Fibremood Magazine Issue 22

Seeing samples of sewing patterns made up always super helpful for imaging what a garment might look like made up in a particular garment. Designs can look so different from one fabric to the next and really help you see a sewing pattern in a different light.

With the release of the latest Fibremood magazine, featuring 12 sewing patterns and a total of 29 different variations, its a great way to get inspiration for different fabric and pattern combinations.

As well as stocking the magazine itself, we also stock some of the lovely fabrics featured in the magazine. In my latest Youtube video linked below, hear me chat through the different patterns and suggest various types of fabrics that are suitable for them.

It's a great way to learn more about how to pair a fabric and pattern and what to expect from the end result when you do choose different types of fabric.

Gabriella Body Warmer

"Gabriela’s a sweetheart. This short, loose bodywarmer invites you to play with patterns, colour blocking, stripes in different directions… Let your imagination run wild. With or without a lining, finished with bias tape, tie fastenings, or slanted pockets. Go your own way. It’s lovely over a dress as well as over a jumper with trousers or a skirt. An easy-to-make must-have!"

This cute, simple make will look great worn over t-shirt and blouses into the Spring. I've picked out our pre-quilted double gauze for this fabric, or you could always quilt your own fabric combination like I did for the Megan Nielsen Hovea Jacket that was featured in our window display last year (tap here for more details on that).

Lennox Dress

"If you want to combine cute and cool, then choose the short and spirited Lennox dress. The details: short sleeves with an extra wrap, drop waist, pleated skirt and a wide, elegant hemline. For the closure, we chose popper tape, but regular buttons are also a great alternative. Just say yes to this dress!"

Opting for a fabric that has more structure and body to it will help keep the crisp lines of this dress, that's why I've selected a few different cotton linen mixes as this fibre composition will hold its shape more than a viscose linen blend. It also makes it easier to press, sew and generally work with.

Harper Top

"Simple yet special. It’s not that easy to do, but Harper manages it beautifully. This brilliant top has three-quarter sleeves, a round neckline, and wonderful gathers. Fastening is with a loop and button at back. You can make Harper as long or as short as you like. Life can be simple at times. Just enjoy!"

Opting for a slightly stiffer fabric here will give a more dramatic look and really hold the fullness of that gathered section at the top. For something that will flow and drape a bit more, opt for a viscose/rayon or Tencel fabric.

Judy Dress

"Judy makes for a great party. Get ready to grace the dance floor. Short, long, whatever. It really depends on how much leg you want to show. Prefer to have a more fitted cut? Then make Judy a size (or two) smaller. No matter what, the puff sleeves and shaped waist seam with a gathered skirt will draw all the compliments. In short, the perfect dress for a modern-day princess, and with pockets! Is there a photographer in the room?"

To make the most of those dramatic sleeves opt for a fabric that will hold its shape more like a double gauze or a cotton/linen blend. For a more subtle look that will still have the fullness of the sleeves, but will just drape with less volume, opt for a viscose print.

Carry Blouse

"Can something be romantic and bold at the same time? Meet Carry! Wear this nice loose blouse with a skirt, jeans, or trousers. Tuck it in neatly or leave it out loose. Is oversized not really your thing? Then make this model a size (or two) smaller. Be sure to carefully check the size chart first to make sure there’s enough wiggle room. You have two great options for the sleeves: classic or voluminous with pleats. Both options have a cuff and placket."

This fuller style, I think, is perfectly suited to the smooth drape Tencel Twill. It feels weighty enough to hand and look great over another later, but still have enough drape and swish not to feel stiff and over bearing.

Drea Trench

"Singing in the rain, just singing in the rain. Drea makes every dreary day better. But first, some puzzling and patience await you. There’s a reason it’s a coat worthy of Sherlock Holmes… And admit it, a trench coat of your own looks really nice on your sewista CV. Here we go: storm flaps in front and back, belted waist, collar and lapels, graceful back split, and patch pockets. You can do this."

All the classic features of a Trench in a classic denim that will go with everything. I've picked out some of our top selling denims for this lovely make.

Amber pop over top

"An old-time favourite, made by you. You can keep this basic polo shirt very simple, or let it shine in an eye-catching colour or print, or a unique fabric. In any case, it takes little effort to make Amber, with her straight fit and cap sleeves. Only the button-down collar requires a little extra attention, and finishing with bias tape. But can you wear this model outside the sports clubs? Yes! With jeans or another pair of solid coloured trousers but equally well with a skirt, a pair of shorts, or Bermuda shorts."

I think this is the kind of top that could easily be a tried and tested pattern in your handmade wardrobe repertoire. Again, opt for gauze, cotton or cotton/linen for a more structured and pronounced shape at the grown on sleeve or for a looser, swishier look opt for the viscose prints.

Bernie Trousers

"Particularly pretty ankle-length trousers. Would you rather they were a little longer for you? No problem. You decide, the pattern will follow your wishes. The front pleats are secured at the hem and the waistband with belt loops provide some extra interest. The welt pockets are also chic. If you want to make these trousers a whole lot easier, simply leave them out. The model will still look good. Now choose a pretty fabric, and beautiful Bernie is yours."

My top pick for these smart looking trousers are our range of bamboo blended twill fabric. The combination of the super soft bamboo with the recycled polyester makes them wrinkle resistant and really sleek.

Fenna Skirt

"Fenna is a fantastic addition to your wardrobe. At the front, it features a beautiful slit with shaped seam, a flattering front yoke and slash pockets. At the back there are darts for a perfect fit, and patch pockets. You can leave these pockets out if you wish. There’s no zip in the waistband but a button band, which saves you some work. You can adapt this particularly charming but lively model in all kinds of ways: midi length, like here, or maxi or even more mini. All are equally fancy."

I think a lovely pop of colour from our range of stretch needlecords would look really great for this fun skirt!

Eve Dress

"Freedom, freedom… yes, you give me freedom. This loose boho dress with a pretty, rounded, and slightly deeper neckline is the ultimate bohemian dress. The raglan sleeves with gathers at the hem and the delicate wrist cuff give of even more relaxing vibes. The comfortable fit of this dress is undeniable. When is that next boho wedding planned?"

This lovely, full and swishy dress would be a great way to show off a bold bright print. I'd suggest sticking to the viscose and Tencel fabrics to get lots of movement and drape in this loose style.

Kaya Dress

"Aha! A must-have! Kaya has no frills or fancy cuts, but an attractive A-line and a V-cut at the front and back. You can put pockets in the side seam, or leave them out. This model is fully lined, and rewarding to make in different types of fabric. You’ll have to work precisely to finish the neckline and armholes neatly, but Kaya is and remains a gift."

Get totally different looks with this simple a-line style by either choosing a fabric with a lot of body and structure like the pre-quilted gauze fabrics versus something much more floppy like the viscose tencel fabric pictured in the magazine.

Indy Jumper

"Butterfly, oh butterfly… If this doesn’t make you want to flit around cheerfully, then we don’t know what will. Indy falls nice and loose and has wonderfully roomy, triangular sleeves. The round neckline, wide wrist trims, and hem at the bottom add another lovely touch. Never call the unique Indy just a jumper!"

A lovely alternative style to a classic jumper, this looser style with its full sleeves would pair perfectly with our loopback modal French Terry that feels super soft and silky, drapes beautifully and with a slight sheen has a really smart sophisticated look.