Make it Easy: A newly made top and a long lost sewing magazine

Monday, January 18, 2016

I recently bought an issue of Make it Easy: Mix and Match Pattern Wardrobe & Sewing Guide from an antique shop in Sheffield (though I'm not sure I'd quite class it as an antique yet - it was published in 1984). I first remember being drawn to the attractive, bright, retro designs of the Make it Easy series when I was in my teens, and I came across a bunch of them in a junk shop. I bought a few at the time, just because I liked to collect old catalogues and 'vintage' imagery. These were a bit wasted on the non-sewist teen me, so now I actually sew, it was a pleasure to come across a few issues.
The cardboard sleeve and it's contents
A preview of what's inside issue 7
Make it Easy is a 26 piece series, originally published by Marshall and Cavendish in 1984. Each issue offers instructions to make a number of garments, as well as a pattern hack and 'styling' suggestions. The patterns are all printed and enclosed with the magazine in a cardboard sleeve, and each issue comes with 'technique cards' - though mine were missing unfortunately. I decided to buy issue 7 for the top/trousers/dungarees combination of patterns.

Jam packed contents!
I've really struggled to find out much more about the series. It seems that the magazines are aimed at the beginner sewist, who was trying to build their very own 'mix and match' wardrobe - and as some of you may know, I'm already a big fan of the capsule/mix and match wardrobe (see here)! Marshall and Cavendish also published a similarly beginner-targeted magazine series called 'Get Knitting' the following year - each pack containing a colour knitting and stitch guide, plus patterns for men, women and children. You probably get the idea, but I did come across this wonderful video ad for Make it Easy (via Kristina at Arts, Thoughts, Fashion, Tech) that is well worth a watch:



Anyway, over to the make! I still had some (suitably retro print) cotton hanging around from the last Hebden Bridge WI Rag Market, so I decided to use it for the very basic top in the magazine. No darts, no shaping, just a straightforward sew to kick start 2016. The blouse/top has a wide, almost boat-style neckline and a neat little tie to the right shoulder.

Make it Easy top worn with Topshop trousers

The instructions would be super easy to follow for an absolute beginner - though I took more time finishing my seams, rather than just using pinking sheers as per the instructions. The only bit that was a pain was turning the narrow ties out - totally manageable, but just takes patience! I've rolled my sleeves up a couple of turns and stitched them in place like the design on the front cover - see I'm paying attention to the styling tips! Here are some more:

Mix and match styling tips for the patterns in issue 7
Simple pattern hacks and accessory suggestions for the top
I'd like to try making the trousers from this issue (when you consider the picture below, how can I not?!) and I'd collect more of the Make it Easy series if I ever come across them again! If anyone else spots a copy then I'd recommend snapping it up - even if just for the fun styling :)

Snazzy trousers and dungarees here!

Can anyone else shed more light on the Make it Easy series? Have you come across or made anything from it?


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Shauni S

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54 comments

  1. Janet18 January 2016 at 15:42

    I have a full set of Make It Easy Patterns!! I bought most of them in the 80's and made a few of the items back then - basic t-shirt tops and a couple of the shirts from Set No. 8 mainly - unfortunately the clothes are long since discarded!! The pattern sets are brilliant - I love them!! I have the booklets filed in the red folder that came with the series and it's great to look through them now and again. I also had the extra series that followed on, called Special Collection or something like that, which included a few mens and childrens patterns as well. I'll have to dig them out and maybe get sewing...

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    1. Shauni S18 January 2016 at 22:52

      Hi Janet, it's amazing that you have the full set and that you've hung on to them! What a great library to look through for inspiration and help with techniques. From what I saw, most of the patterns were pretty simple and timeless if you can see past the 'of-the-time' styling - you should definitely try sewing some of them up!

      My next challenge is going to be the 'triangular flap' variation of the trousers - but probably in a quite plain fabric, don't think I'm brave enough for that check print quite yet :)

      Delete
    2. Unknown27 April 2017 at 12:19

      Hi Janet, just discovered the post. I found pattern 25 in a charity shop and am keen to make the playsuit but the instructions are missing - I've only got the pieces - any chance you could post the instruction page for it?! Otherwise there's going to be a lot of guesswork going on!

      Delete
    3. Janet27 April 2017 at 14:31

      Charlotte - if you let me have your email address, I will try and scan them and send to you.

      Delete
    4. Kim3 August 2017 at 08:36

      Hi.
      I have got all the patterns and not the magazines. I notice that you were going to scan for Charlotte. Did you succeed and would you be able to scan the top and skirt instructions from issue 1 for me please?

      Delete
    5. Emma14 November 2018 at 19:58

      Hello Janet, I too have the whole set! (I bought from a charity shop) But only a few came with instructions �� . Would you be able to send me pictures of some of the instruction mags by any chance? I realise it's a big ask. I'm just so gutted I can't get on with making any! Would be MASSIVELY appreciated!Thank you, Emma

      Delete
    6. Maddie26 July 2019 at 00:57

      Hello Janet (or anyone else with the full set). I bought pattern 17 and 21 from a charity shop recently and discovered they had no instruction booklet, however all the pieces were there. If anyone has the instructions for these patterns it would be greatly appreciated!

      Delete
    7. Unknown13 February 2020 at 16:18

      Dear Janet or those that have the pattern booklet,

      I currently have pattern 19 but don't have the sewing instructions/booklet for the short sleeve shirt. Is there any chance you could perhaps send me the scans of this pattern? I would really appreciate it as I am getting confused by the double yokes and am very keen to finish it!
      Olivia

      Delete
  2. Anonymous29 January 2016 at 19:50

    My mum has the full set - I think she bought them in the 80s when they first came out. I've made a pencil skirt from one of the issues a couple of years ago when I needed a school skirt. The patterns in this collection are really good for beginner sewists I think.

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    1. Shauni S3 February 2016 at 09:57

      Hi Heather - so amazing that your mum has kept hold of the full set. I think the patterns are really good for beginners too, or just easy to run up when you fancy a quick sew. I wonder if the sewing mags of today will be collected and held onto in a similar way? I know I'm not so good at getting rid of things, so my Love Sewing mag collection might stand the test of time! x

      Delete
    2. Soph13 June 2020 at 06:49

      Hey, any tips for sizing/any adjustments needed? I just bought a set from the op shop but they are missing instructions. I’m trying to make no: 32. Thanks!

      Delete
  3. eimear21 February 2016 at 19:08

    Hi, I have just come to your blog via wrong doll, and just had to comment on the 'make it easy' I did get one issue of these when they were out, but have to confess so I never got around to making the very shoulder padded box jacket (think I may have been planning something in royal blue!!!) seeing them now is quite 'something'. I have a funny feeling I still have a domestic version of one of their magazines still as it showed how to make a hammock (still have not done that either)

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  4. Shauni S22 February 2016 at 12:35

    Hi Eimear - thanks for having a look and commenting :) The shoulder padded box jacket sounds like it would've fit right into the pages of Make it Easy - I'd love to see how they styled it! x

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  5. Tamsin9 March 2016 at 19:27

    I used to have that issue and possibly one with a pencil skirt too. I remember I made a couple of pairs of trousers (not with the triangle flap though!) and several versions of the top. I would have been 14! Memories!

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    1. Shauni S9 March 2016 at 21:50

      I really like the triangle flap variation of the trousers - though I'm not sure how flattering it would be...
      :)

      Delete
  6. Unknown10 May 2016 at 06:31

    Does anyone have the christening gown pattern they would like to sell? I made one for my eldest daughter in 1992 and would love to make one for a friend's grandchild?

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    1. Soph13 June 2020 at 06:53

      Hey, I don’t know, what number is it? They are selling some at an op shop near me! Most are missing the magazines and instructions but I could have a look for you, they are only fifty cents and I could borrow a school envelope which is postage paid so if it’s there I could send it for nothing

      Delete
  7. Unknown10 May 2016 at 06:32

    Does anyone have the christening gown pattern they would like to sell? I made one for my eldest daughter in 1992 and would love to make one for a friend's grandchild?

    ReplyDelete
  8. Fiona2 July 2017 at 13:48

    I bought these when they first came out and made lots of them. Or rather mum bought them for me - I was 13 in 1984. I don't have them anymore unfortunately!

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    1. Shauni S17 July 2017 at 22:03

      I still have lots to try and make through! Looking over the collection, a lot of the styles have definitely come back around (maybe minus the shoulder pads...) x

      Delete
  9. Fiona2 July 2017 at 13:48

    I bought these when they first came out and made lots of them. Or rather mum bought them for me - I was 13 in 1984. I don't have them anymore unfortunately!

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  10. Unknown4 July 2017 at 16:59

    Nice top! I have about 5 of these patterns picked up at various op-shops in Australia. The styling is fantastic, but also strangely contemporary. The sports-wear one is just so great, but also a little bit cringy. I have number 7, but only the patterns, none of the instructions. I think the cross-over style pants pictured on the back look great, dare I attempt it without instructions?? hmmmm.

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    1. Shauni S17 July 2017 at 22:04

      I agree about the styling! Strange how fashions come back around! If you drop me an email (magnificent.thread[at]gmail.com) I could send you a scan of the instructions across! I need to check for definite, but I'm pretty sure I have that one :)

      Delete
  11. Unknown15 July 2017 at 04:22

    I was going through some of my mum things I had packed away and come across the card file but no mags to go with it

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    1. Shauni S17 July 2017 at 22:05

      That's a shame! But maybe it means the mag/patterns were well used with any luck!

      Delete
  12. Unknown11 September 2017 at 13:16

    I still have the full set, collected them in the '80's. I've actually just gone through them and have decided it's time to sell them. I did make quite a few for the outfits at the time.

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    1. Jos27 October 2018 at 10:37

      Is there any chance you could share the instructions for pattern 3? It's a scalloped collar jacket.

      Delete
  13. Kim15 September 2017 at 10:32

    I now have the full set of patterns with instructions and have made skirts and tops from issue 1. Loving looking through all the patterns and styling tips.

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  14. Unknown17 October 2017 at 20:42

    stumbled across this blog, I have the complete set of make it easy guides, is anybody interested in taking them off my hands??

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    Replies
    1. Shauni S18 October 2017 at 22:40

      That's such a generous offer! I already have an almost full bunch, but hoping someone else in the comment thread is keen to take you up on it! They're fab magazines :)

      Delete
    2. Kim26 April 2018 at 21:48

      I am looking for nos. 31, 32 and 33 if anyone wants to sell them.

      Delete
    3. Unknown16 October 2018 at 22:15

      I would love them. My email is grubapples@gmail.com

      Delete
    4. Unknown23 November 2019 at 14:53

      yes Shaunis lizcollen21@gmail.com who wood like these patterns how can i get them

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    5. Unknown23 November 2019 at 15:00

      please is there any chance of getting the patterns and how we are in springs area south Africa

      Delete
  15. Unknown24 March 2018 at 12:29

    I recently found Pattern 17 (dungarees and bomber jacket) at an Op Shop, but unfortunately, without instructions. Could you tell me something about the seam allowance? Is it included in the patterns you've got?:) thanks in advance (I'm really itching to whip up some of the dungarees cause they look a lot like the Cleo dungarees from Tilly and the Buttons)

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    1. Unknown6 November 2018 at 17:45

      Hello, did you find the instructions for this? ive just brought the same thing?

      Delete
  16. Janet24 March 2018 at 14:07

    I've just looked - it's 1.5cm. Happy sewing :-)

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  17. Unknown13 May 2018 at 08:12

    Hi bought no 5 from op shop. Can someone advise on the actual measurements for the sizes ? Know that not all sizes are the same for all patterns? Looking for size waistline 71cm

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  18. Unknown25 June 2018 at 22:38

    Hi, my mum bought the full set back in the 80's. We loved them. My sister and I made heaps of the patterns up, especially a sleeveless shift dress with binding on the neck and arms. I have a bunch of the patterns, but not that dress. Can someone tell me which number pattern has that dress in it? I'm missing a few. Cheers.

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  19. Phoebe Welch25 July 2018 at 19:43

    I picked up number 15 in a charity shop, not realising that there was a magazine to go with it! Does anyone have the instructions to go with it? I would be very grateful if anyone did, or had any of the other sets of patterns they are looking to get rid of. Thank you x

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  20. Unknown14 October 2018 at 23:58

    Hello, I hope this finds someone who would be willing to help.
    I have almost the complete set of these lovely patterns.
    Though issues 7 the one pictured above I am missing the instruction mag.
    If someone would be willing to scan and email the pages or if they knew of where I could source it would be very much appreciated.

    Thank you

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Emma21 November 2018 at 23:39

      Hello, would you be willing to send me the instructions for the ones you have by any chance?
      Kind regards

      Emma

      Delete
  21. Emma14 November 2018 at 20:20

    If anyone would be willing to send me pictures of the instruction magazines for several issues I would be MASSIVELY grateful! It's a big ask but if anyone can help a girl out, I'm looking for 3, 5, 6, 9, 11, 12, 13, 14, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22 and 28. I realise that's A LOT. Kind regards, Emma xxx

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    Replies
    1. Laura25 July 2019 at 10:54

      This is what I'm looking for as well, did you ever get any of the patterns?

      Delete
    2. Maddie26 July 2019 at 01:01

      I am also looking for the instructions for 17 and 21, did you have any luck with them? I'm really itching to give the dungarees a go!

      Delete
  22. mezza524 January 2019 at 04:34

    Hello! I have just seen this post, I have a few of these and am wondering where are the size measurements!?! It says sizes 8,10, etc however I cannot seem to find measurements for the sizes. I know pattern sizes can vary quite a bit...

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  23. Drienie28 April 2019 at 15:01

    My mom past away 6 yrs ago and I only had the courage now to open the box my beloved dad bestowed on to me. To my surprise was all the Patterns from DOT, Golden Hands and these wonderful Make it easy patterns. I would love to have the ones that I do not have no 2,5,9,11,14,15,17,18,25,27,28. Please if anyone can help? I live in South Africa

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  24. Laura25 July 2019 at 10:53

    I just managed to get my hands on a nearly full set of these patterns and sewing cards but there were no magazines so no instructions on how to make any of them. I might just give one of them a go and hope for the best...how difficult can it be?

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  25. Unknown21 September 2019 at 10:09

    I know there's a lot of people asking for the same thing on this thread...but is there any chance someone could send me photos/scans of some of the instruction booklets? I purchased some at an op shop not realising they're supposed to come with the extra booklet. I love the designs too much not to try and make them!

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  26. Anne26 October 2019 at 23:55

    I've just acquired copy number 25 in perfect condition but cannot find any size measurements. Are there any available for these patterns?? Would really appreciate any help as I'm super excited to start on one of the patterns.

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  27. Phoebe Welch29 October 2019 at 14:22

    I have managed to acquire all the instruction booklets so if anyone needs anything from any of them, just drop me an email to phoebe.welch4@gmail.com and I can send you whatever you need. They’ll have to be photos because I can’t for the life of me work out how to use the scanner, but I hope they can be useful!!

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  28. Quilted Alchemy by Tracey1 January 2020 at 22:10

    I have the complete set and the special collection set most unopened I bought them when they first came out and strangely have hardly used them.
    any one have an idea what I should sell them for?
    I’m in Perth Australia

    ReplyDelete
  29. Julie Stam12 October 2020 at 08:12

    I have the set except for 11 and 32. Also have the cards that go with them. Most are unopened. Just rediscovered them when my daughter wanted me to make her a dress (she found out I can sew )

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  30. Unknown9 January 2021 at 13:49

    Hello

    Does anyone have the instructions for pattern 18 please. I am learning to sew and have brought about five or six from a charity shop with just the pattern abit overwhelming for me. I would be truly grateful if someone could help me thank you

    ReplyDelete

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