Love my new Threads
Friday, March 5, 2010 at 6:00AM The current issue of Threads (No. 148) really wowed me. For a while now, the creators of this magazine have been trying to settle into a niche that appeals to both novice and veteran sewers alike. They went through a period where many long-time subscribers gave up on them as the focus shifted from advanced sewing subjects toward something that would appeal to the huge new group of sewers coming onto the scene. They have finally really hit the perfect balance, in my opinion. There are articles in this current issue that really enthrall me and have me wishing I could start on a new project right this second. There is also material that is helpful to new sewers while acting as a fine refresher for the rest of us.
It is hard to choose my favorite articles – they are all wonderful. In Seam Challenge by Sarah Opdahl, the winners of the 2009 Threads Challenge to the members of the Association of Sewing and Design Professionals (ASDP) (formerly known as PACC) are revealed along with their STUNNING creations. This challenge invited ASDP members to explore the possibilities of seams in any way they chose. The results are fantastic, and as an added bonus, Judith Neukam shares with us the techniques used for creating these unique seams.
Next on my fav list is Mirror-image appliqué by Kathy Barnard and Amelia Johanson. Kathy and Amelia are the editors of Sew Beautiful magazine, put out by the Martha Pullen Company. You may have noticed from some of my previous posts that I am a huge fan of Martha and Co. (the other Martha). This article details how to create a perfectly symmetric mirror image appliqué and applies the result to a stunning black and white halter dress with delicate machine embroidery. I can imagine using the techniques shared in this article for so many projects. It also reminded me of a jacket that has been on my to-do list for years now which incorporates some of the same techniques. Maybe it’s time to once again pull out that project and get started on it.
Claire Shaeffer has come up with a winner, a cardigan jacket which looks like your comfiest sweater mated with a boutique stunner. This versatile little number is crafted from wool gauze, and Claire walks you through the entire process from creating the pattern to the simple construction techniques that pull this beauty together. I love the feminine ruffle that finishes all edges and hems and am already plotting which piece of fabric in my stash I should use.
I could go on and on: the pattern review full of new ideas for spring; the article on machine embroidery cutwork using FiberEtch; choosing colors with Mary Ray (one of my favorite teachers); ombré dyeing; Kenneth King’s fitting instruction; even the tips mailed in by readers seemed particularly clever in this issue. I could go on but I think you should get your own copy and see for yourself.
Reader Comments (1)
Wonderful post... Very informational and educational as usual!
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