STITCH YOURSELF HAPPY
Sewing patterns, workshops & retreats from
the studio of Lizzie Everard.
THE BETTY SILK STORE
Paper pattern – A0
The Lalas are a beginner-friendly pattern while the experienced sewist will also find plenty to delight in. There are two main views – straight-legged or barrelled with the addition of a box-pleat at the ankle. Slimline cargo-style pockets in vertical side panels create a neat line. An ultra wide leg option is also indicated on the pattern – a secret View C!
A best friend of a trouser, Lalas range between hip measurement 92cm / 36” and 148cm / 58” with generous sizing bands which can handle fluctuations in body shape.
Fabric: 2.2m of cloth, either 115cm or 150cm. This pattern works really well with lighter fabrics for a swishy, barely there feel. Choose light linen, viscose or cotton lawn. For a dressy option, make them in bamboo silk, satin, velvet or crepe. Medium-weight cloth, denim for example, gives a more structured finish. Avoid real heavy weights though, or the waistband gathers will bulk.
This elasticated waist pattern is designed to reduce bulk and work for all shapes and sizes – elegant and flattering.
*Pre-order for delivery after October 22nd release date*
Redesign has always been at the heart of TAUKO Magazine, and for our 21st issue, we are incredibly happy to dedicate an entire issue to the theme.
Featuring ‘Swallow’ by Lizzie Everard, Betty Silk Studio
In this issue, independent designers from around the world explore different approaches to making and remaking clothes. The collection moves from upcycling and visible repair to modular construction, transformable garments, and new interpretations of familiar clothing.
Through a jumper design, you can explore how a single bodice can become several different garments, while a dress with detachable sleeves extends the possibilities of one design. Other projects take modularity even further, creating garments from interchangeable pieces that can be repaired, replaced, and developed over time. Sashiko celebrates repair rather than hiding it, while the Button Masala technique uses buttons and elastic bands instead of conventional seams, allowing fabric to be assembled, taken apart, and endlessly reconfigured.
The projects range from easy and playful makes, including a pincushion and a pair of shorts, to more detailed garments, such as a carefully tailored trench coat-inspired dress. Whether you are looking for a quick project or something to slowly immerse yourself in, there is something new to discover, practise, and learn.
Each design includes printed sewing patterns and carefully developed step-by-step instructions. Sizes range from 31"/78 cm to 57.5"/146 cm bust.
Repair. Transform. Adapt. Reimagine. Re-design invites us to see what is already there – and discover what else it could become.
Alongside the patterns, the issue includes essays, interviews, and stories that explore re-design beyond the individual garment, asking how changing the way we make clothes might also change the way we think about fashion.
Welcome to Redesign!
Designers in Issue No.21
Anna Albers, Shimere Ballou, Lizzie Everard, Heather Martin, Taylor Randal, Keiko Oboshi, Lore Piar, Cristina Tatar
Other creatives
Matti Liimatainen, Anuj Durga Sharma, Kate Fletcher, Rachel Sender, Sinah Schlemmer
The ‘Betty’ sewing pattern is a minimal waste dress design in poster form, ready to adorn your sewing space!
Created by Lizzie for her Sewing Bee ‘Garment of the Week’ winning kaftan design, Betty is the every day wearable version as a dress or a top. The design works really well in fluid, drapey fabrics, equally happy in hot weather or on glam nights out!
The poster includes a complete pattern — with pattern pieces — on the left and an A2 poster on the right. Hang it up as is and work directly from it, or frame the poster and bring extra beauty to your sewing space.
It’s a JOY thing!
WORKSHOPS
* Early Bird discount until end of August *
DATES: October 31st - November 1st
A weekend of sewing deliciousness with Lizzie at Clevedon Craft Centre
Two devoted days with kindred spirits to sink in to the practice you love so much, in a beautiful part of the world. Bring your big project that needs a nudge, or try out one of Lizzie’s patterns and get expert help and tuition all the way.
We’ll stitch together during the day. On Saturday evening, there are options to find food in the town, stroll on the beach, go for a cold water dip in the marine lake if that’s your thing. In true Lizzie-style, there’ll be plenty of help and encouragement on hand with a love for reflective practice, so expect to go home refreshed, accomplished and inspired.
Solo travellers always have a warm welcome.
Clevedon Craft Center is a lovely collection of farm buildings housing artist studios, a gallery and (weather permitting) a fab outdoor café (did someone say blankets, coffee and chat?). The workshop space is above the studios and it’s all set in a beautiful part of the North Somerset countryside, just five minutes off the M5 south of Bristol.
Accommodation is not included, so you can choose your own style of mini-break.
More details to follow nearer the weekend.
Never picked up a needle? Or you have a machine, but either don't know or can't remember how to use it? Come and figure it all out with Lizzie in her ‘New Seams’ course.
Running for 2.5hrs each week, over 4 weeks Lizzie will get you stitching confidently, ready to tackle bigger projects.
First, we'll create a samples bundles of the basic techniques for you to refer to. Then we’ll work through the ‘Betty’s Bag’ project bag pattern designed for complete beginners. This introduces you to some of the key terms you’ll find in sewing patterns and will set you up to have a go at beginner-level garment patterns. Finally, we’ll start work on ‘Francesca’ – Lizzie’s minimal waste studio apron pattern which uses a variety of techniques to apply and practice what you’ve learnt.
The course takes place at Lizzie’s studio in central Bristol, in a working textiles and tailoring space. Small groups, maximum 6 people.
Please bring your own machine, or there are 2 available to book free of charge
Patterns included but you must bring your own fabric
On this Deep Dive day, we’ll take a good look at pockets and create a sampler of different techniques and styles. Starting with fabulous patch pocket style-ups and adding in-seam pockets, we’ll then get technical with welt pockets and zipped pockets too.
The workshops take place at one of two venues:
• Lizzie’s studio in central Bristol, in a working textiles and tailoring space, or
• Clevedon Craft Centre
Small groups, maximum 6 people (studio) and 8 people (Craft Centre).
Time: 10am – 5pm
Please bring your own machine, or there are 2 available to book free of charge
You will need to bring your own fabric and requirements will be sent out prior to the day
Where is Lizzie?
After a wonderful Stitch Festival teaching over 130 students in the spring and a gorgeous weekend at Thread, Lizzie is having a little studio time to develop patterns and course plans for 2026-27.
Join her at No Frills Knitting in Bristol for the OCTOBER fabric pop-up weekend, which will be our last one of the year. Expect new patterns in person!
In October and November, Lizzie will be teaching at Knit + Stitch, both Alexandra Palace and Harrogate with her regular selection of classes. Use code WT26 to get £2 off standard adult / concession tickets.
And you can book Lizzie for talks about her time on the Great British Sewing Bee and more. If you would like to book a tailor-made stitching session with Lizzie for yourself or you and a few friends drop her a line to find out more.
Betty Silk Journal
Buying Fabric: A Sanity Guide
How do you manage your fabric buying? Impulsive fabric shopper, or strict planner with budget? Super stash-buster and resourceful deadstock hunter? Or on an “I must not buy any more fabric” rule as you wimper into your empty tote bag?
Well, you are not alone. I have been all of those things!
The Cutie Wrap Top
We’ve just had another really amazing Glow Sew retreat at fforest this March, making up the Cutie from my new Pattern Poster. It’s such a versatile pattern! As we worked on it, I realised there are a couple of points that need slightly more clarification, so I figured a little post would be a helpful reference point.
A Project That Takes Its Time
This is a project that definitely takes its time. It’s the collaboration I’m doing with Raystitch as a guest maker… oh my, it’s a dream! They gave me run of the shop to choose fabric and I can make anything I like with it. I have nearly fallen over with happiness several times.
A Sunday Project
Today’s project felt good. A Sunday morning with the radio on and a sewing project to play with. Sun streaming in. My little rodent pin cushion stands to attention, eager to assist.
A Place to Sit
Sometimes, it’s so hard to switch off the churning thoughts. Writing always helps, although I’d forgotten that. Write it all down! See it laid out plain, understand it, inspect it. Just express it.
And stitching. In stitching, there’s a quiet…
For the love of stitching
A MANIFESTO
Is it enough just to stitch?
Yes. It is enough.
Why?
Every stitch has love in it.
Even in a sore-finger moment or drift of concentration, stitching is an intentional move to create something. It is making, repair, joining together, invention.
Stitching is belief in something, and nurture.
Stitching is a beautiful curiosity.
And curiosity takes us forward in life.
Stitch, for your life.
It, and you, are enough.
