Linings are then applied by hand, usually right up to the edges of t
Australian Stitches1 min read
Graphic Design
V1461: Fitted, lined dress (cut on crosswise grain) has front, back and sleeve pleats, stitched hem, and invisible back zipper. Purchased trim. Sew in cotton plaids, gabardine, lightweight woolens, Ponte knit. Misses’/Misses’ Petite sizes: 6 – 22. V1
Australian Stitches4 min read
Quit Clipping!
The method that we know so well is of a hill (rounded edge) and valley (like an armhole or neckline) which would need to be clipped in one area and dove-tail notched (V clipping) in the other before turning through and pressing. See photo 1. Before d
Australian Stitches1 min readPopular Culture & Media Studies
That ‘70s Show
EARRINGS ARE ORNATE AGAIN … GO FOR BEJEWELLED TEARDROPS OR HOOPS. Roberta Chiarella earrings, at www.robertachiarella.com A RUNAWAY HIT IN THE USA, THE PONCHO IS THE HOTTEST KNIT LOOK NOW, IN EASY SHAPES AND SUBDUED, SOPHISTICATED SHADES. McCall’s
Australian Stitches3 min read
IN THE Loop
Loops made out of the same fabric as the garment not only offer a couture finish and look stunning on a bridal gown, but are sometimes necessary if working with an unusually coloured fabric that does not match any of the decorative cord available. A
Australian Stitches1 min readPopular Culture & Media Studies
HERE Flare EVERYWHERE!
K4137 KWIKSTART® LEARN-TO-SEW: Pull-on skirts have separate waist casing with elastic and narrow hems in two lengths, and in flared (main image) or A-line (inset) shapes. Skirts are very easy to make and have special easy-to-follow instructions. Desi
Australian Stitches1 min read
THE feel-good FACTOR
B6251 ‘FAST & EASY’: Unlined sweater jacket/coat in four variations. Designed for medium-weight to heavyweight moderate stretch knits. Misses’ sizes: XS (4-6) − XXL(24-26). B6247: Pullover tunic (close-fitting through bust) has collar variations, and
Australian Stitches2 min read
A New Dye-it!
1. Weigh dry fabric; wash thoroughly (for new fabric or items warm wash with washing powder to remove any dressing). Leave damp. 2. Using rubber gloves, dissolve the dye in 500ml boiling water. Stir in 5Tblespn (250g) of salt. Continue stirring until
Australian Stitches3 min read
Drawing The Line For Beginners
The French curve is an invaluable design device used by patternmakers and dressmakers the world over. It’s a tool which most home sewers have heard about, but one which many are hesitant to use. Here we explain the French curve and show just how easy
Australian Stitches1 min read
Shirt Way To Chic
6394 ‘EASY’: You get a variety of sleeve lengths, hem lengths, and both classic and stand collars with this easy button-front pattern, for many different shirt looks! Sew in cotton/cotton blends, laundered cottons, chambray, silks and silk types, cha
Australian Stitches6 min read
Velvet AND OTHER PLUSH FABRICS
While the finish of velvet appeals to most, the sewing and styling is complicated by the raised and cut pile surface. The degree of difficulty is directly related to the height and density of the pile and the fibre content of the fabric. This is a pl
Australian Stitches5 min read
Faux Fur
The range of faux fur resembles the natural variety to a great degree with the exception that it is easily maintained and socially acceptable to wear. Selections range from the long-haired versions of fox to the short haired versions of chinchilla an
Australian Stitches1 min read
In Print
M7195: Loose-fitting, pullover tops in four versions have neck and sleeve bands, and sleeve length/contrast sleeve or hemline variations. Designed for medium-weight woven fabrics, such as challis, crepes or charmeuse, with edgings/cuffs in ribbed kni
Australian Stitches2 min read
Rising To The Challenge
Each year the Australia Sewing Guild sets a themed sewing challenge for its annual convention. The theme for the 2015 convention, held in Brisbane, was all about sun and fun. Three different categories were set – Swish Resort Wear, Sunny Accessories
Australian Stitches2 min read
Book Reviews
By Sophie Helene If you love fabric you’ll love this fantastic guide to choosing and combining fabrics, trims and notions for sewers, dressmakers and quilters. Professional colourist Sophie Helene shares with you her expertise through the 50 differen
Australian Stitches1 min read
Get In Touch
1018 ‘KNITS ONLY’: Pattern features princess-seamed short, midi and long dress, flared tunic with high-low option, separate cowl and pull-on pant. Sized for stretch knits only, including lightweight double-knit, jersey, spandex blends or stretch velv
Australian Stitches3 min read
Controlling the Gaping Neckline
This method is for natural fibres only. It does not work with polyester.* The most commonly used method for taming necklines on crossover tops is to ‘stay’ the edge with a lightweight fabric strip. This not only prevents you from inadvertently stret
Australian Stitches6 min read
In The Saddle
It is important to avoid hipsters. This also includes body-hugging silhouettes that cling to all the curves of the figure. Garments that cling, regardless if you have smaller bits above will emphasise the saddlebags making them appear larger than the

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