In the height of summer, our wardrobes go wild. Carefree holiday vibes have us reaching for the floatiest fabrics, and Atelier Brunette's 'Leony' Kelsey Viscose crepes hit the (leopard) spot while being, of course, incredibly chic. Available in two scales of print, this waffled and textured viscose is Oeko-Tex Standard 100 certified and woven from Lenzing™️ EcoVero™️ certified fibers. So, you can create your perfect city break separates knowing you're protecting the natural world, too. atelierbrunette.com.
SEWING BEE MEMORIES
Now it's all over for another year, we're reminiscing about The Great British Sewing Bee 2023, recreating our favourite looks. Revisit Week 3's West African celebration in Folkwear's flattering 158 Unisex Ghanaian Smock, from £12, thefoldline.com.
ROYAL SEAL OF APPROVAL
▼ Heritage brand, Hand & Lock have 250 years' experience embellishing, embroidering and monogramming garments for the Royal Family; the military; and fashion houses including Dior and Louis Vuitton. Get a snippet of their style with their new Spring/Summer '23 Glasshouse collection. This beautifully intricate 9x11cm butterfly patch makes a regal addition to any project. Buy for £36 from handembroidery shop.com.
CLASSIC STYLE
Jeans and a nice top: it's a sartorial staple! So, who can resist this Sew House Seven pattern? The Regalia Blouse features gathers, puffy sleeves and a high collar – it's prim and proper but somehow still effortlessly cool and casual. There are two lengths and two sleeve designs to mix and match and it suits a cotton voile, lawn or linen best. Available in US sizes 0-34, from £12.46. Head to sewhouse7.com.
FANCY THREADS
This beautiful faux embroidery had us all doing a double take. Printed on demand by digital fabric printing specialists Flamingo Fabrics, these modern floral designs are so intricately detailed that at a glance, they could pass for a much pricier brocade. You can choose from 14 fabric bases, from jersey to velvet, from as little as £7.25 a metre. We love the 70s-inspired autumnal hues of the Floral Kaleidoscope pattern and the hint of winter in the Donna Floral bottom. And be still our plant-loving hearts – the bright pastel shades of the succulents design and the cacti is right up our street! Shop the full range of designs for yourself at flamingofabrics.co.uk
MINI PROFILE PORTIA LAWRIE @PORTIALAWRIE
Since she was a child, Simply Sewing regular contributor and author of The Re:Fashion Wardrobe, Portia Lawrie, has had a fascination with making and remaking clothes. "My earliest sewing memory is of learning how to men
