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.

BLACK WHITE AND BLUE ALL OVER!

Fashion's KEY POINTS • MENSWEAR STYLING IS BORROWED FROM THE BOYS, BUT SHAPED FOR WOMEN … OUTERWEAR ENLISTS IN THE MILITARY WITH BRASS BUTTONS AND CAPES ...

APPLYING A LINING – Couture-style

GRAPHIC DESIGN • DKNY DRAFTS CLEAN, PRECISE LINES IN THE FORM OF A SHARPLY SHAPED DRESS OR IN THE CRISP SIMPLICITY OF A CLASSIC BUTTON-DOWN SHIRT. ALL RENDERED IN PURE BLACK AND WHITE

IN THE SADDLE • One of the best reasons to sew your own clothes is that you can tailor them to fit you, rather than trying to make you fit them. This is especially true if you’re larger than what the pattern companies’ decree as ‘normal’ in the thighs. Here are some simple fashion guidelines and easy pattern adjustments for pants that fit and flatter.

Quit Clipping! • Clipping, trimming and removing excess fabric to allow the edges of a garment to sit firmly flat is all part and parcel of stitching. We follow the instructions within a pattern and clip where suggested without even a thought of what we are actually doing to the garment. The fabrication of a style also needs to be considered when removing bulk and turning out corners, necklines and armholes.

That ‘70s Show • 2016 looks set to be a ‘vintage’ year for fashion … what started in a few inuential designer collections worldwide has spread through the new season, but it’s not a retro costume party this time around! The very best of the ‘70s re-emerges in the sly slink of a silky print dress … in easy vests and knits to throw over everything … in those rich, delicious shades of chocolate, wine, cognac and caramel and very sensual, touchable textures of fur, velvet and suede, as well as in some funky, fun accessories.

IN THE Loop • Rouleau loops add a beautiful and delicate finish to any garment. Although they may look difficult and tedious to sew, they are actually easier than inserting a zip. You can make your own rouleau loops out of matching fabric, use a decorative cord, or buy the finished elastic loop which is ready to insert. Each one has its unique benefits!

THE feel-good FACTOR • Knits have always been the supreme soft option in modern dressing, but as they cuddle-up and get cosy in generous shapes and tweedy, nubbly marled textures this season, they all luxuriate in

HERE Flare EVERYWHERE! • Skirts don’t mean a thing if they ‘ain’t got that swing!’ Whether they are out ever-so-softly and smoothly from the hip or really come out swinging, they have all the right moves this season.

A New Dye-it!

Drawing the Line for Beginners

SHIRT WAY TO CHIC • With its newly simplied, feminised shape and detailed styling, the shirt has gone solo, picking up where the jacket left off ... trends may come and go, but there will always be a sure

Velvet AND OTHER PLUSH FABRICS • This is the season to step out of your sewing shell and attempt a project with a few challenges − hot for Autumn/Winter is velvet. Whatever the challenge, remember to keep the iron to yourself and style the garment with ‘easy peasy’ in mind! Enjoy the challenge!

Faux Fur • It’s not often that a season goes by without the renewal of a fashion from the past. This season’s revival is ‘faux fur’.

in print • Even the simplest, easiest items of the season – the slick sweatshirt, the kimono...