Make It Simple: The Juno Pyjamas have landed!

One of my favourite patterns from my new book Make It Simple has to be the Juno pyjamas. These fitted jersey PJs are oh so cute and snuggly, you won't want to take them off!

And even though they include two pieces - the top and bottoms - they'll still only take you an afternoon to make. Like the other patterns in the book (go through the previous few posts to see more of them), they are simple to sew, easy to fit and overall a pleasure to make - whether you have a lazy few hours to yourself or are squeezing in some sewing in little pockets of time through your week.

The Juno pyjama top is made from the same pattern as the Tabitha T-shirt, with added slim-fitting ribbed cuffs. The leggings-style bottoms also have a cuff at the ankle, with narrow elastic holding them up at the waist.

One of the best things about making pyjamas is that you can really go to town with your fabric choice as you're only going to wear them behind closed doors, hehe.

Designed for light- to medium-weight jersey, you can make them on either a regular sewing machine or overlocker (serger).

Like the other patterns in Make It Simple, Juno comes in ten sizes, from UK 6-24 / US 2-20. Paper patterns are included in the back of the book ready to trace off, or you can download them following a link in the book and print them on either A4/Letter or A0 paper.

Make It Simple: It's the Bertha (Lovely Bertha) Cardigan!

Bertha, lovely Bertha, sometimes I think you're a dream...

The fourth sewing pattern in my new book Make It Simple is this cosy cardigan, perfect for layering over your me-made tops and dresses. (If you've missed the other patterns, check the previous three posts for the low down!)

Bertha is a slouchy, open cardigan with dramatically deep batwing sleeves. It's cropped at the waist and the sleeves are finished with narrow cuffs to balance out the silhouette.

Like the other patterns in Make It Simple, it can be whipped up in an afternoon, or in a few short sittings squeezed in around your work, childcare or other commitments. The instructions are broken down into chunks, with timings given for each part so you can easily see if you've got time to assemble the bodice before breakfast or attach the hem band while dinner is in the oven. I've estimated (based on tester feedback) that this will take you around 2 hours 15 in total to cut and sew together. (That is, if you hide your phone away!)

Bertha is one of six main sewing patterns, each with multiple variations, which are included in the back of the book ready to trace off, or which you can download and print on either A4/Letter or A0 paper - the choice is yours. The patterns come in ten sizes, from UK 6-24 / US 2-20.

Make It Simple: Introducing the Suki Dress!

Everyone needs a fuss-free dress in their lives - the kind that you can throw on with a statement necklace and be out the door.

The third pattern in my new book Make It Simple is the Suki dress. This is one of six main patterns, each with multiple variations, which are included in the back of the book ready to trace off, or which you can download and print on either A4/Letter or A0 paper - the choice is yours. The Suki dress pattern comes in ten sizes, from UK 6-24 / US 2-20.




As with all the patterns in my book, it's speedy to make, simple to fit, and easy to wear. It has a simple shape with minimal seams, a modern loose fit with cocoon silhouette, and drop-shoulder narrow bracelet length sleeves. And the best bit? No zips, no buttonholes - just throw it over your head!

I would estimate that this dress takes just over 2 hours total to cut and sew - the construction is that simple :) As it doesn't have fiddly fastenings or set-in sleeves, it would make a great first project for a newbie sewist, or a satisfyingly speedy make for a more experienced stitcher.

Make It Simple: Say Hello to the Tabitha T-Shirt and Dress!

A classic t-shirt is the kind of sewing pattern you'll return to again and again. It's speedy to make, easy to wear and oh-so versatile.

Over the next few days I'm taking you through the patterns in my new book Make It Simple (see the previous post for the Safiya trousers if you missed it). The second pattern is the Tabitha T-shirt, which you can also make as a drawstring dress. If you're familiar with my previous book Stretch!, I reckon this pattern is going to be the Freya of Make It Simple - in other words, the one that people will make over and over again :)



Tabitha has a classic straight shape, not too tight, not too loose. Some of our testers said they had finally found the perfect shaped t-shirt. As you can see in the technical drawing above, you can make Tabitha in multiple versions - with a choice of three sleeve lengths, as a drawstring dress, as a ringer T... so many options!

Like the other patterns in the book, the Tabitha T-shirt comes in ten sizes, from UK 6-24 / US 2-20. The patterns are included in the back of the book ready to trace off, or there's a link in the book to where to download them, as either A4/Letter or A0 files, if you prefer to print them at home or at a copyshop.