Sewing Magazines, Yo, Newbies!

  Much great information can come from sewing magazines and any newbie sewist can really get some quality education as well as inspiration from some of these periodicals. One magazine that has really stepped up it's content is Vogue Pattern Magazine. Back in the day this was a magazine that I bought to get the latest fashions that were being made into patterns. I always liked it. But now, there is so much more substance and I find it a must have for any sewist, particularly newbies. If you say, "well, I can't sew at the level, or I don't use Vogues for whatever reason" don't let that stop you from the great content in this mag. I will just give you a run down on what's in the current issue. 

Of  course in the back are all the newest patterns and their specifics albeit in condensed form. There's a great fashion spread of the same patterns like you would see in any fashion magazine. But there is more! There is an article on invisible zipper installation and it's appropriate feet and another on how to install a zippered pocket. If you are into upcycling, a great refashion of a big old plaid shirt (remember grunge?) ends up being a lace embellished contemporarily cut beauty. Looking to arm your sewing space with the latest and greatest? There's an in depth article on garment presses, very informative. For the more adventurous sewist we have some great play with oil based paint sticks. Luv that one! Couture Maven Claire Shaeffer's article gives numerous ways to trim a jacket a la Chanel. One of my favorite pieces is on "Sewing Clothes You Will Love to Wear" based on the CASE method. I found it very informative and nice to see it underline some thoughts I had about my own style choices.  And there is more and more. Suffice it to say this magazine is now a great resource for the sewist of every level, whether you sew Vogue or not. Highly recommend!

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Threads Magazine is another great sewing mag. It has been around since the eighties??? and I think I have nearly every issue. Other than a couple years under different management, it has been very inspirational and educational and sometimes even controversial. On the Threads website you can access their index to get an idea of the amazing depth of information that exists from this publication. From sewing fur, to lace, to lessons from the top instructors in the business , to interviews with couturiers, and so much more you will have another great education going with this one. Many of your favorite bloggers have been featured here as well. Another solid buy and a classic you can rely on. They also have an "insider" program that gives you even more on line. I can't tell you how many garments I have made inspired by Threads, many, many, from new techniques to challenging new fibers. If you feel that it is too "beyond" your sewing level, newbies, well don't. You have to aim high and any information gleaned will go to making you a better sewist. There sister magazine "Sew Stylish" is oriented to a less experienced sewist and quite good as well.

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Ah, the best of any heirloom sewing magazine out there, bar none, Australian Smocking and Embroidery! Guess what? Their last issue, issue 100, is out shortly and I am in their queue. This mag is published by Country  Bumpkin in Australia and I can honestly say it is/was without equal. So if you are interested in learning heirloom techniques, seeing breathtakingly beautiful children wearing "royal" worthy designs, and learning some very special techniques with clear instructions, buy up these on ebay or direct from Country Bumpkin. This is not all gloss and glory. Every pattern I have used form AS&E has been extremely precise and clear, beautifully drafted and provided the results wished for. The clothes here are timeless therefore the age of the magazines still offered truly doesn't matter. The skills taught will ratchet up your sewing abilities big time. Get these while you can. They are an education. One of their separate publications, "The Best of Australian Smocking and Embroidery" , a one time issue, was going for 600.00 on ebay last I looked a few days ago. Really! This is the quality of this mag. You can be confident buying any of their issues other than the earliest as those did not included the pattern centerfolds. Make sure that is included in any purchase from Ebay or elsewhere "cause those directions are what it's all about. 

 ETA: Sadly, since this post was published Australian Smocking and Embroidery has ceased publications. It is so important we support this artform otherwise we could lose our wonderful and inspiring publications. 

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As I offered the post on the Sewing Masters of the Universe for our newbies to know where failsafe information can be had, I also offer this one. All three of these magazines will inspire and educate. Yes, there are other sewing mags out there but in my personal opinion, these are the best, the ones with the quality info that won't fail you. Credits counted for your sewing PHd. ; )     Bunny

Magazine Organization

Several days ago my husband discombobulated the back basement, two rooms worth. This was all to make room for cords of hardwood to be stacked in the house. Like a runamuck bulldozer things were tossed, piled, and shoved left and right to accommodate the wood. We are now prepared for winter. We will not freeze. But, Alleluia, what a friggin mess was left behind. So, since my company has been gone I have been putting things back in order. One moved item meant two others had to be moved to accommodate it. Long story short, I reorganized the back rooms of the basement, one is my good sized fabric room, as well as the fabric closet. That's all OK. I wanted to make some moves to do more decorating and got to do a bit. 

This baker's rack was reconsigned to the sewing room . I needed a place for my new magazine boxes. I made six and have 3 more to go.

 I picked up six shiny, gray,  corrugated cardboard magazine holders at Office Max for 16.98 (I think). I covered them with fabric using Elmer's Spray Glue. The hardware was tied with a double layer of black cord elastic run through the screw holes. It fits really nice and snug. A few fonts printing out the mag names to be tucked inside and I was done. It was really quite easy. I need to do more name plates but have used all my cord. I'll finish shortly. People also make these out of Cheerio boxes as well as Priority Mail boxes from the Post Office. The Priority Mail boxes must legally only be used for mailing. They are given out for free with the understanding that you will return with them having something inside to be mailed. But if  you have some used boxes you are holding onto, (I never throw them out), they make great magazine holders as well.

I also spray painted a wicker CD holder. In it are all the goodies I need for cutting: rotary cutters of various sorts and sizes, rulers, hip curves, tracing paper, pressing tools and more. I find this very convenient. It sits right at the end of the cutting table. I like this a lot. 

While doing all this cleaning I did find a few neat items. Is this cape pattern on trend or what? Ok, the hat is a bit ridiculous and the length a bit off but the basic cape is yummy with those huge welts.Gotta love it. 

I also found the first sewing book I ever owned, one given to me by my mom when I was 13. It was published in 1961. I remember using this as a reference to make my wedding gown. It sure needs a good wipe on the cover. That will easily be taken care of.  This book served me well for many years.

One more accomplishment today: finding a home for my hard copy patterns, the TNTs. I hung a curtain rod on a blank wall in the fabric closet and can stand back far enough to see it all at a glance. I think I will like this a lot.

A simple curtain rod and some paper clips used to string up each individual pattern and hang them on the rod worked really well. 

Now its time to get back to sewing. You all know how I can't sew with disorder. Disorder is now in order and I am good to go.......Bunny