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.

Summer Looks To Sew Right Now • Who says that Summer is a fashion-free zone? It’s in fact a season chock-full of clever ways to update your look, with easy, innovative ideas that are all ready to wear and enjoy right now! Here’s six pages of instant fashion gratification ...

Waistbands – a couture method • A waistband on pants or a skirt should be firm enough to support the weight of the garment. It also needs to be flexible for comfort. Interfacing is most commonly used to stabilise waistbands, but this can sometimes leave you with a ‘cardboard’ band around the waist. Consider this method, using grosgrain ribbon, which is frequently found in couture garments.

Anatomy of the Sleeve • Sleeves are both functional and design elements of a garment. As functional elements, sleeves must allow for freedom of movement and comfort and must enhance the overall purpose of the garment. As design elements, sleeves should complement the bodice to which they are attached. This article describes the anatomy of the sleeve, terminology and style options.

Swimwear For Every Body! • There has never been more variety in the swimwear arena than there is this Summer: From sleek, sports-influenced looks with strong shaping, totally new proportions, interesting plays on prints and detailing with inventive ruching and wrapping, to a modern update on flirty ‘50s femininity … take the plunge as there truly is a great swim style out there for every shape!

Sewing Room Supplies − Part 2 • Susan thinks of herself as a pretty low-tech sewer, but that said, there are things that she really relies upon in her studio. We are sure you have your own favourites, but it’s always fun to see what someone else likes to use – and why – so here’s a look inside Susan’s workroom!

Dolman Sleeves • Predictably, fashion splashes forth old ideas in new forms – with sleeve variation being a common denominator in the equation. The dolman sleeve better known as the ‘cut-on’ sleeve is making its most recent reappearance on a wide cross section of clothing. Generally considered a casual statement worn for comfort rather than fashion, the rebirth of the cut-on sleeve appears in day, of ice, and evening wear.

Three Ways to Finish A Neckline Facing Neatly • I love finding really neat ways to finish raw edges. So while I was developing my newest sewing pattern (the Dove blouse) I became really obsessed in experimenting with different ways to finish the raw edges on a facing. In the end I found that I like different methods for different situations.

The White Shirt – A Timeless Wardrobe Essential • The white shirt is simply a timeless wardrobe essential. Everyone needs one. White shirts work for every season and can be worn for any occasion. They work casually with jeans or can be dressed up for the of ice. Whether it’s the weekend or a work day, a white shirt takes years off your appearance – it is well known that white creates a more youthful look.

DESIGNER SIGNATURES: Zandra Rhodes

DIY Half Scale Dress Form • Half scale dress forms are great for practicing draping, flat patternmaking, or experimenting with design changes on an existing pattern while using minimal amounts of fabric. Unfortunately, these dress forms are expensive to purchase, but you can make your own inexpensively.

Curves and Corners...