Australian Stitches

Australia’s leading dressmaking magazine is a favoured by all dressmakers in every age group. Fabulous garments, technical instructions and step x step photos help guide even the most novice sewer to complete perfect garments every time. All the latest patterns and fabrics are covered in every issue plus we trial patterns to give the lowdown on how to improve on each pattern’s instruction sheet. We showcase makeovers of real people, give wardrobe-planning advice and show the latest trends from the USA and Europe.

Help ! I have a fashion problem ... • Shape-wise Guide Summer 2015

Underlinings

All Laced Up

Tunique! • In graphic stripes, vibrant hues or eye-catching prints … and with their long, lean, oh-so-flattering lines, they’re unlike any tops you’ve ever tried.

A Pattern Guide For Different Body Shapes • We all have different body shapes. That’s what makes each of us unique and beautiful. It’s helpful to think of the classic body shape categories and consider which styles work best. It’s about accentuating your best assets, and using volume and detail to create the illusion of curves where you want them.

SLEEVES: The Cover Up – Part 2 • As Martyn mentioned in his last article, adding a sleeve to an armhole with more of a strap and further in from the shoulder point, could be problematic. He now explains how to overcome any issues and create a comfortable fitting sleeve addition.

Altering a Pattern for Large Upper Arms • If you’ve ever worn a garment that is too tight in the sleeve, you’ll know how uncomfortable it can be. Not only that, tight sleeves can spoil the entire effect of an otherwise attractive look and there’s always the chance of the fabric ripping. Read on for the solution to this vexing problem.

THE hots • The summer forecast is for a heatwave - it’s coming in a bold print on a free flowing tunic or a dress that curves in all the right places … in a matched top and pants set with a ‘jumpsuit’ look … in a cool waterfall cardigan in the sheerest, hottest pinks!

THE DRESS SOLUTION • Who knew that ruffles, prints and blazingly bright colour would be flattering to any figure? It’s all easily solved with the right dress! CONNIE CRAWFORD has some of the best solutions of the season, no matter what your shape ...

Rubbing Off a Garment • There are times when a pattern goes missing or an old favourite garment reaches the end of its life. It’s not always possible to get the same thing or find the exact pattern to remake the garment; rubbing off a garment can sometimes be an option. This process should be done while the garment still has a little life left in it, as if it’s too far gone and threadbare then the fit will most likely be compromised.

coming CLEAN • Eliminate all fashion fuss with easy, effortless shapes sharpened with the bold graphic edge of geometric prints or snappy stripes.

Zippers OF THE INVISIBLE KIND • If straight stitching has always been your concern when topstitching normal zips, you will be happy to know, there is no topstitching on an invisible zip. In fact, inserting an invisible zip is much easier than putting in a lapped zip.

Pattern Alterations for ‘No Dart’ Blocks • Pattern styles that feature a loose or relaxed silhouette are much simpler to alter, due to the lack of dart and panel line shaping, making these garments quick and easy to assemble. Such designs may include shirts and blouses, dresses ranging from shirtmaker to bias-cut, jackets, coats and stretch wear. Often no dart pattern shapes appear to be quite basic, offering a problem-free fit; however, unless you are fortunate enough to fit into a standard size, certain pattern alterations may still be necessary to obtain a pleasing fit.

The One & Only • Whether it's the real deal. or just has the look at one (with easy tops and pants in...