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The Sew What’s New Archive
This archived content is from Mary Wilkins’ sewing and
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retired in August 2007. It is being provided by
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From: abcameo
Date: 05-01-2005, 01:45 PM (1 of 16)
I got my new (July) issue yesterday and think the scarf on the cover looks pretty and easy to do (wish I had a serger, though--oh, heck, just wish I had a serger in general, this project looks just fine worked on a machine).  Anyway, I really appreciated the drawings and clear explanation on how to fold fabric to cut bias strips (I don't quilt!). I also loved the look of this ruffle used as a sleeve. I think the scarf/shawl and matching sleeves would look fun on a dance dress or lovely a formal. I liked the spiral ripplel as a quick and attractive gift for friends. Also, the invisible zipper article is timely for me. Also neat was reading Gigi Louis' article since she's a forum participant who has responded to me in the past. Kind of makes you feel special when you recognize a name in print knowing they've written to you one-on-one in a forum like this. As a beginner-intermediate, I try very diligently to follow along with Threads' technique explanations, often reading them over-and-over and trying to imagine myself doing this. I find it difficult--I'm good at watching and learning but reading and translating instructions are usually fairly challenging to me. I'm embarrassed to admit, even with photos, sometimes I'm clueless. Many of their articles are too advanced for my skill level. Still, I always look forward to receiving mine and keep all of them for future reference. I am using several excellent reference books to figure out how to improve my sewing, but for me a beginner-to-intermediate monthly sewing magazine devoted to clothing construction would be a welcome addition to my reference stash. Maybe there is one out there I should look at? The few I've seen have too much focus on home decor info or quilting, which just doesn't interest me. I guess I'd like to see a "Threads Junior" for folks like me who are gradually working up to the more hardcore advanced techniques. Well, just thought I'd start a conversation on the new issue... Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: DorothyL
Date: 05-02-2005, 07:52 AM (2 of 16)
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Amy -- Have you looked as Sew News? Dorothy |
User: DorothyL
Member since: 12-09-2002 Total posts: 3883 |
From: toadusew
Date: 05-02-2005, 09:49 AM (3 of 16)
I agree--Sew News is great and might be a little more "user friendly" to beginning seamstresses.  Like you, I am a very visual learner and when I find instructions written with no pictures or illustrations, I don't follow them as well myself. Also, I can recommend a great book that covers everything from A-Z--that is "Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Sewing". I think there is now an updated, revised version. I initially found this book in the library and liked it so much, I bought it for myself. It has information on fabric, needles, sewing machines, as well as every sewing technique (machine and hand) from beginner to advanced. I have used mine so much that some of the pages are falling out! There are other sewing how-to books on the market--Singer has some, but this Reader's Digest book is my favorite. 
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: abcameo
Date: 05-02-2005, 11:13 AM (4 of 16)
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I've looked at Sew News a few times while waiting on line at JoAnn's. I didn't end up buying any of them, so I guess it didn't fit the bill of what I'm looking for in a magazine. I think one had baby clothes on the cover and I often see a lot of home decor items inside. I do own Reader's Digest, plus Vogue and a few more great reference books. After seeing my friend's "Vogue/Butterick Step-by-Step Guide," I bought that as well. Along with these books as guides, I am a magazine junkie and really enjoy the excitement of having each new one arrive--whether it's for knitting, jewelry, sewing or women's--like InStyle, Vogue and Bazaar. I love to keep up with every aspect of fashion. Do you ladies read Threads, and did you get the current issue? I was happy to find this one easier for me to follow than the last one. Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: toadusew
Date: 05-02-2005, 01:17 PM (5 of 16)
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I do like Threads magazine and used to have a subscription, but a couple of years ago, I decided that I like Sew News better. Now, I wish I still subscribed to both--they both have good tips in them, in my opinion. No, I haven't read the current issue, although you have piqued my interest. It sounds like you are more of a garment sewer/seamstress (me, too!) rather than a home dec/craft type sewer/seamstress and would like to have more magazines devoted to clothing construction. Unfortunately, I think the trend has turned away from garment construction to home dec and craft sewing. I like sewing crafts and a few home dec items, but I like the challenge of putting together a garment. I think there is a comment regarding more clothing patterns as opposed to home dec and craft items on another thread here on the board. If I remember correctly, this trend is mentioned. Also, in today's world women no longer have to sew from necessity as they once did and I think that sewing (especially garment sewing) is becoming a lost art. That's why I'm glad I found this site so I could meet other women who love sewing as much as I do. 
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: abcameo
Date: 05-03-2005, 01:55 PM (6 of 16)
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My interest lies almost exclusively in garment sewing. Believe me, I am no seamstress! But trying to improve... I don't find many people interested in garment construction. Quilting, however, is just HUGE everywhere. What I'm learning is that everyone I meet who's into clothing construction had a mother or grandma who were seamstresses. They learned sewing as youngsters and, back then, they knew couture techniques. It seems like, if you didn't have someone show you when you were younger, it's becomes more difficult to learn it later mostly on your own with little guidance so that the end result is professional-looking instead of botched and homemade (I mean it in the bad sense of the word). My grandma lived with us from the time I was 6 until I was 21, when she passed away. By that time, she was strictly crocheting and created these absolutely GORGEOUS bedspreads and doilies using very thin, traditional, ecru-colored cotton. She occasionnaly used her old Singer sewing machine, but it was mainly to sew some minor repair for us. I can't recall ever seeing her sew a full garment. My mother recently told me, my grandma was an excellent seamstress and often made elegant, professional-quality clothes for her 5 children--without store bought patterns. My mom told me Granny always sent the garment out to be hemmed by a tailor--it seems that was the thing to do back then because it was inexpensive, they were readily available in each neighborhood, and I guess easier than doing it yourself. I also found out she knitted. This was something I never knew since she only taught me to crochet. I wish I had known because as it turns out, I am now a professional knitter and have my own website where I sell my own one-of-a-kind knits (along with jewelry and other items as well). I really regret that my grandmother didn't ever get to see my original knits--especially my personal stash, like the full-length opera coat and a 6-piece ensemble I designed. I've recently tied my knitting and sewing together by adding linings in for the first time and combining knits and lace in my LaceLine collection (more coming soon). I so regret that I didn't at least know enough to ask my grandma to teach me to sew. I don't know if she was physically up to teaching me, but if I had realized the talent and skill right under my nose...  Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: toadusew
Date: 05-03-2005, 06:04 PM (7 of 16)
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I have the same regret you do regarding my own grandmother. However, my mom did sew, but really didn't teach me herself--she sent me to other folks to teach me to sew, but that was such a bad experience, that I didn't sew again until I was 35 years old, and that was some years ago. Now, I just love garment construction--especially kids' clothes, and most especially, little girls' dresses! One quick "tip"--the "secret" to good sewing is good pressing (in my opinion) .
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User: toadusew
Member since: 01-08-2005 Total posts: 369 |
From: seamstress16
Date: 05-03-2005, 07:23 PM (8 of 16)
| I was wondering if any of you know where I can get all of the 2004 back issues of Threads for cheap. I tried Ebay and I have been majorly outbid. And I went to the Threads site, but I'd like to see if I can get the back issues for cheaper than what they are selling them for first. Any tips? |
User: seamstress16
Member since: 01-29-2005 Total posts: 88 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 05-03-2005, 07:49 PM (9 of 16)
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I love threads, some sewing stores keep old issues and sell them at cost, I plumped up my collection that way, so ask if they have any laying around, I personally find sew news a little fluffy (sorry to those who love it  ) but I'm a garment sewer mainly and while I do some home dec (mainly b/c I refuse to pay so much for curtains etc) I like articles on fitting etc. But I have to admit I am a perfectionist on technique at times so that is why threads appeals to me. I haven't received the new issue yet takes longer to get to the great white north! I like Sew Beautiful too but haven't really got into it so much, but baby #4 needs a christining outfit and is too large for the other kids stuff already so time to pull them (the collection of mags) out and get cracking!! Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838 
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From: MyGirlFriday
Date: 05-04-2005, 08:24 PM (10 of 16)
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Saw this issue at the store tonight... That scarf on the front is just beautiful!! If anyone makes it please post a photo..I would love to see it! mgf~
Blessings & Smiles
Frogs have it easy....they just eat what's buggin' them. |
User: MyGirlFriday
Member since: 12-05-2004 Total posts: 288 
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From: AndreaSews
Date: 05-06-2005, 10:08 AM (11 of 16)
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I don't subscribe, but I occasionally pick up a copy of one sewing mag or another. This thread got me thinking though. I picked up an old issue of Sew News, and I see what you mean--more sewing-crafts information. It's interesting, but I'm not likely to use it. Threads is top-knotch for wearable art and for tailoring techniques. I'm always impressed with the writers' expertise. I liked the sewing contest I read about in the January(?) issue--They want you to design and create garments, using specific techniques that they've taught you about in Threads magazines. I haven't taken the dare yet, but what a great idea. Has anyone here entered on of the sewing contests?
Andrea
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User: AndreaSews
Member since: 02-18-2005 Total posts: 1007 
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From: Marlyn
Date: 05-07-2005, 09:15 AM (12 of 16)
Hello to all of you who are garment sewers, I am one of your "Club". I too have found in my area that even the fabric stores are giving over to crafts and home decor. Although I must admit that the FabricLand store I frequent has added a lot of extra to home decor, but continue to have a large collection of fabric for garment making. Anyone working there must have a knowledge of sewing (including garment making) so they can be of help if you have a problem. Many of the workers will take a pattern and make an outfit that then hangs in the store. This is great, because you get an actual visual sighting of what the finished product will look like, before you purchase a pattern. Unless you are a sewer like me and the product never resembles the pattern, because I am constantly making small changes, or embellishments to what is called for.
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User: Marlyn
Member since: 06-11-2004 Total posts: 37 
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From: LeapFrog Libby
Date: 05-07-2005, 01:29 PM (13 of 16)
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I would like to insert another magazine name here. I got a gift subscription to ' Sewing Savvy" and when i got the first few, I didn't think too much of it.. I liked what was there, just was not enough of it.. Now Clotilde has bought it out and since it became "Clotilde's Sewing Savvy", it is my favorite sewing magazine.. I do like Sew News, but Savvy gives more about garment sewing.. and a new feature each month they have a Clip and Save section with a sewing lesson.. They are excellent.. If you haven't seen one, take a peek.. Or if you havent seen it in the last 18 months or so, take a fresh look..
Sew With Love
Libby |
User: LeapFrog Libby
Member since: 05-01-2002 Total posts: 2022 
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From: abcameo
Date: 05-10-2005, 01:22 PM (14 of 16)
I may be going to the fabric store today and will see if they have Clotilde's Sewing Savvy. I just did a price comparison check, and it was interesting to note the cover of the magazine displayed featured pillows--not clothes. Ha ha, that could that be a red flag?  Amy |
User: abcameo
Member since: 11-02-2004 Total posts: 131 |
From: Sew-it-seams
Date: 05-13-2005, 07:48 PM (15 of 16)
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Hi everyone, I am also a beginner-intermediate in garment sewing and I do subscribe and like Sew News. Although I did pick up an issue of Clotilde's Sewing Savvy, I never went back to it. I'll have to look at it again. Getting back to the fabric stores, I noticed that there is a lot out there for quilting inwhich some day I would like to try. Does anyone quilt as well? |
User: Sew-it-seams
Member since: 04-27-2004 Total posts: 9 |
From: mommydionne
Date: 05-13-2005, 08:14 PM (16 of 16)
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quilting is the in thing these days, I quilt a bit but am a bit of an ADD personality and lose interest quickly last quilt I did was 2 years ago and I donated it to the minor hockey association to auction (I think they got $700) for it. I too bemoan the lack of good garment stuff in the stores, thank goodnes for internet shopping!! it is getting harder and harder to find fabric I would like to wear on my body!! Jeanette
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User: mommydionne
Member since: 01-08-2004 Total posts: 838
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